In Premier League news, the owners of Arsenal and Liverpool have joined Chelsea's Todd Boehly in looking into establishing a multi-club network pioneered by Manchester City's owner, City Football Group.

It is understood that Arsenal's Stan Kroenke – who already owns an MLS team – and his Liverpool counterpart John W Henry have explored adding clubs inside and outside Europe to their portfolios, after Boehly indicated he would like to set up what he described as "a multi-club model". 

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are under American ownership.

City Football Group, owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group, has a stable of clubs in 11 countries, including three in Europe: the Spanish team Girona, Lommel from Belgium and the French side Troyes.

Boehly is believed to have begun the process of finding other clubs to invest in after reportedly being turned down by the Brazilian club Santos, where Pelé spent most of his career.

He is understood to have instructed Chelsea's new president of business, Tom Glick, to take charge of the process, which could lead to investment in clubs in the Belgian and Portuguese leagues.

They and Brazil are seen as potentially lucrative sources of young players, with Boehly believed to have consulted Jorge Mendes over which clubs to consider in the Portuguese agent's homeland.

Kroenke, who owns Colorado Rapids in the MLS, the Denver Nuggets in the NBA, Colorado Avalanche in the NHL and the NFL champions the Los Angeles Rams among others, is also understood to have explored the possibility of acquiring clubs in Brazil, Belgium and Portugal.

While Arsenal sources have played down any immediate plans, the club are believed to want to develop their existing links with the South American country in particular.

Arsenal were cleared of improper dealings with the Belgian club Beveren after a Fifa investigation in 2006 – before Kroenke's involvement.

Liverpool's owner, Fenway Sports Group, owns baseball's Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins from the NHL and last year sold a large stake to RedBird Capital – the company that acquired the Italian champions Milan in August for £1.1bn and has an 85% stake in Toulouse.

It is understood that FSG would like to add to that stable. A spokesperson for FSG declined to comment.

The possibility of helping players from weaker leagues to become eligible for work permits in the UK by using their network is another major factor for the growing interest in the multi-club model, the introduction of Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) rules after Brexit having made the process much more complicated for Premier League clubs.

In other Premier League news, according to a study by the Athletic, nine Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Leicester, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Southampton and West Ham – have, between them, ties to 25 clubs in Europe and further afield.

Uefa regulations bar entry to European competition to clubs that "hold or deal in the securities or shares of any other club participating", although this does not apply if a person with a 100% shareholding in one club has a "non-decisive influence" shareholding in another club in the same competition.

"We're going to be continuously adding resources" Boehly told the Salt Conference earlier this month. "We've talked about having a multi-club model. I would love to continue to build out the footprint. There's different countries where there's advantages to having a club. Red Bull does a really good job at Leipzig and at Salzburg, both of which are playing in the Champions League, so they've figured out how to make that work. You have Man City that has a very big network of clubs."

He added: "I think the challenge that Chelsea has now, or one of them, is that when you have 18-, 19-, 20-year-old superstars, you can loan them out to other clubs but you put their development in someone else's hands. I think that our goal is to make sure we can show pathways for our young superstars to get on to the Chelsea pitch while getting them real game time. To me the way to do that is through another club somewhere in a really competitive league in Europe."

For more Premier League News, follow Sportz Point.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly set to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid after his contract expires at the end of the season.

There have been a few massive Bosman moves over the years, and Alexander-Arnold would be the biggest ever to leave a Premier League club. Also, If he actually pens down to a move to Los Blancos, he would definitely replace an old teammate as the biggest in the Reds' Premier League record.

In this article, we explore the biggest free transfer exits for each of the 20 Premier League clubs.

Read Also | Trent to Real Madrid: Is it a done deal? Or is It just another rumor spreading?

Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey

Following eight long years at the North London club, Aaron Ramsey departed Arsenal on a free transfer in July 2019 to sign for Juventus.

Ramsey's departure was disappointing but no one could question him; the wages Juventus offered him were astronomical.

