The former ‘Invicible’ believes Arsenal currently have some exceptional talents on their books Robert Pires says he has been impressed by three of Arsenal’s young midfielders this season; Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Matteo Guendouzi. In particular, the 45-year-old highlighted Nelson’s outstanding performances at Hoffenheim and hopes the youngster can put his experience into practise next season at the Emirates, when he returns from his loan spell. Nelson joined Hoffenheim on a short-term basis at the beginning of the season and has impressed so far, with six goals from 10 games in the Bundesliga. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may have already played his final…

The France forward scored two goals as Diego Simeone’s side beat Marseille to win the Europa League on Wednesday, but he may be leaving this summer After so many near misses, Antoine Griezmann finally has a major trophy to celebrate at Atletico Madrid. However, his two goals on Wednesday night may turn out to be a parting gift at the end of his fourth season with the Rojiblancos. Griezmann joined Atletico in the summer of 2014 and even though Diego Simeone’s side claimed the Spanish Supercopa shortly after his arrival, the titles have dried up since then. The French forward felt partly responsible after missing a penalty in the 2016…

The wonderkid has earned experience from his national team appearances and he is now banging on the door at club level to play more often It felt fitting that Ethan Ampadu signed a new contract with Chelsea on the eve of the club’s Europa League opener, against PAOK FC on Thursday. The second-tier tournament may be derided by some but it offers the 18-year-old his best chance of proving himself worthy of more regular game time at Stamford Bridge. One wouldn’t bet against him. After all, Ampadu has already been making headlines at international level. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may have already played his final game for Inter…

As he prepares to watch the World Cup from afar, Dimitri Payet admits he was “fully aware of the risks” of his Europa League involvement. Dimitri Payet has no regrets about risking his fitness in the Europa League final despite the decision costing him a spot in France’s World Cup squad. The Marseille skipper left the pitch in tears after just half an hour of Wednesday’s crushing 3-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Lyon. Payet, who had been troubled by a muscle problem in the lead-up to the match, sustained a fresh hamstring injury that France boss Didier Deschamps confirmed as the reason for his exclusion from the 23 for…

The Blues want to ensure they keep their brightest talent and the German defender is high up their list of priorities Antonio Rudiger is set to earn a pay rise and a contract extension at Chelsea after an impressive start to the season under Maurizio Sarri, Goal understands. The 25-year-old has established a solid partnership with David Luiz this season and scored the opening goal in last week’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. The Germany international has more than three years left on his current contract since joining from Roma last year in a deal that could cost Chelsea as much as £34 million ($44m) based on add-ons. Article…

The Italian coach said the 18-year-old is not at the right level to secure a place in the Chelsea team ahead of some established stars Maurizio Sarri says Callum Hudson-Odoi must “improve a lot” if he wants more playing time at Chelsea, despite reports Bayern Munich are trying to sign him. The Blues offered the 18-year-old a five-year contract after his impressive performances in pre-season, but he is holding off on putting his signature to it.  England Under 19 international Hudson-Odoi is yet to feature in the Premier League this season and has made just two brief appearances in the Europa League. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert:…

The Blues will be looking to maintain their perfect winning streak in the Europa League when they welcome BATE to west London on Thursday evening Chelsea can further their chances of securing a spot in the last-32 of the Europa League when they host BATE Borisov at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening. Maurizio Sarri’s side have won both of their opening European fixtures so far and will be looking to extend their winning streak to three, with victory against the Belarusian league winners set to leave them in a strong position to reach the knockout phase.  TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch In the United States (US), the game will not be televised…

The Spanish side’s CEO said the Europa League hero has to make a decision about what he wants his legacy to be when deciding his future Antoine Griezmann must decide whether he wants to make history at Atletico Madrid or join a club where he will never do so, according to chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin. Linked with an off-season move to La Liga champions Barcelona, Griezmann was the hero for Atletico on Wednesday as his brace secured a 3-0 win over Marseille and the Europa League trophy . It may have been Griezmann’s parting gift amid Barca’s interest in the France international forward, who opted to remain in…

The Gunners came back from a goal behind to win their seventh straight game, but their manager is not thinking about a title challenge Unai Emery would not entertain talk of Arsenal being title contenders after a seventh successive Premier League win lifted his team into the top four. Although Hector Bellerin’s own goal gave Leicester City the lead at Emirates Stadium on Monday, Arsenal hit back to win 3-1 with Mesut Ozil in fine form . Ozil swapped passes with Bellerin to equalise before the break and was then instrumental in creating a quickfire brace for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a five-minute spell after the forward’s introduction from the bench.…

Click: The 25-year-old winger didn’t last long at Newcastle after being slated by club legend Alan Shearer but he is now thriving again in France Florian Thauvin has never been allowed to forget the occasion he turned up to a match wearing a tuxedo. It was a catalyst in bringing about an early end to his ill-fated time at Newcastle, yet such is the esteem in which he is now held in Marseille, OM fans would probably be quite content to see him turn up to Wednesday’s Europa League final wearing a Superman costume. The 25-year-old’s achievements this season are certainly worthy of such an outfit, as he has led a…