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    Arsenal and Chelsea scouts ‘left stunned by Porto winger Pepe’ but player is only available in £65m transfer

    ARSENAL and Chelsea are reportedly due to battle it out for Porto winger Pepe.The 25-year-old Brazilian was first linked with the Gunners back in the summer.
    Porto star Pepe has left Chelsea and Arsenal scouts amazedCredit: AFP
    Arsenal and Chelsea are both chasing Porto winger Pepe along with JuventusCredit: Getty
    However, his hefty price tag put off Mikel Arteta from making a moving.
    Scouts have continued monitoring the star’s progress this term, and a fresh report has claimed that both Arsenal and Premier League rivals Chelsea have been blown away by his performances.
    Portuguese outlet A Bola allegedly left their talent spotters “with their mouths open”.
    And they are not the only clubs considering a move.

    Italian giants Juventus are now believed to have placed him on their wishlist.
    But any transfer move for the South American will be costly.
    Porto are holding out for at least £65million for Pepe – which would trigger his release clause.
    He began his career at local side Foz do Iguacu back in his homeland.
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    After bursting on to the scene there, he was soon snapped up by Gremio and won the Campeonato Gaucho for four straight years.
    He helped himself to 20 goals in 86 league appearances for them, which led to Porto making their move.
    The Brazilian U23 international headed to Portugal in 2021 and he has helped them to the Primeira Liga title plus the Taca de Portugal, the country’s version of the FA Cup, and Supertaca Candido de Oliveira, which is similar to the Community Shield. More

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    Gabriel Jesus walks with crutches as Arsenal star prepares to head home from hospital after surgery

    GABRIEL JESUS has been pictured walking with crutches as he prepared to head home from hospital. Jesus, 25, underwent knee surgery after jetting back to the UK on Sunday from Brazil’s World Cup camp.
    Gabriel Jesus had an ice pack on his knee after coming off during Brazil’s World Cup clash with CameroonCredit: EPA
    Jesus poses with his crutches as he heads home from hospitalCredit: Instagram
    Jesus could be out for up to three months of actionCredit: Instagram
    But having previously been pictured in bed after his surgery, Jesus now appears to have a spring in his step and a smile on his face.
    The ex-Manchester City forward posted a pair of pictures to his Instagram page.
    In the photos he can be seen using crutches to hold him up, but still pulled a pose by sticking his tongue out and lifting one crutch off the floor.
    He accompanied the post with the caption: “Time to go home.”
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    Jesus could be sidelined for up to three months following his surgery, which will come as a massive blow to Arsenal’s chances of lifting the Premier League.
    With Jesus out of action, Mikel Arteta’s only recognised striker option is Eddie Nketiah.
    This has left Arsenal considering the option of recalling Folarin Balogun from his loan at Ligue 1 side Reims.
    The 21-year-old has scored eight goals in 15 games for the French outfit.
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    However, there is reluctance from Arsenal to disrupt Balogun’s development, and instead their plans to sign a new striker may be accelerated.
    SunSport outlined five players who the Gunners could sign due to the absence of Jesus. More

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    ‘I need time away from football’ – Arsenal blow as Takehiro Tomiyasu ‘to rest for a bit’ after Japan World Cup heartache

    DEVASTATED Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu admitted his performance for Japan in their last 16 defeat to Croatia was a “disaster”. And the Gunners defender is hoping for some time off before meeting up with Mikel Arteta’s squad so he can “forget about football”. 
    Tomiyasu says he needs a break after Japan’s World Cup heartbreakCredit: Alamy
    The Samurai Blue were knocked out by Croatia on penalties on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw. 
    It was Tomiyasu’s first start of the World Cup and he was lucky not to be punished by Ivan Perisic after losing the ball in the first half before spurning a shooting chance to put Japan 2-1 up. 
    And on the verge of tears, the 24-year-old said:  “My performance was a disaster so I am sorry for the team. 
    “I just need to be much, much better to help the team. 
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    “I can’t be proud. I am not satisfied about what happened. It was not enough.”
    Arteta’s squad began their preparations for the return of the Premier League in Dubai on Monday. 
    Asked if he will fly over to meet up with Arsenal straight away, he added: “I don’t know. 
    “Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time.”
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    Daizen Maeda put Japan ahead before Perisic’s brilliant header after 55 minutes. 
    The game then went to penalties, with Croatia keeper Dominic Livakovic saving three spot kicks. 
    Tomiyasu said: “We did not deserve to win. We were so close to achieving our aim but they were better than us. 
    “We need to be much better to win against a stronger team.” 
    Tomiyasu’s performance against Croatia More

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    Five strikers Arsenal could be forced into going for in January transfer market after Gabriel Jesus knee surgery

