Brazilian defender Wesley has done quite well for AS Roma, and Arsenal are interested in securing his signature.
The 22-year-old has been a key player for the Italian club, and he’s expected to play a key role for Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian national team in the upcoming World Cup as well.
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Wesley has been a star for Roma
He is highly rated across Europe, and clubs like Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring him from the Premier League as well. On the other hand, La Liga clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona have taken note of his performance, according to Calciomercato.It.
It will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Arsenal could use more depth in the right back department, and the Brazilian could prove to be an upgrade on Ben White. He has been a reliable defender in Italy, and he is quite impressive going forward. He could add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack.
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The opportunity to join the UEFA Champions League finalists will be exciting for him. Arsenal are close to winning the Premier League title as well. It would be a huge step up for Wesley, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. It could allow him to consistently fight for major trophies.
Manchester City, Newcastle, and Tottenham also have the financial muscle to get the deal done. It will be interesting to see where the 22-year-old ends up eventually.
With multiple clubs keen on him, Roma will expect a bidding war to recoup as much as possible from his departure. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can win the race for his signature.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Elche defender, David Affengruber, at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old has been outstanding for the Spanish club, and a report from Estádio Deportivo claims that half of Europe is chasing the player. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United follow up on their interest with an official proposal to sign him.
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Man United could use David Affengruber
They need more depth in the defensive unit, and the 25-year-old would be a quality signing. He is still a relatively young player with a bright future, and Manchester United could help him improve further.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. It would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Clubs like Atletico Madrid are also monitoring his progress. It remains to be seen where he ends up. He has shown his quality at Elche, and this is the right time for him to move on to a bigger club where he can fight for trophies.
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Manchester United recently agreed on a contract extension with Harry Maguire, but they need a long-term replacement for him. Players like Matthijs de Ligt have also struggled with injuries. Adding more depth to the defensive unit would be a wise decision.
He has a contract with the Spanish club until 2027, and Manchester United would have to pay €20 million for him. They have the resources to afford him and the deal could prove to a bargain if he manages to adapt to English quickly.
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Real Madrid confirm Federico Valverde blow
Real Madrid have now confirmed that he has suffered a traumatic brain injury and he will be sidelined for the next two weeks.
The statement read: “Following tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. Valverde is at home in good condition and will have to remain at rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by the medical protocols for this diagnosis.”
Valverde will miss the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona. Apparently, the situation escalated between the two players after a rough tackle from the French international during training. Following this, he apologised to Valverde. However, the Uruguayan International was unwilling to accept the apology and responded with crunching tackles in training.
The situation between the two players eventually spiralled out of control, and they were involved in a brawl later on.
It has been a disappointing season for Real Madrid so far, and the situation seems to be going from bad to worse on and off the pitch. Both players are now expected to miss the upcoming clash against Barcelona, and it will be a huge blow for the capital club.
Real Madrid are currently second in the league table, 11 points behind Barcelona with four matches remaining. The defending champions will look to seal the title with a positive result against their rivals when the two teams meet on Sunday.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Ian Subiabre from River Plate.
The 19-year-old winger has done quite well for the Argentine outfit, and he has attracted the attention of multiple clubs recently.
According to a report from Soy del Millo, the two Premier League clubs are monitoring his progress, and they could look to make a move in the summer.
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Ian Subiabre set for summer move?
Another report from Soy del Millo confirms that the player’s agent is looking to secure a move for his client in the summer, and River Plate is expecting substantial offers soon. They could look to sanction his departure for a fee of around €8-13 million.
Chelsea and Tottenham certainly have the financial muscle to afford Subiabre, and he could prove to be an excellent long-term acquisition. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be hard to turn down for him. Regular exposure to English football could bring out the best in him and help him fulfil his potential.
The 19-year-old could add creativity, pace, unpredictability, and goals to the Chelsea attack. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have been underwhelming this season, and Chelsea needs more quality on the flanks.
On the other hand, Tottenham will need to add more depth going forward. They have looked quite underwhelming so far this season.
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Ian Subiabre in action for River Plate (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
The 19-year-old would be a superb long-term investment for both clubs. The asking price is quite reasonable, and the deal could look like a bargain in future. He has the technical attributes to develop into a quality Premier League attack with the right guidance.
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Man United ramp up efforts to sign Mateus Fernandes
According to reports via TEAMtalk, Manchester United are ready to make an effort to get the deal done. They need more control in the middle of the park, and the 21-year-old is a hard-working player who will help out defensively as well.
West Ham United is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they will need to secure safety there to keep their best players at the club.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese midfielder will want to compete at a higher level, and the opportunity to play for Manchester United could be exciting for him.
Clubs like PSG are monitoring his situation as well, but Manchester United are ready to move quickly to get ahead of rivals in the transfer race. Manchester United director of football, Jason Wilcox, is ready to intensify his efforts to sign the 21-year-old in the coming weeks.
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They have secured a return to the Champions League, and they will want to fight for trophies next season. They will need to plug the gaps in their squad during the summer transfer window.
The midfield is clearly in need of improvement. They have not been able to control games, and they will need to do better against top teams in the UEFA Champions League next season. They are looking at multiple midfield players, and Fernandes is one of the names on their wishlist.
AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has done quite well in the French league this season, and Liverpool is interested in securing his signature.
They are looking to add more physicality and defensive steel in the middle of the park, and the Senegal International has impressed with his athleticism and defensive capabilities, according to TEAMtalk.
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Lamine Camara could help Liverpool
The Senegal International has the attributes to succeed in English football, and he could be a very useful acquisition for Liverpool. It remains to be seen whether they submit an offer for him at the end of the season.
Improving the midfield unit seems to be a priority for Liverpool, and they are looking at multiple players.
Camara is a young player with a lot of potential, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge and move to the Premier League. Regular football in England could bring out the best in him and help him fulfil his potential. Liverpool is among the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies and achieve his ambitions.
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Lamine Camara in action for Monaco (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
If Liverpool can sign him for a reasonable amount of money, it could prove to be a wise investment for them. The player has all the attributes to succeed in England and develop into a star in future.
Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister have been linked with moves away from the club at the end of the season, and Liverpool might need to invest in multiple midfielders this summer. It remains to be seen who they end up signing.
It is no secret that Arsenal need more quality on the flanks, and the 25-year-old could transform them. He will add explosive pace and trickery in the final third. Kvaratskhelia has 18 goals and 10 assists this season, and he would be a massive upgrade on Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard.
He was linked with a move to the Premier League during his time at Napoli as well. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.
Arsenal are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to join them can be exciting for most players. However, the Georgian is already playing for one of the biggest teams in the world, and he regularly wins major trophies. He has no reason to switch clubs in the summer, and it would take an exceptional proposal from Arsenal to convince the player.
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Mamadou Sangare would be a handy option
Sangare will add physicality and defensive steel in the middle of the park, and his arrival would allow Ryan Gravenberch to operate with more freedom. The Netherlands International has had to operate in a defensive midfield role, but he thrives with more freedom as a central midfielder.
Sangare has won possession more times (194) than any other player in Ligue 1 this season. He also ranks first for ground duels won (154), first for possessions won in the final third, second for tackles and interceptions, and second for successful dribbles per 90.
Convincing the young midfielder to join Liverpool will not be difficult. It would be a step up for Sangare, and he will want to join a bigger club in the summer. Liverpool have the financial muscle to get the deal across the line as well.
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The 23-year-old Mali International has seven goal contributions in all competitions as well. He could develop into an all-round midfield star for Liverpool with the right guidance. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. The player has a contract with the French outfit until 2030, and they could demand a premium for him.
He has the physicality and the athleticism to succeed in the Premier League, and he will look to hit the ground running in English football if the move goes through.
It has been a disappointing season for Liverpool, and they need to plug the gaps during the summer transfer window. Adding more steel to the midfield unit will be a priority. It will be interesting to see if they can sign the 23-year-old in the coming weeks.
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Andrea Cambiaso is a player in demand
According to a report from TuttoJuve, the two English clubs have recently expressed interest in signing the player, and he could cost around €50 million. However, the valuation could drop if Juventus failed to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign.
It is no surprise that Liverpool is keen on the Italian international. Andrew Robertson will leave the club at the end of the season, and they need to replace him properly. Milos Kerkez has done well in recent months, but they cannot depend on the Hungarian to play every game next season. They need more quality at left back, and Cambiaso would be an excellent addition.
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At Tottenham, he could prove to be an upgrade on Destiny Udogie. The Italian has been underwhelming for the north London club, and it will be interesting to see if they can sign his compatriot to replace him. However, they must secure Premier League safety in order to attract the 26-year-old. Cambiaso will not want to play in the second division next season.
The asking price is quite high for a left back, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool or Tottenham decide to pay up. They might look to sign him for a more reasonable amount. They need to improve multiple areas of the team in the summer, and spending around €50 million on a left back might be difficult.
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For now, an internal club suspension is the most likely and immediate course of action, but it seems the pair also face uncertainty over their futures this summer, according to AS.
The France international is a top player on his day, and it could be worth gambling on him, though one imagines his disciplinary issues could now put clubs off.
The context behind Aurelien Tchouameni injuring Federico Valverde
Speaking to CaughtOffside today, Spanish football expert Ruairidh Barlow provided his insight into how this madness at the Bernabeu all ended up unfolding.
“The Valverde-Tchouameni tension is not something that we have heard about before this week, but it is symptomatic of a volcanic dressing room right now,” Barlow told us.
“In that specific incident, after a fight on Wednesday, Valverde reportedly refused to shake Tchouameni’s hand, which led to another training session of intense tackles, and culminated in the fight.
“More widely, it’s just the latest incident in a number of feuds ongoing. As many as six players are supposedly not talking to manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio and Dani Carvajal have all fallen out with Arbeloa, and the latter’s frustration led to an injury to a youth player after a rash tackle.
“In the past week, we’ve heard about Kylian Mbappe getting angry at a member of the coaching staff, and Antonio Rudiger getting physical with Alvaro Carreras too.
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“On the whole, the consensus is that this is the product of a dressing room that has been without leaders for some time, and without a manager to impose authority. With President Florentino Perez backing his stars over managers, and doing little to curb their behaviour himself, the lack of discipline has descended into the chaos we’re seeing this week.”
Should Man United and Liverpool still pursue Aurelien Tchouameni transfer?
United could do with strengthening in midfield this summer, so the interest in Tchouameni makes sense.
On his day, the 26-year-old is up there with the top defensive midfield players in Europe, so he could be ideal to help the Red Devils fill the gap that will be left by Casemiro when he leaves at the end of his contract this summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, also have some issues in midfield after a frustrating season, with Tchouameni perhaps an upgrade on Ryan Gravenberch.
The Frenchman’s physical presence and work rate could also afford more protection to a defence that has really leaked goals this season, with the ageing Virgil van Dijk perhaps now needing more of a shield in front of him to keep the team more solid.
The opportunity to play for Tottenham could be exciting for him. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to test himself in the Premier League. According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham also face competition from Aston Villa.
The player has a contract until 2029, and Celtic are in a strong position to negotiate his departure. They are likely to demand a premium for him. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Arne Engels has also been linked with an exit from Celtic, and the Scottish club is looking to recoup in excess of £50 million for the two players.
Tottenham certainly have the finances to get the deal done. However, they must secure safety in the Premier League first. They cannot hope to attract quality players if they go down in the summer.
Aston Villa are looking to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they could be an attractive destination for the 24-year-old Celtic star as well.
They need to add more goals and creativity from the wide areas, and Nygren would be ideal. The 24-year-old is at the peak of his career, and he will look to hit the ground running in England.
Real Madrid players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni were reportedly involved in a heated bust-up in the club’s locker room that has led to the Uruguayan being treated in hospital.
Valverde is said to have suffered a cut to his head after hitting the table during a physical altercation with Madrid teammate Tchouameni.
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This is not the first time the pair have come to blows, according to Marca, but it seems to be the most serious incident yet, with a maximum punishment thought to be awaiting the players.
See below for more information on the Valverde-Tchouameni fight
? AMPLIACIÓN | Nueva pelea entre Fede Valverde y Aurelien Tchouaméni en el vestuario del Real Madrid: el uruguayo acabó en el hospital con una brecha
? El club blanco ha abierto expediente a ambos jugadores tras el incidentehttps://t.co/8RtNjKVmLt
It seems disciplinary proceedings are now set to go ahead, with this really being far from what Real Madrid needed after some disappointing results in a frustrating season, and with a huge game against rivals Barcelona coming up next.
How Real Madrid players lost their discipline
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Spanish football expert Ruairidh Barlow, editor of Football Espana, provided some background to this crazy story coming out of Madrid.
“The Valverde-Tchouameni tension is not something that we have heard about before this week, but it is symptomatic of a volcanic dressing room right now,” Barlow told us.
“In that specific incident, after a fight on Wednesday, Valverde reportedly refused to shake Tchouameni’s hand, which led to another training session of intense tackles, and culminated in the fight.
