The same was true of the 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid itself. Arsenal were obviously tactically drilled and primed but they were also well aware that the key to this match was a willingness to fight. The feeling.

Diego Simeone’s side may not have the most potent attack – some among Arteta’s staff were actually surprised that Julian Alvarez even played, given the first-leg injury and how he limped – but they can drag anyone into a battle and make you go deep.

“The way they compete,” Arteta purred afterwards. “The answer they immediately have to everything that you try to do to them. It’s incredible.”

The Basque’s enthusiasm for that may further inform the ongoing discussion about styles, Bayern Munich-Paris Saint-Germain and what the contrast between the eventual finalists will say about the wider game. By then, though, Arsenal might look very different, like something comparable to the more complete side that beat Bayern Munich 3-1 back in November.

They already feel different. They feel like Champions League finalists.

That is no small thing given it’s the stage every player wants to be on, to even have the chance of glory. By the time they get there, they may even be English champions, for the first time in 22 years.

And this win may help. It is the other effect of an achievement like this, immense as it is on its own terms. A season filled with “angst” – to repeat a word so commonly used about this campaign – now has a sense of assurance.

There’s an end destination. Arsenal know they’re going somewhere, in this case to Budapest. The meaning of that could be seen in Riccardo Calafiori jumping into the air at the final whistle and Gabriel sinking to his knees.

The mood from two weeks ago, and especially just before the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, is completely transformed. A wave of positivity is now rushing through the club. To think the supporters were suffering just two and a half weeks ago, when they lost in this same stadium against Bournemouth.

“You look to the supporters now and they are just immensely proud and happy,” Arteta said. “That’s when our job makes sense because many other times it’s difficult to find the right reason why we do what we do, but when these things happen, then everything that we do obviously is worth it.”

They still have to go and actually win something, but it currently doesn’t feel like there’s the same sense of toil about that. “Everybody can feel a shift in energy, in belief, in everything,” Arteta said. That’s not just psychological.

One of the most striking things about the victory over Atletico, and arguably one of the main reasons for it, was Arsenal’s strength in depth. After months of injury problems, they now have almost everyone back fully fit. One insider pointed to how crucial Kai Havertz is to Arteta’s pressing, to the point he’s been viewed as almost indispensable over the past few weeks. And yet here he couldn’t even get on, because Arsenal had too many options.

That could end up being the difference in everything. Diego Simeone was conscious of it, not least in trying to plan for the various stages of the game. The Argentine typically tried to ratchet up all tension beforehand to turn the game into a fight, but Arsenal were appreciative of how magnanimous he was once hostilities ceased. It’s all part of the game.

Even Simeone did reference that his team “did compete at an incredible level against a team with much stronger financial power than us”. The difference was witnessed in the benches. While Atletico struggled to create once Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann went off, Arsenal just had more options. It’s the difference between the super clubs and the rest, the key difference in the modern game.

Arsenal of course know it from the other side, having had to go toe to toe against Manchester City. They have kept persevering, though, as personified by two key players on the night.

Arteta made sure to praise Viktor Gyokeres. He rose to the moment, after a season where he’s often been criticised. The manager then talked at length about Myles Lewis-Skelly, who may well end up being seen as a real difference at an absolutely crucial period.

His sudden return to midfield has restored an energy to Arsenal when they needed it most; when he needed it most. The teenager was used so infrequently this season that talk rose over whether this boyhood Arsenal fan may have to leave the club. He can now suddenly be hopeful of a World Cup place.

Arteta again put the shift down to “a feeling”. “And I’ve been tough on him. I talked and he has been very persistent and consistent in his behaviours and in the manner that he’s been knocking on the door constantly to have the right to play. And I think he deserves it and that’s why he plays.”

Now, Arsenal actually have to go and play West Ham United on Sunday. They’ve had a great week so far. Fulham were dispatched with ease, in an expansive manner that sparked a resurgence. Manchester City unexpectedly dropped two points at Everton, to cede the initiative in the title race at this crucial stage of the season. Arsenal then got back to the European stage they’ve long dreamt of.

It can still go wrong. They still have to actually go and win something. The sense is rising that the entire title may well come down to Sunday, given the remaining fixtures.

Duly, once he’d requested that the huge speakers in the dressing room put on “that TikTok song”, as has become disparaged, Arteta did have one final word. “Let’s go and win on Sunday.”

We asked for your views on whether it would be worth the risk to play Morgan Gibbs-White against Aston Villa in the Europa League second leg.

Here are some of your comments:

Phil: It looks a nasty cut. Hope he can play on Thursday, but his health must come first. He is key to Forest's success. I think whoever replaces him (if needs be) will do a fine job.

Maurice: Don't even think about playing Morgan Gibbs-White on Thursday! Let him recover first. The whole squad is motivated and will keep performing. Great to see everything coming together again for a fan who has been following the Reds since the early 1970's.

David: There's no reason to pressure Gibbs-White to play in Thursday's showdown at Villa Park. We have plenty of cover for him, like Taiwo Awoniyi or Omari Hutchinson.

Luke: He will 100% want to play, it might be a bigger risk telling him he can't. So long as his vision isn't impaired by swelling etc, then measure him up for a mask and get him out there. If we qualify, then you can wrap him in cotton wool until the final.

Simon: Got to be down to Gibbs-White himself to decide. Biggest game for us in 40 years and we're pretty well safe in the Premier League now, so if he feels he's up for it, play him.

Pat: If Gibbs-White says he's fit, let him play. It will be one of the biggest games of his career. One of the biggest in our recent history. One that can write a new chapter for us and one that explodes him to England glory.

Colton: Gibbs-White would be a better leader by making the right decision. The season ain't over yet, we could go down still. He has a huge part to play in our survival. Rest up Thursday, be there to be a potential super-sub. Then play for the rest of the season and hopefully a cup final if fate is on our side.

Mark: Yes, playing in a protective mask is pretty standard for football. He's a tough Red, and he won't want to miss this, he can be rested in Premier League games.

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Bradford Bulls captain Joe Mellor has extended his contract through to the end of next season.

The 35-year-old loose forward joined the club on a one-year deal last November after leaving Salford.

The former Widnes and Leigh man is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

"I'm really happy to be staying, it's been really good since I arrived especially coming back into Super League," he told the club website.

Barcelona are on the verge of clinching the La Liga title, and Sunday’s El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou presents them with the perfect opportunity to do it in the most spectacular fashion possible.

But with nothing left to play for except pride, the Real Madrid team will be determined to produce a strong response at Camp Nou and will be aggressive from the start.

Jules Kounde is one of the players who will be tasked with keeping Real Madrid’s attack quiet, and the French defender has been speaking ahead of the highly anticipated fixture.

Kounde on pressure and the Clasico

Kounde talked about the preparations that go into the El Clasico and focus becomes important in such a key fixture.

“I don’t like living without pressure. I take on responsibility naturally, as it’s part of a professional athlete’s life. I handle pressure well, as it’s part of our job, and I love the feeling of it,” he said.

On the mood inside the Barcelona camp, he sounded quite positive, stating that the team is determined to win the league.

Kounde is fully focused for the Clasico. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

“The team is in a state of great focus. We have a strong desire to win the league. A draw would be enough for us to achieve it, but we want to beat Real Madrid,” he added.

On stopping Real Madrid’s attack

When asked about the key to winning the Clasico, Kounde pointed to a collective effort rather than individual defending.

“The key to winning El Clasico will be good pressing from the entire team, not just defence. We need to be at peak focus,” he said.

Perhaps the key highlight of the interview was when Kounde was asked which attacker had caused him the most problems throughout his career.

“Vinicius. I suffered a lot against Leao as well. And even Lamine in training puts a huge effort on me,” he admitted.

Kounde is likely to take on Vinicius Jr. once again at Camp Nou this weekend.

Source: BarçaTV+

It has been an incredible period for exciting games with plenty of goals. It is also no surprise considering what is at stake. Many clubs are needing wins as opposed to just wanting them, and of course there is the tiredness at the end of the season which top players will always take advantage of.

Everton 3-3 Manchester City might just have outshone Manchester United beating Liverpool 3-2 on Sunday, but that win by Michael Carrick's men was another hi-octane nailbiter that had the emotions overflowing from the start. It wasn't quite the spectacle of PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich last Tuesday, but we are currently seeing classics on a more than weekly basis just now.

There were also a whole bunch of schoolboy errors on show, though to be fair Marc Guehi's bizarre, you-wouldn't-expect-that-in-an-under-eights-game backpass, did steal the show at the weekend.

The two big take aways were that first, Liverpool have a lot of work to do over the summer particularly with their defence. Second, if Manchester United do not give Michael Carrick the job full-time, then they will probably get what they deserve – more of the mayhem they have endured for the past 13 years.

I have never understood why they got rid of David Moyes, who I was convinced would have built a dynasty given a modicum of time and indeed due respect. Carrick is in the classic United mould, has done an exceptional job with 32 points from 42 available, that is league-winning form in many seasons.

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.

Two years after retiring from international duty, Luis Suárez leaves behind a complicated legacy. While the star Uruguayan forward might be considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, he is also one of soccer’s most notorious figures.

No moment defines that notoriety more than the 2014 World Cup, when Suárez bit Italian Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s final group stage game. With the score at 0-0 and the 79th minute ticking away, Suárez clashed with Chieliini in the box before sinking his teeth into his shoulder. Suárez then fell to the ground, clutching his face and later grabbing at his teeth.

While the foul was obvious on replay, the referee did not call it, despite Chiellini lowering his jersey to show the bite marks on his shoulder.

Moments later, Uruguay scored off a corner kick to eventually take the 1-0 win. That victory was enough to send Uruguay through to the knockout stage, while Italy finished third in the group and did not advance.

Once FIFA reviewed the incident, punishment was harsh, and unprecedented. Suárez received a nine-match international ban, ruling him out for the rest of the World Cup, and was banned from any “football-related activities” for four months, including the start of the club season. He was also fined £66,000 (around $90,000), though that was a small amount given Suárez’s annual salary was in the millions.

Suárez missed Uruguay’s Round of 16 appearance, which the team lost to Colombia. The striker was with Liverpool at the time, but was in process of transferring to Barcelona; that transfer did go through, but Suárez had to miss the first month of La Liga play after his appeal failed.

Somehow, that 2014 incident was the third time in his career that Suárez has gotten in trouble for biting opponents. A year before chomping on Chiellini, while at Liverpool, Suárez bit the arm of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanović and was eventually banned for 10 games; before that, he was suspended seven matches for biting someone while at Ajax.

Suárez will not be competing this summer, after retiring from international play in 2024. But if you’re worried he’s lost his edge as he finishes out his career with Inter Miami, don’t worry: He got in trouble last summer for spitting on an opposing staff member after sparking a brawl after the Leagues Cup Final.

The chief executive of US Soccer has hailed the FA's role in the establishment of a "transformative" new 200-acre national training centre outside Atlanta.

JT Batson said officials from the governing body had been "incredible partners in helping us learn from what works well in England".

"That certainly factored into our thinking around the building of a national centre, as well as the designing of what we've called the 'US Way', which is our strategy for sporting success," he said.

Speaking to BBC Sport from the $228 million Arthur M Blank training complex, which opens this week, Batson said "think of it as St George's Park, but slightly bigger and obviously newer".

The FA's Staffordshire base opened in 2012 and has been credited with playing a key role in the subsequent revival of England men's and women's teams.

US Soccer officials visited the site as part of a fact-finding mission when designing their own version, which will host the national team's pre World Cup camp.

"There's lots to learn from around the world, but the US is different," added Batson.

"We're really big, both geographically and in numbers of people. We think that really having a home for the first time for soccer in America is going to be transformative for us."

Batson also paid tribute to US Soccer's former sporting director Matt Crocker, who was previously the FA's former head of teams, based at St George's Park.

