^ ^ Emile Heskey predicts where Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool will finish next season

Ex-England striker Emile Heskey (Picture: YouTube)

Emile Heskey has backed Manchester City to win the Premier League next season despite Pep Guardiola’s departure and revealed his top-four prediction.

Ex-Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to replace Guardiola, who has left Man City after ten years in charge.

Guardiola won 20 trophies during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including six Premier League titles, eight domestic cups and the Champions League in 2023.

It has been suggested by some pundits that Man City could be set for a period of transition like Manchester United and Arsenal experienced following the exits of club legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

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But Heskey expects Manchester City to reclaim the Premier League trophy next season and has predicted defending champions Arsenal will finish just fourth.

Following three successive second-place finishes, Mikel Arteta guided Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years last season.

The Gunners appear to have the foundations for more success but Heskey believes they will drop out of title contention, finishing below Manchester United and Liverpool as well as Man City.

Mikel Arteta holding Arsenal’s Premier League trophy (Picture: Getty)

United were one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League during the second-half of the season and are expected to keep on improving under new permanent head coach Michael Carrick.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are set to hire Andoni Iraola as their new manager after sacking title-winning boss Arne Slot following a difficult season.

‘Manchester City will be champions with or without Pep Guardiola,’ the ex-England striker told Hajper.

Heskey's predicted top-four for next season

1. Manchester City
2. Manchester United
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal
5. Aston Villa
6. Newcastle United

‘They look good now but they’re really going to come together as a team next season.

‘Pep Guardiola is gone next season. I think he’s had more than enough and he’s happy with everything he’s done.

‘He probably wants a little bit more family time now and will take another break from football like he did after leaving Barcelona.

Ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is set to join Man City (Picture: Getty)

‘Football is difficult, especially when you’re coaching. There’s no set plan. You can have a set plan but then it can be thrown out the window.

‘But even without Guardiola in charge, Manchester City will win the league next season.

‘Top four I’ll say Man City, Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal. Then Aston Villa fifth and Newcastle United in sixth.’

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If Heskey is right, Chelsea will endure another underwhelming season under new manager Xabi Alonso, having finished just 10th last term.

On Manchester City’s imminent appointment of Maresca, who left Chelsea in January just six months after winning the Club World Cup, Heskey added: ‘I think he will come in and City will be more or less the same team.

‘I don’t think he will change much or do anything differently.  Guardiola has been there for 10 years and then other managers only last four games. It’s mad, really.

‘Football is football and we all love it and Guardiola has brought something different to the game with his tactics and structures. Everyone wants to be Pep manager but no one else has Pep’s players.

‘I like to see other managers getting good results playing in totally different ways, so the challenges of having total football take on counter-attacking teams who sit back, or a side that will hurt you from corners and free kicks.’

Before the 2026-27 Premier League campaign begins there is the small matter of a summer World Cup hosted by America, Mexico and Canada.

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^ ^ Eli Junior Kroupi makes Arsenal transfer decision after Chelsea and PSG join race

Eli Junior Kroupi is wanted by several clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG (Getty)

Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi prefers a move to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea, according to reports in France.

The 19-year-old became the first teenager to score 13 goals in their debut Premier League season after arriving from Bournemouth’s sister club Lorient for £12 million last summer.

Kroupi has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe with Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all considering a move this summer.

However, FootMercato reports that Kroupi’s preference would be to join PSG ahead of any other Premier League side.

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The report adds that Bournemouth’s initial asking price is €100m (£86.3m), while Manchester City have already held discussions over a potential move for Kroupi this summer.

Eli Junior Kroupi scored 13 Premier League goals in his first season at Bournemouth (AMA/Getty)

Speaking before his departure from Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola urged Kroupi to stay at Bournemouth for another season.

‘I think Junior has been a big challenge for me this season, one of the biggest challenges because we noticed straightaway that he has special things. His finishing is top for me,’ said Iraola, who has agreed to replace Arne Slot as Liverpool manager.

‘But we had to work a lot with him and, especially, he has had to do a lot of work that he wasn’t used to win his minutes.

