🚨 Lookman Europa hat-trick! Surprise suitors for Pochettino, Toney to Tottenham, major Arsenal updates, Liverpool target on his future & more
Today's round-up, featuring Lookman's hat-trick, plus latest Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool transfer stories...
Good morning everyone and welcome to another Daily Briefing - all your essential football headlines in one place and completely ad-free! Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy :-)
Today’s top stories:
Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick won the Europa League final for Atalanta!
Pochettino is ready to return straight away after leaving Chelsea
New Arsenal deal for Arteta and more in Charles Watts’ column
Plus latest transfer news at Liverpool, Man United and Tottenham
AC Milan
AC Milan will confirm this week their decision to part ways with Stefano Pioli. Paulo Fonseca remains the favourite candidate to replace Pioli, as reported last week. AC Milan have discussed a two year deal plus option with Fonseca, who is 100% keen on the job.
Ajax
Francesco Farioli could already fly to Amsterdam on Thursday to sign in as new Ajax head coach until June 2027. Three year deal ready, waiting for final details to be sorted and then he will be unveiled as new manager.
Al Ittihad
There is genuine interest in Mauricio Pochettino from clubs in Saudi Arabia, with Al Ittihad one to watch. No contact yet and it’s not clear if Pochettino would accept a Saudi job, but Al Ittihad have begun the process of replacing Marcelo Gallardo.
Arsenal
When Mikel Arteta will sign a new Arsenal contract and the possibility of a future move to Barcelona - Charles Watts has all you need to know in his latest exclusive column.
Fabrizio Romano’s column also takes a look at Arteta’s future plus the possibility of Albert Sambi Lokonga leaving Arsenal this summer.
Ferdi Kadioglu to Arsenal transfer bid in the works after an initial offer was rejected by Fenerbahce, according to sources in Turkey.
Alternatively, Jorrel Hato to Arsenal as a new left-back target could be more realistic, according to columnist Charles Watts.
Aaron Ramsdale to Newcastle may have been played down, but his departure from Arsenal is inevitable - more info in Charles Watts’ exclusive column.
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Atalanta
What a goal and what a night for Ademola Lookman as he scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final to give Atalanta their first trophy in 61 years - and against this incredible Bayer Leverkusen side who lost their 51-game unbeaten run! FT Atalanta 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen [Pictures from TNT Sports]
2014: Ademola Lookman is playing Sunday League football for Waterloo in Lambeth. 2024: Lookman scores a hat-trick to win Atalanta the Europa League - an incredible story!
Gian Piero Gasperini: “It’s not just that we won, it’s *how* we won! We’ve beaten Liverpool when they were top of PL table, Sporting and now Bayer Leverkusen… we are extremely proud.”
Atalanta president Antonio Percassi: “I’ve no doubts, zero doubts on Gasperini to stay with us. We will meet and discuss again but this trophy will help us to continue together.”
Teun Koopmeiners on his future: “I’m only happy to enjoy this title with the fans, I’m focused on celebrating. Next season? I don’t know. We will see…” he told Sky. Juventus keep considering Koopmeiners one of their priority targets for the summer.
Atletico Madrid
Memphis Depay and Atletico Madrid are set to part ways with Dutch player leaving… as free agent. There will be NO automatic extension for next season and Memphis will be free to pick his next club. One more big name to follow on the market.
Barcelona
Barcelona are pushing in contacts with Hansi Flick, he’s been waiting for Barca option as his favourite one for months. Flick was never in talks with Chelsea and fully focused on Barca option if Xavi will leave the club. He’s the main option for president Joan Laporta.
More on Flick to Barcelona here as he’s rated 95% to get the job at the Nou Camp.
Robert Lewandowski: “For me it’s very clear, no doubts. I will play for Barca next season, I’m staying. My age? I feel good, no different to three or four years ago — I am ready for a big season.”
Bayer Leverkusen
No unbeaten treble for Bayer Leverkusen as Xabi Alonso’s side suffered their first defeat of the season after an incredible 51-game unbeaten run, losing the Europa League final 3-0 to Atalanta.
Alonso speaking after the game: “Atalanta were better than us and they deserve the trophy. It wasn’t our day. We’ve had a bad night. It hurts that it happened in such an important match. The normality is not to suffer a first defeat in the 52nd game. It’s exceptional what we achieved and we should be proud. But it’s painful.”
Bayern Munich
It’s still only Bayern in talks for Vincent Kompany, as reported again last night. Two direct calls, concrete appreciation and now Kompany waiting for Bayern’s internal decision.
Championship Play-Off final
Southampton and Leeds are set to do battle at Wembley as they bid to get back to the Premier League in the Championship play-off final on Sunday 26 May - check out CaughtOffside’s guide on how to get tickets to the Championship play-off final.
Champions League final
It’s the biggest game of the club season - on June 1st Real Madrid will take on Borussia Dortmund as they look to win the Champions League for the 15th time! Check out CaughtOffside’s guide on how to get tickets to the Champions League final.