Welshman Crocker was responsible for appointing Mauricio Pochettino and Emma Hayes as head coaches of the US men's and women's senior national teams respectively, but left last month to take up a similar role at the Saudi Arabia football federation.

"Matt and team have done an incredible job of taking us from where we were to where we are now from a strategy standpoint… and that gives us the foundation to be able to carry forward... around how do we support the entire soccer ecosystem in the United States to be successful," said Batson.

• The World Cup line-up is complete - here's what you need to know
• Our World Cup host 'is Fifa, not Trump or America' - Iran

World Cup an 'incredible opportunity' despite cost

US Soccer hopes the consistency provided by a central training hub and development strategy helps it to capitalise on co-hosting of this summer's expanded World Cup, alongside Mexico and Canada, even if much of the build-up has been overshadowed by concerns over the unprecedented costs to fans, and various security issues.

Describing it as "an incredible opportunity for us to transform what soccer looks like in America", Batson claims it will show that the US "is now a soccer nation. What makes soccer in America unique is that we are the challenger sport in our country and we are the challenger country in our sport."

The Football Supporters' Association has said that fans are being "fleeced" as a result of Fifa's ticketing strategy.

BBC Sport has plotted a route through the group stage and found that England supporters would need about £6,500 each or £13,000 for two.

There has also been controversy over the cost of transport, with Fifa being criticised by some US politicians for not doing more to help host cities. Fifa has adopted a new organisational model for the 2026 World Cup that means it is responsible for ticket sales.

BBC Sport asked Batson if he feared the cost of attending the event will make it a harder task to grow the game, and whether the tournament risks becoming an event largely for the wealthy.

"We're focused on making sure that everyone who wants to be a part of this World Cup can be a part of it, no matter where you live, whether you're going to be able to watch on television at home, [or] watching at a bar…" said Batson.

"In our [warm-up] game in Charlotte against Senegal, we have $26 tickets… you're also going to see US soccer gear and merchandise at all different price points. We want everyone who cares about our sport to feel connected… and I think this summer is an important opportunity for us to be able to do that."

Asked how confident he was that all World Cup matches would be sold out, Batson said: "My expectation is that we want a very vibrant stadium for every game. And given the passion for our game in America, and the passion from the fans who are coming in from around the world, I would expect that Fifa is focused on ensuring that's the case too."

'Generational shift'

Last month Pochettino said that American youngsters tend to develop an "emotional relationship" with football later than other countries because of competition from more established sports, describing it as "a problem", but Batson is more positive.

"One of the things that excites me in terms of where we are relative to when I was growing up is there's an opportunity to build that emotional relationship with soccer at such a young age that did not exist historically," he said.

"You now have the first generation of kids growing up whose parents played at scale. And so the moment historically of a father or mother taking their kid to a baseball or basketball game is a momentous family occasion.

"Now that's soccer, and so there's been such a generational shift here that this World Cup will be a nice tidal wave of carrying those emotions forward."

The MLS was formed in 1995, one year after the US hosted the World Cup for the first time, and has grown significantly since then, with Lionel Messi's arrival in 2023 evidence of a changed landscape.

Batson said that in 1994, "the soccer market was very nascent in the US, and if you fast forward to today, we have thriving professional leagues, some of the world's great stadiums… the opportunity for this summer is how do we take that next big step forward and how do we use it to build the system of what soccer looks like in a way where every kid can play?"

'US should aim to win'

The US team is in a group with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, and is aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

When asked if Pochettino's team had to do well for the tournament to have the desired impact domestically, Batson said: "This is a team that is excited about the opportunity.

"Their ambition is high… they've got an opportunity to really earn that excitement, earn that passion and energy from the tens of millions of Americans who love them."

Pochettino has had a mixed record since taking up the job in 2024, with his team losing both of their most recent friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, but has said he believes the team could pull off a shock win.

"This is a team that can compete with the world's best," insists Batson.

"It's going to have home support. And why not give it a go? I mean, that's the whole point of playing in a tournament. Any team stepping in should have a plan to go as far as possible, which ultimately means having a plan to ultimately win."

• Derby's Agyemang to miss World Cup with Achilles injury

'Focus on safe and fun event'

Against a backdrop of US involvement in the Middle East conflict and domestic political violence, there have also been mounting concerns over security at the tournament.

Last month, rights groups issued a travel advisory urging visitors to "exercise caution" as a result of what it called the government's "violent and abusive immigration crackdown".

Tournament organisers have also said they are worried about a long-running partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security due to a funding dispute in Congress.

Asked what his message was to overseas fans who may be reconsidering whether to attend, Batson said: "Fifa and the US government at all levels have been in co-ordination for years around ensuring a successful delivery of the World Cup, first and foremost starting with safety.

"The US has lots of history of organising major events all over the country and very often in the very specific stadiums where the games are going to be played. I know that at all levels from local, county, state and federal government, there is a clear focus on ensuring there's a safe and fun World Cup for everyone here."

When it was put to Batson that US officials have said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be part of World Cup security plans, and that fans from a number of participating countries are subject to travel bans.

He said: "I know that FIFA and the White House are very focused on delivering a safe, secure and positive event for everyone who attends, whether you live in this country or whether you're coming in from around the world."

• White House wants DHS to reopen for World Cup

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Nottingham Forest remain hopeful that Morgan Gibbs-White will be able to play in Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa.

Head coach Vitor Pereira said after Monday's win at Chelsea that Forest will "hope for a miracle" after Gibbs-White collided with home goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, leading to both players coming off with their heads bandaged.

Gibbs-White needed several stitches and, asked on Wednesday whether the England midfielder can face Villa, Forest boss Pereira said: "We'll see tomorrow, if he's able to play or not.

"It is not a question for me, it's a decision between the player and medical department.

"We will have a last meeting to decide. We have a plan with him and without him."

Forest are unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions and take a 1-0 lead into Thursday's match at Villa Park.

Gibbs-White posted a photo on social media on Monday, thanking people for their messages and showing the stitches across his forehead and nose.

Sanchez also posted a photo of some stitches at the top of his head and added in reference to Gibbs-White: "Seen that you came out worst [worse] than me, hope you are OK big man."

Pereira said that Gibbs-White's substitution was not related to concussion, so he is not subject to strict protocols surrounding such head injuries.

That means the 26-year-old's availability for Thursday is only dependent on whether the cut on his face heals in time.

Had Gibbs-White been judged to be concussed, he would probably have been ruled out. Players must not return to activity for at least 24 hours, before following a 48-hour period of rest and six-stage "return to play" process.

Premier League teams are permitted to make one concussion replacement per match, which do not count towards their usual substitution limits. Chelsea used that dispensation during Monday's match for youngster Jesse Derry.

The 18-year-old, who was making his debut, clashed heads with Forest's Zach Abbott and was taken to hospital. Chelsea said he was "conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks".

Brain injury charity Headway's chief executive Luke Griggs praised the care given to Derry and Abbott but added that the subsequent collision between Gibbs-White and Sanchez "shows that head injury protocols need to go much further".

"The use of concussion substitutions is certainly welcome, though with each team only receiving one permanent concussion substitute per game, clubs are limited as to what they can do when additional head injuries occur and frustration remains with football's unfathomable refusal to allow temporary concussion subs," said Griggs.

"Questions will rightly be asked about Gibbs-White and Sanchez not being subjected to the mandatory return-to-play protocols, due to them not being replaced as concussion substitutes.

"This is not about the clubs, which clearly provided first-rate treatment to their players, it's about the laws and protocols of the game - ensuring player welfare drives decision-making."

• Is Gibbs-White favourite to start as England's number 10?
• Latest Nottingham Forest news, analysis and fan views
• Ask about Nottingham Forest - what do you want to know?

Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida strongly criticized UEFA after Atlético de Madrid were knocked out by Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals.

According to the mayor, the refereeing in the second leg was decisive in the final outcome, suggesting a "predetermined intention" to harm the rojiblanco side. 

"When I saw the draw, I thought we had got Arsenal and I was wrong, we had to play against UEFA, and UEFA has made it clear that it did not want Atlético de Madrid to be in the Champions League final," said the leader of the Spanish capital.

Almeida expressed his outrage over the appointment of Daniel Seibert for the match, pointing to a conflict of interest because of the battle between Spain and Germany for the fifth European spot. "It is incomprehensible that they appointed a German referee when Spain and Germany are competing for the fifth Champions League place," he said.

The refereeing decisions under scrutiny again

One of the most controversial points highlighted was the penalty not awarded to Giuliano Simeone. Almeida complained about the lack of clear images in the broadcast of the striker's alleged offside.

In his words, "it is incomprehensible that there is not a single replay of Giuliano's offside when it was a stonewall penalty. We later saw on social media that it was not offside and that he came from his own half. It was not offside and they did not want to admit it."

The criticism also focused on the amount of stoppage time added. "It is clear proof that the referee wanted that match to end as soon as possible and for Arsenal to go to Budapest rather than Atlético de Madrid," Almeida said.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Fan groups have called on the Football Association (FA) to intervene following Manchester City's decision to host their FA Youth Cup final against Manchester United at their Joie Stadium, after turning down an offer to switch it to Old Trafford.

Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) and Manchester United Fans' Forum representatives called the decision to move the 14 May final to the 7,000-capacity ground "a disgrace" in a joint statement.

The FA is unlikely to step in as Manchester City have had dispensation from the governing body to play their Youth Cup games at the Joie Stadium this season.

However, the FA supported the final being played at the Etihad Stadium if possible.

"The news that the FA Youth Cup final, a great fixture which has heralded so many superstars of the future, is to be played in a stadium of just 6,000 people is a disgrace," the Manchester United fan groups said.

"Last time United were in the final we had 67,000 fans in Old Trafford, so allowing this massive game to be played in front of such a paltry few fans is letting down supporters and denying these young footballers the biggest night of their careers so far.

"The FA needs to step in and ensure the game can be played at either the Etihad or Old Trafford. Time to put fans first for once."

Delivery of The FA Youth Cup final is traditionally managed by the finalist club drawn first in the draw.

City were drawn at home for the game but are unable to use the main pitch, with Pep Guardiola's first team still having three home Premier League games to play.

While there is an 11-day gap between their match against Crystal Palace and the last game of the campaign against Aston Villa, club officials argue playing the final in that space will rob them of essential time to complete construction work on the North Stand, which is planned to open for Villa's visit.

The club also have a test event booked for 20 May. They feel they are entitled not to agree to a switch as they are the confirmed home team.

United, who last won the trophy in 2022 - when more than 60,000 were at Old Trafford to watch a team including Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho beat Nottingham Forest - told City they were prepared to host the game.

City said no, so the game will be played at the Joie Stadium, which is used by the club's Premier League 2 and women's teams.

The club have used the stadium to host Youth Cup finals previously but since 2000, every other host club has played the game at their main stadium.

Two years ago a crowd of 20,000 watched City beat Leeds United in the final at Etihad Stadium.

It is a repeat of the 1986 final, hosted over two legs at Old Trafford and Maine Road and won by City.

United sources feel it is a mistake and will cost the majority of the players involved an experience in what could turn out to be the biggest game of their lives.

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There are moments for a football fan in your life in which you have an instant mental 'bookmark' that you can make based on a result.

On Tuesday night, with the best atmosphere I have ever experienced at the Emirates stadium, those Arsenal players gave us fans another 'bookmark' moment.

I was one year into my first job when this feeling came around last time.

Here I am 20 years later, able to re-live it, and that is a special feeling.

It was not a vintage Arsenal performance – it didn't need to be – but it was one that was all about the occasion.

And credit to Mikel Arteta and those players, they showed no signs of wilting under any kind of pressure at all. Instead, they harnessed the energy from the crowd, who showed up in their droves from 5.30pm to greet the team bus at 5.45pm. And the atmosphere just cranked up by every minute until the full-time whistle blew.

