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As is the case with every club of their size, Arsenal have had some truly special players represent them in the Premier League era.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pirès terrified defenders, while Sol Campbell and Tony Adams did the same to opposition attackers.

The Gunners have also been blessed with some incredible midfielders over the last 25 years or so, such as the legendary Patrick Vieira.

Nobody has quite been able to live up to the Frenchman since, but there is one player in Mikel Arteta’s side who’s starting to emulate him.

Arsenal's best midfielders in the Premier League

As the list of Arsenal’s best Premier League midfielders could be a long one, this top three includes only central and defensive midfielders.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Additionally, the players must no longer be at the club, as currently, Arteta’s side are yet to win anything significant.

With that out of the way, coming in at number three has to be the incredible Gilberto Silva.

The Brazilian monster joined the club in the summer of 2002 and went on to make 244 appearances over the next five years, scoring 24 goals and providing 14 assists.

Once described as the man who “carried the piano for Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo to play their tunes on” by the outlet Veja, the often underappreciated titan carried out a similar role in North London that saw him leave with one league title, two FA Cups and two Community Shields.

Just pipping Gilberto into second place is Cesc Fàbregas, as while he was no stranger to playing higher up the pitch, he spent most of his time in North London playing centrally.

The Spaniard may have left on poor terms, but he did so with an incredible record of 57 goals and 95 assists in 303 games, in which he won one FA Cup and one Community Shield.

Finally, first place simply had to be for Captain Fantastic himself, Vieira.

Arriving from AC Milan in the summer of 1996, the French international would go on to help transform the Gunners’ midfield and leave as a bona fide legend.

In addition to captaining the side during the Invincible season, the monstrous midfielder eventually left the club after making 405 appearances, during which he scored 32 goals, provided 47 assists, won three league titles, five FA Cups, and three Community Shields.

The Arsenal star becoming Arteta's Vieira

While they need to win something significant first, there are several stars in this Arsenal team who could easily become legends in their own right over the coming years.

However, when it comes to the player who could, and looks like they will become Arteta’s own Vieira, it has to be Declan Rice.

The Gunners’ £105m has been a brilliant player for them since his mega money move in the summer of 2023, but over the last year, and especially this season, he has really stepped it up and is now starting to emulate some of the Frenchman’s best qualities.

For example, while he is no longer an out-and-out six, he remains a defensive and physical powerhouse and someone who is more than happy to throw his weight around to disrupt opposition attacks.

For example, Fbref still ranks him in the top 16% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for the percentage of aerial duels won per 90 minutes.

Moreover, while he does not have the armband for the club, he is still one of the most vocal players on the pitch and is one of the five players in the manager’s leadership group.’

Finally, in addition to possessing the attitude and physical characteristics of the Gunners legend, the former West Ham star is also comparable in terms of footballing ability.

Whether it’s a dead-ball situation or during play, the Englishman is one of “the best in the world,” per Thomas Frank, and has the ability to ping the ball exactly where he wants it, and over the last couple of campaigns has become far more of a goal threat.

Both of these traits were on full display against Burnley at the weekend and will undoubtedly be again for the next game.

Ultimately, while the comparison won’t be truly appropriate until he lifts a title with Arsenal, it is clear that Rice is becoming Arteta’s own Vieira.

Better than Rice: Arsenal "colossus" is having a Ballon d'Or level season

Just like Declan Rice, the incredible Arsenal star is having an unreal season under Mikel Arteta.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 3, 2025

Shohei Ohtani enjoyed a record-breaking 2024 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers that wiped away any lingering doubt that he may not be worth the historic, record-breaking contract he signed in free agency last offseason. Recording the first 50 home run, 50 stolen base season in baseball history will do that.

But this time of year is the reason the Dodgers wanted Ohtani, and why Ohtani chose the Dodgers: Playoff baseball. The Japanese mega-star had never played in the postseason heading into 2024, and Los Angeles kept falling short after a 2020 World Series title.

On Saturday, Ohtani suited up for his postseason debut and the Dodgers were immediately in need of his services. The visiting San Diego Padres jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the opening frame. Then Ohtani came up in the bottom of the second inning with two men on base. He delivered, mashing a huge game-tying home run for his very first postseason trip around the bases.

And he celebrated in emphatic fashion, flinging his bat to the side as he let loose a joyous yell.

