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Arsenal target €35m-rated UCL semi-finalist with 21 G/A as summer talks loom

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

Serge Gnabry has been an outstanding performer for Bayern Munich since joining the club, and he could be on his way out of the German club this summer.

According to a report from SportsBoom, the player has been linked with a return to England. Arsenal are keeping tabs on his situation, and they could look to bring him back. It will be interesting to see if the German International is willing to return to the London club.

The player could cost around €30-35 million in the summer. However, Arsenal would only offer around €20-25 million in order to get the deal done. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can come to an agreement.

Arsenal need more quality in the final third, and the 30-year-old could be a useful short-term acquisition. He knows the club well, and he could make an immediate impact. Gnabry has 21 goal contributions this season.

Arsenal have invested in players like Noni Madueke, but he has not been able to live up to the expectations. They need someone who can create opportunities from the flanks and score goals consistently. The German International could prove to be an upgrade on the former Chelsea star. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

The opportunity to move back to the Premier League could be exciting for Gnabry. It could be an interesting challenge at this stage of his career. He will look to showcase qualities in the Premier League and make his mark at Arsenal if the move goes through.

They are among the biggest clubs in the world right now, and they consistently fight for major trophies. They are likely to be an attractive destination for the German attacker. Gnabry has won the Bundesliga with Bayern this season, and he will look to help them win the UEFA Champions League. They are currently in the semi-finals of the tournament.

The post Arsenal target €35m-rated UCL semi-finalist with 21 G/A as summer talks loom appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Chelsea eye major upgrade as Man United enter race for €55m Bundesliga star

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By:Saikat

Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in signing the 28-year-old player, according to a report from FussballDaten.

Manchester United are among the most serious candidates to sign the player. They are looking to add more quality and depth to the goalkeeping unit. Senne Lammens has done quite well since joining the club, and the Swiss goalkeeper could compete with him for the starting spot.

More competition for places will help both players improve.

On the other hand, Chelsea is interested in the goalkeeper as well. They need to find an upgrade on Robert Sanchez, who has been underwhelming since joining the club. It will be interesting to see if they can agree on a deal with the German outfit.

Dortmund are prepared to sanction his departure for a fee of around €55 million. He has a contract with the German outfit until 2028, and the German side is under no pressure to sanction his departure for cheap. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea or Manchester United will submit an offer of around €55 million to get the deal done.

Kobel is at the peak of his career, and he could make an immediate impact in the Premier League. He will want to play regularly, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United or Chelsea is prepared to provide him with the necessary gametime assurance.

Perhaps a move to Chelsea could be more attractive to the Swiss International goalkeeper, and he would be a guaranteed starter there. At Manchester United, he would have to compete with the Belgian Lammens.

The post Chelsea eye major upgrade as Man United enter race for €55m Bundesliga star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Tottenham star gives green light for summer exit as agent flies out for talks

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By:Saikat

RB Leipzig is looking to sign the Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old Romanian defender has struggled for opportunities at the north London club, and he wants to leave in search of regular time. According to a report from Fanatik, the player has already given his consent to a move, and he wants to join the German club in the summer.

Tottenham are prepared to sanction his departure for a fee of €20 million. The report further claims that the German team is ready to pay up, and it remains to be seen whether all parties can finalise the move.

Dragusin has shown his quality in Italy, and he will look to get his career back on track with regular football in Germany now. Leipzig is a good team with an ambitious project, and they could provide him with regular opportunities. It could be the ideal move for the Romanian defender.

The central defender is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future. Sitting on the bench at Tottenham would be detrimental to his growth. It will be interesting to see if he can hit the ground running in Germany and establish himself as an important player for RB Leipzig.

Dragusin has started just five games in the Premier League this season.

The player’s agent, Florin Manea, has already visited Germany and held talks about a potential move at the German club’s headquarters. He also attended the match against Union Berlin.

Tottenham paid around €25 million to sign the player from Genoma in 2024, and they will be able to recoup most of the investment in the summer. It remains to be seen whether they can bring in a quality replacement for the Romanian defender.

The post Tottenham star gives green light for summer exit as agent flies out for talks appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Update: Man Utd could use Sir Alex Ferguson to beat Arsenal & PSG to midfielder signing

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United are reportedly considering using their legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson as part of their bid to join the race for Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The highly-rated Lille midfielder is attracting strong interest from Europe’s top clubs ahead of this summer, with Arsenal known admirers of the 18-year-old.

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It was reported yesterday that Paris Saint-Germain had intensified efforts to sign Bouaddi from their Ligue 1 rivals, and now the same journalist has a new update.

See below as Abdellah Boulma has posted new information to his X account about Bouaddi now also being a target for Man Utd and their plans to deploy Ferguson to help them win the race…

?Ayyoub Bouaddi attise les convoitises en Europe. Arsenal, le Bayern Munich et Manchester United sont à l’affût. United a multiplié les démarches pour rencontrer son entourage, allant jusqu’à envisager l’appui de Sir Alex Ferguson pour le convaincre. #Mercato https://t.co/7hTTk2ZI89

— Abdellah Boulma (@AbdellahBoulma) April 30, 2026

“Ayyoub Bouaddi is sparking interest across Europe. Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United are on the lookout. United has ramped up efforts to meet with his entourage, even going so far as to consider enlisting Sir Alex Ferguson to win him over,” the journalist posted.

Bouaddi clearly still seems to be one to watch for Arsenal as well, and it will be intriguing to see if he chooses the Premier League for the next stage of his development.

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Should Ayyoub Bouaddi choose Arsenal or Manchester United?

In truth, the easy choice for Bouaddi would probably be PSG, as he could stay in France whilst also giving himself the chance to play at a higher level by moving to a club regularly winning titles and competing for the Champions League.

Bouaddi would probably not need to adapt quite as much as he would if he were moving to a new league and different country, but perhaps Lille will have some say here as they’d surely rather not lose the talented Frenchman to a rival.

Arsenal would surely also be a highly attractive destination for a prospect like Bouaddi, who could do well to choose Mikel Arteta as his next coach to help him fulfil his potential.

United, meanwhile, have an immediate gap that needs filling in midfield, so Bouaddi could probably go to Old Trafford and quickly become first choice.

A legendary figure like Ferguson getting involved could also have quite an impact on a young player making a big choice about his career, so it will be intriguing to see if that comes to pass and if it can prove decisive.

The post Update: Man Utd could use Sir Alex Ferguson to beat Arsenal & PSG to midfielder signing appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Explained: Andoni Iraola is the top target for both Man United & Chelsea – here’s how he’ll decide

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By:Mark Brus

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has already decided he’s leaving the club at the end of his contract this summer, but now he has to decide between Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Spanish tactician has done an impressive job during his stint in charge of the Cherries, who already have an agreement in place for Marco Rose to replace him next season.

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Iraola, meanwhile, is yet to make a final decision on his next move, but sources in the industry have confirmed to CaughtOffside that he’s a leading candidate for the Chelsea job, and that initial contacts with his representatives have taken place.

Man United are also likely to be in the mix, but here are some key factors to think about as we wait and see how this saga will unfold…

Michael Carrick’s future

As of this afternoon, there has not yet been a final decision from Man Utd on whether or not Michael Carrick will stay on at Old Trafford once his spell as interim manager comes to an end.

One well-connected source with ties to the agents industry told CaughtOffside that “Carrick is the favourite. But it’s not done yet, United will wait until the end of the season.”

Another played down talk of Carrick being the favourite, insisting that “the availability of someone like Iraola changes everything. They don’t want another Solskjaer.”

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Overall it’s a slightly mixed message, and the complicated factor for United here is that Chelsea have a head-start on them. The Blues need to start their manager search now, and have been sounding out numerous candidates, though Iraola is ahead of names like Xabi Alonso, Oliver Glasner, and Francesco Farioli on their list.

This could mean by the time United have decided, Iraola will already have something advanced with Chelsea. That’s not the case at the moment, however, with sources indicating he’s in no hurry to accept an offer now. This gives the Red Devils time, and likely a chance to speak with him after the end of the season.

Champions League football

It looks like United are heading for Champions League qualification, whereas Chelsea could miss out after their recent slump in form.

It is our understanding, however, that this will not be seen as crucial for Iraola. We’ll have to see how this develops, however, as it certainly does no harm to be able to offer experience in Europe’s top club competition, and all the benefits in the transfer market that are also likely to come with that.

Iraola’s current fine work at Bournemouth looks set to see them qualify for Europe, so it would be a bit of a step down for him if he were to take over at Stamford Bridge when they might even end this season below Iraola’s side in the table.

Chelsea uncertainty

Perhaps the most important factor here will be how much of a pull factor Chelsea still have after such a chaotic period under this ownership.

Managers like Iraola and Alonso will surely be aware that they’re going to have other offers, so might think twice about working with this board and with this slightly scattergun recruitment policy.

Iraola is not understood to be ruling CFC out, so perhaps the club can win him over to their project, but it probably won’t help their cause that MUFC look to be a more stable environment whilst being on more of an upward trajectory as things stand.

One source described the Chelsea job as a “career killer” – it’s increasingly hard not to see it that way, but the big question will be how much managers like Iraola share that view, or if they back themselves to take on that challenge.

The post Explained: Andoni Iraola is the top target for both Man United & Chelsea – here’s how he’ll decide appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Report: Chelsea making big effort to lure manager who’s unsure about the job

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By:Ros Knowles

Chelsea are seriously eyeing up Porto head coach Francesco Farioli to fill the vacant managerial position, but the 37-year-old rising star is less than keen.

After the abrupt exit of manager Liam Rosenior earlier this month, the club is frantically searching for a long-term replacement, with Farioli high up on their list, according to TEAMtalk.

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The Italian coach has quickly risen to prominence, winning an impressive 37 of his 50 games in charge at Porto. The Portuguese club are currently closing in on their first league title in four years.

Farioli’s immediate impact in his debut campaign at Porto has seen him handed a new contract that runs until 2028. This is likely to be an obstacle for Chelsea, since it contains a €20m (£17.3m) release clause, as reported by Record.

Farioli rules out move

A bigger problem for the West London giants is that Farioli doesn’t seem tempted by the offer. When asked, “can you guarantee to Porto fans that, even if you receive a strong offer from Chelsea, you will stay at Porto?”, Farioli replied, “yeah, absolutely.”

? Francesco Farioli will stay at Porto, as always planned.

“Can you guarantee to Porto fans that, even if you receive a strong offer from Chelsea, you will stay at Porto?” ? #CFC

Farioli: “Yeah, absolutely.” ??? pic.twitter.com/efZW41IOxN

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 26, 2026

The sought-after coach told Sport TV: “I’m the coach of Porto, and I’m really happy to be here.”

Chelsea are considering other options

Farioli is only one of several names in the mix. According to the Evening Standard, the Blues are planning to undergo a thorough recruitment process and do not want to rush their next appointment.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is another serious contender. Iraola will leave his current position when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The club is also looking at Fulham manager Marco Silva.

Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has likewise been linked with the vacant role, but reports suggest his sights are set on a return to Arsenal in the long-term, according to Kaveh Solhekol.

Chelsea cautious after Rosenior’s exit

Chelsea will want to take their time in finding a long-term replacement, after Rosenior’s short tenure at the club. The 41-year-old originally signed a six-year contract with the Blues.

His time at the club was suddenly cut short amid rumours of friction between himself and the players.

His dismissal came after an emergency board meeting, following Chelsea’s disastrous 3-0 loss to Brighton, marking their fifth Premier League defeat in a row without scoring a single goal.

Rosenior could receive as much as £24m following the break of his contract, according to BBC Sport.

The post Report: Chelsea making big effort to lure manager who’s unsure about the job appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Confirmed: Kobbie Mainoo signs new Man United contract and sends strong message to fans

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By:Mark Brus

Kobbie Mainoo has officially signed a new Manchester United contract until 2031, declaring that he’s hungry for more success at Old Trafford.

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Describing Man Utd as “my club” in an emotional announcement video, Mainoo explained how important it is for him to keep on representing the Red Devils after coming up through their academy.

Watch below for the video put out on United’s X page this afternoon confirming the good news, which will delight United fans everywhere after there had been some speculation over the England international’s future earlier this season…

???? One of our own.

Kobbie Mainoo is here to stay ? pic.twitter.com/GQi2uJaqQG

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 30, 2026

Mainoo was out of the team under previous manager Ruben Amorim, and this led to interest from Chelsea as it looked like the youngster could have to leave in order to play regular first-team football.

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Kobbie Mainoo – a future Manchester United captain?

Mainoo has benefited a lot, however, from Michael Carrick’s arrival as interim manager, with the MUFC legend instantly bringing Mainoo back into his starting line up.

The 21-year-old has great qualities and looks like he could grow into a real leader at United, perhaps one day being a serious contender to wear the captain’s armband.

United fans will be delighted to see that Mainoo is now committing his future to the club for what should be the start of an exciting new era as the team looks to be improving a lot on the field as they have all but sealed Champions League qualification for next season.

The post Confirmed: Kobbie Mainoo signs new Man United contract and sends strong message to fans appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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£43m fee set: Arsenal ready to cash in on big-name as Euro giants eye transfer

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By:Mark Brus

Arsenal are reportedly ready to consider selling Myles Lewis-Skelly for around £43m this summer, with Atletico Madrid interested.

The Gunners and Atletico are currently focusing on their Champions League semi-final, with last night’s first leg finishing 1-1 in Madrid.

Still, it could also be that these two big teams will soon meet to discuss business off the pitch, with Lewis-Skelly’s future in some doubt.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, who state that the England international is on the radar of Atletico as a potential summer target.

