All posts by z3u9t.icu

Chelsea have a plethora of players to get off the wage bill before the last summer deadline day on September 1, and their success in selling unwanted players will likely have a real effect on their recruitment plans.

Chelsea players likely to be sold this summer

Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Lesley Ugochukwu, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi could all leave Chelsea this summer, according to a report by The Athletic, with all of these players also missing out on a place in Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad.

"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go

Many are apparently surprised.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 12, 2025

Despite actually making the cut to represent Chelsea at the CWC, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and defender Trevoh Chalobah may have key decisions to make about their futures at Stamford Bridge as well.

Dewsbury-Hall started just two of his 13 Premier League appearances last season, playing the vast majority of his minutes in the Conference League, while Chalobah could still be sold by Chelsea despite arguably being one of their best performers during the second half of 2024/2025.

“I suspect that they will try and sell him [Chalobah] because I think that’s what the whole bringing him back was about,” said Telegraph reporter Matt Law on the London is Blue Podcast last month.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

“I know that they are obviously interested in bringing in one defender. I don’t think it will be two defenders, so I think it will be one defender rather than two unless there are a lot more sales than planned, but I do fear that Trev will be on the up for sale list again. No one can be surprised because it’s the same thing that happens every year.

“I mean, it’s literally, it’s like Groundhog Day with Trev. He becomes the best player of the second half of the season, then they try and sell him.”

Armando Broja is also on the chopping block, with the striker failing to break into the Chelsea first team or replicate his stellar 2021/2022 form, when he enjoyed a productive loan spell at Southampton.

Chelsea to sell Armando Broja for just £17 million this summer

The Albania international commanded huge promise at one point, so much so that Chelsea once put a £50 million price tag on the Cobham academy graduate’s head (The Telegraph).

Now, following two failed loan spells at Fulham and Everton, Chelsea are prepared to sell Broja for just £17 million as they attempt to get him off their books.

That is according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who writes that Broja remains in-demand among some circles. The 23-year-old has actually received several enquiries from teams in the Bundesliga and abroad, so Chelsea have an avenue to offload him for good.

The striker would count as pure profit through the lense of PSR given his status as an academy player, but it’s been quite the fall from grace for Broja, who must now look to kickstart his career away from west London.

Manchester United are believed to be in pole position to sign a £4m+ striker who has also been targeted by Real Madrid in 2025.

Man Utd looking at more transfers after Cunha

The Red Devils are preparing for their first summer transfer window under the co-ownership of INEOS and manager Ruben Amorim, and there is plenty of work to be done following a disastrous 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

Not just Bruno: Man Utd star in talks to leave in another McTominay repeat

Manchester United could repeat their Scott McTominay disaster by selling this star.

ByDan Emery May 30, 2025

A plethora of incomings and outgoings are expected at Old Trafford, and the first arrival ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge is set to be Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha. Man Utd are set to trigger Cunha’s £62.5m release clause and give the Brazilian a five year deal at Old Trafford.

However, after Cunha, Man Utd are looking to make more additions to their squad, with Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo a serious target who could end up playing alongside the Brazilian behind a striker under Amorim.

At the back, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has been linked as a replacement for Andre Onana, and in midfield, Atalanta star Ederson is a man in demand with the Red Devils making contact over a transfer.

As shown over the last 12 months in deals for Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi and Patrick Dorgu, Man Utd are looking to build for the future by signing some of the best youngsters around, and they are now looking to sign a new teenage talent.

Man Utd in pole position to sign £4m+ striker who Real Madrid wanted

According to reports in Spain, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd are in pole position to sign Albacete forward Christian Kofane this summer.

It is claimed that the Red Devils, alongside AS Monaco and Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen are leading the chase for the 18-year-old forward, who has a release clause of just €5m (£4.2m), following his ‘explosion’ at the Segunda Division side.

Interestingly, Kofane has also been targeted by Real Madrid after bursting onto the scene in 24/25 for Albacete, with ‘half of Europe’ keeping an eye on the Cameroon-born striker.

Games

19

Goals

8

Assists

1

Minutes played

1,175

As can be seen, the teenager has made quite an impact in Spain after scoring on his La Liga 2 debut back in November, and by the looks of things, a move to Old Trafford could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months.