Shohei Ohtani playing October baseball. What a majestic sight. For anyone other than Padres fans, anyway.

A very cool moment for one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

Pep Guardiola has claimed he had never heard of Jobe Bellingham as the Borussia Dortmund midfielder and brother of England and Real Madrid star Jude prepares to face Manchester City in the Champions League. The younger Bellingham followed his older sibling's path by moving to Dortmund last summer from Sunderland, having also come through Birmingham City's youth ranks.

• Jobe Bellingham enduring slow start at Dortmund

  Bellingham has made a slow start to life at Dortmund following his £32 million ($41m) transfer, starting only four games across the Bundesliga and the Champions League. Bellingham’s status as a squad player rather than a regular starter has reportedly led to tensions between his parents Mark and Denise and coach Nico Kovac. 

  It was reported that both parents were banned from the Dortmund dressing room after arguing with Kovac over Bellingham's reduced role in the squad. And last month it was reported that Jobe had been left feeling "massively insecure" about his place in the team. 

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  Guardiola knew little about Jobe's exploits for Sunderland

  The younger Bellingham played a key role in Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League last season and has generated a huge amount of attention after following a similar, albeit less rapid, path to Jude – who has helped knock City out of the last two editions of the Champions League with Real Madrid. However, Guardiola was nonplussed when asked whether he knew much about Jobe. "No…I didn't know him back then," the coach told a press conference.

• Guardiola explains why he gave City squad day off

  The day before a Champions League match is usually a busy one for teams involved in the competition as they run through tactical plans in their training session, which is normally played out in front of reporters and television cameras for 15 minutes. But in a surprising and rare move, Guardiola cancelled training and opted to give his players the day off, with the exception of Erling Haaland who did media duties. His side will instead train on the morning of the game. 

  Guardiola explained that he wanted to give his players more time to recover from their 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday. Dortmund had two extra days to prepare for the game, winning 1-0 at Augsburg on Friday.

  The City boss said: "We will train tomorrow morning. No [it is not unusual]. I have done it a few times. Not a lot but I have done it a few times and sometimes I prefer it. It was such a demanding game against Bournemouth that I prefer today at home and tomorrow we train." On Dortmund having more time to recover, he added: "We are used to it. It is what is. Nobody is going to change the schedule. In Germany, in France, all the teams in the Champions League they try and play on Friday to get more [rest]. I don't like it but it is what it is."

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  Guardiola expecting easier path to knockout rounds this time

  City endured a torrid time last season in the first edition of the revamped Champions League. They only scraped their way into the knockout playoffs as they finished 22nd out of 36 teams in the league phase thanks to a comeback victory over Club Brugge in their last game. The sides placed ninth to 24th qualify for the playoffs to advance to the last 16 and City were in serious danger of missing out after drawing at home to Feyenoord and losing away to Juventus, Sporting CP and eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

  City have taken seven points from their first three games and have their next two fixtures, against Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola believes they will have a calmer path to qualifying for the playoffs, if not directly to the last 16 by virtue of finishing in the top eight, as the squad is not depleted by injuries as it was this time last year.

  "It is not about being not prepared last season," he said. "Last season we were injured. Fifty-percent of the squad were injured during months and months and especially during that period when there are a lot of games. Of course we are prepared for the format and for the old one. We will be ready. It is just last season, we had a lot of problems in terms of not having players and that was more difficult."

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on an “important” member of the squad following his return from injury.

Chelsea face Premier League title rivals Liverpool amid selection crisis

The Blues have endured a pretty underwhelming start to the 2025/2026 campaign, and it doesn’t get any easier as Maresca’s side prepare to host Premier League champions Liverpool this afternoon.

Maresca, after winning the Conference League, Club World Cup and qualifying for the Champions League last season, has been tasked with building upon 2024/2025’s feats with over £280 million spent on new recruits in the summer window.

However, he is also forced to lean on a roster full of youth and a starting eleven boasting an average age of just 24.1 (BBC), with injuries crippling the tactician so far.

As October arrives, Chelsea’s absentee list includes Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Trevoh Chalobah and star forward Cole Palmer — who are all set to miss today’s clash with Arne Slot’s side at Stamford Bridge.

Fofana and Tosin are not expected to return until after the international break, with the former undergoing concussion protocol, while Chalobah is serving a one-match suspension after his red card against Brighton last weekend.

