Exclusive

Mikel Arteta has delivered the Premier League title to Arsenal, following a 22-year wait, but is there any fear in north London that the Spanish tactician could be lured back to his homeland by Barcelona? Arteta is a product of the fabled La Masia academy system and was schooled in coaching circles by Pep Guardiola. Ray Parlour has likened the debate regarding the 44-year-old’s future to one that Arsene Wenger previously generated.

England have named their squad for the 2026 World Cup, but can they go on to achieve what the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ could not and deliver a long-awaited international title? Michael Owen formed part of several trophy bids in the 1990s and 2000s, with the ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker telling GOAL of the failures that were toughest to stomach.

Alisson has been generating shock transfer talk at Liverpool, but former Reds star John Arne Riise has explained to GOAL why a surprising move for the Brazilian goalkeeper in 2026 remains unlikely. The experienced South American has spent eight memorable years at Anfield, and remains under contract, but is seeing questions asked of his future on Merseyside.

Manchester United fans have been told “don’t celebrate” as they prepare to see Pep Guardiola leave ‘noisy neighbours’ City, with Patrice Evra claiming that sudden departure is “sad” news for everybody associated with English football. It has been officially confirmed that an iconic coach will be bidding farewell to the Etihad Stadium this summer. Said announcement has been warmly received by many at Old Trafford.

Martin Odegaard has faced criticism at times over the last couple of seasons, but he is now a Premier League title winner at Arsenal and fellow countryman John Arne Riise has told GOAL why he is “shocked and surprised” that anybody has ever doubted an “amazing” talent. The Norway international remains a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s well-oiled machine at Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham have become embroiled into another relegation battle, but could they emulate Manchester United by morphing into top-four contenders next season? Alan Hutton has explained to GOAL why a similar transformation in north London remains unlikely as “huge money” will be required in order to deliver a remarkable reversal in collective fortunes.

Erling Haaland has been informed of what he will require in order to become a Ballon d’Or winner, with John Arne Riise telling GOAL that the Manchester City superstar needs a “sh*tload of goals” before being recognised as the best player on the planet. The Norwegian striker has tended to deliver on that front, and has long been billed as a natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Ball-winning department.

James Tavernier opted against taking up a seat on the bench for his final Ibrox fixture as a Rangers player, as he prepares to become a free agent, but will the long-serving full-back live to regret that decision? Alan Hutton believes those thoughts will form in time, with the ex-Gers defender also speculating with GOAL on what the immediate future could have in store.

England supporters have been advised, by former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra, to end their ‘It’s Coming Home’ chants as the infamous song has become a “curse”. Three Lions fans have dared to dream of witnessing that musical prediction come true since 1996 but, despite several near misses, have seen an agonising wait for major international honours hit the 60-year mark.

Brenden Aaronson remains a “key part” of Leeds’ future. Michael Gray has told GOAL, with the USMNT star proving that he can play an important role for the Whites as a creative No.10 or hard-running winger. Some uncomfortable questions have been asked of the American playmaker since he returned to Elland Road in 2024, but boo boys have been won over in style.

Michael Owen has explained to GOAL why comments from Mohamed Salah rock Liverpool like “hand grenades”, with the Egyptian superstar taking aim at Arne Slot and the Reds’ playing style. Having grown accustomed to competing for major silverware under Jurgen Klopp’s “heavy metal” regime, Salah has been delivering departing digs ahead of hitting free agency this summer.

Dan Ndoye continues to star for Switzerland, in World Cup year, but Nottingham Forest are yet to see the best of a winger that they invested £34 million ($46m) worth of faith in during the summer of 2025. A hasty departure from the Premier League has been mooted, but Philippe Senderos has explained to GOAL why his fellow countryman can still be a success in England.

Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are undoubtedly two of the finest and most prolific strikers in world football, but which of the Manchester City and Bayern Munich superstars can be considered the best No.9? Former Premier League star John Arne Riise has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL and explained the thinking behind his decision.

Rangers are being backed to “trust” Danny Rohl, rather than join Celtic in the market for a new manager, with Alan Hutton telling GOAL why the German deserves time at Ibrox after inheriting “a mess”. A demanding fan base in Glasgow has been airing its frustration, with questions being asked of those on and off the field, but the Gers are being urged to favour stability in the dugout.

