🚨 Arsenal win NLD thriller, Haaland scores for City, Araujo to Man United, Sesko to Chelsea, major Liverpool updates, & more

Apr 29, 2024

Happy Monday folks and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - thanks as always for reading, and hope you enjoy!

Today’s top stories:

What a goal this was by Bukayo Saka as Arsenal produced a superb first half performance against Tottenham - the second 45 minutes was less good, but they did enough in the end! FT Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Youssouf Fofana to Arsenal? Fabrizio Romano takes a look at this story in his exclusive column.
Carlos Baleba to Arsenal could be one to watch, but they’d face competition for his signature…
Mikel Arteta on Thomas Partey: “He’s a really important player and we have missed him for many months. He looks in great shape. It’s his presence, his quality, his physicality and his experience.”
Arteta on Kai Havertz: “He was sensational in every department today. He wasn’t 100 percent because he was struggling… but still put in that performance. He was unbelievable, again.”
Arteta on David Raya: “We are lucky to have David because he made an individual error but but after the way he played… Outstanding! He said I own this moment and I’m going to make a step forward and he was magnificent.”

Jules Kounde transfer update - Aston Villa have been linked, but Barcelona will insist on big money to sell, according to Fabrizio Romano in his exclusive column.

Barcelona have Guido Rodriguez deal under control with terms of an initial, verbal agreement ready over a free transfer from Real Betis. Nothing has been signed or guaranteed yet as there are still key details left. Contract would be two years plus the option of one more.
Jules Kounde transfer update - Aston Villa have been linked, but Barcelona will insist on big money to sell, according to Fabrizio Romano in his exclusive column.
Ronald Araujo to Manchester United? An intriguing update from Matteo Moretto in his exclusive column.
Barcelona remain keen to sign Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo permanently, according to Matteo Moretto in his exclusive column.
Xavi on Frenkie de Jong transfer rumours: “For me, De Jong is a key player. Nothing has changed, he’s really crucial for me. He’s been unlucky with many injuries but his level has always been excellent, I consider Frenkie as crucial player.”
Xavi confirms: “I want Sergi Roberto to stay and sign new deal, it’s up to him now. The club and the player are both aware of my plan to keep Sergi, he’s always been key player for me.”
Alex Baena: “I’d love to play for Barca! It’s one of my biggest dreams - it’s the best team in the world. The release clause is there and €60m are needed to sign me.”
Could Robert Lewandowski still be awarded the 2020 Ballon d’Or? The Barcelona striker hasn’t given up on getting his hands on the prize.

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro: “We want to extend Jonathan Tah’s contract, he knows we trust him and we hope he stays. We’re not losing players for free so it’s extend or sell him this summer.”

Borussia Dortmund’s plan regarding a permanent Jadon Sancho transfer remains - more info in today’s exclusive Fabrizio Romano column.

Benjamin Sesko to Chelsea remains one to watch for this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano in his latest column.
Mauricio Pochettino on summer transfer window plans: “We need to assess the players and to project for the future, but that is a thing the owners, sporting directors and us, we will need to talk. We are open to talk and see when we talk.”

Mexican side Cruz Azul want to sign Colombian striker Duvan Zapata. A formal proposal is ready for around €14m fee, up to Torino and player side now as he’s one of the main players for the Italian club. Decision to follow soon.

Marco Silva on Tosin Adarabioyo: “He can play. We have three more games and it’s my decision.” Tosin will leave Fulham as free agent, as exclusively revealed on Friday. The decision has been made.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s next club has not yet been decided - more info in Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive column.

On-loan Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri scored this fine effort yesterday! FT Granada 3-0 Osasuna [Pictures from Premier Sports]

What does the future hold for Darwin Nunez at Liverpool? Fabrizio Romano has the latest in his exclusive column.
Did Jurgen Klopp make a mistake announcing he’d be leaving Liverpool? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in today’s column.
Liverpool among Carlos Baleba transfer suitors after his fine form for Brighton this season…

A lovely goal and Homer Simpson-esque celebration by Erling Haaland as Manchester City picked up another win! FT Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man City [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Pep Guardiola: “Ederson’s injury does not look good.” The Brazilian goalkeeper will be assessed in the next few days.

Jadon Sancho’s future remains slightly uncertain - all you need to know in Fabrizio Romano’s latest column.
Ronald Araujo to Manchester United? An intriguing update from Matteo Moretto in his exclusive column.

Is Antonio Conte to Napoli really advanced? Matteo Moretto takes a look in his exclusive column.

“Would you swap Alexander Isak with any other striker?” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe: “No! I wouldn’t.”

What a chance this was as Chris Wood failed to find an equaliser against Manchester City! FT Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man City [Pictures from Sky Sports]

Paris Saint-Germain are now champions of France for the 12th time in their history! Congratulations to Luis Enrique and his team.

Lois Openda’s release clause at RB Leipzig won’t be available this summer; it will be worth €80m starting from summer 2025. Openda has scored 28 goals in all competitions this season with RB Leipzig super happy with his performances.
Could we see Openda and Benjamin Sesko leave Leipzig this summer? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in today’s column.

Tammy Abraham showed his poacher’s instincts to head in this late equaliser against Napoli. FT Napoli 2-2 Roma [Pictures from TNT Sports]

What a bizarre mistake by David Raya as Cristian Romero got Tottenham back in the game against Arsenal yesterday, though they ultimately couldn’t complete the comeback. FT Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Ange Postecoglou on Romero: “Outstanding, World Cup winner mentality. I’ve got to get what’s in him into some of the others.”

Werder Bremen are closing in on a deal to sign German talent Karim Coulibaly, out of contract with HSV. The 16-year-old defender visited Bremen with his agent Nochi Hamasor and the deal is now almost done. Several clubs wanted Coulibaly but he’s joining Werder.