Colwill is set to miss the majority of this season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season too — leaving Maresca absolutely bereft of centre-backs to choose from against Liverpool — with it being most likely that Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato are given the starting nod.

Badiashile has only just returned from injury himself, starting his first game of the season in a 1-0 Champions League win over José Mourinho’s Benfica on Tuesday, and the Frenchman impressed.

Reports suggest that Chelsea insiders have pushed Badiashile’s case behind-the-scenes as a capable deputy to come in and play a significant role, despite being linked with a move away last summer.

The 24-year-old’s presence, amid Chelsea’s serious defensive shortage, now looks more imperative than ever, with Badiashile refusing a move away in the last window and declaring his love for the West Londoners.

The former Monaco star’s loyalty is being repaid by Maresca, who piled praise on Badiashile in his pre-Liverpool press conference.

Enzo Maresca praises Benoit Badiashile return as "good news" for Chelsea

Speaking to reporters, Chelsea’s boss confirmed that Badiashile is in fact an “important” player for them, and his return to the fold is “good news” ahead of their challenging face-off against England’s champions.

Unfortunately for Badiashile, his place in the starting eleven is under threat long-term.

According to reports, Chelsea and Maresca are in agreement that the signing of a star centre-back takes “priority” for January.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that Chelsea have reached out to Marc Guehi’s camp this week and could attempt to re-sign the Crystal Palace star for a cut-price fee in the winter.

Juventus are reportedly ready to sell star forward Jonathan David in January, just months after his summer arrival, according to Sky Sports. The Canadian has scored just once in 11 games, with his team now contacting major clubs like Tottenham and Bayern Munich. With new boss Luciano Spalletti snubbing him, a "quick exit" is now being considered by the Bianconeri.

• David's struggle to adapt to Serie A

  Juventus have placed David on the transfer market and are considering a shock January exit, just months after he joined the club, according to a report from Sky Sports.

  The 25-year-old striker has struggled significantly to establish himself in Turin following his summer switch from Lille. His entourage has reportedly been in constant contact with several major European clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich both inquiring about the conditions for a potential winter transfer.

  David arrived at Juventus with a prolific reputation, having scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists in 49 games for Lille during the 2024-25 campaign. However, he has failed to replicate that form in Italy.

  According to Sky Sports, David has featured in 11 matches for the Bianconeri but has played only 51 per cent of the available minutes. His statistical return has been minimal, registering just one goal and one assist. That lone goal came in the season's opening fixture against Parma in August, and he has failed to find the net since. This lack of output has alarmed the Juventus hierarchy, prompting them to explore a "quick exit."

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  Tottenham lead chase amid attacking crisis

  Tottenham have emerged as a primary suitor, driven by a desperate need for attacking reinforcements. Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Spurs have made a formal inquiry regarding the conditions for a January deal.

  The North London club are reeling from a long-term injury to striker Dominic Solanke, which has left their frontline severely depleted. Head coach Thomas Frank is overseeing a dismal run of form that has seen Spurs win just one of their last five matches across all competitions. Most worryingly, they have failed to score in three of those five games.

  The club's current backup strikers, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel, have been unable to step up, managing just one goal between them all season. This has forced the club to seek an immediate solution in the winter market, with David's potential availability seen as a timely opportunity.

• Bayern Munich also monitoring situation

  Spurs are not the only European giant monitoring the situation. The report states that David's representatives have also reached out to Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions have similarly inquired about what it would take to sign the Canadian, as they assess their own forward options heading into the second half of the season.

  The involvement of both Spurs and Bayern suggests a competitive market could form if Juventus formally commit to a sale, despite David's poor run of form.

  Any hope that a change in the dugout would immediately revive David's Juventus career appears to have been misplaced. The club dismissed Igor Tudor last week following a disastrous eight-game winless run.

  New manager Luciano Spalletti was appointed on Thursday and oversaw his first match on Saturday—a nervy 2-1 away win against Cremonese. David's role in the victory was minimal, as he was left on the bench until the 85th minute, coming on for just five minutes to help see out the result.

  Spalletti’s starting XI sent a clear message, preferring a front three of Dusan Vlahovic, Lois Openda, and Filip Kostic. This selection indicates that the former Italy boss currently views David as "impact cover" rather than a key part of his starting plans.

