Arsenal have set up a Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea after Alessia Russo’s double secured a comfortable aggregate victory over OH Leuven.

Renee Slegers’ side navigated tricky conditions at Meadow Park to seal a 3-1 win on the night and a commanding 7-1 triumph on aggregate.

The result ensures the Gunners reach the last eight of the competition for a joint-record 17th time.

London rivals await in last eight

Attention now turns to a mouth-watering two-legged showdown against Women’s Super League rivals Chelsea.

The defending European champions will approach the tie with confidence, having maintained an unbeaten record against the Blues domestically this season.

While progress was all but assured following a 4-0 first-leg victory, the hosts were made to work on a difficult evening with heavy rain and gusting winds affecting the pitch.

Russo strikes early in rain

England forward Russo appeared to settle any lingering nerves after 23 minutes, swivelling inside the box to fire home the opener.

However, the Belgian champions responded with spirit, forcing the North Londoners into uncharacteristic defensive errors.

Sara Pusztai equalised from close range shortly after, with the goal awarded following a VAR intervention to overturn an initial offside decision.

Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was earlier forced into a sharp one-on-one save to deny Jada Conijnenberg as the visitors threatened to expose Arsenal’s high line.

Caldentey penalty seals progress

The hosts reasserted control after the break, with Spanish attacker Mariona Caldentey restoring the lead from the penalty spot in the 65th minute.

The spot-kick was won by Caitlin Foord, whose driving run down the left flank drew a foul inside the area.

Frida Maanum had earlier missed a point-blank header, but the home side’s dominance eventually told.

Russo capped the performance in the dying seconds, sliding in her second of the night to confirm a professional display from the English giants.

Arsenal saw a club-record £105m bid for Julian Alvarez rejected by Atletico Madrid last summer before turning their attention to Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports in Spain.

The Gunners were reportedly willing to make the Argentina international one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League to secure his return to English football.

Despite the failed pursuit, Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoyed a prolific campaign after strengthening their attack with alternative options.

Ambitious approach rejected

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Arsenal identified Alvarez as their primary target following his impressive debut season in La Liga.

The former Manchester City forward scored 29 goals in 56 appearances for Atletico Madrid last term, drawing high praise from club legend Fernando Torres.

Reports suggest the north London club tabled a massive offer worth £105m during the Club World Cup in a bold attempt to lure the striker away from the Metropolitano Stadium.

The package allegedly included a five-year contract worth £400,000-a-week, a salary that would have shattered Arsenal’s wage structure.

However, the Spanish giants immediately rejected the proposal, with the club hierarchy determined to retain their star forward.

Atletico forced to act

The aggression of Arsenal’s interest has reportedly forced Atletico Madrid to expedite contract talks with the World Cup winner.

To ward off future interest from the Premier League and Barcelona, Diego Simeone’s side are expected to offer Alvarez fresh terms matching the salary proposed by the Gunners.

While the player currently has no intention of leaving Spain, reports indicate that both Arsenal and Barcelona remain monitoring his situation ahead of the next transfer window.

Success with Gyokeres

Following the rejection, Arsenal pivoted their transfer strategy to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, alongside Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.

The change in targets has seemingly paid off, with the Swedish international netting 13 goals across all competitions since his arrival at the Emirates.

Those reinforcements have propelled the club to the top of the Premier League table and into the latter stages of the Champions League and domestic cups.

While Alvarez offers a versatile, creative profile that differs from Gyokeres’ role as a traditional focal point, Arsenal’s current form suggests the failed transfer has not hindered their title ambitions.

Barcelona are assessing major squad changes, including a potential move for Julian Alvarez, after surrendering top spot in La Liga to rivals Real Madrid.

Hansi Flick’s side have suffered a damaging week which has exposed the fragility of their current squad depth.

A 4-0 thrashing by Atletico Madrid has all but ended their Copa del Rey campaign.

Matters worsened on Monday as a shock 2-1 defeat against Catalan neighbours Girona allowed Real Madrid to capitalize.

Los Blancos have moved two points clear at the summit of the table following the stumble by the defending champions.

Defensive worries and financial limits

The recent dip in form has highlighted an over-reliance on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

However, the club’s well-documented financial issues mean Flick must carefully prioritise his summer targets.

While the defensive unit requires reinforcement, the hierarchy is torn between signing a centre-back or a marquee forward.

Internal discussions suggest a significant investment is required to compete with a resurgent Real Madrid side.

The hunt for a striker

Julian Alvarez has emerged as a primary target for the Camp Nou leadership.

The Argentine World Cup winner is admired by the coaching staff for his relentless pressing style.

