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    Mykhailo Mudryk TORN between Arsenal and Chelsea with Premier League pair embroiled in £88m January transfer battle

    MYKHAILO MUDRYK is split over joining Arsenal or Chelsea – triggering a fierce two-way battle between the Premier League giants.The two London rivals are slugging it out for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger with an £88 million price on his head.
    Mykhailo Mudryk is split over a move to Arsenal or ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The Ukrainian club’s top brass are in the capital meeting representatives of both clubs to try to seal a deal during this month’s transfer window.
    Chelsea have offered to outbid any rival offer.
    It was initially believed that the player preferred a move to play for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
    But it has emerged that Mudryk is now torn between that and joining Graham Potter’s slow-burn revolution at Stamford Bridge.
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    Arsenal promises a trophy after just half a season with them five points clear at the top of the table.
    But Chelsea are selling themselves on a ticket to long-term success and a return to greatness under new owner Todd Boehly. 
    Shakhtar’s sporting director Darijo Srna and CEO Serhii Palkin have been holding talks.
    And they were in Boehly’s VIP box to see Chelsea lose at home to Manchester City on Thursday night.
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    Meanwhile, Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has pulled a hamstring and faces time out on the club’s growing sick list.
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    Sterling underwent a scan today and the full extent of the injury will not be known for around 24 hours.
    But he looks certain to join the nine other first teamers on the treatment table.
    Those include fellow new-crock Christian Pulisic after he hobbled off after taking a whack in a crunching tackle from City defender John Stones. More

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    Arsenal strengthen attacking ranks with Victoria Pelova becoming the WSL side’s first signing of 2023

    VICTORIA PELOVA has swapped Ajax for Arsenal – ending speculation linking her with a winter transfer to the WSL side. The club have confirmed the attacking midfielder’s move on a permanent deal, although the length of her contract has not been disclosed. 
    Victoria Pelova could be in line to make her Gunners debut when Arsenal play Chelsea in their first league game of this yearCredit: Getty
    Pelova had been linked with a Gunners move prior to the club confirming her switch todayCredit: Getty
    And Arsenal, who play league leaders Chelsea at the Emirates on January 15, say the deal is subject to the “completion of regulatory processes”. 
    Of her switch to the Gunners, the Netherlands player, who began her professional career at Dutch side ADO Den Haag in 2016, said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Arsenal.
    “I’ve always admired this club and dreamt of following in the footsteps of some of the great Dutch players who have worn the shirt. 
    “I can’t wait to get going and start contributing to the team.”
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    Pelova’s arrival comes just under a month after Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described this year’s January transfer window as “a very important one” for this title-chasing team. 
    Earlier this season the club suffered fitness blows within their attacking ranks.
    Forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema both sustained anterior cruciate ligament injuries in November and December.
    Both Gunners stars played significant roles in last term’s hotly contested title battle, with Arsenal finishing just one point behind league champions Chelsea. 
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    Miedema netted 14 goals in 22 top tier games for the North London giants last term.
    Last March she became the first WSL player to reach 100 goal contributions in the league.
    Meanwhile, Mead netted 11 goals and eight assists in 22 top-flight matches for the club last season. 
    In Pelova the Gunners have signed a forward who has netted three goals and two assists in eight appearances in the Netherlands’ top-flight this campaign. 
    The player, who has 31 senior international caps, was also part of the Dutch squad that reached the 2019 Women’s World Cup finals – won by the United States 
    And last year she helped her national side reach the Euro quarter-finals, coming on as a substitute in three matches and starting in the Netherlands’ exit to France. 
    At club level she has scored 11 goals in 66 appearances for Ajax, helping them to two KNVB trophy wins in 2019 and last year.
    They also won the Eredivisie Cup trophy in 2021. 
    Arsenal gaffer Eidevall said: “Victoria is one of the most exciting young players in the game.
    Arsenal are strengthening their attacking depth following injuries to star forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne MiedemaCredit: Getty
    “She will bring added dynamism and energy to our midfield. 
    “I’m looking forward to working with her and I think our supporters are going to love watching her in an Arsenal shirt.”
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    Gunners head of women’s football Clare Wheatley added:  “Victoria is one of the best young talents in European football and someone we have been tracking for some time. 
    “She will be an exciting addition to our squad and I look forward to watching her link up with her team-mates soon.” More

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    Arsenal CHARGED by FA for surrounding referee at end of Newcastle draw after Arteta slammed ‘scandalous’ decisions