Liverpool’s forward line has been a huge asset in their success during Arne Slot’s first year at the club, undoubtedly catapulting them to Premier League success.

The Reds have scored 85 times to date, 15 more than any other side in the division, highlighting the impact they’ve had within the final third this campaign.

Mohamed Salah has certainly been the star in attacking areas in 2024/25, scoring 28 times and registering 18 assists – being responsible for 54% of all league goals scored this season.

The Egyptian signed a new two-year deal in recent weeks, handing Slot the added option throughout 2025/26, but he will need other talents to spread the goals if they are to sustain their success.

Numerous players have been linked with a switch to move to Anfield, all of which would improve the chances of another league title in just under 12 months time.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers

Various attackers have been linked with a switch to join Liverpool this summer, with Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota both likely to depart during the off-season.

Benjamin Sesko, Julian Alvarez and Victor Osimhen are just three names who have been thrown into the mix, all appearing on their shortlist ahead of the summer.

However, another name has been touted over the last couple of days, in the form of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, that’s if reports in Spain are to be believed.

The report states that after a deal for Jeremie Frimpong, they will target a move for the German attacking midfielder and are ready to make a huge offer to force the Bundesliga side into allowing him to depart.

It also claims that Slot is a huge admirer and sees him as a great fit for his side, and doesn’t want to sign any player with a lower profile than the 22-year-old.

Why Liverpool’s latest target is a bigger talent than Isak

Alexander Isak is a striker who’s been on Liverpool’s radar over the last couple of months, as Slot looks to add needed quality to the forward line.

The Swede has registered a staggering 23 goals in his 33 league outings throughout the current campaign, with only Salah scoring more throughout 2024/25.

Slot will undoubtedly want a player of his quality at Merseyside in the near future, but may be unable to land the 25-year-old given the £150m price tag placed on his head.

Such a figure has led to other targets being considered, allowing the manager to invest in numerous key areas – leading to pending deals for Frimpong.

A move for Wirtz this summer would allow Slot to land a bigger talent than Isak, albeit in a different position, but the German is evidently a star who needs to be signed.

The 22-year-old is already miles ahead of the Swede in terms of progression at such an age, offering the Reds a huge talent for the immediate and long-term at Anfield.

Wirtz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by departing boss Xabi Alonso, has registered 30 combined goals and assists in his 45 appearances across all competitions this season.

However, his underlying stats are just impressive, handing Slot a sensational option in the final third and strengthening their ambitions of retaining their top-division title.

He’s registered 1.5 shots on target per 90 along with 6.2 touches in the opposition box per 90 – having the tools to threaten with goals himself rather than teeing up his teammates.

Games played

31

Goals & assists

22

Shots on target per 90

1.5

Touches in opposition box

6.2

Chances created

2.2

Dribbles completed

3.1

Duels won

6.2

The German has also created 2.2 chances per 90, whilst completing 3.1 dribbles per 90, allowing other stars around him to improve their own tallies should he move to Merseyside.

There’s no doubt that his transfer would set the hierarchy back a huge sum, but his talent is there for all to see – having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

They should certainly prioritise a move for him over Isak, with the Reds able to add an all-round talent in Wirtz, having the skillset to provide for himself but also offering a different dimension to the current attacking department.

Not just Elliott: Slot must now sell "monster" Liverpool talent this summer

Liverpool are set to undergo a series of changes in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025

Although their fate is yet to be decided in pursuit of Champions League football, Aston Villa have already reportedly reached the closing stages of negotiations to sign one particular star.

Aston Villa's late push to secure Champions League football

Aston Villa have hit form at the perfect time and could yet be in a position to take full advantage in the final two games of the Premier League season. Victory over Bournemouth last time out made it four wins in their last five league games in a run that includes a 4-1 thrashing of top five rivals Newcastle United. Now, with two games remaining, Unai Emery’s side only sit behind Chelsea on goal difference.

Liverpool (C)

83

46

Arsenal

68

33

Newcastle United

66

23

Manchester City

65

24

Chelsea

63

19

Aston Villa

63

7

Nottingham Forest

62

12

With Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to play – two sides who have nothing to play for following disastrous Premier League campaigns – there’s every chance that Villa could yet sneak into the Champions League places in dramatic fashion.