Highest scoring Premier League teenagers

1. Robbie Fowler | Liverpool 94/95| 25 goals
2. Michael Owen | Liverpool 98/99| 18 goals
3. Michael Owen | Liverpool 97/98| 18 goals
4. Romelu Lukaku | West Brom 12/13 | 17 goals
5. Nicolas Anelka | Arsenal 98/99 | 17 goals
6. Wayne Rooney | Man Utd 05/06 | 16 goals
7. Eli Junior Kroupi | Bournemouth 25/26 | 13 goals
8. Ryan Giggs | Man Utd 93/94 | 13 goals
9. Robbie Fowler | Liverpool 93/94 | 12 goals
10. Robbie Keane | Coventry 99/00 | 12 goals

‘He has become a much better player for me. I know he had a good start and scored goals but I try not to talk to him about goals because this is something which is natural and he will always have it.

‘So, I have tried to make him focus on other parts and he has improved a lot. In the past month, he has allowed us to put out a very offensive line-up because he is giving us the work rate so we can keep it all together and not suffer defensively too much.

‘He’s still very young and has just arrived into the Premier League and it’s his first season. For sure, I think he will play even more minutes next season and will continue evolving. He has a high ceiling but I think this is the best place for him to continue his evolution.’

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^ ^ England drop Jude Bellingham hint as World Cup squad numbers revealed

Jude Bellingham’s place in the England starting XI has been under threat from Morgan Rogers (Picture: Getty)

England’s World Cup squad numbers have been leaked and offer a potential insight into the team Thomas Tuchel is considering picking for the Three Lions opening game.

The 48-team tournament begins next week in Mexico City as one of the co-hosts takes on South Africa, but Tuchel’s squad will have to wait another six days to begin their campaign against Croatia.

Tuchel selected his squad earlier this month and was forced to defend his selections after opting to omit the likes of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Despite leaving out so much attacking talent, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss remains confident he has the tools at his disposal to ensure England go deep into the tournament.

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Indeed, even without Palmer, one of the stars of England’s run to the final of the most recent European Championship, there remains healthy competition for the coveted No.10 shirt with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers vying for the role of chief creator.

The Aston Villa powerhouse, who has emerged as a key transfer target of Arsenal’s in recent weeks, appeared to be winning the race having starred in a faultless qualifying campaign.

If the squad numbers are anything to go by, however, Real Madrid superstar Bellingham appears to have won the race and will retain the shirt he wore at Euro 2024 when he scored his iconic equaliser against Slovakia.

Morgan Rogers featured prominently in England’s World Cup qualifying campaign (Picture: Getty)

Elsewhere, the numbers, published by the Daily Mail, suggest Marcus Rashford will start on the left-wing ahead of his potentially news Barcelona teammate Anthony Gordon.

The Spanish champions completed a £70million deal to sign Gordon last week and remain interested in securing a permanent deal for Rashford following his successful loan spell last season.

Barcelona have until the middle of this month to sign the 28-year-old for £26m but have indicated they are likely to test the waters with an initial offer of just £13m.

Ezri Kosa, meanwhile, has been hand the No.2 jersey but it is likely that Reece James, who has been given his Chelsea No.24 shirt, will represent Tuchel’s first choice right-back.

England World Cup squad numbers

Goalkeepers:

1. Jordan Pickford, 13. Dean Henderson, 23. James Trafford

Defenders:

2. Ezri Konsa, 3. Nico O’Reilly, 5. John Stones, 6. Marc Guehi, 12. Tino Livramento, 15. Dan Burn, 24. Reece James, 25. Djed Spence, 26. Jarell Quansah 

Midfielders:

4. Declan Rice, 8. Elliot Anderson, 10. Jude Bellingham, 14. Jordan Henderson, 16. Kobbie Mainoo, 17. Morgan Rogers

Forwards:

7. Bukayo Saka, 11. Marcus Rashford, 18. Anthony Gordon, 20. Noni Madueke, 21. Eberechi Eze

Strikers:

9. Harry Kane, 19. Ollie Watkins, 22. Ivan Toney

Kobbie Mainoo, meanwhile, believes England can ‘100%’ win the World Cup this summer as he prepares to live out a boyhood dream.

Manchester United midfielder Mainoo was part of a group that trained for the first time at England’s pre-tournament camp in Florida on Tuesday as Tuchel’s men step up preparations.

The 21-year-old will be part of the squad that is aiming to end 60 years of hurt by winning the 48-team tournament in North America.

Mainoo, who started England’s Euro 2024 final defeat, has full confidence his side can lift the trophy on July 19.

‘100%,’ he said. ‘I feel like everyone in the squad, staff, everyone believes we can win it. But that doesn’t come easy.

