Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus could leave the club this summer after the Brazilian admitted he dreams of returning to former side Palmeiras.
The 28-year-old faces an uncertain future in north London with his current contract winding down.
Having lost his starting place to Viktor Gyokeres, the former Manchester City player may be sold to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
He originally moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2022 for £45m but has seen his impact limited by persistent injury setbacks.
Brazilian harbours homecoming dream
Speaking to Globo Esporte, the versatile attacker revealed his deep connection with his boyhood team.
“I manage to follow Palmeiras a lot and that bond between me and the club was never broken,” he said.
“Obviously, I have the dream of returning one day to play, not to end my career, and I think about going back every day.”
The Brazil international began his professional journey with the Sao Paulo-based outfit at the age of 14 before moving to England in 2017.
Arteta plans attacking overhaul
Manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly open to a broader reshuffle of his forward line at the end of the season.
Gabriel Martinelli is another prominent name being considered for a potential departure as the Spanish tactician seeks fresh attacking impetus.
The Gunners are currently chasing their first Premier League title in over two decades alongside deep runs in the Champions League and FA Cup.
However, major sales will be necessary to fund further recruitment after an unprecedented £250m spending spree last summer.
Arsenal have progressed to the Women’s Champions League semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate victory over London rivals Chelsea, despite suffering a late 1-0 defeat in the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Renee Slegers’ side arrived in west London protecting a two-goal advantage secured during an assured first-leg performance at the Emirates.
A resilient defensive display proved enough to see the visitors through, frustrating their opponents before Sjoeke Nusken found a late, albeit insufficient, breakthrough.
Building a formidable European mentality
The north London outfit demonstrated remarkable composure when momentum inevitably shifted towards the home side.
Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar delivered a stunning second-half performance, producing crucial saves to deny Australian international Sam Kerr on several occasions.
In front of her, England centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy acted as an immovable rock, helping to disrupt the tempo and extinguish dangerous attacks.
This newfound resilience highlights a significant shift, with the Gunners now displaying the elite mentality previously associated with their London rivals.
Slegers praises squad humility and focus
The Arsenal manager could not hide her pride when reflecting on the historic achievement and the daily application of her squad.
I think it’s special to be a part of this, I really enjoy working with these people every day and the process we’re in.
Renee Slegers
She emphasised that while the results are excellent, the true reward lies in the daily dedication and humility shown by her players.
They work so hard and they deserve to get to the semi-finals of the Champions League, that’s a dream for every player.
Renee Slegers
Chelsea left frustrated despite spirited fightback
The Blues were highly competitive across the entire tie and created numerous goalscoring opportunities in front of their home supporters.
Both Alyssa Thompson and Lauren James struck the woodwork in the first leg, while Veerle Buurman repeated that misfortune on Wednesday before Nusken finally found the net.
Tensions also flared during the tightly contested fixture, with Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor expressing vocal frustration towards the video assistant referee over an alleged hair pull involving Katie McCabe.
Ultimately, however, it is Arsenal who march on in Europe, continually striving for greater success on the continent’s biggest stage.
Manchester City have formally asked manager Pep Guardiola to clarify whether he intends to stay at the club beyond this summer or end his trophy-laden tenure.
The 55-year-old is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2027, but speculation continues to mount regarding an early exit at the end of the current campaign.
Senior figures at the defending Premier League champions approached the Catalan coach following their recent Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal.
Preparing for all scenarios
Sporting director Hugo Viana and the club hierarchy are seeking private confirmation during the current international break.
This timeline would allow the Manchester outfit to properly prepare contingency plans should they need to appoint a successor.
The revered tactician has traditionally been granted the freedom to dictate his own future by the City board.
Transfer targets await decision
The uncertainty in the dugout is beginning to impact preparations for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Several high-profile targets, reportedly including Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, are eager to know who will be in charge before committing to a move.
However, club insiders remain confident that players would not reject a move to the Etihad even if a new head coach is at the helm.
Maresca links and rebuilding efforts
Enzo Maresca, who was dismissed by Chelsea on New Year’s Day, had previously been touted as a potential replacement.
The Italian previously served as an assistant to City’s current manager and has admitted to holding preliminary talks about a future role.
