Gabriel Magalhaes gave everything he had in Budapest. The Brazilian centre-back was colossal throughout every stage of the Champions League, putting in defensive shifts that did as much as anyone’s to keep Arsenal competitive throughout both their Premier League and European runs.

But one moment undid it all. When Gabriel stepped up to take Arsenal’s fifth penalty in the shoot-out, with the tie there to be saved, his effort soared high over the crossbar and Paris Saint-Germain were champions of Europe for the second successive year.

It was a devastating end to what had been a monumental season, and in the hours that followed, as Arsenal supporters processed the pain, a message of support arrived from a source that few would’ve predicted.

John Terry’s Message to Arsenal’s Gabriel

John Terry, the England and Chelsea legend and lifelong adversary of everything to do with Arsenal, set aside the rivalry to offer a set of heartfelt words directed at Gabriel in the aftermath of the final.

The former Chelsea captain knows better than most what it feels like to miss a penalty in a Champions League final:

“Wow, a horrible way to lose. I got it completely wrong in my predictions. I thought PSG were poor and Arsenal got off to a great start with the goal from Havertz. But fair play to Arsenal, I think they’ve been superb in the Premier League and Champions League. But they just miss out and it’s a horrible way to lose.”

He then turned his attention squarely to Gabriel:

It was a compassionate message from a man who had every reason to enjoy Chelsea’s status as the only London club to have lifted the Champions League trophy.

John Terry’s Own Penalty Heartbreak In Moscow

The reason Terry’s words carry such weight is that he lived through an almost identical moment himself. In the 2008 Champions League final in Moscow, with Chelsea facing Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out, he stepped up with the chance to win the trophy for his club. Terry slipped on the rain-soaked turf at the crucial moment, with his penalty cannoning off the post, and Chelsea went on to lose.

It’s one of the most iconic and heartbreaking images in Champions League history, and a moment that’s stayed in his mind as time went on.

Terry’s personal experience gives his message to Gabriel a credibility and sincerity that moves past the usual platitudes offered in the aftermath of a big occasion like this. He isn’t simply offering sympathy from the outside, he’s speaking as someone who woke up the morning after a Champions League final feeling exactly as Gabriel feels now.

Gabriel, for his part, showed admirable resilience. He was present and engaged at Arsenal’s Premier League title parade the very next day. They moved through north London, where over one million supporters turned out to celebrate England’s newest champions.

On Instagram, he wrote: “It’s painful, but I’m proud of this team and everything we achieved together this season. Thank you to our incredible fans for your support every step of the way. You deserve to celebrate this journey with us and enjoy the parade today! See you next season!!! Love, Big Gabi.”

Manchester United appear to be one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market even though the summer window doesn’t open for another fortnight.

Man United are making some serious moves ahead of the window opening on June 15, which is understandable given the 2026 World Cup is taking place for a huge chunk of it.

The Red Devils already appear to be closing in on a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that a transfer for the Brazilian will happen barring a major late twist.

Should a deal go through, the 26-year-old could be one of three midfield arrivals at Old Trafford before the start of next season, as United chiefs look to replace the outgoing Casemiro. His fellow South American Manuel Ugarte is reportedly up for sale too having failed to convince Michael Carrick that he should be getting regular minutes.

If the Uruguayan does go, then it is more likely that we could see a third midfield signing, with United now needing to decide where they turn to next if a deal for Ederson does get the green light.

Man United ‘Accelerate’ Move to Sign Mateus Fernandes

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes has emerged as a potential key midfield target in recent weeks, which has only been heightened by the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

Last summer, the 21-year-old left Southampton after they fell into the second tier, and it seems likely that the Portugal international will seek a move away from the Irons too to avoid playing second-tier football.

According to CaughtOffside, United’s transfer committee have now ‘accelerated talks’ with Fernandes’ representatives over a summer switch to Old Trafford.

West Ham are said to value the ‘superstar’ at up to £52m even after their relegation to the Championship, although suitors are likely to want to negotiate a lower fee, especially with knowledge that the east Londoners need to balance the books.

Bruno Fernandes in Dreamland if Mateus Fernandes Signs

Previous reports have suggested that Carrick ‘loves’ Fernandes and wants him to be part of their squad for next season.

Should the Red Devils be able to push a deal for the 21-year-old closer to the £40-45m mark, then it could be a great deal for a midfielder who clearly has a big future in the game.

He has arguably been the best player in his teams over the last two seasons, even if they were both relegated, in turn showing that he deserves to play at a higher level.

Fernandes’ versatility is likely to stand out to Carrick, given he has shown he can play in a variety of roles across the midfield, including as a No.6, 8 and 10.

Carrick isn’t the only big fan of Fernandes in the United dressing room, with his national compatriot Bruno also said to be a huge admirer of the Portuguese midfielder, and has recommended that the club sign him.

Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes alongside some of the biggest clubs in Europe, according to CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa are gearing up for a return to the Champions League next season following an outstanding season that saw them finish fourth in the Premier League, as well as winning the Europa League.

Now, Unai Emery will want his squad to be strengthened to allow them to compete in the Premier League and the Champions League next term, especially with continued rumours that their top flight rivals are taking an interest in Morgan Rogers.

Villa will be one of a number of clubs who will look to take advantage of any opportunities involving relegated clubs, with some top players on course to play in the Championship as things stand.

One of those is Fernandes after West Ham suffered a devastating relegation on the final day of the Premier League season, and the 21-year-old will be a player in serious demand this summer as a result.

With Douglas Luiz set to return to Juventus following his loan spell at Villa Park, there is a spot for a new midfielder under Emery.

Aston Villa Face Fierce Competition for Mateus Fernandes Deal

While Aston Villa have burst into the race to sign the highly-rated Mateus Fernandes, they are not alone, as per CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are considered the frontrunners for the £52m-rated star after accelerating talks with the 21-year-old’s representatives, but there is also interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League.

Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, alongside La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, while Serie A trio Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan are also showing interest in the Portugal international.

Mateus Fernandes the Perfect Signing for Aston Villa

If Aston Villa want to inject some freshness and energy into their midfield for next season, then Fernandes is the ideal candidate.

The 21-year-old ‘superstar’ has proven himself to often be the best player in both the Southampton and West Ham sides he has played in across the last two seasons, often outshining his senior teammates.

The Portugal international has shown that he can play in a variety of roles across midfield, including as a ‘6’, ‘8’ and a ’10’, although he does look better suited to either of the latter two as things stand.

Fernandes showed his reliability as he played in every one of the 36 Premier League games he was available for at West Ham this season, registering three goals and four assists.

While the likes of John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana continue to impress in the centre of the park for Villa, they will need added quality and depth for next season as they return to Europe’s elite club competition.

Fernandes has better options on paper than Villa in terms of the size of some of the clubs looking at him, but perhaps he will feel that he has more chance of being a regular starter at Villa Park than some of the other options on the table.

Time will tell in the next few weeks, but Villa have laid their cards on the table for the Portuguese star.