Welcome to ESPN’s Insider Notebook, featuring contributions from our reporters across the top leagues around the world. In this edition, Manchester United are linked with a slippery customer in midfield. PLUS: The Champions League final could be on the move. Jump to: Aouar wanted by Man City, Chelsea | Arsenal’s Zoom party | CL final on the move | Smalling needs
Lyon
Welcome to ESPN’s Insider Notebook, featuring contributions from our reporters across the continent. In this edition, Inter Milan face a problem with Mauro Icardi, there’s a top forward available for a knockdown price, and a new league attempts to shake up Mexico‘s established order. PLUS: No more VAR (in the Europa League group stages, at least…)
Mark Ogden breaks down why Chelsea might not be Arsenal’s best option to move Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Julien Laurens details why this summer is so important for Arsenal and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Julien Laurens analyses Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s position at Arsenal given the forward’s contract status. Chelsea are closely monitoring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s contract situation at Arsenal with a
Brazil can win the next World Cup but only if Neymar “listens” and makes football his top priority, according to former Manchester United defender Rafael. – Stream new episodes of ESPN FC Monday-Friday on ESPN+– Stream every episode of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories on ESPN+– ESPN’s Insider Notebook: Arsenal in the Champions League? Forget it
The winter transfer window is closed, but now it’s time to look ahead to the summer! Here are the new rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond. TOP STORY: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City in battle for Aouar Lyon wonderkid Houssem Aouar is attracting plenty of interest from England, with Arsenal joining Liverpool and Manchester City
Julien Laurens reacts to Hans-Joachim Watzke’s comments about financial aid during the Bundesliga suspension. Gab Marcotti reacts to chief executive Christian Seifert’s fears surrounding the survival of the Bundesliga. Steve Nicol thinks domestic leagues finishing out their seasons is the only fair way to decide titles. Borussia Monchengladbach players will waive part of their salary
Julien Laurens believes Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe will eventually duel for “best player in the world.” Shaka Hislop and Steve Nicol clash over Lionel Messi’s standing after his UCL showing vs. Chelsea in 2018. Check out how far mighty Liverpool have fallen in Shaka Hislop’s eyes following their UCL defeat vs. Atletico. The FC
Sid Lowe delves into the precautions Real Madrid have taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Pep Guardiola says matches should be suspended rather than playing with no fans amid coronavirus concerns. Alexis Nunes goes through the latest updates on the coronavirus’ impact on football. Shaka Hislop says the approach to limit the spread
Kylian Mbappe scored a hat trick as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed 10-man Olympique Lyonnais 5-1 on Wednesday to reach the French Cup final and remain on course for a domestic treble. Ligue 1 leaders PSG, who will also face Lyon in the League Cup final, prevailed thanks to Mbappe’s treble and goals by Neymar and Pablo
The winter transfer window is closed, but now it’s time to look ahead to the summer! Here are the new rumours floating around following the Jan. 31 deadline day. TOP STORY: Chelsea, Man United lead scramble for Dembele The summer scramble to secure the services of Moussa Dembele seems to have already begun after Lyon’s president admitted
Second-half substitute Edinson Cavani rediscovered his scoring touch as Paris Saint-Germain beat Lyon 4-2 to edge closer to a seventh Ligue 1 title in eight years on Sunday as an injured Neymar looked on from the stands. Uruguay striker Cavani struck his first goal in almost six months after being barely used on his return
With Paul Pogba rumoured to be having an operation, the FC TV crew speculate on his future at Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backs Mason Greenwood and Man United’s forwards as he discusses the January window. Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Lyon’s Moussa Dembele after the Ligue 1 side released
Gab Marcotti and Stewart Robson predict the CL last 16 including Man City vs. Real & Atletico vs. Liverpool. The FC crew debate whether Leicester winning the league or Liverpool finishing unbeaten is more realistic. Manchester City, Bayern Munich and PSG combine for 12 goals to round out the Champions League group stage. For the
Gab Marcotti and Stewart Robson predict the CL last 16 including Man City vs. Real and Atletico vs. Liverpool. Real Madrid will play Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16, and holders Liverpool will face Atletico Madrid. The draw in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday brought up some fascinating ties, with the heavyweight clashes between
Craig Burley scoffs at the claim Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pre-Man United CV compares with Sir Alex Ferguson’s. Steve Nicol and Craig Burley explain why Man United’s win over Norwich was a sign of progress for the club. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both got on the scoresheet as Manchester United toppled Norwich City 3-1. Brian
Arsene Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups as Arsenal boss. Arsene Wenger is interested in becoming Lyon manager, sources have told ESPN FC. Wenger is also considered as an attractive option by the French club although their priority is Laurent Blanc. Sources have told ESPN FC that former France boss Blanc
Neymar struck late again as Paris Saint-Germain beat one of their main title rivals Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 to strengthen their Ligue 1 lead on Sunday. The Brazil forward, who scored the only goal against Racing Strasbourg last weekend, found the back of the net three minutes from time to put PSG on 15 points from
Alejandro Moreno and Ross Dyer rank Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool in terms of who got the hardest group draw in the UEFA Champions League. James Rodriguez seemed frozen out at Real Madrid, but after starting their last match, does the Colombian have a place in Zinedine Zidane’s squad? Real Madrid will face Paris
A powered up Liverpool, elevated by the homecoming of some of their world-class talent, eased to a 3-1 win over Lyon in a friendly in Geneva on Wednesday night. Jurgen Klopp had revealed during the club’s U.S. tour that the game in Geneva was scheduled with a view to the returning players getting minutes in
ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti examines the difficulties Real Madrid will have in trying to raise funds to pay for their new acquisitions this transfer window. Steve Nicol decides which players Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid should keep around or part ways with in the upcoming summer transfer window. Real Madrid have completed the signing of