Aston Villa are through to the Europa League last 16 already - but with one round of matches to play in the league phase, only two of the other three British sides have a chance of joining them.
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Saturday, January 31, 2026
Friday, January 30, 2026
West Ham's Paqueta completes £35.5m Flamengo move
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta completes a £35.5m move to boyhood club Flamengo.
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Hibs bank club-record fee as Bowie joins Verona
Kieron Bowie becomes Hibernian's club-record sale after the Scotland striker joins Serie A side Hellas Verona on a four-and-a-half year deal.
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Are Arsenal fans making team nervous in title race?
Is a nervousness among Arsenal fans affecting the players in the Premier League title race? Alex Howell looks at what impact this could have on Mikel Arteta's side as they look to end a run of three second-placed finishes.
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Thursday, January 29, 2026
Transfers - January 2026
Check out the significant signings and departures in the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, EFL and Women's Super League.
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Paul Merson urges Mikel Arteta to drop two Arsenal players for Leeds United clash
Paul Merson has encouraged Mikel Arteta to make two changes to the Arsenal team for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Leeds United.
The league leaders will look to get their title charge back on track following three disappointing performances when they travel to Elland Road on Saturday.
Manchester City dropped points in four successive games earlier this month but Arsenal failed to fully capitalise as they were held to draws by Liverpool and Nottingham Forest before losing to Manchester United.
Merson has urged the Arsenal squad to ‘step up’ ahead of a potentially tricky clash against Leeds, describing the game as their ‘biggest of the season’ so far.
Leeds endured a slow start to the season back in the Premier League but have only lost once in 11 games since December, beating Chelsea and drawing with Liverpool and Manchester United during that time.
Merson is confident Arsenal will get back to winning ways at Elland Road but believes Arteta should recall Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli after both were benched in favour of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard against the resurgent Red Devils.
‘This is the game, isn’t it? Leeds away won’t be easy, no doubt it,’ former Gunners winger Merson told Sportskeeda.
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‘Playing first makes a huge difference this weekend. If Arsenal win, they go seven points clear at the top and Manchester City still have to go to Tottenham. That is not a bad state to be in.
‘There are still 14 games left after this clash against Leeds and I believe Arsenal are not feeling the nerves just yet. The equation changes if they lose, but I expect them to get a crucial win here.
‘Leeds were outstanding in the first half against Everton last weekend. I don’t think they will put 10 men behind the ball in this game. I fully expect Leeds to have a go at Arsenal.
‘When Eberechi Eze came on against Manchester United last weekend, the Arsenal fans were going ballistic. I assume most of them felt he was being very casual on the ball.
‘But that’s just the way he plays and it’s not his fault! The thing with Eze is that he’s a special player. He is elegant when he gets on the ball and I think the fans need to give him time.
‘I mean no disrespect to Palace, but it’s not the same when you join Arsenal. The pressure is always on you and I believe Eze is still getting used to it. I hope they give him time.
‘Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli should come into the starting line-up for this game. Leandro Trossard will give you a bit of guile, but I think Martinelli’s pace will be really useful against Leeds.
‘Everybody has to step up, even the defence let in three goals last time out. This is Arsenal’s biggest game of the season. If they lose and the lead comes down to a single point, I don’t think they win the league!
‘So this is a humungous game and I’m predicting a very crucial 2-0 win for the visitors.’
Arsenal put their Premier League title aspirations on hold on Wednesday night as they completed a flawless Champions League group phase by beating Kairat.
£64m summer signing Gyokeres scored Arsenal’s opener in the 3-2 win, while Martinelli and the returning Kai Havertz also got on the scoresheet.
Arteta’s side won all eight of their European games, finishing top of the Champions League group phase and advancing straight to the knockout stages.
Arsenal reached the semi-finals of last season’s Champions League before losing to eventual winners PSG.
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Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Champions League permutations: What Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and others need to qualify for last 16
Five of the six Premier League sides have it all to play for in the final round of league-phase fixtures as they look to secure their place in the Champions League round of 16.
Arsenal, along with Bayern Munich, are the only two sides assured of a top-right finish, which means they avoid the perilous two-legged playoffs next month.
