^ ^ William Gallas urges Arsenal to ‘replace’ £60m Mikel Arteta signing

Mikel Arteta during Arsenal’s win over West Ham (Picture: Getty)

William Gallas has urged Mikel Arteta to ‘replace’ £60m Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi ahead of the summer transfer window.

Zubimendi enjoyed a bright start to his Arsenal career after moving to the Emirates Stadium last summer from La Liga side Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid were also in the running to sign the Spain Euros winner and were believed to be ‘gutted’ by his decision to join Arteta at Arsenal.

After a promising start to the season, Zubimendi’s form has largely deserted him during the run-in, so much so he has often found himself out of the team.

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Gary Neville said Zubimendi has been ‘struggling for weeks’ after Arsenal’s win over Newcastle United last month and the Spaniard has only been used from the bench in the last three games.

Gallas believes Arsenal need a player to do the ‘dirty work’ alongside Declan Rice and fears Zubimendi is incapable of performing such a role.

‘Martin Odegaard needs someone behind him to do the dirty work, to run, be ready physically, to challenge, to win the ball and give him the ball,’ Gallas told BetVictor.

Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi last summer (Picture: Getty)

‘Arsenal already have one player like this, and that’s Declan Rice. But I think they need another player like that in that position, and I don’t think Martin Zubimendi can do that.

‘Someone like Eduardo Camavinga at Real Madrid can do this job in midfield. He would be a good replacement and a great signing for Arsenal.’

While Zubimendi has suffered a dip in form, he may still end his first season at Arsenal by winning a Premier League and Champions League double.

Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas (Picture: Getty)

The Gunners boast a two-point lead at the top of the table with two games remaining, the first against already-relegated Burnley on Monday night.

Arsenal then visit London rivals Crystal Palace on the final day before preparing for the Champions League final against holders PSG.

Even if Arsenal do become Premier League champions for the first time since 2004, Gallas cannot see his former club ‘dominating’ next season.

‘I don’t think Arsenal will dominate the Premier League or Champions League next season,’ he added.

‘PSG are able to dominate again because Ligue 1 is different to the Premier League, it’s not as physical or mentally demanding.

‘Arsenal haven’t dominated this season either, they let Manchester City back into the title race, and they lost to them twice in the league and in a cup final.

‘I think Mikel Arteta will stay for another season, regardless of what happens, and do is best to win possibly his second Premier League trophy next year.’

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^ ^ Arsenal hero Santi Cazorla receives standing ovation from Real Madrid fans

Santi Cazorla received a huge reception at the Santiago Bernabeu in Real Oviedo’s defeat to Real Madrid (EPA)

Santi Cazorla received a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday evening in what could be his last-ever game against Real Madrid.

The former Arsenal midfielder is in the final month of his contract at his boyhood club Real Oviedo and it has been suggested that the 41-year-old could retire at the end of the season.

Cazorla, who made 180 appearances during his time at Arsenal, faced the prospect of seeing his playing career cut short after an Achilles injury in 2016 required 11 operations to solve.

One of the operations led to gangrene, while doctors told Cazorla that he should be thankful to be able to walk again, let alone play football.

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Cazorla, who was also part of the Spain squad which won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, came on as a substitute in the second half of Real Oviedo’s 2-0 defeat to Madrid and both supporters and players at the Bernabeu welcomed the midfielder with a huge reception.

👏 Todo el mundo en pie. Entra don @19SCazorla.RealMadridRealOviedo | LALIGAHighlights | DesenlaceLALIGA | @RealOviedo pic.twitter.com/gElaEIMFBP

— LALIGA (@LaLiga) May 14, 2026

‘I want to thank Florentino Perez and the staff for the way they welcomed me, it was wonderful,’ Cazorla said after the game.

However, when asked about his future, Cazorla refused to rule out the prospect of continuing his playing career next season.

‘We’ll see. This year I’ve been injury-free, I’ve felt good, and I’ll take a break in the summer,’ Cazorla said.

‘I’ll also look at the team’s project and make a decision.’

When asked if starting the game against Madrid as a substitute was a mutual decision between himself and Real Oviedo head coach Guillermo Almada, Cazorla replied: ‘That’s one way to put it, I’ll explain later. I’m just focused on Sunday and enjoying it with my fans.

‘It’s a special match for me personally, and I’m only focused on Sunday. I’ve never created controversy; I try to contribute. These are things that stay between the coach and me.’