John Arne Riise has explained to GOAL why Arne Slot appears set to fend off sack threats at Liverpool, with it being claimed that Xabi Alonso “would have waited” for the Reds if they were interested. The World Cup winner is heading back to the Premier League, but his next port of call will be Stamford Bridge with Chelsea - rather than the familiar surroundings of Anfield.

Morgan Rogers has helped Aston Villa back into the Champions League, but would offers of £100 million-plus ($134m) for the England international be listened to in the next transfer window? Alan Hutton admits that nine-figure fees for the talented playmaker may prove difficult to turn down, with the Villans able to reinvest those funds in a bid to become regulars at European football’s top table.

Mikel Arteta has delivered the Premier League title to Arsenal, while remaining in the hunt for Champions League glory, so is the Gunners boss now a top-five manager in world football? Philippe Senderos has explained to GOAL why the Spaniard, who has spent over six years in charge at Emirates Stadium, sits among the global coaching elite.

Dan Gaspar reveals what makes the Don so special

The 2025-26 campaign has been a testing one for Chelsea, but who deserves to see their contribution recognised as the club’s Player of the Year? Former Blues defender Gary Cahill has made his pick during an exclusive interview with GOAL. Joao Pedro, on the back of his £60 million ($80m) transfer to Stamford Bridge, is considered to have outperformed the likes of Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez.

Reece James is considered to be a “great story” at Chelsea that acts as inspiration for the likes of Jesse Derry and other starry-eyed academy hopefuls. The Blues have always kept a pathway open to their first-team for the hottest of prospects, but Gary Cahill has explained to GOAL why it is “natural” that said journey will sometimes prove difficult to complete.

Haji Wright helped Coventry to promotion in 2025-26, but Clinton Morrison has told GOAL that the USMNT star may struggle to become a 15-goal Premier League striker. With that in mind, as another transfer window prepares to swing open this summer, could the United States international be the subject of a “big bid” that takes him away from Frank Lampard’s squad?

Arsenal find themselves short on right-back options heading towards the Champions League final, with Ray Parlour admitting to GOAL that is a “worry” given the considerable threat that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will pose. The Gunners are set to face Paris Saint-Germain - the reigning kings of Europe - on May 30, but how will they solve their defensive issues and contain one of the best wingers in the business?

Former Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi poses quite the conundrum for Tom Brady and Birmingham, with ex-Blues star Clinton Morrison speculating with GOAL on what the summer transfer window could have in store. The Japan international, who previously starred in British football during a productive stint at Parkhead, has become a £10 million ($13m) flop in the West Midlands.

Crystal Palace lined up a first European campaign on the back of their historic FA Cup win in 2025 and are now bound for the Conference League final. That is not the competition that they expected to grace, but a protracted qualification squabble with Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest delivered a change of plans. Ex-Eagles star Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why there should not be any regrets in south London or the East Midlands.

Invincibles star Ray Parlour has told GOAL how Mikel Arteta can become Arsenal’s new Arsene Wenger and match the longevity enjoyed by one of the Gunners’ most iconic former managers. The north London outfit are in the process of chasing down a Premier League and Champions League double, and major silverware will help to keep their Spanish coach in his current surroundings for the foreseeable future.

Crystal Palace will have set an asking price for Adam Wharton, Clinton Morrison has told GOAL, with it possible that Conference League glory will not be enough to keep the Manchester United and Liverpool-linked midfielder at Selhurst Park. Interest in the talented 22-year-old is expected to be formalised during the summer transfer window, with a big-money deal on the cards.

Birmingham City and Wrexham remain locked in a battle to reach the Premier League, but will Tom Brady or Ryan Reynolds be celebrating first? Ex-Blues striker Clinton Morrison has delivered his bold prediction during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as two teams with famous faces in their respective boardrooms are tipped to spend big again while taking aim at the Promised Land.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been informed of what needs to happen in order for him to become a Ballon d’Or contender in 2026, while Ruud Gullit has told GOAL why a ninth triumph for Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi cannot be ruled out. The title of best player on the planet will likely be bestowed upon a superstar performer that illuminates this summer’s World Cup.