I haven't seen the concourse rocking like it was inside the ground a full 35 minutes before kick-off.

I haven't heard 'North London Forever' being sung with such gusto (they didn't even play the whole song, they let the home crowd go acapella). At half-time throughout the concourse the noise went up again, then at full-time there was barely an empty seat in the house. And all over the world, there will be Arsenal fans who have their latest 'bookmark'.

History has been made. We know nothing is won yet, we know there could still be heartbreak both domestically and in Europe that awaits, but these are fears for another day.

Today we have only delight. Arsenal are on their way to the Champions League final.

Find more from Chris Howard at Suburban Gooners and the Same Old Arsenal Podcast

After some nervy games in recent weeks, there was an explosion of joy at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid to reach the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years - and just the second time in the club's 140-year history.

Jubilant fans are now booking trips to Budapest, where the Gunners will face either Bayern Munich or Paris St-Germain in the final on 30 May.

Arsenal have a chance to become European champions for the first time and could even do the continental double as they are also top of the Premier League.

But some have pointed out they are yet to get their hands on any silverware, so are the "celebration police" right or was the Emirates ecstasy justified?

• The league is the dream - but is this Arsenal's moment in Europe?

'Do not get nicked by the celebration police'

Arsenal will aim to become the seventh English club to win the European Cup/Champions League.

They could also be the fourth to become national and European champions in the same season - after Liverpool (twice), Manchester United (twice) and Manchester City (once).

Wayne Rooney was part of the Manchester United team that achieved the feat in 2007-08 and the former England striker felt Arsenal's celebrations were premature.

"They deserve to be in this position but they haven't won it yet," Rooney said on Amazon Prime.

"I think the celebrations are a little bit too much. Celebrate when you win."

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright responded on X, saying: "Arsenal fans, let me tell you something: enjoy this. The celebration police will be out in force. Do not get nicked!

"Enjoy yourselves, football's about moments and this is a big moment. Enjoy it and let's hope that in the final and after the final we have another massive moment. It's a great day."

Ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger led the Gunners to their previous Champions League final in 2006, when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.

Speaking on beIN Sports, Wenger said: "They celebrated well tonight, which is normal. But you want more to focus already on the final and the next game.

"The celebration is deserved and happiness is absolutely normal, but now the next step is of course to go to the final and win it."

Rooney was also critical of Manchester City's celebrations this season, after they beat Arsenal last month to get back in the Premier League title race.

"I think it was a little bit over the top," he said after City's 2-1 home win.

"It is obviously a big win. I just think it's a little bit premature and it might come back to bite them."

Fellow BBC pundit Danny Murphy agreed City's celebrations "looked a bit excessive, like maybe they had already won [the title]".

But the ex-Liverpool and England midfielder added: "I think it was more a celebration of realising that they are in this and it is in their own hands."

'Not stage-managed, just joy' - fan's view

Scarlet Katz Roberts from the Goal Difference podcast

Arsenal should celebrate. If there's one learning to be taken from the days between Saturday's victory against Fulham and yesterday's against Atletico Madrid, it's that vibes are paramount.

For the majority of this season Arsenal have been top of the table, soundtracked by endless talk of a quadruple or non-quadruple, unable to move for bottle memes. The sporting evidence would suggest it's been fantastic, but it's felt so hard.

I begrudgingly watched the City fans and players love every moment of their League Cup victory as I shuffled out of Wembley. For a while after that, they seemed totally infallible, a giant blue behemoth blocking out the light. The importance of winning - of good feeling, particularly as energy fades, cannot be overstated.

I will never forget the Arsenal players streaming on to the pitch, 'Freed From Desire' booming out around the ground. I'll never forget the fans drowning out Martin Keown pre-kick-off - sorry Martin - but I'm proud of how loud we were.

It wasn't stage-managed, it was just joy - so hard to come by but so simple. Arteta has been searching for that sensation. Last night 'North London Forever' suddenly lost its hackneyed ring and became a rousing anthem.

It's like the whole of the club and fanbase finally realised the sporting power of pure support.

As for Wayne Rooney, I'll forgive him that one misstep. He's been so good to Arsenal this season.

'A world away' from over-celebration - expert's view

Tuesday's celebrations included Arteta and his players joining hands and running towards each end of the Emirates.

Bradley Busch is a chartered sports psychologist who runs Inner Drive, a sports psychology training centre, and he told BBC Sport the collective celebration indicated a "very healthy team and squad mindset".

"The technical phrase that is used in research for this is known as 'emotional contagion', which basically says behaviours and attitudes and unity can spread and ripple through the team," he said. "One way you can do that is through celebrating together.

"On a more fundamental level, players aren't doing that to try to improve future performance - they're doing it because it's a sheer release of thinking and breathing about this stuff 24/7 and realising your goals.

"In what is such a high-pressurised environment I think it's really healthy for it not all to build up and bubble, and to celebrate on the pitch."

Busch added that anyone suggesting Arsenal's reaction was over the top "feels a bit like the old celebration police going on there".

"The nearest you can get to defining over-celebration is anything that negatively impacts the future performance," he explained.

"We sometimes see that with players and teams during the match - where they might think they have already won, which can lead to showboating or playing with much less intensity, or if it's interrupting the preparation for the next match. But this is a world away from that.

"As a Tottenham fan, I absolutely do hope it's a case of over-celebration - but that's more of my personal opinion than professional one!"

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Despite denying talks with Real Madrid last week, it appears that Jose Mourinho is now holding initial talks with Los Blancos over a return to the club. Mourinho has been backed as the favourite to replace Alvaro Arbeloa this summer, with President Florentino Perez in favour of a second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mourinho said he had not spoken to Real Madrid last Friday, with the Benfica manager still having a year left on his deal in Portugal. Widespread reports have suggested that he would be keen on a return to the Bernabeu too though, and if Perez also gives the green light, then it seems likely a deal will go through.

Mourinho makes demands for Real Madrid return

It has been reported by ESDiario that Mourinho held a meeting via video call with Real Madrid on Tuesday, in which he communicated his conditions for a return to the club. Despite being grateful for the interest in him, he is not willing to come on any terms, and this information has been backed up by Ramon Alvarez de Mon.

‘The Special One’ is keen on a two-year contract to return, to avoid being seen as a band aid, or being tied in to a long deal. He also wants full control over his selection choices, without interference from Perez or anyone else, something that has not been the case for some time. He would bring in his own coaching staff of seven, and Perez suppoedly has suggested that he add Arbeloa to his staff.

Going the other way would be fitness coach Antonio Pintus, who was brought back by the club in January with Arbeloa, but has been unable to inspire dramatic change on the injuries front. Mourinho would also require a direct line of communication with the medical staff. By the same token, he only wants to be dealing with Perez as his point of contact, rather than Advisor Anas Laghrari or General Manager Jose Angel Sanchez.

Preseason tours are another issue Mourinho wants control of, keen to avoid the heavy impact of a tour to the Middle East or North America. And finally, he wants to be able to trim his squad accordingly, getting rid of as many as seven players that he does not believe are up to standard.

Which players could depart Real Madrid this summer?

It is not specified which players Mourinho would want to move on, but while that number sounds high, it is not entirely surprising. Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are out of contract this summer, while Dani Ceballos is also expected to leave. The likes of Fran Garcia, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, Gonzalo Garcia and Raul Asencio are not guaranteed their spots in the squad next season either.

Kroupi Emerges as Summer Window Centrepiece

There is always one young forward who suddenly seems to bend the transfer market around himself. This summer, that player is Eli Junior Kroupi. At 19, the Bournemouth striker has moved from intriguing prospect to one of the most coveted attacking talents in Europe, with Liverpool now firmly linked alongside several continental heavyweights.

The original report from SportsBoom described Kroupi as a player “reshaping the definition of the complete forward”, and there is little exaggeration in that assessment. His rise has been swift, fuelled by mature performances in the Premier League and a level of technical composure rarely associated with players his age.

Liverpool’s interest feels logical rather than speculative. Kroupi’s movement between the lines, intelligence in tight spaces and instinctive finishing profile closely match the type of fluid attacker admired at Anfield. He is not merely a penalty-box striker. He drifts, combines and manipulates defenders with the assurance of a footballer several years older.

Bournemouth know exactly what they possess. That is why the Kroupi price tag is already provoking sharp intakes of breath across Europe.

Liverpool Face Fierce Competition

Liverpool are far from alone in chasing the French teenager. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are all credited with serious interest, according to SportsBoom’s reporting.

United are believed to have scouted Kroupi extensively in recent weeks, while Arsenal reportedly see him as a “modern forward” perfectly suited to Mikel Arteta’s tactical demands. Liverpool’s admiration centres on his versatility and intelligence as a false nine capable of linking midfield and attack with elegance.

For Liverpool, the attraction extends beyond numbers. Kroupi appears built for the rhythm of elite football. He presses aggressively, reads transitions quickly and carries himself with a calmness that elite clubs obsess over when assessing young talent.

There is also the unavoidable reality of squad evolution. Liverpool continue to refresh key areas of their side and the search for long-term attacking solutions never truly stops at clubs competing for the biggest honours.

The challenge is obvious. Bournemouth are in no rush to sell.

Bournemouth Hold Firm Over Price Tag

Bournemouth’s stance is one of confidence and calculation. Publicly, the club insist Kroupi remains central to their long-term plans. Privately, there is an understanding that every player has a valuation.

SportsBoom’s original source report claims Bournemouth would only entertain bids considered “impossible to refuse”, with the club placing the Kroupi price tag between €60 million and €70 million.

That figure changes the conversation entirely.

A talented teenager becomes a major financial gamble once valuations reach those levels. Yet modern football increasingly rewards clubs willing to invest early in elite attacking talent before the market spirals even further.

Kroupi’s contract situation strengthens Bournemouth’s position considerably. His deal reportedly runs until 2029 and contains no release clause. That allows Bournemouth to negotiate from a position of absolute control.

Liverpool will understand they are unlikely to bully Bournemouth into compromise. If a deal develops, it will require patience, creativity and conviction that Kroupi can become a defining Premier League forward over the next decade.

There is also the broader financial backdrop. Bournemouth’s recruitment model has been built around intelligent development and profitable sales. The club are unlikely to abandon that philosophy now, especially with Europe’s elite circling.

European Giants Circle Rising French Star

Paris Saint-Germain may represent Liverpool’s greatest threat. The French champions reportedly view Kroupi as the “homecoming of a national treasure”, while their financial muscle gives them a natural advantage in any bidding war.

Real Madrid’s interest appears slightly different in tone. The Spanish giants reportedly see Kroupi as a high-ceiling attacking option who could develop alongside some of the game’s brightest stars.

Still, Liverpool remain a compelling destination for emerging talent. Young forwards continue to recognise the appeal of Premier League football, elite coaching and the opportunity to grow within one of Europe’s most demanding environments.

For now, much rests on whether any club is prepared to meet Bournemouth’s extraordinary Kroupi price tag. Interest will intensify as the transfer window approaches, particularly if the teenager continues producing performances of maturity and authority.

What feels certain is this: Kroupi is no longer simply a name for scouting departments and data analysts. He has become one of the central figures of the summer market, and Liverpool’s involvement ensures every development will attract enormous attention.

We asked for your views on one player you would be prepared to see leave Newcastle in the summer and a couple of names who would be realistic targets for Eddie Howe's side.

Here are some of your comments:

Mark: Carl Rushworth has been excellent at Coventry and on other loans from Brighton. He is such a great goalkeeper and he has a future with England. I'm happy to lose Nick Pope and any of our other goalkeepers.

James: Losing Kieran Trippier this summer will be a big loss, amid Jamaal Lascelles leaving fairly recently and a general need for leaders to pull together, what appears to be, a fragmented and changing side. Can we nab John Stones or a similarly experienced defender to lead from the rear of the pitch? I would love to see it.