Santi Cazorla could finish his playing career at the end of the season (Getty)

Meanwhile, Almada, says he was unsurprised by the reception Cazorla received at the Bernabeu.

‘It’s not normal to boo players of that calibre,’ he said.

‘I’m not surprised they applaud Santi, he’s a beloved and respected footballer throughout Spain. He’s earned it throughout his career.’

Almada also indicated that Sunday’s game at home to Alaves will be Cazorla’s farewell to the Real Oviedo supporters.

‘I spoke with him before the match, and he prefers to say goodbye as a starter in Sunday’s game at the Tartiere and then play in the second half here,’ Almada said.

‘We discussed it, and it was a mutual decision, so we made that choice.’

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^ ^ Jamie Redknapp reveals problem with Pep Guardiola giving Crystal Palace stars Arsenal ‘team talk’

Pep Guardiola collared several Crystal Palace players after Manchester City’s 3-0 win (Picture: Sky Sports)

Jamie Redknapp believes Pep Guardiola’s passionate ‘team talk’ for Crystal Palace stars will likely have fallen on deaf ears given many of those players will be rested for the side’s crunch match with Arsenal.

Manchester City swept past Palace in a comprehensive 3-0 victory to ensure their title battle with Arsenal will go down to the wire, with just two matches remaining of the campaign.

Phil Foden produced one of his finest performances of the season at the Etihad, assisting both of City’s opening goals through Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush, before Savinho finished off a flowing team move to put the contest to bed in the 84th minute.

The result saw City close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to two points again ahead of the side’s trip to Bournemouth next Tuesday night. Guardiola’s men then wind up their season with what could be pivotal clash at home to Aston Villa.

Top-of-the-table Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to move five points clear again when they host lowly Burnley on Monday evening, before travelling to Selhurst Park to lock horns with Palace six days later.

Shortly after the final whistle at the Etihad, an animated Guardiola was seen speaking with a number of Palace’s first-team stars, including Chris Richards, Jefferson Lerma, Maxence Lacroix and Adam Wharton.

This is not out of the ordinary for the City boss, whose post-match chinwags with opposition players have become something of a tradition – behaviour he has previously joked is ‘for the cameras’ and his ‘ego’.

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City thumped Palace to close the gap on Arsenal to two points again (Picture: Getty)

Foden shone at the Etihad (Picture: Getty)

But addressing the pictures in the Sky Sports studio, Redknapp speculated that there may have been a little more meaning in Guardiola’s words than usual given the seismic ramifications of Palace’s final-day encounter with Arsenal.

‘City just have to keep going and hope there’s a little bit of pressure on Arsenal, a few doubts across their minds and they struggle,’ the ex-Liverpool, Tottenham and England midfielder said.

‘I think Burnley will be straightforward [for Arsenal] but Crystal Palace… I watching Pep at the end of the game and he was certainly giving them a team talk and a half, trying to get them going for that game.

Redknapp expects Glasner to rest several key players against Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

‘He was very, very animated. We always see him maybe going up to one or two players.

‘But he’s like, “Jefferson [Lerma], listen, in midfield, you’ve got to make sure you get close to Declan Rice“… “You, [Maxence] Lacroix, you’ve been brilliant this season, keep going! If you keep doing good I’ll sign you!”… “Adam [Wharton], you control that midfield!”‘

However, Redknapp reminded City fans that some of those players collared by Guardiola may actually be rested for the Arsenal showdown given Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the Europa Conference League final just three days later.

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‘The thing is, most of these players won’t be playing I would have thought because they’ll be rested,’ he explained.

‘That’s my feeling anyway, they’ve earned that right.’

Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates gave City supporters something to cling onto as she recalled how – back in 2021 – Oliver Glasner went with a full-strength team in the Bundesliga just four days out from Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League final victory.

‘Maybe, who knows? You want to keep players active and playing,’ Redknapp responded.

Arsenal will look to restore their five-point advantage when they face Burnley on Monday night (Picture: Getty)

‘There will be one or two, he’s a very measured manager. He’ll make sure if people need the game… because obviously with sports science now you understand who needs to play and who doesn’t.

‘But if there’s any risk whatsoever then he won’t take that chance because it’s such a big game for the club.’

Facing the media at his post-match press conference, Guardiola applauded Palace’s performance and singled out Foden for special praise after what has been a difficult season for the England international.

‘This type of game, low block, Palace defend so well,’ he told reporters.

