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• Mikel Arteta confirms Eze return amid mixed Arsenal injury news

  Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Eberechi Eze is available for Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth, though several key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard remain doubts after missing recent training.

  ​Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Eberechi Eze is back ahead of schedule for the weekend fixture against Bournemouth.

  The midfielder, sidelined since last month, significantly impressed the medical staff with his recovery drive.

  “The will that he’s shown from day one to get back as quick as possible… it’s just great to watch,” Arteta said, confirming his availability for the Cherries clash.

  ​However, concerns remain for Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Martin Odegaard after they missed Thursday’s training session alongside Riccardo Calafiori.

  While Arteta noted there were “changes since yesterday” regarding player availability, he offered a positive update on Mikel Merino’s post-surgery progress.

  Regarding Merino’s potential early return, the boss noted, “If there is a person who can do it, I’m sure that’s going to be Mikel.”

• Arne Slot confident he will remain Liverpool manager amidst pressure and Alonso links

  Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains confident in his position at Anfield despite a disappointing 2-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and intensifying rumors linking free agent Xabi Alonso to the role.

  ​Arne Slot has reportedly dismissed claims that his tenure at Liverpool is nearing an end, insisting he expects to lead the club into the 2026/27 season.

  Despite the Reds sitting fifth in the Premier League and facing a European exit, sources close to the Dutchman maintain that owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) will wait until a full summer assessment before deciding his fate.

  Slot remains focused on a planned squad rebuild, believing he is the “right man to lead Liverpool forward” through their current transition.

  ​The pressure on Slot is compounded by the availability of club legend Xabi Alonso, who is currently without a team following his departure from Real Madrid.

  While Alonso’s shadow looms large, Liverpool are simultaneously active in the transfer market, reportedly tracking RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba and Bayer Leverkusen’s 19-year-old striker Christian Kofane.

  For now, the club’s leadership appears committed to their strategy, even as Slot faces “growing noise from sections of the fanbase calling for an immediate change.”

• Arsenal warned Sporting CP capable of beating ‘anyone in Europe’ ahead of Champions League clash

  Arsenal have been cautioned that a resilient Sporting CP side, fresh from a stunning five-goal European comeback, possesses the quality and tactical spirit necessary to upset the Premier League leaders’ treble ambitions.

  ​Arsenal face a formidable challenge in their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP.

  The Portuguese side reached the last eight following a remarkable 5-3 aggregate recovery against Bodo/Glimt.

  Despite the Gunners’ status as favorites, former Sporting defender Virgilio believes an upset is possible if they outwork Mikel Arteta’s men. He insisted, “Sporting has the quality and conditions to beat any of these teams.”

  ​The tie carries historical weight, as Sporting previously eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League.

  While the Gunners remain undefeated in Europe this season, club legend Carlos Xavier noted the difficulty for both sides.

  He described the matchup as a “very complicated and difficult task,” emphasizing that Sporting has “nothing to lose” after already claiming the scalps of European giants like Paris Saint-Germain this term.

• Benfica, Ajax and Chelsea top CIES Academy profit rankings

  SL Benfica has been named the world’s most profitable football academy of the last decade by CIES, while Chelsea FC faces a record-breaking £262.4 million pre-tax loss despite high homegrown sales.  

  ​The CIES Football Observatory has identified SL Benfica as the global leader in academy monetization, generating €589 million in transfer revenue over the last ten years.

  Followed by Ajax (€454m) and Chelsea (€442m), the study highlights a strategic shift where elite youth systems function as vital revenue streams.

  Benfica’s consistent production line and Ajax’s defined football identity continue to set the gold standard for sustainable talent exportation.

  ​While Chelsea ranks third globally for academy profit, the club simultaneously announced a staggering £262.4 million pre-tax loss for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

  This figure marks the largest deficit in Premier League history, fueled by aggressive transfer spending and rising operating costs.

  To mitigate these losses, the London club has relied heavily on selling “pure profit” homegrown talents, including high-profile departures like Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher.

  ​Beyond the top three, the report underlines the financial dominance of the Premier League, with Manchester City following Chelsea as England’s most profitable academy.

  French clubs Lyon and Monaco, along with Real Madrid and Brazil’s Palmeiras, also feature in the top ten.

  This globalization of the development market shows 19 different associations represented, proving that identifying and well-timing the sale of young assets is now a universal strategy.

• Endrick’s brilliance at Lyon and for Brazil raises questions for Real Madrid management

  Brazilian sensation Endrick has sparked debate over Real Madrid’s transfer strategy after a dominant international performance while interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa secures the dressing room’s backing.

  ​Endrick sent a powerful message to Real Madrid’s hierarchy following a decisive performance in Brazil’s 3-1 friendly win over Croatia.

  Currently thriving on loan at Lyon, the teenager won a penalty and provided an assist, filling the void left by the injured Rodrygo.

  His display highlighted the perceived “malpractice” of former manager Xabi Alonso, who struggled to integrate the phenom before his recent departure.

  ​At the Bernabéu, interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa has reportedly won the locker room’s support to become the permanent head coach.

  Despite a rocky start, Arbeloa has secured 13 wins in 17 matches, including a notable comeback against Atletico Madrid.

  The squad’s preference could sway the board’s upcoming decision between Arbeloa and external candidates like Jurgen Klopp or Massimiliano Allegri this summer.