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• Barcelona presidential candidate make Kane and Rashford claims in attempt to beat Joan Laporta in forthcoming election

  Barcelona presidential candidate Xavier Vilajoana has confirmed exploratory contact with Harry Kane’s camp, promising to sign the Bayern Munich star to replace Robert Lewandowski if elected on March 15.   ​Xavier Vilajoana has disrupted the Barcelona presidential race by announcing that his team has already held talks regarding a potential move for Harry Kane. Vilajoana, one of four candidates challenging favorite Joan Laporta, described the England captain as a “perfect fit” for the club’s associative style and a necessary elite addition to the squad. Kane reportedly possesses a £52 million release clause that becomes active this summer, though Bayern Munich remains hopeful of extending his current contract beyond 2027. ​The candidate’s aggressive transfer stance also places Marcus Rashford’s future at the Camp Nou in doubt. While Rashford has revitalized his career on loan from Manchester United, Vilajoana suggested he would prioritize academy talents like Jan Virgili over triggering the permanent £26 million clause for the forward. As the election nears, Vilajoana insists his plan focuses on elite balance, stating, “Only when we don’t have the talent at home should Barça be able to go to the market and attract the best talent.”

• Opta Supercomputer picks Champions League winner amid knockout drama

  The Opta supercomputer has identified Arsenal as the primary favorite to secure their maiden Champions League title following a dominant league phase.

  ​Arsenal leads the projections with a 26.86% chance of victory, bolstered by eight consecutive wins. Bayern Munich follows at 15.19%, despite recent domestic struggles.

  Premier League giants Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea round out the top five. Interestingly, the data suggests Newcastle holds a 4.47% chance of glory, notably higher than Real Madrid’s 3.10% likelihood as the knockout stages intensify.

  ​In the playoff round, Newcastle is virtually guaranteed a last-16 spot with a 99.77% progression chance after thrashing Qarabağ 6–1.

  Conversely, Inter Milan faces an uphill battle with only a 42.62% chance of advancing following a 3–1 loss to Bodø/Glimt.

  Despite their underdog status, the Norwegian side’s recent form against elite clubs proves no lead is insurmountable in Europe’s premier competition.

• Glenn Hoddle questions Bukayo Saka’s leadership after comments on Wolves draw

  Arsenal squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with bottom-placed Wolves, leaving them just five points ahead of Manchester City and facing a captaincy crisis.

  ​Bukayo Saka has faced sharp criticism for a “flat” post-match interview following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Wolves.

  Despite Saka and Piero Hincapie putting the Gunners in control, a stoppage-time collapse allowed Tom Edozie to level for the hosts.

  Former England manager Glenn Hoddle questioned Saka’s leadership demeanor, remarking, “Your demeanour needs to be a little bit more up… he was very flat.”

  ​The draw marks a worrying trend for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have won just twice in their last seven league outings.

  Manchester City now trail by five points with a game in hand, meaning the gap could shrink to two points by Saturday night.

  The result has reignited fears of a late-season crumble, with pundits suggesting “doubt is creeping into the minds” of the squad.

  ​Arsenal must now travel to 16th-placed Tottenham on Sunday for a high-stakes North London Derby.

  Spurs will be led by new interim manager Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank following their slide toward the relegation zone.

  With Saka and Leandro Trossard both nursing knocks from Molineux, the Gunners’ depth and mental fortitude face their most rigorous test of the campaign.

• Newcastle star banned for Qarabag return leg, two others at risk

  Malick Thiaw will miss the second leg of Newcastle’s Champions League play-off after picking up a milestone booking in Baku, leaving Eddie Howe with limited defensive options.

  ​Newcastle United face a selection headache following their 6-1 thrashing of Qarabag, as defender Malick Thiaw received a one-match UEFA suspension.

  Thiaw, who scored his first European goal for the club during the match, was cautioned for the third time this tournament.

  While he remains eligible for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City, he is officially ruled out of Tuesday’s return leg at St James’ Park.

  ​Manager Eddie Howe dismissed suggestions that the ban provides a necessary rest for the defender, highlighting the squad’s “paper-thin” depth.

  “No, I don’t see it as a blessing. I see that as a negative because we’re really stretched in that position,” Howe stated.

  With Dan Burn and Joelinton also one booking away from a ban, the Magpies must navigate the second leg carefully to ensure a full squad for the Round of 16.

• Why Newcastle’s Qarabag masterclass is a warning to Chelsea

  Anthony Gordon’s four-goal haul in a 6-1 rout of Qarabag has sent a clear message to potential Round of 16 opponents Chelsea.  

  Newcastle United dismantled Qarabag 6-1 to secure a potential Champions League knockout tie against Chelsea.

  Anthony Gordon was the protagonist, netting four goals to bring his tournament tally to ten.

  Playing in a central role, Gordon’s relentless pressing exploited the opposition’s backline, a tactic that poses a significant threat to a Chelsea side currently missing key ball-progressor Levi Colwill due to long-term injury.

  While Chelsea holds a superior historical record, they have struggled against the Magpies recently, winning only three of their last nine encounters.

  Despite a spirited 2-2 comeback in their previous Premier League meeting, the Blues must now weigh the risks of Liam Rosenior’s build-from-the-back style against Newcastle’s high-intensity pressure.

  Fans are already debating the draw, with one supporter noting, “Monaco fc” as a preferred alternative.