Arsenal are reportedly pursuing Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP following a string of domestic cup exits.
The north London club have travelled to Portugal for the first leg of their crucial European tie.
They are seeking to bounce back immediately after a devastating FA Cup defeat to Championship side Southampton on Saturday.
That unexpected cup exit followed last month’s Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta has seen his team’s quadruple ambitions completely shattered in the space of just a fortnight.
The Premier League leaders still hold a nine-point advantage over defending champions City, who currently possess a game in hand.
Interest in Barcelona playmaker
Off the pitch, the Gunners have reportedly shown strong interest in signing Spain international Dani Olmo.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been struggling to secure regular starting opportunities under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
Spanish publication Sport claims Arsenal attempted to capitalise on this situation alongside Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Qadsiah FC.
However, the highly-rated attacker rejected both approaches to fight for his long-term place at the Nou Camp.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola previously monitored the former RB Leipzig man during last summer’s transfer window.
Martinelli to avoid further FA sanction
Meanwhile, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is expected to avoid retrospective punishment for a controversial incident during the recent loss at St Mary’s.
The Brazilian attacker shoved referee Sam Barrott while attempting to take a quick free-kick in stoppage time.
Barrott immediately issued a yellow card to the frustrated forward on the pitch.
Former Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief Keith Hackett believes the on-field booking will prevent further disciplinary action.
Football Association regulations generally prohibit the governing body from re-evaluating incidents that have already been managed by match officials.
“Because the referee has issued a yellow card, it is unlikely that the disciplinary panel will review the decision.”
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett speaking to Football Insider
Coventry City require just four points to secure a return to the Premier League after a hard-fought goalless draw against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Easter Monday.
Frank Lampard’s side produced an underwhelming performance but capitalised on slip-ups from promotion rivals Millwall and Middlesbrough.
The vital away point preserves a commanding 12-point advantage at the summit of the Championship table with only five fixtures remaining.
A victory over already-relegated Sheffield Wednesday in their next match could be enough to seal top-flight status for the first time in 25 years.
Tigers dominate but lack cutting edge
The hosts enjoyed the better of the early exchanges as Liam Millar tormented the visiting defence down the left flank.
Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth endured a nervous start, surviving a fumble in the penalty area thanks to a desperate block from Liam Kitching to deny Joe Egan.
Forward Joe Gelhardt also threatened from distance, curling an ambitious 25-yard strike safely over the crossbar.
Lampard’s leaders grind out vital point
The Sky Blues gradually weathered the early storm by utilizing their physical presence to disrupt the rhythm of the home side.
Victor Torp provided a rare attacking spark for the league leaders, dragging a shot wide before forcing a smart low save from Ivor Pandur.
Despite Hull pressing again after the interval through headers from Gelhardt and Oli McBurnie, the visitors stood firm to record a crucial clean sheet.
The frustrating result leaves the fifth-placed Yorkshire club trailing the automatic promotion places by four points.
Sporting Lisbon head coach Rui Borges hopes Viktor Gyokeres will not face a hostile reception when the Arsenal striker returns to the Estadio Jose Alvalade for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final.
The Sweden international will line up against his former employers in the opening leg of the European tie.
He scored a remarkable 97 times across 102 appearances for the Portuguese club before sealing a £64m transfer to north London last summer.
A deserved acknowledgement
There is anticipation that the 27-year-old could face a difficult atmosphere from the home support upon his comeback.
Borges insisted the lucrative summer transfer was the correct outcome for all parties involved.
He is a great player, and I am sure he will be welcomed by everyone because he marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement.
He wanted to take that step in his career and we respect that.
Players will change, but the club stays the same, and Sporting will go on winning.
Finding form in north London
The prolific attacker initially struggled to hit the ground running at Emirates Stadium.
However, the Swede has since found his rhythm, registering 17 goals for Mikel Arteta’s side this term.
His latest strike came as a substitute during a recent FA Cup defeat to Southampton.
I believe in the initial stage he had to adapt, given the style of play, and how Arsenal plays.
But he is still a great forward and now he is back to what he does well which is scoring goals.
Arsenal arrive as a wounded beast
The Premier League contenders arrive in Portugal following consecutive domestic defeats.
Their shock FA Cup exit on the south coast followed a Carabao Cup final humbling at the hands of Manchester City.
Despite the recent dip in form, the Sporting boss dismissed suggestions that this is an ideal time to face the English side.
They will be like a wounded beast tomorrow.
They will be more focused, more willing to show their collective and individual capacity.
Borges acknowledged the significant challenge ahead but backed his motivated squad to achieve something unprecedented against their visitors.
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is not planning an immediate return to football despite being linked with Benfica and Juventus following his January departure from Old Trafford.
The Portuguese coach has been out of work since being dismissed by the Premier League club.
He departed with a £12m severance package after his contract, which was due to run until 2027, was cut short following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
During his 12-month tenure in Manchester, he oversaw 63 matches, registering 25 wins, 15 draws and 23 defeats.
Benfica and Juventus register interest
Recent reports suggest the former Sporting CP boss has attracted attention from several top European clubs.
Juventus reportedly approached his representatives in January, though the Italian giants now appear likely to extend Luciano Spalletti’s contract.
He is also being considered as a potential successor to Jose Mourinho at Benfica should his compatriot leave the role.
Furthermore, the tactician is viewed as a future candidate for the Portugal national team position once Roberto Martinez’s tenure concludes after the World Cup.
Taking a break from the dugout
Despite the high-profile interest, an immediate return to the touchline is not currently on the agenda.
