The 2025-26 season of the English Premier League is heading towards a dramatic conclusion. But the title race is just one thread from a wider web of intrigue, gripping England’s top-flight. Arsenal were back ahead in their race for silverware while Chelsea’s uncertainty regarding their new manager looms. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s transfer chatter and Bayern Munich hovering around a certain English winger has got the PL rumour mill on overdrive.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have wrestled momentum back in the title race, while Chelsea continue their search for stability amid speculation over a permanent managerial appointment. At Old Trafford, questions remain over the futures of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes’ standing among the game’s elite, as rival clubs assess their next moves in what promises to be a busy summer.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa are balancing domestic ambition with European aspirations, Newcastle faces a fight to keep hold of key stars, and Manchester City are working to revive Phil Foden’s spark. With trophies, transfers and reputations all on the line, the Premier League’s closing weeks promise no shortage of drama.
ARSENAL CONFIDENT THEY CAN WIN PL TITLE
Mikel Arteta revealed that he became more confident of winning the Premier League title despite losing the vital match against Manchester City last month.
After securing a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola seemed to have everything under control and City had the advantage in the title race. Supporters were delighted as they moved within three points of Arsenal and took over the number one spot for the first time in over 6 months after beating Burnley three days later.
Mikel Arteta spent more time rebuilding his players’ confidence, and they responded by winning their next two league games and also reached the Champions League final. At the same time, City could only draw 3-3 away to Everton, which means the title is once again in Arsenal’s hands and this time Arteta does not intend to let things slip. They were further boosted by the controversial win over London rivals, West Ham on Sunday, but City are waiting to pounce after humbling Crystal Palace 3-0 on Wednesday evening.
Declan Rice went on record after going back to the top, “It’s not done yet, but we have more confidence that we are going to do it this time.”
Former Arsenal player, the legendary Thierry Henry said this week that if Arteta’s men could win the league and the Champions League they would become the ‘Unforgettables’ to rival Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ of 2004 who won the title and remained unbeaten all season under Arsene Wenger.
DE ZERBI’S UPDATE ON TOTTENHAM’S CASUALTIES
Roberto De Zerbi has told Guglielmo Vicario that when he returns from a hernia operation he will be reinstated as Tottenham’s No. 1 goalkeeper.
23-year-old Antonin Kinsky has done well standing in for Vicario since his nightmare in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid. Vicario has yet to play since De Zerbi took over as manager but he has been linked with a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan and I have heard reports from Italy that his agent has already agreed terms with the Italian club.
Tottenham’s Roberto de Zerbi is fighting to stay away from relegation. (Image: Reuters)
When De Zerbi was asked for an update on the reports, he firmly refused to make any useful comments but said, “I have no time to think about next season.”
Two clear statements he did make were his intention to keep Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich for next year. He said that he 100 per cent wanted the Portuguese international back.
He also gave us an update on Dejan Kulusevski, who has been away recuperating in Europe for most of this season after a serious knee problem and surgery on his patella. After further treatment on the knee in March he hopes to play for his native Sweden in the World Cup but is unlikely to be available for Tottenham until next August and the start of the new season.
CHELSEA’S SEARCH FOR NEW COACH HEATS UP
Strong news coming out of Stamford Bridge this week points to Xabi Alonso taking over from interim manager Calum McFarlane during the summer. He would be Chelsea’s fourth coach in a year after Enzo Maresca departed and was quickly followed by Liam Rosenior, who was out of his depth in the Premier League. McFarlane was only ever a temporary stop gap.
To be fair, Chelsea are still working their way through several names including outgoing Bournemouth manager Adoni Iraola, but Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner, Fulham head coach Marco Silva, Como’s Cesc Fabregas and ex-Flamengo boss Felipe Luis are also being considered.
Cesc Fabregas previously played for Chelsea and is rumoured to be in the race for the head coach role. (Image: Reuters)
Alonso is the current favourite, having been out of work since leaving Real Madrid, and it is no secret that he would very much like to manage his old club Liverpool, where he is regarded with the highest respect. However, owners Fenway Sports are currently staying with Arne Slot, so that door is closed to Alonso at the moment or he would most certainly be talking to Liverpool.
Alonso is an experienced and tough coach who will not be blinded by leading a famous club with their name already on the Champions League trophy. The fact is, Chelsea are in a mess of their own making and Alonso is well aware of that. Since taking over the club, Chelsea have gone backwards under BlueCo’s Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, led by Behdad Eghbali. They signed youngsters on long contracts and suffered a sixth Premier League defeat for the first time since 1993.
It is now impossible for them to finish in the top five and qualify automatically for the Champions League. They could also miss out on European football entirely after dropping to ninth with a defeat to Nottingham Forest, and they are four points behind Brighton, who are in the final Conference League European spot for next season. It is not exactly the best way to attract a top-class coach.