    THE FA have charged Arsenal for failing “to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion” against Newcastle United.The Gunners were left frustrated after they were held by the Magpies to a goalless draw on Tuesday.
    Arsenal players surround the referee Andy Madley after a late penalty appeal was rejectedCredit: Getty
    That briefly opened up an eight-point gap at the top, but that was slashed down to five after Manchester City’s win at Chelsea yesterday.
    As tensions threatened to boil over towards the end of the stalemate at the Emirates, Arsenal appealed for a penalty in the fifth-minute of additional time.
    But after those appeals for handball were waved away, a large number of their players surrounded the referee Andy Madley.
    Now they are set to face action from the FA for that.
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    A statement from the governing body confirmed: “It’s alleged that Arsenal FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 95th minute, and the club has until Tuesday 10 January 2023 to respond.”
    Boss Mikel Arteta was raging after the game as Arsenal had “two scandalous penalties” turned down against Newcastle.
    The first came when Dan Burn tugged Gabriel Magalhaes’ shirt at a free-kick on the hour mark.
    And Arsenal were screaming for a spot-kick again deep into stoppage time at the end of the game.
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    A Granit Xhaka cross struck the arm of Jacob Murphy at point-blank range, with Madley again ignoring furious penalty claims, leading to the angry protest.
    Arteta said: “We had two scandalous penalties [denied]. It’s not about the stronger, they are two penalties. That’s very simple.”
    Arteta was then quizzed if he had spoken to referee Madley on the incidents.

    He replied: “I am talking about what I’ve seen now, and it’s two scandalous penalties.”
    Arteta and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe were also involved in a touchline bust-up as ­the Gunners pleaded for a late penalty.
    But the Toon gaffer claimed there was no issue between them when giving his view on the incident.
    Howe said: “I didn’t think it was a penalty and at that stage it would have been a travesty. Me and Mikel are fine.” More

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    Ex-Arsenal transfer target Houssem Aouar ‘close to changing nationality’ after being snubbed for France World Cup squad

    LYON star Houssem Aouar is reportedly close to switching his nationality after being snubbed by France for the World Cup.The midfielder was not selected by Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps for the squad to travel to Qatar, as the team failed to retain the title after losing to Argentina on penalties in the final.
    Houssem Aouar is reportedly close to switching his national allegiance away from FranceCredit: Getty
    The 24-year-old is set to be available for the Algerian national team, according to the president of the Algerian Football Federation, Djahid Zefizef.
    He said on TV 3: “Houssem Aouar has given us his agreement to join the Algerian selection.”
    Zefizef also suggested that Rennes striker Amine Gouiri could follow suit.
    He added: “We are also in discussion with Amine Gouiri. However, in his case, nothing has yet been decided.”
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    However, it appears that the president was jumping the gun as Aouar’s representatives have argued that no agreement has been reached.
    The Lyon midfielder intends to switch his allegiance to the African side, and initial talks have started, according to GFFN.
    His decision to make the switch is to boost his chances of playing international football again.
    Aouar has not played internationally since 2020, when he made his one and only France appearance during a friendly against Ukraine.
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    Aouar was once a transfer target for Arsenal but no move happened despite links between him and club going on for a couple of years.
    In the summer, he was reportedly finally close to a switch to the Premier League to join Nottingham Forest, but a transfer collapsed. More

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    Arsenal ‘confident of signing Mudryk and won’t be dragged into bidding war with Chelsea’ as they ‘step up Felix pursuit’

    ARSENAL are confident in signing Mykhailo Mudryk and have stepped up their pursuit of Joao Felix, reports say. The Gunners led the transfer race of Shakhtar Donetsk’s winger Mudryk, who has ten goals in 18 games this season.
    Arsenal are confident in signing Mykhailo MudrykCredit: Getty
    But as first revealed by SunSport, Chelsea swooped in to hijack a deal for the Ukrainian wideman.
    Mudryk’s representatives were in the capital this week and held talks with both London clubs.
    And his future could be determined on who offers the highest amount, with Shakhtar valuing the player at £88million.
    But according to The Telegraph, Arsenal will not be dragged into a bidding war with Chelsea and rest in confidence that Mudryk favours a move to North London.
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    The forward has spoken of his admiration for the current Premier League leaders before.
    Arsenal have already had their first two bids rejected, including £55m plus add-ons.
    But Chelsea are in a better position to financially compete with billionaire American owner Todd Boehly spearheading negotiations.
    Arsenal are also wary of overspending following the fait of club-record £72m signing Nicolas Pepe, who has since been loaned to Nice.
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    It is also claimed the Gunners are looking at a deal to sign Felix, who has fallen out of favour at Atletico Madrid.
    The Portuguese international is the fifth most expensive player in history when he joined Atletico for £113m in the summer of 2019.
    But he has managed only 34 goals in 130 appearances for the club and is now available to sign on loan this month.
    Chelsea and Manchester United are also among the clubs linked with Felix, whose agent Jorge Mendes is searching for suitors.
    Joao Felix is looking to leave Atletico MadridCredit: Rex More

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    Arsenal icon Thierry Henry ‘wants to return to management with Belgium despite deal being worth less than Martinez’s’

    ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry wants to become the next Belgium manager… and is open to a pay cut, reports suggest.The Belgian national team is looking for its next manager after Roberto Martinez’s resignation following a disastrous 2022 World Cup campaign.
    Thierry Henry has been working as Belgium’s assistant managerCredit: Getty
    Arsenal legend Thierry Henry now wants to take over as Belgium managerCredit: The Mega Agency
    The Red Devils’ dwindling golden generation was knocked out of the group stages following some poor results and reports of backstage turmoil.
    According to HLN, assistant manager Henry wants to succeed Martinez and carry the national team out of its current slump.
    The legendary striker initially joined the team’s coaching staff in 2016 and helped then finish third in the 2018 World Cup.
    But the 45-year-old then pursued a management career of his own as he took over at Monaco but only lasted for three months.
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    The Frenchman then tried his luck in the MLS at Montreal Impact but left two years later as he wanted to be closer to his family in London.
    Despite his limited experience, Henry wants the top job in Belgium even though he is set for a lower salary.