• Tell us who should go and who to target

David: Unfortunately, Yoane Wissa has been unable to recreate his Brentford scoring form. The reason why? Our playing system is different and he is too small to be an out-and-out target-man as a number nine, which is what we need up front. Ollie Watkins, or a player like him, would be good. I'm sure talented Nick Woltemade could be used to feed and play off such a player. Watkins' old colleague Jacob Ramsey would also link up well with him, I'm sure, if one of our other midfielders were to depart this summer.

Matt: Gordon and Livramento can go. Hope Tonali stays. Need Bruno to stay, alongside Hall, Thiaw, Ramsey and Miley. That's the core to build on. For squad cost ratio rules, move on Willock, Joelinton and Murphy. We need to bring in young, high-ceiling players, raise the technical floor, and have alternative creativity to Bruno. I'd also bring in a new coach specialising in controlled possession and breaking down low blocks. We'll still have plenty of Premier League experience but we need the mentality to be right.

Matt's list of possible recruits included the likes of Michael Kayode (Brentford), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), James Trafford (Man City), Mike Godts (Ajax), Breno Bidon (Corinthians) and Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig).

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just over a month away, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente took time out to present his autobiography, Life is Trained Every Day, written alongside journalist Eduardo Verdu.

The book traces his journey from his playing days through to Spain’s Nations League triumph in 2023 and their European Championship victory in 2024.

Speaking at the presentation in Madrid, De la Fuente also addressed some of the most pressing questions surrounding his World Cup squad.

On Lamine Yamal

De la Fuente was full of admiration for Barcelona’s injured winger, as he talked about his dedication on the field.

“Apart from his great talent, he trains three hours a day, goes to the gym, visits his physio, his nutritionist and his psychologist, and gives himself to his invisible training, which is the most important thing.

“Invisible training is something that many people are unaware of. It’s about being 24 hours thinking about your work. Nobody gives Lamine anything,” he said (h/t SPORT).

Spain are counting on Yamal this World Cup. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images for Laureus)

He also offered an encouraging update on the winger’s recovery. “I talk about Lamine because I know him very well. God willing, he will arrive at the World Cup as well as possible.”

De la Fuente’s comments come at a time when Barcelona are extremely anxious about how Yamal will be handled during the World Cup, as they want the player to return to club football while being fully fit.

On Gavi

Another player who has raised eyebrows with his performances is Gavi, with many now expecting him to become a potential late entrant in the squad.

“He’s in a very good moment. Best of all, he has recovered. He’s competing fantastically at his club and we celebrate. That’s the best news. Then we will make the decision whether to call up a player or not,” he said.

It will be interesting to see whether or not Gavi is indeed a part of the Spain team for the World Cup, as the midfielder has emerged as a consistent performer in recent weeks.

Chelsea Revisit Coaching Identity With Xavi Under Consideration

Chelsea’s search for stability appears to have taken another intriguing turn, with The Independent reporting that former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is under consideration as the club reassesses its direction ahead of next season.

Photo IMAGO

Following a turbulent campaign and what has been described as a “period of self-reflection” after the Liam Rosenior appointment, Chelsea’s hierarchy are now focused on reinforcing a footballing identity that has been carefully introduced throughout the club structure.

There is a clear sense that the ownership group no longer want short term fixes. Instead, the emphasis remains on continuity of style, recruitment alignment and long term coaching philosophy.

Barcelona Influence Appeals To Chelsea Hierarchy

Xavi’s appeal is understandable in that context. His footballing principles closely align with the possession based approach Chelsea have attempted to implement under Enzo Maresca.

While his time at Barcelona produced mixed reactions externally, it still delivered a La Liga title during a difficult financial and political period at the club. There is also recognition that managing Barcelona carries unique pressures, particularly for a former captain so emotionally tied to the institution.

Photo IMAGO

According to the report, Xavi is now seeking a “project” offering greater patience and structural support than Spanish football often allows.

Chelsea may believe Stamford Bridge can provide exactly that.

Competitive Shortlist Taking Shape

The report also mentions Xabi Alonso, Francesco Farioli and Cesc Fabregas among the names discussed internally, although Fabregas is not expected to leave Como this summer.

Andoni Iraola remains admired as well, but his tactical style is considered slightly different from Chelsea’s preferred direction. That distinction matters. Chelsea’s ownership appear determined to avoid another dramatic shift in methodology.

Photo IMAGO

This process feels less about appointing a celebrity manager and more about finding someone capable of fitting an increasingly rigid football model. That alone represents a significant change from the reactive decision making that defined earlier years under the current ownership.

Xavi would arrive with obvious questions surrounding his adaptability to English football, but Chelsea may view his experience at Barcelona as preparation for navigating scrutiny, expectation and long term squad development.

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There will be understandable caution around another ambitious managerial appointment. Chelsea fans have experienced repeated promises about long term planning while results on the pitch have often remained inconsistent.

That said, Xavi would at least represent a coherent appointment. Supporters can see the logic in targeting a coach who values possession, youth development and tactical structure. There is also appeal in appointing someone with elite level dressing room credibility.

The concern naturally centres around whether Chelsea possess the patience required for this kind of project. Barcelona’s environment tested Xavi constantly, and Stamford Bridge can become equally demanding when performances dip.

Many supporters would also question whether the squad currently suits this style fully. There is technical quality within the group, but there are still gaps in leadership, defensive organisation and attacking consistency.

Ultimately, Chelsea fans want evidence of clarity. If the club genuinely commit to one footballing identity and allow a manager time to implement it, there may finally be foundations for sustainable progress.

Waterford FC have appointed former Newport County manager Graham Coughlan as their new head coach.

The 51-year-old was in charge at Rodney Parade between October 2022 and June 2024, guiding the Exiles to 15th and 18th-place finishes in League Two.

Coughlan's spell in south Wales produced a record of 33 wins, 22 draws and 38 defeats, with the highlight an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Manchester United.

Newport were beaten 4-2 at Rodney Parade after recovering from two goals down shortly after half-time.

Since leaving Newport, Coughlan has more recently managed Boston United in the National League, steering them to safety after taking over with the club in the relegation zone.

Boston collected 20 points from nine matches under his guidance, reinforcing Coughlan's reputation as a manager adept at rescuing struggling sides.

That experience will be tested at Waterford, who sit bottom of the League of Ireland Premier Division after 15 games, nine points adrift of ninth-placed Sligo Rovers.

The Dublin native was also present as Newport secured League Two safety in dramatic fashion on the final day at Barrow, where their former boss was working alongside Barrow boss Sam Foley before departing following the club's relegation.

Coughlan will link up with former Newport favourite Padraig Amond at the club, with chairman Jamie Pilley hopeful the appointment can spark a turnaround in the Blues' fortunes.

The possibility of Jose Mourinho returning to Real Madrid is beginning to gather serious momentum, but the Portuguese coach reportedly has very clear ideas about how a second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu would work.

With uncertainty continuing to surround Madrid’s managerial situation ahead of next season, Mourinho has once again emerged as one of the strongest names linked with the role. 

The experienced coach remains highly appreciated by club president Florentino Perez, who reportedly sees him as a figure capable of restoring authority, competitiveness and intensity inside a dressing room that has faced growing scrutiny this season.

What makes the situation even more interesting is that Mourinho has already started gathering information.

As reported before, the former Madrid manager has made informal contact with figures close to the club, including people inside the dressing room, in an attempt to better understand the current atmosphere at Valdebebas. 

Despite these developments, however, Mourinho is not willing to return under just any conditions.

As confirmed by Sergio Valentin, the manager has already put forward three demands if he is to take over the Real Madrid bench next season.

What are the conditions?

The first condition concerns contract length. Mourinho reportedly wants a guaranteed two-year deal, giving him enough time to rebuild and stabilise the project properly rather than working under immediate short-term pressure.

The second request is linked to media responsibilities. During his first spell at Real Madrid, Mourinho often became the public face defending the club through constant controversy and tension. 

This time, the Portuguese coach wants a different structure. He only wishes to appear in mandatory football-related press conferences and discuss first-team sporting matters. 

Mourinho has three conditions to return to Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

For institutional issues, controversies or club politics, he wants Real Madrid to appoint another official spokesperson.

That demand reportedly comes from the exhaustion Mourinho experienced during his previous years in Madrid, when he frequently felt isolated while defending the club publicly.

The third condition may be the most sensitive, as Mourinho wants complete control over his own coaching staff. 

That would mean arriving with his trusted team and potentially moving away from several figures currently involved behind the scenes. 

The report specifically claims that Antonio Pintus would not form part of Mourinho’s plans, although the Portuguese coach would not oppose Alvaro Arbeloa remaining connected to the first team in some capacity.

Perez’s response

So far, Florentino Perez’s response has been, “We’ll talk about it.”

The Madrid president is understood to have told Mourinho’s camp that discussions would continue, without immediately agreeing to the requested conditions. 

That reaction has apparently left Mourinho and his agent, Jorge Mendes, somewhat disappointed, as they were hoping for a more direct commitment from the club.

This means for now, the decision rests entirely with Florentino Perez to make the move.

Earning Respect Through Results: How African Nations Challenged the World Cup Status Quo

Beyond the Underdog Label and on To Wreak Havoc

African football teams in the World Cup have had to drag respect out of the tournament the hard way. Not through nice possession numbers. Not through “plucky outsider” praise from broadcasters who barely watched the qualifiers. Through results.

Morocco reached the semifinal. Cameroon made Argentina sweat on opening night in 1990 and nearly dumped England out. Senegal arrived at its first World Cup and beat France before the French had even settled into the tournament. Ghana had a semifinal sitting 12 yards away in 2010. 

So the order has to be about more than nostalgia. That is where the best African teams in World Cup history separate themselves.

Morocco Set the Bar in 2022

Morocco is first because fourth place is fourth place. No African side had gone that far before Qatar 2022, and Morocco did not get there by catching one soft opponent on a lucky night.

The group was ugly on paper. Croatia had just played the 2018 final. Belgium still had enough names to scare people. Canada was quick, young, and awkward. Morocco finished above all three.

Spain came next. Not a fun game, unless you enjoy watching one team pass itself into frustration. Morocco let Spain have the ball, kept the middle packed, and waited. Then penalties came. Achraf Hakimi, born in Madrid, dinked the winning kick like he was messing about in training.

Cameroon Made the First Real Crack

Cameroon’s 1990 team still feels louder than some teams that went farther in other tournaments. They are a standout African team that qualified for the World Cup by beating Argentina 1-0 in Milan. Argentina were the defending champions. Diego Maradona was there. Cameroon finished with nine men and still did not collapse.

Roger Milla became the image everyone remembers, and fair enough. He scored, danced near the corner flag, and gave the run its face. But Cameroon was not a one-man novelty act. They beat Romania, got through the group, and knocked out Colombia in extra time.

Then came England. Cameroon were winning that quarterfinal. 2-1 up. Ninety minutes from the semifinal. England leveled at 2-2 before winning 3-2 during overtime. It is very painful to recall – not because Cameroon did not play well, but because they came so near. A door that was opened but never closed.

Still, the first African team to reach a World Cup quarterfinal. 

Senegal Had No Business Being That Good in 2002

It was the first World Cup ever. First game: France. The defending champions. Senegal won 1-0, and Papa Bouba Diop’s shirt ended up on the pitch while his teammates danced around it. France looked lost. 

Most teams would’ve taken that result and faded. Senegal just kept going. Drew with Denmark. They almost held onto their three-goal cushion against Uruguay before finishing 3-3, messy yes, but still alive. They knocked out Sweden in the last 16 through Henri Camara’s golden goal. They fell to Turkey in the quarter-finals through extra-time once more.