Emery reiterated that Aston Villa must keep going after victory at Bournemouth, telling reporters: “It’s very good. I’m very happy and proud but we can’t stop now. We have to keep going.

Their new Grealish: Aston Villa plotting £50m move for "phenomenal" talent

Aston Villa are chasing a current Premier League midfielder

2 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

“We got Europe last week against Fulham at home and today against Bournemouth, teams that are competing very well and performing very well. They were fighting with us as their opponent.

“They were an opponent for us to get Europe. Now we’re in the run in with the teams fighting for Champions League after the way we did last week and the win we did today. We’re deserving to play the next match against Tottenham having the possibilities to be there, taking even more in Europa League or Champions League.”

Aston Villa closing in on Asensio deal

Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, those in the Midlands have already reportedly set their sights on their first reinforcement of the summer. According to Estadio Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi is now in the closing stages of a deal to sign Marco Asensio on a permanent basis for Aston Villa this summer.

The Villans are reportedly set to offer Paris Saint-Germain around €15m (£13m) to sell the Spaniard in a deal that Emery is reportedly personally pushing Monchi to complete. Given that PSG are keen to sell Asensio too, it seems likely that Villa will be in the perfect position to secure their move.

Asensio certainly has plenty of fans around the Midlands following a successful loan spell. And Emery is among those fans, having told reporters when questioned on the winger’s quality: “For him as well, it is a very huge challenge, to show here his capacity to help us. But every match, of course, he is doing a fantastic job, and his adaptation was going very quick.”

A £45,000-a-week star has said yes to signing for Leeds United following promotion to the Premier League, according to a transfer update.

Leeds looking to lift Championship title at Plymouth

It has been a memorable season for the Whites, with Daniel Farke’s side setting numerous club records and achieving their goal of winning promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds can still get to 100 points and lift the Championship title with a win at Plymouth Argyle on the last day of the season, something which Farke wants to do.

“The main job is done, we are promoted to the PL. We had a fantastic final home game. The connection between the club and the supporters. Icing on the cake is silverware for the bus tour. It’s pretty useful as you can drink something out of [silverware]. Both teams would deserve to win the league.”

Top 1% for clean sheets: Leeds now keen on "1-on-1 king" to replace Meslier

The Whites are looking to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer, given how error-prone Illan Meslier has been this season.

ByDominic Lund May 1, 2025

Attention after the last game of the season at Home Park will then be on the summer transfer window. Decisions will have to be made on the likes of Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and Josuha Guilavogui, all of whom are out of contract in the summer.

Meanwhile, calls will also be required on loanees Manor Solomon, Joe Rothwell. When asked if decisions were already made on those players, Farke said: “No not yet. Until everything is settled and done, we won’t speak about individuals about the future. It will happen pretty fast, right now we have clarity. But no rush because we have the whole of May and June to speak but we will do things relatively quick.

“Middle of next week we will make some decisions then we will speak to agents and move forward. We’ve had a few meeting already [re strategic planning]. Many structural and personal changes in the past. It’s important we sit down together and have clarity over budget.

“Scouts and data analysts doing a very good job. Right now we will prepare for next season with Robbie and Alex – they are in different roles now and we have to make sure the processes are right. A bit more time needed to discuss these processes. Next week we will need a few meetings. I’m optimistic.”

Now, there has been another transfer update on Solomon signing for Leeds on a permanent basis from Tottenham.

Leeds confident of signing Solomon who says yes to Elland Road move

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are open to selling Solomon this summer, and the player himself has said yes to signing for Leeds.

A permanent transfer ‘is expected to go through in the coming weeks’, with the 49ers Enterprises confident of a transfer and the winger and his fiancé, Dana Voshina, very happy in Leeds.

The 25-year-old, on £45,000-a-week, has been a standout performer for Leeds in the pressure moments of the season, as can be seen from his form during the run-in.

