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The first half of Barcelona's Champions League last-16 tie against Napoli was filled with action and excitement, but there was also no shortage of controversy thanks to the actions of the ever-divisive Video Assistant Referee (VAR). 

Match official Cuneyt Cakir referred to VAR no less than three times in the opening 45 minutes, which finished with Barcelona holding a commanding 3-1 lead at Camp Nou. 

First Napoli were incensed when Clement Lenglet's opening goal was allowed to stand, despite replay footage showing that the defender had clearly pushed his marker aside before heading home from a corner with nine minutes on the clock. 

Lionel Messi then doubled Barca's lead on the night with an outstanding individual goal, only to find himself on the wrong side of a VAR call minutes later. 

The Argentine thought he had doubled his tally after chesting down Frenkie de Jong's cross in the box, but after a lengthy consultation Cakir deemed that he had used his arm to control the ball before firing past David Ospina. 

But there was still more drama to come, as the video assistant awarded Messi a penalty after the Barca captain was pole-axed by a clumsy challenge from Kalidou Koulibaly. Leo was still smarting from that hit, leaving Luis Suarez to step up and convert. 

At least there was no doubt around Napoli's sole strike of the half, a clear penalty decision four minutes into injury time dispatched with expert precision by Lorenzo Insigne. 

Both teams, then, were left with cause to gripe over VAR, and they were joined by plenty of observers on social media who questioned the use of the technology.

FC Goa president Akshay Tandon is confident of being able to field a strong squad for the 2020/21 season of the Indian Super League. 

The Goan club has lost several key players to other clubs over the summer. However, although they are yet to announce all of their new arrivals, Tandon has said that they are close to wrapping up their foreign transfers. 

In an Instagram chat on Saturday, the club president said, "We are very close to finishing all of our signings. It is a matter of a few weeks. We know exactly who we are targeting, the negotiations have been on for a very long time. We can't prematurely announce before all the final paperwork is done. I am looking forward to it, it is looking like a very strong squad to me. I don't feel like we are going to missing something."

Tandon proudly cited the club's involvement in Goan football and their style of play as things that the management has done right in the last few years. 

He said, "We have learnt a lot from Goan football and we are focusing on developing Goan footballers. You can see that on the field and that is very intentional. There are players who we have found from village tournaments.

"We are still in the process of how we can find more from the system and work with the local clubs as well as represent the entire Goan identity and its beauty. 

"We are playing the kind of football that we want to play. Goa is a place to enjoy yourselves and we wanted to represent that using our football."

He further added, "We have managed to make some money out of transfers within Indian football. It is about creating a new market almost. Not much of selling and buying goes on in Indian football, it is mostly free transfers. Seeing these things come together is a positive sign."

Having finished the 2019/20 season as the ISL league stage winner, FC Goa are set to take on some of the best teams in Asia in the AFC Champions League. Since it is an unexplored territory for ISL clubs, the Gaurs will be taking it one game at a time. 

"We plan to take it one game at a time, that is our strategy. It is an intimidating thing to put in front of you. We could surprise a few teams, no one really knows where we stand against the champions in Asia so far. We are going in with a positive attitude."

Willian is a “safer bet” for Arsenal than Philippe Coutinho, admits Martin Keown, with Mikel Arteta considered to be making the right decision when it comes to acquiring more creativity.

The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking ranks during the summer transfer window.

Early speculation suggested that they could be among those in the running for former Liverpool star Coutinho, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona.

No deal has been done, though, and a door has opened for another Brazil international.

Willian is approaching the end of his contract at Chelsea and is expected to cross London and link up with Arsenal once he hits free agency.

“Coutinho has been linked with virtually everybody and seems, if I am honest, a bit unsettled," former Gunners defender Keown told The Mirror.

“I think Willian is a safer bet. He's in the capital, he knows the Premier League very well and he's a top performer. I think it's a huge loss for Chelsea.”

Willian is preparing to depart Chelsea after seven years at Stamford Bridge that have delivered 339 appearances, 63 goals and two Premier League titles.

Keown believes his ability and experience will prove to be valuable assets for Arsenal, adding on the 31-year-old forward: “I think that's a fantastic bit of business. I have always been a real admirer of Willian.