A quarterfinal in your debut tournament is borderline ridiculous. What made them good wasn’t one thing either — they were organized but not boring, fast but not sloppy, and physically they made every single opponent work for everything they got. This was a best performance by an African team in a World Cup

Ghana Came Close Enough to Leave a Scar

Ghana in 2010 is impossible to discuss calmly. Everyone knows the Uruguay match. Luis Suarez handled Dominic Adiyiah’s header on the line. Red card. Penalty. Last kick of extra time. Asamoah Gyan hit the bar. Uruguay won the shootout.

That is the wound. But Ghana was not just one dramatic ending. They beat Serbia. They drew with Australia. They got out of a group with Germany. Then they beat the United States 2-1 after extra time, with Gyan scoring the winner.

The setting matters too. This was the first World Cup in Africa, and Ghana was the last African team left. That can crush a side. Ghana did not play scared. They were disciplined, direct when needed, and brave enough to keep attacking even after the pressure got ridiculous.

Morocco finally crossed the semifinal line 12 years later. Ghana were one cleaner penalty from doing it first.

Nigeria Kept Coming Back to the Knockouts

Nigeria is odd to consider. First of all, they failed to get into a quarterfinal. Second, they have no clear-cut “elite” tournament like Morocco 2022, Cameroon 1990, or Senegal 2002. However, Nigeria managed to participate in the knockout stages three times – 1994, 1998, and 2014. 

It’s true, there was some magic in that generation. They knocked Bulgaria out with a resounding 3-0 score, finishing ahead of Argentina as well. Facing Italy in the round of 16, they controlled the ball for almost the whole match, being in the lead until late when Baggio tied it. The game went into extra time and then to a penalty shootout.

There is something else about this era – they won nothing despite being one of the scariest opponents worldwide back in their time. More winners are coming, and all the World Cup Golden Boot betting odds can be found on the BetUS sportsbook.

Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Mikel Arteta have all shared their thoughts on a ‘special’ atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

The Arsenal fans were certainly up for Tuesday night’s Champions League semi-final second leg match against Atletico Madrid, with thousands of supporters turning up hours before kick-off to welcome the team buses, lining the streets in a parade.

That atmosphere carried through to the stands, with fans chanting as loudly as they do during a game even 15 minutes prior to the start of the match.

Then, when the game finally got underway, goalscorer Bukayo Saka says the supporters pushed the team the whole way through to the end.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

“We felt it,” Saka said to CBS Sports. “Since we were on the coach, I’ve never seen the Emirates like this in my whole career. I’ve played so many games here. It was so special.

“When the game started, they pushed us, from the start to the end. It was just a beautiful moment, this is probably the biggest game the Emirates has ever hosted, and it was a successful one.

“All the fans that were here will go home and remember this night forever. So yeah, we can all be happy with that.”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Club captain Martin Odegaard agreed with that assessment, suggesting the stadium was ‘on fire’ with the atmosphere the fans created, ultimately leading to a 1-0 win and progression to the final.

“Unbelievable, such a special night, such an amazing moment for the team, for the club, for our supporters, for everyone,” Odegaard told Sky Sports.

“It was beautiful, and we’ve been working hard towards this type of moment. We said that we wanted to go further than last year, and we did it.

“It was such a beautiful night. The stadium was on fire. Playing a Champions League final is unbelievable and something we all have been dreaming about our whole lives.”

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Manager Mikel Arteta was also delighted with what he saw from the supporters, telling the media as much both before and after the game.

“I’ve never seen an atmosphere like this when we were about to enter the stadium. Great to see,” Arteta said to Prime Video before the game, before adding afterwards: “The manner that we got to see outside the stadium was special and unique.

“The atmosphere that our supporters created, the energy, the way they lived every ball with us, it made it special and unique. I never felt that in the stadium. We knew how much it meant to everybody. We put everything in, the boys did an incredible job.”

Everyone had a part to play to see Arsenal through to their first Champions League final in 20 years, and everyone was up to the task. The fans can now start dreaming about Budapest.

The 47-year-old has led the part-time side to the brink of promotion after finishing runners-up behind Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Stenhousemuir drew the first leg of their semi-final 1-1 away to third-top Queen of the South on Tuesday.

But now Ayr have announced that Naysmith has agreed a three-year contract to join their full-time set-up in the Championship next season and will be joined by Stenhousemuir assistant Brown Ferguson.

Ayr chairman David Smith told his club website: "Their ability to outperform budget is clear not only from their time at Stenhousemuir but also in their previous roles at a variety of clubs in Scotland.

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"What became clear through the interview process was Gary's enthusiasm to be involved with Ayr United and the skillset he has to take our club forward."

Ayr were seeking a new manager after former Scotland midfielder Scott Brown exited in March when his side slipped out of the promotion race after a nine-game run without a victory and eventually finished seventh.

Former Heart of Midlothian, Everton, Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town defender Naysmith began his managerial career with East Fife before spells with Queen of the South and Edinburgh City, taking over at Stenhousemuir in 2023 and leading them to their first-ever league title to win promotion to League 1. He has followed that with back-to-back promotion play-off campaigns.

Stenhousemuir were in the running for the title and automatic promotion this season right up until the final day and he was nominated this year for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award.

Chairman Dan Wharton told Stenhousemuir's website: "He came in, transformed what was possible here, achieved promotion success and leaves the club in its highest-ever league position."

Should Stenhousemuir beat Naysmith's former club, Queens, on Saturday, they will face either Airdrieonians or Alloa Athletic, who lead their semi-final 1-0, in the play-off final.

Manchester City scout Brendan MacFarlane is set to become the interim sporting director at Troyes, according to a report from Foot Mercato. The former Toulouse head scout looks set to take on a new role within the City Football Group, following L’ESTAC’s promotion back to the top flight. 

MacFarlane, who used to write for Get French Football News, joined Manchester City as their European Regional Scouting Manager in April 2023, shortly after leaving his previous role with Les Violets. The Irishman is now set to take a new challenge in France. 

Manchester City’s MacFarlane to replace Antoine Sibierski at Troyes

Foot Mercato understands that the former Brentford scout has been recruited to temporarily take over from the departing Sibierski at the Stade de l’Aube. It remains to be seen whether he will assume the role on a permanent basis. 

GFFN | Liam Wraith

The uncertainty surrounding Kylian Mbappe ahead of the season-defining El Clasico is continuing to grow, with Real Madrid still unable to confirm whether their biggest star will be fit enough to face FC Barcelona.

According to reports from Melchor Ruiz, what was initially expected to be a decisive day in Mbappe’s recovery process has now been delayed after the French forward’s scheduled MRI examination was postponed until tomorrow. 

The medical assessment was meant to provide clarity regarding the condition of the muscular issue that has kept him sidelined in recent days, but Madrid will now have to wait longer before making a final decision.

The delay has only intensified the tension around the player’s availability for one of the most important matches of the campaign.

What’s the story?

According to the latest reports coming out of Valdebebas, Mbappe did not participate in full team training today. 

Instead, the forward focused on individual recovery work inside the gym and pool as Real Madrid’s medical staff continued monitoring his condition carefully.

The current plan is for Mbappe to partially reintegrate with the squad during tomorrow’s training session, assuming the results of the medical tests are positive enough to allow him to increase his workload.

Real Madrid are not losing faith in Mbappe’s return. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

For now, though, his situation remains completely open.

No optimism lost

As per the journalist, there is still optimism that the French superstar could recover in time for the clash at Spotify Camp Nou. 

The club understands the enormous importance of having Mbappe available, especially in a match that could potentially be delayed because it could delay Barcelona’s title dream.

Barcelona need only a draw to win the Spanish championship, mean there is absolutely no margin of error for Real Madrid.

That situation makes Mbappe’s recovery one of the biggest stories surrounding the build-up to the Clasico.

The uncertainty is also creating a tactical headache behind the scenes.

For now, everything depends on tomorrow’s medical tests. Only after the MRI and further evaluations will the coaching staff decide whether Mbappe can return to group training and realistically feature in Sunday’s showdown. 

"Sport sometimes has these crazy stories - Leicester is unfortunately one of those now."

From their Premier League title win to their relegation to League One, Kelly Cates is joined by Wes Morgan, Robert Huth, Marc Albrighton and BBC Sport's Midlands reporter Nick Mashiter to reflect on the past 10 years at Leicester City in a two-part series.

Listen to Part One on BBC Sounds

Listen to Part Two on BBC Sounds

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How does FC Thun’s Swiss title triumph compare to Leicester City 2016?

A decade on from Leicester City’s still sensational Premier League title, the memory has been evoked by a team in Switzerland. In some ways, FC Thun have exceeded the Foxes’ achievement because not even Leicester won the title immediately after promotion in the way the new Swiss champions did.

Thun, hailing from a town of just 45,000 people, were predicted to struggle in the Swiss Super League this season. Many expected them to go straight back down to the second division. Instead, Mauro Lustrinelli’s team embarked on an incredible run that deserves to be ranked alongside some of soccer’s great underdog tales.

Lustrinelli played for Thun when they qualified for the Champions League in 2005, when, had it not been for a Dennis Bergkamp winner in stoppage time, the Swiss would have claimed a famous point at Arsenal.

What unfolded this season, however, was even more memorable. In their 128-year history, Thun had never won the Swiss title. Their net spend in the transfer market this season amounted to roughly €700,000 ($820,000). Thun’s captain, Marko Burki, isn’t even the most famous soccer player in his own family – former Switzerland goalkeeper Roman Burki is his older brother.

Like Leicester, Thun took advantage of a weak field to finish top. Traditional superpowers Basel and Young Boys are rebuilding so the opportunity was there for an outsider to make a run and Thun were the ones who put it all together. Switzerland may never crown another champion like them.

What comes next for Wrexham after the end of their playoff dream?

Wrexham had forgotten what it’s like to have a season that doesn’t end in promotion. The Welsh side had won three successive promotions before Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough ended their hopes of a Championship playoff place. For once, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds had nothing to celebrate.

They’ve got a big summer ahead. Until now, Wrexham’s strategy has been simple – spend more than the competition. It’s worked well, taking the club from the National League to the Championship in just four years. Their rise has been remarkable, albeit explicable. Now, though, Wrexham are finding their Disney millions no longer stack up so favourably.

According to Transfermarkt, Wrexham’s squad was only the 15th most valuable in the Championship this season with their wage bill estimated by Capology to be the 12th largest. That Phil Parkinson’s team finished seventh was an overachievement, even if the failure to make the playoffs on the final day was a disappointment.

Everything must be examined if Wrexham are to take the next step. Is Parkinson the right manager to guide them to the Premier League? Is his style of play too conservative for Wrexham to impose themselves on Championship opponents? Are they signing the right players to go up? Do they need a clearer transfer strategy?

Adversity will make Welcome To Wrexham more watchable, but as a team with Premier League aspirations they will now be tested like never before. The true measure of McElhenney and Reynolds as owners will be taken from this point forward.

Has Champions League qualification made Michael Carrick the right man for the Manchester United job?

The famous Champions League music will be heard again at Old Trafford next season. While qualification for European soccer’s most prestigious club competition seemed unlikely when Ruben Amorim spectacularly flamed out as Manchester United manager at the start of the year, Sunday’s win over Liverpool confirmed the club’s place in the Premier League’s top five.

Whether Michael Carrick will still be in charge to lead United in the Champions League next season is yet to be confirmed although the former midfielder is expected to be offered the chance. Club executives were waiting on the outcome of the team’s top-five pursuit, which is now settled.

Other, more illustrious, names were linked with the vacancy. The qualities of Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Julian Nagelsmann among many, many others have been discussed by fans and experts who argue United should look at the bigger picture and not just the last three months.

Carrick, however, has made it impossible for the club to hire anyone else. While an argument can be made that someone with a broader resume would fare better, Carrick has tangible evidence to suggest he deserves the opportunity to build on a very impressive run. Everything else is hypothetical.

United have won five more points than any other Premier League side in the period since Carrick’s arrival and while results have been better than performances, Old Trafford is clearly a healthier environment than it was six months ago. Under Carrick, Manchester United have been the sum of their parts which is a huge improvement on Amorim’s reign.