‘It’s very special, something I’ve dreamed of, and I’m sure all the players have dreamed of since they were really young.

‘So to be here and say that I’m playing in a World Cup is unbelievable. I’ve always wanted to play in a World Cup for all my life.

‘It’s the biggest tournament in the world, so it’s definitely different from the Euros, but we will try and approach it in the same way with the goal that we want to win.’

Mainoo booked himself a spot in Tuchel’s squad after enjoying a new lease of life at Manchester United under Michael Carrick in the second half of the season.

He had not started a league match under former boss Ruben Amorim and looked set to leave Old Trafford, but Carrick’s appointment saw him play an instrumental part as United finished third in the Premier League.

‘I mean, obviously there were difficult times,’ he said. ‘But I tried to keep my focus on what was in front of me, take things day by day and just keep working my craft, keep working hard for the team, and I hoped the rest would come. Thankfully it has.’

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^ ^ Man Utd legend Paul Scholes sends message to Arsenal over Marcus Rashford transfer

Former Man Utd and England midfielder Paul Scholes (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged Marcus Rashford to consider a shock move to Arsenal amid uncertainty over his future at Barcelona.

Rashford wants to stay at the Nou Camp after his season-long loan spell in which he helped Barca win La Liga.

The 28-year-old was considered fortunate to join Barcelona last summer after being cast aside by former United boss Ruben Amorim and having a mixed loan spell at Aston Villa.

But Rashford justified Barcelona’s interest with 14 goals and ten assists as Hansi Flick’s side retained their La Liga title and went deep in the Champions League.

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Barcelona have an option to sign Rashford permanently from Manchester United for around £26m and appeared ready to activate that clause.

But Rashford’s future in Spain is in doubt after the Spanish champions spent £70m to sign his England teammate Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

Barca are still believed to be interested in keeping Rashford but a big-money deal for another attacking player has complicated matters.

Man Utd forward and ex-Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford (Picture: Getty)

While Rashford is keen to extend his stay at the Nou Camp, his entourage do not believe he will be short of offers even if Barcelona pull out of a deal.

According to the Daily Mail, his representatives are braced for approaches from Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and even Barcelona’s fierce rivals Real Madrid.

It is not the first time Rashford has been linked with new Premier League champions Arsenal and Old Trafford legend Scholes insists that would be a ‘great move’ for both parties.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been linked with a move (Picture: Getty)

‘Barcelona have a deal in place to buy him but I think they’re trying to get him cheaper,’ Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

Asked about Arsenal’s reported interest in Rashford, Scholes added: ‘That would be a great move, a great move for both parties. 

‘I think Arsenal would be a great move for him and the club.’

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYvFoGVjPt6/?hl=en&img_index=1

Scholes also admitted he doesn’t want Rashford to return to Manchester United despite Amorim’s exit and Michael Carrick’s recent appointment.

‘No, it very rarely happens, a big player like that going to a big club and then coming back,’ he said.

‘They very rarely come back and I don’t think United will really want him back.’

Arsenal are set to back Mikel Arteta this summer with at least four new signings expected to arrive at the Emirates Stadium.

Left-wing is one area Arsenal are focussing on, with both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard linked with moves away from north London.

Rashford has made over 400 appearances for boyhood club Manchester United, scoring 138 goals and winning four domestic cups and the Europa League during his time at Old Trafford.

Earlier in the season, pundit Ally McCoist backed Rashford for a stunning move to Arsenal, saying: ‘100 per cent I could see him playing there. Marcus Rashford could thrive at Arsenal.’

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^ ^ Manchester United target Aurelien Tchouameni hits out on ‘nonsense’ in media

Aurelien Tchouameni insists there is no ongoing issue at Real Madrid (Picture: Getty Images)

Aurelien Tchouameni has played down his bust up with Real Madrid teammate Federico Valverde and insists the pair are focussed on winning titles with the club.

The two midfielders were involved in two clashes in training last month, the second of which left Valverde needing hospital treatment.

The Uruguay international hit his head on a table during the confrontation and suffered a cut which was treated by medical staff in hospital.

There is no doubt that the incident occurred, with each player being fined €500,000 (£432,100) by the club and apologising for their actions.

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In a statement, Valverde explained: ‘I had an incident with a teammate stemming from a play during training, a situation where the fatigue of competition and sheer frustration caused everything to get blown out of proportion.