“When I saw what he has been doing this year at Chelsea with his free-kicks and penalties, he's so reliable.

“He has had his misfortunes with [Eden] Hazard being there. Sometimes he has had to play second-fiddle. Now he is fighting for a place with [Christian] Pulisic.

“I know there is a discussion over two or three years [contract], but I think he would be a really good acquisition for Arsenal.

“He comes in with a wealth of experience and I like his work ethic.

“He is someone who will always give you 100 per cent and the right type of player to go into what is a really young Arsenal dressing room.”

As they close in on a deal for Willian, the Gunners are also hoping to see club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bring the uncertainty surrounding his future to a close by signing a new contract.

Raphael Varane's horror show at Manchester City "won't stain the legacy he has at Real Madrid", insists Rodrygo.

City beat Madrid 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night to win the heavyweight last-16 Champions League tie 4-2 on aggregate and set up a last-eight meeting with Lyon.

The Premier League outfit benefitted from an uncharacteristically poor display from Varane in the heart of the Blancos defence, as his mistakes led to Raheem Sterling's opener and Gabriel Jesus' second-half winner in Manchester.

Less than 10 minutes into the contest the Frenchman was caught in possession by Jesus in his own penalty area, and the Brazilian laid the ball on a plate for Sterling to notch his 31st goal of the season.

Karim Benzema nodded home a delightful Rodrygo cross to ensure that the two teams went in level at half-time, but City took control after the interval as Madrid struggled to cope with their high press.

The home side's second goal came when Varane failed to deal with Rodri's speculative looped pass, with Jesus nipping in to score after the Frenchman sold Thibaut Courtois short with a weak headed back-pass.

The World Cup winner accepted the blame for the final result post-match, telling reporters: "I am responsible for this defeat. We had prepared well but you pay for your mistakes. I am sad for my team-mates."

However, Rodrygo does not believe that one sub-par performance should take away from his team-mate's achievements at the Bernabeu over the past nine years.

"It's something that happens sometimes," the Brazilian said after the game. "It's a pity, but he's a great player and I don't think this is going to stain the legacy he has at Real Madrid."

Rodrygo added on the heartbreak of Madrid's early Champions League exit: "[I feel] sad, but we fought until the end.

"It was hard for us to score because they're a great team. They are very strong here [at home]."

Despite being knocked out of Europe in the first knockout stage for a second successive year, Zinedine Zidane's side can still take solace from a successful 2019-20 domestic season, which ended with a first La Liga title triumph since 2017.

Asked to rate the Blancos' latest campaign out of 10, Rodrygo responded: "A nine, we have had a great season."

A brace by substitute Victor Letsoalo and a Ndumiso Mabhena strike helped Bloemfontein Celtic storm into the Nedbank Cup final following a 3-0 win over 10-man Baroka FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Letsoalo rose from the bench to carry Celtic into the final as they now await the result from another Last Four encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.

Should Downs make it to the final and then win the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title, Celtic would be guaranteed a Caf Confederation Cup berth next season even if they lose the Nedbank Cup decider.

Mabena gave a good start to coach John Maduka deep into the first half’s injury-time when he capitalised on shambolic defending by Baroka aided by a numerical disadvantage.

It got worse for the Limpopo side seven minutes from time when Chipezeze brought down Mabena inside the box to earn Celtic a penalty which was duly converted by Letsoalo, who later on struck again in stoppage time.

The opening stages of the match saw Celtic appearing the hungrier side with Sifiso Ngobeni’s shooting over the bar three minutes into the contest off a cross from Mabena, who himself narrowly missed the target with a low effort five minutes later.

Baroka goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was the busier and had to deal with a Tebogo Potsane shot on 11 minutes.

Gerald Phiri’s attempt over the bar was Baroka’s first real chance at goal on 18 minutes. As both sides were starting to gain momentum, Maduka was forced to replace Mpusana Tani with Andile Fikizolo after 21 minutes.

While Celtic were battling to adjust to their early substitution, it was now Baroka tactician Dylan Kerr to tamper with his line-up following a red card to defender Ananias Gebhardt just two minutes after the half-hour mark.

The Namibian was given his marching orders following a reckless challenge on Lucky Baloyi.

 It was a big blow that badly exposed Baroka’s defence with Lantshene Phalane twice freely attempting at goal although he missed the target.

