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    Arsenal and Tottenham battling it out for ‘frightening’ young defender backed to become one of world’s best stars

    BOTH Arsenal and Tottenham are keen on signing promising young centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, according to reports.Tapsoba has been linked with a move away from Bayer Leverkusen, with Premier League clubs circling.
    Edmond Tapsoba has been an important first-team player for the German club this seasonCredit: Getty
    Tapsoba was also nominated for African player of the Year in 2022Credit: Reuters
    The Burkina Faso international has made 46 appearances for his club this season, and his performances have attracted a lot of interest.
    According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, the defender has been an Arsenal target since his first season in Germany.
    However, Mikel Arteta’s side will now face competition from their North London rivals Tottenham to sign the star.
    Both clubs could do with bolstering their central defence over the summer.
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    After all, William Saliba’s injury was disastrous for the Gunners’ title charge.
    While Spurs fans believe that Eric Dier could do with greater competition.
    Tapsoba has also won 34 caps for Burkina Faso and played at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, which saw him nominated for the African Player of the Year award.
    Last year, the Bundesliga website sung his praises, calling him a “powerful and super-quick defender” with “frightening heading abilities”.
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    Meanwhile, his former coach at Vitoria Guimaraes has backed him for stardom.
    Ivo Vieira said: “I’m sure he will continue his development and become one of the greatest players in the world.
    “He can end up where he wants to. At one of the world’s biggest clubs.”
    Leverkusen are rumoured to be demanding around £60m to pry Tapsoba out of their hands.
    Arsenal have qualified for Champions League football next season, and they will be hoping to compete for the other major trophies as well.
    But Spurs are competing with Aston Villa to secure a position in the third tier of European football – the Europa Conference League – next year. More

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    Chelsea fans say ‘we are actually gonna get Caicedo’ as eagle-eyed supporters spot telling sign on his Instagram live

    CHELSEA fans are convinced Moises Caicedo is joining the club after spotting something intriguing on the Brighton midfielder’s Instagram live.The Ecuadorian, 21, helped the Seagulls secure Europa League football on Wednesday evening after a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
    Moises Caicedo is being linked with a summer move away from BrightonCredit: Getty
    Chelsea fans spotted something on Caicedo’s Instagram liveCredit: Instagram
    Caicedo had been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window, but Brighton clung onto their man.
    He then penned a new deal to keep him on the South Coast until 2027.

    But he is still expected to leave Brighton at the end of the season as both Chelsea and Arsenal circle for his signature.
    And Blues supporters believe they are in pole position to acquire him after his Instagram live from the changing room following Brighton’s draw with Man City.
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    Caicedo filmed himself as fans poured in to offer their congratulations amid Brighton’s Europa League qualification.
    Among them was Chelsea director Joe Shields – who sent the South American two clapping emojis.
    That has sent some of the club’s die-hard fans into meltdown on social media.
    One said: “We are actually gonna get him.”
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    Another added: “This is such an obvious signing.”
    A third replied: “HE’S COMINGGGGGG.”
    And a fourth responded: “All i’m saying is hear me out,my guy Joe Shields is on a mission 😭🙌🏼.”
    Brighton rejected a bid of £70million from Arsenal in January, leading many to believe they will command an even bigger transfer fee in the summer.
    Meanwhile, Caicedo and Co celebrated their Europa League qualification by jumping up and down and singing in the dressing room.
    An Instagram clip shared by the club showed manager Roberto De Zerbi conducting the scenes after another impressive display.
    But the Italian head coach, 43, is realistic about those in his squad potentially departing in the coming months.
    Speaking earlier this week when asked if the Man City clash would be Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister’s final home games, he said: “It can be.
    “They can have the possibility to change as they deserve to play at another level but now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe.
    “Our level is bigger now. I think it can help.
    “The Europa Conference League is a very nice competition but everybody can see the Europa is more important.
    “I don’t know if they can change. They will have more motivation but they are very good guys.
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    “When I work for myself and my club, I still think for the players.
    “The players have one career, one life and we can’t decide for them. I don’t know what Tony will decide but if they want to leave, it is right they leave.”
    Joe Shields, centre, was previously a scout at Manchester City and SouthamptonCredit: Twitter More

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    Fans say Declan Rice to Bayern is ‘confirmed’ after training clip as German club rival Arsenal and Man Utd for transfer

