Kylian Mbappe came “very close” to joining Arsenal as a teenage wonderkid. Gills Grimandi formed part of transfer talks at the time, and the former Gunners star has told GOAL that there remains an outside chance of the Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ enhancing the French legacy in north London. A deal is not expected to be done any time soon, but nothing can be entirely ruled out.
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo was a negative influence on his team-mates during their brief time together at Old Trafford. The Dutch tactician lifted the lid on the veteran forward's physical struggles and training ground habits prior to his acrimonious departure in late 2022.
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone urged his squad to ignore recent praise and maintain intensity ahead of Tuesday's Champions League tie at Stuttgart. Inspired by Alex Baena's stellar form, the Spanish side target a seventh consecutive victory across all competitions.
Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini revealed that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was instrumental in keeping him at the club following a six-month injury layoff. The Italian international emphasized his readiness to help the squad ahead of their Champions League tie against Slovan Bratislava.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha hailed team-mate Ousmane Dembele as a unique leader capable of giving fans goosebumps against former club Barcelona. The Portuguese playmaker also defended Joao Neves while praising Luis Enrique's demanding standards.
RB Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis has expressed his profound admiration for Yan Diomande as his side prepares for a massive Champions League encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite a recent heavy defeat in the Bundesliga, the Argentine tactician remains confident that his squad can provide a stern test for the Spanish giants.
Former Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin has gone viral after referee body-camera footage captured him pleading for a stunning Giovani Lo Celso volley to stand during Real Betis' high-scoring La Liga defeat on Saturday. The Spanish full-back stepped in with a light-hearted argument while visiting players surrounded the official to demand a review.
Manchester City are seeing a tumble into the Championship speculated on, as their long-running Financial Fair Play (FFP) case stumbles towards a conclusion, and that situation could play into the hands of Kalvin Phillips. The England international midfielder has become a forgotten man at the Etihad Stadium, as he takes in another loan at Sheffield United, but Matt Kilgallon has told GOAL that a clean slate could be offered in the second tier.
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has launched a scathing critique of the club's hierarchy, alleging they reneged on several key assurances during his final months at Old Trafford. The Dutchman expressed significant frustration over the handling of squad personnel, specifically regarding a move that he claims went directly against a verbal agreement.
RB Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis has paid an emotional tribute to former Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi following his international retirement. Speaking ahead of his side's Champions League clash with Real Madrid, the manager reflected fondly on their shared history with the national team.
Former Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell insists Rennes are capable of going all the way in the Europa League this season as he continues to thrive in French football. The 24-year-old centre-back also remains determined to earn a senior international call-up following his impressive rise in Ligue 1 over the past two years.
Massimiliano Allegri has opened up about his ongoing dialogue with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis as the Italian tactician fights to save his job at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The Partenopei have endured a nightmare start to the season, leaving the manager’s position under intense scrutiny ahead of a pivotal European night.
Manchester City have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Borussia Dortmund prodigy Mathis Albert after intensifying their interest in the teenager. However, the Bundesliga outfit remain determined to retain the 17-year-old United States international despite his limited first-team opportunities at Signal Iduna Park this campaign.
Arsenal, having endured final heartache last season, are back in the hunt for Champions League glory in 2026-27. Gilles Grimandi has told GOAL that the Gunners could be considered the second best team in Europe at present - behind reigning kings Paris Saint-Germain and above La Liga giants Barcelona - while also answering a difficult Premier League title question.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac urged his team to rediscover their clinical edge ahead of Tuesday's Champions League trip to Sabah FC. After failing to score in their last two matches, Kovac demanded faster execution against the Azerbaijani champions.
Patrik Schick has etched his name into Bayer Leverkusen folklore after scoring in a sixth consecutive Bundesliga fixture to seal a vital comeback victory over Freiburg on Sunday. The Czech international broke a long-standing club record at the BayArena as his side climbed into the top four of the German top flight, just one point off Bayern Munich.
Barcelona star Pedri has delivered a playful message to his close friend Ferran Torres as the Catalan giants prepare for a massive Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain. The midfielder emphasized the match's magnitude and PSG’s quality across the pitch in a clash between two European heavyweights who thrive on the ball.
RB Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis remains convinced that former River Plate prodigy Franco Mastantuono possesses all the attributes required to succeed at Real Madrid. Although the teenage playmaker is spending the campaign out on loan at Fiorentina, his old mentor insists patience is key to his development in Europe.
Como head coach Cesc Fabregas opened up about his team's remarkable rise ahead of facing Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League. The 39-year-old manager detailed how iconic mentors like Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola, and Jose Mourinho shaped his personal coaching identity.
Scott McTominay is yet to sign a new contract at Napoli, which has led to inevitable transfer talk being generated. Pat Nevin has told GOAL what could happen next when it comes to the Scotland international, with a Jose Mourinho reunion at Real Madrid being mooted for the ex-Manchester United star alongside a potential return to the Premier League.
Omar Marmoush expressed his delight after scoring his first Tottenham Hotspur goal to help secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Coventry City. The Egyptian forward insisted the triumph is merely the start of a recovery following a dismal opening run of results, with Roberto De Zerbi's men recording their first Premier League win of the season.
James Maddison described his goal-scoring return to the Tottenham starting line-up as a "dream" after helping his side secure their first Premier League victory of the season. The playmaker had spent over 500 days on the sidelines with back-to-back knee injuries before inspiring a 3-1 win over Coventry City on Monday night.
VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness has heaped praise on Atletico Madrid ahead of Tuesday's maiden competitive meeting between the two clubs at the MHP Arena. The Bundesliga outfit enter the league-phase clash chasing a third consecutive European victory after opening their continental campaign in blistering fashion.
Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo called on his team-mates to impose their identity on Villarreal when the Spanish side visit Anfield on Tuesday. The Uruguayan international detailed his rapid adaptation to life in Merseyside, including learning English to enhance his leadership.
Senegal must wait another month to learn whether their appeal against being stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations crown has been successful. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed on Monday that a final ruling on the controversial continental showpiece against Morocco has been pushed back to November.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Vitinha predicted an intense battle for possession ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match. Both stars identified midfield dominance as the decisive factor at the Parc des Princes.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi believes a newfound sense of brotherhood has transformed his squad following their first Premier League victory of the season against Coventry City. The Italian tactician highlighted a series of internal discussions and a warm-weather training camp as the catalysts for a performance that moved Spurs out of the relegation zone.
Brentford have officially involved the police after a video went viral showing a rugby ball being kicked from a nearby high-rise flat directly into the Gtech Community Stadium. The dangerous incident occurred during their narrow Premier League defeat against Liverpool on Saturday, prompting the club to strongly condemn the reckless behaviour and launch a full investigation.
Rio Ferdinand has admitted to feeling deep frustration that Manchester United failed to secure the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi before he joined Manchester City. The Moroccan starlet has already begun to justify his record-breaking price tag with impressive performances under Enzo Maresca.
James Maddison, Omar Marmoush, and Ben Davies were on target as Tottenham Hotspur finally secured their first Premier League win of the season with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Coventry City.
