The 2025-26 European season is almost in the books. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain will face off in Saturday's Champions League final after both secured league titles in England and France, respectively, while there was joy for Bayern Munich in Germany and Inter in Italy as both won domestic doubles. Rounding out the 'Big Five' leagues, Barcelona successfully defended their crown in La Liga as Real Madrid tailed off in chaotic circumstances.
Former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet has backed the club's decision to appoint Xabi Alonso instead of pursuing a sensational return for Jose Mourinho. Despite Alonso's recent struggles in La Liga, Poyet believes the Spaniard's modern tactical approach and a lack of European football at Stamford Bridge will create the perfect environment for him to build a new identity.
Chelsea are facing severe financial pressures this summer, and new manager Xabi Alonso might need to sacrifice top talent to fund his desired signings. With Manchester United reportedly interested, the Blues have set a massive asking price for Cole Palmer. Any potential suitors have been told the exact figure required just to begin negotiations for the talented playmaker.
Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, with Mikel Arteta reportedly taking personal control of the pursuit. Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring the England international, while the Villans are expected to demand a huge fee.
Former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has reportedly finalised a three-year contract to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Premier League giants acted swiftly to secure their former assistant manager following confirmation of Guardiola's departure, bringing stability to the Etihad Stadium ahead of an impending official announcement.
The 2025-26 Premier League season is over, with top-flight players around England making their plans for the summer, whether they involve holidays or, for the lucky few, a chance to put on a show at the World Cup. Even those internationals will get the chance to switch off at some stage, but for their managers, the work never stops, with plans likely already being drawn up for the transfer window and next season.
And there you have it - the 2025-26 Premier League season is over. Arsenal are the champions while West Ham have been relegated alongside Wolves and Burnley as Tottenham secured survival on the final day. While the football hasn't always been the most scintillating, it's been a campaign full of twists and turns at both ends of the table, making it difficult to predict any result given the increased parity among the teams in the English top-flight.
The 2025-26 Premier League campaign drew to a tense conclusion on Sunday, as Tottenham scraped past Everton to consign West Ham to relegation in spite of a 3-0 victory over Leeds United. Meanwhile, in the north-east of England, Sunderland sensationally defeated Chelsea to secure a place in the Europa League, while simultaneously preventing the Club World Cup winners from qualifying for any form of continental competition next term.
Chelsea's miserable season reached a fitting conclusion on Sunday as a dire 2-1 defeat at Sunderland confirmed a 10th-placed Premier League finish and failure to qualify for any form of European football. Having hauled themselves back into the game, the Blues' cause wasn't helped by Wesley Fofana's second-half red card, which snuffed out any hopes of a comeback.
Manchester City have reportedly opened negotiations to secure the services of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez in a blockbuster summer deal. The Cityzens are eager to bolster their engine room as Pep Guardiola departs after a decade. Rumoured replacement Enzo Maresca is keen to reunite with the Argentine midfielder following their time together at Stamford Bridge.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has offered a justification for dropping Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer from his final 26-man World Cup squad. The German tactician stood firm on his strict anti-reputation selection policy, stating that the versatile forward had simply failed to perform at an elite level for the national team.
Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has announced his retirement from professional football. The veteran defender shared an emotional farewell message after bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned 20 seasons across Europe.
As the 2025-26 Premier League season draws to a close, it's time to look back on what has been a campaign full of twists and turns. Arsenal eventually saw off the challenge of Manchester City to secure the title, but European places and the final berth in the relegation zone are still to be decided into the final day.
Djed Spence is prepared to soldier on despite suffering a painful broken jaw after a challenge from Liam Delap during Tottenham's Premier League defeat against Chelsea. As a result of the injury, the full-back is reportedly expected to feature in a custom-made protective mask for Spurs' final game of the season at home to Everton.
Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are reportedly set to miss out on England's 2026 World Cup squad, with Thomas Tuchel's final 26-man list being leaked ahead of Friday's official announcement. Luke Shaw is also expected to join Manchester United team-mate Harry Maguire in being omitted from the squad for the tournament in North America.
Barcelona winger Raphinha has opened up about his 2022 departure from Leeds United, revealing he turned down lucrative offers from London's premier clubs – widely understood to be Chelsea and Arsenal – to secure a move to the Camp Nou. In a new interview, the Brazil international labelled his choice as the greatest decision of his professional career.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened up on the daunting task of finding a successor to Robert Lewandowski, describing the outgoing striker as a player who is "almost impossible" to replace. Deco has also denied meeting with Chelsea's Joao Pedro over a summer transfer, albeit while confirming the club are exploring all avenues.
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.
Xabi Alonso has backed Chelsea’s long-term vision after speaking publicly about his move to Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard dismissed concerns over the club’s absence from Champions League and described the role as a “beautiful project”.
As the 2025-26 Premier League season draws to a close, it's time to look back on what has been a campaign full of twists and turns. Arsenal eventually saw off the challenge of Manchester City to secure the title, but European places and the final berth in the relegation zone are still to be decided into the final day.
Manchester United are reportedly preparing a shock move for West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of a massive summer transfer window. The Red Devils have entered a race alongside Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea for the England international’s signature - but with a highly unexpected tactical role in mind.
James Maddison has pulled no punches regarding Tottenham's current predicament, describing the club's slide into a relegation dogfight as "embarrassing". The England international is also walking a fitness tightrope as he attempts to steer Spurs to safety while avoiding another major setback following a long-term injury lay-off.
Chelsea ensured Tottenham's fight for Premier League survival will go down to the final day as Enzo Fernandez inspired a 2-1 victory over their fierce London rivals on Tuesday - the Blues' first win in seven games. The Argentine swept home a fine opener from long range in the first half before turning provider for Andrey Santos in the second period, keeping his side's hopes of European qualification alive.
Manchester City have moved swiftly to secure their future by offering a three-year contract to Enzo Maresca to succeed the departing Pep Guardiola. The Italian coach, who left Chelsea earlier this year, is now set for a sensational return to the Etihad Stadium, although this appointment means Chelsea are set to receive a significant compensation fee.
Brazil's official 26-man World Cup squad selection has dealt a crushing blow to Chelsea star Joao Pedro. The 24-year-old's closest family members were left utterly devastated, as heart-wrenching footage of their raw reaction to the striker's omission quickly went viral on social media platforms on Monday evening.
Carlo Ancelotti has apologised to Joao Pedro after leaving the Chelsea striker out of Brazil’s World Cup squad. The Italian admitted several players deserved selection as the Selecao boss opted for experience, including the return of Neymar.
Chelsea