As the contest appeared to be headed for a goalless first-half, Mabena beat the half-time whistle with a left-footed shot off a Fikizoko pass deep into injury time to separate the two sides.

More chaotic defending from Baroka including, Chipezeze coming off his line deep into play, could have been Baroka’s undoing but they survived further blemishes in the first stanza.

The second half saw Celtic continuing with the search for a second goal, but Tshediso Patjie tried to respond for Baroka although he shot high over the bar.

After replacing Potsane just before the hour mark, Letsoalo appeared a threat to Baroka with some promising moves and two shots dealt with by Chipezeze.

Letsoalo’s conversion from the penalty spot appeared to have sapped the energy out of Baroka as Celtic made it hard to their opponents to come back.

The sucker punch came from Letsoalo's right foot again as he killed the match as a contest in stoppage time but was beaten to the Man-of-the-match crown by Phalane.

Former Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques believes Kaizer Chiefs will have the edge at FNB Stadium against Bidvest Wits in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash scheduled for Wednesday night.

The veteran manager is of the view that coach Gavin Hunt’s men will be out to maintain their integrity but has expressed doubts about their psychological state after the club was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

On the other hand, the Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday evening will provide Amakhosi with a better idea of how to overcome the Students.

“It’s a very tricky affair at the moment with the fact that Wits is sold and the interest of the players is not the same as before,” Marques told Goal.

“Even though they will be professional in their approach, the club being sold does have an effect when it comes to their psychological approach. So, also coming back from this long stoppage, it’s an unknown for everyone.

“So, it’s really interesting encounter and I think at this stage what’s going to be important is the integrity of the players, the professionalism and you can be as you are but the emotion is different and at the back of the mind, subconsciously it could affect you.

“It’s very difficult for Wits at the moment and I want to definitely go for a win for Chiefs. I know the players want to prove everyone wrong but yeah there’s a lot to play at the moment.”

On the fact that the Braamfontein-based club will be up against coach Pitso Mosimane’s troops at Orlando Stadium, the 58-year-old tactician believes a loss could be a big blow heading to the iconic 2010 Fifa World Cup venue.

“Absolutely true [that Chiefs will watch Wits against Sundowns], they [Chiefs] will get an idea of what state of mind they [Wits] are in. The Nedbank Cup game will allow Chiefs to gauge what Wits’ mentality will be,” he added.

“Secondly, [Chiefs will be watching] on how they will be performing and that’s an advantage for Chiefs. They have an edge and they can prepare better for the league clash in all aspects. Should Wits lose to Sundowns, the tide will turn to Chiefs favour.

“And also Sundowns are playing to keep Chiefs pressure on the league, there’s a lot at stake in the league right now.”

The eagerly anticipated PSL encounter was scheduled to be staged in March but it was called off because of the coronavirus outbreak.

In addition, Orlando Pirates will be eagerly watching Masandawana against Wits as they will resume their 2019//20 season at Dobsonville Stadium against the reigning league champions.

Neeskens Kebano has advised Fulham to avoid introducing too many new players in the squad ahead of their Premier League campaign.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international played a key role as the Cottagers returned to the English top-flight after defeating Brentford 2–1 in the play-off final at Wembley.

The forward suggested the recruitment of several players after they gained promotion to the Premier League in 2018 contributed to their relegation which he advised should not be repeated.

“We are so proud of getting a promotion right after going down,” Kebano told BBC Sport.

“Our season was far from perfect but we fought like animals and we got what we deserved.  This is why we had crazy celebrations. Fulham is back to the place it belongs.

 “I think one of the mistakes [that led to our relegation] was to include too many new players in a team already in place.  

"I am not a football teacher but it’s definitely the mistake to avoid. Last time, it could have worked but it didn’t.”

Kebano enjoyed more minutes under his belt after the restart of the Championship, having been suspended due to the spread of the coronavirus.  

The forward only started one game before the outbreak of the pandemic but was a regular figure in the last five matches for Scott Parker’s side, featuring prominently in the playoffs.

“Prior to the lockdown, I was just entering games for four or 10 minutes or so but since the restart, I began more games,” he continued.

"So obviously with more time on the pitch, you have more chances to score. Maybe he [Scott Parker] felt that it was my moment, that I deserved it for my effort.