    WEST HAM fans are convinced Declan Rice is heading to Bayern Munich after a training clip went viral.The West Ham captain, 24, looks set to depart the London Stadium this summer.
    Bayern Munich’s interest in Declan Rice is mountingCredit: Rex
    Fans are convinced he is going there after a clip from trainingCredit: Rex
    Arsenal and Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Rice, with the Emirates side once the favourites to land him in a club-record transfer.
    However, we reported how Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel was also weighing up a move for the Hammers ace.
    And now Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg has provided an update on Bayern’s pursuit of the star.
    He tweeted: “Internally it is said that the poker has begun now!
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    “Tuchel and the bosses want him as reported and he’s one of the targets who’s top on the list. 
    “Been told that Bayern could pay the price package demanded!”
    Although he did add that their move is “not advanced yet” as it is still unclear what is Rice’s preferred move just yet.
    Now West Ham fans are certain that he will be heading to Bayern after the club shared a clip of Rice coming out for training this morning where he produced a German greeting.
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    As the person behind the camera shouted hello, the midfielder replied: “Guten morgan.”
    “Rice to Bayern confirmed,” wrote one.
    While another said: “He’s getting the practice in.”
    Tuchel and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic are working on a plan to overhaul the Bayern squad this summer.
    And they identified Rice as a suitable option in holding midfield.
    Tuchel came up against Rice during his time as Chelsea boss and believes he has the quality to slot into the Bavarians’ team chasing the Champions League trophy.
    West Ham are demanding at least £100million for their academy graduate, despite his current contract expiring in 2024.
    Bayern’s record transfer fee is the £68m they paid for Lucas Hernandez.
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    And that could prove a boost for the Premier League sides still keen on landing Rice, especially if they can offer Champions League football.
    Hammers boss David Moyes admitted last week there is a “good chance” his influential skipper could leave the club at the end of this season – with James Ward-Prowse lined up as a possible replacement. More

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    Forgotten Arsenal wonderkid slams ‘draining’ loans after FIFTH move in three years with future in doubt

    ARSENAL wonderkid Tyreece John-Jules has pleaded with the club to end his “draining” loan odyssey as he wants to “settle down”.John-Jules, 22, has been with the Gunners since the tender age of eight years old but has never broken into the senior squad.
    Arsenal loanee Tyreece John-Jules urged the club to end his loan odysseyCredit: Getty
    Ipswich ace John-Jules wants to either stay at Arsenal or join another club permanentlyCredit: Getty
    The striker has instead been sent out on loan five times in the last three years as he has played for Lincoln City, Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday and now Ipswich.
    The England Under-21 international has only one year left in his contract with the North Londoners and has pleaded with them to either give him a chance or let him try his luck elsewhere.
    The Ipswich ace is “all ears” regarding a potential offer from Arsenal or another club as he appears tired of constantly moving around the country on loan.
    John-Jules told The Beautiful Game: “I’ve got one year left on my contract at Arsenal.
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    “I’ve had five loans now and each one feels like you’re getting further from the first team.
    “That said, my boy [Folarin] Balogun is ripping it up on loan at the moment [at Reims] and I’d say he’s getting closer.
    “I guess everyone has their own path. Right now I’m just trying to get back fit for the start of pre-season.
    “Talks will have to happen at some point – whether I stay, go out on loan or leave on a permanent.
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    “I just want to settle somewhere, whether that’s signing a new contract with Arsenal or going somewhere else on a permanent.
    “I think it’s time to settle down and just focus and chill instead of hopping from loan to loan. It’s difficult and it’s draining travelling to all these places.
    “Settling and focusing on one team would be ideal, whether that’s Arsenal or somewhere else.
    “I’m all ears. I want to hear every side and I will pick the best option for me.” More

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    Man Utd ‘will launch huge Mason Mount transfer bid’ as they try to steal march on two rivals in race for Chelsea star