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• Juve 'open' to sale as free transfer guarantees profit

  From the Bianconeri's perspective, a January sale is financially appealing. A report from Gazzetta dello Sport claims Juventus are "open" to letting David leave.

  Crucially, David arrived on a free transfer during the summer after his contract at Lille expired. This means any fee received for the 25-year-old would represent 100 per cent profit on the club's balance sheet.

  Despite his struggles in Turin, David’s market value is still estimated to be around €45 million (£39m/ $52m), a valuation reflecting his stellar record at Lille, where he scored 109 goals, provided 30 assists, and won a Ligue 1 title in 232 games. This financial incentive may outweigh the sporting desire to wait for the player to find his form.

Manchester City haven’t been at their rip-roaring best so far this season, but there are certainly signs from Pep Guardiola’s side that they are reshaping into a force to be reckoned with.

Arsenal and Liverpool are possibly both ahead of the Citizens in the Premier League title power rankings. But the campaign is young, and Man City no a thing or two about constructing an incredible run of winning form.

There are still issues to be ironed out, but Guardiola looks to have rebuilt the core of his squad at the Etihad Stadium, and he’s also got Erling Haaland leading the line.

And Haaland, unto himself, is a title-winning machine.

Haaland's incredible start to the season

With eight goals scored across six Premier League matches so far this season, Haaland has endured his joint-worst start to a term in the English top flight.

He really is remarkable. Sure to retire as one of the game’s greatest goalscorers, the Norwegian has been a monstrous attacking focal point for City over the past three years, and he continues to be the driving force for his side as they look to add some silverware to the cabinet.

The 25-year-old only took seven touches during the first half of Man City’s 2-2 draw against Monaco. That was all that he needed to have added another brace to his swollen collection.

Some player, and it’s remarkable that he has maintained his god-like scoring record in spite of Kevin De Bruyne leaving at the end of his contract last summer, the legendary playmaker signing for Napoli as he steers toward the sunset of his illustrious career.

Replacing the Belgian is going to be a tough task indeed. He is truly one of a kind. However, City did have such a player who looks like he’s up to the task, now that De Bruyne has left the English scene.

But Cole Palmer was sold before he could spread his wings for the Sky Blues.

Man City must regret selling Cole Palmer

In August 2023, Chelsea announced they had signed Palmer from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £42.5m. It was met with a mixed response, with the young playmaker regarded as an exciting talent but maybe also lacking experience at the highest level.

What followed was incredible. Palmer scored 25 goals and supplied 15 assists across a ridiculous breakout campaign at Stamford Bridge, swiftly rivalling the biggest hitters on English shores for being the face of the division.

He has now notched 74 goal involvements across 101 matches for the Blues, and across the past year, he ranks among the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for progressive passes and the top 5% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Though injuries have impeded the opening weeks of the Three Lions star’s campaign under Enzo Maresca, he remains a source of strength in west London, with his return to full form and fitness sure to coincide with an upswing of results for Chelsea too.

How City must be reeling. CIES Football Observatory have estimated that the 23-year-old boasts a market value in the ballpark of £145m, which it a pretty penny above what Chelsea paid for him.

Outscored only by the three top strikers of this Premier League generation since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Chelsea’s talisman continues to inspire awe, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher even going as far as to name him “the best player in the Premier League” about one year ago.

Haaland, of course, tops that list, and comfortably at that.

Palmer might actually be Man City’s talisman over the Norwegian sensation, had he been allowed to develop in Manchester. Goals and assists are dished out aplenty, and Palmer also won 56% of his ground duels in the Premier League last term, emphasising his underrated combative side.

That and he has been the all-inspiring leader for an up-and-down Chelsea side too, instrumental in winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup last year, thus establishing himself among the best players in the world at last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in France.

Indeed, Palmer placed eighth on the list, whereas Haaland will perhaps feel somewhat aggrieved after coming in at 26th.

To think that the Chelsea attacking midfielder achieved this without having played Champions League football (the first person to record a top-ten finish without that mark since Neymar Jr. 14 years ago) says much about Palmer’s quality, influence and the respect and admiration he is held in by journalists across the world.

If Haaland maintains his current form across the span of the season and wins a few trophies besides, the Norway international may fancy his chances of leaping well up the rankings during next year’s award ceremony, but Palmer, too, will look to bounce back from his current injury problems and push for a place at the very forefront of the list.