On the pitch, the serial winner is currently tasked with rebuilding a squad that sits nine points behind league leaders Arsenal, albeit with a game in hand.
He has already overseen significant squad investment over the last 12 months, securing the signatures of Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders.
Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni has heavily criticised UEFA after being suspended for an alleged racial slur directed at Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr during their Champions League tie.
The Argentine was banned from the second leg of the last-16 encounter following an altercation in the opening fixture.
European football’s governing body suspended the player after Vinicius reported the incident to the referee in the aftermath of his opening goal.
Prestianni vehemently denies the accusation, insisting the Brazilian misinterpreted his words on the pitch.
‘Punished without any evidence’
The Benfica winger could still face a 10-match ban if a formal UEFA investigation finds him guilty of racist abuse.
Speaking to Argentine network Telefe, the player expressed his deep frustration at the disciplinary action taken against him.
“What really hurt me was being treated for something I never did.”
“I was punished without any evidence for something I didn’t say, but fortunately, I am very calm because everyone who knows me knows the kind of person I am.”
Mourinho defends Benfica player
Prestianni expressed immense gratitude towards his club and team-mates for their internal support throughout the ongoing controversy.
Real Madrid ultimately won the tie 3-1 on aggregate to eliminate the Portuguese side from the competition.
However, the aftermath has been dominated by comments from Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, who suggested Vinicius provoked the situation.
The Portuguese coach criticised the Real Madrid star for his goal celebration, which resulted in a yellow card during the first leg.
“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way,” Mourinho stated.
The former Chelsea and Roma boss also questioned the recurring nature of incidents involving the Brazil international across European football.
“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium; every stadium that Vinicius plays in, something happens.”
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak will return to full team training on Thursday after recovering from a broken leg sustained against Tottenham in December.
The British record signing has been sidelined for nearly four months following the severe impact injury and subsequent ankle surgery.
He began individual fitness work last month but is now ready to rejoin his teammates ahead of a crucial period for the club.
Champions League return targeted
Head coach Arne Slot indicated the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Paris St-Germain is a more realistic comeback date than Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Manchester City.
The Dutchman believes the Swedish international is in high spirits after his national team successfully navigated their play-off against Poland to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Despite a slow start to his Anfield career, managing just three goals in 16 appearances, his manager expects a significant attacking boost upon his return.
“I think Alex is in a really good place because Sweden qualified for the World Cup and apart from that he’s going to train with the group again for the first time,” Slot said.
“If you’ve worked so hard for three, four months and then to return to team training, that’s for everyone very nice.”
Attacking reinforcements for run-in
The former Newcastle forward’s availability will provide vital firepower for a side that has struggled to convert chances in recent weeks.
“To have him again in a team that’s usually generating quite a lot of chances, but to have him back for the last two months is very helpful for us,” Slot added.
In a further boost to the Merseyside outfit, Mohamed Salah is also expected to be fit for the weekend trip to the Etihad Stadium.
The Egyptian winger missed a defeat to Brighton prior to the international break but looks set to feature in the vital domestic cup clash.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insists Mohamed Salah will leave Anfield as a club legend when the forward departs at the end of the season.
The Egypt international recently used social media to confirm an agreement to terminate his current contract one year early.
His early announcement concludes a sometimes turbulent campaign for the 33-year-old on Merseyside.
The prolific attacker previously claimed the Dutch manager had thrown him under the bus after being benched during a difficult run of results in December.
Putting differences aside
Both men now appear to have completely resolved their tactical disagreements behind the scenes.
The Liverpool boss is instead focusing on ensuring the veteran winger finishes his historic English career with a flourish.
“The first day I was impressed by his professionalism.”
Speaking to the official club website, the 46-year-old coach highlighted the player’s relentless hunger and unparalleled commitment to the team.
“He had nothing to prove but for himself he had a lot to prove because Mo always thinks he has to prove something every three days.”
Slot revealed that this elite mentality and desire to constantly score goals is what stands out the most about the former Roma man.
A fitting Anfield farewell
Confirming his departure early provides supporters with a rare opportunity to properly honour a departing icon before the summer transfer window opens.