“More widely, it’s just the latest incident in a number of feuds ongoing. As many as six players are supposedly not talking to manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio and Dani Carvajal have all fallen out with Arbeloa, and the latter’s frustration led to an injury to a youth player after a rash tackle.
“In the past week, we’ve heard about Kylian Mbappe getting angry at a member of the coaching staff, and Antonio Rudiger getting physical with Alvaro Carreras too.
“On the whole, the consensus is that this is the product of a dressing room that has been without leaders for some time, and without a manager to impose authority. With President Florentino Perez backing his stars over managers, and doing little to curb their behaviour himself, the lack of discipline has descended into the chaos we’re seeing this week.”
Kylian Mbappe sees the funny side as Real Madrid descends into chaos
See below for footage originally captured by El Chiringuito, which shows Mbappe in good spirits despite the apparent chaos unfolding behind the scenes…
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Mbappe himself has been at the centre of some controversy recently as Madrid truly enters meltdown mode.
The France international recently had an injury problem that saw him given permission to take a holiday, but this did not go down well with some fans, as a petition pushing for him to leave the club is rapidly gaining momentum.
A video explainer below from Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol sums everything up nicely, with the feeling being that Mbappe is being made a scapegoat for the team’s problems, and, honestly, when you hear about the incident between Valverde and Tchouameni it’s hard not to agree that there are bigger problems at the Bernabeu right now…
"He's become the scapegoat at Real Madrid" ??
Kaveh Solhekol explains the current situation with Kylian Mbappe following an online petition calling for him to leave Real Madrid reached 30 million signatures ?? pic.twitter.com/Hul2fNM8Sz
Real are known for being a club of superstars with big egos, but that has usually helped them to great success throughout their history.
At the moment, though, they’re going through a difficult period, with the team set to finish trophyless this season, while they’ve gone out of the Champions League early both this year and last.
Who can solve Real Madrid crisis?
With Xabi Alonso leaving his position as manager earlier this season, Alvaro Arbeloa has been unable to steady the ship during his time as interim manager.
A new long-term appointment will be needed this summer, and it may be that a strict disciplinarian like Jose Mourinho is needed to put things in order.
Having said that, the Portuguese tactician is also known for being a bit of a difficult character himself, so that could perhaps just make things worse.
Los Blancos fans will surely want the legendary Zinedine Zidane back, but ESPN have reported on him agreeing to become the next manager of the French national team…
Zinedine Zidane will succeed Didier Deschamps as France national team head coach in the summer, with a verbal agreement already reached, sources have told @LaurensJulien.
He will officially be appointed once the 2026 World Cup is concluded for France. pic.twitter.com/w0fzvaU5cc
The 22-year-old has shown himself to be a top talent in the Premier League, leading to Liverpool to take a look at him, even if his asking price might be an issue.
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That’s according to TEAMtalk, who also mention other names like Adam Wharton as being on the Reds’ radar for the upcoming transfer window.
Baleba looked hugely impressive for Brighton last season, leading to summer interest from Manchester United, who continue to be linked with the Cameroon international ahead of this year’s window.
Still, there is a case for saying Baleba’s form has gone downhill a little bit this term, so it will be interesting to see if he can still land a big move, or if Brighton might have to lower their demands for him a little bit.
The pundit was clearly excited by the Baleba links a year ago, explaining why he felt he could be the perfect addition to the MUFC midfield.
“If it were me, I’d splash the cash on Baleba. He’s got theenergy, the legs, the tactical awareness – everything you need to dominate midfield,” Ferdinand was quoted by the Sun.
“Baleba is exactly what United need – a box-to-boxdynamowho can do it all.
“He’s got Premier League experience, and he’ll free up other midfielders to focus on attacking. He’ll have a massive impact on this squad.”
LFC spent big last summer and got it badly wrong with a series of flops such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong.
The Merseyside giants can’t afford to make more mistakes like that, so splashing the cash on an expensive player like Baleba probably seems a bit unwise.
It may be that Baleba can still have a great career, but for now he arguably looks like a bit of a one-season-wonder, and there are probably better options out there who might not cost quite as much.
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Still, a report from El Chiringuito is now claiming that Iraola looks “close” to making the move to Selhurst Park once he leaves Bournemouth this summer and Glasner also comes to the end of his current contract…
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????????? "ANDONI IRAOLA, CERCA de LLEGAR al CRYSTAL PALACE".
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) May 7, 2026
If this proves accurate, Iraola would be a superb appointment for Palace, though it might be worth waiting for updates from the likes of Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein before treating this as a definite done deal.
Andoni Iraola a man in demand after Bournemouth success
Iraola has done a superb job at Bournemouth and it’s no surprise to see him being eyed up by big clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea.
With respect to Crystal Palace, it perhaps seems like Iraola can aim a little higher when it comes to picking his next club.
The 43-year-old currently has Bournemouth in 6th place in the Premier League, with Champions League qualification not out of the question at this stage.
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The Cherries are six points behind Aston Villa, but could also qualify with the addition of an extra place for English clubs if Unai Emery’s side win the Europa League.
Palace, meanwhile, are down in 15th place after struggling to build on the success of last season, when they won the FA Cup final against Manchester City – their first ever piece of silverware.
There’s no doubt Palace are a fine football club, and the lure of living in London isn’t something to take lightly, but Iraola looks like he’s surely going to be looking to take his career up a level after deciding to see out his contract at Bournemouth.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe is under fire from the club’s fans after going on holiday with his girlfriend during a difficult period of the team’s season.
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A petition calling for Mbappe to leave Real Madrid has now reached an astonishing 30 million signatures, with Kaveh Solhekol explaining on Sky Sports precisely what’s gone on.
Watch below as the journalist explains the context behind this, with Mbappe supposedly given permission to take this break whilst recovering from an injury, though it’s not gone down well with a lot of supporters due to Real’s disappointing season overall…
Kylian Mbappe petition situation explained
"He's become the scapegoat at Real Madrid" ??
Kaveh Solhekol explains the current situation with Kylian Mbappe following an online petition calling for him to leave Real Madrid reached 30 million signatures ?? pic.twitter.com/Hul2fNM8Sz
Madrid are out of the Champions League and set to finish the campaign trophyless as their bitter rivals Barcelona will likely wrap up the La Liga title against them when they play this weekend.
Mbappe appears to be being made a scapegoat for this, despite his fine individual form for Los Blancos, though Solhekol has also questioned if this petition can really be taken seriously.
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30 million people is a lot, with the population of Spain only around 50 million, so it is perhaps questionable if that many real people could have signed it this quickly.
Mbappe is one of the best players in the world on his day, but he’s occasionally divided opinion due to question marks over his attitude and professionalism.
The France international joined Real last season after leaving PSG on a free transfer. He’s gone on to score 85 goals in 100 games at the Bernabeu.
With talismanic forward Mohamed Salah already confirmed to be departing Anfield at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, shockwaves have struck the fanbase following recent reports that club captain Virgil van Dijk is seriously contemplating an exit of his own.
Salah is leaving, Andy Robertson has announced he will leave the club as well, while another iconic Liverpool player, Alisson Becker, is being constantly linked with a move away from the club.
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According to Turkish outlet FotoMac, the Dutch colossal is assessing his future, potentially triggering the complete dismantling of the historic core that brought Champions League and Premier League glory back to the Reds.
The 34-year-old, who turns 35 this summer, signed a contract extension last April, tying him to the club until 2027.
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However, the aggressive restructuring initiated by the Reds’ sporting hierarchy has seemingly prompted the captain to evaluate his place in Arne Slot’s long-term vision.
The club is actively working to renew Ibrahima Konate’s contract and invested heavily in younger profiles, such as the winter signing of Jeremy Jacquet and the future integration of Giovanni Leoni.
With high-profile scouts also monitoring European standouts like Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, it is increasingly clear that Liverpool are accelerating their preparations for a post-Van Dijk reality.
Recognising this shift, Van Dijk may feel that stepping away now is the most dignified way to close his legendary Premier League chapter.
Dutchman has been the pillar of the Merseyside club
Van Dijk has been the undisputed bedrock of Liverpool’s backline this season, starting all 35 Premier League matches and logging over 3,150 minutes while chipping in with four goals.
Despite the club’s poor performances, his leadership role has been praised.
Before making any definitive decisions regarding his club future, Van Dijk will first focus on leading the Netherlands as captain into the 2026 World Cup in North America.
For the Anfield faithful, the summer of 2026 is shaping up to be an emotional and foundational reset.
Arne Slot, or whoever is the manager of Liverpool this summer, will have a busy transfer window, not only to sign new players and rebuild the squad, but to also lay the foundation of the next successful Liverpool team.
In general, it seems a lot of the candidates Chelsea have been approaching are unsure about the job, and some have already outright rejected the west London giants’ advances.
Latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Xabi Alonso
Discussing the latest on the Alonso to Chelsea situation, Phillips wrote in his Substack: “Chelsea have continued talks with their top managerial target Xabi Alonso this week, and the fact that these talks are continuing, means there is still a chance.
“Overall, as reported yesterday, Chelsea have been finding it very hard to convince manager targets to come. And we’ve heard that some managers have already rejected their approaches.
“However, Alonso has not walked away from talks yet, but does need a lot of convincing and promises in order to take the role. Chelsea are offering Alonso more control, which is what he has asked for. He’s also been asking around recruitment, especially centre backs, and who they will be looking to bring in.
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“There is a lot of planning and Alonso is insisting that if he is to take the role, then he needs much more of a say than previous managers have had, and more assurances overall around the project and the flexibility on it all. At the moment, Chelsea are working to give those assurances to Alonso, and see him as the main target they want in.”
Is Xabi Alonso the right fit for Chelsea?
The Chelsea job looks like a particularly challenging one at the moment, and it’s unclear if even a talented coach like Alonso could be up to the task.
Xabi Alonso
Wins
Draws
Losses
Win %
Bayer Leverkusen
88
33
19
62.86
Real Madrid
24
4
6
70.59
The 44-year-old seems keen to have a lot of control, but that’s surely unlikely to happen under this ownership and board structure.
Alonso also has the habit of using three at the back and wing-backs, which is not a system that has always had a lot of success in English football.
It might be that Chelsea could make it work, as they did in the 2016/17 season under Antonio Conte, while Alonso might also be flexible and able to adjust his methods.
Overall, however, Alonso looks a risky candidate in some ways, while he also needs to pick his next club carefully after the difficulties he encountered at Real Madrid.
Following a dramatic late-season resurgence under the interim leadership of Michael Carrick, resulting in a crucial top-four finish and Champions League qualification, the debate over the permanent vacancy in the dugout is intensifying.
A number of high profile names have been linked with the United job and understandably so.
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It is one of the biggest jobs in football and every other manager would want the opportunity to get that major role.
Recently, the support for Carrick is increasing after his team secured qualification for the Champions League.
Berbatov backs Carrick for Man United job
Now, former Red Devils icon Dimitar Berbatov has weighed in, emphatically declaring that his former teammate is the undisputed choice to lead the club forward next season.
Speaking recently to Sky Sports, Berbatov did not mince words regarding the current situation at Old Trafford.
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For the Bulgarian hitman, who shared the pitch with Carrick during United’s dominant, trophy-laden era under Sir Alex Ferguson, handing the 44-year-old a permanent contract is simply a “no-brainer.”
Asked if Carrick has done enough to get the job, Berbatov told Sky Sports, as reported by Metro:
‘And more, in my opinion, and more.
‘The team has qualified for the Champions League, the team is playing free-flowing football with swagger, with so much belief, scoring goals.
‘Of course there is work to be done as well, for sure. But looking where the team were, with all the problems, with things that were going on, and now with how things have improved.
‘Michael Carrick and his staff, and of course the players, deserve the credit and I think if you ask anyone, probably 99 per cent will say of course!
‘I heard some of the interviews from the players who are supporting him. “We are going to die for him on the pitch. He knows how to speak with us, the results are here.”
Berbatov highlighted Carrick’s intimate understanding of the club’s DNA, his notably calming presence in a high-pressure environment, and his immediate tactical impact as key reasons why the INEOS sporting hierarchy should abandon any search for external candidates.
Furthermore, Berbatov’s sentiments echo a growing consensus within the Old Trafford dressing room.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique may have unintentionally aimed a bit of a dig at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as they prepare to meet in the Champions League final.
PSG triumphed 6-5 on aggregate against Bayern Munich in their semi-final yesterday, while Arsenal ended a 20-year wait to reach the final again after beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate.
The Gunners will now surely be the underdogs against holders PSG in the final later this month, with Enrique’s side also coming out on top when these two teams met in the semi-finals last season.
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Luis Enrique’s slightly patronising Mikel Arteta comment
Interestingly, as Enrique and Arteta prepare to renew their rivalry, the PSG manager referred to his opponent as “Mikelito” after last night’s game.