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly set to launch a £55million bid for Chelsea contract rebel Mason Mount.The midfielder, 24, looks increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after failing to agree a new deal.
    Man Utd are set to launch a £55m bid for Chelsea contract rebel Mason MountCredit: Getty
    And the Mail claims United are looking to steal a march on rivals as they prepare to table an offer this summer.
    Club sources have confirmed talks over a deal for Mount are set to commence once the season ends.
    Erik ten Hag has made the England midfielder his No1 priority.
    And United are ready to offer £55m to see off competition from rivals.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Mount has plenty of suitors at home and abroad, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich extremely interested.
    But United hope they can move into pole position by getting talks underway after Sunday’s final Premier League matches.
    Champions League winner Mount is out of contract in 2024.
    Chelsea have made numerous attempts to get him to sign a lucrative new extension.
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    But the two parties have been unable to agree on a wage, with Mount reportedly looking for £250,000-a-week like pal Reece James.
    Chelsea are hoping to bank £85m for Mount, who has been at the club since 2005 after coming through their Cobham academy.
    He has 33 goals in 195 games for the Blues since his 2019 debut.
    And Mount established himself as a key player under multiple managers like Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.
    Incoming Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has told Todd Boehly he ideally wants Mount in his squad next season.
    But Chelsea are unwilling to keep hold of players who are out of contract the following summer.
    And if Mount is unable to strike terms late on, Boehly will look to cash in.
    He isn’t the only ace whose deal is up in 2024.
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek is thought to be in advanced talks with AC Milan.
    And Mateo Kovacic could be set for a move to Prem champs Man City.
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    The likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic could also be sold.
    And there’s even question marks over Thiago Silva’s future despite his extension earlier this year, while N’Golo Kante could yet leave for free as his deal winds down next month. More

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    Arsenal’s new home kit appears to be LEAKED by women’s star as fans breathe sigh of relief

    ARSENAL fans have breathed a sigh of relief after Gio Queiroz appeared to leak the club’s new home shirt.The Gunners women’s star posted a picture of herself wearing what is believed to be the new shirt alongside team-mate Beth Mead.
    Gio Queiroz and Beth Mead have been snapped in the ‘new’ Arsenal shirtCredit: Twitter
    And fans are happier that it is better than the leaked potential away kitCredit: https://twitter.com/afcstuff
    The apparent new design appears to have gold stripes on the shoulders and arms.
    It also has a darker red detailing down the body, giving it a very different look to this season’s edition.
    And fans have reacted positively to the design, with many claiming it to be better than the leaked away kit.
    One Arsenal fan tweeted: “Now let’s hope *that* away kit is just a rumour.”
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    A second commented: “Much better than this season’s home kit IMO.”
    A third said: “It’s growing on me, unlike that green thing.”
    A fourth wrote: “Those are super clean not going to lie.”
    While a fifth added: “It looks goooooood though, nicer than I thought it would look to be honest.”
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    The away kit, however, did not get the same level of appreciation with many fans claiming it to be horrible.
    Many of the fans believe that they will get to see the kit in action soon, with suspicions that the club will wear it on Sunday.
    Arsenal face Wolves in their last game of the season at the Emirates Stadium.
    The new kits that will be worn will feature in the Champions League next season as Arsenal will finish second in the Premier League. More

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    Arsenal set for end of Wenger era with five remaining players he signed at risk of summer transfer exits