‘Today, we had another run-in. During the argument, I accidentally struck a table, sustaining a small cut on my forehead that required a routine visit to the hospital.

‘My teammate [Tchouameni] didn’t hit me, nor did I hit him. Although I understand that for you it might be easier to believe that we beat the hell out of each other or that he intentionally injured me, that is not what happened.’

Tchouameni and Federico Valverde were heavily fined by Real Madrid (Picture: Getty Images)

The Frenchman has now addressed the situation while preparing for the World Cup with his country.

The bad blood at Real Madrid has led to talk of a summer exit for Tchouameni, with Manchester United reportedly interested in his signature, but he has played down the issue with Valverde and says his focus remains on success with the Spanish giants.

‘Certain events have occurred, and you’ve all seen the coverage,’ he said. ‘But this situation has been blown out of proportion. At Real Madrid, everything provokes a massive reaction. Still, a lot of nonsense has appeared in the press.

Barcelona fans enjoyed the spat (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I’ve read that there was a fight and that I’m supposed to have hit him. That’s simply not true. I won’t go into any further detail.’

He added: ‘The most important thing is that the club knows what happened. So many things happen in the dressing room that the media never find out about. Life goes on.

‘Fede and I have one clear goal: to win titles with Real Madrid. There are absolutely no problems.’

Tchouameni has linked up with the France squad (Picture: Getty Images)

On the possibility of facing his Real Madrid teammate at the World Cup this summer, he said: ‘Of course I want to win with France then. But personally, there are no issues with Fede.’

A France vs Uruguay clash does not seem likely, with the teams not in the same group and every chance they qualify for the knockout stages on opposite sides of the draw.

France begin their campaign against Senegal on June 16, with Uruguay’s first match against Saudi Arabia the day before.

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^ ^ Liverpool star reveals the real reason he wildly celebrated Arsenal’s Champions League defeat

Liverpool star Jeremie Frimpong was seen celebrating Arsenal’s loss to PSG (Picture: X)

Jeremie Frimpong has responded to the backlash he received for his reaction to Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to PSG, insisting he was simply ‘happy’ that he had won a bet with his friend.

Videos of Frimpong wildly celebrating Arsenal’s devastating penalty-shootout loss in Budapest went viral on social media, with the Liverpool full-back filmed leaping out of his chair and screaming with joy after Gabriel’s missed spot-kick.

Eberechi Eze had also failed with his effort earlier on in the shootout, with the scoreline locked at 1-1 at the end of extra-time after Ousmane Dembele had cancelled out Kai Havertz’s stunning sixth-minute strike.

The result saw PSG successfully defend their crown as European champions, a year on from their thumping victory over Inter Milan, while the Gunners’ long wait for Champions League glory continues on into next season.

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Despite the crushing disappointment, Arsenal fans flocked to the streets of north London in huge numbers to celebrate the club’s Premier League title triumph less than 24 hours later, with Mikel Arteta’s squad dusting themselves off to soak up the moment from an open-top bus.

And while the jubilant scenes played out in the capital, Frimpong took the opportunity to try to clear up why he was seen revelling in Arsenal’s misery the previous night.

The Netherlands international took to Instagram to write on his stories: ‘[two laughing emojis] chill me and my friend made a bet and I won and that’s why I was happy [shrugging emoji]’

Jeremy Frimpong et sa famille étaient en hatewatch TOTALE hier soir 😂 pic.twitter.com/x0YVD4WPmT

— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) May 31, 2026

Frimpong called for fans to ‘chill’ after his celebrations went viral (Picture: Instagram/@jeremiefrimpong)

In his next post, Frimpong sent his best wishes to Arne Slot, who was relieved of his duties as Liverpool head coach just hours prior to the Champions League final.

‘Thank you for everything coach,’ Frimpong said.

‘All the best for the future!’

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Frimpong was by no means alone in enjoying Arsenal’s demise, with Chelsea’s official Instagram account even poking fun at the Gunners on their heartbreak in Hungary.

‘Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies,’ the club wrote in a statement in the immediate aftermath of the final.

‘Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now via the link on our story or in our bio.’

Just hours later, though, Chelsea’s social media team backpedaled a little, writing: ‘We probably deserve another red card for that last post!

‘But in all seriousness, congratulations to Arsenal on winning the Premier League and a great run in the Champions League.

‘Looking forward to picking up the battle again with you next season.’

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