See below for the quote, via Fabrizio Romano on X, while the Telegraph’s Sam Dean suggested it might not go down well…
? Luis Enrique: “I appreciate Mikelito Arteta! We used to be teammates when we were kids, he did a great job at Arsenal”.
“I appreciate Mikelito Arteta!” Enrique said. “We used to be teammates when we were kids, he did a great job at Arsenal. It will be difficult, hard game but we believe in our football style.”
Enrique probably didn’t mean to sound insulting to Arteta, but it’s very possible that the Arsenal manager will take it that way and look to get one over his older ex-teammate.
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Arsenal chasing Premier League and Champions League double
Arsenal are getting closer and closer to a truly great season in their history as they’re now top of the Premier League and 90 minutes away from winning the Champions League for the first time.
Of course, it’s so delicately poised that this campaign could still end trophyless for the Gunners, so it’s going to be a big test of Arteta and his players in the next few weeks.
Arsenal have an easier run-in than Manchester City on paper, but this season has been full of twists and turns as both sides have missed opportunities to run away with the title.
PSG have the advantage of being able to focus mainly on the Champions League as Ligue 1 is not as competitive as the English top flight, so that could give them a big advantage when they meet Arsenal in Budapest at the end of this month.
Barcelona are reportedly preparing to make a bid for the transfer of Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro in order to beat Real Madrid to his signature.
The Spain international has impressed during his time at Spurs, but could be a likely candidate for the exit door this summer after a hugely challenging season.
Tottenham still look in danger of relegation, and even if they just about survive the drop, someone like Porro would surely be looking to move on.
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According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the 26-year-old has interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid as he could return to La Liga.
Porro has previously had spells with Girona and Valladolid, and Fichajes now report that Barca look prepared to bid €30m for him in order to get ahead of their rivals.
Pedro Porro could leave Tottenham in summer shake-up
Even if THFC would probably ideally like to keep Porro around, it might not be the worst idea for the club to undergo a major squad overhaul after such a poor campaign.
The likes of Porro, Micky van de Ven, and Xavi Simons are all big names with plenty of potential, but for one reason or another it just hasn’t happened for them at Spurs.
This could be a chance for the north Londoners to raise some money from sales and use that to make some better recruitment decisions moving forward.
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Barca or Real for Pedro Porro?
Porro is a fine player on his day, but it’s perhaps hard to make sense of his possible move to Real Madrid, who signed Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer.
Atlético Madrid have reportedly slapped a staggering €100 million price tag on Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal, along with Barcelona, are exploring the opportunity to sign the World Cup winning striker in the summer transfer window.
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To add more intrigue to the transfer saga, Paris Saint-Germain have also been recently linked with a move for the La Liga attacker.
Prying him away from the Spanish capital will require a monumental financial package and if reports from Mundo Deportivo are to be believed, it is going to cost clubs €100 million to sign Alvarez.
Atletico Madrid are ready to demand a premium fee
Atlético Madrid’s uncompromising stance on the €100 million fee is firmly rooted in their recent financial commitments and contract security.
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Having signed Alvarez from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 in a landmark club-record deal worth up to €95 million, Diego Simeone’s side are determined to secure a return on their prized asset.
Furthermore, with the World Cup winner securely tied down to a long-term contract running until 2030, Atlético possess ultimate leverage at the negotiating table.
They are under zero institutional pressure to facilitate a cut-price exit.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain boast the sheer financial muscle required to meet Atlético’s valuation without hesitation, viewing Alvarez as a versatile, elite-level profile to bolster their squad.
Despite the deep pockets of their European rivals, Barcelona remain at the center of the narrative
Alvarez is internally prioritizing a move to Camp Nou over a return to the Premier League or a switch to Ligue 1.
Knowing this, Barcelona’s hierarchy is biding its time, hoping the 26-year-old will actively take a stand and formally inform Atlético Madrid’s management of his desire to push for a move to Catalonia.
The talented 20-year-old has enjoyed something of a breakthrough season this term, contributing eight goals and seven assists.
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Froholdt was previously on the books at Copenhagen, but he’s stepped up well since moving to a bigger club in a more competitive league.
According to Bold.dk, Arsenal are now up against the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United for his signature this summer.
This follows our exclusive information earlier this season on Arsenal and Tottenham eyeing Froholdt, who looks like he’ll be a tricky player for Porto to hold onto for much longer.
Victor Froholdt set for Arsenal transfer?
It remains to be seen if Arsenal are making serious progress on this potential transfer, or if it’s still something at a relatively early stage.
Still, the Gunners will likely be looking for a player of this profile this summer – a young midfielder who can give Mikel Arteta more depth behind Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Christian Norgaard has struggled to impress since moving to the Emirates Stadium, so there’s surely room for someone like Froholdt to come in and initially be a squad player, but perhaps then later grow into a starter once he has more experience under his belt.
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Liverpool might also be able to lure Froholdt as they are another club who could do well to make some changes in the middle of the park.
Still, it’s been a pretty dire season for the Reds, so it might be that the Gunners’ project looks more tempting at the moment.
Arsenal are top of the Premier League table and in the final of the Champions League, while Liverpool have dropped to fourth in the table and are set to finish trophyless.
Manchester United are reportedly looking at Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo as one of three main targets in defence for this summer.
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The Red Devils are looking to strengthen what they view as something of a problem position in their squad after a poor recent injury record for the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.
Meanwhile, Leny Yoro hasn’t been entirely convincing since joining Man Utd, and the ageing Harry Maguire is probably not likely to continue as a regular starter despite recently signing a new contract.
According to Fichajes, this could lead United to moving for Murillo, while other big names such as Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven and RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba are also on their list.
Murillo transfer eyed by Manchester United and Chelsea
Murillo has shone during his time at Nottingham Forest and it makes sense that a big move could soon be in store for the Brazilian.
It’s not been the easiest season for Forest, though they now look to be closing in on safety from relegation, while they also have one foot in the Europa League final.
Murillo, though, seems like someone in this squad who’ll fancy playing at a higher level, and United could be an exciting opportunity for him to do that.
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However, the Blues look a generally riskier option right now after a difficult season that looks set to see them drop out of the Champions League.
MUFC have had a difficult few years but perhaps look like they’ve finally found some stability, so they’ll surely be the favourites over CFC as things stand.
Chelsea’s talismanic midfielder Cole Palmer remains highly receptive to the prospect of a sensational move to Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail.
While the newly turned 24-year-old was heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford last summer, the narrative has resurfaced, fueled by Chelsea’s ongoing systemic struggles and a challenging personal campaign for the England international.
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Growing up in Wythenshawe, Manchester, Palmer was a documented boyhood United fan before ultimately joining the Manchester City academy.
Cole Palmer would be open to joining Man United
This emotional tie makes the prospect of donning the famous red shirt an inherently attractive proposition for the playmaker.
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However, despite his reported willingness to make the jump, the sporting hierarchy at Manchester United has yet to formalise a concrete approach.
Under the INEOS regime led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Red Devils are operating with a strict, data-driven recruitment strategy.
Currently, the club is prioritising other critical areas of the pitch, most notably midfield reinforcements and signing a centre-back, before committing a massive, marquee portion of their budget to another attacking midfielder.
After an explosive debut season that established him as one of Europe’s premier attacking talents, the 2025/26 campaign has proven far more difficult to navigate for Palmer.
The England international has struggled this season
Registering nine goals in 23 Premier League appearances is a return most midfielders would envy, but it represents a noticeable dip from his previous numbers.
With the Blues once again struggling to find consistency, identity, and rhythm this season, Palmer has often found himself isolated, tasked with carrying a misfiring and disjointed attacking line on his shoulders.
Chelsea are under pressure to sell players this summer, with Enzo Fernandez emerging as the leading candidate amid interest from Real Madrid.
As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, there is growing interest from Real Madrid and an overwhelming feeling from both sides that it would be best for the Argentine to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Fernandez’s future has been in doubt for some time, with the player himself notably flirting with a move to Madrid by discussing how much he’d love to live in the Spanish capital.
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As reported last month, Real have discussed Fernandez internally, with an approach expected soon. The latest I’m hearing is that a move to the Bernabeu is “the strongest scenario” at the moment, despite Manchester City and PSG also looking at the former Benfica man’s situation.
Enzo Fernandez set for Chelsea exit
I cannot yet confirm if direct talks have taken place between Fernandez and any other clubs, but the interest is there and Real Madrid are understood to be making preparations for a major summer in the transfer market.
Sources in the agents industry are all saying that Los Blancos want to set aside funds for a significant midfield signing, with Fernandez ticking all their boxes.
At Chelsea’s end, there is the growing sense that this sale is necessary, though of course multiple sources are also keen to make it clear that the Blues will demand big money.
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“Chelsea must sanction a major sale this summer and Enzo Fernandez is the obvious candidate – he’s keen to explore his options, and he’s aware of Real Madrid’s interest,” one source explained.
“Fernandez fits the bill for Real, who want an elite ‘regista’ in midfield. The asking price could be an issue, though, as Chelsea will look to start the negotiations at £100-110m.”
Despite City’s interest, I’m told that a move is not currently considered likely. The appreciation for Fernandez is genuine, but Elliot Anderson remains their top target.
It’s also unlikely that CFC would look favourably on selling such a key player to a major rival, and City are likely aware of that.
I’m also told that although Fernandez has not ruled out the option of staying in England, his preference remains for that move to Madrid, as he himself hinted so strongly with those recent public comments.
The future of their defensive crown jewel, Micky van de Ven, has become the subject of intense speculation.
Despite Spurs’ desperate battle to secure their Premier League survival, recently bolstered by a crucial weekend victory over Aston Villa, the 25-year-old speedster is reportedly plotting a summer exit.
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With a new contract offer firmly rejected, a high-stakes transfer battle is brewing, with arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester United positioned at the front of the queue to secure the Dutchman’s signature.
Tottenham defender wants to join Liverpool
Van de Ven has already made his mind over his next move and the Dutchman is keen to join Liverpool over Man United, according to TEAMtalk.
The explosive center-back grew up as a boyhood Liverpool fan, and the allure of Anfield reportedly places Arne Slot’s side firmly in the driving seat.
For Van de Ven, the opportunity to slot into the heart of the Reds’ defense and potentially seamlessly succeed his compatriot, represents a dream career step that he would accept “without hesitation.”
Having just secured Champions League football for next season under the impressive interim leadership of Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have the financial muscle and ascending sporting project to entice top talent.
United view Van de Ven as an ideal upgrade to their backline, particularly given the persistent injury struggles and inconsistent availability of veterans Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.
For Tottenham, the situation is increasingly bleak. While the club is desperate to retain their star defender, his refusal to sign an extension has forced the board’s hand.
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Spurs have reportedly slapped an ambitious £60 million to £80 million valuation on the Netherlands international.
Yet, this wild asking price could be drastically compromised if the North London outfit fails to avoid the drop to the Championship in their final three fixtures.
Regardless of how Tottenham’s tense relegation dogfight concludes, Van de Ven appears destined for the Champions League next season.
Whichever club ultimately meets Spurs’ valuation will be signing one of Europe’s most dynamic and modern center-backs, ready to anchor an elite defense for years to come.
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a potential transfer opportunity as Ajax winger Mika Godts could end up moving for below his current €75m asking price.
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The exciting young Belgian has really caught the eye in the Eredivisie in recent times, establishing himself as one of the biggest talents outside Europe’s big five leagues.
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Arsenal sense Mika Godts transfer opportunity
Arsenal are said to be big fans of Godts, and they’re keeping a close eye on what happens with Ajax this season as they could miss out on European football.
According to the Fichajes report, that could likely mean the Amsterdam outfit’s negotiating position for a talent like Godts is significantly weakened.
For now, the 20-year-old is expected to cost around €75m, according to the report, but finishing outside the European places would probably bring that price tag down.
Mika Godts
Games
Goals
Assists
Ajax 2025/26
38
17
13
Arsenal need more inspiration in attack
Arsenal may be in the Champions League final and top of the Premier League table, but there are undoubtedly some weaknesses in Mikel Arteta’s side’s attack.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been hugely inconsistent this season, while even Bukayo Saka has struggled to hit his usual heights, largely due to being in and out of the team with injury.
There’s surely room for someone to come in and provide a new element of spark and unpredictability, with Godts looking like a talent well worth investing in.
It would be a big step up from Ajax to Arsenal, but Godts surely has it in him to become a genuinely top player if he continues to develop and benefits from the guidance of an elite coach like Arteta.
The impending departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of the 2025/26 season marks the end of an era at Liverpool.
As the Egyptian king prepares to bid farewell to Anfield after nine record-breaking years, the Merseyside giants are faced with the monumental task of replacing one of the greatest wingers in Premier League history.
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While reports have linked Liverpool with ambitious moves for international stars like Athletic Club’s Nico Williams and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, former striker Michael Owen has backed a Premier League player to replace Salah at Anfield.
West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen has received the backing from Owen to make the move to Anfield.