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The report adds that Arsenal could be prepared to consider offers in the region of £43m for Lewis-Skelly, who has fallen down the pecking order this season due to issues with how he fits Mikel Arteta’s tactics.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – should Arsenal keep or sell?

Lewis-Skelly is undoubtedly a fine talent on his day, but Arsenal have other options at left-back in the form of both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie.

It could therefore be smart business by the north London giants to cash in on interest in a top young talent like Lewis-Skelly.

If Arsenal could bank as much as £43m for the 19-year-old, that would represent a huge amount of ‘pure profit’ due to the fact that he’s a homegrown player who came up through their academy.

In this era of ever-stricter Financial Fair Play regulations, AFC might find it’s in their best interests to sell someone like this, even if some fans might be disappointed to see a promising homegrown youngster leaving.

Could Lewis-Skelly change position?

Another thing for AFC to consider is if they could make use of Lewis-Skelly’s talents in another position apart from left-back.

A role in midfield looks like it could work for Lewis-Skelly, who has great footwork and passing, even if he perhaps lacks the work rate and defensive discipline to start regularly as a full-back.

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The post £43m fee set: Arsenal ready to cash in on big-name as Euro giants eye transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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“Of course” – Arsenal star confident of reaching Champions League final

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By:Mark Brus

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli insists he is confident that the club will reach the Champions League final after last night’s 1-1 draw away to Atletico Madrid.

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The Brazil international started in Madrid as the Gunners claimed an important result away from home in the first leg of this semi-final tie.

Arsenal take on Fulham in the Premier League at the weekend and then host Atletico at the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of this semi-final next week.

If Arsenal go through, it will be only their second ever appearance in a Champions League final, but Martinelli sounds optimistic about the team’s chances after getting through what should, at least on paper, be the tougher part of the tie.

Gabriel Martinelli speaks after Arsenal’s draw at Atletico Madrid

? Are you confident of reaching the Champions League final?

Gabriel Martinelli: "Of course!" pic.twitter.com/gUD0RdzDYQ

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 30, 2026

Speaking in the mixed zone after the game, Martinelli seemed in a positive mood about the return fixture, particularly if Mikel Arteta is able to welcome back a fully fit Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka, both of whom could only start on the bench in Madrid.

“We have so many good players, the depth in this squad is really good,” Martinelli told reports. “I think if everybody is ready it’s a big boost for us, so let’s hope everyone is ok.”

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He added: “We wanted to come here and win the game. But in the end it’s a battle against a really good team at their place. We take the draw. We’re going to re-watch the game and see the things that we did wrong and try to improve for the next one.”

When asked if he’s confident Arsenal will make it into the final, Martinelli responded: “Yeah of course. We play for Arsenal, we know how big the club is and we trust in ourselves.”

Who will win the Champions League?

Both Arsenal and Atletico are the two teams in these semi-finals who are looking to win the Champions League for the first time.

See below for the record of the final four, with Bayern Munich by far the most successful of the remaining sides historically, having won the competition six times, whilst reaching 11 finals in total.

Champions League Final appearances Victories
Bayern Munich 11 6
PSG 2 1
Atletico Madrid 3 0
Arsenal 1 0

Arsenal have only reached the final once, losing 2-1 to Barcelona back in 2006, so it could be that they’ll finally get the chance to make up for that heartbreak 20 years later.

Meanwhile, current holders PSG lead Bayern 5-4 on aggregate from the first leg of their semi-final.

The post “Of course” – Arsenal star confident of reaching Champions League final appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Mikel Arteta pushing Arsenal to accelerate potential €100m attacker transfer

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By:Mark Brus

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly pushing for the club to intensify efforts to sign RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande this summer.

The Ivory Coast international is expected to cost around €100m, with Gunners boss Arteta making an attacking player of that profile a top priority.

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Diomande has been in superb form for Leipzig this season, emerging as one of the breakthrough stars in Europe’s big five leagues with a record of 13 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

We’ve previously broken exclusive info on Arsenal’s interest in Diomande, and now a report from Fichajes states that the north London giants appear to be accelerating their efforts.

Yan Diomande transfer situation explained

Diomande makes sense as a player in demand as we approach the summer, but what’s really going on with the talented 19-year-old winger?

In recent days, the Telegraph have reported on Liverpool doing work on this deal, with the Reds certainly likely to benefit from a top young attacker like this coming in to replace departing club legend Mohamed Salah.

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Still, another report from TEAMtalk has stated that Leipzig want to keep Diomande for one more season, and Fabrizio Romano has spoken on his YouTube channel about the Bundesliga giants being prepared to offer him a new contract.

It will be interesting to see how this develops, but clearly nothing is decided yet and Diomande may prefer to wait before jumping into a big move like Arsenal or Liverpool.

Arsenal need to win Yan Diomande transfer battle

As things stand, Arsenal are either on the brink of glory, or on the brink of a huge wasted opportunity.

Arteta’s side are looking the slight favourites over Atletico Madrid to make only their second ever Champions League final, while they can still edge out Manchester City in an extremely tight Premier League title race.

However, a signing like Diomande to add more spark to their attack is surely a priority for next season, as that’s been an area where so many of this current squad have under-performed this term.

Yan Diomande TOTAL SCORE: 18/25
Transfer fee *
Performance *****
Achievements ***
Career phase ****
Squad need *****

Click here to find out more about our Transfer Fit rating system!

If Arsenal fail to win a trophy it will surely be the front three that most fans and pundits alike will look at, with Bukayo Saka performing well below his usual standards, while Gabriel Martinelli has only one league goal all season, and the ageing Leandro Trossard has completely gone off the boil in 2026.

A signing like Diomande could change everything, so AFC need to get there ahead of Liverpool, who might struggle to find anyone better suited to filling the void that’s set to be left by Salah this summer.

The post Mikel Arteta pushing Arsenal to accelerate potential €100m attacker transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Deal “on the horizon” as 13-goal midfielder packing bags for Arsenal transfer

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By:Mark Brus

Arsenal reportedly look to be making progress on a transfer deal for highly-rated Red Star Belgrade wonderkid Vasilije Kostov.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season in Serbia, scoring 13 goals in all competitions to establish himself as one of Europe’s top talents.

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According to Sportinjo, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have both shown an interest in Kostov, with the Gunners now reported as leading the race for his signature.

A source in their story suggests Arsenal are ready to pay €12m to sign Kostov, with an agreement close on a deal that could end up reaching a total package worth €20m.

Arsenal on verge of agreement for Vasilije Kostov transfer

“Arsenal could hardly wait and offered 12,000,000 euros,” the source is quoted as saying.

“The leaders of the London club knew that Zvezda would ask for more, so they offered generous bonuses and a percentage of future sales.

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“There are still details to be worked out, but with all the add-ons, the transfer could exceed 20,000,000 euros, so a deal is on the horizon.”

Kostov is also described as packing his bags to make the move to Arsenal, potentially heading to London this week.

Arsenal doing smart work on the transfer market

Recruiting elite young players like this looks like an important step for Arsenal, who could do with getting better at buying low and selling high.

Even if the priority has to be building a winning team for Mikel Arteta, modern football also means balancing the books and meeting Financial Fair Play regulations is hugely important.

Kostov looks like he has the potential to have a fine career, and though there’ll be competition for places at Arsenal, it could be that he’ll ultimately end up being someone they can sell for a significant profit later.

The post Deal “on the horizon” as 13-goal midfielder packing bags for Arsenal transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Major Liverpool departure now “one step away”, claims journalist

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By:Mark Brus

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is reportedly now just a step away from completing a move to take over at Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.

This is not the first time there’s been speculation about Hughes possibly leaving Liverpool for the move to Saudi Arabia.

However, the most recent update coming from talkSPORT was that Hughes looked set to stay at LFC for the time being, despite Al Hilal’s interest.

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Alternatively, journalist Nicolo Schira has today posted on X, formerly Twitter, to claim that Hughes is closing in on taking the director’s job at Al Hilal…

Richard #Hughes is one step away to sign for #AlHilal as new sporting director. Agreement in principle for 3-years contract as revealed last March. He is set to leave #Liverpool to join the Saudi Club. #transfers #LFC ?? https://t.co/tEcTtUtz6W

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) April 30, 2026

“Richard #Hughes is one step away to sign for #AlHilal as new sporting director. Agreement in principle for 3-years contract as revealed last March. He is set to leave #Liverpool to join the Saudi Club,” Schira posted.

It will be interesting to see how this develops, as this story clearly isn’t going away, but it’s also worth noting that Schira has a somewhat mixed reputation when it comes to getting big stories right.

[UPDATE: This has now also been reported by reputable Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited and translated by Sport Witness]

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Could Liverpool be better off without Richard Hughes?

Richard Hughes and Arne Slot (Photo by Getty Images, Mark Pain/Alamy)

While it probably wouldn’t be ideal for Liverpool to lose an influential figure and to be forced to look for a replacement, there’s perhaps an argument that the Reds could do better.

Hughes will have overseen last summer’s hugely expensive and ultimately poor summer transfer window, with vast sums of money spent on signings who’ve performed poorly.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have endured a difficult time since arriving at Anfield, while Hughes also let Luis Diaz go and was unable to get Trent Alexander-Arnold to sign a new contract.

On top of that, a new deal was awarded to Mohamed Salah, whose form has gone off a cliff this term, with Arne Slot’s side generally struggling and slipping to fourth in the Premier League table, never really challenging for the title at any point.

The post Major Liverpool departure now “one step away”, claims journalist appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Xabi Alonso open to accepting Chelsea job on one key condition

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By:Mark Brus

Former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly open to taking the Chelsea job if he’s given ‘more control’ than the Blues are currently offering.

It seems Alonso has some interest in potentially taking over at Chelsea as they continue to hold talks with candidates to replace Liam Rosenior.

According to Simon Phillips, Alonso is open to becoming Chelsea manager, but it seems his key condition is being given what sources describe as ‘a bit more control’ in the role.

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The Spanish tactician did a great job during his time in charge of Leverkusen, leading the club to its first ever Bundesliga title, and reaching the Europa League final.

However, Alonso struggled in his spell with Real Madrid earlier this season before being sacked, and one imagines he had a lot less control in his role at the Bernabeu.

Can Xabi Alonso succeed where others have failed at Chelsea?

The Chelsea job is not a simple one, and a lot of fine managers have struggled at Stamford Bridge under this ownership in particular.

Alonso is one of the top coaches in the game at the moment, but it’s not necessarily going to be easy for even him to come in and hit the ground running in this environment.

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The former Liverpool midfielder might do well to consider waiting for other opportunities, as there’s just been so much upheaval at CFC with frequent changes to players and managers.

Still, one imagines it might also be tempting to work with a lot of top young players and to manage one of the biggest names in the Premier League, with the bonus of living in London.

Phillips’ report also mentions the likes of Andoni Iraola being on Chelsea’s radar as no final decision has been made yet on who will be the club’s next manager.

The post Xabi Alonso open to accepting Chelsea job on one key condition appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Fabrizio Romano shares photo that will fuel major Arsenal transfer story

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By:Mark Brus

Fabrizio Romano is one of the most trusted journalists in football transfer news, and not one to drop hints lightly, so this Julian Alvarez and Mikel Arteta post was certainly…a choice.

See below as Romano has posted on X to fuel the Alvarez to Arsenal transfer speculation, as he shared a photo of Gunners boss Arteta with the Argentina international after last night’s Champions League semi-final first leg in Spain…

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? Mikel Arteta and Julián Álvarez at full time. pic.twitter.com/29c1KLPdUz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 30, 2026

Of course, it may be that Romano is simply sharing an image showing good sportsmanship between two professionals after a big game they were both involved in, but in the social media era we tend to know that hints like this are usually deliberate.

Romano has previously played down Alvarez transfer talk, but he’s obviously aware of it, so to then add fuel to the fire with this image suggests that perhaps it could be something to watch after all.

Julian Alvarez impressed against Arsenal

Alvarez scored the equaliser from the penalty spot in last night’s 1-1 in Madrid, and forced a good save from David Raya in the first half.

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The 26-year-old generally put in another eye-catching display for Atletico in what has been a really strong season from him.

It’s easy to see why Arsenal might be interested in Alvarez, who has also already shown he can perform to a high standard in the Premier League from his previous spell at Manchester City.

Viktor Gyokeres was also on the score-sheet last night, but it’s not been the most convincing first season for him at the Emirates Stadium, so an addition like Alvarez would surely be useful.

Read more here about how we rated Alvarez to Arsenal with our Transfer Fit rating system!

The post Fabrizio Romano shares photo that will fuel major Arsenal transfer story appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Sources: Man United & Liverpool face obstacle to complete potential €90m transfer

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By:Mark Brus

I’ve been looking into one of the big transfer rumours that’s taken off in the last week or so, and I’m happy to be able to provide an update on the Aurelien Tchouameni saga after speaking with top sources.

Having consulted contacts close to the agents industry, plus other colleagues in the media, I’ve been able to put a bit of a picture together on the Tchouameni transfer saga.

This story was first published on the Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe to get exclusive transfer updates first!

When I first looked into the story a few days ago I was given the impression that links between Manchester United and Tchouameni were not that concrete, and that the reason for some uncertainty lies with the fact that Real Madrid will be changing manager this summer.

These situations often lead to stories snowballing a bit, and my understanding remains that Tchouameni is seen as much more likely to stay and sign a new contract at the Bernabeu than to leave the club this summer.

Aurelian Tchouameni admired by Premier League clubs

However, clearly there’s some degree of truth to talk of Man United appreciating Tchouameni and keeping an eye on his situation. It’s not necessarily the case that he’s one of their top targets, and he’s not expected to be available this summer, but of course he’s a name that’s going to be discussed internally.