"I never gave up, I always worked hard and I took the opportunity when I had one. This is how I earned my place."

Kebano joined Fulham in the summer of 2016 from Belgian side Genk and recently extended his contract with the side until 2022.

The former Paris Saint-Germain winger revealed he is enjoying his stay with the Cottagers which made him further commit his future with the club.

“In this club, I have my habits here, my family is happy. This is why I feel great in this club," he added.

Kebano has made 75 league appearances since teaming up with the Craven Cottage outfit, scoring 12 goals, and will hope to play a prominent role for Fulham in the Premier League.

The forward has 19 caps and five goals for the Democratic Republic of the Congo since he made his debut against Ivory Coast on October 2014, having previously featured for France at youth level.

Robert Lewandowski is the best player in the world right now, not just the finest striker, says Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus.

The prolific Pole has enjoyed another standout campaign in 2019-20, with personal bests being posted by a frontman who appears to be getting even better with age.

The 31-year-old has plundered 51 goals in all competitions, allowing him to raise an individual bar by some eight efforts – with further Champions League outings to come.

Lewandowski was expected to be a leading contender for the 2020 Ballon d’Or, only to see France Football cancel the awarding of a Golden Ball amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Matthaus believes the Bayern forward would have been recognised as the planet’s top performer, with his ability having lifted him to the very top of a global game.

A man who was named World Player of the Year in 1991 told Abendzeitung of Bayern as they prepare to face Chelsea in European competition: “Motivation and greed are automatically there for every player in this phase of the Champions League. 

“You shouldn't put yourself under too much pressure, you have to approach the task with serenity and looseness. And that's what sets these boys apart. 

“[Joshua] Kimmich, for example, is very ambitious, but he plays as calmly as a 30-year-old experienced dog. 

“And you don't need me to say anything more about Lewandowski, he has put in fantastic performances. For me he's not just the best striker in the world right now, he's the best player.”

Lewandowski can underline that standing by helping Bayern to a first Champions League crown since 2013.

The likes of Thiago Alcantara and Philippe Coutinho could also have a role to play in that quest, despite the former being linked with Liverpool and the latter due to return to Barcelona at the end of his loan spell.

“Hansi Flick has managed to keep players like Thiago, Coutinho and Lucas Hernandez happy this season, even if they were not always in the starting line-up,” added Matthaus.

“The past few months have shown that the Bayern squad is very well positioned in terms of character, there were no quarrels, no internal anger. So I'm sure that Thiago and Coutinho will tear themselves apart for Bayern in their final weeks. 

“Everyone has the big goal of winning the Champions League. And that is only possible together.”

Bayern lead their last-16 tie with Chelsea 3-0 on aggregate and are due to face the winners of Barcelona’s meeting with Napoli in the quarter-finals.

Sergio Ramos says Real Madrid have been left with a "bitter aftertaste" after elimination from the Champions League brought their "extremely strange" season to an end.

The Madrid captain watched from the stands due to suspension as his side lost 2-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Friday, with Pep Guardiola's men advancing to the quarter-finals 4-2 on aggregate.

Madrid won the revamped Supercopa de Espana in January and claimed the La Liga title after going 11 matches unbeaten when the competition restarted following the coronavirus-enforced break.

Ramos is proud of those triumphs but accepts being knocked out at the last-16 stage in Europe is not good enough for a club of their stature.

"An extremely strange season is over and the taste is bittersweet," he wrote on Twitter.

"This year has been very hard on everyone. But we are Real Madrid and we were set to win everything. Credit must be given to winning the Liga under such exceptional circumstances and the Spanish Supercup.

"However, being eleminated [sic] from the Champions League leaves us with a bitter aftertaste: we wanted more. Now it is time to rest to come back and fight for the next season. This badge and this history always deserve it all. In victory, in defeat, always: HALA MADRID.

"Thank you for your unconditional support, even in the distance."

With Ramos absent on Friday, Madrid defender Raphael Varane made two uncharacteristic mistakes that led directly to goals for Man City.

After the match, Varane took full responsibility for his side's loss, saying: "This defeat is mine, I have to accept it.

"I am responsible for this defeat. We had prepared well but you pay for your mistakes. I am sad for my team-mates." 