Liverpool are looking for a Mo Salah replacement
Replacing Salah is about more than simply signing a talented forward, it requires identifying a player capable of shouldering immense pressure while delivering relentless, clinical output from the right flank.
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In a question asked by talkSPORT about seeing Bowen at Liverpool, the football pundit said:
“How do you know?
“I have said that to a couple of my mates the other day. I said, if I had one player.
“Now, obviously, Jarrod Bowen’s a legend of a player, West Ham, you know, adore the man, and rightly so.
“But, if West Ham went down, he would fit for me.
“I think he’s absolutely brilliant.
“I was lucky enough to do like a striking master class for a TV show we did last season with him, and I couldn’t believe it.
“Honestly, left foot, right foot, bang, bang, corners, pace. I mean, a real top finisher.
“I think he’s a brilliant player. I would be taking him to the World Cup, and, as I say, you know, I don’t want to upset West Ham fans, but if they went down, then he would be my idea of somebody to replace Salah.”
At 29 years old, Bowen represents a readymade, Premier League-proven solution. The England international possesses the qualities to shine at a big club.
Despite West Ham’s chaotic season, Bowen has maintained his high standards. The Hammers’ captain remains their most reliable attacking outlet, consistently troubling defenses with his direct running and sharp final product.
As the 2026 summer transfer window approaches, Newcastle United’s quest to find a dependable striker is intensifying.
While recent widespread reports suggested the Magpies were preparing an audacious bid for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, the reality of the situation points in a completely different direction.
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According to journalist Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport, Newcastle’s primary attacking target at Stamford Bridge is actually 23-year-old Liam Delap.
With Eddie Howe desperate to add reliable firepower to his squad, a move for the English forward appears far more likely as the Tyneside club looks to make amends for a deeply frustrating recruiting period last year.
Journalist confirms Delap’s Chelsea exit is a possibility
Jacobs said: “There will be outgoings [at Chelsea] and one could be Liam Delap.
“My information is that the player would like to stay and fight for his place, and if you’re Liam Delap, even with Joao Pedro locking down that lead number 9 role, you’re maybe waiting to see who the new manager is, but there is interest in Liam Delap, particularly, I’m told, from Newcastle United, who will add another striker this summer.
“Nicolas Jackson is going to return [to Chelsea], the obligation to buy was always near impossible [for Bayern Munich], but links with Newcastle or new ones at this stage are wide of the mark. If Newcastle are going to raid Chelsea for a striker it would more likely be Delap than Nico Jackson as of now.”
Newcastle’s pursuit of a traditional center-forward stems directly from the chaotic fallout of the 2025 summer window.
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The high-profile departure of talisman Alexander Isak to Liverpool left a massive void in the team’s attack.
The club’s subsequent late scramble to replace the Swedish star led to the signings of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, moves that have not worked out.
Consequently, the Magpies have lacked a consistent, elite focal point this season. With a restructured recruitment team now steering the ship, Newcastle is determined to learn from those costly missteps.
Delap, known for his relentless physicality, aerial presence, and high ceiling, fits the profile of a classic number nine who could thrive under Howe’s intense, physical tactical setup.
For Delap, a move to St. James’ Park could offer a vital career reset. Since joining Chelsea for a reported £30 million from Ipswich Town in June 2025, the forward has endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign.
Hindered by early-season hamstring and shoulder injuries, Delap has found consistent starting minutes hard to come by, managing just one Premier League goal in a difficult first season for the Blues.
Steven Gerrard has spoken about Arsenal’s chances against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, saying it might suit them to be underdogs.
PSG beat Bayern Munich in their semi-final last night, while Arsenal overcame Atletico Madrid, setting up an intriguing clash in Budapest later this month.
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The Gunners will fancy their chances against PSG, even if the reigning European champions will be slight favourites, but Gerrard feels that could also suit Mikel Arteta and his players.
Watch below as Gerrard, who knows a thing or two about Champions League final upsets, said it can sometimes be beneficial to feel like there’s less pressure on you than your opponent…
“Arsenal are going to have to be perfect on the night!”
Owen Hargreaves and Steven Gerrard on the challenge facing Arsenal against PSG in the Champions League final ?
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 6, 2026
“Everyone expects PSG to maybe win it,” the former Liverpool captain told TNT Sports. “If you look at tonight’s performance, you look at them winning it last year, the players they’ve got, you would have to say that the bookies will probably make PSG favourites.
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“Obviously Arsenal have had the easier ride [to the final] if you like, but that’s going to be some final at the end of the month, one for us all to look forward to, two different styles. Both deserve to be there, you have to say that.”
Gerrard added that Arsenal would need a bit of luck against such a good PSG side.
“It’s a possibility [that Arsenal win] but they’re going to have to have a bit of luck,” he added. “They’re going to have to have things go their way on the night because this PSG team, they’re just so good everywhere.”
Can Arsenal beat PSG to win first-ever Champions League?
Arsenal will be desperate to finally get their hands on this trophy, with the north Londoners arguably the biggest club in Europe never to win it.
AFC have only reached the final once before this season, losing 2-1 to Barcelona back in 2006, and this will be another big challenge for them.
PSG have world class players in every position and an elite coach in Luis Enrique, but this surely won’t be a walkover for the French giants like their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in last year’s final.
Arsenal are well-drilled defensively and remain unbeaten in all their Champions League matches so far this season, while they can also take some heart from the fact that they played well and were pretty unlucky in their semi-final defeat against PSG last season.
West Ham United find themselves staring into the possibility of relegation.
The Hammers face Arsenal in the Premier League next, a team who is fighting to win the Premier League title this season, which makes their survival in the top flight even more difficult.
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With just three fixtures remaining to salvage their top-flight status, anxiety is understandably high around the London Stadium.
However, amidst the looming threat of the drop, a significant and reassuring development has emerged, the Hammers’ hierarchy has unequivocally decided to retain manager Nuno Espírito Santo, regardless of which division the club competes in next season.
West Ham are confident about keeping Nuno
According to The Tepehraph, this mutual commitment could be the very anchor West Ham desperately needs to navigate a turbulent summer.
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To understand the significance of this boardroom decision, one must look at the chaotic circumstances surrounding Nuno’s arrival.
After joining last September to replace Graham Potter, the Portuguese tactician inherited a deeply fractured team.
Despite a predictably sluggish start as he worked to implement his systematic methodology, Nuno has seen a steady turnaround.
Boasting a resilient record of just five defeats in their last 18 outings across all competitions, the Hammers have finally begun to forge a distinct identity and fighting spirit under his stewardship.
Nuno remains entirely unfazed by the prospect of dropping down to the Championship.
This unwavering stance shouldn’t come as a surprise. Nuno possesses an impeccable pedigree in England’s notoriously difficult second tier, having famously engineered Wolves’ dominant, 99-point title-winning campaign in 2018 before establishing them as an upper-half Premier League force.
His proven blueprint for promotion makes him the ideal architect for an immediate bounce-back.
The current squad has visibly bought into his philosophy, and his reputation may persuade key transitional figures to remain for the rebuild.
For a club that has struggled to find a cohesive, long-term direction since the departure of David Moyes in 2024, sticking with Nuno shows that they are looking for stability and consistency.
Relegation would undoubtedly be a bitter pill for the Hammers faithful to swallow. However, knowing they have a top-tier manager holding the reins would give them confidence of bouncing back immediately.
Manchester United reportedly still have no plans to reintegrate Marcus Rashford into their first-team squad next season.
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The England international is facing an uncertain summer as he may not end up getting his loan move to Barcelona converted into a permanent deal.
Still, that won’t mean there’s a way back for him at Man Utd, according to the Sun, despite the player posting on X to congratulate the club on their return to the Champions League, which was his first social media post about the Red Devils for almost a year.
While some might have taken that as a hint that Rashford is looking to reconnect with his parent club, it still seems that Old Trafford chiefs would prefer to sell the 28-year-old.
Marcus Rashford transfer options
It has seemed the case for a while now that Barca would not take up the option to keep Rashford, despite the United forward doing a decent job during his spell on loan at the Nou Camp.
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Some United fans might even look at that and question if they should consider bringing Rashford back into the fold, but it’s fair to say it seems that ship has sailed.
Rashford was once a key player for MUFC, but it looks like he’s benefited from the change of scene since joining Barcelona on loan, so moving again seems like the only realistic option to suit all parties.
Aston Villa are already laying the groundwork for a critical summer of transition.
In recent weeks, the Midlands club has initiated preliminary discussions with the representatives of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, as reported by a source on X.
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Restricted to just 14 appearances across all competitions this term, the highly-rated shot-stopper is understandably eager to secure regular Premier League minutes, a guarantee that seems impossible under Pep Guardiola as long as the Italian international remains the undisputed number one.
While Villa’s interest is concrete, they are not the only suitors monitoring Trafford’s availability.
Newcastle United and Tottenham have both registered their interest, though each faces unique structural hurdles.
Aston Villa face competition for the English goalkeeper
The Magpies are reportedly grappling with the financial implications of Trafford’s wage demands, whereas Tottenham’s pursuit is entirely contingent on their ongoing, desperate battle to secure top-flight survival in the final three games of the season.
For Aston Villa, the pitch to Trafford is incredibly compelling. Sitting fifth in the Premier League and just four points shy of mathematically securing Champions League qualification, the Villans offer the chance to play in Europe’s elite competition next season, as things stand.
Stepping into the immense void potentially left by Martinez would instantly establish him as a cornerstone of an ambitious Premier League project. More importantly, it would provide the vital weekly exposure needed to stake a serious, long-term claim as England’s premier goalkeeper.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a substantial move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s standout defender, Jan Paul van Hecke.
However, according to TEAMtalk, the North London club will face fierce competition from heavyweights Chelsea and Liverpool, who are also closely monitoring the 25-year-old Netherlands international.
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Van Hecke’s stock has risen astronomically over the past two seasons on the South Coast.
Establishing himself as a fundamental piece of Brighton’s backline, his elite ball-playing abilities, aerial dominance, and aggressive front-foot defending earned him the club’s Player of the Season award for the 2024/25 campaign.
Van Hecke has shown incredible consistency
He followed that up with a stellar 2025/26 season, contributing heavily to build-up play while securing his place in the senior Dutch national team setup.
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For Tottenham, the pursuit of van Hecke is driven by both tactical necessity and a desire for familiarity.
With persistent internal uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of current defensive anchors Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, both of whom have been heavily linked with high-profile summer exits, Spurs are acutely aware of the need to reinforce their rearguard.
The tactician, who successfully managed van Hecke during their shared time at the Amex Stadium, is understood to be driving the interest.
De Zerbi’s system requires center-backs who are exceptionally comfortable in possession and brave enough to hold a high line, traits that perfectly align with van Hecke’s proven skill set and development path.
As the summer window approaches, van Hecke finds himself at the center of a high-profile transfer tug-of-war.
While Chelsea and Liverpool possess the financial muscle and pedigree to lure the 25-year-old away from Brighton, the prospect of reuniting with De Zerbi at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could prove decisive.
Crystal Palace are reportedly now eyeing up an alternative to Andoni Iraola as they look for a replacement for Oliver Glasner this summer.
That man could be Rayo Vallecano’s highly-rated young manager Inigo Perez, who is also being strongly linked with the Villarreal job.
That’s according to a report from Sports Boom, who suggest that Palace are now unlikely to be able to land Iraola, so are looking at someone who’s already drawn comparisons to the Bournemouth boss.
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Perez has done a fine job at Rayo Vallecano and will surely move on to bigger things soon, so it will be interesting to see if Palace have any chance of beating Villarreal to the 38-year-old Spanish tactician.
Crystal Palace preparing for life after Oliver Glasner
This could be a very challenging summer for Palace as they look to move on from Glasner, who announced earlier this season that he would be leaving Selhurst Park at the end of his contract this summer.
The Austrian tactician will surely land himself a big job after his impressive work with Palace, with whom he won the FA Cup final last season and the Community Shield at the start of this campaign.
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Iraola would have been an exciting appointment for the Eagles, but it looks like they’ll have to take a punt on someone like Perez, who has less experience, and who would be new to English football.
Palace could also lose star players
On top of changing managers, Palace will likely also face interest in their star players again this summer.
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Enzo Fernandez to Arsenal?
Arsenal are close to winning the Premier League title, and they have reached the final of the UEFA Champions League. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are monitoring his situation, and they could look to make a move for him in the summer.
It will be interesting to see if Arsenal is willing to break the Bank for him. It is fair to assume they will have to break their transfer to get the deal done. Chelsea paid around £107 million to sign the player, and they will look to recoup most of that and make a profit.
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Fernandez has been a reliable performer in the Premier League with Chelsea, and he has the quality to transform Arsenal. They need more creativity and control in the middle of the park, and the South American would be ideal. He will add goals and vision from the middle of the park.
Fernandez has 19 goal contributions in all competitions. He is entering the peak years of his career, and he could improve further with coaching and experience.
Arsenal finds themselves at a fascinating crossroads heading into the 2026 summer transfer window.