    ARSENAL could be forced to dip their toes into the January transfer market for a new striker following the injury to Gabriel Jesus.The Gunners have not struggled for goals this season with Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka firing Arsenal to the top of the league.
    Gabriel Jesus could be out for up to three months with a knee injuryCredit: EPA
    But there are fears Jesus could be out for up to three months as he faces surgery on a knee injury he suffered at the World Cup.
    That means the Brazilian could miss key games against Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City.
    Jesus has been keen to Arsenal’s form this season and Mikel Arteta’s side will likely miss his goals, work rate, and link-up play.
    So to mitigate his loss the club could try to sign a striker in January, and here SunSport takes a look at some of the options Arsenal could look at.
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    Cristiano Ronaldo
    The superstar is a free agent after leaving United last month and could jump at the chance to try and win the Premier League – possibly for one last time.
    A short-term deal until the end of the season could suit both parties with SunSport columnist and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan calling on the Gunners to sign Ronaldo.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is a free agent after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Dusan Vlahovic
    The Serbia international was heavily linked with a move to The Emirates last January before joining Juventus for £62million.
    But Arsenal have not given up hope of signing the striker with Arteta still a big fan.
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    They could face competition for his signature from Chelsea but Vlahovic could be enticed to North London by the opportunity to win the Premier League.
    Arsenal tried to sign Dusan Vlahovic last JanuaryCredit: Getty
    Cody Gakpo
    Gakpo has lit up the World Cup with three goals in four games for the Netherlands.
    His stock continues to rise after his blistering start to the season, having scored nine goals and assisted 12 in just 14 league games for PSV Eindhoven, who are reportedly open to selling the striker.
    Leeds tried to sign him last summer and United were also linked, with Erik ten Hag believed to be determined to land the young Dutchman.
    Cody Gakpo is a striker in high demandCredit: Getty
    Tammy Abraham
    Arsenal were linked with the former Chelsea forward in the summer but refused to pay Roma’s £67m asking price.
    However a January move could be realistic with the Italian side possibly willing to reduce their demands due to Abraham scoring just three goals this season.
    The 25-year-old revealed Arsenal tried to sign him from Chelsea and he refused to rule out a move back to the Premier League when asked about his future.
    Arsenal wanted to sign Tammy Abraham before he joined RomaCredit: Getty
    Jonathan David
    The Lille and Canada star has admitted he would be open to a Premier League transfer and he dropped a hint he was eyeing Arsenal after liking two of the club’s posts on Instagram in the summer.
    But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has actually tipped David to join rivals Tottenham, with Spurs reportedly in contract with the player’s agent.
    Jonathan David is open to a Premier League transferCredit: Getty More

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    Gilberto Silva hints at shock Arsenal swoop for Jude Bellingham as he reveals plans to chat with transfer chief Edu

    GILBERTO SILVA has hinted at a shock Arsenal swoop for England star Jude Bellingham.That’s after telling fans he could persuade Gunners chief Edu into sanctioning a mega-money bid.
    Gilberto Silva has hinted Arsenal could make a stunning move for Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    Silva told fans he could talk to sporting director Edu over a dealCredit: Getty
    Bellingham, 19, is football’s hottest talent after some stunning performances at the World Cup.
    Already a star man at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham has become a key player for England too.
    And a host of top clubs emerge are now battling for his signature next summer.
    Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Man United are thought to be keen.
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    But there have been links with Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal as well.
    The Gunners are looking to become kings of England for the first time since 2004.
    And one of their aces from that Invincibles era has hinted Arsenal may very well make an offer.
    Brazil icon Silva, 46, is remembered fondly in north London for his technical style and lung-bursting runs from midfield.
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    Indeed, Bellingham bears a striking resemblance with his own maverick style of play.
    And Silva has now told fans he could put in a word with Arsenal sporting director Edu over making a bid for Bellingham next summer.
    Silva first wrote on Twitter: “Jude Bellingham reminds me of someone.”
    This prompted a fan to reply: “Have a word with Edu”, to which Silva gave a thumbs-up emoji.
    Another supporter added: “Can you put a word in?”
    Silva then delighted fans by saying, with a wink emoji: “Maybe.” More

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    Barcelona ‘are scouting Arsenal star Martinelli at World Cup and considering transfer swoop’ as he nears end of deal

    BARCELONA are reportedly scouting Gabriel Martinelli at the World Cup with his Arsenal deal nearing its end.The LaLiga giants are believed to be considering a move for the Brazilian as it would be hoped he could be bought at a cut-price deal.
    Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly attracting interest from BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    He has previously said that he wants to stay at ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Martinelli’s contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in 2024, meaning he would be able to leave the club for free in a year and a half.
    His three appearances at the World Cup have caught the eye of Barcelona, with the club labeling him as a “favourite” of the club’s sporting department and coaching staff, according to Sport.
    The outlet has suggested that Martinelli will be watched closely by Barcelona as they consider making a move for him at the end of the season.
    Martinelli has been in impressive form for the Gunners this season as he has helped them to the top of the Premier League table.
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    The 21-year-old has scored five goals and assisted two more in his 14 league appearances this season.
    Manager Mikel Arteta will be keen to keep hold of the wide attacker but could be concerned as reportedly his representatives have a “very good relationship” with the LaLiga side.