Aston Villa: Thomas Hitzlsperger

Thomas Hitzlsperger, renowned as 'Der Hammer', departed Aston Villa to change sides with VfB Stuttgart in July 2005 on a free transfer.

However, he returned to England five years later, signing with West Ham United in July 2010 and spending most of 2012/13 at Everton.

Bournemouth: Jefferson Lerma

Even though Lerma's exit was hardly convenient for Bournemouth in the build-up to returning to the top flight, it was a huge loss for them.

He was a key figure in the Cherries' midfield and has proved to be an inspirational free transfer recruit for Crystal Palace in July 2023.

Brentford: Christian Eriksen

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfield maestro was forced out of Serie A following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 and Brentford gave him a return to the Premier League, which was absolutely ideal in all respects.

Though he was desperate to retain him beyond the six-month deal he signed in January 2022, Brentford were unable to persuade Eriksen to put pen to paper, and the midfielder joined Manchester United.

Brighton: Jose Izquierdo

Jose Izquierdo departed Brighton to join Club Brugge in the Summer of 2021 on a free transfer.

The Colombian winger's stay in Belgium, however, was brief, as he retired in 2022 soon after being released by Brugge.

Chelsea: Antonio Rudiger

Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Willian, Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, N'Golo Kante, Hernan Crespo, Nicolas Anelka, Andriy Shevchenko… Chelsea have a long list in this context to choose from.

Missing out on a top Antonio Rudiger would have hurt, though. The German centre-back was at Stamford Bridge for five years before he was roped in by Real Madrid in the Summer of 2022.

Crystal Palace: Wilfried Zaha

Zaha is undoubtedly Palace's all-time best player. He departed when his deal ran out in the summer of 2023, signing for Turkish giants Galatasaray in a bold switch for Champions League action.

After years of transfer rumors that had him joining Arsenal, Zaha failed to sparkle in Turkey and was sent out on loan to French club Lyon after one season. That did not quite work out either, and he is now playing for Charlotte FC in the MLS.

Everton: Wayne Rooney

Not the first time, as that was for a transfer fee, but the second time, Wayne Rooney departed Everton is likely their biggest Bosman loss of the Premier League era.

Rooney netted a staggering ten goals in 30 league games in 2017/18. His departure from Goodison Park was not only felt, but his arrival in America to play for D.C. United was shocking as well.

Fulham: Tosin Adarabioyo

Fulham messed up by allowing Moussa Dembele to move to Celtic, but that is a regret rather than a huge transfer. Tosin Adarabioyo departed the Cottagers for London rivals Chelsea in the summer of last year, during his peak years.

Ipswich: Sylvain Legwinski

Sylvain Legwinski, a former French midfielder, left Ipswich Town following the 2007/08 season and did not join a club until April of the following year before having a couple of months at St. Neots Town. 

Leicester City: Youri Tielemans

Caglar Soyuncu was a tragic loss, but nothing is close to Tielemans' departure at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The Belgian departed a club legend, having left with his FA Cup final goal in 2021. He was reportedly linked to Arsenal for ages before ending up with Aston Villa. Having had a struggling first year with Unai Emery, Tielemans is once again one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.

Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool lost Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain in a 2021 summer transfer window that also saw the signings of Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Sergio Ramos. It is little wonder that Wijnaldum's signing was overshadowed.

Manchester City: Ilkay Gundogan

Alongside Erling Haaland and KDB, Gundogan was likely City's most crucial player in their Treble-winning 2022/23 season, with his final task as City captain being to hold aloft the Champions League trophy.

But after a year at his dream destination, Barcelona, the German midfielder renewed his connection to City, signing for the club in 2024.

Manchester United: Paul Pogba

Pogba's experience at Manchester United was marred by debate. On His Day, he was a world beater. For the Red Devils' misfortune, he was quite literally only ever On His Day for France.

The best part of it all is that Man United let Pogba join Juventus for nothing in 2012, re-signed him for a world-record £89 million four years later, and then let him join Juventus for another free transfer in 2022.