However, Atletico Madrid are expected to demand a fee in excess of £85m (€100m) for the forward.

Alvarez has struggled for consistency recently, failing to score in 11 games before netting against the Catalans last week.

Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is also being monitored as a potential alternative.

The Serbian international could represent a more cost-effective option as his contract situation in Turin draws to a close.

Lewandowski’s future in doubt

Any move for a new number nine casts doubt on the future of Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish veteran turns 38 in August and questions remain regarding his ability to lead the line for another campaign.

With Ferran Torres currently boasting a better goal-to-minute ratio than some transfer targets, the club faces a difficult decision on where to allocate their limited funds.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard remains sidelined for the Premier League trip to Wolves as Mikel Arteta’s side look to navigate a potential banana skin without their creative hub.

The Norway international has been ruled out of the fixture at Molineux, leaving a significant void in the Gunners’ midfield engine room.

His absence serves as a blow to the north London club, with their most fluid attacking performances often coinciding with his presence in the starting line-up.

Creative void in midfield

Odegaard’s leadership sets the tempo for the team’s pressing game, a quality that separates him from other midfield options within the squad.

While Declan Rice offers marauding runs and physical dominance, the former Real Madrid playmaker provides the specific tactical trigger required for Arteta’s high press.

It has been a frustrating campaign for the 26-year-old, who has endured a stop-start season plagued by knee and ankle issues.

These fitness setbacks have prevented the midfielder from establishing the consistent rhythm that defined his previous two campaigns.

Breaking up the trident

Arsenal’s title credentials have historically looked strongest when Odegaard operates in tandem with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.

The trio have developed a near-telepathic understanding in the final third, elevating the side’s attacking output to championship-winning levels.

When one component of this attacking unit is missing, the fluidity of Arteta’s system often suffers noticeably.

With Saka recently returning to fitness and Havertz crucial to the forward line, the reintegration of their captain remains the final missing piece of the puzzle.

Managing the return

Glimpses of Odegaard’s influence were evident during a recent cameo against Brentford, where he immediately injected energy into the performance.

However, he will not be risked against the league’s basement side as medical staff prioritise his long-term availability.

Arteta will be hoping his skipper returns rapidly as the fixture list intensifies during a critical period of the season.

Lionel Messi leads defending champions Inter Miami against Son Heung-min’s LAFC this weekend as the 2026 Major League Soccer season gets under way.

The highly anticipated campaign kicks off on Saturday at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

It promises to be a defining year for the league, with the 2026 World Cup taking place across North America this summer.

Two of the tournament’s biggest potential stars will be on display immediately.

The Argentine legend guided the Florida franchise to their first domestic league title last season.

However, the South Korean captain is aiming to knock the champions off their perch after a sensational half-season following his arrival last summer.

Mascherano reshapes the Herons

While the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the focal point, the supporting cast in South Florida has undergone a significant transformation.

Former Barcelona stalwarts Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba departed the club following the MLS Cup triumph.

Manager Javier Mascherano has moved decisively to fill those vacancies and strengthen the squad’s depth.

Sergio Reguilon, formerly of Tottenham and Real Madrid, has been recruited to take over the left-back position.

In midfield, David Ayala has arrived from the Portland Timbers to partner fellow World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul.

Defensive reinforcements

Consistency at the back was a concern despite last season’s success.

To address this, the club have signed MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St Clair from Minnesota United.

The Canada international is expected to take the number one shirt immediately.

Further defensive cover comes in the form of centre-back Micael, who returns to the league after a stint with Brazilian side Palmeiras.

Tactical evolution for Messi

The champions have also made a statement signing in the final third by acquiring German Berterame from Monterrey.

The arrival of the consistent Liga MX scorer offers Mascherano new tactical flexibility.

It is expected that Luis Suarez will now operate largely as an impact substitute.

This shift allows the Miami captain to revert to his preferred number 10 role, moving away from the false nine position he occupied during the title run.

With the roster rebuilt and expectations higher than ever, the road to back-to-back titles begins in Los Angeles.

Liverpool have opened discussions regarding a potential £87m summer transfer for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams as the club plans for life after Mohamed Salah.

The Reds have reportedly joined the race for the Spain international after his representatives signalled a desire to leave La Liga.

Arne Slot’s side are currently enduring a difficult domestic campaign, sitting sixth in the Premier League table.

With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, the Anfield club are already looking toward significant summer reinforcements.

Release clause hurdle

Williams had previously looked set to depart his boyhood club last summer amid strong interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.

However, the explosive forward surprised onlookers by committing to a new long-term contract at San Mames.