The Dutch tactician believes the Egyptian heavily warrants a spectacular send-off from the Anfield faithful.
However, the head coach also urged the home crowd to channel their energy into supporting the entire squad during a critical fixture schedule.
“Mo definitely deserves that the fans give him a great farewell.”
The Merseyside club face a monumental fortnight, featuring an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City and a Champions League clash with Paris St Germain.
Securing victories in these vital knockout stages remains essential for a team determined to collect major silverware this season.
Isak poised for crucial return
In a significant boost for their European ambitions, £125m club-record signing Alexander Isak is finally set to resume first-team training.
The Sweden international has spent more than three months sidelined after suffering a broken leg.
The highly-rated striker could immediately return to the matchday squad for next week’s vital European away leg in the French capital.
“I think Alex is in a really good place because Sweden qualified for the World Cup yesterday evening and apart from that he’s going to train with the group again for the first time tomorrow.”
The Premier League has confirmed the live television broadcast schedule for the critical first two weeks of May, featuring crucial run-in fixtures for title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.
The updated calendar highlights the intense race for the championship as the 2025-26 season enters its tense final month.
Current league leaders Arsenal and the defending champions are both set for pivotal televised encounters that could ultimately decide the destination of the trophy.
Gunners and City face crucial early May tests
The North London club will host local rivals Fulham on Saturday, 2 May in an evening kick-off.
Their closest championship challengers then travel to Merseyside two days later on the bank holiday Monday to face an Everton side still harbouring ambitions of European qualification.
This intense schedule continues into the second week of the month with both title contenders facing tricky weekend assignments.
Tricky trips and vital relegation battles
Manchester City will welcome high-flying Brentford to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 9 May.
Twenty-four hours later, the current table-toppers make the short trip across the capital to face West Ham United at the London Stadium.
The latest fixture selections also feature significant clashes at the bottom end of the table, where the fight for top-flight survival remains incredibly tight.
Relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest are scheduled to host Newcastle United, whilst fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United meet in a potentially decisive Monday night encounter.
Historic rivalries highlighted in the run-in
Beyond the immediate title and relegation races, the updated broadcast schedule includes one of English football’s most storied fixtures.
Manchester United will welcome arch-rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday, 3 May, with vital Champions League qualification points potentially at stake.
Top-five hopefuls Chelsea are also featured prominently in the holiday weekend coverage when they face a desperate Forest side battling to avoid the drop.
Udinese striker Keinan Davis is targeting a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup following a remarkable goalscoring renaissance in Serie A.
The 28-year-old has registered 10 goals and three assists in 26 league appearances this season.
Only Bayern Munich captain Harry Kane currently boasts more goal contributions among English centre-forwards playing in Europe’s top divisions.
It marks an extraordinary turnaround for a player who found himself at a career crossroads after falling out of favour at Aston Villa three years ago.
Swapping the Championship for San Siro
Following a series of injury-hit campaigns and loan spells in the second tier, the former Stevenage prospect faced a significant decision regarding his future in 2023.
A conversation with his former youth coach Dave Northfield ultimately convinced the frontman to reject domestic offers and embrace a new challenge in Italy.
“Then he just set it out to me about playing at the San Siro instead of in the Championship,” Davis said.
“When I put it into perspective, I thought this is a no-brainer.”
Villa exit and Golden Boot pursuit
The gamble to swap English football for the Italian flight has paid spectacular dividends.
The powerful forward now finds himself firmly in the race for the Serie A Golden Boot, trailing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez by just four goals.
Such elite form is a far cry from the end of his six-year stint at Villa Park, where loan moves to Nottingham Forest and Watford signalled an impending permanent departure.
“When I finished with Nottingham Forest and came back to Villa, just from how I was being treated when I got back, I knew it was kind of over,” he added.
“I didn’t have conversations with anyone to stay.”
Solving Tuchel’s attacking dilemma
With the World Cup rapidly approaching, England manager Tuchel is actively evaluating his attacking options to support Kane.
The ex-Villa man’s physicality, hold-up play and newly discovered clinical edge could offer a highly effective tactical profile for the national team.
Having proven his ability to score consistently in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues, the Bedfordshire-born star has timed his peak form perfectly.