Newcastle United: Jonas Gutierrez

Gutierrez's departure in 2015 was typical of what Newcastle were like under Mike Ashley's ownership.

The Argentine preserved the Magpies in the Premier League after returning to the squad after suffering from cancer and wound up being let go over the telephone by John Carver.

Nottingham Forest: Stuart Pearce

Following being at the club for 12 years, Pearce left on a Bosman move in 1997.

It was a miserable last season for Pearce, who took caretaker player-manager duties after Frank Clark's resignation. The job eventually shared with Dave Bassett, Forest slipped and a 35-year-old Pearce desired to be released, whereupon he became Newcastle United. 

Southampton: Stuart Armstrong

Stuart Armstrong departed from Southampton on a free transfer in September 2024 and signed for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

His contract at Southampton had run out at an earlier stage that summer. He was then signed as a Designated Player by the Whitecaps.

Tottenham Hotspur: Sol Campbell

The greatest free transfer in Premier League history. The 'Big Sol' called an unexpected press conference, revealing his incredible transfer from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001, leaving everyone in sheer shock.

Campbell had already informed fans that he was remaining but rejected the opportunity to become the Spurs' best-paid player to achieve his ambition of playing in the Champions League. There was nothing to suggest Arsenal were even in the running for his signature, but stunned reporters watched the sensational and iconic unveiling.

Campbell went on to become an Arsenal legend and an integral part of the Arsenal Invicibles.

West Ham: Ben Johnson

West Ham lost their academy gem, defender Ben Johnson, to Ipswich Town on a free transfer in July 2024.

Wolves: Adama Traore

The Adama's future was the subject for ages' worth of talk. Spurs were in the running for a while, and most expected a switch to a big club when his Wolves deal ran out in 2023. Unfortunately, he signed for Fulham.

Wolves might have received a reasonable price for the Spanish midfielder but were unfortunate to lose him on a free transfer.

Pep Guardiola, the City gaffer, has confirmed that Manchester City has activated a contract extension for Ilkay Gundogan, with the news emerging just days after Kevin De Bruyne announced his departure from the club.

One of the Premier League's greats, De Bruyne, made an emotional post on social media on the 4th of April, announcing his plans to depart from City after a glorious decade which included winning various trophies. The Belgian midfielder now has new options in mind, with the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS) as possible destinations.

𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: Ilkay Gundogan’s one-year contract extension at #ManCity has been triggered. 🚨‼️

Pep Guardiola: “What’s going to happen I don’t know, but he has one more year contract now.” ❗️

🎥 https://t.co/JOOzqBIQYi pic.twitter.com/YivWd0YITS

— City Report (@cityreport_) April 13, 2025

Although De Bruyne's contract will expire this summer, he is not the only one who will experience a change. City intends to rejuvenate their squad after hiring several young talents in the January window. Nevertheless, in a contrasting action, Gundogan has won an extension at the club.

Gundogan will stay at Manchester City until 2026

Gundogan, who had played a central part in City's treble triumph in the 2022-23 season, had come back to Manchester following a season at FC Barcelona, signing for the Catalan club on a free transfer. He was not initially thought to feature as a main starter in his second spell at City. 

However, following injuries to senior players, Gundogan has filled a bigger-than-anticipated role, playing 43 games across all competitions and recording more than 2700 minutes on the field.

Ilkay Gundogan: “He’s irreplaceable, what Kevin has done for the club is unbelievable. I think in the history of #ManCity, for me personally, there’s no better player than Kevin De Bruyne!

It was a pleasure for me to share the pitch with him for such a long time and seeing him… pic.twitter.com/YN8kl4Wth0

— City Report (@cityreport_) April 12, 2025

Gundogan, who has just turned 34, has now played more minutes than almost all of his teammates, except Josko Gvardiol. His regular performance and crucial contribution have earned him an automatic contract extension for one more season.