Despite a landmark campaign that saw the Gunners reach the UEFA Champions League final and secure a windfall exceeding £120 million in prize money, the hierarchy at the Emirates Stadium is reportedly preparing for a significant clearing of the decks.
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Mikel Arteta and Sporting Director Andrea Berta are prioritising sales this summer, according to Sky Sports.
Although the Gunners are not in a position to buy players by only selling players first but they are still looking to balance their books so that the club’s financial condition can be further improved.
Arsenal consider summer sales to balance books
While a £120 million injection would suggest a massive spending spree is imminent, the reality of modern football finance is more complex.
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For Arsenal, the decision to offload established first-team players isn’t necessarily driven by a lack of funds, but by the need to balance the books under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
This approach mirrors the ruthless squad management seen at Manchester City and Real Madrid, where sentimentality is often sacrificed.
The 2025/26 season proved that Arsenal’s starting XI can compete with any team in world football.
However, the grueling schedule of a deep European run exposed the gap between the core starters and other members of the squad.
Potential departures are expected to include high-value assets who no longer fit the “Arteta Blueprint,” as well as fringe players seeking regular first-team football.
These sales are not just about the transfer fees, they are about freeing up a significant portion of the wage bill to accommodate the world-class talent required to take the final step toward domestic and European dominance.
Aston Villa have reportedly decided that they don’t want to keep Douglas Luiz this summer after his disappointing second spell at the club on loan from Juventus.
The Brazilian midfielder was a star performer for Villa during his first spell at the club, before being sold to Juventus, where he then struggled.
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According to Tuttosport, it now looks like Luiz’s future is in serious doubt as Villa aren’t keen on keeping him unless they can get him for a lot cheaper than the €25m option they initially agreed (fee via Birmingham Mail).
However, Juve can’t afford to give any discounts due to their own financial concerns, according to Tuttosport, so it looks like he’ll be heading back to Turin for now.
What next for Douglas Luiz after Juventus and Aston Villa struggles?
Luiz will surely still be sold by Juventus this summer, but it remains to be seen where he could end up if Villa don’t want to make his move permanent.
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At this point, it might be better for Juve to try reintegrating the 27-year-old into their squad, as his value will only have gone down after failing to impress whilst being put into the proverbial shop window whilst going out on loan.
It’s surprising to see Luiz going downhill like this after he looked like a player with such a big future in that first spell under Unai Emery, and it really looks like it’ll be a challenge for him now to get his career back on track.
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Marcus Rashford keen on Barcelona move
According to a report from TeamTalk, the player is determined to continue in Spain with Barcelona, but Arsenal are also monitoring his situation. It will be interesting to see if Barcelona is willing to get the deal done.
Arsenal could use more quality in the final third, and Rashford would be an excellent acquisition for them. The 28-year-old can operate anywhere across the front three, and he could add goals and creativity to the team. He could slot into the left wing role for Arsenal, and he could complete their front three.
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The opportunity to join a club like Arsenal could be an interesting option for the player as well, especially if Barcelona decides to walk away from the permanent move. He will want to compete at the highest level and play regularly. Arsenal could provide him with that platform.
The Gunners are favourites to win the Premier League title this season, and they have reached the final of the UEFA Champions League as well. There is no doubt that they are one of the best teams in the world, and any player would be tempted to join them.
The asking price is quite reasonable, and Arsenal have the finances to get the deal done. However, he earns £325,000 per week and might need to adjust his wages to get the deal done.
Arsenal will not want to pay that kind of money to a 28-year-old.
Meanwhile, the player has 13 goals and 14 assists this season, and he could prove to be a major upgrade on players like Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League in previous seasons, and he is close to leaving the Italian club this summer. According to a report from TuttoAtalanta, Atletico Madrid is also keen on securing his signature, but Manchester United are leading the transfer race.
They need more quality in the middle of the park, and the Brazilian could be the ideal central midfielder for them. He is a complete midfielder who will help out defensively and add control and composure to the team. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for the South American as well.
Atletico Madrid is a big club, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies as well. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.
Manchester United certainly have more financial muscle compared to the Spanish club, and they are among the biggest clubs in the world. They have secured Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and it would not be a surprise if the Brazilian is attracted to the idea of joining them.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League is hard to turn down for most players. It could be the ideal next step in his career. He will look to prove himself at the highest level, and regular football in England could bring out the best in him.
Manchester United need a reliable partner for Kobbie Mainoo, and the Brazilian certainly fits the profile. In addition to him, they should look to invest in a reliable defensive midfielder to replace Casemiro as well.
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Spurs could use Mandela Keita
It is no secret that Tottenham need more physicality and defensive steel in the middle of the park. Keita could prove to be an excellent addition for them. He will add physicality, drive and defensive cover to the side. He’s a young player with a lot of potential, and he could develop into an important player for Tottenham.
However, they must secure safety in the Premier League first. They will need to stay up in order to attract quality talent.
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On the other hand, Aston Villa is looking to secure Champions League qualification next season, and they need to further improve the team if they want to do well in Europe and in England. Adding more quality in the middle of the park would be ideal for them.
They have the resources to sign the 23-year-old midfielder, and he could be tempted to join them if they secure Champions League football for the upcoming campaign.
Both clubs could be exciting destinations for the young midfielder. It remains to be seen where he ends up. He has the quality to thrive in the Premier League, and he could prove to be an excellent long-term investment for both clubs.
A quality defensive midfielder like the Belgian will not only help both teams tighten up at the back, he would also allow the creative players to operate with more freedom.
Arsenal made it to the finals of the UEFA Champions League after the victory over Atletico Madrid last night, and they are on the verge of winning the Premier League title as well.
The Gunners fans could be set for more positive news as the club prepares to offer Mikel Arteta a new contract in the summer.
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Arsenal want a new deal for Mikel Arteta
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are planning to extend his stay, and they already made the decision in March, regardless of the results.
The Spanish manager is currently focused on finishing the season strongly and winning titles with the club. He is looking forward to talks at the end of the season.
He has done a splendid job at Arsenal this season, and it makes sense for the club to reward him with a new deal. They will want to maintain stability at the club as they look to build a formidable team for the future.
Arsenal have been fighting for the league title in recent years, and they finally look like they’re getting over the line this time around. It will be imperative for them to keep their best players and the manager. Keeping the spine of the team intact will be crucial to their hopes of consistently challenging at the highest level.
Arteta is currently one of the most coveted young managers in the game, and the fans will hope that Arsenal can sort out his long-term future quickly.
The former Arsenal midfielder is clearly enjoying his time as the manager of the club, and it is fair to assume that he will eventually put pen to paper on a new deal.
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Man United eyeing Harry Kane
According to TEAMtalk, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is an admirer of the England international striker, and he would be keen to bring him to Manchester United. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the England international to return.
He has been outstanding for the German club, and he has helped them win two league titles already. Bayern Munich are in the UEFA Champions League semifinals, and it will be interesting to see whether he can help them win the European Cup.
Manchester United need more quality in the attacking unit, and the 32-year-old would be the ideal acquisition. He is still very much at the peak of his career, and he could transform them in the attack. Kane could be the ideal mentor for Benjamin Sesko, who is still a young player. He has not been prolific enough at Old Trafford this season, and he needs more support in the attack.
On the other hand, Chelsea are looking to bring an upgrade on Liam Delap.
Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to ramp up their effort to sign the Brighton defender, Jan Paul van Hecke, at the end of the season.
Chelsea and Liverpool have made enquiries for the 25-year-old Netherlands defender in recent weeks, and they are prepared to make a move for him.
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Spurs could use Jan Paul van Hecke
Tottenham need more quality in the defensive unit, especially with players like Cristian Romero linked with an exit. They need to tighten up at the back as well. They have been quite vulnerable defensively, which is one of the main reasons they are fighting for survival in the Premier League.
It will be interesting to see if they can secure safety in the top flight and sign the 25-year-old in the summer.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Roberto De Zerbi is ready to reunite with Dutch defender at Tottenham, and the presence of the Italian manager at the home could give the North London club an advantage in the transfer race.
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham come forward with an official offer for the 25-year-old in the coming weeks.
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Man United could use Morgan Rogers
Manchester United have been overly dependent on the Portuguese international for goals and creativity from the middle of the park. Rogers has proven himself to be a reliable performer in the top flight, and he could be a player for club and country in the coming seasons.
According to reports from Spain, Manchester United have now intensified contacts with his representatives regarding a potential move. The player is reportedly valued at £100 million, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United is prepared to pay that much for him. While the investment might seem excessive, the player has the potential to justify it in the future.
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Manchester United are among the biggest clubs in the world, and they are expected to fight for trophies in the coming seasons. Rogers will want to take the next step in his development and join a bigger club. Manchester United have the resources to afford him, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Villa will not want to lose a key player like him, but they could be powerless to stop him from leaving if a lucrative offer is on the table.
Mohamed Salah has decided to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, and they will need to replace the Egyptian star accordingly.
According to former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, West Ham United attacker Jarrod Bowen could be the ideal acquisition for the Premier League champions.
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Jarrod Bowen deserves a big move
The 29-year-old has been a consistent performer in the Premier League since joining West Ham from Hull City. He is certainly one of the best attacking players in the league right now, and he’s at the peak of his career. Owen believes that Bowen could be the ideal replacement for the Egyptian.
Owen told talkSPORT: “A real top finisher, brilliant. If West Ham went down, he would be my idea of someone to replace Salah”.
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool decides to make a move for him at the end of the season. The 29-year-old would slot into the right flank and add goals and creativity to the team.
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The opportunity to play for Liverpool will be exciting for him as well. He has shown his quality at West Ham despite their struggles, and he has clearly outgrown them. He deserves to compete at a higher level, and Liverpool could provide him with that platform.
West Ham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they could end up in the championship if they do not finish the season strongly. That will make it difficult for them to keep their best players next season. It remains to be seen whether Bowen decides to move on in the summer.
The 29-year-old attacker has 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. His numbers could improve further when he plays on a better team alongside top-quality players.
Chelsea are interested in signing the FC Koln winger Said El Mala during the summer transfer window.
Even though they invested in Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens at the start of the season, both players have been underwhelming. They need to bring in upgrades, and the 19-year-old could prove to be an excellent addition.
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It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can get the deal done in the coming weeks. The opportunity to join the London club could be exciting for the 19-year-old. They are one of the biggest clubs in England, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies in the coming seasons. Regular football in England could also accelerate his development.
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El Mala is a player with a lot of potential, and he should be able to justify the €50 million investment in future. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea is prepared to submit an acceptable offer for him in the coming weeks.
It has been a disappointing season for them, and they are ninth in the league table. A club of their stature should be competing in the Champions League regularly and fighting for trophies. They need quality additions in the summer to bounce back.
Ramos has 12 goals this season, and he has played just over 1100 minutes in the league.
Manchester United could use more depth in the attacking unit, and Ramos can support Benjamin Sesko. Joshua Zirkzee is expected to be sold in the summer, and Manchester United needs to replace him properly. The Portuguese International could be ideal for them.
As for Chelsea, they need an upgrade on Liam Delap. He has found the back of the net just wants this season, and they need someone who can share the goal-scoring burden with Joao Pedro.
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Finally, Arsenal will need more quality in the attacking unit as well. Viktor Gyokeres has not been prolific enough, and the team needs more goals. They will be hoping to consistently fight for league titles and the UEFA Champions League. They cannot depend on the Swedish International to score goals every week.
The Portuguese striker could be an excellent investment for them. He is hungry to prove himself at the highest level, and he has shown his quality with the Portuguese national team and PSG. He has the technical attributes for English football, and he could be the ideal competitor for Gyokeres next season.
Marcos Senesi continues to be linked with a move away from Bournemouth in recent weeks, and it appears that Liverpool are leading the race for his signature.
According to reports from Spain, they are looking to bolster the defensive unit and have identified the 28-year-old as a target. They believe that the South American could help them improve at no cost, and he could prove to be a major bargain for them.
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Liverpool could use Marcos Senesi
He has consistently shown his quality in the Premier League, and he has helped the Cherries do well this season. They are currently sixth in the league table. Senesi has been labelled as “phenomenal” this season.
He has been linked with multiple clubs recently. The report claims that Liverpool has now overtaken all the competitors in the race to sign the South American defender, and it remains to be seen whether they can finalise an agreement with the player quickly.
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Senesi has played under Arne Slot during their time together at Feyenoord, and it remains to be seen whether the player is keen on a reunion. He knows the manager well, and he should be able to settle into his style of football quickly.
Ibrahima Konate could leave the club on a free transfer in the summer, and the 28-year-old is expected to fill the void left by the French International.
The French centre-back has struggled to find his best form at Stamford Bridge, despite initially looking like he’d be a fine signing after impressing at former club Leicester City.
Now, however, it could make sense for Chelsea to offload Fofana if there are any takers for him, with the Blues perhaps in need of a few sales this summer when accounting for the financial hit of missing out on Champions League qualification.
