Gabriel's penalty heartbreak in Champions League final
The Champions League final in Budapest ended the cruelest way. 1–1 after extra time, then penalties. Gabriel stepped up for the decisive spot-kick and missed. PSG goalkeeper Marquinhos was seen consoling him after PSG had secured the trophy. "What I said to Gabriel stays between us. He had the courage to step up," Marquinhos said (3).
The final itself was a tense, tight affair. Kai Havertz scored for the second Champions League final in his career, but ended on the losing side again. You pushed the best team in Europe all the way to penalties and came up just short. The squad returns home with a Premier League title to celebrate, but this one stings.
Katie McCabe crosses London to Chelsea
After 11 seasons at Arsenal Women, Katie McCabe has left for Chelsea (1) (2). One of the most iconic players of the last decade, the Irish international is now joining a direct rival. The move was confirmed Monday. For fans who have watched her grow into a leader at the club, seeing her in Chelsea blue will be hard to take.
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Timber shines in final return
Jurriën Timber delivered an impressive performance in the Champions League final in his return from injury (4). Dutch media described it as a timely boost, "Wonderful that you can pencil him in for the World Cup," one outlet noted. With the World Cup on the horizon, Timber's form is a genuine positive to hold onto after the final defeat.
Transfer market heating up
Arsenal and Manchester United are both chasing West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, valued at £80m (5). The 21-year-old Portuguese talent is one of the most sought-after young players in the league.
Beşiktaş have made a formal offer for Leandro Trossard as his contract winds down (6). No decision yet, but the Turkish club are pushing.
Rafael Leão has been offered to Arsenal after confirming he will leave Milan (9). A game-changing forward, expect plenty of noise around this one.
On the other side, Real Madrid are reportedly circling Declan Rice (10). No bid, no contact confirmed, just rumors for now. But it is Real Madrid, so this will not go away quietly.
Fan-reaktioner
Declan Rice set the tone on r/Gunners with a message that sums up the mood: "Next year we're coming back for more. Lock in or get locked out", the post quickly became the top thread. Fans are already turning the page, with some joking about calling Eberechi Eze to ask what he enjoyed most about Sunday's parade. Arsenal also released an official parade movie, giving supporters something to celebrate after the pain of Budapest. Read the Rice thread here