    Although there is some comfort from the North London side over the player’s future.
    Martinelli’s current deal allows the club to extend his stay for a further two years as well as him being keen to sign a new contract.
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    The attacker has previously stated that he is “very happy” at Arsenal, with the club opening talks over a new improved contract.
    Speaking before Arsenal’s Europa League game against Zurich in November, he said: “This is my club. I love to be here, I love the city, I love the club.
    “I love everything about Arsenal so I want to stay.
    “I’m very happy. Yeah, I just need to get a pen!”
    So despite the interest from Barcelona, snatching Martinelli away from the Gunners could prove to be a difficult task. More

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    Watch Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu’s stunned reaction as he’s told team-mate Gabriel Jesus got injured for Brazil

    TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU looked open-mouthed with surprise and sympathy when he learned Arsenal pal Gabriel Jesus’ World Cup was over.The Japan right-back reacted touchingly with a string of questions as he was told Brazil striker Jesus had suffered a serious knee injury.
    Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu hears about Gabriel Jesus’s injury
    Gabriel Jesus’ World Cup ended last Friday when he was hurt vs CameroonCredit: Rex
    Takehiro Tomiyasu was upset for Jesus but then gutted as Japan exited the World Cup on penalties against Croatia on MondayCredit: Alamy
    Tomiyasu was preparing for Monday’s last-16 clash with Croatia, where he played the whole 120 minutes of a 1-1 draw before Japan exited 3-1 on penalties.
    He was unaware Jesus could need surgery and sit out three months – rocking their club’s chances of retaining their lead in the Premier League. 
    When asked about the former Manchester City frontman. Tomiyasu replied: “I don’t know – he has got injured? Jesus? Oh, I didn’t know that.
    “Really? Because I watched only the first half – and then he was injured in the second half?
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    “It’s bad. Where is this? Knees? Oh, it’s a shame because obviously to play in the World Cup is a big dream for us, for every football player.
    “So I’m sorry for him but hopefully he will be back soon.”
    Jesus sustained his nasty knock in last Friday’s 1-0 group loss to Cameroon.
    But Brazil certainly didn’t miss him as they swept aside South Korea with a 4-1 blitz in the last 16 on Monday.
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    That included strikes from fellow forwards Vinicius Junior, Neymar with a penalty and Richarlison.
    In contrast, Jesus’ absence might tempt Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta to widen his wishlist in the January transfer window.
    So far Arteta has reportedly targeted a new midfield anchorman and a winger.
    The Spaniard has also been linked with battling Tottenham for Ecuador’s Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie. More

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    Arsenal head to Dubai for warm-weather training ahead of Prem season return as Elneny fights back to fitness

    MOHAMED ELNENY is targeting a full return at Christmas as a powerful Arsenal squad step up their warm-weather training in Dubai.The Egypt midfielder made two Premier League appearances as a sub for the leaders in November after three months out with a hamstring injury.
    Mo Elneny twice came on as sub in November and started clashes in the EFL Cup and Europa League on his return from injuryCredit: Getty
    The Gunners are training at the Al Nasr Leisure Land Stadium ahead of the Dubai Super Cup, before resuming Prem action on December 26Credit: Getty
    Reiss Nelson might hope for more Prem games following Gabriel Jesus’ injuryCredit: Getty
    Arsenal are going through the gears in training before restarting the Prem at Christmas five points clear of second-placed Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    And he’s one of 14 first-teamers amongst the 27 players that boss Mikel Arteta has picked for the Dubai Cup over the next week.
    The Gunners face Lyon on December 8 and AC Milan five days later. 
    The current World Cup break came perfectly for three stars plagued by fitness issues this season.
    Elneny, fellow midfielder Emile Smith Rowe and left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko will expect to be back in top shape when Arsenal resume their Prem title bid at home to West Ham on December 26.
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    Zinchenko has been troubled by a calf injury and Smith Rowe’s hopes of adding to his three England caps with a call-up for Qatar were ended by groin surgery two months ago.
    But once the World Cup finishes, Arteta still faces being without crocked Brazil frontman Gabriel Jesus until as late as February.
    That could persuade the Spaniard into a bigger new-year transfer spree than he had planned.
    A midfield anchorman and winger reportedly topped his wishlist.
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    But Jesus’ absence would leave Arteta with little striking back-up except for Eddie Nketiah.
    Arsenal are also being linked with Ecuador’s star World Cup defender Piero Hincapie.
    Tottenham too are said to be keen on the Bayer Leverkusen ace, 20.
    Martin Odegaard feels the heat in Dubai and must wish he was experiencing similar conditions in Qatar, but Norway failed to qualifyCredit: Getty
    Brazilian winger Marquinhos gets in his stride with the Gunners in the UAECredit: Getty More