The France international was backed up by his manager Zinedine Zidane as well as several team-mates including Rodrygo, who picked up an assist in the match on Friday.

"It's something that happens sometimes," the Brazilian said after the game. "It's a pity, but he's a great player and I don't think this is going to stain the legacy he has at Real Madrid."

The next La Liga season is due to start on September 12.

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is anticipating the Champions League Round of 16 second leg tie with Barcelona at the Camp Nou, exclaiming he dreamt of duels with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

The Senegalese centre-back was absent from the first leg at the San Paolo because of a hamstring injury. The match was played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic and ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ahead of the return leg in the Catalan capital, Koulibaly is very well aware that collective responsibility will be key if they are to dispose of the former European champions.

"I also dreamed of the duel with Messi, however, we have to think as a team,” Koulibaly told Sky Sports Italia as reported by Corriere del Mezzogiorno.

“Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba have also recovered. I will give 400% to win this match and give joy to the fans.”

Napoli finished the Serie A season in seventh spot but do have a place in the Europa League guaranteed after beating league champions Juventus via penalties in the Coppa Italia final.

Prior to a league match against Sassuolo, which Napoli won 2-0, Koulibaly also emphasised the need for a strong mentality in dealing with Quique Setien’s side.

“Now we have three more games that must be played to the maximum strength in order to be ready for the Champions League challenge,” the 29-year-old told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“We must grow and above all improve our mentality. We are not afraid and we will try to face Barcelona on equal terms to play for qualification until the end.”

Koulibaly as always, remains one of the most talked-about players in the transfer market and the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and also Barcelona have been rumoured to have the former Genk man on their wishlist.

However, no offer has been made for the player according to sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.

“At this moment, we haven’t received any offers,” Giuntoli told DAZN.

“Koulibaly had important offers in the past and a great deal of interest, but we are in no rush to make decisions.

“We consider our players important and will discuss the situation with them.”

David Silva showed himself to be a “magician” within days of arriving at Manchester City, says Shaun Wright-Phillips, with the World Cup winner quickly silencing those who questioned whether he was cut out for life in the Premier League.

The diminutive playmaker was snapped up from Valencia in the summer of 2010.

His undoubted ability convinced City that he was worth investing in, but concerns were raised regarding his suitability to the physicality of English football.

Silva set about easing those fears from the moment he linked up with the Blues and has gone on to spend 10 memorable years at the Etihad Stadium.

He is about to take on a new challenge, with a drop into the free agent pool set to be made once his contract expires on the back of one final Champions League quest.

A move to Serie A giants Lazio appears to be in the offing, with Silva still having plenty of football left in him at 34 years of age.

Wright-Phillips expects the former Spain international to thrive wherever he ends up, with his remarkable exploits at City having shown that he is capable of clearing any obstacles put in his path.

The former Blues winger told BBC Radio 5 Live of his experience alongside Silva: “Me and Joleon [Lescott], we spoke about something when he first came.

“We saw his frame, he was quite slight and nimble, he didn’t carry too much weight. One of the conversations we had was: ‘Do you reckon he’ll be able to handle the physical side of the game?’ Because coming from Spain, he’s not going to get all of those fouls that he used to get at that time.

“After one or two training sessions, me and Joleon just looked at each other and just said: ‘He’s got no problem, he’s like a magician!’

“What’s amazed us more is that he’s stayed at that level for 10 years, playing the same thing, goals and assists all year round.

“I think he’s had a tremendous career and I hope he goes to the next club and does the exact same thing – just not against City!”

Silva has taken in 435 appearances for City, recording 77 goals and 140 assists.

He has collected four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups and is hoping to sign off with a first Champions League crown – with Pep Guardiola’s side having seen off Real Madrid to make their way into the quarter-finals of that competition.

Kenya international Michael Olunga continued with his scoring form in the Japanese J1 League after he found the back of the net against Yokohama F. Marinos in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

The former Gor Mahia striker took advantage of a defensive blunder to make a solo run and fired home a powerful shot to give Resyol the lead in the 62nd minute.

However, Reysol could not hold onto the lead as Yokohama drew level in the 78th minute when Ado Oneiwu scored from close range to deny Reysol a fifth straight win in the top-flight.

