VIA THE ATHLETICFC:

Real Madrid are in talks with retired midfielder Toni Kroos about bringing him back to the club in a new role within their sporting structure. Sources say Madrid see Kroos as a valuable asset for squad planning, club representation and training ground support. The move would mirror the route taken by Zinedine Zidane when he returned to the club before becoming manager.

VIA BEN JACOBS:

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been handed a four-year ban by the FA for an anti-doping offence — the maximum punishment available. The Ukrainian has taken his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, filing documents on 25 February 2026. CAS confirm an appeal is underway, with written submissions being exchanged and no hearing yet scheduled. Chelsea declined to comment.

John Stones has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after a decade in which he won multiple major trophies.

John Stones has announced he will leave Manchester City when his contract expires this summer, ending a successful 10-year stay at the club. The defender made 293 appearances after joining from Everton in 2016 and won six Premier League titles, the Champions League and several domestic cups.

In an emotional farewell, Stones said: “It has been my home for the past 10 years and it will be my home for the rest of my life.” He added: “I lived all my dreams out and lifted all the things that I came here to achieve.”

The 31-year-old also praised manager Pep Guardiola, saying: “I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to spend so long with him, win everything with him.” Stones’ departure follows other recent exits from City, while his hopes of making FIFA World Cup with England national football team depend on fitness.

READ MORE AT BBC SPORT.

Chelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said he felt relief after guiding the Blues to a 1-0 win over Leeds United and into the FA Cup final.

Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup final after a 1-0 semifinal victory over Leeds United at Wembley, with interim manager Calum McFarlane admitting he felt “relief” after the result. Enzo Fernández scored the only goal of the game with a first-half header from Pedro Neto’s cross.

McFarlane, appointed three days earlier following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal, praised the team’s response after a poor run of form. “Relief is the correct word,” he said. “We wanted to shift the momentum… the character was the most pleasing part.” Chelsea had lost seven of their previous eight matches.

Chelsea will face Manchester City in the final on May 16. McFarlane acknowledged the challenge ahead but said the squad had shown they can rise for big occasions. “It’s going to be a massive challenge… but we seem to raise our level,” he said.

READ MORE AT ESPN.

Como president Mirwan Suwarso has given Cesc Fabregas the green light to join Chelsea, saying: “You want your employees to stay with you for as long as possible, but at the end of the day, we don’t own him and he’s free to go to Chelsea if he wishes.” Vanguard News

But Fabregas isn’t biting. “I didn’t even see any quote from our president. I believe I will continue my chapter as Como head coach. Focus on next games,” Punch he said coolly.

Chelsea’s managerial chaos continues.

READ MORE FROM THE MIRROR

Chelsea have lost five consecutive Premier League games — and Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto is being tipped to make them pay in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.

Former Leeds star Dominic Matteo described the 22-year-old Italian international as “a bit of a secret weapon,” adding: “He’s got a lot of pace… as a defender, that’s the last thing you want.”

Blues’ shaky wings. Gnonto’s blistering pace. This could get ugly. ⚡

Eberechi Eze scored a stunning strike to send Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League—then limped off, leaving Gunners fans holding their breath ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.

“I’m alright,” Eze told Sky Sports. “I’m all good; it was just a precaution. I’ll be OK.” Kai Havertz also went off injured. Arteta confirmed: “They are muscular niggles. We don’t think it’s too much. We have to wait and see.”

Robert Lewandowski’s move to Chicago Fire has stalled after the MLS side reportedly shifted their priorities, according to World Soccer Talk citing The Athletic. The 37‑year‑old’s Barcelona contract expires in June, but Chicago “cooled” their pursuit despite earlier interest. “Club’s priorities have shifted at least for the moment,” MLS insider Tom Bogert wrote. Lewandowski now appears more likely to join Juventus or AC Milan, with Barcelona offering only a reduced‑role extension

Manchester City are reportedly confident of signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer, dealing a major blow to Manchester United, who regard the 23-year-old as their ideal midfield target. Sky Sports reports City are now in ‘pole position’ for the England international. Anderson is expected to leave the City Ground regardless of Forest’s relegation fate. City are prepared to pay up to £100 million for the former Newcastle man, who has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest young midfielders.

Paris Saint-Germain have joined Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea as the most genuine suitors for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, with sources indicating the 23-year-old England international is open to a move abroad and holds admiration for PSG coach Luis Enrique. Aston Villa could be willing to sell for anything north of £80 million, with some reports suggesting the fee could approach £100 million, potentially triggering one of the summer’s biggest transfer bidding wars.