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    Arsenal fans fear Bukayo Saka could still quit despite agreeing new long-term deal over ‘curse’ of highest paid player

    ARSENAL fans fear that Bukayo Saka could still leave the club despite agreeing a new long-term contract.The deal will see the England international become the club’s highest-paid player, with a salary of up to £300,000 per week.
    Bukayo Saka has agreed on a new deal at ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil both struggled at Arsenal after signing new deals with the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
    Saka has been in stunning form for the club this season, helping them to the top of the Premier League table.
    The 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and assisted ten more in his 28 league appearances.
    While he has certainly earned his new deal, it does not guarantee his form will continue.
    Former club stars such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil all saw their effectiveness fade after signing new contracts.
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    One Arsenal supporter tweeted: “Saka contract curse is pending….”
    While a second asked: “Will Saka beat the “improved contract” curse?”
    However, some were more hopeful, as a third fan added: “Saka about to break our £300,000 big player contract curse.”
    Ozil was a star player for Arsenal and he was awarded with a whooping contract worth £350,000 per week just six months before he was set to leave the club on a free transfer, according to The Mirror.
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    However, the following season, under new manager Unai Emery, he only managed to contribute six goals and three assists.
    The next season he scored one goal before being exiled from the team by manager Mikel Arteta and leaving on a free transfer to Fenerbache in January 2021.
    Aubameyang received a pay rise after helping the club win the FA Cup in 2020.
    But he also went on to fall out with Arteta at the start of the 2021/22 season.
    The Gabon striker was dropped from the squad after a third disciplinary issue in a year. He then left the club in the winter transfer window on a free transfer to Barcelona.
    Podolski might not have been been on a similar wage to the two recent stars but he was among the club’s highest-paid players in 2012.
    Earning £157,000 per week, the German starred in his first season in North London.
    However, in his second campaign, he lost his place in the team after some inconsistent performances.
    He then left the club on loan to Inter Milan in January 2015 and then permanently to Galatasaray in the summer for a measly fee of less than £2million.
    Lukas Podolski also fell victim to the curseCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Fans can’t believe Morata’s wife’s stunning figure after four kids as she poses in bikini by pool

    FANS struggled to believe that Alvaro Morata’s wife Alice Campello has four children after she shared bikini snaps of her “perfect physique”.The Italian model will be focusing on more important things than such compliments, having been in intensive care just two months ago following the birth of the couple’s first daughter, Bella.
    Alice Campello amazed her Instagram followers with these snapsCredit: Instagram
    Alongside this photo, businesswoman Alice wrote: “It looks like a relaxing bath but behind me there are 4 screaming kids”Credit: Instagram
    Italian model Alice stands tall and proud as she finally finds time to unwindCredit: Instagram
    Alice shared this picture of her with new daughter Bella on Instagram in January and both are now doing well
    But she was happy to share the revealing poolside photos with her 3.3million Instagram followers.
    The fashion designer, 28, looked utterly relaxed in the Marbella seafront pictures she captioned “sunsets”.
    But it’s just weeks after her post-childbirth problems that Atletico Madrid striker Morata called the “worst days of my life”.
    Now Alice appears back to her happiest self – while her husband is enjoying his new appointment as Spain skipper, including Tuesday night’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Scotland.
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    The couple wed in Venice six years ago after the ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid and Juventus star proposed on stage during a magic show.
    And many of Alice’s followers want to know if she has any special tricks for staying in shape.
    One posted: “But are you sure you have 4 children??? I have no words… Divine ”
    Another wrote: “4 children and a perfect physique.”
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    A third said: “Where exactly do your children come from? Asking for a friend.”
    And a fourth suggested she has the ideal world.
    That fan posted: “4 children and a crazy physique ….. lucky in everything .. beautiful husband …. money ….. beautiful children.”
    Alice had twins Alessandro and Leonardo with Morata in July 2018 and their third son, Edoardo, in September 2020.
    And daughter Bella was born on January 9 this year – unfortunately followed by a few days of worry over Alice’s health.
    But it all appears to be going swimmingly again now – with Alice back to prime health and Morata bursting with pride at being his national team’s skipper.
    Alvaro Morata and Campello are happy to share their holidays on social media
    Alice’s 3.3m followers though they’d won the lucky dip when she posted her pool picsCredit: Instagram
    Alice and Alvaro Morata look like a couple who appreciate all they have
    The couple have four children, starting with twins born in 2018Credit: Refer to Caption More