‘They did similar in the final of the FA Cup last year, defended really well with transitions and you need quality, spark, talent, vision – something that is not on tactical boards, meetings, videos, training.

‘He [Foden] receives the ball there in the small spaces and creates something that only good players can deliver. I’m really pleased for him.’

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^ ^ Chris Sutton aims dig at Gary Lineker and defends Celtic penalty decision

Kelechi Iheanacho scored a controversial late penalty for Celtic (Credits: Robert Perry/PA Wire)

Chris Sutton has defended the controversial award of the late penalty that helped keep Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title hopes alive.

Martin O’Neill’s side trailed to Elliot Watt’s opener and were then pegged back by Liam Gordon’s late equaliser on a night of high drama in Motherwell, before a VAR-assisted penalty from Kelechi Ihenacho sealed a 3-2 win for the visitors with the last kick of the ball. 

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou described John Beaton’s penalty award as ‘one of the worst decisions’ he had ever seen, but the outcome is that Celtic will pip Hearts if they beat long-time leaders Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday.

Until referee Beaton was summoned to the monitor by Andrew Dallas for a handball call against former Hearts midfielder Sam Nicholson, the Hoops were heading into a title decider knowing they would need to win by three goals.

With the odds of Celtic spoiling the Hearts fairytale on the final day now significantly reduced, Sutton believes the fallout from the award of what he felt was a legitimate spot kick has been skewed.

He wrote on X: ‘Now the dust has settled, the reaction from many high profile people is way over the top.

‘John Beaton was advised to go to the monitor and saw that the ball hit the arm in an unnatural position Bottom line is people would hate to see Celtic win the title again and that is all.’

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🟢 Here's the incident that resulted in Celtic's winning penalty at Fir Park, following a VAR check!Motherwell vs Celtic & Hearts vs Falkirk reaction | Sky Sports Football now 📺 pic.twitter.com/kwFO6mOH7t

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 13, 2026

Among those who felt Motherwell, and by proxy Hearts, were hard done by was Gary Lineker who suggested ‘this might be the worst VAR decision I’ve seen (and there’s a lot of competition). Extraordinary given the significance.’

Sutton gave that verdict short shrift, however, arguing that particular set of circumstances is ‘what VAR is there for’.

O’Neill, whose side initially turned the game through goals from Daizen Maeda and Benjamin Nygren, said: ‘I think we knew we had to win both matches otherwise it was done for. It’s exciting to take it into the final game and I think the players have good belief that they can do it. And that’s very, very important.

Celtic now know a win against Hearts will guarantee them the title(Credits: Robert Perry/PA Wire)

‘We have to win the game. Hearts don’t but at least we’ve taken it there. It’s nice to take it into the final game which looked a long way off five or six weeks ago.

‘I think we have got a chance, we’re at home. The atmosphere will be fantastic.’

When asked about the penalty decision, O’Neill said: ‘The lads have a little monitor. It’s very small. I can’t really see it. I need another pair of glasses to see it. The lads thought it was a handball, an elbow as well too.’

Askou, whose side saw European qualification slip from their grasp in the closing stages, was in total disagreement.

‘I think it’s one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in my career, taking everything into consideration,’ the Dane said.

Martin O’Neill felt his side’s hopes were slipping away (Credits: Robert Perry/PA Wire)

‘I thought I’d seen it all this season, but I hadn’t.

‘If we keep making calls that we have done too many times, we will end up being ridiculed as a football country and I don’t think we deserve that because in so many ways this country is taking steps in the right direction, especially this season. It’s a shame.

‘Even watching it from a distance I was shocked he even got called to the monitor because you can see he connects with his head.

‘The reason you could find a picture where it hits his finger, it’s because he connects with Trusty and his arm gets pushed in the direction where he’s heading the ball. Even if he finds a connection with the arm, it’s not a penalty.’

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^ ^ Fulham eye Chelsea target to replace Marco Silva if he leaves this summer

Marco Silva is keeping everyone guessing on his future (Picture: Getty Images)

Fulham are looking at options to replace Marco Silva if their manager chooses to leave this summer and have a former Chelsea player on their shortlist.

Silva is coming to the end of his contract at Craven Cottage but is yet to make a decision on his future.

The Cottagers have offered him a new three-year deal, which remains on the table, but is yet to be signed.

With the Portuguese boss leaving his club hanging, they have started to cast their eye elsewhere.