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United are widely expected to target two midfielders this summer, so their list of targets is a long one, especially as rivals Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal could also all be shopping for new signings in that position. That just makes it all the more likely that the Red Devils will need to cast their net as wide as possible in case their preferred targets don’t work out.

I can add, by the way, that Liverpool also still have an interest in Tchouameni, dating back to when they were really keen to sign him from Monaco. Again, this is not exactly surprising and doesn’t mean a move is happening, but things can change quickly in football, so if Los Blancos decide they want to make a few sales under a new manager, then we can expect United and Liverpool to be sniffing around for Tchouameni.

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The France international has shone during his time in the Spanish capital, and would not come cheap if he were to leave.

While there is not an ‘asking price’ for him as such, my sources indicate that, with two years remaining on his current contract, interested clubs would have to pay around €80-90m for what Real feel is one of the best players in the world in his position.

The plan, however, is very much to give Tchouameni a new deal, extending his stay in Madrid until 2031. Talks have not begun yet, but are expected after the end of the season, with Bernabeu sources all confident he’ll be staying.

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Diego Simeone rates Julian Alvarez’s chances of playing 2nd leg vs Arsenal after injury scare

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By:Mark Brus

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has spoken out on the Julian Alvarez injury situation as he went off in last night’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Alvarez is a star player for Simeone’s side, and scored from the penalty spot in yesterday’s Champions League semi-final first leg before having to go off 13 minutes from time.

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That will have been a big worry for Atletico fans ahead of the second leg of this tie next week, but it seems the Argentina international should be fit enough to play at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking after last night’s game, Simeone made it clear he wasn’t too worried about Alvarez or any other player’s fitness, saying he expected everyone to be available for the trip to north London.

Diego Simeone provides Julian Alvarez injury update

“I don’t think there will be anyone that will not be playing on Tuesday,” Simeone said, as quoted by the Metro.

“I suppose they might be feeling some physical discomfort now. Giuliano from a knock, Julian from the fall he had in the middle of the pitch and Sorloth with a hamstring strain, but I have no doubt they’ll be there.”

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Alvarez has 20 goals in 48 games in all competitions this season, with ten of those coming in the Champions League.

The 26-year-old will surely be key for Atletico if they are to stand any chance of making it to the Champions League final, while Arsenal fans would surely have felt a lot better if their team could avoid playing against him again next week.

Who will win the Champions League?

Champions League Final appearances Victories
Bayern Munich 11 6
PSG 2 1
Atletico Madrid 3 0
Arsenal 1 0

Both semi-final ties are evenly poised after the first leg encounters this week, so it’s hard to make any predictions at this stage about who will be going through.

Paris Saint-Germain only have a one-goal lead over Bayern Munich after that thrilling 5-4 at the Parc des Princes, and one imagines Vincent Kompany’s side might still be slight favourites as they have the second leg at home.

Arsenal, meanwhile, beat Atletico 4-0 at the Emirates in the league phase earlier this season, so might be the slight favourites in their game as well, though Simeone’s side can never be underestimated and have improved a lot since that meeting earlier in the campaign.

The post Diego Simeone rates Julian Alvarez’s chances of playing 2nd leg vs Arsenal after injury scare appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Man United aim to avoid bidding war with Man City and identify three alternative transfer targets

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United reportedly want to avoid a bidding war with Manchester City for what will likely be a hugely expensive transfer deal for Elliot Anderson.

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The Nottingham Forest midfielder looks set to be a man in demand this summer, with Man Utd emerging as one of his suitors.

Still, it seems the Red Devils would prefer to avoid paying over the odds for Anderson and could explore three alternatives instead, according to ESPN.

The report explains that Forest value Anderson at around £120m, leading United to also look at other options like Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Is Elliot Anderson overpriced?

Anderson has had a superb season for Forest and undoubtedly looks like he’s going to get himself a big move in the months ahead.

ESPN report that Forest see their valuation of the England international as fair due to the other similar fees that have been paid for top midfielders like Moises Caicedo in recent times.

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Still, United have over-spent a lot in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, and it makes sense that they want to be more careful about blowing too much on one player.

What about United’s other midfield targets?

The other names mentioned probably wouldn’t come cheap either, but Baleba, Tonali, or Tchouameni could probably still save the club a fairly significant amount.

At the same time, however, going for cheaper options can also be risky, as Baleba in particular has suffered a dip in form, while Tchouameni hasn’t ever played in the Premier League.

Tonali looks like a good option, but he’s a bit older than Anderson and probably not quite as well-rounded, so these are the difficult decisions United have to make this summer.

The post Man United aim to avoid bidding war with Man City and identify three alternative transfer targets appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Swap deal? Man United have three players they could use in bid to sign Rafael Leao

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United are being linked again with AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, and could even have players who’d be tempting to the Italian club in a potential swap deal.

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Leao has shone during his time in Serie A and looks like he could be an upgrade on Matheus Cunha in this Man Utd front three, so it’s perhaps not too surprising that there’s fresh speculation about a possible move to Old Trafford.

The Portugal international has recently been linked with the Red Devils by the Daily Mail and Calciomercato and it could even be that there’s a new twist to this saga.

According to the latest from Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan could be offered the likes of Marcus Rashford or Manuel Ugarte as part of a deal for Leao, while the Rossoneri also have an interest in Joshua Zirkzee.

Would Rafael Leao transfer be a risk for Manchester United?

Leao has his qualities, but there’s perhaps an argument that a few factors make this a potentially risky deal for United.

Rafael Leao TOTAL SCORE: 11/25
Transfer fee *
Performance ***
Achievements ***
Career phase **
Squad need **

We recently scored Leao to United just 11/25 using our Transfer Fit rating system, though perhaps we could up that score a bit if MUFC were able to save money using players as part of this deal.

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Leao has nine goals and three assists for Milan this season, and one imagines he’d find the Premier League a big step up from Serie A.

Overall, it’s hard to imagine him setting the world alight in English football based on his current numbers, even if he is a player with undoubtedly impressive natural ability and skill.

Those attributes alone don’t necessarily guarantee success in the Premier League, though, so United should probably explore alternatives to what could be an expensive deal.

The post Swap deal? Man United have three players they could use in bid to sign Rafael Leao appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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“This cannot happen” – Mikel Arteta admits he’s “fuming” over crucial decision that went against Arsenal

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By:Mark Brus

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not hold back with his views on Eberechi Eze being denied a penalty in last night’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

The Gunners did well to come away with a 1-1 draw from a tough away game against a top team, but they were also unfortunate when what looked like a clear penalty on Eze ended up being overturned after a VAR check.

This also followed a controversial penalty being awarded to Atletico, with Julian Alvarez scoring the equaliser from the spot after what clearly looked like an unintentional handball by Ben White.

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While Arteta was ready to accept the different handball rules in UEFA competitions for the Atletico penalty, he admitted he was “fuming” with the foul on Eze not being given.

Mikel Arteta fuming after controversial Atletico-Arsenal game

? "At this level, this CANNOT happen!" ?

Mikel Arteta did NOT hold back after *that* penalty decision against Arsenal last night…?

©?UEFA 2026 pic.twitter.com/xE2CsBFb8n

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 30, 2026

Speaking in his press conference after the game, Arteta said: “In the manner that we gave the penalty, very disappointed. In the Premier League, it’s not a penalty, but here I have to accept that with the rules and how consistent they’ve been, for example, yesterday with Bayern Munich, I accept that this is a handball.

“What I am incredibly fuming with, is how the penalty on Ebs gets overturned in the manner that it happened, when it’s not a clear and obvious error – this changes the course of the game. At this level, I’m sorry, but this cannot happen.”

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Arsenal fans will surely share Arteta’s frustration here, as this one decision could end up being a crucial moment in the complexion of this tie.

The north London giants will no doubt feel they deserved a win in this game, which would have given them a huge advantage as they prepared for the second leg at home.

The post “This cannot happen” – Mikel Arteta admits he’s “fuming” over crucial decision that went against Arsenal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Video: Row erupts between Diego Simeone and Arsenal star after controversial CL semi-final

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By:Mark Brus

As if there wasn’t enough drama on the pitch between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid last night, things also boiled over between Ben White and Diego Simeone after the game.

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The Gunners came away with a 1-1 draw away from home in the first leg of this Champions League semi-final tie, and while that’s a very decent result on paper, there’ll be some bad blood after two controversial penalty decisions.

On top of that, it seems Arsenal defender White angered Atletico boss Simeone by walking over the club crest as he went towards the tunnel, which some see as a sign of disrespect.

Watch below for the incident, captured by Marca, as Simeone angrily approaches White after seeing him walking on the club badge…

? Wow…Diego Simeone was NOT happy with Arsenal's Ben White after the game…??

? via @MARCAinENGLISH pic.twitter.com/QRIHPmrfLI

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 30, 2026

Video from Marca In English

White was seemingly in no mood to be confronted in this way, and it led to others getting involved, though what happened after that is a little unclear.

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Arsenal close to Champions League final

Arsenal haven’t been at their best recently, so to come away with a draw away from home against a top team like Atletico Madrid is surely a big positive as they chase an appearance in what would be only their second Champions League final.

Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead through a penalty from Viktor Gyokeres just before half time, but Julian Alvarez ended up equalising from the spot in the second half.

There was controversy about the Alvarez penalty as it looked a very harsh handball decision, similar to the one awarded to Paris Saint-Germain that divided opinion in the game against Bayern Munich the night before.

Arsenal were then denied a second penalty, with the referee initially awarding the spot kick for a foul on Eberechi Eze before then overturning the decision after a VAR check.

Still, AFC will surely now be confident of finishing the job at the Emirates Stadium next week and setting up an intriguing potential final against one of PSG or Bayern.

The post Video: Row erupts between Diego Simeone and Arsenal star after controversial CL semi-final appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Report: Liverpool face losing key star as agent flies out for transfer talks

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By:Saikat

Andrew Robertson will be a free agent at the end of the season, and he has decided to leave Liverpool.

He has been linked with multiple clubs in recent weeks, and it appears that Turkish outfit Fenerbache is keen to secure his signature.

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Fenerbahce want to sign Andrew Robertson

According to a report from Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, the player’s agent recently flew out to Istanbul for transfer talks with the Turkish outfit. An offer has been made to the player, and Robertson has considered it.

However, talks are currently at a standstill because of the upcoming presidential election in the first week of June. It seems that transfers could be halted until then. In that case, Robertson is expected to choose another. It is highly unlikely that he will wait until June for the Turkish outfit.

Sabuncuoglu wrote on X: “Fenerbahçe brought Andrew Robertson’s agent to Istanbul. A verbal offer was made. The player has taken the offer under consideration, but the talks halted once the election decision was made.”

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Where will Robertson end up?

The Scottish defender has also been linked with English clubs like Tottenham Hotspur. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. The 32-year-old has been a reliable defender for Liverpool over the years, and he has the quality to compete at a high level. He could prove to be a quality short-term acquisition in the right team.

Even though he is in the twilight of his career, he could prove to be a very good free signing, mainly because of his leadership qualities and winning experience. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.

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Man United eye creative boost as Tottenham join race for €40 million Brazilian star

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara has been linked with a move away from Turkey at the end of the season.

According to a report from Italian publication Calciomercato, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on the player.

Leeds United were linked with Sara a few months ago.

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Gabriel Sara has done well in Turkey

The 26-year-old Brazilian is in impressive form and has registered 11 goal contributions across all competitions. He could cost around €35-40 million, and it will be interesting to see if the two Premier League clubs are willing to come forward with an offer for him.

They will also face competition from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

It is no secret that Tottenham and Manchester United need more quality in the middle of the park. A technically gifted central midfielder who can add goals and creativity would be ideal. The 26-year-old has shown his quality in the UEFA Champions League, and he has the ability to succeed in the Premier League as well.

The reported asking price seems reasonable for a player of his quality in today’s market.

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England move could tempt Sara

Sara could justify the investment if he manages to adapt to English football quickly. He has played in England before with Norwich City, and the opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting.

Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in England, and they will be hoping to fight for trophies next year. He could be tempted to be a part of their project.

On the other hand, Tottenham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and a club of their stature should be doing a lot better. They will look to bounce back strongly next year, and the quality signing. The 26-year-old playmaker could add a new dimension to their attack.

The post Man United eye creative boost as Tottenham join race for €40 million Brazilian star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Liverpool and Chelsea join Arsenal in the chase for Europe’s next big thing

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

Liverpool and Chelsea are interested in signing the Norwegian midfielder Eirik Granaas.

The 15-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future ahead of himself.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are also monitoring his situation. However, Liverpool and Chelsea have expressed strong interest in the player, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.

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Eirik Granaas is an elite talent

The 15-year-old could be a solid long-term acquisition for the Premier League clubs. They have a rich history of grooming young players, and they could help him fulfil his tremendous potential.

He will add creativity and technical ability to the team. Even though he’s not ready for Premier League football every week, he could be a useful player for them now and an indispensable asset in the long-term.

Graanas is an attacking midfielder who can also operate as a central midfielder.

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Granaas could fancy a move

The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for Granaas as well. It would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at the highest level. Exposure to the Premier League could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea certainly have the financial resources to get the deal done, and it will be interesting to see if there is an offer to Fredrikstad FK.

The Norwegian outfit will not want to lose the talented youngster easily, but they could be under pressure to sell if an attractive proposal comes in.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few weeks.

The post Liverpool and Chelsea join Arsenal in the chase for Europe’s next big thing appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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“I don’t think it’s a good idea”: Van Dijk breaks speaks out on Liverpool star’s exit rumours

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

Alisson Becker has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

He has been an exceptional servant for Liverpool over the years, and losing him could be a blow. Liverpool are already set to lose Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson in the summer.