Guardiola affirmed Gundogan's contract status at a recent press conference, saying:

He has one more year contract, definitely. What’s going to happen in the summer, I don't know, but he has one more year contract now. The Gundo from Leicester, the Gundo from Bournemouth, the Gundo from today against Crystal Palace is the Gundo I remember, when we won the Treble and Quadruple and he was an important player. His activity, pace, and defensive intelligence have been massive for us. When the team plays well, the individuals rise. In modern football, you simply can’t do it any other way.

Even with this good news, Gundogan may still leave City again, with Galatasaray evidently showing great interest. If that happens, interested parties will need to present a transfer fee.

Despite being considered a City legend, Gundogan has struggled with his fitness and pace at times, citing a big difference on his return to the Premier League.

Guardiola himself admitted Gundogan's shortcomings by saying he doesn't "have the legs to run 40m", but now the German midfielder appears to be staying at the Etihad until 2026.

Mohamed Salah's prolific career with Liverpool is set to continue, as the Egyptian superstar has formally signed a two-year contract extension with the Premier League leaders. The deal ends the extended period of speculation over his future at the club.

32-year-old Salah is one of three crucial players— Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk being the other two, whose contracts were to run out at the conclusion of this season. 

Now, the Egyptian King is the first to agree to an extension, having already etched himself in the history books as one of the all-time greats at the club, with a staggering 243 goals in 394 appearances, leaving him third on Liverpool's all-time scoring charts.

He's staying. pic.twitter.com/AnhqQjUg7g

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 11, 2025

Read Also | 10 Players with Most Goals for Liverpool FC: Can you name them all?

Salah pens down Liverpool contract extension until 2027

Although Liverpool did not publicly disclose the details of the length of Salah's contract in their official release, manager Arne Slot confirmed at a recent press conference that it extends for two years.

The story continues... 👑 pic.twitter.com/ITVF6gpqAJ

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 11, 2025

Salah expressed his enthusiasm regarding the renewal and stated:

Of course I'm very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.

Salah looked back on his experience in Liverpool, having said:

It's great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it's going to be 10. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I had the best years in my career.

A magnificent career at Liverpool

During his career in the Premier League, Salah has topped or shared the scoring league tables three times and has twice been awarded the league's player of the year. His incredible contributions have assisted Liverpool in securing seven top honors, including the 2020 Premier League title and the highly coveted Champions League title in 2019.

"I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together" ✨

Head to LFCTV GO to watch Mo's brilliant interview in full 💻

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 11, 2025

With Salah at the forefront with a league-leading 27 goals this campaign, Liverpool has an impressive 11-point advantage in their quest to equal Manchester United's record of 20 English top-flight titles. In a heartfelt letter to the fans, Salah said:

I am very, very happy to be here. I signed here because I believe we can win many big trophies together.". Continue to support us and we will do our best, and hopefully in the future, we are going to win more trophies.

Manager Slot confirmed that he had known for a while of Salah's plans to stay at Liverpool and praised sporting director Richard Hughes for tying down the forward. He said:

Mo Salah is such a fantastic player that as a free agent he can go possibly to every club in the world, wherever he wants to. But he remained at our club.

pic.twitter.com/vtR6NQuyUJ

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) April 11, 2025

While Salah's future is now guaranteed, the focus is now on Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, who are also considering their futures at the club.

Read Also | Liverpool 'would encourage' Darwin Nunez's exit if Saudi interest renews

Van Dijk, the Dutch center-back who has been at Liverpool since 2018, revealed that he is close to signing a new deal, saying, "There is progress, yeah.". Listen, these are internal talks, and we'll see." 

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold is more likely to leave, with him having been rumored to have a big-money switch to Real Madrid.

The first-leg matchdays of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarter-final ties have definitely lived up to expectations, offering us some of the most iconic matches and memorable moments to cherish.

Arsenal have stunned Real Madrid at home through Declan Rice's spectacular free-kicks, whereas Barcelona have dismantled Dortmund to practically edge closer to the semi-finals.

Inter Milan and PSG have also earned the desired lead over Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, respectively, before heading on to the return leg next week.

