As the Premier League season nears its climax, Sunday’s high-stakes clash between Arsenal and Newcastle United promises to intensify the race for Champions League qualification and shape the final twists of the top-six battle. Arsenal, currently second with 68 points, still have a mathematical chance at the title but must defeat in-form Newcastle (66 points) at the Emirates to keep those hopes alive. With both teams having two games left, the outcome could prove decisive in determining European spots. Chelsea, also on 66 points but having played one more game, remain in contention under the resurgence led by manager Enzo Maresca. They’ll be watching closely ahead of their final fixture. Manchester City, sitting on 65 points with two games to go, are firmly in the hunt for a European place as well. Aston Villa, level on 66 points but with just one match remaining, will be relying on other results to influence their final standing. Liverpool have already sealed the title and top the table comfortably with 83 points. In other fixtures, Nottingham Forest (62 points) head to West Ham in pursuit of a top-seven finish, while Brentford and Fulham—on 55 and 51 points respectively—meet in a mid-table London derby. Elsewhere, Everton host Southampton in the early kick-off, Leicester face Ipswich Town, and the day concludes with Arsenal’s critical encounter against Newcastle.

Real Madrid signed Spanish defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth on Saturday, activating his £50 million (\$59 million) release clause. The 20-year-old centre-back caught attention with an impressive debut season in the Premier League, having joined the Cherries from Juventus in 2024 for £12.8 million. “Real Madrid and Bournemouth have reached a deal for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who will be at our club for the next five seasons, from June 1 2025, until June 30, 2030,” said Los Blancos in a statement reported by AFP. Bournemouth confirmed Madrid had “activated a £50 million release clause”, with reports suggesting Huijsen’s former sides, Juventus and Malaga, will also profit from the deal. Madrid moved quickly to sign the defender amid interest from several Premier League clubs for the Spain international. Huijsen will be available for Real Madrid during the Club World Cup in the United States this summer, with their opening match set for June 18 against Al-Hilal in Miami. Born in the Netherlands, Huijsen moved to Spain at the age of five and developed his skills at Malaga’s youth academy. The defender made his international debut for Spain in March, playing against his birth country and helping La Roja beat the Netherlands to secure a spot in the Nations League final four. Real Madrid has faced defensive challenges this season, suffering 14 defeats across all competitions and ending the campaign without a major trophy. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave the club to take charge of the Brazil national team, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso widely expected to succeed him in what promises to be a transformative summer in Madrid. Huijsen is also expected to be joined at the Santiago Bernabeu by England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to arrive after his contract with Liverpool expires.

