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    Ex-Arsenal star Gabriel ‘sends Vinicius Jr into next week’ as he gets red card for brutal challenge at Real Madrid

    FORMER Arsenal star Gabriel Paulista caused a huge melee after taking a wild kick at Vinicius Jr.The Brazilian defender was in Valencia’s defence as they headed to the Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid tonight in LaLiga.
    Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista was not letting Vinicius Jr get awayCredit: ITV
    The ex-Arsenal ace took a wild kick at fellow Brazilian Vinicius JrCredit: Getty
    Gabriel sparked a wild melee as he was sent-off against Real MadridCredit: Getty

    He played a key role in shutting out the Champions League holders during the first half before things quickly went pear-shaped.
    Marco Asensio finally broke the resistance seven minutes after the restart as he fired past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
    Then, just moments later, it was 2-0 as Vinicius Jr produced a brilliant solo effort.
    But just as it seemed things could not get any worse for Valencia then Paulista saw red after taking aim at his compatriot with a punt that sent his rival “into next week”, according to the commentators.
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    Vinicius had the ball out on the left flank and was going nowhere when the 32-year-old decided to boot the Madrid forward high up into the air after he had knocked the ball past him.
    Players from both teams instantly raced over as the referee gave the ex-Gooner his marching orders.
    Fortunately Vinicius Jr, who appeared to escape unhurt, was one of the first to confront Paulista as a host of his team-mates joined while Valencia’s team tried to stand up for and then get their man away.
    But even when Paulista had made it to the touchline he still had to get past fellow Brazilian Eder Militao – who had gone off injured earlier for Madrid – before making it to the changing-room.
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    Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will have been a relieved man after witnessing two of his most-trusted stars limp off before this nasty episode.
    Los Blancos, who defeated Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in last season’s final, face the Reds again in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 at Anfield on February 21.
    However, they could be sweating on the fitness of their talisman striker Karim Benzema as well as Militao.
    The 35-year-old, who was forced to pull out of his country’s World Cup squad through injury, pulled up after accelerating clear of the defence on the hour mark.
    He then left the field with what appeared to be a right hamstring problem.
    Militao was forced off after just 36 minutes at the Bernabeu after falling to the turf in agony.
    Initial reports are claiming that he has damaged his right groin or that it could be a potential adductor injury.
    Despite the double blow, Madrid were still able to close the gap on Barcelona to five points at the top of the table after the 2-0 triumph.
    No-one will have been surprised at what the outcome wasCredit: ITV More

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    Gabriel Martinelli signs new Arsenal contract keeping Brazil ace at club until 2027

    GABRIEL MARTINELLI has signed a new double-your-money Arsenal contract until 2027.The Brazil winger’s weekly pay will reportedly soar from £70,000 to £180k.
    Gabriel Martinelli will stay at the Emirates at least another four yearsCredit: Getty
    Boss Mikel Arteta is confident fellow young Gunns William Saliba and Bukayo Saka will eventually follow suit.
    Martinelli’s contract is thought to include the option of a further 12 months on top of the four-and-a-half-year arrangement.
    Chelsea and Barcelona are amongst the main admirers of the six-cap star, 21.
    But Martinelli has been a mainstay in Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League and always insisted he was happy to remain with Arteta’s exciting squad.
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    Now the Spanish manager is stepping up efforts to secure Saliba and Saka, who are also both 21, for the long term.
    They are under contract until 2024, with an option for an extra year.
    Arteta is calm about the situation and believes it is only a matter of time before the starlets pen extensions.
    But he wants hefty wage hikes for both of them.
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    Saka and Martinelli are expected to start at Everton in the Prem on Saturday.
    But ex-Brighton wideman Leandro Trossard is also pressing for a full game following his move last week.
    Eddie Nketiah seems sure to be the main striker inbetween – as Gabriel Jesus won’t be fit until March. More

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    Arsenal fans all say the same thing about ‘Thierry Henry regen’ Folarin Balogun’s STUNNING goal run since meeting idol

