🚨 Man Utd contact elite manager, £50m Tottenham exit, Barca accelerating CB talks, Chelsea eye Spanish wonderkid, Liverpool lead race for Prem star, & more
Today's headlines and UCL news clips!
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:
Plus Barca’s CB talks and much more
Champions League round-up
Bayern edge past Real in seven-goal thriller
Bayern Munich were given a bit of a scare but eventually beat Real Madrid in a seven-goal thriller.
There were some stunning goals on display, including two early strikes from Arda Guler here and here, while Kylian Mbappe finished a slick move to give Real hope of a comeback.
Late goals from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise stole the show, however, as Bayern won 4-3 on the night to set up a semi-final against PSG.
FT Bayern Munich 4-3 Real Madrid (6-4 on aggregate) [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Arsenal scrape through to semi-finals
It wasn’t a classic, but Arsenal got the result they needed to scrape through into the semi-finals of the Champions League for a second year in a row.
Sporting Lisbon put up a real fight, but Arsenal defended well as they have all season to get a 0-0 draw at home after winning the away leg 1-0 last week.
It wasn’t pretty, but an injury-hit Arsenal side did what was needed and will now play Atletico Madrid for a place in the final.
FT Arsenal 0-0 Sporting Lisbon (1-0 on aggregate) [Pictures from TNT Sports]
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Arsenal
Arsenal are ready to sell both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz this summer as they look to raise funds for new attacking players. (CaughtOffside)
Jesus has changed agents as he prepares to leave Arsenal this summer, though he’s currently focused on the end of the season with the Gunners. (Fabrizio Romano)
Arsenal are eyeing TWO Serie A stars as part of their plans this summer - full story here!
Barcelona
Barcelona are ready to accelerate talks over signing Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni after their Champions League elimination this week. (Sport)
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are exploring a move for Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey as they look to add depth up front this summer. (Independent)
Bayern Munich player ratings as they survive Real Madrid scare to make it to the Champions League semi-finals!
Chelsea
Chelsea may have cooled their interest in Marcos Senesi as there are now claims that the Blues are not preparing a move for the Bournemouth defender. (iNews)
Chelsea may instead be focusing on the signing of Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon, in a potential battle with Liverpool for the youngster. (TEAMtalk)
Chelsea are also looking for a new goalkeeper and have identified this big name from a Premier League rival - more info here!
Liverpool
Liverpool have moved ahead of their rivals in the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi as he’s set to become a free agent this summer. (iNews)
Anthony Gordon and Iliman Ndiaye are Liverpool’s two top attacking targets for the upcoming transfer window. (TEAMtalk)
Liverpool are ready to invest €30m in an exciting young Brazilian talent - full story here!
There’s been a hugely worrying update on Hugo Ekitike’s injury - full info here!
France manager Didier Deschamps has sent Ekitike a heartfelt message after his injury ended his dreams of participating in the 2026 World Cup - full quotes here!
Manchester City
Manchester City have an interest in Sporting Lisbon central midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who could be an alternative to top target Elliot Anderson. (Football Insider)
Manchester United
Manchester United have made contact over hiring Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann for the permanent job at Old Trafford. (Indy Kaila)
Manchester United have had scouts watch Bournemouth duo Eli Junior Kroupi and Marcos Senesi as they weigh up strengthening in defence and attack this summer. (Daily Mail)
Goncalo Inacio is attracting interest from top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, as he’s set to be available for €60m. (Eduardo Burgos)
Altay Bayindir is close to agreeing a transfer away from Manchester United as he’s closing in on joining Besiktas. (Fanatik)
Manchester United will be without key defensive duo Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez against Chelsea. (Laurie Whitwell, the Athletic)
Newcastle United
Jose Mourinho is emerging as a surprise option to replace Eddie Howe as Newcastle United manager. (talkSPORT)
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are ready to cut ties with Alvaro Arbeloa after the team’s exit from the Champions League, with big names like Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, and Mauricio Pochettino eyed as replacements. (The Athletic)
Real Madrid player ratings after a close defeat in a thrilling tie against Bayern Munich!
Tottenham
Tottenham expect offers for Pape Matar Sarr this summer as the likes of Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich eye up the 23-year-old for around £50m. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
There could also be doubts about another top Spurs talent this summer - full story here!