Chelsea
No talks took place between Thomas Tuchel or Hansi Flick and Chelsea - not even an internal discussion. Both German managers are open to the Premier League, as mentioned weeks ago, but there’s nothing with Chelsea. Chelsea’s internal process for new a coach is ongoing.
Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, and Enzo Maresca have all been mentioned internally at Chelsea. It’s still an open race. Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness remains highly rated but considered difficult to appoint. There are no talks with Kompany (on Bayern’s list), Tuchel, Flick or Conte. Internal discussions ongoing.
Full details on Chelsea’s manager search in Fabrizio Romano’s latest column.
Ronald Araujo to Chelsea transfer could reportedly be one to watch…
Crystal Palace
Chadi Riad has already agreed personal terms with Crystal Palace, accepting club's proposal for long term contract. Real Betis will receive €14m package, waiting for the final steps to get the deal signed.
Dougie Freedman is set to sign a new deal at Crystal Palace and staying as director despite Newcastle interest. He’s already working on first signing, Chadi Riad from Betis. Palace are showing ambition again after rejecting any approach for Oliver Glasner.
Euro 2024
Germany will host the Euros this summer in what promises to be a memorable tournament - check out CaughtOffside’s guide on how to get Euro 2024 tickets.
FA Cup final
In a repeat of last year’s final, it’s Manchester City against Manchester United for the big showdown game of the season at Wembley on Saturday 25th May. Check out CaughtOffside’s guide on how to get tickets to the FA Cup final.
Inter Milan
Inter are now officially owned by American fund Oaktree. Oaktree Capital has taken control of the club after Suning Group’s €368m loan was not returned, no agreement reached.
Juventus
Juventus are confident to get Thiago Motta deal done soon in order to appoint him as new head coach. No negotiations currently ongoing between Juve and any other manager despite links; focus remains on Thiago Motta. Contract already on the table for weeks, up to Thiago.
Juventus have offered Andrea Cambiaso a new deal valid until June 2029, five year contract. Initial meeting took place in order to start talks, not time to sign yet but advancing to get it done as soon as possible. Cambiaso, happy at Juve and appreciated by Thiago Motta.
Teun Koopmeiners on his future: “I’m only happy to enjoy this title with the fans, I’m focused on celebrating. Next season? I don’t know. We will see…” he told Sky. Juventus keep considering Koopmeiners one of their priority targets for the summer.
Lazio
Al Duhail are showing interest in Luis Alberto who’s set to leave Lazio in the summer transfer window. Initial approaches have started.
Leicester City
The new release clause into Enzo Maresca’s contract after Leicester City got promoted to the Premier League is around £7-8m.
Liverpool
A classy tribute to the departing Jurgen Klopp from Arsenal fan and columnist Charles Watts.
Teun Koopmeiners Liverpool transfer talk emerges again after his superb form to help Atalanta to the Europa League title.
Jacob Ramsey to Liverpool could be one to watch, according to some sources.
Alexis Mac Allister to Real Madrid? Rumours have surfaced recently, but have now been played down by latest reports.
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Manchester City
Ederson transfer latest as two Saudi clubs chasing the Manchester City goalkeeper are named, while the Brazilian goalkeeper’s asking price has also been set at €45-50m.
Manchester United
Is Roberto de Zerbi dreaming of the Manchester United job? Fabrizio Romano takes a look at his situation in today’s exclusive column.
How likely is it that Erik ten Hag is sacked by Man United? Fabrizio Romano has the latest details in his exclusive column.
Malick Yalcouye to Manchester United - report on the 18-year-old midfield wonderkid attracting interest from the Red Devils and other top clubs.
Newcastle United
Aaron Ramsdale to Newcastle may have been played down, but his departure from Arsenal is inevitable - more info in Charles Watts’ exclusive column.
Newcastle United keep advancing to sign both Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo as free agents - they’re almost there. Eddie Howe has approved both deals for Newcastle, he wants both players.
RB Leipzig
Benjamin Sesko will decide before the Euros whether he wants to sign new contract at RB Leipzig or leave this summer. His agent confirms plan to make decision within three weeks with several clubs interested, especially in the Premier League. There is no chance for him to accept Saudi move.
Real Madrid
Loaning out Arda Guler was never a topic at Real Madrid even before his excellent moment and the news about Toni Kroos’ retirement. Real believe he can develop at the club, also Arda never asked to go on loan; the plan was to discuss after Euros. The club are very happy with his talent and his attitude.
Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou has spoken about Tottenham wanting to sign attacking players, but how likely is Ivan Toney to Spurs? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in his exclusive column.
Postecoglou: “We want new attacking players, absolutely. It’s no secret. We need that. It’s also key to get transfers done as early as possible, it’s important.”
West Ham United
West Ham are in advanced talks to sign Brazilian centre back Fabricio Bruno from Flamengo. He’s on the shortlist with talks now progressing to make it happen. Fabricio Bruno has already accepted the move, with West Ham director Tim Steidten working on it.
As of 1st June 2024, the Daily Briefing will become a completely premium newsletter, which means that only paying subscribers will be sent the update each morning.
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!