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Liverpool cannot lose Alisson Becker

Losing too many important players in one window could be detrimental for the club. This has been a disappointing season for the Reds, and they will be expected to bounce back strongly next season. A club of their stature should be pushing for the league title consistently.

They need leaders on the team, in addition to fresh talent. The Brazilian goalkeeper is a key pillar in the dressing room for Liverpool, and they cannot afford to lose him just yet.

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Virgil van Dijk on Alisson rumours

Club captain Virgil van Dijk has now opened up on the transfer speculations surrounding the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Van Dijk on Alisson’s future (h/t James Pearce): “We have been through everything together, positive things and some negative things unfortunately as well, so it would definitely be a big blow and a miss, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to think ahead about what could or could not happen.

“He’s very important for me as one of the leaders in the team, and he is very important on the pitch because he is, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the world.

“He’s trying to be back as soon as possible to help us for the last four games, and that’s our main focus. Whatever happens after that is not something you should ask me. Would I love him to stay? Of course, there’s no doubt about that.”

He has been linked with a move to Italy in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see if Alisson is willing to return to Italian football in the summer. He is a world-class goalkeeper, and his departure would certainly weaken Liverpool.

The post “I don’t think it’s a good idea”: Van Dijk breaks speaks out on Liverpool star’s exit rumours appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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‘That boy ain’t staying’: Liverpool told to land rising star who has been ‘exceptional’

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By:Saikat

Liverpool have been told to make a move for the West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old Portuguese star has done quite well for the Hammers, and he could prove to be an excellent long-term acquisition for Liverpool.

 Fernandes has also been linked with Manchester United. Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the West Ham United star.

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Liverpool needs someone like Mateus Fernandes

It is no secret that they need a combative midfielder in the middle of the park. He’s a hard-working player who will help out defensively and add control and composure to the team as well. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool decides to make a move in the coming weeks.

Former Liverpool star Jan Molby believes that he would be an exceptional acquisition for the club.

Molby said (h/t EOTK): “I think he’s exceptional, and I mean exceptional. That boy ain’t staying at West Ham, regardless of what happens.

“He’s got it all. He’s mobile. He’s technically very good. He reminds me a bit of the two Portuguese midfielders who run and dominate at PSG. This boy’s the real deal.”

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Anfield move could tempt Fernandes

Fernandes will certainly be attracted to the idea of joining Liverpool. It would be a huge opportunity for him, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

West Ham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and the 21-year-old seems to have outgrown them. He deserves to compete at a higher level, and moving to a Champions League-level club would be ideal for him.

Regular football at Liverpool could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can secure an agreement with West Ham in the summer. The hammers will not want to lose him easily, and they could demand a premium.

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Man United target explosive 29-G/A Newcastle target as summer plans take shape

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

Manchester United are hoping to sign the Ajax attacker Mika Godts at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old winger is a target for Newcastle United as well, and a report from Football Insider claims that Manchester United have put him firmly on their radar.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also keen on Godts.

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Man United could use Mika Godts

It is no secret that they need more quality on the flanks. They need someone who can add peace and flair to the team. The Belgian has done quite well for Ajax, with 29 goal contributions for the Dutch outfit.

He has the technical attributes to play for a big club, and he could be a future star with the right guidance. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to submit an offer for Godts. They have the financial muscle to get the deal done, and he could cost a premium.

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Newcastle is also keen on Godts

Newcastle United could use more quality in the wide areas as well. It remains to be seen where the Belgian ends up. He will look to play regularly at this stage of his career, and he should aim to join a club where he starts every week.

At Manchester United, he might have to compete with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Newcastle might be able to provide him with more opportunities.

Godts has shown his quality for Ajax in the European competitions, and he is ready for the next step. Moving to the Premier League could be the ideal step up in his career and accelerate his development.

Meanwhile, Football Insider reports that Manchester United are looking to bring in a central midfielder and a left-back as well. Improving the three positions will be an absolute priority for them in the summer.

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Chelsea ready to cut their losses as Everton look to sign £30m star this summer

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat

Chelsea striker Liam Delap has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has been hugely disappointing, scoring just once for the London club this season.

There have been rumours that Chelsea want to replace Delap this summer.

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Chelsea wants to sell Liam Delap

Chelsea are looking to get rid of him in the summer, and they will look to recoup the £30 million they paid for him. According to a report from Football Insider, Everton is interested in signing the player, and they could provide him with an exit route.

They need to add more quality and depth to the attacking unit, and Delap could be ideal. He has shown his quality in the Premier League with Ipswich Town. A fresh start could be ideal for the talented young striker. Regular football at Everton could bring out the best in him. It could help him regain his form and confidence.

Chelsea is set to bring Emanuel Emegha to the club from Strasbourg in the summer, and he will compete with Joao Pedro for the starting spot.

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Delap could thrive at Everton

It makes sense for the 23-year-old striker to move on in search of regular playing time. Everton have shown improvement this season, and they are pushing for a place in Europe. They could be an attractive destination for Delap.

It will be interesting to see if Everton is willing to pay the asking price for him. They will hope to sign him for a knockdown fee, given his situation at Chelsea. They are fully aware that Chelsea wants to get rid of him, and his performances have been underwhelming. It seems unlikely they will want to pay £30 million for the striker.

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“A problem” – Scholes highlights major issue as Arsenal star struggles without this teammate

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By:Ros Knowles

Paul Scholes has hit out at Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard for being too dependent on teammate Bukayo Saka.

In a discussion with fellow Manchester United legend Gary Neville, Scholes claimed that the Arsenal captain has struggled due to the absence of his midfield teammate for so much of this season.

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“Saka not being there is a problem because I think Odegaard does connect well with Saka,” Scholes stated on The Overlap.

“I don’t think he will have quite that connection with Viktor Gyokeres, because he’s not that type of a player. Possibly with Kai Havertz, he could have it.”

Saka has just returned to the squad after a brief hiatus. The 24-year-old’s injury struggles have long been a concern for Arsenal fans; last season, he missed 21 games with a torn hamstring. This season, he has been beset with more hamstring issues, a hip problem and an Achilles injury – although Arteta has been typically cautious about revealing the details of his latest issue, saying only that “it’s something that he was carrying for a while”.

His return to play brought with it a win against Newcastle, which saw the Gunners back in contention for the top spot in the Premier League.

Martin Odegaard role needs a rethink

The concern is that, without Saka, Odegaard’s position is flawed.

Scholes argued that the Norwegian midfielder “isn’t playing his position properly.”

Discussing the Newcastle game, Scholes went on: “Half the time I saw him in the first 20 minutes he was almost the deepest man. That football, it’s just bulls***.”

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“You wonder why there’s no flow in your team when he’s behind Martin Zubimendi, he’s behind Declan Rice. How can you get connections there?”

Pressed on whether the poor positioning was the fault of Arteta or the player himself, Scholes answered: “Whether they’ve been told that or not, Odegaard is a No. 10, Odegaard connects your midfield to your forward play.”

Martin Odegaard could still be key to Arsenal success

Despite Scholes’ criticism, the Arsenal captain will likely play an important role in the coming weeks. He has been a key figure in the squad’s success under Arteta, named as the club’s Player of the Season in 2023 and 2024.

Having had a difficult season with injuries, he has only made 22 appearances so far, down from 30 in the previous season, and down from 37 in 22-23. While he’s undeniably had a tricky season, if he and Saka can stay fit, we may well see the pair prove themselves to be instrumental in the next few games.

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Man United want €50m World Cup winner with “high pressing intensity and elite passing”

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By:Saikat

Exequiel Palacios has been linked with a move away from German club Bayer Leverkusen.

According to a report from FussballDaten, the Bundesliga outfit is not keen on sanctioning his departure, but multiple clubs are keen on securing his services.

He has a contract with them until 2030, and any club interested in him will have to pay at least €50 million to even start negotiations. Palacios has previously been linked with Liverpool.

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Man United keen on Exequiel Palacios

According to the report, Manchester United are interested in securing his signature. They believe that his “high pressing intensity and elite passing quality” would be ideal. They have been admirers of Palacios for a while.

Casemiro will leave the club in the summer, and Manchester United needs to replace him properly. They need someone who can shield the back four and allow the central midfielders to operate with more freedom.

The 2022 World Cup winner could be ideal for them. He has consistently shown his quality in Germany, and he has the physicality and technical attributes for English football as well. There is no doubt he could be an outstanding option for Manchester United in the middle of the park.

Manchester United are likely to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they could be an interesting option for the player.

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Man City also keen on Palacios

Meanwhile, Manchester City is keen on the player as well. They need someone who can support Rodri, and the South American could be ideal.

Manchester City have been consistently fighting for major trophies, and they have a world-class team. The player would also get to work with Pep Guardiola.

The €50 million asking price is affordable for both clubs, and it will be interesting to see what the player decides if there is a concrete offer from both teams.

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Man United eye move for 26-year-old wide man after standout display vs Chelsea

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By:Saikat

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the Turkish international defender Ferdi Kadioglu.

The 26-year-old left back has done quite well since joining Brighton, and he has been a key player for them. According to a report from Turkish publication Sporx, Manchester United are closely monitoring his development and could look to make a move in the summer.

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Man United could use Ferdi Kadioglu

It is no secret that they need a quality left back. They will need to replace Luke Shaw in the long term, and the Turkish International could be ideal. Kadioglu has shown his quality in the Premier League with Brighton, and he has the quality to play for a bigger club as well.

Kadioglu was previously linked with Arsenal.

The opportunity to join Manchester United could be exciting for Kadioglu. It would be a step up for him, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Manchester United is set to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season, making them an attractive destination for quality players. Manchester United also wanted Kadioglu last year.

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Kadioglu could fancy a big move

Kadioglu is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge. He has a contract with the English club until 2028, and Brighton could demand a premium for him. Manchester United will need to improve multiple areas of the squad, and they are unlikely to pay over the odds for the Turkish international.

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can secure an agreement with Brighton over a reasonable deal.

Kadioglu has been a reliable defender in the Premier League, and he has shown that he can impact games on the other end of the pitch as well. The Turkish defender delivered an outstanding performance against Chelsea in his last match, scoring the opening goal and creating multiple opportunities for his teammates.

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€75m release clause: Man United & City on alert for “ideal” transfer opportunity

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly both eyeing up a potential transfer move for Porto midfielder Alan Varela this summer.

The 24-year-old has impressed during his time with Porto, having also previously caught the eye at former club Boca Juniors.

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Having shown he can make the step up to playing in Europe, one imagines Varela might now be keen to develop further and test himself in a more competitive league like the Premier League.

Alan Varela release clause puts United and City on alert

With a €75m release clause in his contract, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, it seems Varela is on the radar of the two Manchester clubs as we edge closer to the next transfer window…

EXCL: Alan Varela is attracting serious interest, with Porto setting a €75m release clause.?

?Man City view the Argentine as a Rodri replacement if he moves on, while Man Utd see him as the ideal successor to Casemiro.@Ekremkonur & @Sportsboomcom https://t.co/oYUXUPCHiO https://t.co/Idpjlvkw7Q

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) April 29, 2026

The reporter posted the following on X: “Alan Varela is attracting serious interest, with Porto setting a €75m release clause. Man City view the Argentine as a Rodri replacement if he moves on, while Man Utd see him as the ideal successor to Casemiro.”

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Varela certainly seems like one to watch in the weeks and months ahead, as he looks more than good enough to be on the list alongside the other midfielders United and City have been linked with in recent times.

Where should Alan Varela move next?

Varela may well have some tempting offers available to him this summer, and we’ll perhaps see other big clubs joining the race for the Argentine’s signature before too long.

Porto have often sold their best players to elite European sides if the money is right, but one imagines they’ll insist on Varela’s release clause being met.

That means he’s going to be one of the more expensive options on the market, so not necessarily the safest investment when there’ll also be proven Premier League players worth looking at as well.

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Chelsea plot move for 11-G/A Man City target amid fears over key departure

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By:Saikat

Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in signing Ibrahim Maza from Bayer Leverkusen. 

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the two Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old playmaker, and they could look to make a move in the summer.

Maza has impressed in Germany with Leverkusen, and he has the technical attributes for English football as well. He has also been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham.

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Ibrahim Maza would be a long-term asset

Maza can play as an attacking or central midfielder. He will add creativity and goals from the middle of the park. Manchester City could certainly use someone with his skill set. They have yet to properly replace Kevin De Bruyne, and they are likely to lose Bernardo Silva at the end of the season as well. They need more creativity in the middle of the park.

The 20-year-old could be a long-term acquisition for them, and Pep Guardiola could groom him into a future star.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will need more creativity from the middle of the park as well. They have been overly dependent on Enzo Fernandez for goals and creativity from the midfield. The Argentina International has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season, and they will need to fill the creative void after his departure.

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Where will Maza end up?

Maza has five goals and six assists this season. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the 20-year-old to join the club.

The opportunity to play for Chelsea or Manchester City could be exciting for Maza, especially if they are prepared to offer him a key role in the starting lineup.

Leverkusen could demand a premium for him as well. He has a contract with them until 2030. It remains to be seen where he ends up.

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Arsenal eye Premier League-proven 28-G/A star after secret call from Mikel Arteta

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By:Saikat

Arsenal are interested in signing the Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez at the end of the season.

According to reports from Spain, Mikel Arteta has already phoned the Argentine striker to register his interest, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can convince him.