Best first-leg performance? ✨#UCL pic.twitter.com/kebofmm9aD

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2025

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarter-final First Leg Round Up

Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid

Arsenal have stunned Real Madrid, the reigning champions in the first leg, by crushing them 3-0 at the Emirates to secure a huge lead in the tie.

Declan Rice's free-kicks have taken all the spotlights and convincingly so, as the Gunners remain unbeaten against Los Blancos on a Champions League night.

Right in the top corner from Rice 😳#UCL pic.twitter.com/ir38EOf6X2

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 9, 2025

After a goal-less first half, Rice rocketed both of his free-kicks into the net in the 58th and 70th minute, and Mikel Merino found a third one in the 75th minute. The North London Club scored three in just 17 minutes!

Arsenal will travel to Real Madrid for the return leg encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 17th.

Read Also | Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quater-final 1st leg Highlights: Declan Rice's stunning brace and Merino's goal hand Arsenal a 3-0 lead in the first-leg

Bayern Munch 1-2 Inter Milan

An electric game ended in Inter Milan's favour as the Italian club scored a late winner to earn a 2-1 away victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Cesare Augusto and Marcus Thuram combined to set up a beautiful trivela goal from Lautaro Martinez, the Nerrazzuri skipper, in the 38th minute. Inter led at the break, but after a couple of wasted opportunities from both sides, Thomas Muller pulled off the equalizer for Bayern in the 85th minute, only ten minutes after coming off the bench.

Grinta, corsa...𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒊 🖤💙#ForzaInter #UCL #BayernMonacoInter pic.twitter.com/F21ElElyzX

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) April 9, 2025

However, Inter did not get startled and snatched a late winner in the 88th minute through Davide Frattesi's flashy strike in the 88th minute following another brilliant Augusto set up.

Inter Milan will welcome Bayern Munich at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on 17 April.

Read Also | Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quater-final 1st leg Highlights | Frattesi's late goal sinks Bayern at home; Inter lead in the tie | FT BAY 1-2 INT

FC Barcelona 4-0 Borussia Dortmund

FC Barcelona rampaged over Borussia Dortmund at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, crushing them 4-0 to practically book their berth in the semis.

Raphinha scored a cheeky goal in the 25th minute of the game as the Catalan side led 1-0 at the break. However, the floodgates opened in the second half, with Lewandowski scoring a goal in the 48th minute and completing his brace in the 66th minute. Lamine Yamal netted the fourth one for Barca in the 77th minute, securing a massive lead in the tie.

That wasn't football.
That was poetry. pic.twitter.com/KFbKUJjKia

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 9, 2025

The Black-Yellow army will host Barcelona for the return leg on 16th April at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.

Read Also | FC Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund UCL 2024-25 Quarter-final 1st leg Highlights

Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Aston Villa

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to put three past Aston Villa, securing a 3-1 lead in the first leg at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

PSG showed a proper dominance over Villa throughout the match, despite Morgan Rogers drawing the first blood in the 35th minute. Desire Doue, the 19-year-old PSG wonderkid, netted the equalizer only four minutes later with a sublime long-ranger strike.

A first leg full of emotions! 😍

📸 Shot by Elo

pic.twitter.com/ka5eQa0OdO

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 10, 2025

The game remained all square at the break, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia handed PSG the lead in the only four minutes into the second half. Nuno Mendes secured a two-goal lead in the tie with a marvellous finish in the dying moments of the game.

Read Also | Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quater-final 1st leg Highlights | PSG dominate over Villa to secure a two-goal cushion in the tie | FT PSG 3-1 AVL

Welcome to our live coverage of the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarter-final 1st leg match at Emirates Stadium.

This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you the buildup, head-to-head stats, team news and real-time updates of the all-important match from our web desk. 

Real Madrid qualified for the last eight after a controversial penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid, after losing four games to their road to the round of 16. 

In the meantime, Arsenal thrashed PSV by 9-3 on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals. 

We have an exciting 90-minute game at hand. So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the updates from Sportz Point's web desk.