Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes admits that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been his “toughest opponent” down the years, with the pair establishing a bitter rivalry. While they have clashed on a regular basis in Premier League action, there is plenty of respect between the duo. They are poised to lock horns again in the 2026 Carabao Cup final.

Bukayo Saka has lifted the lid on life inside Arsenal's dressing room as the Gunners continue to chase a historic quadruple, and the message from the club's starboy sounds remarkably similar to the message Erling Haaland gave Mikel Arteta last season. The England international insists his side are "staying humble", as they prepare to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

"It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football," said Erling Haaland when he announced his investment in the Total Chess World Championship this week. "You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead. Strategy and planning are everything." The Manchester City striker’s strategy cannot be faulted except at one stadium in particular: Wembley.

Haaland has failed to score in eight finals for City. Arsenal are unbeaten in six consecutive meetings, while Guardiola has lost four of his last five major finals.

Known for his clinical finishing and dominance in the Premier League, Erling Haaland is now turning his attention to the board game world. The 25-year-old has been announced as a key investor in Norway Chess, the organisation behind the newly launched Total Chess World Championship Tour, which is set to debut next year with the backing of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).