Champions League final heartbreak
Arsenal lost the Champions League final to PSG on penalties last Saturday after a 1–1 draw in Budapest. Kai Havertz scored for the second Champions League final running, but once again ended up on the losing side. PSG assistant Claude Makélélé didn't hold back after the match: "Le PSG est le plus grand club du monde" (1).
The defeat stings, your team went toe-to-toe with Europe's elite and came within a penalty kick. Controversy swirled around Cristhian Mosquera, who avoided a red card under the new double jeopardy rules, a call pundits are still debating. The final also saw 416 arrests in France, with seven police officers injured during celebrations (1).
Gabriel a doubt for Brazil
Gabriel Magalhães is a doubt for Brazil's friendly against Egypt on Saturday after reporting fatigue. The center-back featured in the Champions League final but has been struggling to recover. Carlo Ancelotti is keeping his lineup secret, though Lucas Paquetá and Igor Thiago are expected to start (5).
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Good news: if Gabriel sits this one out, he gets a proper rest before preseason.
Arsenal Women: who's staying, who's going?
The summer window is approaching and questions are swirling around the Arsenal Women squad. Several players could be on the move as the club looks to reshape (2). No names confirmed yet, but it's a story worth tracking, the women's team needs a refresh after another season of falling short domestically.
Kroupi Jr race heats up
Arsenal have received a significant boost in the pursuit of Kroupi Jr, with rivals reportedly backing away (3). The young forward is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe. No deal is done, but the path is clearing.
Spain call-up: an Arsenal player gets minutes
An Arsenal player featured for Spain during the international break in what's being called good news for the national team (6). The minutes at Riazor suggest full fitness heading into the summer, another box ticked.
Flashback: Lehmann's final bow at Blackpool
Jens Lehmann made his final Arsenal appearance in a 3–1 win at Blackpool back in April 2011, a match that also featured Manuel Almunia, Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski, and Vito Mannone, all five senior keepers in one squad. Abou Diaby and Robin van Persie scored, Theo Walcott added the third. Arsène Wenger said simply: "Jens is a competitor" (4). A proper send-off for a proper Arsenal legend.
Fan reactions
The mood on r/Gunners is reflective rather than angry. One thread breaks down Champions League prize money versus domestic league winnings, making the case that Europe isn't where the real value is. Another post unearthed footage of Mikel Arteta facing Arsenal as a player in a 2003 friendly, a reminder of how long the man has been around this club. Join the discussion