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Arsenal could use Julian Alvarez

Even though they have Viktor Gyokeres at their disposal, the Swedish International has not been prolific enough. Also, his overall game needs a lot of refinement. Arsenal need someone who can lead the line, score goals consistently, and create opportunities for his teammates in the final third.

The South American is a complete forward who could be the ideal acquisition for the North London outfit. He knows the Premier League well from his time at Manchester City, and he could make an immediate impact.

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Alvarez could transform Arsenal

He has 19 goals to his name this season, and he has picked up nine assists along the way as well. He is also quite effective from direct free kicks, and Alvarez could add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack.

Arsenal have a formidable defensive unit and a reasonably good midfield. However, they need more quality in the final third. They need to invest in a reliable striker and a quality winger. Alvarez could make a big difference for them. He is at the peak of his career, and according to the report, he is looking for a more ambitious project.

Arsenal will certainly have more resources than Atletico Madrid, and they are more likely to sign the top-quality players needed to compete regularly with elite clubs. It would not be a surprise if he’s attracted to the idea of returning to England.

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Deal progressing: PSG have “intensified” efforts to sign Arsenal transfer target

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By:Mark Brus

Paris Saint-Germain reportedly seem to be making progress on a potential transfer move for Lille midfield wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The talented young Frenchman has long looked one of the biggest prospects in Europe’s big five leagues, with Arsenal mentioned to us as one of his main admirers.

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Still, we’ve also previously reported for the Daily Briefing about PSG being alongside a long list of elite sides such as Manchester United and Liverpool in also eyeing Bouaddi.

Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer latest

Now the latest is that PSG have intensified their efforts to win the race for the 18-year-old in recent weeks, as per the X post from journalist Abdellah Boulma below…

?Le PSG avance en coulisses sur le dossier Ayyoub Bouaddi. L’intérêt s’est intensifié ces dernières semaines, avec plusieurs prises de renseignements et la présentation d’un projet sportif au joueur du LOSC. Les échanges se poursuivent mais Olivier Letang se montre exigeant
..À…

— Abdellah Boulma (@AbdellahBoulma) April 29, 2026

The post translates as: “PSG is making progress behind the scenes on the Ayyoub Bouaddi file. Interest has intensified in recent weeks, with several inquiries and the presentation of a sports project to the LOSC player. Discussions are ongoing, but Olivier Letang is proving demanding ..To be continued.”

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This certainly looks like a deal that could be a good fit for all parties involved, as PSG have tended to do well with signing top young French players in recent times and building around them.

However, there is also a lot of competition in that PSG midfield, with Bouaddi perhaps unlikely to start regularly when Luis Enrique also has the likes of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Warren Zaire-Emery to choose from in that position.

Arsenal dealt Ayyoub Bouaddi blow

This could be a blow for Arsenal, who would surely be able to give Bouaddi more of a key role straight away next season.

Mikel Arteta has Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in midfield at the moment, but he’s barely been able to rotate this term due to seemingly not trusting Christian Norgaard very much.

That could surely have allowed Bouaddi to come in and play a part pretty quickly, with the teenager perhaps then ideal to eventually replace the likes of Rice and Zubimendi as first choice once they get older and past their peak.

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Risk of Man United being powerless to prevent star player’s transfer as he seeks assurances

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United may reportedly be heading towards an uncomfortable situation regarding Bruno Fernandes in the upcoming summer transfer window.

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The Portugal international has been a star performer for Man Utd since joining from Sporting Lisbon back in 2020, and he’s approaching the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.

Fernandes is now said to be keen to have some assurances from the Red Devils about their ambitions, according to the Telegraph.

The report adds that Fernandes has a release clause in his contract that would leave United powerless to prevent him leaving if that fee were to be triggered.

Can Bruno Fernandes achieve his ambitions at Manchester United?

Fernandes is one of the best attacking midfielders in world football on his day, with the Telegraph reporting that he’s unsurprisingly keen to win the biggest trophies.

This could become an issue for MUFC, who have not been as competitive as they’d have liked in recent years, and indeed for much of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

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There will surely be top clubs out there who could make Fernandes a tempting offer, even if he might be a slightly risky target due to his cost, wages, and age.

The 31-year-old does, however, still boast great numbers even in this flawed United side, as the table below from the Telegraph’s article shows…

Bruno Fernandes assist stats
Bruno Fernandes assist stats (Telegraph)

Fernandes is not far away from breaking the record for assists in a single Premier League season, so it would certainly make sense for United to keep him.

There has been real improvement made since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager, and perhaps that can give the player hope of being part of a more successful United side in the near future.

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Andrea Berta talked Mikel Arteta into Arsenal transfer he initially wasn’t sure about

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By:Mark Brus

Arsenal director Andrea Berta was reportedly the key driving force behind the signing of Viktor Gyokeres last summer.

The new sporting director joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid and immediately became an influential figure, as he seemingly talked Mikel Arteta round on bringing in Gyokeres instead of Benjamin Sesko.

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That’s according to a report from the Athletic, which states that Berta did not view Sesko as good value for money, though he would have been willing to compromise if Arteta really insisted on him over Gyokeres.

In the end, it seems Arsenal managed to come to an internal agreement, with Berta winning this particular power battle and getting the striker he favoured.

Was Viktor Gyokeres signing a mistake by Arsenal chief Andrea Berta?

Gyokeres has not had the most convincing debut season at the Emirates Stadium, while Sesko ended up joining rivals Manchester United.

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All in all, it’s not that easy to see who got the better deal, with neither player hitting the ground running in English football so far, though Sesko is younger and perhaps looks the more well-rounded player overall.

See below for a graphic comparing various aspects of the two players’ games, with a pretty mixed picture emerging…

Viktor Gyokeres vs Benjamin Sesko stats comparison
Viktor Gyokeres vs Benjamin Sesko stats comparison (DataMB)

Still, with strikers it’s arguably goals that matter most, and Gyokeres has the slightly better scoring record this season, albeit from playing more games and with the benefit of better teammates and a more settled squad in general…

Striker comparison (all comps) Games Goals
Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) 48 18
Benjamin Sesko (Man Utd) 31 11

Gyokeres was hugely prolific at Sporting Lisbon, but was perhaps never likely to be able to repeat those crazy numbers in the Premier League.

Sesko, meanwhile, was already performing in a more competitive league overall, even if it’s still a step up from the Bundesliga to the English top flight.

Arsenal fans may be frustrated, however, at Berta’s decision-making here, as Gyokeres has so often looked out of his depth at this level, with some good finishing but not much else to offer to the team.

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Henry is hoping Arsenal boss Arteta sticks to his principles against Atletico Madrid

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Arsenal prepare to lock horns with Atletico Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League semi-final clash.

The Gunners are hoping to qualify for the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.

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While the Gunners’ recent domestic form has been a bit of a bumpy ride, club legend Thierry Henry has publicly stepped up to defend his former team’s gritty, defensive tactical shift, insisting that grinding out results completely trumps beautiful football at this high-stakes stage of the competition.

If you look closely at Arsenal’s season, they haven’t exactly been playing the free-flowing, expansive style that football purists want to see, something they got in abundance in the Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich semifinal.

Arsenal have made it a habit of defensive approach

A highly nervy, chaotic 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend perfectly highlighted their current blueprint, suffering through matches and doing just enough to secure the win.

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However, when it comes to facing Diego Simeone’s notoriously stubborn Atletico Madrid, the Gunners actually boast a surprisingly devastating track record this year.

Back during the league phase of the competition in November, Arsenal completely dismantled the Spanish giants 4-0 at the Emirates.

Speaking to his colleagues on CBS Sports, as reported by The Standard, Henry delivered a refreshingly honest take on Arteta’s approach.

“Atletico lost at The Emirates, I think it was 4-0 in the league phase, which doesn’t tell you a lot but it tells you it’s a game where we created, actually.

“But it will be different. The win, Arsenal against Newcastle, in terms of how we played wasn’t outstanding but it’s way better to go into that game with a win against Newcastle.

“So let’s see what’s going to happen tomorrow. It’s not so much what I want to see, people are expecting or wanting Arsenal to play a certain way now, they didn’t the whole year. Why do you want them now to just go forward and start to create?

“They play a certain way, Mikel Arteta plays a certain way, we’re strong on set-pieces, solid, we don’t create a lot.”

Thierry Henry makes sense with his analysis

Martin Odegaard of Arsenal looks on
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal looks on (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Henry is essentially telling the fanbase to stop demanding champagne football and embrace the grueling, tactical grind.

At the end of the day, elite knockout football isn’t about earning style points, it’s about pure survival.

Henry, a man who knows exactly what it takes to reach the absolute pinnacle of European football, is fully on board with Arteta’s stubborn, defense-first mentality.

If soaking up pressure and relying on a towering header from a corner is what it takes to finally punch a ticket to another Champions League final, the Arsenal faithful will undoubtedly take it in a heartbeat.

Sources: Mikel Arteta going all-in on left-back making waves at top European club

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Report: Highly-rated manager ready to accept Chelsea job if he receives an offer

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Following the disastrous, short-lived tenure of Liam Rosenior, the BlueCo ownership is working overtime behind the scenes to secure a proven, top-flight manager.

A lot of managers are on their shortlist right now, with Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso being the top three managers the Blues are targeting.

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According to the latest inside scoop from Football Insider, departing Bournemouth boss Iraola has rocketed to the top of the shortlist and crucially, the Spanish tactician would reportedly find it practically impossible to reject a formal offer from the West London giants.

Chelsea job is attracting interest from Iraola

On one hand, you are walking into an intensely pressurised, incredibly volatile environment where patience from the boardroom is famously non-existent.

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On the other hand, it is still Chelsea Football Club. For a manager like Iraola, who has spent the last few years performing absolute tactical miracles down on the South Coast, the sheer scale of the Stamford Bridge project is attractive.

The 43-year-old views the Chelsea hot seat as a massive, career-defining opportunity.

Gaining access to BlueCo’s deep transfer war chest and inheriting a squad packed with elite, albeit disjointed, young global talent is a dream scenario for an ambitious coach.

From Chelsea’s perspective, the attraction is completely mutual. The board has fundamentally shifted its recruitment strategy this summer.

They are entirely done gambling on unproven potential and are strictly demanding a manager with a battle-tested Premier League track record.

Spanish manager would be ideal for the Blues

Iraola ticks every single box. His high-octane, heavy-pressing system completely transformed Bournemouth into a fearless top-flight outfit.

Imagine injecting that exact same ruthless, front-foot tactical blueprint into a highly expensive squad that desperately lacks a clear identity.

Iraola knows exactly how to navigate the relentless, punishing English schedule, meaning there would be zero adjustment period, something Chelsea desperately needs as they look to immediately bounce back into Champions League contention.

With Iraola already confirming he is leaving the Vitality Stadium at the end of the current season, he is a highly coveted free agent who won’t cost the club a single penny in compensation fees.

Loan discussed as Chelsea unhappy with youngster’s development so far

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Talks planned: Man United star made available as major clubs eye transfer

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By:Ros Knowles

Manchester United are reportedly looking to offload Manuel Ugarte ahead of a major summer shake-up for the team. His representative, Jorge Chijane, will meet with agent Jorge Mendes to discuss options for a possible exit from the club, reports Rodri Vazquez.

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See below for a post on X from Vazquez, who states that Ugarte is attracting interest ahead of this summer, with Man Utd making him available for a relatively low asking price of €28m…

? ATENCIÓN | Manuel Ugarte con las horas contadas en Manchester United.

?? Jorge Chijane se reunirá en los próximos días con Jorge Méndes para tratar de avanzar en la salida del volante uruguayo.

??????? El equipo inglés pretende una negociación por una venta definitiva cercana a… pic.twitter.com/zu6nM01oYk

— Rodri Vázquez (@RodriVazquez95) April 28, 2026

The Uruguayan midfielder looked like a hopeful signing for the Red Devils when he first joined in 2024, but has failed to make waves in the Premier League.

Now, United are looking to sell Ugarte for close to €28m, with Atletico Madrid and Napoli currently the teams reported as expressing the most interest.

A disappointing signing

After being signed from Paris Saint-Germain for £50.5m, Ugarte has failed to live up to expectations at Man Utd. According to The Athletic, the club’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was particularly unimpressed by the 24-year-old’s performance against Leeds United on April 13. Man Utd lost the League game 2-1.

While interim manager Michael Carrick has reinvigorated the club, improving the performance of a number of struggling players, Ugarte has been unable to establish himself in the starting line-up. As things stand, the Red Devils are likely to sell Ugarte at a significant loss.

TeamTalk claim that the midfielder is also ready to leave, and that Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray are very interested in the player.

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Ugarte exit one of many from United

Man United are gearing up for a major summer rebuild. They have all-but wrapped up qualification for the Champions League, and now have an ambitious eye on the next season.

They will be looking to sign two new central midfielders, a centre-back, left-back and left winger – but, first, they need to shift some of the dead weight that has built up. The Sun reports that Andre Onana, Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee will also be free to find new clubs.

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Yes, Liverpool miss Luis Diaz, but Bayern’s front 3 weren’t stat-padding like this in the Prem

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

I’ve made my feelings clear on PSG’s 5-4 win over Bayern Munich already, but it really is worth emphasising just how much some people are overreacting to the crazy numbers being produced by the front three of Bayern in particular.

Much has been made of the supposed declining quality of the Premier League this season, but isn’t Bayern’s dominance, if anything, the clearest example you can have that the English top flight is more competitive than ever?

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Bayern’s entire front three is, after all, made up entirely of former Premier League players. Their most recent arrival is Luis Diaz, who joined from Liverpool last summer, linking up with former Tottenham striker Harry Kane and former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, all of whom are now somehow playing the best football of their careers under former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.