    ARSENAL fans are all going crazy about young star Folarin Balogun who continues to take the French league by storm. The 21-year-old, on loan at Reims, scored a hat-trick on Wednesday night to help his club come from two goals down to beat Lorient.
    Balogun is enjoying a golden loan spell away in FranceCredit: Getty
    English star Balogun is the top scorer in France
    It is the latest marker the striker has laid down during his dazzling loan spell away from the Emirates.
    His trio of goals came only days after he scored a dramatic late equaliser at PSG – and copied Thierry Henry’s celebration after meeting the former French forward before the match.
    Gunners fans cannot contain their excitement for Balogun with some even comparing him to the great French striker himself.
    One said on Twitter: “Balogun is actually the Henry regen. Can’t wait for him to come back to the Gunners and tear up the Prem.”
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    Another said: “Folarin Balogun is the true Thierry Henry Regen. Pass it on.”
    One tweeter added: “Looks like since meeting with Henry, Balogun has acquired his powers. 4 goals in 2 matches!!!!”
    And another Arsenal fan said: “Said this 2 years ago, and I still believe it now that as good as [Eddie] Nketiah is now, Balogun will be even better than him.
    “Will prob be the best striker Arsenal have post Henry/RVP [Robin van Persie].”
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    Balogun’s hat-trick saw him become Ligue 1’s top scorer, pulling clear of the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
    He now has 14 goals in just 20 league games.
    In fact the England youth player is now the third-top scorer in Europe’s major leagues, behind only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
    And he has now contributed 54 per cent of Reims’ goals this season, the highest share of of any player in the top five European leagues.
    Despite Balogun’s scoring exploits, Reims are only 11th in the French league. More

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    Moises Caicedo back in Brighton training after having dream Arsenal or Chelsea transfer rejected in January window

    MOISES CAICEDO has been bombarded by different voices with different agendas over the past fortnight – now there is just one he should listen to.Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has been clear from the start that now was not the time, the opportunities in the summer will be bigger and better.
    Moises Caicedo missed out on a January move to Arsenal or ChelseaCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
    Now he has returned to Brighton training following the transfer sagaCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
    Now Brighton will want Caicedo to help them challenge for a European placeCredit: Instagram @officialbhafc
    Caicedo is now back in training on the South Coast having been denied a late move to Arsenal or Chelsea, despite his public plea to be allowed to go.
    Owner Tony Bloom stood firm and De Zerbi told the 21-year-old that he could still achieve something special at Brighton over the next four months.
    It is a spell which could open up even more horizons for the midfielder.
    The Seagulls are already expecting bids to come in the summer, and not only from Arsenal.
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    While the Gunners are still keen on adding both Caicedo and Declan Rice to their midfield this summer, Liverpool, Chelsea and a number of big European clubs are circling.
    Brighton have the chance to achieve European football for the first time in their history this summer.
    Should Caicedo help them, then the next window could bring the ideal situation for everyone.
    The Ecuador international would have the pick of the best clubs in Europe and the Seagulls would be able to command a huge fee, as they often do.
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    For now, the midfielder’s reputation among Brighton fans hangs in the balance.
    Many supporters, like the club, feel that their star man has been woefully advised by new agents looking to make a splash.
    Caicedo’s social media post, drafted by his representatives and still present on his Instagram account, went down equally as bad at Arsenal as it did at the Amex.
    But now the talking should be done on the pitch by Caicedo and Caicedo alone.
    Having been told to stay away from training for the final days of the window, the hope is that he will have got his head right and be ready to feature against Bournemouth on Saturday.
    De Zerbi will be the one to make that call, but their FA Cup win over Liverpool while the midfielder was banished from the squad shows that the Italian is acting from a position of strength – especially considering he also sanctioned the sale of Leandro Trossard due to his poor behaviour last month.
    But the former Sassuolo manager will be in no doubt that if he is to help Brighton realise their dream of a top six finish or some silverware this season then he will, at some point, need Caicedo again.
    It is no use coming back in a sulk.
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    Even if the South American does not want to be there, the task now is to prove that he is worthy of a bidding war come the end of the season.
    No more behind the scenes antics from agents or poorly timed public outbursts, Caicedo has four months to restore and enhance his reputation before either leading the Seagulls into Europe or heading for bigger and better things himself. More

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    Chelsea to continue transfer splurge with huge push for Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo in summer but face Arsenal fight