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    Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic wanted by ex-boss Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich on free transfer as contract runs down

    MATEO KOVACIC is reportedly wanted by Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich as his contract runs down at Chelsea.The Croatian has been at Stamford Bridge, first on loan and now permanently, since 2018 and is popular with the fanbase.
    Thomas Tuchel is a fan of Mateo Kovacic and started him regularly when he was Chelsea bossCredit: Getty
    But his contract expires in 16 months and he would be available as a free transfer if he does not extend his deal before the end of next season.
    And the Evening Standard report Tuchel, his former manager with the Blues, is among those looking at the star.
    The German was installed as Bayern boss last week, quickly after the shock sacking of Julian Nagelsmann, and has already set his sights on his ex-club.
    Tuchel, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, is also keen to bring in Blues coach Anthony Barry.
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    The interest in Kovacic goes beyond just his former boss with Manchester City also believed to be a fan of the dynamic midfielder.
    The 28-year-old is seen as an important first-team player and has even served as Chelsea’s captain over the last four games due to absences of major stars like Thiago Silva.
    But manager Graham Potter and chairman Todd Boehly have big decisions to make on outgoings after the club announced a huge loss of £121m earlier this week.
    The London club now face a huge summer clear-out to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, having spend over £600m on new signings in the last year.
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    Profitable homegrown stars like midfielder Mason Mount, Trevoh Chalobah, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi are among the players who the club could potentially sell.
    But one squad member who is expected to stay is N’Golo Kante, who has not played a senior game for Chelsea since August.
    The Frenchman, who turns 32 tomorrow, has been struggling with injury for much of the season but could soon put pen to paper on a contract extension.
    He is on the path back to full fitness with some of his supportive teammates cheering him on at an U21 game earlier this month. More

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    Gareth Bale travels 5,000 MILES for emotional goodbye to Wales fans after retiring from football

    GARETH BALE will travel 5,000-plus miles to wave goodbye to his adoring Wales fans tonight.The Dragons legend, 33, retired in January after winning 111 caps and scoring 41 goals for his beloved country.
    Gareth Bale will wave goodbye to Wales fans this eveningCredit: Alamy
    Bale will jet in from Los Angeles for the crunch Euro 2024 qualifier against Latvia in Cardiff.
    The Football Association of Wales announced yesterday the nation’s all-time most-capped male player and record scorer Bale will be honoured with a special memento in front of the ‘Red Wall’ pre-match.
    The FAW tweeted from their official account: “Gareth Bale will be at the Cardiff City Stadium.
    “There will be an opportunity pre-match for The Red Wall to show their appreciation to a Cymru legend.”
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    Wales have not played at home since former captain Bale hung up his boots following the World Cup where his final appearance came in a 3-0 group stage loss to England last November.
    In their first match without Bale, debutant Nathan Broadhead rescued a last-gasp stunning point in Saturday’s Group D opening draw in Croatia.
    Now a sell-out 33,000-capacity crowd is expected and ready to raise the roof to give hero Bale a warm send-off.
    The FAW say Joe Allen and Jonny Williams, who have also retired since Qatar, have both been invited and will also be in attendance.
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    Chris Gunter became the fourth Welsh player from the 2022 World Cup squad to end his international career earlier this month. But the 109-cap defender is part of Robert Page’s coaching staff.
    Bale has been enjoying his retirement in America and posted on Instagram that he went to concerts by Maroon 5 and Adele in Las Vegas over the weekend.
    But Wales’ talisman for so long gave the seal of approval at Saturday’s result in Split when he posted after the match: “Felt strange not to be involved today but proud of the boys. Great result.” 
    Bale’s successor as captain Aaron Ramsey, 32, will lead Wales out for the first time in Cardiff since he was reappointed national skipper for the second time.
    The Nice midfielder, who wore the armband in Croatia, will have his eldest of three sons Sonny, 7, as his mascot.
    Former Arsenal and Juventus star Ramsey, who revealed last week how proud his family were after he reclaimed the captaincy, said: “My eldest son will be coming and walking out with me – it will make it extra special. 
    “He has been really excited. He was captain for his local team Cardiff Cosmos on Saturday as well, so that made it a bit more special. I’m looking forward to it. It will be a proud moment for me.
    “There will be a lot of emotions. I will be in front of my family and friends. To be in front of the Red Wall will be very special.” More

