Former winger Joe Cole believes no Premier League side, including champions Arsenal, will win the Champions League this season, according to Daily Post. Many analysts expect Mikel Arteta’s squad to improve after reaching last season’s final, with Arsenal entering the campaign as reigning Premier League champions for the first time since 2004; the excerpt does not name Cole’s chosen winner.

Germany legend Lothar Matthäus has named five favourites to win this season's UEFA Champions League, which begins Tuesday with fixtures including Real Madrid against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. According to the Daily Post, Matthäus's picks include Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Bayern Munich among others. PSG won last season's trophy after defeating Arsenal in the final.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has ruled Chelsea out of the Premier League title race this season, saying it is too soon for Xabi Alonso's side to be considered genuine challengers. According to the Daily Post, Petit instead backed Arsenal to win back-to-back league titles. His remarks come as the new Premier League season begins, with several clubs expected to compete near the top of the table.

Jose Mourinho has issued a warning to Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal as Real Madrid prepare for their opening Champions League fixture, according to Legit.ng. The Portuguese manager, back at Real Madrid, is said to be targeting Champions League glory in his return while reflecting on his past achievements and focusing on future success. The comments come ahead of Real Madrid's clash with Inter Milan, with Mourinho aiming to make a strong statement in the competition.

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has said the winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or does not need to have won silverware. According to the Daily Post, Mourinho made the remarks to the media after Madrid's 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday night. The Portuguese coach is also seeking to end Real Madrid's trophyless run this season.

Arsenal have been nominated for Club of the Year at the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards after Mikel Arteta's side won their first Premier League title in 22 years. The Gunners feature on a five-club shortlist alongside European champions Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final in May. PSG are reported to have secured back-to-back Champions League titles, positioning them as strong contenders for the award, according to Leadership.