That agreement increased his buyout clause from roughly £51m to a substantial £87m.

Despite the financial outlay required, the winger is understood to be seeking a new challenge following frustration with Athletic’s on-pitch struggles.

Intermediaries have reportedly made contact to alert Premier League suitors to the player’s availability.

Replacing the old guard

Liverpool’s interest comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding their current attacking options.

Federico Chiesa is expected to depart Anfield after struggling to secure regular first-team minutes.

There are also renewed doubts over the future of Mohamed Salah, with Saudi Pro League clubs retaining a strong interest in the Egyptian forward.

Williams is viewed by the Liverpool hierarchy as a potential long-term successor on the flank.

While the Spaniard offers less direct goal output than Salah, his pace and direct dribbling are seen as a stylistic fit for a high-tempo system.

Liverpool must now decide if the £87m fee represents value in a market where they are also considering other options.

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo faces a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury during the recent victory over Sunderland.

The Japan international was forced off on a stretcher at the Stadium of Light after catching his foot in the turf while making a clearance.

It was a cruel blow for the 33-year-old, who was making his first Premier League start of the current campaign.

Endo had been drafted in as an emergency right-back by manager Arne Slot to cover for a growing list of absentees in defence.

Slot facing defensive headache

The injury leaves Liverpool short of options at the back, with specialist full-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong already ruled out.

Endo has been limited to just 12 appearances across all competitions this season due to fierce competition for places.

However, captain Virgil van Dijk insists the experienced midfielder will be a major loss to the squad’s dynamic.

“It is a shame, we were all really gutted after the game,” Van Dijk said.

“I had a similar injury when I was at Southampton, a foot injury, and it is not an easy one to take.”

‘One of the leaders’

Despite his limited playing time, Van Dijk emphasised the former Stuttgart man’s importance behind the scenes.

“We are here for him, we are going to be together with him all the way and support him with everything he needs,” added the Netherlands defender.

“It is not great, he is such an important and respected member of the team, he is one of the leaders and he always leads by example as well.”

“It is a big blow but we have to deal with it and we will.”

Uncertain timeline for return

Slot was unable to confirm a precise return date following Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Brighton, but admitted the outlook was concerning.

“There is definitely a chance [he can return before the end of the season], but he will be out for a while,” the Liverpool boss stated.

“He will not be in the squad next week and he will not be in the squad next month.”

“We are hoping at the end of the season he has a chance to be with us again, but that also depends on the upcoming days.”

Former England forward Les Ferdinand has expressed significant concern regarding the lack of depth in striking options available to the national team ahead of the World Cup.

The Premier League legend believes the scarcity of homegrown centre-forwards competing at the top level is a major issue for Gareth Southgate’s side.

While England captain Harry Kane continues to excel as a prolific goalscorer for Bayern Munich, the domestic scoring charts are currently dominated by overseas talent.

‘A worrying situation’

Ferdinand fears that the backup role to Kane will simply fall to whoever finds a temporary run of form late in the season.

Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently the only English player to reach double figures this campaign with 10 goals.

Speaking to the Press Association, the 59-year-old said: "At the moment he [Kane] is the exception to the rule in terms of churning goals out year in, year out."

"It’s who is the other they’re going to take. It’s a dilemma because I think any striker that has a period now where he’s scoring goals will have an opportunity to go to the World Cup."

Ferdinand noted that discussions around experienced forwards like Danny Welbeck had "gone a bit quiet" recently.

He added: "That just shows you the lack of number nines there is in the country at the moment. It’s a worrying situation."

Hall of Fame induction

The former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur striker addressed the media after being inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in Manchester on Tuesday.

Ferdinand sits 12th in the all-time Premier League scoring charts with 149 goals but earned only 17 caps for his country.

He attributes his limited international appearances to the intense competition for places during the 1990s and 2000s, a sharp contrast to the current landscape.

"Back in the day, the level of striker that was around: Mark Bright, Ian Wright, Teddy Sheringham, Alan Shearer, David Hirst," Ferdinand recalled.

"There were so many centre-forwards, number nines, and that was what we were traditionally known for."

Lack of competition

The newly inducted Hall of Famer believes the modern dearth of talent is due to a lack of genuine competition pushing players to improve.

He cited the likes of Robbie Fowler, Stan Collymore and Andy Cole as peers who kept his own performance levels high.

"These guys kept you on your toes, because if these guys were scoring at the weekend you felt, ‘well I have to score if I want to be mentioned in the same echelons as them’," he explained.

"That level of competition’s not there anymore so that’s why I think there’s a dearth of talent coming through."