Leeds United 4-0 Bristol City

8.75/10

Leeds United 6-0 Stoke City

8.84/10

Oxford United 0-1 Leeds United

7.45/10

Leeds United 2-1 Preston North End

8.67/10

Middlesbrough 0-1 Leeds United

7.3/10

Nine goals and 12 assists in 38 Championship games from the left hand side has been Solomon’s contribution, striking up a brilliant relationship with Firpo. Now, it looks as if the Israel international, once dubbed a “pocket rocket”, could be here to stay.

Tottenham Hotspur are serious contenders to sign an “unbelievable” Premier League forward this summer, and his club are now willing to listen to offers, according to a report.

Spurs looking to strengthen in attack

Tottenham’s Premier League campaign has been nothing short of a disaster, but bizarrely, they still stand a good chance of making this season one to remember, given that Ange Postecoglou’s side are a two-legged tie with Bodo/Glimt away from the Europa League final.

That said, the underperformance in the Premier League suggests new additions will be needed this summer, and Spurs are particularly keen on strengthening in attacking areas, with AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo among the targets.

The Lilywhites are plotting a move for Semenyo to bolster their wide options, while the same report reveals they are also in the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days.

Tottenham hold internal talks over hiring ex-Liverpool manager worth £39m

It would be quite the move.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025

Semenyo and Cunha have shone in the Premier League this season, but Tottenham are also interested in signing a player who hasn’t been at his best, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they are now serious contenders to sign Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.

Man City are now willing to cash-in on Grealish this summer, and they will entertain offers of £38m – £43m, meaning they are set to make a huge £50m+ loss on the £100m they paid to sign him from Aston Villa in 2021.

Villa are among the rival suitors for their former player, while Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United are also named as potential suitors, so there is no shortage of interest from within the Premier League.

"Unbelievable" Grealish needs fresh start

The Englishman has enjoyed a great deal of success during his time at the Etihad Stadium, and he played a major role in City’s treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, picking up five goals and seven assists in the Premier League.

Perhaps most crucially, the former Villa man scored at the Emirates Stadium to help give his side a major advantage over Arsenal in the title race.

However, it would probably be a wise decision for the 29-year-old to move on this summer, given that he has fallen down the pecking order considerably, often being limited to appearances as a substitute.

The winger is clearly a talented player, having previously been lauded as “unbelievable” by members of the media, and his ability is underlined by the fact he ranks highly across some key attacking metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Progressive carries

7.55 (99th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.35 (90th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.90 (87th percentile)

At 29-years-old, Grealish needs to receive regular minutes on the pitch, so it would make sense to move on this summer, and a move to Tottenham would likely be of interest, should they manage to win the Europa League.

This summer transfer window is a huge one for Tottenham Hotspur if they are to rise up the Premier League next season, making amends for the dismal campaign endured in 2024/25.

The club’s bottom-half standing has led to questions being asked about Ange Postecoglou’s future at the club, with it unclear whether he’ll be in charge for 2025/26.

However, their progression into the Europa League semi-final against Bodo Glimt may save his career in North London – potentially able to end their 17-year wait for a trophy.

If the Aussie does manage to pull off such a feat over the next couple of weeks, he will need to be backed in the market by the owner to allow him to take the side to the next level.

It appears no time has been wasted ahead of the summer transfer window, already making serious moves to strengthen the side in numerous key areas.

The latest on Spurs’ pursuit for new attackers this summer

Over recent days, Spurs have been targeting reinforcements within the final third, leading to huge rumours over a move for Wolves’ star Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian only signed a new contract in recent months, but has stated his desire to leave, with any side wanting to land him needing to trigger his £62.5m release clause inserted within his new deal.

The Lilywhites aren’t alone in their hunt for the 25-year-old, with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal also touted with a big-money move for his signature.

The likes of Tyler Dibling and Liam Delap have also been mentioned as potential targets, but not to the extent of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who’s been hugely mentioned as a summer target.

According to one Spanish outlet, Spurs are preparing a £50m bid for the Cherries attacker, who’s reportedly a supporter of North London rivals Arsenal.

Why the £50m target would be the perfect Son replacement

Winger Heung-min Son has been a tremendous servant to Spurs over the last decade, often being the shining light in their side after moving from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2015.

The South Korean international has racked up a staggering 448 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring on 173 occasions, putting himself fifth in the club’s all-time scoring charts.

