Arsenal are preparing to hand Mikel Arteta a record-breaking new contract that will see the Spaniard become one of the best-paid managers in world football. The Gunners are eager to secure the long-term future of their leader following a period of unprecedented progress that has seen the club return to the pinnacle of the English game.
Michael Olise has openly disagreed with Thierry Henry's recent comments regarding the best player in world football. While the France legend claimed Olise outperformed his team-mate last year, the Bayern Munich winger firmly rejected that notion, throwing his full support behind Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or ahead of Kylian Mbappé after a sensational campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has reportedly approached FIFA in a dramatic attempt to terminate the final year of his contract. The Brazil international is seeking an immediate exit from north London after being surprisingly omitted from the club's 25-man Premier League squad and subsequently demoted to the Under-21s, paving the way for a potential return to Brazil.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been hit with a significant financial penalty following a heated confrontation during the Reds' recent draw with Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian shot-stopper was left incensed by a controversial officiating call at Anfield that has since been scrutinised by independent experts.
U.S. Soccer announced on Thursday that MLS commissioner Don Garber will serve as chair of the Soccer Forward Foundation, taking on a role that will center on expanding access and increasing investment in soccer in America. The announcement comes as Garber prepares to step away from his role as commissioner after 27 years leading MLS.
Arsenal were linked with Vinicius Junior and Bradley Barcola during the summer transfer window of 2026, but missed out on both. Jermaine Pennant has told GOAL that the Gunners will sign a superstar left winger at some point, as they have actually got “weaker” in that department. Mikel Arteta has pieced together a Premier League title-winning squad, but there is still room for improvement at Emirates Stadium.
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to offer Thibaut Courtois a new contract extension following his sensational performance against Inter. The Spanish giants are determined to secure the Belgian goalkeeper's long-term future, potentially keeping him at the Santiago Bernabeu for a landmark tenth season.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened up on the club's decision to move for Anthony Gordon this summer, despite Marcus Rashford’s successful loan spell at the Camp Nou last season. The Catalan giants opted to pivot their strategy, prioritising Gordon’s specific profile to satisfy the tactical demands of new head coach Hansi Flick instead of pursuing a permanent deal for the Man Utd forward.
Haji Wright has suffered an unfortunate injury, delaying the start of his Premier League dream at Coventry, with Clinton Morrison telling GOAL what the USMNT star must do once back to full fitness. The versatile frontman represented his country at the 2026 World Cup, gracing a major tournament on home soil, but is currently ruled out of action for several weeks.
Atletico Madrid suffered a defeat against Liverpool in their Champions League opener at Anfield, but Diego Simeone's side saw encouraging signs from Julian Alvarez. Former Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares believes the Argentine striker's impressive display represents a major positive despite the loss.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has finally broken his silence on the club's unsuccessful and controversial pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The Blaugrana chief addressed the breakdown in negotiations with Atletico Madrid and dismissed allegations that the Catalan giants acted unprofessionally in their quest for the Argentine international.
Rodrigo De Paul and Robert Lewandowski engaged in a furious late bust-up as Inter Miami and Chicago Fire played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in MLS. The Argentine midfielder brutally taunted the Polish striker about his international trophy haul, sparking a mass brawl between the two sides.
Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a memorable home debut for Barcelona, marking his Camp Nou bow with a goal in a 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord. The former Arsenal forward matched Brazilian icon Rivaldo's record in Europe's elite competition after netting just minutes after coming off the bench. After the match, the 29-year-old opened up about the emotion of fulfilling a lifelong dream in front of a packed stadium.
Pedro Neto and Valentin Barco expressed delight after Chelsea scored six second-half goals to secure a wild 6-3 comeback win over Leeds United. The duo praised Xabi Alonso's impactful halftime changes as the Blues booked their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Alexander Isak has benefited from the injury-enforced absence of Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool, with Jermaine Pennant explaining to GOAL what Andoni Iraola is likely to do when both big-money forwards are fit and firing. Questions have been asked of Isak’s contribution to the collective cause, with a £125 million ($169m) price tag hanging around his neck, but the Swedish striker is too good to be “sitting on your bench”.
Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero has heaped praise on Arsenal following their impressive Champions League victory over Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The former Juventus star believes Mikel Arteta's side were a class above their Italian opponents, singling out Martin Odegaard for his standout performance.
Carlo Ancelotti vs Thiago Silva has become the central talking point in Brazilian football following a public clash over squad selection. While Silva questioned whether you can simply get rid of everyone, Ancelotti insisted he does not look at age when building for the future.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has lifted the lid on the club's failed pursuits of two of Europe's most exciting wingers during the summer transfer window. The Bundesliga giants were forced to watch from the sidelines as Bradley Barcola secured a blockbuster move to Liverpool, while Anthony Gordon opted for a switch to Catalonia with Barcelona.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has been ruled out of the match against Atletico after suffering adductor niggles in his previous outing. Head coach Andoni Iraola cannot guarantee the in-form attacker will recover in time for Saturday's crucial league fixture against Fulham at Anfield.
Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne has conceded that Arsenal may now be the best team in world football following their Champions League victory over Napoli. The Belgian midfielder was on the receiving end of a dominant Gunners performance as Mikel Arteta’s side continued their perfect start to the new campaign.
Bryan Mbeumo reflected on his remarkable rise from French second-tier football to preparing for his Champions League debut with Manchester United. The forward insisted his decision to move to Old Trafford was fully justified as he targets European success.
Michael Carrick insisted Manchester United are back where they belong as they prepare to host Sabah in their Champions League opener. The head coach provided crucial squad updates on Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt, and Benjamin Sesko while sharing a light-hearted moment with Bryan Mbeumo.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has heaped praise on Xabi Alonso’s decision to sign Danny Welbeck following Chelsea’s thrilling Carabao Cup comeback against Leeds United. The veteran striker netted twice in a dramatic 6-3 victory, proving he still has plenty to offer the Blues both on and off the pitch.
Napoli head coach Massimiliano Allegri has lauded Mikel Arteta's Arsenal as one of Europe's elite following a narrow Champions League defeat at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Despite remaining resolute for much of the contest, the Italian manager conceded his struggling side ultimately had no answer to the visitors' quality.
Mikel Arteta was left absolutely furious with three of his players during Arsenal's Champions League victory over Napoli. Despite dominating the match and securing the win, the manager directed his anger at Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Christos Tzolis for their defensive efforts.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has taken full responsibility for a disjointed performance that saw his side fall two goals behind against Leeds United before rallying for a remarkable Carabao Cup victory. The Blues boss admitted he made life "too difficult" for his rotated squad after making nine changes for the midweek clash at Stamford Bridge.
Ermedin Demirovic stole the show with a sensational first-half hat-trick as VfB Stuttgart kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over Viking FK. Despite his match-winning heroics on the club's 133rd anniversary, the Bosnian striker insisted improvements are still needed.
Luis Suarez and Sergi Altimira reacted with delight after Sporting CP recovered from an early setback to beat Galatasaray 3-1 in their Champions League opener. The victory was capped by Rodrigo Zalazar's stunning free-kick on a hostile Alvalade return for Rafael Leao.
Thomas Frank impressed many Premier League observers at Brentford, but then suffered a 38-game flop as head coach of Tottenham. He has been out of work since severing ties with Spurs, but Clinton Morrison has explained to GOAL why the Danish tactician’s reputation has not been tarnished. He is expected to return to the dugout at some point in the not too distant future.
Chelsea survived a massive scare in the Carabao Cup third round as they roared back from two goals down to secure a chaotic 6-3 victory over Leeds. Despite providing three crucial assists off the bench to orchestrate the revival, £117 million signing Morgan Rogers watched his close friend Cole Palmer walk away with the Player of the Match accolade. The playmaker playfully slammed the decision as 'criminal', sparking a hilarious post-match exchange between the team-mates.