And while Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle all currently sit inside the top eight, there is work to be done to ensure they stay there and don’t drop out after the final gameweek.
Manchester City, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt and sneak into the top eight, potentially at the expense of one of the other English side’s.
There is a possibility, though, that all six Premier League clubs could secure a top-eight finish, an outcome that would boost the league’s hopes of securing a fifth automatic spot in the Champions League for a second successive season.
Ahead of the final matchday, here are the full permutations for every Premier League team to qualify for the Champions League last 16.
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What do Arsenal need to qualify for the round of 16?
In short, nothing.
Arsenal currently top the league table with 21 points after winning every Champions League game up to this point. A top-two finish is also already secured, meaning the Gunners will play the second leg of each of their knockout rounds at home.
Mikel Arteta’s side take on Kairat Almaty on Wednesday, and will need just a point to ensure they end the league phase top of the pile.
What do Liverpool need to qualify for the round of 16?
An impressive win at Marseille last week ensures that Liverpool have their top-eight fate in their own hands heading into the final week.
Sitting fourth on 15 points, Arne Slot’s side know a win against Qarabag at Anfield on Wednesday will secure them a spot in the top eight.
A draw should also be enough for the Reds to cling onto a top-eight spot, but results elsewhere, particularly big wins for Barcelona, Sporting CP and City just outside the top eight, could see Liverpool tumble into the playoffs on goal difference.
Should Liverpool fall to a shock defeat, goal difference would not be able to help them, and the fate of the six-time champions would be totally out of their hands.
What do Tottenham need to qualify for the round of 16?
European football has proven to be a rare solace for Thomas Frank in what has proved an otherwise tricky start to his tenure as Tottenham boss.
A win over Borussia Dortmund last week leaves Spurs in fifth place on 14 points, and one above the eight sides looming on 13 points below them.
Tottenham travel to face Eintracht Frankfurt in final round, with the German side one of four teams who have already been eliminated and cannot qualify for the playoffs.
Like Liverpool, a win for Tottenham will confirm their top-eight status, while a draw would leave them vulnerable to results below. Another loss would surely see Spurs trickle out of the top eight, given the size and proximity of the chasing pack.
What do Newcastle need to qualify for the round of 16?
Newcastle are the first of three English sides in the cohort on 13 points, and face the toughest final fixture: away at Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions, who are on identical points and +10 goal difference to Eddie Howe’s side
That goal difference is the best of any of the eight sides on 13 points, meaning a win will virtually guarantee Newcastle a spot in the top eight.
Should they draw or lose, the Magpies will be at the mercy of those below them, and only two teams would need to better their result for Newcastle to slip into the playoffs.
What do Chelsea need to qualify for the round of 16?
Having navigated a jam-packed start to life as Chelsea boss, Liam Rosenior would surely love to avoid a two-legged Champions League fixture next month.
His Chelsea side currently sit in eighth, the final automatic spot, and with a goal difference one superior to Barcelona and Sporting and two better than City.
A win against Napoli, who currently sit 25th, should be enough for Chelsea, especially given that the two teams directly above them – PSG and Newcastle – face each other.
But there is a chance that a narrow win could open the door for those below them if they can record big victories in their final matches.
Like Newcastle above them, a draw or defeat for the Blues would almost certainly mean a spot in the playoffs.
What do Man City need to qualify for the round of 16?
A shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt last week threw City’s top-eight aspirations into grave doubt.
Guardiola’s side sit in 11th place ahead of the visit of Galatasaray on Wednesday, and are likely in need of a high-scoring win and dropped points from at least two sides above them to avoid the playoffs.
When are the Champions League knockout rounds?
Champions League knockout phase
Knockout phase play-offs: 17/18 & 24/25 February 2026
Round of 16: 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026
Quarter-finals: 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026
Semi-finals: 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026
Final: 30 May 2026
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Manager ins and outs - 2025-26 season
BBC Sport tracks all the manager ins and outs in the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, Women's Super League, English Football League and National League.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2026
American consortium buys Kelty Hearts
Scottish League 1 strugglers Kelty Hearts have been bought over by an American consortium led by the former owner of Danish second-tier club Helsingor.
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Monday, January 26, 2026
Plymouth boss Cleverley handed third ban of season
Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley receives a third touchline ban of the season after admitting to an FA charge of misconduct.
