Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - thanks as always for reading, and hope you enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
What an introduction off the bench by Andreas Christensen and what a result for Barca! FT PSG 2-3 Barcelona [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Atletico Madrid’s quality team goal helps them past Borussia Dortmund
Plus more from Chelsea, Man Utd and Real Madrid
Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal - could the Gunners get a helping hand from Liverpool with this deal? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in his exclusive column.
Ivan Toney to Arsenal stories are emerging again, but how much has his asking price fallen? Fabrizio Romano gives us his info in his exclusive column here.
Joao Gomes to Arsenal rumours are circulating after the Wolves midfielder was also linked with Manchester United - Fabrizio Romano has the latest on the situation in his column here.
One Arsenal midfielder was singled out for criticism in the Italian football media yesterday…
Mikel Arteta: “I am very proud. Now I sense the belief that we’re going to go to Munich and we’re going to have the chance to win it. I feel we’re going to be better in certain areas. That’s how we’re going to prepare it.”
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have the edge over Borussia Dortmund, with this Samuel Lino goal potentially crucial - and what lovely play by Antoine Griezmann to set it up. FT Atletico Madrid 2-1 Borussia Dortmund [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Samuel Lino made it 13 goals and assists this season with last night’s goal… Curious story: Atletico director Berta signed him for €6.5m, Borussia Dortmund tried to hijack the deal for €15m but it was all signed. Too late - and he scored vs Dortmund last night.
Barcelona
What a finish and what an assist for this goal - watch as Pedri sets up Raphinha’s equaliser in a huge Barcelona win! FT PSG 2-3 Barcelona [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Xavi: “I believe that PSG remain to be the favourites. We’ve just tightened the gap because defensively we’ve been solid. I’m very proud because it was a great victory against one of the best teams in the world. We are halfway there.”
Xavi: “Raphinha is exciting, he’s really fantastic… if you see how he’s pressing, always trying the best. I love his personality, and he gives us a lot: his attitude is perfect, the way he presses.”
Raphinha: “It’s special night for me. I still have more years on my contract and I plan to fulfil them. I will do my best to stay here at Barça for many years!”
Bayer Leverkusen
Xabi Alonso has hinted at a future in the Premier League despite recently announcing his decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Bayern Munich
Harry Kane on his future: “My future is at Bayern Munich. I have a four-year contract. I’m enjoying it, hopefully I will be able to make something special happen this season. If not, I’ll be ready to go again in the summer and turn things around.”
Kane also gave his verdict on Arsenal and whether or not they can win the Champions League this season!
Max Eberl: “The referee blows his whistle, the goalkeeper passes the ball to the defender, who takes it with his hand, that's a penalty. The referee said I can’t give such a penalty in the quarter-finals. Excuse me. It’s not my fault, it’s not our fault.”
Documents are almost ready for Alexander Nubel to sign new long term deal at FC Bayern, decision approved by the entire board. Loan to Stuttgart until June 2025 will also follow as part of development plan.
Bayern are keen on signing Italian talented midfielder Guido Della Rovere (born 2007) for the Academy. Cremonese’s midfielder is considered a huge talent and is already on shortlist of several clubs including Ajax and Juventus.
Bryan Zaragoza: “Reports on my exit on loan next season are not true. Not at all. I’m staying at Bayern, this is why I signed a five year deal. I want to be at Bayern.”
Bayern confirm that Serge Gnabry has sustained a hamstring strain against Arsenal. The German winger will be sidelined for the time being.
Borussia Dortmund
Sebastien Haller pulled this goal back for Borussia Dortmund - what could it mean for the second leg of this tie? FT Atletico Madrid 2-1 Borussia Dortmund [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Brentford
Ivan Toney transfer rumours are back in force, but is he still going to cost big money and is there any contact over signing him?
Chelsea
Chelsea have been linked with Brazil goalkeeper Bento - more info on this story in Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive column.
Chelsea have a decision to make on two players returning from loan this summer - more here from Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive column.
Enzo Fernandez: “I love being at Chelsea and this club has still not seen the real, the best Enzo yet. I’m working hard to get there, to the version of me that you saw at the World Cup. I still don’t feel 100% at that level, but I’m doing my best for it. It will happen.”
Genoa
Genoa are open to signing Djed Spence in a permanent transfer after his fine form on loan from Tottenham this season.
Juventus
Juventus have already started contacts to sign Riccardo Calafiori - more exclusive info in Fabrizio Romano’s latest column.
Liverpool
Why Ruben Amorim is Liverpool’s leading candidate to be Jurgen Klopp’s replacement - full details in Neil Jones’ exclusive column.
If Amorim to Liverpool goes through, could it also help Arsenal? Fabrizio Romano provides some intriguing info in his latest column.
Are Liverpool really in the mix to sign Estevao Willian from Palmeiras?
Rodrygo Goes has spoken about nearly joining Liverpool in the past and Fabrizio Romano has more exclusive insight in his latest column.
Jurgen Klopp: “Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota worked as a group since two or three weeks ago and could really do proper training. Alisson is on the way back. Stefan Bajcetic is different because he was out for longer.”
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola: “We're lucky Josko Gvardiol is with us and could play, otherwise it'd be so difficult. It was an incredible effort, not just the goal. He was amazing, he played really good. Lovely guy, so happy to have him.”
Manchester United
Neil Jones says he’d be “amazed” if Manchester United weren’t considering replacing Erik ten Hag as manager this summer - more in his exclusive column here.
Mason Greenwood to Juventus? There’s been fresh speculation over his future.
📰 Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter could be in contention to replace Erik ten Hag this summer (Sun)
Newcastle United
Newcastle did an excellent job to keep Joelinton at the club, as new four year deal has been verbally agreed. Despite the chance for the Brazilian midfielder to leave as a free agent, Newcastle made him feel special for club, manager and the entire project.
PSG
A great goal by Ousmane Dembele against his old club, but it wasn’t enough to help PSG prevent defeat… FT PSG 2-3 Barcelona [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Why didn’t Warren Zaire-Emery start vs Barcelona? Luis Enrique: “The only person who sees every training session is me. That’s why I am the coach. So I thought that the other players were the best, most prepared, and in the best condition to start.”
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are very happy with Rodrygo internally, same feeling on player side. Despite new signings incoming in the summer, Rodrygo remains 100% happy and committed to Real Madrid. He also recently signed new deal until June 2028 including €1bn release clause.
Rodrygo Goes has spoken about nearly joining Liverpool in the past and Fabrizio Romano has more exclusive insight in his latest column.
Tottenham
Genoa are open to signing Djed Spence in a permanent transfer after his fine form on loan from Tottenham this season.
Nico Williams to Tottenham could be one to watch in this summer’s transfer window, according to reports.
And could Santiago Gimenez to Spurs be another major signing for the north Londoners?
🚨 Christensen & Raphinha give Barca edge in PSG thriller, latest on Arsenal signing Gyokeres or Toney, Amorim to Liverpool latest, & more