🚨 Kylian Mbappe's surprise transfer hint, Arsenal talks scheduled, done deal at Tottenham, Liverpool star linked with Barcelona, & more
Here we go at Chelsea! Plus major announcement later today and is Man City's success tainted?
Good morning folks and welcome to another Daily Briefing - your essential round-up of the biggest football stories all in one place. Thanks for reading, and enjoy! :-)
Today’s top stories:
Latest on two possible Man Utd exits
Plus Ben Jacobs’ column, Mbappe transfer hint, and more
Al Duhail
Qatari side Al Duhail have agreed personal terms with Luis Alberto, contract and salary. It’s now up to Lazio and Al Duhail to agree on the fee as president Lotito has no intention to let Luis Alberto leave for free.
Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo new Al Nassr contract? Ben Jacobs has all the latest details in his exclusive column.
AC Milan
Kylian Mbappe: “Italian football? You never know what happens. I was always saying: if I will go to Italy one day, I will go to Milan. As a kid, I was big fan of AC Milan and I always watch Serie A, every Milan game. All my family, massive Milan fan!”
Arsenal
Thomas Partey transfer - Arsenal would be open to selling, but could there be a catch? Charles Watts has the latest with an exclusive update.
Justin Bijlow to replace Aaron Ramsdale? Fabrizio Romano has the latest on Arsenal’s goalkeeper plans in today’s exclusive column.
Archie Gray to Arsenal? Leeds United may have to sell after failing to win promotion back to the Premier League - more info in Fabrizio Romano’s column.
Mika Biereth transfer latest - Fabrizio Romano on upcoming talks over the striker’s Arsenal future in today’s exclusive column.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal project after winning the Best PL Manager at Globe Soccer: “We want to win. Win, win and win. That’s what we want. We have a team full of enthusiasm and so hungry to win trophies, we believe we can do it. So we’re going to give it a real go.”
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Barcelona
Hansi Flick will be announced as the new Barcelona manager today - more info in Fabrizio Romano’s latest column.
Luis Diaz to Barcelona stories won’t go away, but how likely is a deal? Ben Jacobs takes a look in his exclusive column.
Exequiel Palacios to Barcelona? He’s admitted he’s flattered by the rumours: “I’m proud that a big club like Barcelona has noticed me.”
Hector Fort has signed a new contract with Barcelona, which is only valid until June 2026 due to his age but it’s already all set for long-term deal proposal as soon as he turns 18. Previous contract included €6m release clause. Hector Fort had big proposals from abroad but he wanted to stay.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen want to accelerate in the coming days in order to complete the signing of Aleix Garcia. Xabi Alonso has already made contact with the player, he’s keen on joining and trying new chapter in Germany. Talks ongoing with Girona as fee is being discussed.
Bayern Munich
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirms: “Our director has decided to go for Vincent Kompany as new head coach. We are set to complete final details and then it will be official.”
Rummenigge reveals: “Pep Guardiola was also helping us with Kompany, he spoke very highly of Vincent as talented coach. Pep knows Vincent well and his opinion was really appreciated.”
Borussia Dortmund
Mason Greenwood Borussia Dortmund links have emerged and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed interest from Germany in his exclusive column today.
Chelsea
Chelsea have agreed to appoint Enzo Maresca as new head coach, here we go! The agreement is now done on a contract valid until June 2029 - a five year deal, which will also include the option to extend until June 2030.
More info on Maresca and a busy summer at Chelsea with maybe five or more new signings in Fabrizio Romano’s latest column.
How Chelsea players have reacted to Maresca replacing Pochettino - full details in Ben Jacobs’ exclusive column.
Benjamin Sesko to Chelsea - the Blues are seriously considering triggering his release clause, according to Simon Phillips!
Michael Olise Chelsea transfer also looks like one to watch despite competition from Manchester United…
Chelsea have already triggered the option to extend Omari Hutchinson’s deal until June 2026. The club are planning to involve Maresca in the decision over a new loan or staying - with clubs keen from the Premier League, Bundesliga and Eredivisie.
Crystal Palace
Chadi Riad is set to complete medical tests in London as a new Crystal Palace player. Here we go, confirmed.
Getafe
Mason Greenwood has been named the Player of the Season for Getafe, while Manchester United are already working to sell him this summer. Active talks are taking place to find the best solution with Man Utd determined to make a profit from Greenwood’s sale - it will be one to watch in the next weeks.