    Martinez earned around €3million (£2.7m) per year, including bonuses.
    The same report from Belgium claims the ex-Everton boss’ replacement will “almost certainly” make even less.
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    That means the Arsenal record goalscorer would bag even less than what he has earned as a pundit at Sky Sports and CBS, who have paid him around €5m (£4.4m) per year.
    However, the ex-Barcelona star is not being deterred by that and has already informed the federation informally without officially applying.
    The likes of Romelu Lukaku and Toby Alderweireld are very positive about Henry but it is unknown how the rest of the core team feels about him.
    However, the France great inspires a lot of respect due to his successful playing career despite his previous coaching spells being short-lived. More

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    Chelsea step up Mudryk transfer with Shakhtar Donetsk director seen in Todd Boehly’s personal box during Man City game

    CHELSEA have stepped up their pursuit of wonderkid Mykhailo Mudryk with Shakhtar Donetsk’s director seen in Todd Boehly’s plush personal box.Darijo Srna is in London to discuss the future of the 22-year-old with both Chelsea and Arsenal interested.
    Shakhtar chief Darijo Srna is in Boehly’s personal box at ChelseaCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
    Srna is holding talks with clubs over Mudryk’s futureCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
    Boehly is attempting to hijack a deal for the 22-year-oldCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
    Srna also had dinner with former Shakhtar and Arsenal players Willian and EduardoCredit: Twitter
    Arsenal have already seen an offer worth £62million knocked back.
    Srna also had dinner with former Shakhtar and Gunners stars Willian and Eduardo before heading to Chelsea vs Manchester City.
    But at Stamford Bridge, Srna was sitting in Blues owner Boehly’s personal box for the Premier League clash.
    Chelsea are attempting to hijack Arsenal’s move for Mudryk with Boehly willing to back boss Graham Potter in the transfer market this month.
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    However, Mudryk has been keeping a watchful eye on Arsenal in particular.
    The Ukraine wonderkid watched on an iPad as Mikel Arteta’s men brushed West Ham aside on Boxing Day with a 3-1 win.
    Ahead of Arsenal’s New Year’s Eve clash with Brighton, Mudryk expressed his admiration for Arteta and his former Shakhtar boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is now in charge on the South Coast.
    De Zerbi then tipped Mudryk as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner.
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    And in his latest social media antics, Mudryk liked a mocked up post of him behind bars with the caption calling for him to be freed.
    But it appears he has now unliked the post.
    Mudryk is a target of Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal face paying more than £85m for Mykhailo Mudryk hints Shakhtar Donetsk chief – and Man Utd could be to blame

    ARSENAL look like they will have to fork out over £85million for Mykhailo Mudryk – and it could be Manchester United’s fault.The Premier League leaders have been chasing Shakhtar Donetsk’s wonderkid, 22, for several months.
    Arsenal have been told what it will take to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar DonetskCredit: Getty
    Arsenal have submitted an offer worth £62m, but it was well below the Ukrainian side’s asking price.
    Chelsea have also registered an interest in the Shakhtar winger in recent days.
    However, now both clubs have been offered an insight into what it will take to get the winger this month.
    Shakhtar Donetsk’s sporting director Carlo Nicolini has hinted that United, who splashed out £85m to Ajax for Antony, are to blame for lengthy negotiations as Mudryk is “stronger” than the Brazilian.
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    Nicolini told CalcioNapoli 24: “Given that we have no need for transfers, we said in due time that we evaluate the player stronger than some other profiles, such as Antony.
    “This is the benchmark.
    “The problem is that Italian clubs don’t take advantage of opportunities, like Milan with Enzo Fernandez, who is now worth over £100million.
    “When you arrive in time on a player you have to sink the shot, otherwise the prices change.”
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    Mudryk seems to be keeping a watchful eye over developments at Arsenal in particular.
    Mudryk watched on an iPad as Mikel Arteta’s men brushed West Ham aside on Boxing Day with a 3-1 win.
    He then expressed his admiration for Arteta and his former Shakhtar boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is now in charge on the South Coast, during the Gunners’ 4-2 win at the Seagulls on New Year’s Eve.
    And in his latest social media antics, Mudryk liked a mocked up post of him behind bars with the caption calling for him to be freed – however he now appears to have unliked it.
    Antony, 22, has managed five goals and two assists in his 17 games so far for United.
    Meanwhile, Mudryk has ten goals and eight assists in 18 games for Shakhtar this season.
    Man Utd forked out £85m to Ajax for Antony during the summerCredit: Getty More