MAN UNITED MAKE A DECISION ON COLE PALMER
I am hearing from inside Old Trafford that Manchester United have finally made a decision regarding their interest in taking Cole Palmer from Chelsea this summer.
The England midfielder has endured a frustrating season and admits he has not been performing to his best. When things were going well, he had been brilliant for the Blues since his move from Manchester City in 2023. He was involved in 42 goals last season and scored 18 goals himself. That was all achieved under Enzo Maresca, but since the start of this season and the fact that Chelsea are now on their third manager, he has lost focus more than most.
Cole Palmer is linked to a move to Man United. (Image: Reuters)
Despite Cole claiming that he is happy at Chelsea, he has confided in several people that he would happily join his boyhood team United. Reports from inside United claim the club admires and respects Palmer, but their interest has cooled, and they do not now consider him a ‘primary objective.’ They are more focused on strengthening their defence and bringing in two central defenders.
If United changes their minds, I am told Chelsea would quote 90 million GBP for the 23-year-old despite his current contract, which runs until 2033, but the Blues could be persuaded to let him go.
RASHFORD’S FUTURE UNCLEAR
Michael Carrick should land the permanent manager job at Old Trafford and, if he does, he will immediately sit down with his INEOS paymasters to discuss Marcus Rashford.
Carrick insists that Marcus still has a future with the club, and he has been impressed with the 28-year-old winger’s 13 goals and 14 assists in 46 matches this season.
The figure on the table for securing Rashford for next season at the Nou Camp is 26million GBP, but Barca have financial problems and his huge 300k GBP a week salary is a big problem for them.
Rashford’s future remains unclear. He could head back to Man United or look for a move elsewhere. (Image: Reuters)
United’s board of directors do not completely agree with their interim manager that Marcus could revive his Premier League career at Old Trafford, but if Carrick does get the job he will be highly influential in what happens. Barca want him, United are unsure and Bayern Munich and Arsenal are watching the situation very carefully and could enter the picture with a bid.
DOES BRUNO DESERVE FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD?
Sitting next to a colleague in the press box during the week, we embarked on a disagreement regarding Bruno Fernandes winning the Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year award. He received 45 per cent of the votes and Declan Rice 28 per cent.
Declan deserves it because he is part of a winning team, said my friend, but my belief is that Bruno Fernandes has done enough this season to earn the trophy and accolade.
Bruno Fernandes could break the assist record for the EPL this season. (Image: Reuters)
In my opinion, during the 2025/6 season, he has shown huge commitment, technical ability, drive, speed of action and quick thoughts followed by quick moves. Most players in the Premier League have technical ability but some more than others. As a captain of Manchester United, Fernandes has demonstrated that he can lead a team, he is respected and well liked in the dressing room. Most PL players have the ability to have good games but Bruno rarely has a bad one. He is decisive, executing accurate passes often achieved under pressure, which is a skill that many players simply do not possess.
I know one referee who quietly once confirmed to me that he hoped to still be officiating matches after Bruno retires because it would give his ears a well-earned rest. Bruno is forever in referees’ faces, complaining, objecting, arguing and fighting for what he sees as unfair decisions. It is all part of his character. Off the field, the Portuguese midfielder is mild, friendly, good company and much liked. This season he has created 19 assists and scored eight goals, figures bettered only by Erling Haaland.
Declan Rice has had a very good season and few would argue against him being world-class.
He should perform well for England next month at the World Cup and much will revolve over his playing ability. It is almost traditional, as my colleague pointed out, that the Footballer of the Year usually comes from a title-winning side and probably likely champions of the Premier League. United have struggled at times this year, but Fernandes has kept them moving forward. Declan has also had an exceptional season and I give him full credit, but I do think in this case the football writers have got it right.
UNAI EMERY SETS SIGHTS ON UCL FOOTBALL
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said this week that winning a place in the Champions League is the club’s priority despite securing a place in the Europa League final.
Villa’s emphatic win over Nottingham Forest set them up nicely to take on and beat Burnley on Sunday at Turf Moor.
Emery admitted that the Europa final could “go either way” and he added, “If we lose, we are not getting a trophy, we are not getting the Champions League position for the next year so we must watch the Premier League and how we finish is of vital importance.
Emery admitted that performances of late have not matched earlier successes but Villa had secured such a good position in the league that they have been contenders for a Champions League place all season.
MUNICH CHASE ANTHONY GORDON
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said he has had a one-to-one talk with Anthony Gordon and insists that he is committed to the club qualifying for Europe in their final games of the season.
Gordon is under pressure as Bayern Munich step up their intentions to sign him this summer. The German giants have been in touch with Newcastle but there is also interest from other Premier League clubs and Spanish giants Barcelona.