Juventus
Thiago Motta to Juventus has the backing of Gianluigi Buffon: “Considering what he has shown so far in his career, Thiago Motta is proving he has something special. I would say that even before Bologna, it was something of a small masterpiece at Spezia.”
Liverpool
Luis Diaz to Barcelona stories won’t go away, but how likely is a deal? Ben Jacobs takes a look in his exclusive column.
Thiago Alcantara’s future remains unclear after leaving Liverpool - more info in Ben Jacobs’ latest column.
Ryan Gravenberch on his future: “I hope to play here at Liverpool for years to come, it’s a top club. I’ve never spoken to Arne Slot but he is a trainer who likes attacking football. That should suit me, you would think. We will see!”
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Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne transfer - Saudi clubs could pay big, but is this the summer he’ll move? Ben Jacobs takes a look in this week’s exclusive column.
Is Manchester City’s success tainted? Don’t miss this week’s Debrief Podcast!
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future could be resolved this week - latest details in Ben Jacobs’ exclusive column.
Tuchel and Pochettino to Man Utd? The two former Chelsea managers are keen on the job, according to Ben Jacobs in his exclusive column.
Mason Greenwood has been named the Player of the Season for Getafe, while Manchester United are already working to sell him this summer. Active talks are taking place to find the best solution with Man Utd determined to make a profit from Greenwood’s sale - it will be one to watch in the next weeks.
Greenwood to Borussia Dortmund rumours have been emerging, but how likely is it? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in today’s exclusive column.
Casemiro transfer talk also continues to attract headlines, but his asking price is not clear yet, according to Fabrizio Romano in his exclusive column.
Napoli
Napoli lawyers and Antonio Conte’s camp started reviewing all contracts yesterday. Deal until June 2027, confirmed. Several points on structure of the deal being discussed, meanwhile Conte has decided his staff members. Nothing will be signed today, more to follow this week.
PSG
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG as part of the plan to replace Kylian Mbappe? Fabrizio Romano takes a look at the situation in today’s exclusive column.
Matvey Safonov to Paris Saint-Germain, here we go! Agreement sealed for Russian GK to join PSG from Krasnodar as revealed on Sunday. €20m package agreed, add-ons included. Contract until June 2029 for Safonov who’s set to sign after medical tests.
Rangers
Rangers top prospect Alexander Smith is close to agreeing first professional contract at the club valid until June 2027. He’s eligible for USA & Scotland national teams. Rangers fought off strong interest from PL and MLS to keep him, top priority for the board and Clement.
Real Madrid
Rodrygo Goes is happy at Real Madrid despite some speculation over his future - full details in Fabrizio Romano’s latest column.
La Liga Player of the Season winner: Jude Bellingham. 19 goals, 6 assists in his first season in Spain for the Real Madrid midfielder.
Carlo Ancelotti on Kylian Mbappe: “I’m only gonna comment on my players as they’re very, very good. Vinicius is improving every day, Jude Bellingham immediately understood what does it mean to be at Real Madrid.”
Ancelotti: “I will retire as Real Madrid manager. My career will finish at Real Madrid. As long as Real Madrid want me to stay, I will be here available for the club.”
Toni Kroos: “I was surprised when I saw my daughter crying on Saturday because she was the happiest when I told them I was going to retire! With my son... a ‘war’ in the house happened because he didn't want me to leave football.”
Luka Modric on retirement: “I can’t say when, I have to see how I feel... but right now, I feel so good physically that I’m sure I can still play elite football. Don’t look at the age, I feel great.”
Thibaut Courtois is NOT in Belgium’s squad for Euro 2024 after an injury-hit season for the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
Sevilla
After Erik Lamela, Oliver Torres will also leave Sevilla as a free agent in the next few days. After five years, he’s ready to try a new chapter and is available on a free.
Tottenham
Timo Werner is staying at Tottenham in another loan deal until the end of next season - more details in Fabrizio Romano’s latest column.
Richarlison on links with exit in the summer: “Fake news. I won’t leave England in the summer transfer window. I left my holidays to work in Brazil as I wanna return at the best possible level next season.”
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If you would like to continue to receive this newsletter in your inbox every day, then please upgrade to a full membership. As a special offer to new subscribers, we’re giving away 3 MONTHS for FREE until midnight on 31st May. Click the link below!
