Match Details

Related News

• FA Cup fifth-round draw: Manchester City travel to Newcastle United while Arsenal and Chelsea get lower division teams

  Mansfield Town will host Arsenal and Manchester City travel to Newcastle United in the headline fixtures of the FA Cup fifth round, scheduled for the weekend of March 7. League One’s Mansfield Town have secured a dream glamour tie against Premier League leaders Arsenal after their historic fourth-round upset of Burnley. The Stags, reaching this stage for the first time in 50 years, will host the Gunners at the One Call Stadium. Meanwhile, Manchester City face a high-stakes trip to St James’ Park to play Newcastle United in the round’s standout heavyweight clash. The draw also sees Wrexham host Chelsea following their victory over Ipswich Town, while Liverpool travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Other notable fixtures include Leeds United facing Norwich City and Fulham entertaining Southampton.

• Calum McFarlane promoted to assistant at Chelsea after impressing Rosenior

  Interim boss Calum McFarlane has been promoted to assistant manager at Chelsea after impressing new head coach Liam Rosenior during his short spell in charge.

  Chelsea have confirmed that Calum McFarlane will step up as assistant manager to new head coach Liam Rosenior.

  McFarlane, who recently served a two-match stint as caretaker manager, has moved permanently from his role with the Under-21s to join the first-team coaching staff.

  The decision was finalized on Thursday morning after Rosenior expressed his desire to keep the coach close by, citing his deep impression of McFarlane’s work during a turbulent transitional week.

  The promotion follows McFarlane’s brief but high-profile leadership of the senior squad, which included a resilient 1-1 draw against Manchester City and a narrow 2-1 defeat at Fulham.

  Despite the mixed results on the pitch, Rosenior was reportedly struck by the caretaker’s tactical handling of the team.

  As a result, McFarlane will not return to the youth setup he has led since last summer, marking a significant step up in his coaching career at Stamford Bridge.

  Speaking after the Fulham match, McFarlane appeared uncertain of his future, initially expecting a return to the academy.

  When asked about his status, he remarked, “As I’m aware, we’re back with the Under-21s tomorrow.” He even asked reporters for the score of the youth side’s game against Benfica, later showing visible frustration upon learning they had lost 6-2.

  However, his successful audition with the senior team has now ensured he remains a key figure in Rosenior’s new-look Chelsea dugout.

• Antoine Semenyo prefers Manchester City move from Bournemouth

  Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has chosen Manchester City as his next club, favoring a move to the Etihad over Manchester United and Liverpool as his £65 million release clause nears activation.

  Antoine Semenyo has informed suitors that Manchester City is his preferred destination as he prepares to leave Bournemouth this January.

  The 25-year-old winger reach the decision following a whirlwind 24-hour period that saw Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea all explore the conditions of a deal.

  Despite the multi-club interest, the Ghanaian international is reportedly sold on the sporting project at the Etihad, viewing Pep Guardiola’s side as the best platform for his long-term ambitions.

  The news comes as Chelsea officially withdrew their interest, despite making a late enquiry that briefly piqued the London-born attacker’s interest.

  The Blues have reportedly decided to stick with their current attacking options, leaving the path clear for the Manchester giants and Liverpool.

  Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola remains resigned to the situation, noting, “I understand that there is a lot of noise around Antoine… if you ask me, I don’t want to lose him, definitely don’t.”

  The transfer remains contingent on a £65 million release clause that is only valid for the first ten days of January.

  Manchester City are expected to move quickly to trigger the fee to avoid a protracted saga or a price hike later in the window.

  Reflecting on the imminent departure of his star man, Iraola added, “Antoine right now is our player… but every time the market opens, you never know what is going to happen.”

• Chelsea ends Antoine Semenyo pursuit; City, United lead chase

  Manchester City and Manchester United have emerged as favorites to sign Antoine Semenyo after Chelsea withdrew from the race for the Bournemouth forward and his time-sensitive £65 million release clause.

  Chelsea have officially withdrawn from the race to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, leaving Manchester City and Manchester United as the primary frontrunners.

  While the Blues cooled their interest, four other Premier League giants—including Liverpool and Tottenham—have made enquiries.

  Manchester City has reportedly made “positive progress” in recent days. The 25-year-old’s future hinges on a specific £65 million release clause that is only active during the first ten days of the January transfer window.

  Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola admitted the club is vulnerable but remains hopeful of retaining his star player, who is entering his career prime.

  Iraola stated, “[It is] not my concern, my concern is it doesn’t affect his performances. It is not doing, he is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him here.”

  The Cherries are reportedly open to negotiations with any suitor willing to loan Semenyo back until the season’s end.

  Semenyo intends to make a swift decision to avoid a drawn-out transfer saga, prioritizing long-term sporting projects and family impact.

  Liverpool remains a wild card in the pursuit, potentially accelerating interest following Alexander Isak’s broken leg.

  Despite the high-stakes interest, Iraola remains realistic about the upcoming window, noting, “Antoine right now is our player… but every time the market opens, you never know what is going to happen

  .”

   

• Chelsea launch audacious bid for Antoine Semenyo

  Chelsea have entered a fierce multi-club battle by launching a surprise bid to trigger Antoine Semenyo’s £65 million release clause and bring the in-form Bournemouth forward to Stamford Bridge in January.

  Chelsea have intensified the race for the Premier League’s most-coveted forward by launching a bold move to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.

  The Blues are reportedly prepared to trigger the Ghana international’s £65 million release clause to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options ahead of a crucial second half of the season.

  This “audacious bid” marks a significant statement of intent as the club looks to navigate a mid-season injury crisis.

  The 25-year-old has become the subject of an intense transfer battle involving Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham after a stellar start to the campaign.

  With eight goals and three assists already this term, Semenyo’s stock has risen exponentially.

  Former Watford striker Troy Deeney recently praised the forward’s remarkable development, stating: “I’m running out of words for this guy – he just keeps scoring. He’s developed into a top player.”

  While reports suggest Semenyo may favor a move elsewhere, Chelsea’s aggressive pursuit aims to capitalize on a release clause that expires shortly after the January window opens.

  The attacker’s versatility across the front line makes him an ideal target for Maresca’s system as the Blues look to solidify their Champions League ambitions.

  As one insider noted, the Bournemouth star has reached a level where “top clubs must be looking at him.”