    CHELSEA are reportedly set to continue their transfer splurge in the summer with huge pushes for Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo but face a fight with rivals Arsenal.New Blues owner Todd Boehly has splashed over £600million since the takeover in May 2022.
    Declan Rice remains a top target for ChelseaCredit: Rex
    The Blues could reignite their interest in Brighton’s Moises CaicedoCredit: PA
    Over £300m of that was spent in the January transfer window just gone with Chelsea setting a club, and British, record deal in signing World Cup-winning Argentine, Enzo Fernandez.
    The 22-year-old midfielder joined on deadline day for £107million, surpassing the record set by Manchester City for the purchase of Jack Grealish for £100m.
    Chelsea will be hoping their transfer splurge will fire them back into Champions League contention, with the West London club sat 10th in the Premier League.
    But regardless of their league finish this term, the spending is set to continue in the summer of 2023.
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    According to Football London, Chelsea would like to sign Brighton midfielder Caicedo and West Ham captain Rice.
    Caicedo has impressed since his low-cost move from Ecuador last season, while Rice has been on Chelsea’s radar for a number of seasons.
    Rice is, of course, an ex-Chelsea academy player, but was released at 14.
    But Chelsea will face a fight for both players with London rivals Arsenal also keen on the midfielders.
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    And Mikel Arteta’s Gunners could have significant pulling power over Chelsea if they hold their nerve and win the Premier League.
    It is also likely that Champions League football will return to the Emirates, whereas Chelsea will need to fight the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham for a spot in Europe’s elite club competition.
    Both players won’t come cheap, with Brighton turning down bids north of £60m from Arsenal last month for 21-year-old Caicedo despite a public plea to be allowed to leave.
    Hammers captain Rice is also unlikely to be snapped up for cheaper than £70m. More

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    Piers Morgan and John Terry clash in Twitter spat after Arsenal fan trolls Chelsea and ‘gazillion’ pound transfer spree

    PIERS MORGAN and John Terry were involved in a bitter spat on Twitter. As the transfer window drew to a close, SunSport columnist Morgan took to Twitter to troll Chelsea over the club’s league position.
    Chelsea legend John Terry got into a spat with Piers Morgan on TwitterCredit: Instagram / @johnterry.26
    Morgan seems happy to be able to laud Arsenal’s position over rivalsCredit: Getty
    With Chelsea moving to complete the last-gasp deal for Enzo Fernandez’s £107million record-breaking transfer, Morgan decided to laud over his club’s position at the top of the table instead.
    Sharing a picture of the current Premier League table, he said: “Reminder to Chelsea fans: we’re top of the League, you’re 10th, and we’re 21pts ahead of you with a game in hand.
    “So spend all the gazillions you want but what you REALLY need to buy is a telescope🔭 to look up at Arsenal.”
    However, Chelsea legend John Terry refused to take the dig lying down.
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    The former Blues skipper responded: “You have gone missing for 20 years! And you still have a long way to go…👀 💙.
    “I have won more trophies since I retired playing golf than Arsenal have.🏌🏻‍♂️🤣.”
    Morgan then hit back with another post.
    He remarked: “Pipe down ‘Tiger’ Terry… it was only 18 years ago that Arsenal went unbeaten in a whole League season (incl stuffing Chelsea, led by you, home & away…).
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    “So the only thing that’s ‘missing’ is the word Invincible’ on your CV….”
    So far Terry is yet to respond again.
    One club-man Terry, now 42, won 17 trophies at Chelsea, including the Champions League and five Prem titles.
    And Chelsea could sure use his defensive prowess as they aim to drag themselves back towards the European qualification spots from a poor opening half of the campaign.
    However, a massive outlay across the winter market has seen Chelsea spend a whopping £325m on eight transfers.
    Meanwhile, Arsenal had a far more shrewd window, completing a deadline day deal for Jorginho as they sent Albert Sambi Lokonga out on loan.
    Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior also arrived for a combined £48m earlier in the window. More

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    Arsenal set to go back in for Moises Caicedo AND Declan Rice in summer transfer window as Arteta eyes midfield rebuild