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According to Sacha Tavolieri, Fofana is someone who could be available for as little as €30m…
?? Le dossier Wesley Fofana est sur la table du Barça.
?? À voir ce que les Catalans décideront d'en faire…
Posting on X, Tavolieri said: “The Wesley Fofana file is on the table at Barça … To see what the Catalans decide to do with it.”
Barcelona may well be tempted by Fofana even if he hasn’t been at his best for Chelsea, as there’s every chance the 25-year-old could still revive his career in the years to come.
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It could make sense for the former Foxes ace to try a new challenge and perhaps to go abroad where he’d be playing in a slightly less physically competitive, demanding, and fast-paced league.
Barca fans might also feel their club could do better, though, so it will be interesting to see if this develops, with the Catalan giants not yet looking like they’ll necessarily take this opportunity that’s being offered to them.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano recently posted on his YouTube channel about the England international having serious chances of leaving St James’ Park this summer.
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Phillips now claims that Chelsea had a meeting with Gordon‘s reps just a few days ago, though it seems the current indication is that he’s rejecting advances from Stamford Bridge.
Should Anthony Gordon risk transfer to unstable Chelsea?
Gordon will surely not be the only player at the moment looking at Chelsea’s project and having serious doubts.
Indeed, many of their own squad at the moment will likely be considering their futures, with CFC slipping out of the running for Champions League qualification after a dire run of six Premier League defeats in a row, and just one win from their last ten.
Gordon will know he has other options on the table this summer, so it makes sense for him to rule out Chelsea for the moment as he could just become the latest player to go there and struggle in such an unstable environment.
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Can this Chelsea project succeed?
Chelsea just haven’t been the same since the change in ownership from Roman Abramovich to Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.
The west London giants used to sign a lot of the best players in the world and hire proven managers who could deliver success straight away.
Now, however, there’s been a lot of chopping and changing in personnel, with the club seemingly more focused on recruiting top young players who they can later sell on for profit.
For a proven name like Gordon, there really seems little reason to go there now if you have serious ambitions of advancing your career.
Manchester United reportedly have as many as nine midfielders on their list of transfer targets for this summer, including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba.
We’ve seen those names linked with the Red Devils a few times, and it seems we can also add a few more big names.
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According to Fichajes, the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott, James Garner, and Shea Charles are also under consideration at Old Trafford.
United fans will no doubt have a few favourites in mind for the role, but it could be that the club will bring in more than one new addition as they look to invest as much as £150m on that part of their squad, according to Fichajes.
Manchester United’s midfield transfer targets analysed
From that list, it would surely make sense to make Anderson and Wharton the two top targets, with the talented young England duo looking like the dream options, if a bit less realistic due to the amount they’d cost, and the long list of other top clubs also surely chasing them.
Outside of those two, there’s also a lot to be said for investing in prospects like Fernandes and Baleba, who have shown a lot of potential in the Premier League, even if they’re not quite at the level of Anderson or Wharton just yet.
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If those names don’t work out for whatever reason, MUFC could certainly still do well to bring in someone like Tonali or Garner, while Scott has also shown a lot of promise at Bournemouth.
ESPN’s pundits, including former Arsenal player Stewart Robson, spent a surprising amount of time complaining about Mikel Arteta after last night’s Champions League semi-final.
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The Gunners boss had just celebrated guiding the club to only their second ever appearance in the Champions League final after beating Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, and yet it seems much of the focus was on personal digs at his antics.
Watch below for a bizarre exchange between the ESPN host and ex-Gunner Robson as they discuss wanting to “punch Arteta in the face” whilst questioning if he’s actually doing any real coaching or just acting up for the cameras…
Meanwhile, this is what the folks at ESPN are talking about. These men are so weird. pic.twitter.com/K8O3XsYBXt
“He’s meant to coach the game, he’s meant to give instructions,” Robson said.
“All Arteta does, I think he’s doing it for himself, is ‘look at me I’m great, I run this club, I do this, I do that’.
“It’s just absolutely pathetic.”
Robson added that in last night’s game he could hardly watch Arteta and said he had to turn away when his face appeared or he would have had to throw something at his TV.
Why does Mikel Arteta rub people up the wrong way?
Arteta is clearly not everyone’s cup of tea, and yet it’s a bit strange that he seems to get so much more criticism than a lot of managers who do similar things.
Perhaps the issue with Arteta is that he’s yet to win one of the major trophies, though the Spanish tactician may now be in with a serious chance of lifting both the Premier League and Champions League titles this season.
Is it time to show him a bit more respect, or does he need to calm down with his behaviour on the touchline? Give us your thoughts in the comments!
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The Brazil international clearly reacted badly when Pubill approached him and his teammates in their post-match celebrations, and it’s not quite clear if something was said that provoked his reaction.
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Take a look at the video clip below and decide for yourselves, but there seems to quite clearly be contact between Jesus’ hand and his opponent’s face…
This is certainly not the kind of thing anyone wants to see after what was otherwise an intriguing game between two top teams.
Arsenal players were surely perfectly entitled to celebrate reaching a first Champions League final in 20 years, so it seems strange that Pubill felt he had to get involved, even if there can be no justification for Jesus reacting so aggressively.
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Arsenal to face Bayern or PSG in Champions League final
Arsenal’s win last night means they’re now preparing to travel to Budapest on 30th of May to take on the winner of tonight’s other semi-final.
Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in a thrilling first leg encounter last week, and it seems tough to predict who will come out on top this evening.
Arsenal have already beaten Bayern this season as they ran out 3-1 winners in a league phase game at the Emirates, while they lost to PSG in last season’s semi-finals.
Whoever they face, Mikel Arteta’s side will arguably not be the favourites, but they remain unbeaten in the Champions League this season and have no reason to doubt themselves as they look to win this trophy for the first time in their history.
Andre Onana’s time at Manchester United hasn’t exactly gone well.
After arriving with massive expectations, the 30-year-old goalkeeper eventually found himself shipped out on loan to Turkish Süper Lig outfit Trabzonspor for the 2025/26 campaign.
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However, a change of scenery seems to have worked absolute wonders.
Following a truly outrageous performance in the Turkish Cup, Onana is suddenly a man in massive demand, and the Trabzonspor hierarchy is reportedly desperate to keep him around on a permanent basis.
After a grinding, incredibly tense match finished 0-0 following 120 minutes of grueling action, the tie went to a dreaded penalty shootout.
Andre Onana has been impressive in Turkey
That is when Onana completely took over the show during their recent quarter-final clash against Samsunspor.
The Cameroonian international put on an absolute goalkeeping clinic, incredibly saving three consecutive penalties from Lubomir Satka, Marius Mouandilmadji, and Yunus Emre Cift.
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Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan is now looking to keep the goalkeeper beyond this season and he is ready to open talks with Man United, according to The Athletic.
The main hurdle in these upcoming talks, of course, will be the finances.
Man United will naturally want to recoup as much of their original £47.2 million transfer fee as possible.
However, thanks to Turkey’s highly advantageous tax laws for professional athletes, Trabzonspor might actually be able to match Onana’s wage demands even if they technically offer a lower gross salary.
Arsenal are heading to a Champions League final for the first time in two decades.
After grinding out a brilliantly tense 1-0 victory over Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, the Gunners secured a 2-1 aggregate win that will be talked about in North London for a long time.
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Bukayo Saka was the ultimate hero, pouncing to score the decisive goal to book their ticket to the grand finale.
But while the star winger naturally grabbed the main headlines, Premier League legend Alan Shearer was busy singling out another “exceptional” Arsenal player who completely ran the show.
Mikel Arteta’s side managed to dismantle one of the most stubborn defensive units in world football and his striker Viktor Gyokeres played a crucial role.
Alan Shearer praised Arsenal attacker Gyokeres
Speaking after the final whistle, Shearer couldn’t contain his praise for the Swedish powerhouse, highlighting a specific tactical tweak Arteta has made that has unlocked a terrifying new level to his game.
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‘Apart that miss his centre forward play has been superb,’ Shearer said on Prime Video, as reported by Metro.
‘His running off the ball, his hold up play for his team, taking knocks all night and making runs… he really has been exceptional.
‘It’s exactly the type of performance his team needed from him and something to build on. He offered Arsenal so much tonight.’
Sweden international star was impressive against Atletico
Rather than just playing as a traditional, static target man, Gyokeres has been given the tactical freedom to relentlessly terrorise the channels, and it worked to perfection against Atletico.
Shearer noted that the striker was completely unplayable, brilliantly holding up the ball under immense pressure and constantly dragging Atletico’s seasoned centre-backs out of position.
By having a striker who actively relishes the physical battle, it completely relieves the pressure on the creative midfielders like Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka, allowing them to exploit the pockets of space Gyokeres leaves behind.
Mikel Arteta: “Gyökeres tonight was immense, his work rate, the way he held the ball… fantastic”. pic.twitter.com/NT2Ynwy7YH
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been filmed walking on the Arsenal badge as he made his way off the pitch at the Emirates Stadium last night.
While this strange new obsession with supposedly showing ‘respect’ by not walking on a certain area of flooring is a bit bizarre, it seems worth pointing out that Simeone did this less than a week after he complained about Ben White doing the same with the Atletico Madrid badge in the first leg of this Champions League semi-final.
See below for a video clip of Simeone doing nothing to avoid the Arsenal badge after his side’s 1-0 defeat at the Emirates, without anyone making the kind of fuss he did about White’s similar action last week…
Diego Simeone was spotted walking on the Arsenal badge at full-time, while his players avoided it ?
The Atletico Madrid manager confronted Ben White for doing the same thing in the first leg.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 6, 2026
Perhaps the reality here is that Simeone didn’t give it too much thought, because in all honesty, why would you?
As far as we can remember, this slightly manufactured controversy just wasn’t a thing until the last two or three years, but correct us in the comments if we’re wrong!
Arsenal reach Champions League final but more heartache for Atletico Madrid
Arsenal fans will be delighted to have made it to the Champions League final after a 20-year wait, and they’ll hope they can finally see their club win this competition for the first time.
Atletico, meanwhile, are facing more heartache after coming close on a few occasions and also still never managing to lift this famous old trophy.
Simeone guided the Spanish giants to two finals just over a decade ago, but lost to bitter rivals Real Madrid on both occasions, so this was a big chance for them to get there again without having to face a side who have such a psychological edge over them.
It could be a major rebuilding job for them this summer, however, with Antoine Griezmann set to leave and doubts over Julian Alvarez’s future.
Following the 3-2 victory over Liverpool that booked Manchester United’s ticket to next season’s Champions League, the spotlight has immediately shifted away from the pitch and directly onto the dugout.
Interim boss Michael Carrick has brilliantly steadied what was previously a severely rocking ship.
His spell at the club has included wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
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Now, one of the most decorated and respected veterans in the dressing room, Casemiro, has publicly demanded that the club’s hierarchy hand Carrick the permanent keys to the kingdom.
Casemiro praises Carrick for his impact
When a five-time Champions League winner speaks, you listen. Casemiro didn’t mince his words when pressed about the club’s ongoing managerial situation.
“In my opinion, Carrick completely deserves the job at Man United. I think he’s a guy who has already demonstrated that he has very good qualities to be a Manchester United coach.
“He deserves the club’s total trust”.
Casemiro knows exactly what elite management looks like, having thrived under legendary figures like Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane during his prime years at Real Madrid.
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If he genuinely believes Carrick has the tactical acumen and man-management aura to lead United back to the absolute top, the INEOS board needs to take some serious notes.
To truly appreciate the job Carrick has done, you have to look at the sheer chaos he has successfully navigated this season.
Carrick has turned around Man United in a short time
He steered the Red Devils back into Europe’s elite tier despite a horrific injury crisis ravaging his defensive line all year long.
He managed to keep captain Bruno Fernandes operating at a world-class level, racking up a staggering 22 assists across all competitions, while simultaneously integrating youth and maintaining a fiercely united dressing room.
Carrick hasn’t just survived the interim tag, he has thrived under the suffocating pressure to manage at Old Trafford.
For over a decade, we have watched the Man United relentlessly chase flashy, big-name managers, only to watch those expensive projects inevitably implode.
Carrick understands the DNA and the crushing expectations of this football club. He plays on the front foot, he completely understands the Premier League landscape, and as Casemiro just proved, he commands instant respect from the players.
The France international is currently going through a difficult period at the Bernabeu, despite his impressive individual statistics so far this season.
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Mbappe has 85 goals in 100 games for Real Madrid since joining last season, though he’s yet to win a major trophy with Los Blancos, and this season is also set to finish without silverware.
According to Fichajes, this has seen Liverpool register an interest in Mbappe in an ambitious potential move.
This comes as Marca and other Spanish football news outlets have reported on the former Paris Saint-Germain man’s attitude seeming to rub his teammates up the wrong way.
Liverpool, let’s not forget, spent huge money last summer on big names like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, so that could limit what they’re able to do this year without some serious sales to help balance the books and stay in line with Financial Fair Play rules.