However, with the attacker being 33 come the start of next season, it’s safe to say he’s entering the final years of his career as a professional, with a plan needing to be put in place to replace him.

He’s also started to pick up more frequent injury issues, currently being sidelined with a foot issue, missing the Europa League triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt and being ruled out of Monday’s clash with Forest.

As a result, Postecoglou could turn to Semenyo as a summer target, with the Ghanaian certainly the perfect replacement for the fan-favourite during the off-season.

When comparing his stats to Son from the Premier League in 2024/25, the 25-year-old has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas, showcasing how much of a superb addition he would be.

Semenyo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by The Athletic’s Richard Amofa, has registered more goals in the league to date, whilst also managing more shots on target per game, highlighting his threat within attacking areas.

Games played

32

28

Goals scored

8

7

Shots taken

3.7

2.4

Shots on target

1.2

1

Tackles & Interceptions

1.9

1

Take-ons completed

2.1

1.3

Aerials won

1.9

0.3

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with more aerials won, offering Ange an all-round presence in the final third, playing a massive role in their potential success next campaign.

£50m may be a huge investment from the hierarchy, but it’s needed should the side return to the heights they’ve set for themselves in numerous seasons in North London.

Semenyo has demonstrated the qualities he possesses this season, with a big move needed, opening the door for a transfer to Spurs, and giving him a great platform to take his own career to the next level.

The next Dele Alli: Levy readying Spurs offer for the "next big talent"

2025 could be a big year of change at Tottenham Hotspur, so are Spurs seeking to sign the “next big talent” in sensational Dele Alli repeat?

Apr 19, 2025

English football clubs have a rich history in the Champions League. Since 1992/93, there have been seven English winners following Manchester United’s triumph in 1999.

Next year will see England will take their continental supremacy to another level, with five teams qualifying for the league phase via the Premier League – while they could be joined by this year’s Europa League winners.

And amid the fight for a top-five finish, some unlikely candidates have placed themselves in the race to qualify, with Nottingham Forest looking to compete for the first time in 45 years.

With the Reds hoping to join a growing list of clubs to make the final competition in its modern guise, here’s a look at every English team to play some form of Champions League football since its 1992/93 revamp.

When can Nottingham Forest qualify for the Champions League?

Forest are on the verge of qualifying for the first time in 45 years.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 8, 2025

Club

CL debut

CL seasons

Last played

Best performance

Arsenal

1998/99

21

2024/25

Final (2006)

Aston Villa

2024/25

1

2024/25

Quarter-finals (2025)

Blackburn

1995/96

1

1995/96

Group stage (1995)

Chelsea

1999/00

19

2022/23

Winners (2012, 2021)

Everton

2005/06

1

2005/06

Third qualifying round (2005)

Leeds

1992/93

2

2000/01

Semi-finals (2001)

Leicester

2016/17

1

2016/17

Quarter-finals (2017)

Liverpool

2001/02

16

2024/25

Winners (2005, 2019)

Man City

2011/12

14

2024/25

Winners (2023)

Man Utd

1993/94

26

2023/24

Winners (1999, 2008)

Newcastle

1997/98

4

2023/24

Second group phase (2003)

Tottenham

2010/11

6

2022/23

Final (2019)

1 Arsenal CL seasons: 21

Arsenal are on cloud nine after battering European champions Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium recently.

It was one of their finest European nights, and are on the verge of making the semi-finals for just the third time.

Making their debut in 1998/99, the closest they have come to lifting the trophy is losing the 2006 final to Barcelona, and made a knack of exiting at the last-16 stage before back-to-back quarter-final appearances upon their long-awaited return to the competition in 2023/24.

9 of the greatest Arsenal free-kicks of all time

Declan Rice’s heroics against Real Madrid have got to be among the best.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 9, 2025 2 Aston Villa CL seasons: 1

Unai Emery delivered a superb Champions League finish in his first full season at Aston Villa, and has the Midlands side potentially 90 minutes away from the semi-finals at the time of writing.

Winners of the European Cup in 1982, Villa spent over a decade without European football before reaching the Conference League semi-finals in 2024.

While their European campaign is in danger of ending soon, the Villans have seemingly returned to the top table for good – and may yet qualify again next season.

Which English clubs will play in Europe next season?