Olunga’s goal was his 10th for the season and thus became the first player in the history of the league to reach the 10-goal mark in every division of the Meiji Yasuda J. League.

Olunga has now turned out to be a dependable and prolific striker for the 2019 J2 League champions in the top-flight as he has now scored in the last five matches.

The former Thika United, Tusker and Gor Mahia centre-forward failed to score in the first three matches since the J1 League restarted on July 4 but his recent fine form now sees him top the scorers’ chart with 10 goals.

Olunga’s closest Golden Boot challengers include Yu Kobayashi of Kawasaki Frontale, Musashi Suzuki of Consadole Sapporo, Marcos Junior of Yokohama Marinos, Leonardo Perreira of Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kyogo Furuhashi of Vissel Kobe.

The towering Olunga, who scored his first J1 League hat-trick against Vegalta Sendai on July 26, has established himself as one of the clear favourites for the Golden Boot at this stage.

He was the runner-up in the second division when he managed 27 goals in a successful campaign which pushed Kashiwa Reysol back to the top tier.

In other matches played on Saturday, Shimizu Pulse beat Hokkaido Sapporo 3-1, Nagoya Campus recovered from losing to Resyol to hammer Urawa Reds 6-2, Kashima Antlers won 2-0 against Sagan Tobu, Kawabaki Frontale won 2-0 against Oita Trinita, Gamba Osaka picked up maximum points against Yokohama FC after a 2-1 win and Vissel Kobe lost 1-2 against Vegalta Sendai.

Olunga’s next match will be a J. League Cup against Oita Trinita on Wednesday before they resume league action with a clash against Cerezo Osaka on Saturday.

Bloemfontein Celtic coach John Maduka has credited his troops for their hard work in their 3-0 win over Baroka in the Nedbank Cup, saying the final will not be an easy affair.

Phunya Sele Sele booked a spot in the Ke Yona final on Saturday afternoon and the Malawi legend says he remembers their glory back in 2005 as a skipper when they clinched the SAA Supa8 title.

The victory over Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele means the Free State-based club will wait for the winner between Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits who are set to meet in the second semi-final.

“In 2005 I was one of the players…in the Supa 8,” said Maduka in his post-match interview.

“Now we have another chance, to win the Nedbank Cup…it will not be easy but we are looking forward to that game.”

After facing coach Dylan Kerr’s side in an empty Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Maduka heaped praise on his players but laments their failure to convert their chances.

“I think we started well, we knew they were a team that would try and get us on the counter-attack," he added.

"So, we had to make sure we took the game to them and also make sure we were balanced at the back because we knew they would be quick on the break.

“In the first half we could have scored three or four, our decision making was not always good but we are happy to be in the final.”

Against a one-man down Baroka, Celtic found the back of the net through skipper Ndumiso Mabena and two late strikes courtesy of Sepana Letsoalo.

Meanwhile, Siwelele will now turn their focus to their Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter against SuperSport United next weekend at Bidvest Stadium.

In addition, Maduka will also hope to lead the club to cup glory as well as finishing in the top eight as they sit ninth on the log table with 28 points from 23 league matches so far.

The clash against coach Kaitano Tembo’s troops, who share third spot with Orlando Pirates, will be followed by a thrilling encounter against log leaders, Kaizer Chiefs at Tuks Stadium in Tshwane.

Chelsea will have thought hard about allowing Willian to run down his contract, says Mario Melchiot, with the Blues’ philosophy when it comes to ageing stars seeing them ask: “Do we really need this player?”

The Brazil forward now appears destined to leave Stamford Bridge after seven years of loyal service.

The Blues had been hoping to agree fresh terms with the South American, but were reluctant to meet the three-year extension request of a 31-year-old performer.

Willian is now set to drop into the free agent pool, with there plenty of speculation to suggest that he will be crossing London to link up with Arsenal.

Questions have been asked of why Chelsea would allow a proven performer to slip through their net.

They have, however, already tied up a deal for Hakim Ziyech and have the likes of Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount on their books.

With that in mind, and the club only putting two-year deals to those beyond the age of 30, Melchiot believes the Blues will not be overly concerned at losing Willian.

The former Chelsea defender told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Arsenal, in my time, were the Invincibles – they had a great side and I think they still are a good team.

“Don’t get me wrong, they always produce some talented players.