? Always a joy to watch Michael Olise play football…? pic.twitter.com/MAhjFzcbnr

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 28, 2026

It might not surprise you to learn that all three of these players have boasted the best numbers in their careers at Bayern, even if they were already clearly very good players during their time in England.

Yes Luis Diaz is great but he wouldn’t be producing numbers like this at Liverpool

Liverpool fans must be regretting the decision to let Diaz go, but here’s just one example of a move to the Bundesliga massively over-stating how good he actually is…

Luis Diaz in 148 games for Liverpool – 57GA

Luis Diaz in 45 games for Bayern – 43GA

It’s much easier for a Premier League player to adapt and excel in the Bundesliga than a seasoned Bundesliga player can do in the Premier League.

— WelBeast (@WelBeast) April 29, 2026

Meanwhile, Kane already has half his entire Tottenham goal tally in under three full seasons at Bayern, while Olise has 40 goals in two seasons at the Allianz Arena, following on from a total of 16 in his entire Palace career.

It’s not rocket science, people – playing against weaker opponents domestically means it’s easier to boast crazy numbers, and to have reserves of energy to play expansive, attack-minded football in Europe as well.

Stick slightly less glamorous names like Jeremy Doku and Gabriel Martinelli into the Bayern XI and you’d likely see largely the same transformation.

The post Yes, Liverpool miss Luis Diaz, but Bayern’s front 3 weren’t stat-padding like this in the Prem appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Report: Club eyeing new target after ending interest in signing Chelsea forward

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic after deciding not to keep on-loan Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.

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Vlahovic is nearing the end of his contract at Juve so could be a good bargain option on the market to give Bayern more cover for Harry Kane up front.

Jackson has filled that role this season since joining on loan from Chelsea last summer, but Florian Plettenberg has recently reported that the Bundesliga giants have decided not to extend his stay beyond the end of this campaign…

?? Juventus are monitoring Nicolas #Jackson and can imagine a loan move. AC Milan are monitoring the situation as well.

Jackson will return to Chelsea in the summer for now, as FC Bayern will not trigger the option to buy and a second loan is currently not planned. #CFC… pic.twitter.com/3W8i2OoAJh

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 28, 2026

Plettenberg also added in his post on X that Juventus themselves are among the clubs interested in Jackson, so he could end up replacing Vlahovic in Turin.

According to Fichajes, Bayern are keen on the Serbia international to come in and add depth to their list of options up front next season, and it certainly seems like a deal with some potential.

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What next for Dusan Vlahovic?

A lot has been written about Vlahovic in recent weeks and months as it’s not quite clear what the future holds for the 26-year-old.

Dusan Vlahovic Games Goals
2021/22 21 9
2022/23 42 14
2023/24 38 18
2024/25 44 17
2025/26 19 6

Vlahovic looked like an exciting young talent at former club Fiorentina, but he hasn’t quite lived up to his potential at Juventus.

This has occasionally seen Vlahovic linked with big clubs like Chelsea, as per TEAMtalk, but it was also recently claimed that he could be close to signing a new Juventus contract, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.

Even if Vlahovic has his qualities, it currently seems unlikely that he’d be an automatic starter at a top club, so perhaps a bench role at Bayern or somewhere similar could be his best bet.

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Rio Ferdinand wants Man United to sign ‘majestic’ midfielder to replace Casemiro

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat

Manchester United’s summer rebuild under the INEOS is already rapidly taking shape, and the midfield is screaming out for a massive overhaul.

With the club officially confirming that veteran enforcer Casemiro will be packing his bags when his contract expires at the end of June, the hunt for a new, world-class defensive anchor is fully underway.

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According to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, Real Madrid powerhouse Aurelien Tchouameni is exactly the kind of “majestic” presence the Red Devils desperately need to finally bring stability back to Old Trafford.

Rio Ferdinand has an advice for Man United

Speaking recently on his popular YouTube channel, Ferdinand didn’t hold back his sheer admiration for the 26-year-old French international.

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Reflecting on Tchouameni’s commanding performances on the absolute biggest stages, especially highlighting that intense France vs England clash, Ferdinand painted the picture of a completely dominant, plug-and-play superstar who would instantly fix United’s porous midfield.

“Majestic, he was strong. He was so commanding,” Ferdinand raved to his viewers, making it abundantly clear that Man United should target a move for him.

But is a deal actually realistic? Surprisingly, the door to the Bernabeu might just be creaking open.

While Tchouameni has thoroughly justified his £68m price tag since arriving from Monaco in 2022, Real Madrid are reportedly plotting some massive midfield moves of their own this summer.

Florentino Perez is aggressively eyeing up Manchester City’s Rodri or even Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

Will Real Madrid allow Tchouameni to leave?

If Madrid manage to land a new marquee midfielder, Tchouameni could suddenly find himself pushed toward the exit door.

For a Man United side that has routinely struggled with midfield control and giving the ball away cheaply, his composure would be an absolute godsend.

Tchouameni knows how to break attacks, keep control of possession and show strength and physicality in the midfield.

As United look to capitalise on their almost-guaranteed Champions League qualification, the summer transfer funds will definitely be there.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS recruitment team are actively looking for long-term statement signings who can instantly raise the floor of the squad.

Ferdinand has hit the nail on the head, if Tchouameni is genuinely on the market, Man United need to be standing at the very front of the queue.

Tottenham are plotting a shock summer swoop for Man United forward if they avoid relegation

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Talks planned: Chelsea to approach two more managers over vacancy

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Chelsea are reportedly planning to approach two more managers over the vacancy at Stamford Bridge, according to Simon Phillips.

Reporting via his Substack, Phillips says Chelsea have already had initial contacts with the representatives of the likes of Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso.

And now it seems the Blues will also contact the agents of Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac.

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Kovac has apparently been looked at before by Chelsea, according to Phillips, while the other names look like tempting options due to their availability.

Alonso has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid earlier this season, while Glasner is leaving Palace at the end of this season, and Iraola will also be on his way out of Bournemouth at the same time.

What does Chelsea’s next manager need?

Managing Chelsea almost looks like an impossible job at the moment as the club have had an air of chaos under this current ownership.

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The west London giants were a very different animal under Roman Abramovich, often simply hiring the best managers and signing the best players with the aim of delivering major trophies in the here and now.

This CFC project, however, is built around young players and a long-term project, but the frequent manager sackings and poor signings have complicated matters.

Whoever comes in next for Chelsea needs to be ready to work in this environment, with the expectation that they’ll be able to help young players improve and deal with a large squad.

On top of that, whoever comes in at Chelsea will need to cope with an increasingly frustrated and impatient fanbase, who don’t seem to be aligned with what the owners are trying to do.

While there are several top managers out there, it’s arguably a very different challenge to what they’ve had to deal with in their most recent jobs.

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Premier League attacker on Arsenal and Liverpool radar edging closer to massive summer exit

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat

Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon is high in demand ahead of the summer transfer window.

Since his arrival from Everton, the electric winger has completely won over the Geordie faithful, transforming from a highly debated signing into an absolute talisman for the club.

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According to a major bombshell dropped by The Athletic, the 25-year-old England international is now “increasingly likely” to pack his bags and leave Tyneside this coming summer.

Despite their massive Saudi-backed war chest, Newcastle simply cannot spend freely without balancing their financial books.

Newcastle United are looking to rebuild squad

To fund a desperately needed squad overhaul and bring in fresh elite talent, the Magpies have to generate significant revenue through player sales.

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Because Gordon’s stock has skyrocketed, having established himself as a regular in the England national team set-up, he is currently one of the few highly liquid assets in the squad who could command a genuinely astronomical transfer fee.

Cashing in on him could essentially fund three or four high-quality signings across the pitch.

Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool are both closely monitoring the England international attacker.

Liverpool, in particular, have been heavily and consistently linked with the winger for over a year.

Arsenal and Liverpool could compete for Gordon

With the Anfield hierarchy constantly looking to refresh their frontline and prepare for life after their aging superstars, bringing in a direct, Premier League-proven attacker with Gordon’s relentless pressing metrics makes perfect sense.

Furthermore, clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea are always lurking when a top-tier homegrown talent becomes available.

The premium attached to English players in their prime means Gordon won’t come cheap.

If the Magpies make him available this summer, Gordon could start a bidding war between the top Premier League clubs.

Liverpool hoping strong connection with European giants can help them land £87m deal 

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From Spain: Barcelona chief Deco eyeing five Tottenham stars in potential transfer blitz

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

You increasingly get the sense that Tottenham’s very existence is on the line as they bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

As Spurs remain in the bottom three with just four games remaining, there is unsurprisingly growing talk of huge numbers of their best players leaving if they end up dropping down to the Championship.

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According to the latest from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona director Deco has his eye on as many as five of Tottenham’s current players – Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro, Xavi Simons, and Lucas Bergvall.

Needless to say, getting relegated is bad enough for Spurs, but if they also lost all of those players in one go it would be extremely difficult for the north Londoners to rebuild their side and come back up as soon as possible.

Are Tottenham’s flops good enough for Barcelona?

Realistically, it seems highly unlikely that Barca would be able to sign all five of those players mentioned, not least because the Catalan giants have financial issues that will restrict what they can do without also selling players.

It makes sense, however, that Deco would be looking at Spurs’ current situation and eyeing up a few candidates for a summer raid.

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It’s still worth asking, however, if these players are actually good enough for an elite European side like Barcelona after struggling so badly with THFC.

After all, if these players have performed so poorly that a big club like Spurs might actually be relegated, then serious questions have to be asked about not only their ability, but their mentality.

Still, some of the names there, such as Simons and Bergvall in particular, are young enough that they could learn from this difficult experience and improve as they continue developing, perhaps also benefiting from working in a more settled environment and with better coaches and players around them.

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Report: Liverpool and Man United get ready for summer battle to sign €60 million defender

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat

Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, with both Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly showing strong interest.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 24-year-old Portuguese international sits near the top of several clubs’ defensive wish lists as teams prepare for major squad reshuffles.

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With a €60 million release clause in his contract, Sporting CP are understood to be preparing for the possibility of losing one of their most reliable performers.

Inácio has grown into a key figure for both club and country, and with the FIFA World Cup approaching this summer, his profile is only expected to rise further, potentially making him one of the headline defensive transfers of the window.

Inácio is one of Europe’s most wanted defenders

Inácio has quietly developed into one of the most consistent defenders in Portuguese football over the past few seasons.

A product of Sporting’s renowned academy, he has established himself as a dependable presence in the back line, combining strong defensive awareness with technical ability on the ball.

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This season alone, Inácio has featured in 42 matches across domestic and European competitions, underlining his durability and importance to Sporting’s system.

lubs across Europe are now prioritising defenders who are comfortable in possession, and Inácio fits that description perfectly.

Liverpool and Man United are both looking at defensive options

Liverpool are looking at central defenders due to the uncertain future of Ibrahima Konate and perhaps to find a long term replacement of Virgil Van Dijk.

The club has been exploring long-term solutions capable of maintaining their defensive standards. Inácio’s composure, left-footed balance, and experience in European competitions make him a natural candidate.

Man United, meanwhile, have also been monitoring defensive targets as part of their squad restructuring plans.

Beyond club football, Inácio’s international career continues to gain momentum. He is widely expected to feature prominently for Portugal at the upcoming World Cup, sharing defensive responsibilities with some of the nation’s most experienced players.

Liverpool urged to sacrifice Cody Gakpo in player-plus-cash deal to sign 40-goal monster ‘at all costs’ 

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Loan discussed as Chelsea unhappy with youngster’s development so far

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus

Chelsea are reportedly unhappy with Liam Delap’s development so far and have presented him with the opportunity to go on loan to Strasbourg.

The 23-year-old striker looked like a fine prospect at former club Ipswich Town, but his Chelsea future is already in doubt after just one Premier League goal in 25 games in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

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According to Simon Phillips, the Blues have already been discussing the possibility of Delap going on loan to fellow BlueCo club Strasbourg, though it seems his preference is to snub the loan and stay where he is.

It will be interesting to see how this develops, but at this moment in time it would certainly be surprising if Delap were to still be involved in the Chelsea first-team next season after such a worrying lack of impact.

Liam Delap surely needs to leave Chelsea

Delap may still have it in him to have a good career, but for now he just doesn’t look like he’s at the right level for a club with Chelsea’s ambitions.

The England Under-21 international could benefit from going to Strasbourg for more playing time in a less competitive league, or else he could also probably find suitors elsewhere.

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We’ve previously been informed about Delap having interest from Manchester United, Newcastle United, Everton, Brighton, and Sunderland amid uncertainty over his Chelsea future.

All in all, this deal clearly hasn’t worked out for CFC, but it’s hard to know how much of that is Delap’s fault, or an issue with the club.

So many other recent Chelsea signings have also flopped, with other talented young players like Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Andrey Santos, and Jorrel Hato also looking slightly out of place with the west London giants.

The post Loan discussed as Chelsea unhappy with youngster’s development so far appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Sources: Mikel Arteta going all-in on left-back making waves at top European club

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Arsenal appear to be moving early in their search for defensive reinforcements, with Real Madrid left-back Álvaro Carreras emerging as one of their most intriguing targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Spanish youngster has attracted attention across Europe, but Arsenal’s interest is believed to be particularly strong as manager Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen squad depth and plan for the future.

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With a demanding fixture schedule expected next season, especially if Arsenal continue competing on multiple fronts, reinforcing the full-back positions has become a priority, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Arteta’s willingness to offer Carreras a meaningful role within the squad has made the move increasingly attractive from the player’s perspective.

The defender has made 26 appearances in La Liga for Real Madrid this season.