There is a fierce fight to claim a European football spot this season – which teams will make it?

ByStephan Georgiou Mar 29, 2025 3 Blackburn Rovers CL seasons: 1

Upon winning the Premier League in 1994/95, Blackburn Rovers were England’s sole representative in the 1995/96 edition of the Champions League.

Unfortunately, it did not pan out too well for Rovers, with the Lancashire side finishing bottom of their group.

Their fixture against Spartak Moscow is perhaps best known for an incident where teammates David Batty and Graeme Le Saux came to blows as their European dream ended.

4 Chelsea CL seasons: 19

Only Manchester United and Arsenal have featured more often in the Champions League than Chelsea, with the Blues firmly in the race to return to the competition after two seasons away.

The Blues’ finest hours on the continental stage have come in the form of their two trophy wins – firstly in 2012, when a dramatic comeback and penalty shootout saw off favourites Bayern Munich.

They bagged a second Champions League crown against league rivals Manchester City in Porto as England boss Thomas Tuchel showcased his tournament credentials.

Chelsea's 12 best matches in European football – ranked

From Champions League final glory to beating rivals in their own backyard, Chelsea have enjoyed many unforgettable nights on the continental stage.

ByRoss Kilvington Mar 7, 2025 5 Everton CL seasons: 1

Everton’s Champions League history is decidedly brief, though not for some questionable officiating, it could have been a little longer.

The Toffees’ fourth-place finish in the 2004/05 Premier League saw them enter the third qualifying round – the last round before the group stages.

Coming up against Villarreal, Everton had it all do in their second leg in Spain as they sought to overturn a 2-1 deficit.

But having battled to level the second leg at 1-1, a Duncan Ferguson header to force extra-time was inexplicably ruled out for a foul by Pierluigi Collina, before a sucker-punch strike from Diego Forlan broke Everton hearts.

6 Leeds United CL seasons: 2

As English league champions, Leeds United took part in the ‘first’ tournament of the post-European Cup era.

They came unstuck pretty quickly in the second round – which preceded the group stages – against Rangers, but put up a far better fight in their most recent appearance in 2000/01.

Leeds made the semi-finals, defeating the likes of Milan, Lazio and Deportivo along the way, before being beaten by Valencia in the last four.

7 Leicester City CL seasons: 1

Part of Leicester City’s reward for their fairytale Premier League triumph was a place in the following season’s Champions League.

While their domestic season fell totally flat (Claudio Ranieri was dismissed before their European exit), they ended up as the last English club standing in 2016/17.

After winning their group, they came from behind to defeat Sevilla on aggregate, though Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid proved a bridge too far in the quarter-finals.

8 Liverpool CL seasons: 19

Liverpool’s place in European Cup and Champions League history is assured, winning the famous trophy six times.

However, their first appearance in the Champions League didn’t come until 2001/02 under Gerard Houllier, whose successor, Rafael Benitez, led the Reds to their classic final victory over Milan in 2005.

They have since won it once more in 2019, with Jurgen Klopp’s side defeating Tottenham in Madrid.

Liverpool's 9 best European nights – ranked

Liverpool have had plenty of wonderful European nights over the years.

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 27, 2024 9 Manchester City CL seasons: 14

Manchester City have appeared in every edition of the Champions League since their debut in 2011/12.

After a number of false starts, they finally made the final in 2021, and although they were beaten by Chelsea on that occasion, they made up for it by sealing a historic treble in 2023 with a victory over Inter.

Having suffered on the pitch in 2024/25, their place in next season’s competition is not yet certain.

English football clubs with the most major trophies

Which club can claim to have the proudest history when it comes to winning trophies?

ByRoss Kilvington May 21, 2025 10 Manchester United CL seasons: 26

Manchester United have been kings of Europe three times – including twice in the Champions League era.

United won Europe’s biggest prize in 1968, 1999 and 2008, but have only reached the last eight once in the last 11 seasons.

At their peak, United reached three finals in four years between 2008 and 2011, only to run into Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona on two occasions.

They have been England’s most frequent representatives since 1992, appearing 26 times.

Arsenal “could make a move” for a “world-class” forward, who Mikel Arteta is known to be a big fan of.