“But when you look at Chelsea, they tried to hold onto a certain key thing now where players, when they get to a certain age, they always consider ‘do we really need this player?’

“I think with Willian, they made it clear. They negotiated a deal and it didn’t come the way Willian wanted it to.

“Arsenal were listening to that and tried to pinch him right before anything could happen.”

Willian saw an untimely injury prevent him from figuring for Chelsea in their recent 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup final.

He appears to have taken in his last appearance for the Blues, with Frank Lampard’s side having travelled to Germany for a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich without a Brazil international forming part of their plans.

Ruud van Nistelrooy would have “ended up breaking all the club records” at Manchester United had he not made a move to Real Madrid in 2006, says Quinton Fortune.

The prolific Dutch striker completed a switch to Old Trafford in 2001, having seen a serious injury prevent him from making a move sooner.

He was clearly fully fit when he arrived in England, with 36 goals recorded in his debut campaign.

In total, Van Nistelrooy would hit 150 in just 219 appearances for the Red Devils.

That return has him sat just outside the top 10 on the club’s all-time chart and 103 behind Wayne Rooney.

England’s top marksman set a new benchmark in 2017, but Fortune believes Van Nistelrooy would have achieved that feat much sooner had he not been allowed to leave Manchester.

The former United midfielder told the club’s Unscripted series: “Ruud was a machine. Had he stayed at United longer he’d have scored more goals and ended up breaking all the club records, I think.

“Every day in training he was relentless. He was like Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer]; every time he got an opportunity in training, he would hit the target. Boom, hits the target, makes the keeper work, always with a clean strike.

“His movement off the ball was a joke, and when you’ve got someone like that playing with [Juan Sebastian] Veron (another genius), Scholesy [Paul Scholes], Becks [David Beckham]… just make the run and you’ll get the ball. Run into the right space with the right movement and they’ll find you. Ruud knew how to do that perfectly.

“We’d win games and Ruud would be upset if he hadn’t scored. That’s how obsessed or passionate the guy was with scoring goals. It dominated his thinking.

“Whenever I got an assist for him, I was so happy because I knew how much it meant to him just to score any goal. It felt good because the guy was obsessed with scoring.

“When we won but he didn’t score, he’d be the one player who didn’t look happy in the dressing room afterwards. He wouldn’t hide it, his head would be down, but that’s how obsessed he was with scoring.”

Pep Guardiola has praised Gabriel Jesus for downing Real Madrid in the Champions League, insisting the Manchester City striker "was the man of these two games".

City were protecting a 2-1 first-leg lead when they welcomed Madrid to the Etihad Stadium on Friday night, after a famous victory at the Bernabeu prior to the coronavirus-enforced break in the season.

Jesus scored the equaliser for the Blues in that contest, before winning the penalty which Kevin De Bruyne stepped up to convert to complete a memorable turnaround.

With Sergio Aguero still out recovering from surgery on a knee injury, the Brazilian forward was again asked to lead the line in the return leg, and proved to be the difference between the two sides once more.

City opened the scoring when Jesus robbed Raphael Varane of possession in the Madrid box and teed up Raheem Sterling, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.

A Karim Benzema header levelled up proceedings, but Jesus had the final say deep into the second half, as he pounced on a short headed back-pass from Varane and knocked the ball past the onrushing Thibaut Courtois to put City 4-2 up on aggregate.

Guardiola's men can now look forward to a quarter-final meeting with Lyon next weekend, and the Spaniard was quick to credit Jesus for his impact over the two legs in his post-match interview.

“This competition will punish you - but Gabriel made his contribution,” the City boss told reporters. “He is the best guy at making these kinds of actions.

“Gabriel was the man of these two games. He scored in Madrid, won the penalty, and then today he made an assist and scored a goal.

“Gabriel always helps with more than goals, but for a striker, it’s important to score. For big players, it’s important to show on the biggest stage.

“He has done it twice and he made a big step to say: ‘Here I am, I can win games myself’.”

Jesus described City's latest victory as "massive" before admitting that he tries to emulate Brazil legend Ronaldo whenever he steps out onto the pitch.

"I work to be a great striker, I work every day hard to be like Ronaldo was," he said. "His quality is different from me but I have to work to be a great striker."