One thing’s for sure, Man City made a big mistake when signing off the cheque for Palmer’s sale to a divisional rival. He has only gone from strength to strength since departing and is now one of the best in the business.

Just imagine the Englishman feeding passes through to Haaland in the box, creating an almighty and unstoppable attacking partnership.

Given that De Bruyne is with City no longer, it really is frustrating to think the perfect replacement has already been sold.

Forget Nico: Pep must drop "world class" Man City star who lost the ball 12x

Following Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Monaco in the Champions League, a “world class” star, not just Nico González, cost them as Stade Louis II.

By
Ben Gray

Oct 2, 2025

Paul Pogba is edging closer to his first game for Monaco, but head coach Sebastien Pocognoli has called for realistic expectations for the former Manchester United and Juventus star. The French midfielder has returned to full training after multiple injury setbacks since his arrival in June and is nearing his Ligue 1 debut in the coming weeks.

• Pogba getting closer to Monaco debut

  The midfielder joined the club in June after leaving Juventus, determined to restart his career following a long spell out through doping suspension, which was cut from four years to 18 months. However, injuries have made the long-awaited return longer than anticipated. A slight thigh injury delayed his planned debut against Angers earlier this month, but the 32-year-old has since recovered and continues to build fitness, having trained fully over the past week. 

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  Monaco boss provides optimistic update on Pogba

  Ahead of Monaco’s trip to Nantes on Wednesday, Pocognoli said Pogba has been steadily recovering and could be part of the matchday squad in the coming weeks. However, he called for fans to have realistic expectations about his performances, given he has not played for over two years and his glory days at United and Juventus are behind him.

  "I said this week would be used to answer some questions about him [Pogba]. Things are going well, and I expect him to be back in the squad in the short term," Pocognoli said.

  “I think we'll have to do a process together around Paul. We have to judge him on the player he is now. The Paul of Manchester United or his first era at Juventus, and this is true for any player, that was a few years ago.

  “Every player evolves; we'll have to judge him on what he is now, given his background and his age. He still has the technique we know he has, and the pace of matches will give us some insight. His background is different from 10 years ago. It's up to me to stimulate his qualities and the potential he has right now. And I hope to get the most out of it.”

• Pogba stays patient as long wait continues

  Meanwhile, the Frenchman, despite frustrating delays, is willing to wait for his return to the field. He admitted that when he joined the club, he was aware it would take time to get ready for competitive action again.

  "I am a determined person, who wants to come back and who wants to enjoy myself on the pitch again especially, because that is what I miss the most," he said. "The objective is therefore to make my return to the highest level while taking the time necessary, and being patient… Whenever I traveled, I would take my fitness coach with me to stay fit and miss as few sessions as possible. Because I always had this positive thought in mind, that I could return to the field at any time. Of course, there were moments of doubt, but I always wanted to look forward and towards the future. And looking at my kids, I told myself that I wanted them to see me play on the field! I dream of them celebrating one of my goals with a dab [celebration]. That’s what pushed me to train, to maintain this discipline. Today I am very happy to be at Monaco and to return to the job I love!"

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  What’s next for Pogba and Monaco?

  Pogba’s first game in Monaco colours is getting closer. It would be his first competitive appearance since August 2023. The club’s medical staff is working hard on his fitness, while Pocognoli continues to ease him back into full sessions with the first team. Monaco will face Nantes in Ligue 1 on Wednesday and then Paris FC before returning to Champions League action with a match against Bodo/Glimt. They currently sit sixth in the Ligue 1 standings. The upcoming games might come too soon for Pogba, but the November international break could be the time we see him back in competitive football.

Liverpool are now confident they’re leading the race for a defender, who has been identified as a top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new full-backs

Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Reds, in a major boost for Arne Slot, but the manager may still be tasked with reshaping his defence in the summer transfer window, as Trent Alexander-Arnold has now confirmed his decision to leave.

With Trent heading for the exit door, Slot may choose to install Conor Bradley as his first-choice right-back, but there have also been links with Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman believed to be keen on a move to Anfield.

Not only may a new right-back be required, but Slot could also look at bringing in a replacement for Andy Robertson, with the Scotland international now arguably in the twilight years of his career at the age of 31.