ESPN Brasil report that Fulham are considering Filipe Luis as a potential replacement for Silva, someone who is no stranger to west London.

The 40-year-old spent the 2014-15 season at Chelsea and has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge since embarking on his managerial career.

The Brazil international finished his playing career with Flamengo then took charge of the club in 2024.

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Filipe Luis had an eventful time in charge of Flamengo (Picture: Getty Images)

It has been his only job as a manager but it was a very successful one, winning the Copa Libertadores, Serie A, the Copa do Brasil and Supercopa do Brasil among seven trophies he lifted in his short spell in charge.

However, he lost his job at Flamengo in March this year, with reports emerging that he had been in talks with Chelsea owners BlueCo.

The report suggested BlueCo were looking to hire Luis at Strasbourg, another of the European clubs they own.

Filipe Luis has been out of management since March (Picture: Getty Images)

A Premier League winner during his stint at Stamford Bridge, he is among the favourites to be the next permanent manager of Chelsea, only behind Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola in the betting.

However, he may return to a different west London stadium, if he does make the move to the Premier League this summer.

Silva – who has been linked with the Benfica job if Jose Mourinho leaves to take charge of Real Madrid – has given little away on his future.

Silva is a target for Benfica if they lose Jose Mourinho (Picture: Getty Images)

Asked for an update last month, he said: ‘No. Why is it different this week? It is not at all.

‘It is the same and the same answer that I said to you already last week, it is the same. I will not make every single week comments about it.

‘When something comes new, we are going to tell from ourselves, myself and the club. Everything what I need, or the club needs to do with me is going to be between me and the club.

‘We know what we want to achieve – we are ambitious, but at the same time realistic and aligned. We are always aligned since the first day I joined the football club and it is going to be (the same) until the end.’

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^ ^ Darren Fletcher hails 15-year-old Manchester United wonderkid as ‘amazing talent’

Darren Fletcher has an ‘amazing talent’ on his hands (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United’s JJ Gabriel has won the Premier League Under-18s Player of the Season award and Darren Fletcher says the club as an ‘amazing talent’ in its ranks.

The forward is just 15 years old but has shone against older players in the age bracket, scoring his 21st league goal of the season at the weekend.

Gabriel will be involved on Thursday as United take on Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final.

The London-born teenager has been capped up to Under-17 level by England and the BBC suggests he will be involved in the Red Devils’ first team pre-season preparations this summer.

Under-18s boss Fletcher is keen to keep expectations under control, but cannot deny that the 15-year-old is a standout performer among the country’s brightest young stars.

‘JJ’s an amazing talent,’ Fletcher told the BBC.

‘He is a fantastic kid. He brings an enthusiasm to the pitch every day to learn, to want to play, to be on the ball. He’s desperate to do better, to improve and to learn. He takes constructive criticism well and I’ve got a great relationship with him.

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JJ Gabriel doesn’t turn 16 until October (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I do think we need to remember he is a kid and also he’s been part of a really good team, and the players have helped him as well.

‘But JJ has scored the goals and goals always get the limelight. He has a major future and is somebody I’ve enjoyed working with immensely.

‘His next steps are something people above me will decide. We want him to go up there and thrive, so we need to get him in the position to do that.’

Gabriel has already trained with the Red Devils first team (Picture: Getty Images)

Reacting to winning the Under-18s Player of the Season award, Gabriel told MUTV: ‘I’m delighted to win this award. I thank my coaches and team-mates for helping me win this amazing award.

‘Since we came together as the Under-18s, we’ve become a very good team. Everyone looks out for each other and we all work hard for each other. I think we’ve had a very good season.’

He added: ‘I’d say [the Academy] helped me mature a lot. They help me to be very humble and keep my feet on the ground.

Gabriel’s father Joe O’Cearuill in action for Brighton in 2007 (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I’m delighted to be working with him [Fletcher], he’s an amazing coach and has helped me so much this season to become a better player and the best version of myself. I’ve got to say you’ve got to maintain working out on the training pitch every single day, giving it my all and working hard in the gym to stay fit and not get injured.

‘My family have helped me a lot, through tough times and good times. They come to all my matches, no matter how far or close, and I love them to bits.’

Gabriel’s father, Joe O’Cearuill, is a two-cap Republic of Ireland international and was once on the books of Arsenal, turning out for Brighton, Barnet and Forest Green Rovers, among others, over his career.

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