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    Watch ex-Man Utd and Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez score bizarre corner winner for Chile leaving TV viewers baffled

    FORMER Manchester United and Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez scored a bizarre corner winner for Chile, leaving fans baffled.The veteran striker, 34, was once a top Premier League name with the Gunners and Red Devils.
    Alexis Sanchez’s bizarre corner secured victory for Chile against ParaguayCredit: Getty
    The late effort left fans confusedCredit: Twitter

    He now plies his trade in France for Marseille after winning a Serie A title with Inter Milan.
    But Sanchez remains a key player for his country.
    The ace won his 153rd international cap for Chile in Monday’s friendly game against Paraguay.
    And he scored his 51st goal with 15 minutes left to level the score at 2-2.
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    But Sanchez wasn’t finished yet as he landed a winner for Chile in the 92nd minute.
    Sanchez fired in a corner as time ticked down to the final whistle.
    And somehow the ball ended up in the back of the net at the near post, sparking wild celebrations.
    Replays showed that Paraguay goalkeeper Antony Silva had actually palmed the ball straight into his own net when trying to punch what should have been a routine save away.
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    And TV viewers were left puzzled by his horrendous mistake, which later went down as an own-goal.
    One said: “I didn’t understand Alexis’ shot but even less what Silva did.”
    Another declared: “He fished for the ball and caused the goalie to make an error, the quality of Sanchez.”
    One asked: “How on earth has that gone in?”
    Another added: “The best player Chile has ever produced.” More

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    I’m a dentist – and I scored four consecutive hat-tricks to set new goalscoring record

    FORGET Erling Haaland, it’s Eddie Simon who is the deadliest striker in England at the moment.The non-league star made history for eighth tier Walton & Hersham over the weekend.

