Bukayo Saka [7]

Arsenal began the year 2024 under a lot of pressure. Two back-to-back Premier League defeats were followed by a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the FA Cup. The Gunners had won just once in seven matches. It seemed every pundit was claiming Arsenal needed a new striker and questioning where the goals were coming from. Some were even criticising manager Mikel Arteta. But it’s been some response from Arsenal.

The most valuable football league in the world has received 128 new market values, increasing its total value by around €240 million to €11.09 billion. Nine Liverpool players, Manchester City’s outstanding Phil Foden and Manchester United’s home-grown Kobbie Mainoo, who at the age of 18 has secured the biggest increase in value in the Premier League, have played the biggest part in this update. Meanwhile, things are going downhill for numerous Chelsea footballers, some of whom are seeing their market values plummet at Stamford Bridge.

The Premier League stands out as by far the most valuable football league in the world, and this Thursday the division received 128 new market values, increasing its total value by around €240 million to a staggering €11.09 billion. Nine Liverpool players went up in value, while numerous Chelsea players were downgraded. However, two of the biggest winners were two attacking players, both playing for title challengers; Manchester City’s Phil Foden (+€20m) and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (+€10m) both saw their market value reach €130m. 

This month, Transfermarkt has released its market value updates for the top five European leagues and there’s been some fascinating results. The English Premier League remains the most valuable league in the world, followed by La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1. Over 500 players had their market values updated across those league and there’s been some changes in the top 20 most valuable players in the world - you can view the full list in the gallery below.

It's that stage of the season. We are into the Champions League quarter-finals. Just the best eight teams in Europe remain. And the draw has thrown up some mouth-watering ties. Current champions Manchester City will take on 14-time winners Real Madrid, whilst Arsenal face off with Bayern Munich, looking to gain revenge on previous ties where the Bavarians slaughtered the Gunners. Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund take on Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona face PSG.

It was an enthralling Champions League encounter at the Emirates on Tuesday night. In a match that finished 2-2 as Arsenal came from behind to salvage a draw against European giants Bayern Munich, only to then be denied a late penalty shout that could have won the game for Mikel Arteta’s team. The Gunners were cruising in the first 15 minutes and took the lead thanks to a superb curled effort by Bukayo Saka, right-back Ben White then failed to take a gilt-edged chance that would have seen Arsenal double their lead. But then the adversity came.

Despite the Premier League being the richest league in the world, and what many consider as the best league in the world, it has also still found the time to be the breeding ground for some of the greatest young talent in world football. The English top-flight seemingly has it all. From teenage sensations, to the very best player in their prime, to the older heads using their experience to guide their teams to glory.