    ARSENAL’S Arsene Wenger era could come to a definitive end this summer with the remaining players left over from his squad linked with an exit.Despite it being five years since Wenger left, a number of players from his final season remain at the club.
    Wenger salutes the crowd after his final game as Arsenal manager.Credit: PA:Empics Sport
    The mix of veterans and youngsters from the Wenger era are all linked with moves away from Arsenal.
    Here are the players who could leave the Gunners this summer.
    Granit Xhaka
    Xhaka in action against Newcastle United earlier this season.Credit: Getty
    It’s been a Hollywood comeback story for Xhaka, 30, who often came under criticism during Wenger’s reign.
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    The Swiss midfielder was made captain by Wenger’s successor, Unai Emery, but was stripped of his role in spectacular fashion back in 2019.
    The midfielder mouthed at fans to “f*** off” when he was subbed off to a chorus of boos in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
    Despite losing the captaincy, he has been a stalwart of Mikel Arteta’s side since the Spaniard took over in December that year.
    He has been in fine form this season, playing every league game and scoring five times for the Gunners as they sat at the top of the table for the majority of the campaign.
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    But it looks as though Xhaka may be keen to leave the Emirates on a high, with talks taking place over a £15m move to Bayer Leverkusen.
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    Ahead of Arsenal’s final game of the season at home to Wolves, Xhaka was asked whether this would be his last game in an Arsenal shirt by The Evening Standard.
    He said: “You will know the latest next week, for sure.
    “I think they (the fans) deserve that and I do myself as well. We have one more week of this Premier League season, the first thing is I want to enjoy [it] and, for sure, you guys will know next week what happens with my future.”
    Mohamed Elneny
    Elneny playing for Arsenal this season prior to his knee injury.Credit: PA
    Elneny was signed by Wenger from Basel in 2016 in a cut-price £7million deal.
    The midfielder has endured a mix of fortunes at The Emirates, often playing a back-up role and at one point finding himself out on loan to Besiktas.
    But the midfielder proved his worth to Arteta last season when he came in to deputise well for the injured Thomas Partey during the latter part of the campaign.
    He was rewarded for his efforts with a one-year contract extension in May 2022 and signed a further extension this February.
    But it’s been an injury-hit campaign for the Egyptian international and he has not featured for the Gunners since undergoing knee surgery in January.
    The midfielder has fallen down the pecking order since Arsenal signed Jorginho in January and may fall further if rumours are to be believed of Arsenal’s interest in Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice.
    Rob Holding
    Holding during April’s defeat to Manchester City.Credit: Getty
    Holding joined the Gunners as a promising youngster from Bolton all the way back in 2016.
    He made a decent start to life at Arsenal and was a reliable part of the Wenger team that won the 2017 FA Cup, playing the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 2-1 cup final victory over Chelsea.
    But since suffering an ACL injury in December 2018, Holding has largely played a back-up role.
    The defender came in to deputise for Ben White towards the end of last season and it was his costly red card against Spurs in a 3-0 defeat that ultimately cost Arsenal Champions League football.
    He has also been tasked with covering William Saliba since March after the Frenchman got injured in Arsenal’s Europa League defeat to Sporting CP.
    His time in the side coincided with Arsenal losing form in the title race and the club are reportedly willing to listen to offers in order to upgrade on their back-up centre half.
    Reiss Nelson
    Nelson hypes up the crowd during Arsenal’s defeat to BrightonCredit: Getty
    Still aged just 23, Nelson did not have a great deal of first-team exposure under Wenger.
    He did feature heavily in the Europa League, however, making eight appearances as Wenger opted to rotate heavily in Europe.
    He also made three Premier League appearances in Wenger’s final season.
    As per Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have offered Nelson a new four-year deal until June 2027, with an option to extend by a further year.
    But he also reports that Nelson has interest from clubs in England, France and Italy.
    Nelson has made 17 appearances for the Gunners this season, and may be tempted by the lure of guaranteed first-team minutes.
    Eddie Nketiah
    Nketiah during last week’s clash with BrightonCredit: Reuters
    Nketiah was another youngster that Wenger gave limited minutes to in his final season.
    He made five appearances in the Europa League and appeared as a substitute three times in the Premier League.
    The Arsenal forward signed a bumper new £100k a week contract last summer after impressing during the tail end of the campaign.
    He was also given the coveted number 14 shirt, once worn by Thierry Henry as a show of faith in the 23-year-old.
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    But he has found himself playing second fiddle this season to Gabriel Jesus, despite assurances of first-team minutes.
    The forward may look to move this summer in order to establish himself as a first choice No9. More

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    Man Utd looking to swoop in to land 14-goal winger ahead of Arsenal, Newcastle and PSG as transfer race hots up

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly looking to pinch Moussa Diaby from under the noses of their Premier League rivals. Moussa Diaby has been the object of much attention this season and appears to have a decision to make in the summer.
    Moussa Diaby has made nine appearances for the French national team
    The Bayer Leverkusen winger has managed 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s side this campaign and has attracted a lot of interest as a result.
    According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Frenchman is now a target for Manchester United.
    However it is reported that the next step in any move for Diaby to join the Man Utd would depend on the ownership at the club.
    The Red Devils are in the midst of a bidding war between Sheikh Jassim and Jim Ratcliffe who both want to purchase the club off the Glazer family.
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    Man Utd only just added talented wingers to their roster when they brought in Antony last summer for £85.5million and Jadon Sancho the season before for £73million.
    Regardless it would appear Erik ten Hag is keen to add attacking talent to his squad as they look all but guaranteed to finish in the Champions League places.
    Diaby has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, PSG and Newcastle United.
    With Newcastle now securing Champions League football they could be a more attractive outlet for the 23-year-old, however it has been said that their interest has not advanced in recent months.
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    Leverkusen are rumoured to be demanding a of around £70m to pry Diaby out of their hands.
    The tricky winger’s contract isn’t due to expire until 2025 and he is supposedly considered an important player by Alonso.
    Arsenal have been linked with Diaby for a long time, but with priorities seemingly lying in midfield this summer as well as Bukayo Saka signing a new long-term contract it may be a difficult deal for the Gunners to complete. More