Those parts may not be enough to withstand the rigours of Champions League soccer next season. United must use the summer transfer window to add depth to a squad that will have played only 40 matches in all competitions once this season is over. It’s been easier for Carrick to set up his side when he and his coaching staff have had a full week on the training field between games, a luxury other top sides in the Premier League have not enjoyed this season.

Nonetheless, Manchester United would risk breaking things all over again by hiring someone else. Across the sport, the cult of the manager may also be on the wane. Bayern Munich hired Vincent Kompany from Burnley. Mikel Arteta had no senior management experience before taking over at Arsenal. The best manager isn’t always the same thing as the best manager for the job.

As every week, here is the top 20 scorers (goals + assists) of the 2025-26 season in Europe’s five major leagues!

Earthquake: Bayern Munich are in crisis!

The Top Scorers podium is no longer made up exclusively of Bayern forwards! Thanks to his goal at Everton on Monday night, Erling Haaland snatches third place from Luis Diaz. Disaster...

More seriously, let’s note the impressive rise of Estéban Lepaul after his goal and assist at Lyon on Sunday night.

NB: In the event of a tie on points between two players, the more complete one (with the smaller difference between goals and assists) ranks higher. The statistics come from the specialist website Transfermarkt.

20. Fisnik Asllani - Hoffenheim - 19 pts (10 goals + 9 assists

19. Nico Paz - Como - 19 pts (12 + 7)

18. Yan Diomandé - Leipzig - 20 pts (12 + 8)

17. Lautaro Martinez - Inter Milan - 21 pts (16 + 5)

16. Mason Greenwood - Olympique de Marseille - 21 pts (15 + 6)

15. Vinicius JR - Real Madrid - 21 pts (15 + 6)

14. Christoph Baumgartner - Leipzig - 21 pts (13 + 8)

13. Vedat Muriqi - Mallorca - 22 pts (21 + 1)

12. Igor Thiago - Brentford - 23 pts (22 + 1)

11. Deniz Undav - Stuttgart - 23 pts (18 + 5)

10. Joao Pedro - Chelsea - 23 pts (15 + 8)

9. Estéban Lepaul - Stade Rennais - 24 pts (19 + 5)

8. Federic Dimarco - Inter Milan - 24 pts (6 + 18)

7. Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United - 28 pts (8 + 20)

6. Kylian Mbappé - Real Madrid - 28 pts (24 + 4)

5. Lamine Yamal - FC Barcelona - 28 pts (16 + 12)

4. Luis Diaz - Bayern Munich - 31 pts (15 + 16)

3. Erling Haaland - Manchester City - 32 pts (25 + 7)

2. Michael Olise - Bayern Munich - 35 pts (14 + 21)

1. Harry Kane - Bayern Munich - 38 pts (33 + 5)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

According to a report from Foot Mercato, Marseille supporters are set to boycott their upcoming away match against Le Havre. In protest against the current leadership and performance of the Ligue 1 club, fans of Les Phocéens are taking several forms of action.  

With OM at risk of failing to qualify for any form of European football next season, supporters groups came together on Tuesday for an official meeting to discuss potential action. The first form of action will be present in their penultimate match against Le Havre. The supporters group have also agreed that there will be no tifo ahead of their final home game of the season against Rennes. 

No acts of violence planned by Marseille supporters

Despite their disdain with the current situation, supporters have agreed to keep the situation peaceful. They have unilaterally agreed that there will be no displays of aggression or violence during the planned action. 

GFFN | Liam Wraith

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak was critical of his side after their Champions League elimination at the hands of Arsenal, declaring that they did not do enough to beat the Gunners and make the final. Oblak did also remark that he was proud of the development of the side on the whole, even if he was disappointed with the manner of their exit.

The veteran Slovenian goalkeeper had expressed disappointment that Atletico did not take a lead to the Emirates last week after the first leg, and admitted that his side did not do enough to make the final.

“I feel disappointed, like all the supporters. I am disappointed, sad, we didn’t do enough to be in the final. I don’t have any words honestly. Not a good moment for us. Pretty difficult moment, difficult to accept, but nice to live [experience] it, to regret. We had the opportunity to win, to do it, but we didn’t. All there is to congratulate Arsenal.”

‘We had too much respect for Arsenal, we played afraid’

Oblak had even more harsh criticism for what he saw as Atletico’s timid approach in the first half of both legs, as he told CBS Golazo. Los Colchoneros went into the break behind in both legs, but could not find the equaliser in London.

“In both games, the first half was not good enough. We had too much respect for Arsenal, and we were afraid to play. In the second halves, we did better, but it looks like we always wait for something to happen, to concede a goal, to wake up. But then it was too late today. Many times this season, the game has gone like that, and of course, we’re winning them, but not today. And it was the most important game of the season. We didn’t do our job.”

Oblak proud of development of young players

The last two summers have involved significant flux, with two thirds of the squad being turned over. Oblak did soften when asked about the development of the side as a whole.

“It’s pretty good. The last two seasons, we changed a lot of players, 15 I think, a lot of young players without experience. They did great in the cup, now in the Champions League as well. In the league we were not good enough for these matches. I am proud, because they are growing, but in football, when you don’t win the title, and the goal is the title, you can never be happy. But there is a future, hopefully next season we can fight for this title.”

‘Everyone is going to miss Griezmann’

It was also a sad end to Antoine Griezmann’s Champions League career, as he plans to move to Orlando City this summer.

“I think everyone is going to miss Griezi, he’s an amazing player, amazing person, always smiling, always happy. He provides the magic on the pitch. I think we will all miss him, sad for him, sad for the Atletico fans, but of course I wish him the best, he deserves the best, for sure, everyone in Europe is going to miss him.”

The 33-year-old Oblak is certainly one of the senior statesman of the Atletico side, and after Koke Resurreccion, is the next in line for the captaincy. He forms the long-term core of the Atletico side with Jose Maria Gimenez and Marcos Llorente, but the Uruguayan is expected to leave this summer too.

For 20 minutes during Nottingham Forest's 3-1 win at Chelsea on Monday, Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White were on the pitch together.

Both players are aiming to convince Thomas Tuchel that they deserve their place in the England squad and, in particular, as the first choice in the number 10 role.

Palmer started the match for the Blues, while Gibbs-White came on for the second half. Within six minutes the latter had provided an assist, while Palmer had a match to forget across his 90 minutes on the pitch, seeing a penalty saved and struggling to create opportunities.

Palmer has been hampered by injuries this season and that will no doubt have impacted his campaign, during which he has managed just five goal contributions.

Gibbs-White is in much better form than Palmer, but his problem remains that the number 10 is a crowded position.

• Read more on Gibbs-White for England

Also vying for that role is Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Arsenal's Eberechi Eze, Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Manchester City's Phil Foden.

Of those players, Rogers and Gibbs-White have clocked the most minutes for their clubs this season - at least 1,000 more than the others have managed.

Gibbs-White has the most goal contributions from open play with 16 - 12 goals and four assists, with Rogers two behind on 14.

However, no-one is even close to Gibbs-White for form since the turn of the year with 12 of his 16 goal contributions having come since the start of January.

The race for sixth place and European football continues to excite almost as much as the battle at the bottom between West Ham and Tottenham.

Like many people, I thought Nottingham Forest were close to disrespecting the competition by sending out a shadow team against Chelsea. That said, Chelsea right now are a ghostly outline of their former selves, and just about as easy to score against and play through as a spectre.

I am trying hard not to write about Chelsea again, but it is difficult to ignore what looks like an entire football club that has become dysfunctional. The painful thing is not that it was easy to see some of the problems emanating from the upper echelons of the club, it is the fact that I will be amazed if the correct decisions are made to rectify them, no matter how much of a "period of reflection" they decide to have.

Turkeys as they say, don't tend to vote heavily in favour of Christmas.

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has reached the Champions League Final with Arsenal: ‘What a dream,’ wrote the ex-Bologna and Roma defender on social media.

Italian defender Calafiori has reached the Champions League Final with Arsenal, who beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the second-leg semifinal on Tuesday.

Calafiori started the game and was replaced after 58 minutes by Piero Hincapié.

Calafiori reacted to Arsenal’s achievement on Instagram, sharing a picture from last night with a simple caption: “What a dream.”

Calafiori has scored one goal and provided three assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.

The Italian defender then told Sky Sport: “It’s something huge. I think 20 years ago was the last time. We deserved it. We play for everything now. League [title] and the Champions League. We have full energy.”

Arsenal are also the Premier League table leaders, and winning the last four games of the season would allow them to secure a historic double.

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I’ve been thinking about it since the beginning of the season, to be honest,” admitted Calafiori.

“It’s like a dream now, and I hope it becomes true.”

The Sky Blues celebrated alongside over 50,000 supporters inside War Memorial Park on Monday following an open top bus parade and King hopes that the fans will be ready to bring their voice into their top-flight campaign.

"I think we are going to need that [sense of togetherness] as we head into our next adventure," King told BBC Radio CWR.

"It's a fight against some of the premier teams in the whole world, who are going to be competing against us at the CBS Arena next year but I'm excited for the challenge.

"We've done an amazing thing to get to this moment and that was the hardest. Getting out of this Championship, bringing the city and the stadium together and we've done that."

The event included performances from The Enemy and Tom Grennan before being closed out to a rendition of kick-off anthem We'll Live and Die in These Towns.

King also graced the stage in a moment he will never forget.

"I was stunned, it was my favourite moment - close to - in my life just to see what it meant to everybody," King told BBC Radio CWR.

"Young, old - everybody just having a party and feeling good."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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It was short-lived, though.

The forward, Haiti's record scorer, is hoping to stun the nation he once called home when the sides meet in Boston at the 2026 World Cup.

Nazon played 12 games for St Mirren, scoring twice, but said he was "not ready for this kind of aggression and fight" in Scottish football.

The weather also played its part.

"I remember one game we had sun, snow and rain," he recalled on the BBC's Sacked in the Morning podcast. "After this, I was like, OK, I'm done."

Weather is unlikely to be an issue for Nazon this summer in North America. The striker, a friend of Scotland defender Dominic Hyam - with whom he played at Coventry - did, however, voice concerns about inflated ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup matches.

"There is only one thing that starts to go in my brain - it's the ticket prices," he says. "Hopefully this is not going to affect the crowd and people coming to the stadium, because we want this atmosphere.

"We want this energy around us. I'm looking forward to seeing Scottish people and Haitian people in the stadiums. This is going to be important."

Nazon also detailed his recent evacuation from Iran, where he plays his club football for Esteghlal, saying he watched bombs drop from just 100 metres away and that his life was saved by a SIM card.

Listen to his guest appearance on Sacked in the Morning in full and read more about a turbulent time in the 32-year-old's life.

• Arsenal legend Thierry Henry describes Nico O’Reilly as a ‘dream come true’ for Pep Guardiola
• Henry says O’Reilly is ‘very difficult to stop’ due to the way City interchange positions under Pep
• O’Reilly has been one of City’s best players this season, scoring a brace in the Carabao Cup final

Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has described Nico O’Reilly as a “dream come true” for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

O’Reilly has been one of the stories of the season at the Etihad Stadium, scoring a brace in the Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal at Wembley in March and establishing himself as one of Guardiola’s most trusted players in his first full campaign in the Manchester City first-team.

The Manchester-born academy graduate has operated in multiple positions this season – oscillating between left-back and midfield from February onwards – and has thrived throughout.

Manchester City star should win Player of the Year AND Young Player of the Year, says talkSPORT pundit

Henry’s comments arrive on the back of a run of form that has seen O’Reilly earn the backing of Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero for the PFA Young Player of the Year award and draw praise from talkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist as a serious contender for both the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year honours this season.

Henry: O’Reilly is a dream come true for a coach

In an interview with Betway, Henry has dissected what it is about O’Reilly that makes him such a difficult player to play against.

