🚨 SURPRISE Rashford suitor, Arsenal face paying record transfer fee, Man City stars eyed by Real Madrid, World Cup goals, & more
Today's headlines all in one place, featuring the latest transfers and World Cup news.
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:
World Cup 2026 round-up
Mexico off to winning start vs South Africa
World Cup co-hosts Mexico made a winning start to the tournament as goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez saw off South Africa.
An early error from the visitors as they tried playing out from the back was pounced upon by Quinones, who made no mistake with a clinical finish to score the first goal of this summer’s World Cup.
Jimenez then headed in a second goal in the second half, with the 35-year-old visibly emotional as he made his mark on this tournament despite a severe head injury a few years ago, whilst also dedicating the goal to his late father.
FT Mexico 2-0 South Africa [Pictures from ITV Sport]
South Korea come from behind vs Czech Republic
South Korea eventually came out on top in an exciting second half against Czech Republic in their Group A clash.
Ladislav Krejci opened the scoring from a well-worked long throw, but it wasn’t long before Hwang In-Beom brought South Korea level with some great footwork and a smart finish.
A late goal from Oh Hyeon-Gyu completed the comeback and gave all three points to South Korea.
FT South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic [Pictures from ITV Sport]
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Arsenal
Arsenal are prepared to bid €50m for Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz as they look for a low-cost alternative to the likes of Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola. (Fanatik)
Manu Kone has emerged as a target for Arsenal after his fine form for Roma, with the Gunners in contact with his representatives to ask about a transfer. (Corriere della Sera)
Arsenal are continuing to look into a potential deal for Tino Livramento, but Newcastle United are making the deal difficult as they want a world-record fee for a full-back. (TEAMtalk)
Arsenal have been contacted by intermediaries about the availability of Marcus Rashford as Barcelona look to have decided against signing him permanently. (TEAMtalk)
Arsenal are gearing up for a triple sale this summer as Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard, and Fabio Vieira are expected to be the first names out of the door. (the Athletic)
Barcelona
Bernardo Silva’s talks over a transfer to Barcelona have come to a standstill - find out why here!
Raphinha has reaffirmed his commitment to Barcelona and discussed his aims for the World Cup with Brazil this summer - full quotes here!
Chelsea
Chelsea are tempted to sign Marcus Rashford now that he’s looking unlikely to join Barcelona permanently, but they’ll only consider the Manchester United forward on a loan deal later in the summer if other targets don’t work out. (Simon Phillips)
Chelsea have fresh interest in Ethan Nwaneri, who can leave Arsenal this summer, though the Gunners would prefer not to sell the 19-year-old to one of their major rivals. (Simon Phillips)
Axel Disasi is up for sale this summer, with Chelsea boosted as his value has gone up after a successful loan spell at West Ham. (the Athletic)
Atletico Madrid are pushing hard to sign Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella this summer, but it remains to be seen if the two clubs can compromise on a fee. (Matteo Moretto)
This Chelsea wonderkid is attracting a lot of interest this summer - full story here!
Liverpool
Liverpool are eyeing a Serie A midfielder to replace Curtis Jones ahead of his likely exit this summer - more info here!
This Liverpool star has confirmed he is set to miss the World Cup due to injury - full quotes here!
Manchester City
Manchester City duo Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes are both transfer targets for Real Madrid this summer amid doubts over whether players will stay now that Pep Guardiola has left. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
Josko Gvardiol has halted contract talks with Manchester City as he considers his future, with Real Madrid having a concrete interest in the Croatia international. (Florian Plettenberg)
Rodri has not entirely ruled out an exit from Manchester City, but he also insisted he knows nothing about interest from Real Madrid, and is just focused on the World Cup for now. (Cadena SER)
Manchester United
Manchester United are eyeing a surprise move for Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo as a potential low-cost option. (Sky Sports)
Newcastle United
Arsenal are continuing to look into a potential deal for Tino Livramento, but Newcastle United are making the deal difficult as they want a world-record fee for a full-back. (TEAMtalk)
Newcastle are ready to sell Joe Willock this summer as he enters the final 12 months of his contract. (the Athletic)
Real Madrid
Manchester City duo Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes are both transfer targets for Real Madrid this summer amid doubts over whether players will stay now that Pep Guardiola has left. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid has been described as “here we go!” by Fabrizio Romano!
Rodri has not entirely ruled out an exit from Manchester City, but he also insisted he knows nothing about interest from Real Madrid, and is just focused on the World Cup for now. (Cadena SER)
Jose Mourinho has told as many as FIVE players they can leave Real Madrid this summer - full story here!
Tottenham
Tottenham are insisting they don’t want to sell Spanish right-back Pedro Porro this summer despite strong interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid. (Fabrizio Romano)