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Celtic to appeal against Trusty red card
Celtic will contest the decision to send off defender Auston Trusty in Sunday's 2-2 Scottish Premiership draw against Hearts at Tynecastle.
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Sunday, January 25, 2026
Watch: All 17 goals from Saturday's Premiership on Sportscene
Steven Thompson presents extended highlights of today's matches.
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Saturday, January 24, 2026
What is the Women's Champions Cup and who will Arsenal play?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at Fifa's new Women's Champions Cup.
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Friday, January 23, 2026
Former Man Utd captain Zelem joins West Ham on loan
West Ham sign England midfielder Katie Zelem from fellow Women's Super League side London City Lionesses on loan until the end of the season.
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Thursday, January 22, 2026
Karlsson's Aberdeen loan cut short by Bologna
Bologna recall Aberdeen's top scorer Jesper Karlsson from his loan at Pittodrie before a move to Dutch side Utrecht.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Man Utd urged to sign ‘perfect’ £87m star ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea to replace Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United have been urged to make an audacious swoop for Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target Kenan Yildiz as a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes.
Yildiz further established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Italy last term, after which he was named in the Serie A Team of the Season.
Playing in a more central role this season, the 20-year-old has picked up where he left off, racking up eight goals and eight assists in 27 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this campaign.
Yildiz remains under contract at Juventus until 2029, but the Italian club are keen to tie the midfielder down to an extention on improved terms amid growing interest from Europe’s top clubs.
Only last month, reports emerged from Italy suggesting that Arsenal and Chelsea were both interested in the Turkish international, while Liverpool and Real Madrid were also said to be monitoring the 20-year-old.
But former United striker Giuseppe Rossi said that the Red Devils should also be among the clubs looking to secure a deal for Yildiz, who Juventus value at around €100m (£87m).
‘Could Kenan Yildiz be a star in the Premier League? I’d take him at United,’ Rossi told OLBG.
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‘I think he’s a hungry young player. He has very many great qualities not only technically but also his character too.
‘He is somebody who’s not afraid of the big moments. I think he’s built for big moments a club like Manchester United should be able to give him.’
Rossi also suggested that Yildiz could be the perfect replacement for Fernandes, who has once again been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia at the end of this season.
‘Is he the perfect successor to Bruno Fernandes? I think that’s a great shout,’ Rossi added.
‘Yildiz is a player made for those moments that Bruno is the master of. He always wants to take on the player in front of him and he’s not scared to try and make something happen.
‘He tries to be the best player on the field in every single game using all his talents, not only for himself but for the team.
‘I think that’s a very important characteristic that many players should learn from and if he does end up at United, I’ll be very happy.’
While a deal for Yildiz might have to wait until the summer, United are reportedly open to strengthening their squad in the last week of the January transfer window.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for former Wolves central midfielder Ruben Neves, while other reports suggest that AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been offered to United.
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Villa's injury woes worsen as McGinn set for spell out
Injury-hit Aston Villa suffer another blow, with captain John McGinn facing a number of weeks on the sidelines.
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What we learned from Afcon 2025
After chaotic scenes in the Africa Cup of Nations final, BBC Sport Africa explores what else we learned from just under a month of competition in Morocco.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2026
‘I would stay’ – David Seaman questions Arsenal star’s decision to leave in January window
David Seaman said Ethan Nwaneri’s loan move to Marseille ‘makes sense’ – but insisted he would stay at Arsenal if he was in the young midfielder’s shoes.
Nwaneri appears to be closing in on a loan move to Marseille having struggled to get regular minutes in Mikel Arteta’s side this season.
The teenager’s fine form last season saw him sign a new, long-term contract in the summer, but he has been limited to just 12 first-team appearances this campaign.
Nwaneri’s six Premier League appearances have all come as a substitute and he has made just one start in the Champions League.
The 18-year-old’s move to France will be a straight loan without a permanent option, but former Arsenal goalkeeper Seaman says he would still prefer to see Nwaneri remain in north London for the rest of the season.
‘The thing with Ethan obviously is that he got a taste of the first team last season and a bit this season, but he’s still young and he’s still learning,’ Seaman told talkSPORT.