Chelsea kept their Champions League qualification hopes firmly in their control with a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United, thanks to Marc Cucurella’s decisive goal. The victory lifted the Blues to fourth place in the Premier League. Despite having one eye on next week’s Europa League final against Tottenham, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim fielded a stronger lineup than expected. The Red Devils pushed Chelsea hard but ultimately suffered their 18th league defeat of the season, leaving them stuck in 16th place. Chelsea’s triumph, along with Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Spurs in Friday’s other match, saw both sides climb above Manchester City into the top five. However, City still have a game in hand and are set to face Bournemouth on Tuesday after contesting the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on Saturday. A win over Nottingham Forest on the final day will secure Chelsea’s return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Meanwhile, United’s disappointing campaign now hinges on the outcome of their Europa League final in Bilbao. Amorim opted not to rest key players, with Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Casemiro all included in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea were forced to play without a recognized striker as Nicolas Jackson served a suspension and Christopher Nkunku remained sidelined through injury. In their absence, teenage winger Tyrique George was thrust into an unfamiliar centre-forward role, and the Blues struggled to pose a serious attacking threat. Manchester United began brightly and thought they had taken the lead when Harry Maguire turned in Bruno Fernandes’ cross, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a marginal offside. Chelsea’s best chance of the first half came from Reece James, whose powerful long-range strike rattled the post. Cole Palmer provided Chelsea’s main creative outlet and came close with a dipping shot that Andre Onana spilled into the path of Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine blazed the rebound over the bar with the goal at his mercy, though the offside flag spared his embarrassment. A game punctuated by frequent stoppages and VAR delays never really found its rhythm. United again started the second half with intent, with Mason Mount firing wide on his return to Stamford Bridge and Fernandes sending a shot over the bar. Controversy followed on the hour mark when referee Chris Kavanagh awarded Chelsea a penalty after a collision between George and Onana. However, VAR overturned the decision as replays clearly showed the goalkeeper played the ball. The breakthrough finally came 20 minutes from time, and it was Chelsea’s full-backs who delivered it. Reece James turned neatly on the edge of the box and delivered a pinpoint cross that Marc Cucurella headed home for his seventh goal of the season. Noni Madueke had a golden opportunity to seal the win moments later but dragged his shot wide after a sharp pass from Palmer. That miss nearly proved costly, as Robert Sanchez was forced into a smart save to deny Amad Diallo at the near post. In the end, Chelsea held firm to secure a vital victory and move within touching distance of a long-awaited return to Champions League football.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is out of an induced coma and recovering steadily after undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, following a collision with the goalpost during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Leicester. The 27-year-old Nigerian initially continued playing despite the impact but was eventually substituted after Forest had exhausted all their changes. He was taken to hospital on Monday and underwent a complex, potentially life-saving operation on Wednesday. The surgery was successful, and he is now awake and surrounded by family. Forest confirmed, “The seriousness of Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.” The club defended owner Evangelos Marinakis, who entered the pitch after the match, amid criticism from figures like Sky Sports’ Gary Neville. The club stated, “His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility and emotional investment in one of our own… There was no confrontation with Nuno or others.” Forest added, “We urge former coaches and players, and other public figures… to resist the urge to rush to judgment and fake news online… Let concern come before commentary.” Awoniyi was chasing a cross from Anthony Elanga — who was in an offside position — when the injury occurred, sparking renewed debate over IFAB’s rule instructing officials to delay raising the flag in potential goal-scoring situations.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has reportedly been placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery following emergency abdominal surgery. The Nigeria international was rushed to hospital on Monday after sustaining a severe injury during Forest’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Leicester City on Sunday. While the 27-year-old’s condition is not believed to be life-threatening, the induced coma is said to be a medical step to limit his movement and stabilize his heart rate. Awoniyi sustained the injury after colliding with a goalpost late in the match while attempting to score. Despite receiving several minutes of treatment, he was allowed to continue playing, as Forest had exhausted their substitutions. Though visibly in pain, Awoniyi completed the game. The full extent of his injury was uncovered the next day by Forest’s medical team, leading to his urgent hospitalization and surgery. The club announced on Tuesday afternoon that Awoniyi is “recovering well.” Meanwhile, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis appeared to have a heated confrontation with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch after the final whistle. Following public criticism of Marinakis' conduct, the club clarified that the altercation stemmed from his frustration over Awoniyi being left on the field after his injury.

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has vowed that he and his teammates will keep fighting until they bring the UEFA Champions League trophy back to the Blaugrana. His pledge came after Barcelona’s semi-final exit at the hands of Inter Milan on Tuesday. The thrilling encounter ended 3-3 in regular time, with goals from Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglu, Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Francesco Acerbi. In extra time, Davide Fratessi found the net to seal Inter Milan’s place in the final with a 7-4 aggregate victory. Inter will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the Champions League final later this month. Speaking at his post-match interview, Yamal, who was quoted by Fabrizio Romano, said, “We gave it our all — this year it couldn’t be, but we will be back, have no doubt about it. “Culers, we won’t stop until we put this club where it belongs: at the very top. I will keep my promise and bring it to Barcelona; we won’t stop until we achieve it. “But Sunday is another final, and we all need to be together. Visca el Barça!”

Arsenal head to the Parc des Princes needing a touch of magic to reach just their second-ever UEFA Champions League final. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in London, the Gunners must produce something special to overturn the deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes semi-final clash. Ousmane Dembélé’s early strike at the Emirates handed PSG their first-ever win over Arsenal in six meetings, ending a run of two losses and three draws against the Premier League side. Now in Paris, Mikel Arteta’s men aim to rewrite history and return to England with more joy than their painful 2006 final loss to Barcelona in the French capital—Arsenal’s only appearance in a Champions League final to date. Overcoming the odds won’t be easy. The Gunners have never come back from a first-leg deficit in European competition in five attempts. But despite their recent poor form—winless in their last three matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth—Arteta remains hopeful, believing his team can “do something special” and secure a final date with Inter Milan. PSG, though leading, have also hit a rough patch, losing their last two league matches. Still, having already sealed the domestic title, Coach Luis Enrique is expected to field a stronger team than the rotated squad that lost to Strasbourg over the weekend. He remains wary of Arsenal’s quality and wants an even better display than their first-leg triumph.