    ARSENAL will try to sign Moises Caicedo AND Declan Rice in the summer transfer window, according to reports.The Gunners brought in Italian midfielder Jorginho, 31, for £12million from Chelsea on deadline day.
    Declan Rice looks set to leave West Ham at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
    Moises Caicedo missed out on a move to Arsenal in the January windowCredit: Reuters
    His arrival came after Arsenal had become frustrated in their pursuit of Brighton man Caicedo, with bids of £60m and £70m turned down by the Seagulls.
    Roberto De Zerbi’s men were not willing to sell the Ecuadorian, 21, for any price.
    However, it has now been revealed that Jorginho was not an alternative to Caicedo.
    Speaking on Sky Sports, reporter Dharmesh Sheth said: “This [the Jorginho transfer] wasn’t an alternative to Moises Caicedo because Arsenal were ready – at any time – to do a deal for Moises Caicedo on deadline day if in the unlikely circumstance that Brighton decided to change their stance because he has been not for sale throughout this transfer window.”
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    He then went on to add: “He [Caicedo] was not going to go for any price.
    “Some Arsenal fans are saying ‘They went to £60m, they went to £70m, why didn’t they go higher to test Brighton’s resolve?’
    “I’m told whatever Arsenal, or for that matter Chelsea, had bid, Brighton were not going to sell Moises Caicedo in this transfer window.”
    Arsenal will now attempt to continue their Premier League title charge with Jorginho propping up the regular midfield duo of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.
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    But come the summer, they will almost certainly return to the market to strengthen in the middle of the park.
    And Sheth has confirmed both Caicedo and West Ham captain Rice are the names on their shortlist.
    He said: “This will then fast-forward into the summer. If he [Caicedo] doesn’t sign a new contract, we’re going to have another saga again.
    “Caicedo, Rice, Arsenal are in for both of those we think in the summer.”

    Hammers skipper Rice has been valued at £80m and received interest from Chelsea and Man Utd as well as the Gunners.
    During the World Cup, he hinted at a potential departure from West Ham.
    When asked if he is hungry to win trophies at club level, Rice said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that.
    “I’ve been consistently playing well for my club. I want to win trophies for my club.
    “You only get one career and you want to look back at what you’ve won and play in the biggest games. I am really ambitious and I want that.” More

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    Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes charged after ‘high-speed police chase through red lights’ weeks after arrest

    A FORMER Arsenal star has been charged with dangerous driving just weeks after a first arrest for the same offence.Anthony Stokes was held following an alleged police chase in Dublin through red lights in the early hours of yesterday morning.
    Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes has been charged with dangerous drivingCredit: Rex
    The 34-year-old has been charged with dangerous driving and failure to provide a sample when required.
    Former Irish international Stokes is due to appear before Dun Laoghaire District Court at a later date.
    It comes just weeks after the forward was arrested when almost £4,000 worth of suspected cocaine was found in a car.
    He was also allegedly involved in a police pursuit in that incident too after the vehicle sped off from cops.
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    Former Celtic and Hibs star Stokes spent a night in custody following the drama.
    He is due to appear in court on Friday over that alleged incident.
    In the latest charge, Stokes is accused of allegedly failing to stop for police in his Volkswagen Golf.
    The vehicle is then suspected of driving through a number of red lights at junctions as officers gave chase.
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    It then came to a stop close to a roundabout around twenty minutes later.
    Troubled Stokes has been hauled before the courts on a number of occasions.
    In 2013, former Elvis impersonator Anthony Bradley, 55, suffered a broken nose after he was attacked by Stokes at a pub.
    Stokes admitted bombarding his ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott with offensive text messages in 2019.
    He was due to be sentenced in Scotland but a warrant for his arrest was ordered after he failed to appear for sentencing.
    Stokes began his career in the Arsenal reserve team when he was aged 15.
    He made his first-team debut as a substitute in the League Cup against Sunderland in 2005.
    Stokes the moved on loan to Falkirk where he scored 16 goals in 18 league and cup appearances.
    The footballer was transferred by Arsenal to Sunderland for £2million in 2007 with ex-Ireland and Utd star Roy Keane at the helm.
    He made 36 appearances before moving to Sheffield United and Crystal Palace on loan.
    Stokes later made a return to the Scottish league playing for Hibs and Celtic as well as spells for Greek and Iranian clubs.
    Stokes began his senior career with ArsenalCredit: Rex
    The Irish international is due to appear in court on a later dateCredit: Getty

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