‘For me, he goes out on loan if anything but if I was him I would stay where I am because you never know what could happen with injuries and things.
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‘With Ethan I would hate him to go anywhere else because he’s such a good player.’
Seaman, however, did concede that regular first-team minutes under Roberto De Zerbi will ultimately serve to benefit Nwaneri’s progression.
‘Game time is what you’re after,’ he added. ‘When you are playing friendly matches and academy matches it’s not the same.
‘You need that game time and you need to have to make decisions in matches not just in training.
‘In training there isn’t any consequence so you never really learn a lot about decision-making, it’s only in matches where you learn everything about the pace of the match and all those sorts of things.
‘So a loan at the most, but I’d still like him to stay there.’
Speaking ahead of Marseille’s Champions League clash with Liverpool, head coach De Zerbi admitted he was a fan of the young Arsenal midfielder.
‘Regarding the transfer market, I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about it,’ the Italian said on Tuesday.
‘I know him, he’s a good player. But you’ll have to ask [Marseille president Pablo] Longoria.’
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Canadian league set to trial Wenger's offside idea
The Canadian Premier League is given permission to trial Arsene Wenger's "daylight" offside rule.
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Chelsea receive clear message after transfer talks to sign ‘special’ AFCON star
Feyenoord have made it clear to the likes of Chelsea and Marseille that Anis Hadj Moussa is not for sale this January.
Hadj Moussa caught the eye with a string of impressive cameo performances at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations before Algeria were eliminated from the competition at the hands of Nigeria.
The 23-year-old was selected by Algeria on the back of an outstanding start to the club season with Feyenoord, in which he notched seven goals and three assists in his opening 23 appearances.
But speculation has been mounting that Hadj Moussa’s days with Feyenoord could be numbered – and a recent report from Foot Mercato credited Chelsea with a strong interest in the Paris-born attacker.
The Blues made initial enquiries over a possible deal this winter and a meeting reportedly took place between Hadj Moussa’s agent, Mohamed Dahmane, and Stamford Bridge chiefs.
Feyenoord were said to be ‘aware’ of approaches from both Chelsea and Marseille, while the player himself is supposedly ‘open’ to the prospect of leaving Rotterdam for a fresh challenge elsewhere.
However, speaking at a reception with Feyenoord supporters this week, the club’s general manager, Dennis te Kloese was keen to reassure fans that their ‘special’ forward would not be on the move.
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‘He’s a special player who stands out. It would be strange if major European clubs didn’t know about Hadj-Moussa,’ Te Kloese said.
‘We didn’t extend his contract for nothing, because the best transfers often come from contract extensions.
‘There is always concrete interest in Hadj-Moussa every day but at this stage of the season, we will absolutely not let him go.
‘We won’t do that. That has been discussed with Anis and also with his agent.’
According to Te Kloese, Hadj Moussa would be putting his place in Algeria’s World Cup squad at risk by leaving Feyenoord for a big-money move elsewhere, where he may not be guaranteed regular minutes.
‘I personally would find it very unwise,’ he added.
‘He has a World Cup coming up, he’s making good progress with his national team and is beloved by his manager, team-mates, and supporters.
‘It would be unwise to leave now and try your luck in a bigger competition, risking your World Cup place. I don’t think he’ll do that.’
Te Kloese hinted that Feyenoord’s stance could change in the summer, but only if their financial conditions were satisfied by a club like Chelsea or Marseille.
‘It’s no secret that he wants to make a move,’ he went on.
‘But it’s also no secret that we’re trying to get our best interests out of it.’
A product of Lens’ academy, Hadj Moussa has already represented five clubs at the start of his career, despite the fact he only turns 24 next month.
The Algerian’s current contract with Feyenoord runs through to June 2030.
Before the 2025/26 season got underway, Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie emphasised that he did not wish to lose Hadj Moussa – who he labelled one of his ‘best players’.
‘It is not the right time for Anis Hadj Moussa to leave the club,’ the former Arsenal and Manchester United forward told reporters when addressing rumours Hadj Moussa could leave.
‘I understand that many clubs are interested in him, but we want to keep our best players.
‘He is staying and is committed to his contract.’
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