The Lisbon-born coach is understood to be relishing his time away from the sport.
He recently spent the Easter period holidaying in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He has also been spotted playing padel with close friend and Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana, whom he played alongside at both Braga and Sporting.
Carrick leads United revival
Meanwhile, Manchester United are formulating a strategy for their next permanent appointment.
Caretaker manager Michael Carrick has impressed since taking temporary charge, securing seven wins from his 10 fixtures at the helm.
His influence has helped guide the team to third place in the Premier League table, putting them in a strong position for Champions League qualification.
While Carrick has significant backing for the permanent role, the club have been linked with several other prominent coaches.
Julian Nagelsmann, Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Gareth Southgate are all reportedly under consideration by the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Manchester United are prepared to sell £50m midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, with Turkish club Galatasaray emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.
The Uruguay international has struggled to secure regular first-team football since arriving from Paris St-Germain.
He has managed just seven Premier League starts during a turbulent campaign at Old Trafford.
Midfield overhaul planned under Carrick
The Red Devils are currently third in the top flight under the interim guidance of Michael Carrick.
Carrick took charge after Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January, and the club are now targeting Champions League qualification.
A significant midfield restructure is expected at the end of the season to create squad space and raise transfer funds.
The combative midfielder is understood to be keen on a departure to secure more consistent playing time.
European interest in former PSG man
Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the situation following the appointment of their new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Newcastle United have also made contact with the player’s representatives regarding a potential move.
Meanwhile, Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan are keeping a close eye on developments.
Despite the widespread Premier League and Serie A interest, a switch to Istanbul is currently viewed as the most likely outcome.
Galatasaray lead the race
Galatasaray came close to securing a deal for the defensive specialist during the winter transfer window.
That initial exit was blocked because the Manchester club were unable to source a suitable replacement in time.
The Super Lig outfit have maintained their strong interest and possess the financial capability to complete the transfer.
United are actively seeking midfield upgrades who can contribute effectively to both defensive duties and attacking build-up play.
Ipswich Town came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Birmingham City at Portman Road, significantly boosting their hopes of a return to the Premier League.
The hosts were forced to show immense character and resilience after falling behind early in the pivotal contest.
Tractor Boys show promotion credentials
Securing all three points ensures the Suffolk outfit maintain their upward momentum in a fiercely competitive race for the top flight.
This latest triumph underlines the formidable home form that has consistently underpinned their successful campaign to date.
Overcoming adversity to claim maximum points is a traditional hallmark of sides destined for elite-level football.
Blues frustrated after positive start
For the visiting side, relinquishing a hard-earned advantage will serve as a bitter source of frustration.
The Midlands club initially controlled proceedings before ultimately succumbing to relentless attacking pressure from the home side.
They must now regroup quickly and focus on their upcoming fixtures to salvage crucial points for the remainder of the season.
Lincoln City have secured promotion to the Championship for the first time since 1961 following a remarkable decade-long ascent from non-league football.
The Imps dropped out of the Football League in 2011 and were languishing in the National League just ten years ago.
Supporters are now dreaming of facing top-tier opposition, with chants of away days at Tottenham Hotspur echoing around the LNER Stadium.
A decade of unprecedented success
Only Wrexham have climbed the English football pyramid quicker than the Lincolnshire outfit in recent times.
The newly-promoted side achieved their success without celebrity owners or lucrative international sponsorships.
Their extraordinary journey has also included an unprecedented run to the FA Cup quarter-finals and an EFL Trophy victory at Wembley.
Building a sustainable future
Chief executive Liam Scully attributes their steady climb to a sensible financial structure and careful long-term planning.
It takes a village and arguably, boringly consistent behaviour over a length of time.
Liam Scully, Lincoln City Chief Executive
We’ve been this broad version of us since 2019 and have rarely deviated from our plan.
The foundations were laid by the Cowley brothers during the late 2010s before the club solidified its League One status.
Tactical evolution under Skubala
Despite operating with only the 18th-largest budget in their division, the team consistently outperformed financial expectations.
Mark Kennedy was dismissed last season as the hierarchy sought a more technically progressive approach to player development.
Current head coach Michael Skubala, a former England futsal tactician, was appointed to successfully guide the club into this new era.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has commended Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal for speaking out against Islamophobic abuse heard during Spain’s friendly against Egypt.
The Catalan youngster appeared visibly distressed at the RCDE Stadium in his home city after being subjected to the intolerable chanting.
The Spanish Football Federation swiftly denounced the actions of the crowd.
Catalan regional police have now confirmed the launch of an official investigation into the troubling incident.
United front against discrimination
The Brazilian winger is frequently targeted by racist abuse across Europe and believes high-profile figures must utilise their platforms.
“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” the 23-year-old stated.
“It’s important that Lamine speaks about it because it could help others.”
The Los Blancos attacker highlighted the responsibility affluent athletes hold in protecting marginalised communities who lack a public voice.
We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Blacks who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players.
Champions League controversy
The former Flamengo prospect was recently embroiled in a high-profile scandal during February’s European knockout tie against Benfica.
He accused Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse following a goal celebration in front of the Portuguese supporters.
Although the Lisbon club strongly denied the allegations, Uefa handed Prestianni a provisional suspension which ruled him out of the return leg.
“I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well,” he added.
Focus turns to Bayern Munich
Despite his ongoing battle for equality off the pitch, the European cup winner must now refocus his attention on continental success.
The forward was speaking on the eve of his team’s crucial quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich.
“If we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again,” he concluded.