Carreras fits the long term vision of Mikel Arteta

Carreras has quietly developed into one of the more promising young full-backs in Spanish football.

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Carreras is the modern day full-back. He offers rock-solid defensive stability, but he truly shines when he’s bombing forward, hugging the touchline, and adding explosive width to the attack.

In Arsenal’s fluid, possession-heavy system, having a dynamic left-back who can genuinely impact the final third is absolutely crucial.

Arteta is heavily selling him on a long-term project where he will be trusted with regular Premier League minutes to develop into a global star.

Carreras remains under contract with Real Madrid until 2031, that long-term deal doesn’t necessarily rule out a transfer.

Madrid are known for carefully managing young prospects, but they also tend to make calculated decisions if a player’s pathway to regular minutes becomes limited.

With strong competition already present in Madrid’s defensive ranks, Carreras may see a move as an opportunity to accelerate his development.

Arsenal face competition from top European clubs

Arsenal are not alone in the race. Manchester United, Juventus, and Napoli have all been linked with monitoring the defender’s situation.

These clubs are also looking to strengthen their defensive units, making competition inevitable if Carreras becomes available.

Still, reports indicate Arsenal may hold an advantage thanks to their willingness to offer consistent playing opportunities alongside a strong financial package.

From Real Madrid’s perspective, Carreras is viewed as a long-term investment, meaning any transfer would likely require a convincing offer.

Arsenal, however, are known for targeting young players who fit their long-term vision, and this pursuit appears to follow that same blueprint.

World-class manager speaks out as 28-G/A phenomenon is “wanted by Arsenal”

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Tottenham are plotting a shock summer swoop for Man United forward if they avoid relegation

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat

Marcus Rashford’s future is getting a lot of attention as Mancherster United and Barcelona hold talks to decide his future.

The 28-year-old forward has been enjoying a revitalising loan spell over in Catalonia, but his long-term future is currently hanging completely in the balance.

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Just when it looked like a straightforward shootout between a permanent stay at Barcelona or a highly awkward return to Manchester United, a massive wildcard has entered the chat.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Tottenham have officially registered a “genuine interest” in bringing the England international back to the Premier League.

Marcus Rashford to Tottenham?

The financial issues at Barcelona have opened the door for Tottenham to join the race for the English attacker.

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While manager Hansi Flick reportedly loves what Rashford brings to his high-intensity system, the Barca hierarchy is getting serious cold feet.

They are heavily reluctant to trigger the pre-agreed €30 million option to buy. Instead of simply paying the fee, Joan Laporta and his team are predictably trying to haggle the price down or engineer a cheeky second loan deal.

That financial hesitation has essentially put Rashford right back on the open market, and Tottenham are sniffing a massive market opportunity.

However, this sensational North London move comes with one crucial condition: Tottenham must survive the drop.

Spurs are involved in a relegation battle

Spurs are currently embroiled in a terrifying, nightmare scenario at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Rashford, armed with his explosive pace and proven Premier League pedigree, would instantly become the face of a new-look Tottenham attack, completely rejuvenating a fanbase that has suffered all year.

The INEOS regime is desperately looking to cash in on homegrown talent to generate pure profit for their own massive summer rebuild.

If Barcelona continues to drag their feet over a permanent deal and Tottenham manages to secure their top-flight survival, a lucrative move to London might just be the perfect escape route for Rashford.

Report: Manchester United transfer target to be offered improved deal 

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Liverpool hoping strong connection with European giants can help them land £87m deal

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat

With the looming reality of Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of the season, Liverpool desperately need a blockbuster addition to their frontline.

The Egyptian attacker has finally decided to leave the Merseyside club after an illustrious spell at the club which has seen him win all the biggest trophies at Anfield.

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The name sitting at the absolute top of their wishlist is RB Leipzig’s explosive 19-year-old Ivorian sensation, Yan Diomande.

While earlier reports suggested Leipzig were aggressively trying to tie the teenager down to a new contract, a fresh update from Football Insider reveals that the Reds believe they have a massive ace up their sleeve, a a strong, established relationship with the German club.

Liverpool have done business with Leipzig in the past

When it comes to doing business with the Red Bull footballing empire, Liverpool practically have a fast-pass lane.

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Over the past several years, the Anfield hierarchy has successfully negotiated massive, high-profile deals for the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konaté, and Naby Keïta.

Leipzig are notoriously stubborn negotiators, famously demanding premium fees and refusing to be bullied in the transfer market.

However, because the two clubs share a strong mutual respect and a history of clean, professional transactions without any unnecessary media circus, Liverpool are highly optimistic they can jump straight to the front of the queue and open productive dialogue immediately.

Reds are hoping to complete the deal early

The report notes that Liverpool’s primary goal is to get this deal entirely wrapped up early in the summer window.

If Liverpool drag their feet or try to lowball the German side, they risk sparking a massive European bidding war.

The last thing FSG wants is to find themselves in a financial dogfight with deep-pocketed rivals like Chelsea or Manchester City.

Furthermore, securing a marquee attacker before preseason even begins provides a massive morale boost for the squad and allows the managerial team to build their tactical blueprint around him from day one.

Liverpool urged to sacrifice Cody Gakpo in player-plus-cash deal to sign 40-goal monster ‘at all costs’ 

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Rerurn of the Special One: Jose Mourinho targeted by ex-club to clean the mess

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat

Just when you think the summer managerial merry-go-round has completely run out of surprises, a massive bombshell drops right in the heart of the Spanish capital.

According to a stunning report from The Athletic, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is actively plotting to bring Jose Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu for a jaw-dropping second stint this summer.

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The club has been operating in a state of underlying tension ever since the highly publicised, chaotic departure of Xabi Alonso back in January.

Real Madrid are looking to land Jose Mourinho

The dressing room desperately needs a firm hand, and the board is hunting for an undisputed heavyweight who can instantly command the respect of a squad packed with global superstars.

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Enter Mourinho. The 63-year-old is currently managing Benfica in his native Portugal, where he has been quietly reminding everyone of his incredible ability to organise a team and grind out results.

But while life in Lisbon might be comfortable, the allure of fixing the biggest club in the world is a completely different beast.

Perez has officially pinpointed the Portuguese tactician as his absolute preferred candidate to take the reins.

For many fans, bringing Mourinho back feels like a massive step back in time.

His first stint at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 was pure box office, defined by intense media warfare, bitter clashes with Pep Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona, and a spectacular La Liga title win that broke Barca’s absolute dominance.

Florentino Perez is an admirer of the Portuguese manager

Perez has never hidden his deep admiration for Mourinho. The Madrid president loves a manager who acts as an absolute lightning rod for pressure, completely shielding the board from media scrutiny.

Perez knows exactly what he is getting with Mourinho, no-nonsense discipline, a fierce winning mentality, and guaranteed fireworks.

Prying Mourinho away from Benfica shouldn’t be a massive financial hurdle for a club of Madrid’s immense wealth, making this a very realistic summer swoop.

Whether the modern dressing room can handle Mourinho’s infamously demanding man-management style remains to be seen.

Report: Real Madrid rival Liverpool for potential €150m Galactico transfer

The post Rerurn of the Special One: Jose Mourinho targeted by ex-club to clean the mess appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Contact made: Chelsea start initial talks with candidate to become next manager

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat

With the Stamford Bridge managerial hot seat officially vacant once again following the deeply chaotic exit of Liam Rosenior, Chelsea are looking at their options.

According to Football London, the Blues have finally stopped simply window shopping.

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The BlueCo hierarchy has reportedly made “initial contact” with Bournemouth’s departing mastermind, Andoni Iraola.

It’s incredibly easy to see why Chelsea’s sporting directors are knocking on Iraola’s door.

Andoni Iraola has impressed at Bournemouth

The Spanish tactician has been an absolute revelation on the South Coast.

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Since taking over the Cherries, he has successfully transformed Bournemouth from scrappy relegation battlers into a fearless, high-pressing machine that happily goes toe-to-toe with the Premier League’s heavyweights.

More importantly for Chelsea’s ownership, Iraola perfectly fits their plan.

After getting heavily burned by taking gambles on managers without top-flight experience, the board is now strictly demanding someone with battle-tested Premier League pedigree.

Iraola knows exactly how to navigate the punishing, relentless English schedule.

His intense, front-foot tactical philosophy could be the exact shock to the system needed to wake up a highly expensive but desperately underperforming Chelsea dressing room.

Chelsea have several options on their shortlist

Beyond the tactics, there is a massive financial incentive driving this pursuit. Iraola has already publicly confirmed that he will be walking away from the Vitality Stadium at the end of the current season.

While Chelsea are definitely keeping tabs on other proven options, such as Fulham’s Marco Silva and the currently jobless Xabi Alonso, making official first contact with Iraola puts him firmly in pole position.

The real question now isn’t whether Chelsea want Iraola, but whether Iraola actually wants Chelsea.

If this initial contact turns into a full-blown contract offer, Iraola will have a massive decision to make.

Two major European clubs “monitoring” Chelsea misfit as transfer decision made 

The post Contact made: Chelsea start initial talks with candidate to become next manager appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Erling Haaland appears to aim subtle dig at Arsenal with three-word message after PSG-Bayern thriller

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mehdi Gokal

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has sparked a social media frenzy following the Champions League semi-final thriller between PSG and Bayern Munich.

The Norwegian superstar posted a three-word message on his Snapchat that many believe is a pointed jab at Premier League rivals Arsenal and their defensive style of play.

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Erling Haaland’s social media praise for PSG-Bayern goal-fest

Haaland shared a photo of his television screen during the closing stages of the match at the Parc des Princes, with the scoreline at 5-3 in favor of the hosts (the match eventually finished 5-4). His caption was simple yet loaded: “This is football.”

Erling Haaland: “This is football”. ??? pic.twitter.com/9yWDE9HAIy

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 28, 2026

The match itself was a masterclass in attacking transition and relentless intent. Featuring star turns from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele for PSG, and a fighting response from Bayern’s Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz, the encounter was a stark contrast to the tactical stalemates often seen in recent games.

By labeling the nine-goal spectacle as the “true” form of the sport, Haaland appeared to be celebrating the chaotic, offensive-minded nature of continental football.

However, in the context of recent domestic clashes, with  fans online were quick to interpret the post as a subtle dig at Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who have often utilised a more rigid and defensive approach.

Mikel Arteta’s passive style under the microscope ahead of Atletico clash

Arsenal are set to face Atletico Madrid tomorrow in the second Champions League semi-final clash that is expected to be exact opposite of the PSG-Bayern thriller.

Mikel Arteta’s side and Diego Simeone’s Atletico share a reputation for prioritising defensive solidity and low-block resilience.

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Arsenal have conceded just five goals in 12 European matches this campaign, a testament to their passive but effective defensive structure.

For now, the Norwegian has let his social media do the talking as the world waits to see if the Arteta ball can yield the same success as the fireworks witnessed in Paris.

 

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PSG 5-4 Bayern was the game of the season, but Arsenal will be licking their lips at that defending

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By:Mark Brus

PSG’s 5-4 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday night was undoubtedly one of the games of the season in terms of sheer end-to-end entertainment.

But does it, as so much of social media would have you think, spell bad news for Arsenal in the Champions League? I’m not so convinced.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s an absolute joy watching elite attacking players expressing themselves like this – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue at one end, and Michael Olise and Luis Diaz at the other is as good as anything in world football right now.

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But those rushing to condemn the Premier League, and particularly Arsenal, for moving away from this kind of football to a more tactical and defensive-minded game that has dominated in England this season, would do well not to overlook some important factors at play here.

Why PSG and Bayern look so much better than Premier League sides

Free-flowing attacking football is a luxury Arsenal and other Premier League teams can’t afford. Even Manchester City haven’t really played like their old selves for much of this season, and found Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final a tougher opponent than PSG or Bayern face in most of their domestic matches.

Bayern have already won the Bundesliga, as they do most seasons without any opposition, while PSG will probably come out on top again in Ligue 1 this term, as you’d expect for two clubs whose wage bills dwarf what their so-called competition in these leagues can spend.

In that context, it’s no surprise that Luis Enrique and Vincent Kompany can afford to focus on the kind of freedom and self expression we all want to see from the best attacking players in the Premier League, but there’s little need for control and discipline when your nearest challengers are probably about on a par with mid-table sides like Brentford.

Case-in-point: Arsenal beat Bayern 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the league phase of this competition earlier this season and Harry Kane didn’t have a single shot. Not so easy when you’re not playing against the likes of Hamburg and St Pauli, is it, Harry?

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Where’s the defending?

“Five-four is a hockey score, not a football score,” Jose Mourinho said back in 2004 after a particularly crazy North London Derby. “In a three-against-three training match, if the score reaches 5-4 I send the players back to the dressing rooms as they are not defending properly. So to get a result like that in a game of 11 against 11 is disgraceful.”

So, let’s be real, if Bayern or PSG defend like this against Arsenal in the Champions League final, then the Gunners are in with a serious shout.

Don’t get angry at me yet – I’m not saying it’s a guaranteed win for Arsenal, and it would be unwise to even make them the automatic favourites against Atletico Madrid.

But don’t let a vastly entertaining game cloud your judgement – these are great players, yes, but they are still being allowed to look far better than they are because they’re not being tested week in, week out the way the best players in the Premier League are. And Arsenal have already shown they can shut them down if their defence is at its best.

Far from being a warning for Arsenal if they go through against Atletico Madrid, this game tonight just shows there’s a perfectly winnable final ahead for Mikel Arteta’s side. Arguably the tougher test might come against the more defensive-minded Diego Simeone in Madrid tomorrow night.