“I named him as one of the best young players in the Premier League a few months ago so it’s clear what I think of him,” Henry said on the England international.

“Nico O’Reilly is a good player who can give you a lot of options. Tactically, especially with the way Pep Guardiola likes to play, he’s a dream come true for a coach.

“Playing on the inside, the outside, he has an eye for goal at the back post and he’s got an engine, so what’s not to like? In Pep’s system at Man City, it’s very difficult to stop him because they interchange positions and they’re not rigid.

“They’re not predictable and although sometimes you know what they’re going to do, you can’t stop it because the ball is moving so well. So, O’Reilly is very difficult to stop – but in that system, with the way they play.”

“It was a great feeling when I got told” – Nico O’Reilly loving Manchester City life after contract extension

Henry’s reference to O’Reilly’s eye for goal at the back post is particularly apt. The 21-year-old’s Carabao Cup final brace against Arsenal at Wembley – both headers arriving at the back post – was the defining moment of his season and announced him to the wider football world as a player of real substance rather than just potential.

What has O’Reilly’s season looked like at City?

Henry’s praise captures precisely why O’Reilly has become so indispensable to Guardiola this season. His versatility across the left side of the pitch gives City tactical flexibility that few clubs can match and his willingness to make runs beyond the striker – as evidenced by his Wembley brace – makes him genuinely unpredictable for opposing defences.

City face Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa in their remaining four Premier League games – alongside the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley – and O’Reilly’s fitness and form will be central to how that run-in unfolds.

For a player who made his full England debut against Serbia earlier this season and is expected to feature prominently at the FIFA World Cup this summer, there is still plenty more to come.

Jakub Kiwior’s permanent transfer to FC Porto has now been confirmed, with the Arsenal loanee’s new club revealing that they’ve activated his purchase option.

Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images

FC Porto have confirmed that they’ve activated their option to buy Jakub Kiwior, signing him on a long-term contract to 2030.

Porto write that they’ve exercised their purchase option in Kiwior’s loan agreement, transferring 100% of the defender’s sporting registration rights to the Portuguese club.

The deal involves a fixed fee of €17m, plus another €5m in potential add-ons, and Arsenal also retain a fixed €2m sell-on clause (meaning that if Porto ever sell Kiwior, they’ll owe the Gunners an extra €2m, regardless of the sale price).

Arsenal also received a €2m loan fee from Porto last summer, so the deal therefore has a maximum value to Arsenal of €26m (£22.5m). The Gunners signed Kiwior for €20m (then £17.6m) in 2023.

Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images

For what it’s worth, Porto have included a €70m release clause in the player’s contract.

It’s normal to include release clauses in the contracts of players in Portugal, but they’re generally priced on the higher side to dissuade any potential buyers from skipping fee negotiations and just paying the clause.

There’s no real expectation that anyone will be paying €70m for Kiwior this summer, so the defender will presumably be preparing for the 2026/27 campaign with his new club.

Kiwior recently won the Liga Portugal with Porto, which is perhaps what prompted the club to start moving on their summer transfer business, including making the loanee’s move permanent.

The club have two further league games before beginning their summer holidays, but they’ll be in party mode having wrapped up the title early.

Kiwior made 68 appearances for Arsenal across two-and-a-half seasons, before spending the 2025/26 campaign playing 38 times for Porto (so far). He won the Community Shield during his time in north London.

The midfielder’s rallying cry follows Bukayo Saka’s decisive goal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, which secured a 2-1 aggregate triumph over Atletico Madrid and a place in the showpiece final in the Hungarian capital on 30 May – Arsenal’s first on Europe’s grandest stage in 20 years.

The Gunners’ European success comes hot on the heels of Manchester City’s 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday, a result that has placed the Premier League title race firmly in Arsenal’s hands. Mikel Arteta’s men are now just four matches away from potentially completing the greatest campaign in the club’s 140-year history.

Despite Uefa allocating Arsenal a mere 16,824 tickets for the 67,000-capacity Puskas Arena, Rice envisions a sea of red for the final against either Bayern Munich or PSG.

He declared: "Bring it on, bring it on, I’ll be ready. I want every Arsenal fan out there, 200,000 of you, come out. Let’s try and do it because we’re going to need all the support, all the energy and let’s make it special."

The palpable tension that has often characterised matches at the Emirates this calendar year was replaced by a pulsating atmosphere on Tuesday night, which Rice described as the greatest the stadium has witnessed since its inception in 2006. Thousands of Arsenal supporters had lined the streets surrounding the ground, creating a ferocious welcome for the team coach.

Reflecting on the extraordinary scenes, Rice, who delivered a commanding performance at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield, added: "I can’t describe it to be honest with you. It’s been coming, this night at the Emirates. It’s the best night at the Emirates that I’ve witnessed.

“From the moment we drove in, the coaches stopped and we thought, ‘What’s going on?’ Because usually, we just drive straight in, and the next thing we see is all the flares and the fans and the goosebumps from all the players looking out the window, it was just incredible.

“When we came into the stadium, too, you could feel the energy from everyone. Even if you’re tired, it just gives you that energy to keep going, and they played a massive part in making us win.

“This era of Arsenal fans, I know people who have been there from the start have had a lot of ups and downs, but I’m sure this is really up there for them. To win the game and get into a final is just so special."

Arsenal will now turn their immediate attention back to the Premier League title race, with a pivotal fixture against relegation-threatened West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday.

This will be followed by a home match against Burnley, already relegated to the Championship, and a final-day clash at Crystal Palace, with three victories enough to fend off Manchester City’s challenge for a first league title in 22 years.

Vitor Matos says Ollie Cooper's Swansea City future is up for discussion this summer after the Wales midfielder's difficult season.

Cooper made only two Swansea appearances in 2025-26 and had a disappointing loan spell with League One side Wigan Athletic.

The 26-year-old is under contract at the Swansea.com Stadium until 2027.

Cooper featured in Swansea's EFL Cup win over Crawley last August before then boss Alan Sheehan sanctioned a season-long move to Wigan.

Having played only 13 times for the Latics, Cooper returned to Swansea in January but managed only one substitute appearance under Matos.

"Ollie came in a hard situation after his loan, coming back to the club and knowing that there are a lot of players in his position, but his professionalism is outstanding," said Swansea's head coach.

• Work to do as Swansea bid to change the record
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"He trains every day with the same behaviour, with the same passion, and that holds all my respect.

"Of course we need to speak about his future and we need to see what is the best for him and best for the club, but that is something to take care of inside of the club."

Cooper has made 118 appearances for Swansea and scored nine goals after coming through the club's academy.

After an impressive loan spell at Newport County in 2021-22, he returned to establish himself as a senior Swansea player under Russell Martin and was handed a Wales debut by Rob Page in March 2023.

He has also featured for Craig Bellamy's Wales, but has lost his international place on the back of struggles at club level.

Cooper has not started a league game for Swansea since the defeat at Stoke in February 2025 that marked the end of Luke Williams' spell in charge of the Welsh club.

FC Barcelona are in the market for a new centre-back and have identified Alessandro Bastoni as their priority for the position.

The 27-year-old Inter Milan star, for his part, is keen on making the switch. In fact, reports claim that there is already a preliminary agreement over a five-year contract and that the player is now getting tired of waiting for Barcelona to submit an offer to his club.

Hansi Flick yet to fully approve move

Providing an update on the situation, Matteo Moretto reports that Barcelona are still waiting for a definitive approval from manager Hansi Flick before moving forward with the operation.

For sporting director Deco, Bastoni would be the absolute priority target to bolster the defence before the start of the next season.

Barcelona’s priority target. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

However, the manager is still considering and reflecting on some of the technical aspects of the defender’s game before giving the complete green light.

Barcelona, as things stand, are waiting for the manager’s full approval before they can press ahead with their efforts to sign Bastoni.

Negotiations with Inter MIlan are unlikely to be straightforward either, considering that the Italians are demanding a fee of above €60 million for their mainstay.

Barcelona, for their part, have no intention of going that high for his signing and will look to negotiate a lower price or offer a player in exchange as a makeweight.

Either way, the operation is not at all advanced at this stage and depends on multiple factors, including Flick’s final decision on whether he wants Bastoni or opts for a different profile.

Gian Piero Gasperini has laid out the path: either we work according to his ideas or it’s goodbye.

The Roma coach assumes his technical responsibilities but would like the club to support him, creating a fruitful synergy to work as best as possible and achieve ambitious results.

Between contract renewals, medical staff decisions, the summer training camp, and the transfer market, including signings and sales, there have been issues.

Gasperini hopes to address them as soon as possible with the Friedkins to clear up any doubts and avoid the mix-ups that, according to the coach, have occurred throughout this season.

Roma needs to be improved, not overhauled. This is Gasperini’s diktat.

As Nicolò Schirà reports, the manager has six requests: a central defender, a left back, a midfielder, two wingers, and a deputy for Malen.

The Friedkins intend to indulge the manager, hoping to achieve those results that often come so close: from Champions League qualification to competitiveness in Europe.

Wesley arrived last summer at the request of coach Gian Piero Gasperini and convinced everyone with his excellent performances during his first season in Giallorossi.

Arrived for a reported €25 million plus €5 million in bonuses, the Brazilian winger has won over the fans, the manager, and the club.

He’s scored five goals and provided two assists, adding to a string of excellent performances that have made him a key player in Gasperini’s squad.

According to Calciomercato.it, the Giallorossi have absolutely no intention of selling him unless they receive a staggering offer.

Juventus are somewhat disappointed, having deemed the fee excessive last summer, leaving the door open to Roma, who didn’t think twice.

Now, the Brazilian international’s starting XI is being eyed by the world’s biggest clubs: Arsenal, Barcelona, ​​Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur.

These are just a few of the clubs interested in the Giallorossi winger, although no one has yet made an official offer.

After a season at the highest level, the player’s value has increased exponentially.

Therefore, Roma will hardly be able to let go of this little gem, convinced to put up a wall and protect him for the next few seasons.

Chelsea scouting mission underlines growing interest

Chelsea’s pursuit of Joel Ordonez appears to be gathering momentum after club scouts travelled to Brussels over the weekend to watch the Ecuador international in action for Club Brugge. According to the original source from TEAMtalk, the 22-year-old centre-back was monitored during Brugge’s impressive 3-1 victory over Anderlecht, a result that strengthened their grip on top spot in the Belgian title play-offs.

It was not a fleeting visit or a speculative check on an emerging talent. Chelsea’s admiration for Ordonez stretches back several years, long before his move to Belgium. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy identified him in 2022 and have continued tracking his progress closely ever since.

That persistence says plenty about how highly he is rated within recruitment circles. Chelsea’s strategy under BlueCo has focused heavily on securing elite young talent before their market value explodes completely, and Ordonez fits that model perfectly. He is young, athletic, already experienced at European level and, crucially, still developing.

There is a growing feeling around the game that he is ready for the next step.

Liverpool monitoring Joel Ordonez closely

Chelsea are not operating in isolation. Liverpool are also understood to be keeping a close eye on Joel Ordonez ahead of the summer transfer window, with several Premier League clubs aware that competition for the defender is intensifying.

Liverpool’s interest makes tactical sense. The club’s defensive structure has looked vulnerable at various points over recent seasons, particularly when injuries have disrupted continuity at the back. Recruitment staff have increasingly searched for defenders who combine physical authority with recovery pace, and Ordonez appears to possess both attributes.

The original source revealed that Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa are also monitoring the Club Brugge defender, underlining just how highly regarded he has become across Europe.

For Liverpool, the attraction lies in his profile as much as his potential. Ordonez is aggressive without being reckless, comfortable defending large spaces and composed enough in possession to operate in a high defensive line. Modern Premier League football places enormous pressure on centre-backs to defend transitions, and that is where his pace becomes especially valuable.