    Non-league star Eddie Simon is the most prolific footballer in England at the momentCredit: Instagram / @eddiesimon_10
    During the day, Simon is a dentist in west London
    His hat-trick against Uxbridge was his fourth consecutive three-goal haul – the most prolific run ANY footballer in England’s top eight divisions has managed..
    Astonishingly, he’s netted 12 goals in his last four matches for the Non League Division One club, as they challenge for the title.
    But, football isn’t how he makes his living.
    For Simon is also a qualified dentist.
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    History maker
    Simon appeared on Sky Sports News, where he was asked how it feels to be called ‘England’s most prolific striker.’
    “Really proud to be labelled as that,” he told Sky Sports News.
    ‘It’s been a really good couple of months, especially the last month, scoring four hat-tricks in a row. You couldn’t really dream of something like that.”
    Astonishingly, the hot-shot forward wasn’t aware that he was in line to break the record for most consecutive hat-tricks with his third strike against Uxbridge.
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    Carrying a knock, he had asked his coach to take him off as a precaution – with a top of the table clash against Basingstoke Town coming up next.
    Simon revealed: “I didn’t even know that was an English record. I found out after the goal.
    “When I scored the second goal, I’ve been carrying a muscle injury for a few weeks, I did say to the bench to take me off as a precaution because we’ve got a big game coming up on Saturday.
    “I managed to stay on for a couple of extra minutes, a defender slipped, and I was able to capitalise.
    “But I was just about to be taken off just before the third one went in.
    “Now I know that it’s an English record, I’m happy I didn’t come off!”
    Haaland comparison
    Erling Haaland has scored six hat-tricks in all competitions this season, albeit for Man City.
    However, Simon’s goalscoring feat has led to him being compared to the Norwegian superstar.
    Simon, seen here as a youngster, has been compared to Erling Haaland because of his goalscoring recordCredit: Instagram / @eddiesimon_10
    In his last four games Simon has scored 12 goals
    “Seeing all these things going out – comparing our goal records… obviously they play a slightly different level,” the non-league hitman said.
    “But it’s good to be in that conversation.”
    Unlike Haaland, though, Simon’s not been able to keep the match balls.
    “If I take all the match balls home, the boys said they would have to order a new batch,” he joked.
    “So I haven’t been taking them home.
    “Unfortunately at the level we play at, we don’t really do that.”
    Dentistry and Wag
    For his day job, Simon is a qualified dentist.
    He works at a practice in west London, and hopes to run his own in the future.
    Asked if dentistry is tougher than scoring goals, Simon joked: “My practice owner would not be happy if I say root canal.
    “Scoring hat-tricks is definitely harder.”
    For now, he’s happy to bask in the glory of his record-breaking achievement.
    Dentist Simon is engaged to fiancee Miriana
    Miriana was spotted giving Simon a kiss when he scored his record-breaking third goal against Uxbridge
    After scoring his hat-trick clinching goal last time out, Simon was seen running to the crowd to kiss his fiancee, Miriana.
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    He laughed: “She wasn’t too happy that has gone all over the place, she’s a bit embarrassed.”
    Simon is taking is taking his new-found fame in his stride. And he’s certainly ‘filling’ his boots in both of his jobs. More

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    Chelsea slammed by Lyon owner over ‘impatient’ transfer strategy after Malo Gusto suffers injury while out on loan

    CHELSEA have been slammed by Lyon for their “impatient” transfer strategy.That’s after Malo Gusto suffered an injury while back on loan in France.
    Lyon have hit out at Chelsea over their capture of now-injured Malo GustoCredit: Getty
    The right-back, 19, was snapped up from Lyon by Todd Boehly’s side for £26million in January.
    And he was immediately loaned back to the Ligue 1 outfit for the remainder of the season.
    But disaster struck when Gusto soon picked up a hamstring injury.
    The youngster snubbed Lyon by deciding to do his rehab at Chelsea instead.
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    And it remains to be seen whether he plays for the French outfit again.
    Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulas has now hit out at Chelsea’s mega spending spree under Boehly.
    He believes the Blues are showing a lack of patience by dishing out big fees for young footballers.
    And it’s also damaging other clubs trying to stably invest in stars for the future.
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    Aulas said: “The transfer was a specific scenario because Chelsea’s plan is to invest in young players for the long term.
    “It weakens clubs capable of raising these players like Lyon.
    “Gusto had only played 50 games in France so it was a big loss, but we tried to compensate financially.
    “Players like this are difficult to compensate so it’s not a good thing Chelsea’s American investors think more immediately instead of waiting.
    “Gusto was a big loss for us and then there was his injury too. We will have to replace him with another young player.” More

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    Man Utd takeover LIVE: Qatari investors map out multi-club plan, Rashford ‘rejected’ HUGE PSG offer, Bellingham TWIST

    QATARI investors are reportedly sculpting a plan to put Manchester United at the top of Europe’s biggest multi-club network.They are hoping to add the Red Devils to their portfolio after already owning Paris Saint-Germain should their bid turn out to be successful.
    Meanwhile, Marus Rashford rejected a £400,000 per week offer from PSG last summer according to reports.
    And it has been claimed that Borussia Dortmund have a “secret plan” to keep hold of Jude Bellingham in a huge blow to United.
    Ten Hag ‘gets go-ahead for £80m Kane bid’
    United have given Erik ten Hag the green light to bid £80million for Harry Kane, according to reports.
    And they want to wrap up a deal to sign the England captain before the end of the season.
    The Tottenham striker, 29, is a long-term target for the Red Devils who desperately want a new No9 this summer after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.

