Chelsea have received a major boost regarding Levi Colwill's recovery from a devastating knee injury, with optimism growing that the defender will return before the season ends. However, the Blues are refusing to stand still, accelerating plans to sign a £60m-rated replacement this month to address the defensive crisis that contributed to Enzo Maresca's mid-season exit.

It has been revealed that Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was rushed to hospital after falling ill during the Africa Cup of Nations final. The 23-year-old had been named among Senegal’s substitutes for a meeting with hosts Morocco. He never made it onto the field and missed post-match celebrations, following a chaotic contest, after requiring medical assistance.

The O2 Arena was packed with Premier League royalty this week as the NBA returned to London for a heavyweight clash between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic. Arsenal duo Declan Rice and William Saliba were joined by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk courtside, while legends Thierry Henry and Marcelo added global stardust to a night where football met basketball in the capital.

Neymar to Inter Miami could still happen, former MLS star Kleberson has exclusively told GOAL, with Lionel Messi looking to bring “everyone” to the United States as he forms his own “private league”. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul have already joined the Argentine GOAT in Florida, with more marquee transfer deals - including Cristiano Ronaldo - being lined up.

Gerard Pique has addressed the possibility of former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi playing in the Kings League at some stage. Neymar, another iconic performer with ties to Camp Nou, has hinted that the Argentine GOAT would like to grace small-sided competition. Pique is leaving the door open for Messi, but is reluctant to speculate on whether the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will ever walk through it.

Inter Miami are chasing a “dream” that would allow Lionel Messi to enjoy a career first, with talks being opened regarding involvement in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The Argentine GOAT has never graced the most prestigious club competition in South America, but he has become an MLS Cup winner in the United States and could see the Herons handed a special invite.

Chelsea have softened their stance on Enzo Fernandez, with reports indicating the Blues are willing to sanction a blockbuster exit in 2026 for the 'right price'. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are now on red alert, preparing to test the waters for the World Cup winner as they look to capitalise on this unexpected development at Stamford Bridge.

Vinicius Junior making a move to Chelsea remains a ”fairytale shout”, says former Blues midfielder Jody Morris, with the Real Madrid superstar considered to be “too old” for owners at Stamford Bridge that prefer to focus on youth and potential. A ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu is, however, generating talk of a Premier League transfer being made in 2026.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is being offered a route out of his Nottingham Forest nightmare, with Arsenal sanctioning a fresh loan switch for the Ukraine international. He moved to the City Ground in the summer of 2025, but has struggled for form under three different managers. It is now being reported that the Premier League title-winning ex-Manchester City star will link up with Eredivisie giants Ajax.

Defending champions Chelsea opened up their Women’s FA Cup campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. The free-scoring Blues booked their place in the fifth round thanks to a brace from Sam Kerr and goals from Millie Bright, Guro Reiten and Alyssa Thompson, with Sonia Bompastor's side a class above their WSL 2 opponents at Kingsmeadow.

Arsenal are reportedly exploring a deal for Bayern Munich star Georgia Stanway, who will be a free agent this summer. The England international has spent nearly four years at the German giants but earlier this month, the midfielder announced that this season would be her last there. Now, clubs are clamouring for her signature, but it is not yet certain where she is heading next.

Why Lindsey Heaps chose Denver Summit, and what her homecoming means for the NWSL’s newest club.