His performances in the Champions League have only strengthened his reputation. Brugge’s willingness to trust him in high-pressure European matches has accelerated his development and sharpened his decision-making against elite forwards.

At 22, he already carries himself with the authority of a far more experienced defender.

Club Brugge star showing complete modern profile

There is no shortage of promising defenders across Europe, but Joel Ordonez has developed into a particularly intriguing proposition because of the balance in his game.

He is described in the original source as “a powerful presence” whose “outstanding pace and reading of the game” make him an attractive target. Those qualities are precisely what Premier League clubs now prioritise when building defensive units capable of coping with modern attacking systems.

Too many young defenders rely solely on physical dominance. Ordonez appears more rounded than that. His anticipation is impressive, he recovers quickly when isolated and he shows composure under pressure. Those traits explain why scouts from Chelsea and Liverpool continue returning for further assessments rather than treating him as a speculative option.

This season, the defender has made 42 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals, numbers that reflect both consistency and influence. Club Brugge have benefited enormously from his maturity during their domestic title challenge.

Belgian football has often served as a stepping stone for elite talent heading towards the Premier League, and Ordonez increasingly looks set to follow that pathway.

Summer transfer battle could define defensive market

Chelsea’s long-standing interest may give them an advantage, but Liverpool’s involvement ensures this will not be a straightforward negotiation.

The reported valuation of around €40 million, roughly £35 million, places Joel Ordonez in a bracket that many elite clubs would consider reasonable for a defender with his age profile and ceiling. In the current market, that figure could rise quickly if bidding accelerates.

Chelsea’s recruitment model under BlueCo has shown a willingness to invest heavily in emerging talent before rivals fully establish control of the market. Liverpool, meanwhile, remain selective but decisive when they identify players suited to their system.

That creates the possibility of a fascinating transfer battle over the coming months.

For Ordonez himself, the situation reflects how far he has travelled in a relatively short period. From an emerging talent monitored quietly by scouts to one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe, his rise has been rapid but deserved.

Chelsea and Liverpool both know that opportunities to sign elite young centre-backs do not remain open forever. The next move could shape the future of their defensive lines for years to come.

Jay Bothroyd says old club Cardiff City must aim for the Premier League following their rapid return to the Championship.

The Bluebirds will be back in the second tier next season having bounced back from relegation in 2024-25 by winning automatic promotion from League One.

Former striker Bothroyd reckons Cardiff are playing "a great brand of football" under Brian Barry-Murphy – and says relegation 12 months ago has turned out to be a blessing.

"Seeing Cardiff go down to League One was devastating for me but I look at it now as probably a good thing because they had time to rebuild - new management, new players," Bothroyd told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"Now they are back in the Championship and they have to push on because Cardiff are a big club.

"They can't be down at the bottom of the league. They have to be competing each season, whether it's for the play-offs to get into the Premier League or for automatic promotion. That's where Cardiff need to be."

Cardiff's promotion means there will be six Welsh derbies in the Championship next season, as they compete with Swansea City and Wrexham.

Bothroyd, who played for the Bluebirds between 2008 and 2011, says he will "definitely be down there supporting the boys" when Barry-Murphy's side take on arch-rivals Swansea.

"They were the best times, playing in the derbies against Swansea. It was just massive," said the former striker, who won his only England cap while with Cardiff.

"Turning up at Swansea's stadium, the atmosphere in the crowd, it was unbelievable."

Lorenzo Pellegrini wants to be there for this crucial end of the season for Roma.

The Giallorossi, who have suddenly and unexpectedly regained their faith in the Champions League dream, will play at the Tardini in Parma on Sunday at 6:00 PM.

The chances of seeing the number 7 against the Ducali, reports Il Tempo, are slim.

The midfielder was injured late in the first half against Pisa and missed the games against Atalanta, Bologna, and Fiorentina.

The recovery time was initially estimated at four weeks, and the schedule would see him return to the field for matchday 37, the Rome derby against Lazio.

Once the season is over, the future of the former Giallorossi captain will remain unclear.

Pellegrini’s contract expires in June 2026, and Gasperini values ​​him highly and he could remain at Trigoria, albeit with a drastic salary reduction.

Barcelona are looking to improve their backline in the summer transfer market, and have been offered the chance to do so at a reduced price. Chelsea are hoping to move on Wesley Fofana this summer, and have made as much clear to Barcelona.

Fofana moved to Chelsea for €80.4m from Leicester City in 2022, but his career at Stamford Bridge has been something of a struggle. Suffering a serious knee injury halfway through his first season at Chelsea, Fofana did not feature at all during the 2023-24 season, and last year made just 14 appearances.

This year he has managed more game time, playing 34 times, scoring once and receiving a red card. In total, it adds up to 2,400 minutes and 27 starts, and he has largely been first choice in the second half of the season, but was not selected for their Champions League second leg against Paris Saint-Germain or their FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United.

Barcelona offered chance to sign Fofana

As per Sky Sport CH, Barcelona have been offered the chance to sign Fofana. The Blaugrana hold an interest in Chelsea forward Joao Pedro and left-back Marc Cucurella, but Fofana’s representatives have offered Fofana to Barcelona, explaining that Chelsea would expect a fee of €30m plus variables. The London side are not against an exit for Fofana, and he has been added to Barcelona’s longlist of options.

Barcelona prefer Marcus Rashford-style rental

If Barcelona did end up pursuing a move, their preference would be to sign Fofana on a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of it, as has been the case with Marcus Rashford. Chelsea, if a move is to happen, would prefer a permanent deal.

As things stand, Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni is Barcelona’s priority for the position, but there is no certainty that they will be able to complete that deal. The Blaugrana are likely to receive plenty of offers of players over the course of the next few months.

Summerville Emerges As Key Summer Transfer Target

Crysencio Summerville is shaping up to become one of the most closely watched names of the summer transfer window, with The Telegraph reporting that several leading English clubs and Champions League sides across Europe are monitoring the West Ham winger.

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West Ham’s difficult campaign has inevitably increased attention on their most valuable assets. Summerville, still only 24, has delivered seven goals in a challenging season and remains one of the few attacking players capable of changing matches consistently.

Should relegation become reality, interest is expected to intensify rapidly.

Home Grown Status Adds Extra Appeal

One of the more important details in Summerville’s situation concerns registration rules. Having developed through Leeds United’s academy system, the Dutch international qualifies as home grown, a major advantage for clubs juggling squad restrictions.

That profile makes him particularly attractive to sides competing on multiple fronts. Clubs increasingly value flexibility within squad construction, especially those preparing for Champions League campaigns.

Ronald Koeman’s recent comments also underline the growing recognition around the player.

“if he had been fit, I would have called him up”

That statement alone strengthens the perception that Summerville is entering a pivotal stage of his career. There is now genuine belief that he could force his way into the Netherlands setup ahead of the World Cup cycle and Euro 2028.

Wide Forward Market Driving Competition

There is broader context shaping this market. Multiple elite clubs are expected to recruit wide forwards this summer, creating a competitive environment around proven Premier League performers.

Liverpool are planning for life beyond Mohamed Salah, Arsenal continue searching for greater attacking depth and Newcastle face uncertainty around Anthony Gordon amid interest from Bayern Munich.

Summerville may not yet command the headlines associated with Europe’s established elite forwards, but his value sits in reliability, adaptability and age profile. West Ham are also likely to seek a substantial profit on the £25 million plus add-ons paid two years ago.

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Clubs increasingly want players entering their peak years rather than expensive short term fixes, and Summerville fits that strategy closely.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Arsenal supporters will see Summerville as a sensible rotational option with Premier League experience and strong one against one ability. There is appreciation for players capable of stretching games, particularly against deep defensive blocks.

Liverpool supporters may view the situation differently. Replacing Salah’s production is almost impossible through one signing alone, so players like Summerville could become part of a wider rebuild. Fans would likely trust the recruitment department if the club believe his ceiling remains significantly higher.

At Newcastle, concern naturally centres around Anthony Gordon’s future. If Bayern Munich’s interest develops seriously, supporters may see Summerville as one of the few attainable wide players with enough Premier League quality to soften that blow.

Across all three fanbases, there is recognition that this market for wingers will become increasingly inflated. Summerville’s age, home grown status and league experience mean West Ham hold a strong negotiating position regardless of their final league standing.

The Gunners cemented their place in the final on 30 May in Budapest following a 1-0 semi-final second leg victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, completing a 2-1 aggregate win.

This success means Mikel Arteta’s squad has already accumulated over 142 million euros (£122.6 million) in prize money.

The financial breakdown includes an 18.62 million euro (£16 million) starting fee for entering the league phase. Arsenal’s strong performance in the group stage and progression to the last 16 earned them 40.6 million euros (£35 million) in performance fees, with £9.5 million specifically for reaching the knockout stage.

Additionally, the respected financial blog Swiss Ramble estimates Arsenal have garnered 37 million euros (£32 million) from Uefa’s “value pillar” payments. These are calculated based on a country’s media market value and individual clubs’ European performance over the past five and ten years in Uefa’s coefficient rankings.

Further prize money was awarded for each stage reached: 12.5 million euros (£10.8 million) for the quarter-finals, an extra 15 million euros (£12.9 million) for the semi-finals, and 18.5 million euros (£16 million) for progressing to the final.

Should they triumph over either Bayern Munich or PSG, Arsenal are guaranteed an additional 10.5 million euros (£9 million).

This sum comprises a 6.5 million euro win bonus and 4 million euros for qualifying for the 2026 Uefa Super Cup, the winner of which receives a further 1 million euros (£863,000).

Bayern Munich and PSG are due to face each other at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night for the right to play Arsenal in the final, with the French club holding a narrow 5-4 advantage from last week’s thrilling first leg.

Fabio Capello is questioning whether Arsenal’s defence will be able to handle the speed of PSG or Bayern Munich’s attack in the Champions League Final. In response, Alessandro Del Piero says, ‘Anything can happen in a final, but over two legs, they wouldn’t have come out alive.’

The Whites are just one win away from mathematical safety, seven points ahead of 18th placed West Ham with three other teams between them and the relegation zone. Yet some fans still fear a "Leedsy" end to the season could put Daniel Farke's side in danger.

Rix told BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet co-hosts Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope: "Having seen the weekend with Spurs winning and obviously West Ham losing, it's nice. I know in your opinion, I still need to worry, which I don't think I need to worry.

"It's nice to be far away from it and looking and going, 'look at those guys, that's a bit tricky for them.

"I think we're going to have our part to play because we could beat Spurs and put them back in it with West Ham, depending on what West Ham do.

"I had a look at Palace's fixtures actually, their game in hand is Man City so that could leave us even, with them having even worse goal difference and they've got other things to worry about in Europe. All those [Premier League] places count don't they for an extra bit of money so I think, genuinely, I am looking upwards rather than downwards."

The podcast goes on to discuss the motivation for Leeds to secure safety themselves rather than relying on other results.

Listen above or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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Unai Emery will be typically calm ahead of the biggest game of his Aston Villa reign.

The head coach will deflect or dismiss any concerns about their recent form, reiterating Villa are in a Europa League semi-final for the first time under him.

They go into Thursday's second leg against Nottingham Forest trailing 1-0 from last week's first leg at the City Ground.

When Emery faces the media on Wednesday afternoon he will, rightly, point to their successes this season, having been in the title race as recently as February and the faith he has in the squad.

Yet Sunday's wretched 2-1 defeat to Tottenham has added to the anxiety on the terraces after Emery made seven changes and kept the majority of his first choice team fit to face Forest.

Opposite number Vitor Pereira made eight changes and his second string Forest won 3-1 at Chelsea to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games, their best streak in 10 years.

Villa have lost their two previous semi-finals, to Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League two years ago and last season's FA Cup semi to Crystal Palace, under Emery.

That record and their recent form of three straight defeats will ensure a nervy atmosphere at Villa Park if the hosts fail to take control early.