Even then, not only would Mbappe cost a huge transfer fee, but he’d surely immediately become the club’s highest earner by some distance, which seems far from ideal, even if he is one of the best players in the world.
But before we even get into that, it’s not even clear if the 27-year-old will definitely be leaving Madrid.
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There may be some issues going on behind the scenes, but this sort of thing happens at every football club and the most likely thing is that all parties will work to resolve it.
Mbappe’s performances on the pitch mean it’s surely worth trying to keep him happy, and unless things really spiral from here, it doesn’t currently seem like we’re close to the stage where the club would look to get rid.
It would be hugely exciting to see Mbappe at Liverpool or another Premier League club, and while there’s perhaps always going to be some interest in his situation, we can’t see that leading to any concrete bids or negotiations just yet.
The Emirates Stadium was absolutely rocking on Tuesday night as Arsenal finally qualified for the Champions League final.
Securing a tense 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, and a 2-1 aggregate win overall, the Gunners have officially booked their ticket to their first Champions League final in an agonisingly long 20 years.
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While the entire red half of North London was busy celebrating the historic achievement, star midfielder Declan Rice used his post-match platform to deliver a thinly veiled dig at his former boyhood club, Chelsea.
‘That club gave me everything, without West Ham there’s no me,’ Rice told Prime Video after Arsenal’s victory over Atletico Madrid, as reported by Metro.
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‘I honestly believe that. They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn’t. A lot of people there really pushed me on so it’s not nice to see the position they’re in.
‘But it’s football and I’ve got a job to do on Sunday. We’re trying to win a Premier League title, we want to win every game and I’m sure they will want to as well so let the best team win.’
Letting him slip through their fingers is now looking like a historically massive mistake for the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, a major blunder they will desperately want to avoid repeating with other academy prospects in the future.
Declan Rice’s game by numbers vs. Atletico Madrid:
100% successful take-ons
75 touches
62 passes attempted
56 passes completed
28 carries
8 passes into the final third
6 ground duels contested
5 ground duels won
3 progressive carries
As Chelsea continue to sift through their managerial mess and domestic struggles, Rice and Arsenal are packing their bags for Budapest.
They will face either German giants Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the grand finale, standing just 90 minutes away from lifting the most prestigious trophy in club football.
Surely Rice will be among the top contenders to win the Premier League Player of the season award, as well as PFA Player of the year award if the Gunners end up winning the league.
Some are even including him in the Ballon d’Or conversation and why not if the Gunners win the Premier League and the Champions League?
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has reportedly spoken with Barcelona winger Raphinha about life at the Nou Camp amid doubts over his future.
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Still, it seems the Blues do not intend to sell Pedro this summer and the Brazil international has also not explicitly told them he wants to leave, according to Simon Phillips.
The report adds that Chelsea could make some sales this summer, but it seems that Pedro is not likely to be one of those, even if he does seem to be putting feelers out over a potential move away.
It would surely make sense for Pedro and other Chelsea players to consider moving on after such a poor season, with the west London giants now looking unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, while they could even miss out on Europe altogether.
Is Joao Pedro looking for a transfer to Barcelona?
Barca seemingly have an interest in Pedro, according to Phillips, but for now it’s all at an early stage and not necessarily likely to happen, even if the player himself has also asked his fellow countryman Raphinha about the club.
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Pedro certainly looks like someone who could flourish at a bigger club like Barcelona, but he’s on a long-term contract at CFC, so it would take a lot to force them into letting him go.
The 24-year-old has 20 goals and six assists in his first season at Chelsea, so they’ll no doubt want to keep him around for a long time.
Still, if he keeps performing like this it’s going to be very hard fighting off interest from Barcelona and other elite clubs if Chelsea are unable to convince players of this calibre that they’re serious contenders for the biggest trophies.
I’ve been speaking with my sources about a Serie A star who could be heading to the Premier League this summer after some impressive form.
A player attracting growing interest is Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu. I’ve reported before on the Frenchman being eyed by Liverpool after his strong performances and positive scouting reports. I’m told that the Reds continue to monitor him closely as one of their top defensive targets, while Manchester United and Aston Villa are also in the mix.
Juventus, however, are standing firm. Sources close to the Italian giants insist they “do not intend to sell Kalulu” and view him as “central” to their long-term project.
Some sources have also suggested that Juventus are preparing a new contract for Kalulu, running until 2030, which would include a salary increase to around €3.5 million net per season plus bonuses. This move would not only secure the player’s future in Turin but also protect his market value against potential offers from abroad.
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Pierre Kalulu transfer could go through for the right price
I feel I should also share some information, however, from sources who’ve done a lot of work in and around the agents industry, who state that the strong suspicion is that Juve would sell for the right price, perhaps around €40m, especially if the player won’t agree to a new contract.
There is not yet a clear frontrunner out of Liverpool or Man United, but both clubs are making a defensive signing a top priority this summer, so it’s just about determining who looks like the best option and also who’s available. On that latter factor, it’s fair to say the messages are a bit mixed, but my personal feeling is that I suspect there might be an offer that would test Juventus’ resolve, even if they genuinely want to keep him.
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Aston Villa’s pursuit adds another layer to the story. The Midlands club are keen to reinforce their defensive line and see Kalulu as a potential solution. Yet Juventus’ determination to keep him makes negotiations difficult. Only an extraordinary offer could force the Italian side to rethink their position, and Villa’s Financial Fair Play issues certainly make that look unlikely without a big sale. With all the speculation surrounding Morgan Rogers, however, perhaps that’s something that can’t be entirely ruled out.
Kalulu’s fine form for Juventus shows just how big a talent he is, and we’ve seen many times before that in this situation if the Premier League’s top clubs want a player like this, they usually get him. It’s early days on this one, but it definitely has the feel of one of the biggest stories to watch for summer 2026.
West Ham United are currently locked in a terrifying Premier League relegation battle, and their recent crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford has left their survival hopes hanging by a very thin thread.
As manager Nuno Espirito Santo desperately tries to rally his squad for the final few games, vultures are already starting to circle above the club.
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After arriving from Leeds United back in August 2024 for a reported £25 million, his debut campaign was frustratingly derailed by injuries, including a nasty nine-month hamstring issue.
However, he has completely flipped the script during the 2025/26 season.
Despite West Ham’s collective struggles on the pitch, Summerville has been an absolute revelation, bouncing back phenomenally to bag seven goals and four assists across 31 appearances.
Beyond just his raw attacking output, he holds a massive trump card for domestic suitors, he is officially classed as a home-grown player due to his formative years spent in the Leeds academy.
With Premier League squads strictly limited on the number of non-home-grown players they can register, his technical profile combined with that elite status makes him an incredibly valuable commodity.
Ultimately, West Ham’s financial gamble on the winger looks like it will pay off individually, but the club’s top-flight status is the ultimate deciding factor here.
The Hammers will be hoping to make more than the £25m plus add-ons they paid to sign the Dutchman.
Along with Summerville, midfielder Mateus Fernandes is catching the attention of top clubs in the Premier League.
Their Premier League status at the end of the season is going to be crucial and the next few weeks will decide the future of a number of key players.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has explained how the Gunners masterminded a Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.
The legendary ex-Gunners boss says he felt that Mikel Arteta’s side’s ability to win their duels and limit Atletico Madrid’s chances ended up being key on the night.
Arsenal won 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, and 2-1 on aggregate, booking their place in the Champions League final in Budapest later this month.
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They’ll face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in that game, but for now Wenger feels it’s normal to celebrate even just making it to the final.
Arsene Wenger on Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final success
“I think Arsenal wanted wanted it a bit more than Atleti and they were more decisive in the duels,” Wenger said, as quoted by the Metro.
“We said before the game that to go to the final they needed to be strong defensively and they didn’t concede a goal tonight.
“They played a team who for 45 minutes absolutely needed to score a goal and they didn’t give them a chance.
“I believe it shows how strong Arsenal are defensively and how disciplined they are, as well a bit the limitations of Atletico, who were not good enough in the final third.”
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He added: “In the end it’s a well-deserved win for Arsenal, there’s no doubt they were the better team over the two legs.
“They celebrate well tonight which is normal but you want to focus already on the final and the next games.
“The celebration is deserved and happiness is normal – absolutely normal – but the next step is to go to the final and win in.”
Arsenal have been superb in the Champions League this season, having gone unbeaten in the competition up to this point.
The north London giants are also sitting top of the Premier League and may now be the favourites to win it after Manchester City slipped up away to Everton in their game on Monday night.
Could Arsenal now go all the way and win a Premier League and Champions League double? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Newcastle United are currently 13th in the Premier League and they have had a disastrous season by their high standards.
Qualification for Europe was their target ahead of the season, with particularly the Champions League in their sights.
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However, their poor summer transfer window last year, their inconsistent form and their out of depth performances mean that they will not qualify for any European competition next season.
According to iSport, Newcastle United are gearing up for their most dramatic and significant squad overhaul since the massive Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) takeover completely transformed the club’s trajectory back in late 2021.
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Crucially, the boardroom has made a massive, unified decision regarding the dugout, manager Howe is being completely backed and will be the man leading this historic summer rebuild at St James’ Park.
The group of players that miraculously dragged Newcastle away from the relegation zone and sensationally fired them into the Champions League a few seasons ago has given absolutely everything to the cause.
However, a combination of an aging core, relentless injury crises, and the incredibly grueling physical demands of competing on multiple fronts has exposed a desperate need for a refresh.
The club’s hierarchy recognises that to consistently challenge heavyweights like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United at the very summit of the Premier League, “Newcastle 2.0” needs to be built immediately.
The strict reality of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) means the Magpies simply cannot go out and spend unlimited cash without balancing the books.
Howe is going to have to make some deeply tough calls on fan favorites.
We can fully expect a significant clearing of the decks, with several high-earning veteran players and squad rotation options being shown the exit door to free up crucial wage bill space and generate pure profit for the transfer kitty.
This financial maneuvering will be absolutely essential to fund the influx of young, dynamic, elite-level talent the club is aggressively targeting.
Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali are both facing uncertain future at St. James’ Park.
One of Howe’s biggest job this summer will be to sort out the futures of those two key members of the squad.
This summer transfer window is expected to be one of the busiest for Manchester United.
They are in the market for strengthen several positions with midfield and the centre-back position high on their priority list.
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Now, another position is receiving attention from the recruitment team at Old Trafford as they feel a new, long term replacement of Luke Shaw is needed at the club.
Although Luke Shaw has recently returned to form and fitness, United simply cannot rely on him alone given the grueling, expanded European schedule awaiting them next year.
That is why Bournemouth defender Adrien Truffert has become their target ahead of the summer transfer window.
Man United interested in promising left-back
According to reports from TEAMtalk, the 24-year-old Bournemouth defender has rapidly emerged as a primary target after establishing himself as one of the standout full-backs in the Premier League this season.
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Interestingly, Truffert had been on United’s radar over the past year, but he simply didn’t fit the tactical blueprint under former manager Ruben Amorim.
He has started every single Premier League match for the Cherries, chipping in with a crucial goal and three assists.
If the Cherries demand an astronomical fee, the Red Devils are keeping a close eye on several high-profile alternatives. The shortlist reportedly includes Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, and Arsenal’s highly-rated Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Adding a dynamic, reliable left-back like Truffert would be a massive step toward building a squad actually capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
If the Red Devils can successfully negotiate this deal, the left flank of Old Trafford is going to be incredibly exciting to watch next season.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has given credit to the improved form of Viktor Gyokeres in recent games after a particularly strong display in last night’s Champions League semi-final.
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Henry admits he’s been critical of Gyokeres at times, but he now feels that the former Sporting Lisbon man is proving him and his other critics wrong by becoming more of a real number 9 that opponents fear.
Watch below for Henry’s analysis…
Thierry Henry gives the Arsenal team their flowers after they make their first #UCL final since he played for the club in 2006 ??? pic.twitter.com/dlZpHPO1tm
— CBS Sports Golazo ?? (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 5, 2026
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Thierry Henry on Viktor Gyokeres
Discussing Gyokeres, Henry said: “You know, I’m old school, show me what you can do and I’ll say it.
“If you’re not playing well I’ll say you’re not playing well. For a very long time, for example, if I take the example of Gyokeres, the jury was out on him.
“It’s not a bad thing – embrace it, try to prove people wrong. Tonight he did, not only tonight but in the last month.
“I will give him his credit. He’s running, he looks solid, he looks a bit more like a number 9 you can be scared of.”
The Frenchman also praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and the players for seeming to adapt better to Gyokeres by looking for him early and doing more to get the best out of his strengths.
Viktor Gyokeres’ first Arsenal season in numbers
Gyokeres stats
Games
Goals
Assists
Arsenal 2025/26
51
21
3
Gyokeres hasn’t always looked that convincing in a red and white shirt, having been an absolute goal machine at former club Sporting.
Still, the 27-year-old has managed an impressive 21 goals in 51 games in all competitions, which isn’t bad considering it’s his first season with a new club in a new league.