Manchester United have reportedly begun talks with the representatives of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as the club steps up efforts to sign a top-tier forward for next season. According to Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato on Monday, Osimhen—currently on a dry loan from Napoli—has been in outstanding form at Galatasaray this season, netting 33 goals and delivering 8 assists in 37 matches across all competitions. However, despite his stellar displays in Turkey, a permanent move to the Istanbul side seems improbable due to financial limitations. “Although it now seems unlikely that he will stay in Turkey, the Nigerian striker is attracting strong interest from the Premier League. Conveniently, Manchester United are seriously considering him for next season and have already held talks with his representatives,” the report stated. The 26-year-old Lagos-born striker has drawn interest from various clubs, including those in the Saudi Pro League. Last summer, Al Hilal reportedly tabled a €50 million bid for Osimhen, but the deal fell through. This time around, Saudi side Neom have expressed interest, though Osimhen is believed to favour a move to the English Premier League. Securing the Nigerian forward won't come cheap—he is reportedly demanding an annual salary of €12 million, a figure only a select few Premier League clubs can afford. Manchester United, who are said to be unhappy with their current attacking options, view Osimhen as a strong alternative should they miss out on top target Victor Gyökeres. Ipswich’s Liam Delap is also on their radar. Although Osimhen remains under contract with Napoli, his future may hinge on United’s readiness to meet the Italian club’s valuation, which is expected to surpass €75 million, including bonuses.

From June 1, 2025, transgender women will be barred from participating in women's football, England’s Football Association announced Thursday, citing a policy update prompted by last month’s UK Supreme Court ruling on the Equality Act. The Scottish Football Association also confirmed it would introduce a similar ban beginning with the 2025/26 season.

Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal to mount a "special" comeback against Paris Saint-Germain after Ousmane Dembele’s early goal sealed a 1-0 win for the French side in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. Dembele netted just four minutes into the match at the Emirates Stadium, and despite chances for both sides, Arsenal couldn't find an equaliser in a tense encounter. PSG squandered two clear chances late in the game, with Goncalo Ramos hitting the crossbar and Bradley Barcola firing wide. Arsenal, too, threatened, but were denied by two outstanding saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, stopping efforts from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Unlike their dominant first-leg performances against PSV Eindhoven and Real Madrid in earlier rounds, the Gunners face a tougher challenge this time. They travel to Paris for the second leg on May 7, needing a top-tier display to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. Despite the setback, Arteta remains optimistic, convinced Arsenal still have what it takes to overturn the deficit at the Parc des Princes and keep their Champions League dream alive. “We are at half-time, and my message is exactly the same as it was after we beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the quarter-final,” he said. “We have to go to Paris and win the game, and we are more than capable of doing it. “If you want to win the Champions League final, you have to do something special, and we are going to have to do something special in Paris to be there. We still have a lot of chances to be in that final.” In the first half, Arsenal were in danger of becoming the latest English team to be blown away by PSG. But Arteta made an unspecified tactical switch that he said helped regain control against a PSG side who had already eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa, as well as beating Manchester City in the league phase. – ‘The margins are so small’ – “We had one issue. We corrected it after 15 minutes and we turned the game around. There was something very specific with the way we play that we had to get right,” he said. “We had two one-on-ones with Donnarumma and if they go in, it is a different story. “But he made the saves, and that’s the difference in the Champions League. The margins are so small, and it didn’t go our way.” PSG are also bidding to win Europe’s elite club competition for the first time and this was a significant step towards that target. While the tie is far from over, Luis Enrique’s team have the advantage and showed enough quality in possession to suggest they are capable of adding to their lead in Paris. “There was an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium, it was deafening, but we got off to a wonderful start and the early goal gave us a boost of confidence,” Luis Enrique said. “The game was littered with chances. It could have been better, it could have been worse. We had 10 or 15 minutes when the opponent could have snatched the game away from us but it didn’t happen.” As a long-time mentor of Arteta’s and a firm admirer of his team, Luis Enrique has no intention of underestimating the north Londoners in the second leg. “It is mission accomplished for this evening. But our objective is to win the second leg at home,” he said. “With Arsenal we cannot let our guard down or be complacent because they can score quickly and we are back to square one. “They are a team that can completely rewrite history in a second with a goal. “Nothing is in the bag. We need to win when we are at home because Arsenal now have nothing to lose.”