Howe insisted that Gordon’s omission from starting games at the moment had nothing to do with him losing focus and was simply a strategy move. However, Howe was reluctant to answer questions about whether or not Gordon would be at St Jame’s Park next season, which is quite revealing. Gordon has said that Eddie Howe staying at the club will be a big influence on his decisions because he and the manager get on very well together.
PEP WANTS FODEN TO COPY BERNARDO SILVA
Pep Guardiola has backed Phil Foden to recapture his form and impress England manager Thomas Tuchel enough to take him to the World Cup finals.
The 25-year-old provided touches of his old magic when the Blues drew 3-3 with Everton, but that was back in April. Since then, Pep has only used him as a sub.
In yet another sit-down talk with Foden, Pep told him to follow, study and use Bernardo Silva as an example.
Phil Foden has yet to find form this season. (Image: Reuters)
He said, “I use Bernardo as an example to many players because he has incredible self-confidence. He has those periods, but not always, and I say to him, never forget who you are. As a footballer, never forget your skills or potential, just get back to who you are. Just recover that spirit, the pleasure of being a footballer. Not because you have a contract. Not because you have duties to do. Forget all about that. It’s just the joy of playing football, like you were a little boy back in the streets or at school or the academy. When that happens, he will explode again. I have total faith.”
CHELSEA NOT A BROKEN TEAM
Chelsea caretaker manager Calum McFarlane is emphatic when he claims he is not working with a broken squad of players. A 1-1 draw in front of Liverpool’s Kop proves that his players are capable of getting results despite losing 3-1 at home to Nottingham Forest.
There have been reports that the club’s losing streak of six games is causing problems in the dressing room with players arguing amongst themselves. McFarlane denies this and claimed, “The group are disappointed with the Forest result, but I haven’t seen any rows or rifts or anything out of the ordinary. They are elite players who have got to this level by having the talent and mentality and drive. You don’t get to play for this level of club or countries they play for if you don’t have that. It is about support and doing as much as we can, giving them everything they need to do.”
CARRICK BACKS AMAD DIALLO
It is easy to see why the Manchester United players love Michael Carrick. After, Amad Diallo made a horrendous error which resulted in Dominik Szoboszlai dragging Liverpool back into a game which they thought they had already lost. The final result flattered Liverpool, but Carrick did not vent anger and instead, at the final whistle, he wrapped an arm around Diallo, who had hidden his face in his shirt and gave him words of comfort to help take away his pain and embarrassment.
Carrick said, “He’s got nothing to feel down or upset or frustrated about because he’s got so much to look forward to. He’s so talented and so exciting and an absolute joy to work with. So he’s in a good place.”
The problem not admitted by Carrick, is that Diallo has not been the player he was before the Africa Cup of Nations. He thrived under Ruben Amorim but isn’t playing as well under Carrick. He hasn’t contributed directly with assists and his last goal dates back to Bournemouth in December.
MAN CITY’S AKANJI TO SIGN FOR INTER
After triggering a clause in his loan contract, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji will sign permanently for Inter Milan after spending this season on loan to the Italian club.
The Swiss international has enjoyed a successful spell at the San Siro stadium and Inter have been crowned title winners with Akanji playing in at least 50% of their games.
The 30-year-old I can reveal is happy in Italy and his family will stay there permanently, having bought a house there.
Akanji could face his old teammates on August 1st when City play Inter in their first pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
JAMIE VARDY STILL GOING STRONG AT 39
Jamie Vardy insists he is not going to hang up his boots just yet.
The 39-year-old is still playing for Italian club Cremonese on a one-year contract, and he said, “I will carry on whatever I am asked. It’s that simple. I give as well as I can. I’ve always said that when the legs tell me it’s enough, then that will be the day. Fortunately, they still tell me they are fine.”
Jamie Vardy plays for Cremonese in the Serie A. (Image: Reuters)
And who is to say that Jamie won’t return to the UK to finish out his playing days with his attitude anything is possible, and his record is up there with the best.
REAL MADRID PUNISH VALVERDE, TCHOUAMENI
The sad events at Real Madrid demonstrate much of what has gone wrong with the Spanish giants and is an indication of why Arsenal destroyed them 5-1 in the Champions League.
Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni clashed during a training session after having been involved in an on-pitch bust-up. Valverde had to receive hospital treatment with a head injury, but he denied it was caused by Tchouameni and said that he had hit his head on a table.
A fan shares a poster talking about the current crisis in Real Madrid. (Image: Reuters)
An internal disciplinary investigation was organised, and both players were interviewed where they both apologised. They also said sorry to their teammates and supporters. The result was a 500 euro fine for both players, and they were dropped for the ‘El Clasico’ match against fierce rivals Barcelona.
As an interesting footnote, if Xabi Alonso does take over at Chelsea, he has told the board that Tchouameni is one player he would like the club to sign. The two formed a strong bond when Xabi was head coach at Real.
– Ends
Published By:
Amar Panicker
Published On:
May 14, 2026 18:55 IST