Gyokeres has also managed five goals in the Champions League to help the Gunners reach only their second ever final.
Marcus Rashford’s future has been up in the air for a while, but the situation is getting seriously complicated.
After spending this season out on loan at Barcelona, it originally looked like the Manchester United academy graduate was destined to stay in Spain long-term.
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However, a major rift is reportedly developing between the two heavyweights over finances.
That has given other clubs a major boost to target a move for Rashford and one of the clubs closely monitoring the England international is Premier League leaders Arsenal, according to Daily Mail.
Marcus Rashford faces uncertainty over his career
To be fair to Rashford, the change of scenery has definitely helped him reset his career.
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He has chipped in with 13 goals in 45 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions.
However, manager Hansi Flick has mostly used him as a rotation option, handing him just 15 starts in La Liga.
The real issue, though, is the money. Barcelona have an option to make the move permanent for £26 million, but their well-documented financial troubles are making them seriously hesitate.
Man United just want him off the wage bill. With the Red Devils qualifying for the Champions League next season, Rashford’s salary would automatically jump to a staggering £325,000 per week.
United simply cannot afford to carry that massive financial burden for a player who isn’t even in their long-term plans.
Arsenal have entered the race for Man United attacker
This is exactly where Mikel Arteta and Arsenal step into the picture. As Barcelona and Man United continue to haggle over the £26 million fee, the Gunners are quietly monitoring the situation, ready to pounce if the deal completely collapses.
Adding a player with Rashford’s blistering pace, Premier League pedigree, and big-game experience could be a massive coup for an Arsenal side looking to solidify their status as top-tier contenders.
If Arsenal decide to pull the trigger and meet the asking price, we could very well see Rashford back in the Premier League, playing for one of Man United’s biggest rivals.
However, nothing has been fully agreed yet due to uncertainty over whether Tottenham can stay in the Premier League, which could lead to other clubs joining the race.
According to talkSPORT, Liverpool could be set to try to get in ahead of their rivals, with there still seemingly being no clarity on Ibrahima Konate staying and signing a new contract at Anfield.
Marcos Senesi transfer looks like a good opportunity for top clubs
Even if Senesi isn’t the biggest name in world football, he’s a quality player with Premier League experience who’s about to be available on a free transfer.
Tottenham could certainly do well to add someone like that to their squad for next season after flirting with relegation this term.
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Liverpool, meanwhile, have also had a disappointing season by their high standards, with Champions League qualification still not entirely guaranteed yet.
It seems clear the Reds would benefit from strengthening at the back after conceding 47 league goals – more than the likes of Everton and Crystal Palace, and 21 more than league leaders Arsenal.
Bournemouth to lose more star players?
Bournemouth saw Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez leave last summer, while Antoine Semenyo then joined Manchester City in January.
The Cherries now look set to lose Senesi for nothing, while there’ll likely be speculation over other star players such as Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.
Meanwhile, manager Andoni Iraola is also leaving his position as he’ll also be out of contract this summer.
Manchester United have secured Champions League football for next season and their target for next season is achieved.
But as the dust settles on an intensely demanding campaign under interim boss Michael Carrick, the club’s hierarchy is already looking ahead to a massive summer rebuild.
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They need a clever summer transfer window and a lot of positions will be on their agenda.
The midfield issues are there for all to see and it is clear that the Red Devils will target new midfielders in the summer.
Man United are looking to sign a new centre-back
Latest report has suggested that even signing a new centre-back has become a priority at Old Trafford ahead of the transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Man United have made signing a new, elite centre-back their absolute number one priority for the upcoming transfer window.
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To understand exactly why the United board is so desperate to splash the cash on a central defender, you just have to look at the absolute injury nightmare they’ve endured this season.
While young talents like Leny Yoro have stepped up admirably in crucial, high-pressure moments, like coming off the bench to lock down that massive win against Liverpool and veterans like Harry Maguire have consistently put their bodies on the line, the sheer lack of structural consistency has been a massive headache.
You simply cannot mount a sustained Premier League title challenge or survive deep, grueling Champions League knockout runs when you are forced to field a different centre-back partnership every single weekend due to nagging muscle injuries.
Now that Carrick has brilliantly steered the ship back into Europe’s elite competition, Man United once again hold the ultimate bargaining chip.
Elite, highly sought-after defenders want to play under the Champions League lights.
Furthermore, the massive financial windfall that naturally comes with UEFA qualification means the club’s sporting directors won’t be forced to bargain hunt in the market, they can legitimately target a marquee, world-class defensive anchor who can immediately slot into the starting XI and provide some much-needed physicality and leadership.
Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and other defenders have all struggled with injuries this season and United are looking for someone more reliable in the market.
The World Cup is the biggest stage in football, and a chance for the top players to prove their worth. There will be a whole host of stars from the Premier League heading to North America this summer, looking to do the business, and we’ve picked out some of those who could make the difference for their respective nations.
Elliot Anderson
For the last couple of seasons, Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has established himself as one of the top-flight’s leading players in his position. This has allowed the Whitley Bay-born star to secure the role next to Declan Rice in England’s central midfield. The Three Lions start as one of the favourites to win the tournament according to the latest online World Cup betting, and if Anderson can transfer his league form to the competition, they have a great chance of success.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is in the running to be named the Premier League’s player of the season due to his stellar form for Manchester United. The Portuguese number ten continues to excel, regardless of United’s form, and he also plays a key role for his country. The talk is often about Cristiano Ronaldo, but in Fernandes, Portugal have another genuine world-class talent who can make the difference on the pitch by scoring a goal or finding the right pass.
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Antoine Semenyo
Last season, Antoine Semenyo started to show what he’s truly capable of at the top level of the English game, and he continued that form into the current campaign. Even before he joined Manchester City in January, the Ghana star was doing the business with goals and assists. Since arriving in Manchester, he’s taken his game to another level, and the Black Stars will be relying on him to help them compete in and progress out of Group L, a group that also features England.
Igor Thiago
Rewind a season, and people would have scoffed at the mere suggestion that Brentford striker Igor Thiago could be on the plane to represent Brazil at the World Cup this summer. Serious injury halted Thiago’s start to life in the Premier League, but this season he’s delivered an impressive goals return of 21 in 33, and is only second to Erling Haaland in the goalscoring charts. The 24-year-old is brimming with confidence and will be looking to take that into the tournament.
Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez has been one of Argentina’s most important and dependable players in recent times, as proven by his displays at the 2022 World Cup. Argentina ran out winners of that tournament, with Martinez showing up in the big moments, and in the final especially. The Aston Villa keeper sets the tone for the rest of the team, and if La Albiceleste are to defend their crown, they will need Martinez to be that big presence he’s shown he can be once again.
Conclusion
As anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a whole raft of Premier League players will be dreaming of what’s to come. The players mentioned above all have the ability to make a difference for their respective nations when it matters most. And, it’s players like these that can ultimately make the difference between progressing in a tournament or heading home.
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The Brazil international is heading towards the end of his Man Utd contract and is keen to make a move to Miami his priority due to a desire to play with Lionel Messi.
Apparently, Casemiro would even be willing to accept a pay cut to get this dream move, with he and his family also keen on the move to the US, according to Sky Sports.
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Casemiro has performed well for United this season, with some fans perhaps even wondering if the club should make a quick U-turn on the 34-year-old’s deal as he edges closer to becoming a free agent.
Manchester United will surely miss Casemiro
Despite surely coming towards the end of his career, Casemiro has enjoyed a real renaissance this season, putting some of his past difficult MUFC form behind him.
It’s slightly surreal that it was two years ago we were seeing Jamie Carragher famously declaring that Casemiro should leave football before the football leaves him, with the former Real Madrid man now looking like someone the Red Devils are really going to miss…
It will be interesting to see how United end up replacing such an influential player, with Casemiro widely regarded as one of the top defensive midfielders of his generation.
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Even if we didn’t see Casemiro at his peak during his time at Old Trafford, he was world class for many years at Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and numerous other major honours.
United will surely have a tough job on their hands this summer trying to strengthen in midfield, with a signing needed to replace Casemiro, and also another probably required as an upgrade on the struggling Manuel Ugarte.
Arsenal successfully navigated the ultimate test of their mental fortitude, grinding out a tense, hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid to officially punch their ticket to the Champions League final.
Following last week’s incredibly grueling 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital, the stakes were extremely high.
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But as the full-time whistle blew and the red half of North London erupted into pure euphoria, manager Mikel Arteta knew exactly who deserved a massive chunk of the credit, his blockbuster Swedish striker, Viktor Gyökeres.
Arteta praises Gyokeres for his work rate
Shortly after the wild celebrations moved from the pitch into the dressing room, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to X to share Arteta’s glowing post-match comments.
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The Spanish manager was absolutely buzzing, highlighting how his star forward has completely transformed the team’s ceiling.
While Arsenal have played beautiful, possession-heavy football for the last few years, Arteta noted that Gyökeres has finally given them an undeniably ruthless edge.
Arteta said: “Gyökeres tonight was immense, his work rate, the way he held the ball… fantastic”.
In just one season, Viktor Gyokeres has:
—Lead his Sweden to their first world cup in over a decade
—Lead Arsenal to a potential Premier League title
—Lead Arsenal to their first UCL final in 20 years
—Scored 20 goals and contributed 25 g/a in all competitions
Coming off the back of a brilliant brace against Fulham over the weekend, Gyökeres once again proved that he is the ultimate big-game player.
To fully appreciate the massive impact of the Arsenal number nine, you just have to look at exactly how this semi-final tie played out.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are the undisputed kings of the European dark arts. They are experts at frustrating teams, sitting deep, and bullying technically gifted players.
In seasons past, a younger, more naive Arsenal side might have completely crumbled under that immense physical pressure. But this time around, Gyökeres acted as the ultimate battering ram.
He happily occupied both central defenders all night, taking the heavy hits and continuously stretching the defensive line.
His goal in the first leg and his work rate in the second leg proved crucial for Arsenal in both the semifinals.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka got a big reaction from the pundits in the CBS Sports studio as he discussed who he wants to play in the Champions League final.
The Gunners were in celebratory mood last night as they made it to the final of Europe’s biggest club competition for the first time in 20 years and only the second time in their history.
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Saka scored the winner for Arsenal as they beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium and 2-1 on aggregate, and he was asked about his preferred final opponent out of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain afterwards.
Watch below, however, as Saka insisted he couldn’t give an answer to that question from Micah Richards, though he dropped the cryptic line that “deep down” he knows who he wants to face…
This got a big reaction from the likes of Richards and Thierry Henry on the punditry team, and it’s interesting to think about what Saka could mean.
Who does Bukayo Saka want Arsenal to face in the Champions League final?
We will probably never know for sure which team Saka was talking about as Bayern prepare to host PSG at the Allianz Arena this evening for the second leg of their semi-final tie.
It may be that the England international has his eye on revenge on PSG for knocking them out in last season’s semi-final, which was a closer contest than the 3-1 aggregate score-line would suggest.
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Then again, perhaps Saka is thinking back to Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Bayern earlier this season in the league phase of the competition, with the player and the rest of his teammates perhaps fancying their chances against a side they already know they can beat.
We’ll find out later who will be Arsenal’s opponents, with the two finalists set to meet in Budapest on the 30th of May.
Chelsea are once again on the hunt for a new permanent boss following the brutal sacking of Liam Rosenior last month.
Rosenior’s turbulent reign lasted a mere 107 days, leaving the Blues scrambling to secure European football after a dismal string of league results.
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While caretaker manager Calum McFarlane is steadying the ship until the end of the campaign and has a massive FA Cup final against Manchester City to look forward to, the club’s hierarchy is intensely focused on the upcoming summer rebuild.
The Chelsea ownership is currently undergoing what is being described as a “period of self-reflection” following the Rosenior debacle.
They are absolutely desperate to find a coach whose tactical approach matches with their footballing identity.
Chelsea make approach to Xavi Hernandez
According to talkSPORT, the Blues have made contact with Spanish manager Xavi, who guided Barcelona to the La Liga title in the 2022–23 season season.
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We already know that Fabregas isn’t expected to abandon his project at Como this summer.
Meanwhile, outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is heavily admired by the board, but there are lingering concerns that his distinct tactical style might represent too much of a deviation from the club’s desired philosophy.
Spaniard is interested in a move to the Premier League
This is exactly where Xavi comes into the picture. The legendary Spanish midfielder has been out of work since departing Barcelona in May 2024, but early indications suggest he is “open” to the prospect of taking the reins in West London.
Interestingly, the Premier League is a stage Xavi has had his eyes on for quite some time.
Back in 2019, he openly confessed his love for the English game, stating, “Who doesn’t like the Premier League?” and specifically naming Chelsea among the top clubs he would choose to manage.
Despite contacting Xavi, the report mentions that the Spaniard is no longer a contender for the Blues job and the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge is considering other options.
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Mikel Arteta: “Gyökeres tonight was immense, his work rate, the way he held the ball… fantastic”. 