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Liverpool urged to sacrifice Cody Gakpo in player-plus-cash deal to sign 40-goal monster ‘at all costs’

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By:Mehdi Gokal

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has sent a clear message to the Anfield hierarchy: sign Michael Olise immediately.

Following the Frenchman’s electric performance in the first half of Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final against PSG, Pennant took to social media to demand that the Reds prioritise the winger as the definitive successor to Mohamed Salah.

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Olise, who has been in scintillating form since his move to the Bundesliga, was the standout performer at the Parc des Princes.

His 41st-minute stunner capped off a dominant first-half display, where his vision and technical flair left the PSG defense in tatters.

Pennant tells Liverpool to sign Michael Olise as Salah replacement

Writing on X, Pennant did not mince words regarding Liverpool’s summer recruitment strategy.

Pennant posted: “Liverpool go out and get Olise right now, at all costs. There is your replacement for Mo Salah. AT ALL COSTS. Any amount plus Gakpo.”

Liverpool go out and get Olise right now, at all costs. There is your replacement for Mo salah. AT ALL COSTS. Any amount plus gakpo.

— Jermaine Pennant (@pennant83) April 28, 2026

With Mohamed Salah set to leave the club at the end of the season, the need for a left-footed right-winger of elite caliber is huge.

Olise’s age (24) and current output, boasting 19 goals and 29 assists across all competitions this season (40 goals in 102 games for Bayern Munich), makes him the most logical candidate to fill the void.

Michael Olise is not for sale

However, Liverpool’s pursuit of the French international will not be easy.

Despite the growing noise from Merseyside, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has shut down any possibility of a summer departure.

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Speaking to ZDF ahead of the PSG clash, Eberl was emphatic about Olise’s future at the Allianz Arena.

“Absolutely. For us, there is not a second of thinking about it. He is developing excellently,” Eberl stated, before describing the playmaker as “absolutely untouchable.”

? Bayern director Eberl: “Michel Olise is absolutely untouchable”.

“No chance, we didn’t think about it not even for a second”, told ZDF. pic.twitter.com/Ix72Qgqri0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 26, 2026

Under manager Vincent Kompany, Olise has become the star man of a Bayern side.

With a contract that keeps him in Munich long-term, it would likely take a world-record fee for a winger to even bring Bayern to the negotiating table.

 

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Video: Luis Diaz scores absolutely sensational goal in *nine*-goal PSG-Bayern thriller

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By:Mark Brus

Luis Diaz has scored one of the best goals of the night in what has been an absolutely crazy game between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

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It’s 5-4 to PSG at the time of writing, but with a few minutes left to go it’s very hard to predict how this one is going to end as both sides produce some absolutely sublime football at the Parc des Princes.

Diaz has been a joy to watch as he so often is, and the control, composure, and quality of his finish from a delightful pass by Harry Kane surely makes his strike the best goal of the evening…

IT'S FIVE-FOUR! ?

After a VAR check, Diaz's strike stands! ? pic.twitter.com/tuU2wBvo7O

— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) April 28, 2026

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Luis Diaz puts Bayern Munich back in the game against PSG

Diaz timed his run perfectly, even if there was an initial VAR check for offside, with the goal eventually given as Bayern bounced back after finding themselves 5-2 down not that long before.

Dayot Upamecano pulled one back shortly before Diaz’s effort, which has made this a real game again.

Remarkably, there’s also still a whole second leg to play at the Allianz Arena next week as well!

Bayern were probably the slight favourites before this game, and if they can go back to Germany next week just a goal behind then they may still feel they can get the result they need at home to make it into the Champions League final.

PSG are the reigning European champions, though, and remain every bit as good as they were when they stormed to the trophy last season.

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Two major European clubs “monitoring” Chelsea misfit as transfer decision made

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By:Mark Brus

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is reportedly attracting interest from two giants of Italian football in the form of Juventus and AC Milan.

The Senegal international has struggled on loan at Bayern Munich this season and it seems the Bavarian giants won’t be keeping him once this spell comes to an end.

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That’s according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, who has posted on X to provide an update on Jackson’s future, as Juve and Milan hover for the Chelsea misfit.

Nicolas Jackson set for Serie A transfer?

See below for details as it seems Jackson could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge for a move to Serie A once he’s back from Bayern…

?? Juventus are monitoring Nicolas #Jackson and can imagine a loan move. AC Milan are monitoring the situation as well.

Jackson will return to Chelsea in the summer for now, as FC Bayern will not trigger the option to buy and a second loan is currently not planned. #CFC… pic.twitter.com/3W8i2OoAJh

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 28, 2026

“Juventus are monitoring Nicolas #Jackson and can imagine a loan move,” Plettenberg posted.

“AC Milan are monitoring the situation as well. Jackson will return to Chelsea in the summer for now, as FC Bayern will not trigger the option to buy and a second loan is currently not planned.”

Chelsea surely won’t be keeping Jackson after his difficult spell in west London, while he’s also not done enough to impress whilst on loan with Bayern this season.

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It certainly seems like the best thing for the 24-year-old to try a new challenge elsewhere, and perhaps he’d find the step down to the Italian top flight is the best way for him to maximise his potential.

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Video: Michael Olise scores solo stunner that will have Liverpool fans drooling

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By:Mark Brus

Michael Olise has scored a stunning solo goal for Bayern Munich against Paris Saint-Germain in this evening’s Champions League semi-final first leg.

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The France international is having a superb season and he continued to show why he’s becoming regarded as one of the best players on the planet with his strike against PSG tonight.

Liverpool are one of the clubs to be linked with Olise in recent times, with TEAMtalk claiming the Reds are really keen, which makes sense given their need to replace Mohamed Salah this summer.

Michael Olise goal video from PSG vs Bayern thriller

Well, Bayern are surely not going to let this guy go any time soon after he worked his magic again in some style tonight…

STOP THAT OLISE! ?

It's 2-2 in Paris & we're not even at half-time ? pic.twitter.com/GYhSay9SD6

— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) April 28, 2026

Olise has been producing big moments like this all season, with the 24-year-old now on 23 goals and 26 assists in total.

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Liverpool fans will no doubt be dreaming of having a talent like this in their attack, but with every performance like this he’s surely just becoming more and more unaffordable and unrealistic for the Merseyside giants.

Olise has been a constant threat for Bayern all evening, though they trail 3-2 at half time in what has been a crazy start to this semi-final at the Parc des Princes.

How many more goals will we see in this tie given that we have a second half still to play tonight, and then next week’s second leg at the Allianz Arena?

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Massive Tottenham blow: After Simons, another key player has now been ruled out for the rest of the season

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By:Mehdi Gokal

Tottenham’s campaign has descended into a full-blown medical emergency, with Dominic Solanke becoming the latest high-profile casualty to be ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The news, confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and The Telegraph, marks a devastating blow for a squad already decimated by long-term absences.

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The former Bournemouth striker, who arrived in North London with high expectations, has officially been sidelined with a grade-two hamstring injury.

With the Premier League reaching its final stretch, the recovery timeline makes it virtually impossible for the forward to feature again before the summer break.

Dominic Solanke out for the rest of the season

The injury occurred during a period where Solanke was beginning to find his rhythm as the focal point of the attack.

Romano took to X to share the grim update, noting that Spurs staff “expect it to be difficult to see him involved again this season.”

He posted the following update: “After Kudus, Cuti Romero and Xavi Simons, also Dominic Solanke’s season could be over.He’s has suffered a grade-two hamstring injury, as Telegraph reported. Spurs expect to be difficult to see him involved again this season.”

? After Kudus, Cuti Romero and Xavi Simons, also Dominic Solanke’s season could be over.

He’s has suffered a grade-two hamstring injury, as Telegraph reported. Spurs expect to be difficult to see him involved again this season. pic.twitter.com/uldIVgXhnN

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 28, 2026

A grade-two tear typically requires a minimum of six to eight weeks of rehabilitation, effectively ending his maiden campaign at the club.

List of Tottenham injuries: Questions need to be asked

The loss of Solanke is not an isolated incident; it is merely the latest chapter in an unprecedented injury crisis at Hotspur Way.

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The treatment room is now overflowing with key players whose seasons have ended prematurely.

Player Position Injury Date of Injury Expected Return Games Missed
Dejan Kulusevski Attacking Midfield Knee surgery 12 May 2025 1 May 2026 51
Mohammed Kudus Right Winger Hamstring injury 4 Jan 2026 — 20
Ben Davies Centre-Back Ankle surgery 19 Jan 2026 — 16
Wilson Odobert Left Winger Cruciate ligament tear 10 Feb 2026 — 11
Cristian Romero Centre-Back Knee injury 12 Apr 2026 12 Jun 2026 7
Xavi Simons Attacking Midfield Cruciate ligament tear 25 Apr 2026 1 May 2027 5
Guglielmo Vicario Goalkeeper Surgery 23 Mar 2026 — 3
Pape Matar Sarr Central Midfield Shoulder injury 13 Apr 2026 — 2
Destiny Udogie Left-Back Muscle injury 20 Apr 2026 4 May 2026 2
Dominic Solanke Forward — 25 Apr 2026 — —

List of Tottenham injuries via Transfermarkt

With key defenders like Destiny Udogie also fighting for fitness, the sheer volume of soft-tissue and structural injuries has sparked intense debate about who needs to be held responsible.

Many fans have called for the overhaul of the entire medical team, specially after what they witnessed during the Simons injury, who has also been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL.

If Tottenham are to compete at the highest level in 2026/27, a thorough internal review of their conditioning department appears inevitable.

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“My mindset…” – Arsenal star responds to question over potential transfer away

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By:Mark Brus

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has played down transfer speculation over his future after being asked about a possible move away.

The Norway international is understood by CaughtOffside to be one of the candidates for a big sale at the Emirates Stadium this summer, though our report also made it clear he’s not personally pushing to leave.

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Odegaard would probably not speak openly about his potential departure at this stage of the season anyway, and he has also insisted he’s not aware of where the story has come from.

See below for Odegaard’s quote reported by journalist James Benge on X…

Odegaard on speculation over his future: I don’t know where that’s coming from. My mindset is about just doing what I can every day to do something special. There’s always going to be speculation… it’s not something I know anything about.

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) April 28, 2026

“Odegaard on speculation over his future: I don’t know where that’s coming from. My mindset is about just doing what I can every day to do something special. There’s always going to be speculation… it’s not something I know anything about,” Benge posted.

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What next for Martin Odegaard?

Odegaard is an important player for Arsenal, but it perhaps makes sense for the Gunners to think about his situation after an injury-hit campaign.

Even if the 27-year-old can be a world class player on his day, he just doesn’t seem to be capable of staying fit anymore and impacting games in quite the same way he used to.

Arsenal spent a lot on new signings last summer, so it might be that they’ll need to be more careful this year and make some major sales before further additions.

From that point of view, it could make sense for AFC to consider offers for Odegaard if anyone came in with a big enough bid.

Still, this will likely be resolved later, with all focus now on Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League semi-finals and Premier League title race run-in.

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Deal on: Chelsea open to negotiating €50m transfer, player keen on move

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By:Mark Brus

Chelsea are reportedly open to negotiating the sale of Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella amid interest from Barcelona ahead of the summer.

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Cucurella has been a key player for the Blues in recent times, overcoming a slow start to life at Stamford Bridge to become a solid and reliable defender for the team.

It now seems Barca are eyeing up Cucurella, and he’s opened the door to the move while Chelsea could also let him go for around €50m, according to Fichajes.

This seems like it could be a bit of a risk for Chelsea after what has been a largely disappointing season for the west Londoners.

Still, it also probably wouldn’t be worth keeping an unhappy player, so if Cucurella is keen to move to Barcelona, perhaps CFC can let him go and use the money to replace him.

Could players leave Chelsea this summer?

It could be a tough summer for Chelsea in terms of keeping important players, as it’s perhaps not surprising to see someone like Cucurella tempted by a new challenge.

This Chelsea project doesn’t seem to be working out as planned, with the owners frequently changing manager and making some questionable signings.

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With the team now looking unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, whilst facing a difficult-looking FA Cup final against Manchester City, it’s sure to go down as a highly disappointing campaign for the club.

If Cucurella is considering his future, then there will surely be doubts about others as well.

Enzo Fernandez could be one as he’s been linked with Manchester City by the Athletic, while there is also genuine interest in Cole Palmer from Manchester United.

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Arsenal readying £35m bid for attacking wonderkid amid Chelsea interest

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By:Saikat

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Porto striker Oskar Pietuszewski.

The 17-year-old is highly rated at the Portuguese club, and he has attracted the attention of top teams with his performances.

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Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City keen on Oskar Pietuszewski

The 17-year-old is a phenomenal talent with a bright future, and he has a €60 million release clause in his contract. According to a report from Sports Boom, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are interested in the player.

Arsenal believe he could be the ideal long-term acquisition, and they could submit an offer of €40 million (£35m).

On the other hand, Chelsea and Manchester City have been scouting him for Porto and the Polish under-21 national team. Manchester City could look to sign the player and loan him back to the Portuguese club for a season. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Pietuszewski has a contract with the Portuguese club until 2029, and Porto has no intention of letting him leave. They are hoping to offer him a new contract that would increase his release clause to €80-100 million. It will make it very difficult for the English clubs to get the deal done if that happens.

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What next for Pietuszewski?

It remains to be seen whether the Polish striker is ready to commit to the Portuguese club for the long term. It could close doors for him as far as a move to the Premier League is concerned right now.

That said, Pietuszewski is a young player and needs to play regularly at a high level to continue his development. He should focus on regular opportunities at Porto now. He will have plenty of opportunities to move to an elite club in future.

World-class manager speaks out as 28-G/A phenomenon is “wanted by Arsenal”

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