Gunners eyeing new forward after "painful" Aston Villa defeat

Arteta’s side suffered one of their first real setbacks of the season on Saturday, with Aston Villa emerging as 2-1 winners after Emiliano Buendia’s late winner, and the manager was left frustrated by the manner of the defeat.

The Spaniard said: “Last kick of the game we have the chance with the cross from Declan for Noni and Viktor. We don’t score. Goal kick long, second ball, clear the ball, individual action. The ball comes inside the box and you end up losing it. It is painful.”

On the brighter side, the Gunners remain two points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, and a number of Arteta’s summer signings have hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium.

Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke have received praise for their performances, with Eberechi Eze also catching the eye, most notably scoring a hat-trick in the emphatic 4-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur last month.

Despite signing Eze and Madueke, however, Arsenal remain interested in signing another new forward, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed they “could make a move” for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke confirmed that a number of top Premier League clubs are in the race for Semenyo’s signature, namely Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Ghanaian’s £65m release clause will become active in the January transfer window, but the interested clubs may also choose to wait until the summer, at which point he will be available for just £50m.

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Lauded as “world-class” by Bournemouth teammate Justin Kluivert, the 25-year-old got off to a very impressive start to the campaign, and ranks third in terms of total goal contributions in the Premier League.

Player

Club

Goal contributions

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

18

Igor Thiago

Brentford

11

Antoine Semenyo

AFC Bournemouth

9

Arteta is known to be a big fan of the London-born forward, who is also impressive in the air, averaging 2.14 aerials won per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 97th percentile, compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

The former Newport County man has been impressing in the Premier League for quite some time, scoring a remarkable solo goal against Burnley during the 2023-24 campaign.

Clearly, Semenyo could now be ready to make the step-up to a top club, but having signed the likes of Madueke, Eze and Viktor Gyokeres in the summer, there are question marks over whether Arsenal need to bring in another new attacker next month.

Arsenal made it six wins from six in the Champions League on Monday night as Mikel Arteta’s men secured a 3-0 win over Club Brugge.

The Gunners tasted defeat against Aston Villa only a few days ago, but a much-changed team responded in emphatic fashion, with Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli both on the scoresheet.

Madueke scored a fierce opening goal, running through the heart of the Brugge team before unleashing a devastating effort from outside of the box that crashed in off the bar.

His second, a header from close range, was a lot simpler but there was nothing simple about Martinelli’s strike.

The Brazilian cut inside from the left and bent the ball into the far corner to cap off a phenomenal 3-0 win on the road in Europe.

Understandably, Arteta was delighted with what he saw from his players.

Arteta raves over Arsenal's attacking performance

Martinelli and Madueke have both struggled with injury this term but certainly made their chance count in Belgium on Wednesday night.

Speaking to the press after the game, Areta waxed lyrical over the two wingers, saying: “Madueke and Martinelli were outstanding today, the level of threat and two finishes spectacular. Jesus back after 11 months, to see him perform in the manner he did was really positive.”

Perhaps the biggest positive for the Gunners was Gabriel Jesus’ return to the side. The Brazilian hasn’t been seen in the first team since suffering a horrific ACL injury against Manchester United back in January.

While the striker didn’t score, he managed more touches than the man he replaced, Viktor Gyokeres, despite playing just half an hour.

Arteta was ecstatic to see the forward back in action, saying: “For 11 months, he’s been fighting against another very difficult injury and to see him back with that smile, with that energy and with that quality in his first performance back with us is really impressive and we’re all delighted for him.

“You can see how much we love him! If he continues to perform in that manner, he will bring something else to the team and I am really happy to see that.”

Arteta praises underrated Arsenal star

While the forward line grabbed the headlines in Brugge this week, praise must be handed to the lesser-spotted Christian Norgaard.

The Danish midfielder has barely kicked a ball since signing from Brentford in the summer but more than took his chance on Wednesday, albeit in an unfamiliar role.

Due to injuries to Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera, Norgaard played at centre-back and looked very solid, helping his team keep a clean sheet.

The manager was delighted with his performance, stating: “Christian Norgaard is someone who probably prepares the best out of all of them. He is somebody who makes us better every day. Any position, any condition, his attitude is always immaculate.”

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