Ban looms for Bukayo Saka row as Liverpool put plan in place for Virgil van Dijk (2025)

Arsenal are into the last four of the Champions League after seeing off Real Madrid in a fractious game on Wednesday night, while Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract

Arsenal are into the semi finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2009 following their statement win over Real Madrid on Wednesday night. The Gunners triumphed 2-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate to book a last-four clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli did the trick for Arsenal, who could even afford to miss a penalty on a dramatic night at the Bernabeu. And goalkeeper David Raya is convinced they can go all the way and lift the trophy on May 31 in Munich.

Attention will now turn to a weekend of Premier League action, with the Gunners travelling to face relegation-bound Ipswich Town on Sunday. Everton host Manchester City and Aston Villa take on Newcastle in the best of Saturday's action, before the race for a Champions League place continues on Sunday, with Fulham hosting Chelsea while Tottenham take on Nottingham Forest on Monday.

There was big news on Thursday from Liverpool, who announced a new contract for Virgil van Dijk, who has followed in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah by committing himself to the club. His move leaves Trent Alexander-Arnold as the odd one out with just a few months remaining on his contract. Here are all the latest headlines from Mirror Football.

Ban beckons after Saka incident

Saka was involved in an incident in the tunnel with Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal on Wednesday night. Carvajal was caught on video approaching the Arsenal winger at half-time to remonstrate with him, apparently over his choice of a Panenka penalty.

The injured Real player grabbed Saka's neck before sharing a few choice words with the unsuspecting Arsenal man, who had seen his attempt saved by Thibaut Courtois from 12 yards. They were quickly swamped by players from both sides and staff, but Carvajal could now face punishment from UEFA.

It is just one of a few sour notes for Real, who bemoaned Arsenal's approach and are now set to part company with Carlo Ancelotti.

Van Dijk has Liverpool plan

Van Dijk has signed a two-year deal with Liverpool which is on similar terms to his last one and is worth £350,000-a-week, or £40million altogether. He has joined Salah in penning fresh terms and their moves makes it increasingly likely that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be heading to Real in the summer when his contract expires.

Some Reds fans turned on Alexander-Arnold in the wake of Van Dijk's news - and he likely to face further scrutiny when he returns to the pitch following an ankle injury. The 26-year-old has missed four games, and although he returned to training on Wednesday, he is not expected to play against Leicester on Sunday.

In the meantime, Van Dijk wants to stay put at Liverpool until he retires. He will be nearly 36 at the end of his contract, but believes he can do a Thiago Silva and play at the top level until he's nearly 40.

Chelsea tested Van Dijk's loyalty

Van Dijk has been at Liverpool since a £75m move from Southampton in January 2018 and he feels connected to the club he has captained since the summer of 2023. But that didn't stop other clubs from testing the water while contract negotiations went on.

"It was always Liverpool," Van Dijk said. "That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool. There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”

Yet during the prolonged negotiations, which contained a few ups and downs, there was interest from Chelsea. The Blues were told he wasn't interested and another potential move to Paris Saint-Germain was a non-starter.

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