    SunSport revealed earlier in March that the Old Trafford club are confident they will land Kane this summer if Tottenham miss out on the top four and the Champions League.
    Spurs have been holding out for £100m – but United hope they will accept an offer below that.
    Now the Mirror report the Red Devils board have sanctioned an £80m opening offer for their priority transfer target.
    It is thought Ten Hag implored his seniors to stump up the cash because he is desperate to secure the striker to transform his side into genuine title contenders and therefore wants to open talks as soon as possible.
    Kane is wanted by plenty of Europe’s top clubs including Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Chelsea – but the report adds his preferred destination is Old Trafford.
    His current £200,000-a-week contract at Tottenham expires in 2024 and he needs to make a decision on his future as his long wait for a trophy goes on.
    Fans baffled by Sanchez’s late winner direct from CORNER
    Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez scored a bizarre corner winner for Chile, leaving fans baffled.
    The 34-year-old now plies his trade in France for Marseille after winning a Serie A title with Inter Milan.

    But Sanchez remains a key player for his country.
    He won his 153rd international cap for Chile in Monday’s friendly game against Paraguay. And he scored his 51st goal with 15 minutes left to level the score at 2-2.
    But Sanchez wasn’t finished yet as he landed a winner for Chile in the 92nd minute. Sanchez fired in a corner as time ticked down to the final whistle. And somehow the ball ended up in the back of the net at the near post, sparking wild celebrations.

    Replays showed that Paraguay goalkeeper Antony Silva had actually palmed the ball straight into his own net when trying to punch what should have been a routine save away.
    And TV viewers were left puzzled by his horrendous mistake, which later went down as an own-goal.
    One said: “I didn’t understand Alexis’ shot but even less what Silva did.” Another declared: “He fished for the ball and caused the goalie to make an error, the quality of Sanchez.”
    One asked: “How on earth has that gone in?” Another added: “The best player Chile has ever produced.”
    Four years ago today…
    Four years ago today Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed Man Utd manager.
    The 50-year-old first took charge as a caretaker and then got the job permanently.
    He guided Man Utd to some memorable victories, a Europa League final and a second place finish in the Premier League.
    Solskjaer has been out of management since he was sacked in November 2021, but he was linked with the Everton job.
    Wou about that
    Wout Weghorst was asked a BRUTAL question by a reporter following his wasteful display for the Netherlands.
    The Dutch beat minnows Gibraltar 3-0 in their Euros qualifier in Rotterdam on Monday evening but missed a host of chances during the game.
    Ronald Koeman’s side had a total of 51 SHOTS in the match – 39 of which were off target.
    It was put to Weghorst: “Wout, imagine we would have continued this game for another 48 hours. Would you have scored a goal?”
    To which he diplomatically replied: “Good question. At least I would have had more time. I did my best, but time was up.”

    Into the Den
    Denzel Dumfries has dropped a hint that he will join Manchester United after switching agents.
    The Dutch defender has reportedly dropped his previous representative Rafaela Pimenta and will now be looked after by the Wasserman Group.
    The decision, as reported by Calciomercato.com, comes as Inter Milan plan to cash in on Dumfries this summer.
    The Wasserman Group represents current United stars Alejandro Garnacho and Phil Jones.
    According to Football Italia, the Serie A giants are hoping to sell the 26-year-old for a fee of at least £35million.
    Credit: AFP
    Four Lions
    United Women’s quartet Mary Earps, Maya Le Tissier, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo have all made the England squad.
    The Lionesses play Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima at Wembley on April 6.
    They then meet Australia in a friendly on April 11.
    Le Tissier was not part of the England squad that won the Euros last year, but the other three were.
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