Rodri has returned to the Manchester City matchday squad for the first time since featuring against Bournemouth at the beginning of November. The Spaniard has struggled for fitness following a serious ACL injury in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last September with his late showing in the 3-1 victory over the Cherries last month just his sixth league outing for Pep Guardiola's side.
Pep Guardiola's Barcelona partnership might continue as Hansi Flick's side are reportedly eyeing a January deal with Manchester City ace Nathan Ake after he was linked with a move away in the summer. With Financial Fair Play restrictions continuing to limit their room for manoeuvre, the club are expected to focus on loan options rather than permanent acquisitions.
Pep Guardiola has revealed the results of Manchester City’s post-Christmas weight checks after issuing a firm warning to his squad not to overindulge during the festive break. With the Citizens closing in on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, the Catalan coach confirmed his players returned in top condition ahead of a crucial trip to Nottingham Forest.
Pep Guardiola has admitted he would prefer Manchester City to be top of the Premier League rather than chasing down Christmas leaders Arsenal. The Cityzens have assumed the role of hunting down the early pace-setters, with a current two-point deficit which they will hope to overturn in the coming weeks. But Guardiola has revealed that he would find it easier if his side were "ten points clear of everyone".
Erling Haaland issued a cheeky two-word jibe in the direction of Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager warned his players not to overindulge on Christmas Day. The Norway international’s playful response comes after the City head coach delivered his stern ultimatum ahead of the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
City Football Group have brought their association with Mumbai City FC to a close, ending one of the most significant foreign investments in Indian football amid deepening uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League. The CFG-owned network, which also controls Manchester City, has divested its entire shareholding in the Mumbai-based club, returning full ownership to founding partners Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh.
As we head into Christmas, it's time to review the Premier League season so far. Each side has played 17 games out of 38 and we've got a good idea of who will be fighting for what this year. Arsenal boast a two-point lead at the top from Manchester City and a further one from Aston Villa, while Wolves already seem destined for relegation at a Derby-esque pace.
With the halfway stage of the season upon us, the time has come to shine a spotlight on the players who have made the biggest impact across Europe's major leagues. But first, let's run through the lay of the land.
Manchester United target Carlos Baleba has outlined his ambition to become the "best midfielder in the world" as he looks to lead Cameroon to glory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Brighton and Hove Albion ace has named several stars who he is studying closely in his attempts to be regarded as one of the greatest players in his position.
Antoine Semenyo is good enough to play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona, at least that's according to the Bournemouth star's personal coach. The Ghanaian winger is in the midst of a transfer tug of war with a number of Premier League sides hoping to lure the Cherries ace away from the Vitality Stadium when the January transfer window opens next week.
The reasoning behind Manchester United's doomed pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has been revealed. Semenyo is a man in demand ahead of the January transfer window with a number of Premier League heavyweights courting the Cherries forward. United were among those keen on the Ghana star, who has scored eight league goals and provided three assists so far this season.
Erling Haaland has reunited with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the Manchester City striker suggested that the Manchester United legend has been giving him advice to continue his scoring form. The Norwegian's relentless pursuit of goals shows no sign of slowing, but even the most prolific striker of his generation is searching for marginal gains as Solskjaer is once again helping to fine-tune his instincts in front of goal.
As we reach Christmas and approach the midway point in the Premier League season, the time has come to reflect on the first half of a campaign that has delivered drama and unexpected twists in abundance. It's also the opportune moment to assess those players who completed a transfer to, or within, the English top-flight back in the summer, with a decent sample size of games now under their belts.
Manchester City have reportedly emerged as Antoine Semenyo's preferred choice ahead of the opening of the January transfer window after Chelsea dropped out of the race to land the Bournemouth star. The Blues have walked away from a potential deal just hours after making an initial enquiry, leaving Man City to battle it out with Liverpool and Manchester United for the attacker's signature.
Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland has sent a message to Mohamed Salah after seeing the Liverpool ace score a late winner for Egypt in their AFCON win over Zimbabwe. The Liverpool forward took to social media after the game and posed with fellow goalscorer and Haaland's Manchester City team-mate Omar Marmoush, bringing a swift response from the striker.
Chelsea have become the latest club to express interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo. The forward is also being chased by Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of the opening of the January transfer window and is expected to leave in a transfer worth £65 million. The Blues have made an initial enquiry for Semenyo as the race for his signature hots up.
Maya Jama and Ruben Dias have decided to enjoy a Disney Christmas, with the Love Island presenter and her Manchester City star boyfriend enjoying a festive trip to Paris. A romantic break has allowed them to relax outside of professional commitments, with thrills being sought when heading to the French capital for some fun and frolics on roller coasters and hair-raising rides.
A former financial advisor at Manchester City has reacted to the latest “inexplicable” update in the Blues’ long-running Financial Fair Play (FFP) case. There are still at least 115 charges hanging over the Etihad Stadium, with no verdict being delivered as yet. The Premier League giants have revealed that they remain in the dark when it comes to a final ruling.
Pure excitement has been the theme of this Premier League season. Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are locked in a three-way title race while practically the rest of the division is competing for a European place. Indeed, the table is so crowded it feels more like the Championship than the top-flight, with back-to-back wins being all it takes to propel teams from 15th to the top five.
Liverpool have opted against accelerating their interest in Antoine Semenyo, despite holding initial discussions with the player's camp, allowing Manchester United and Manchester City to move into stronger positions in the race for the Bournemouth forward. The Reds were keen to explore a move for the in-form Ghana international, but have now pulled out, simplifying matters for the forward.
Ruben Dias has made it clear that Manchester City’s recent success will not be allowed to dull their hunger to reclaim their Premier League crown, as the defender sets his sights on chasing down Arsenal in the 2025-26 title race. Pep Guardiola's side have returned to their best form this season, after forfeiting top spot to rivals Liverpool last term.
Wayne Rooney has delivered a timely warning to Arsenal and Manchester City by insisting Liverpool cannot yet be ruled out of the Premier League title race. Despite sitting ten points off the summit at Christmas after a stuttering title defence, the former Manchester United striker believes the defending champions’ recent revival means they could still have a major say.
Gary Neville has delivered a pointed verdict on Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes as the race with Manchester City reaches a decisive phase, insisting the Gunners will not “bottle it this time”. While acknowledging the pressure Pep Guardiola’s side apply every spring, the former Manchester United defender believes Arsenal’s biggest danger lies elsewhere.
Pep Guardiola has warned his Manchester City squad that they cannot indulge over Christmas, with the “controlling” Catalan coach vowing to weigh his players on December 25 in a bid to ensure that none of them get “fatty” during the festive period. Premier League title hopefuls City are back in action on Saturday with a trip to Nottingham Forest.
Real Madrid are reportedly set to join Manchester City in the race for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, with Europe’s elite circling one of the Bundesliga’s standout performers. However, Die Roten have made their stance clear as they view the France international as untouchable amid plans to secure his long-term future at the Allianz Arena.