Liverpool now willing to offer up Chiesa to buy 19-goal star in £50m+ swap

The Reds could pull off a surprise swap deal…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 12, 2025

Jamie Carragher also suggested Robertson was past his best earlier in the campaign, saying: “I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game.”

According to a report from TEAMtalk, AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is now the top target for Liverpool at left-back, with his current employers set to hold out for a fee of £45m, amid widespread interest in his signature.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are also keen on the Hungarian, with the Spanish side scouting him this season, but the Reds believe they are still leading the race.

"Mad man" Kerkez could be ideal Robertson heir

The Hungary international has established himself as a vital player for Bournemouth this season, making 36 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has showcased his attacking threat by picking up two goals and six assists.

Robertson is also very capable on the front foot, having amassed 67 assists during his time with the Reds, so the Bournemouth star could be a like-for-like replacement in that regard, while he has also caught the eye of journalist Zach Lowy.

Bournemouth teammate Marcus Tavernier is clearly a big fan of the 21-year-old too, saying: “He’s a mad man! He’s great, I love that guy to pieces. He brings a lot of energy to the team when it’s quiet and stuff. He has come into the team and been great.”

Having proven himself in the Premier League, Kerkez could be the ideal replacement for Robertson this summer, and Liverpool should look to secure a deal before Real Madrid or Man City step up their interest.

Glasgow Rangers could be set to see their takeover by the 49ers Enterprises go through by the start of the summer transfer window.

It appears as though it is a matter of when and not if the US-based consortium will arrive at Ibrox, hopefully with plenty of financial investment to help bolster the squad.

There will be several major decisions to make ahead of pre-season. Working out who must stay and who should be sold is going to be crucial ahead of the 2025/26 season for Rangers.

Furthermore, choosing the correct manager to lead the club into this new era could be the most important decision the 49ers make.

Barry Ferguson has been the interim manager since Philippe Clement was given his marching orders a few months ago. He went to get the role on a permanent basis after overseeing just four wins from his ten games in charge at the time of writing, conceding 20 goals in the process.

With the end of the season in sight, the rumour mill has begun with regard to who will be the next manager of the Light Blues.

The managers linked with Rangers

The most surprising name linked with a move to manage the club is José Mourinho. He knows full well about the Ibrox atmosphere having seen his Fenerbahçe side defeated on penalties in the Europa League last month, even congratulating the squad in the dressing room after the game.

According to TEAMtalk, Mourinho would reportedly be keen on making the move to Glasgow, although he would need significant backing from the 49ers that they would provide him with funds to strengthen.

The Portuguese boss might not be at the top of his game compared to his previous successes, but he would certainly be box office.

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is also a name that has been mentioned regarding the vacant managerial role.

The Scot is reportedly keen on taking over from Ferguson this summer and is reportedly waiting to hear from the hierarchy at the club to discuss a potential move.

Of course, Steven Gerrard has been linked with a return to Ibrox after being sacked by Al-Etiffaq in Saudi Arabia.

This news was once again reported by TEAMtalk. Gerrard knows what it takes to win with the club, having led them to their first league title in a decade during the 2020/21 campaign.

His previous two managerial roles ended poorly, however. They say never go back. Should the club make a move for the former Liverpool icon? Or is time to go in a totally new direction under new owners?

Marco Rose is a name that has been mentioned recently amid the talks of a takeover by the 49ers.

Why Marco Rose could be in contention

Rose was recently sacked by Bundesliga side RB Leipzig after two and a half years in charge.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

The 49ers have a strong relationship with Red Bull and with Rose having managed both RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig during his career so far, the connections are there to be made.

Gretar Steinsson, the 49ers Technical Director, has held discussions with managerial targets across Europe ever since the potential takeover was mooted and this could see the club look in a different direction.

Rose worked with Steinsson during his spells in charge of both Salzburg and Leipzig, indicating that there is a prior relationship which could perhaps lead to Rose becoming one of the favourites for the vacant role at Ibrox.

This may just be a coincidence, but given his relationship with the Red Bull Group in recent years, Rose might be getting talked about as a potential new manager in the coming weeks, that’s for sure.

Why Rose could be a great alternative to Gerrard

The Ibrox faithful will forever have a place for Gerrard in their hearts, especially after claiming the Premiership title in 2021.

During his final few months, however, the football wasn’t pretty and the Light Blues were struggling majorly.

Spells at Aston Villa (sacked after less than a year) and Al-Ettifaq (left by mutual consent after 18 months) haven’t exactly done much to further his career after success with the Gers.

The only positive surrounding his potential return is that Gerrard knows the standards expected at Ibrox, meaning he could integrate a lot quicker than, say, Rose or someone else.

The case for Rose is also complicated, although he has managed one of the biggest clubs in Europe – Borussia Dortmund – between 2021 and 2022.

Rangers did defeat his side 4-2 during the knockout stages of the Europa League in the 2021/22 campaign as they set the standards on their way to the final that season.

Prior to that, he claimed two Austrian Bundesliga titles with Salzburg, also going on to win the Austrian Cup but it is his spell with Leipzig which was the longest of his career.

During his debut season, the 48-year-old secured the German Cup, but his Bundesliga placings got worse over his time with the club. Third was secured in 2022/23, before a fourth-place finish last season.

When he was sacked, Leipzig were sitting in sixth place and in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification.

He prefers to use a classic 4-4-2 system, which could be altered in several ways to suit the players at Rangers. Plus, he could be given money to bolster the squad in the transfer market should he join the club.

Scottish scout and analyst Kai Watson has heaped praise on Rose amid his name being mentioned with the job, saying: “I honestly can’t believe there’s snobbery around Marco Rose. Take the Celtic scarf picture out of the equation, claiming that he’s a bad or below average manager is truly a wild statement in my opinion. In profile/stature he’s a level above someone like Gerrard, by a distance.”

Interestingly, Rose has defeated Celtic four times in his managerial career, twice each with Salzburg and Leipzig. Of course, beating them with Rangers is a different challenge altogether, but he knows how to get the better of the Parkhead side.

That could be all the difference.

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By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 27, 2025

Chelsea are now believed to be “strong” contenders to sign one Barcelona star this summer, with news coming to light that the player and Hansi Flick’s side are currently at an impasse when it comes to a new contract.

Chelsea's main transfer plans this summer

Amid the Blues’ chase for Champions League qualification, BlueCo are making plans to strengthen the squad this summer ahead of Enzo Maresca’s second full season in charge.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 26, 2025

Chelsea are ready to splash the cash on a centre-back, winger and forward, while it is also believed they could bring in another central defender, left-back, new goalkeeper and attacking midfielder – but all of this will largely depend on their Premier League finish and how many players they can sell (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea supporters will be particularly keen to see fresh attacking options come in, as they’ve lost a degree of potency since the turn of the year. Christopher Nkunku, João Félix and Carney Chukwuemeka will all likely be sold or loaned out as well (Simon Phillips), while Mykhailo Mudryk is currently banned after failing a drugs test.

Ideally, Chelsea need a versatile attacking player who can cover plenty of bases, both through the middle and out wide.

An ambitious target in this regard, but one who’d arguably be perfect, is Barcelona superstar Raphinha.

The former Leeds United forward is enjoying the season of his life at Barça under Hansi Flick, racking up 30 goals and 23 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions, and he can play across multiple areas in the attacking front three.

Raphinha has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent days, but a new report from CaughtOffiside claims the Brazil international could cost up to £77 million to prise away from the Camp Nou.

Chelsea now "strong" contenders to sign Raphinha

The outlet also claims both Raphinha and Barça are struggling to reach an agreement over a new contract, as the player’s wage demands are currently too high, and fresh terms can only be agreed if he lowers them.

Their precarious financial situation could even hand Chelsea a chance to tempt him back to the Premier League.

Indeed, it is believed Chelsea are now “strong contenders” to sign Raphinha amid this contract debacle, but BlueCo will have to pay him a high salary as well, with his current take-home being around £206,000-per-week.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also named as frontrunners for Raphinha alongside Chelsea, if an exit does end up being on the cards for him, and there is little denying La Liga’s arguable player of the season would be a major upgrade.

“He’s [Raphinha] unbelievable because he’s always 100% very focused and gives us a lot of strength in the defense, but also in the offence,” Flick told TNT Sports Brasil.

“He’s always the player who starts the dynamic to press, but also when we have space, he started in the right moment in these spaces, and it helps us a lot.

“He also always smiles; this is what I like the most, he’s always positive, and it’s important for him to be positive, this is the big thing – then you have confidence to give 100% on the pitch.”