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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

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    Major Mudryk transfer update as Shakhtar Donetsk director dines with ex-Arsenal stars before attending Chelsea match

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK’s director dined with ex-Arsenal stars Willian and Eduardo before attending Chelsea vs Manchester City with Mykhailo Mudryk’s future set to be discussed. Mudryk, 22, is a transfer target for both London clubs, with Premier League leaders Arsenal already seeing an offer worth £62million knocked back.
    Shakhtar’s director with Eduardo and Willian in LondonCredit: Twitter
    Mudryk is a target of Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Arsenal aren’t expected to give up on their pursuit of Mudryk despite seeing an opening offer knocked back, with further talks set to take place with Shakhtar’s director, Darijo Srna, in London.
    Srna sat down for dinner with former Shakhtar and Arsenal stars Willian and Eduardo before attending Chelsea’s Premier League clash with defending champions Man City on Thursday night.
    Willian also has ties to the Blues having spent seven years at Stamford Bridge.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal for Mudryk “has been and will be discussed in the next days again in England”.
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    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. More

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    Former Arsenal star Benik Afobe has Millwall contract terminated as he joins THIRTEENTH club of his career at just 29

    BENIK AFOBE’s Millwall contract has been terminated because the ex-Arsenal is set to sign for his THIRTEENTH club.The 29-year-old joined the Lions for a third time last summer when his proposed move to Club Brugge collapsed.
    Benik Afobe is set to quit Millwall just six months after arriving for a third timeCredit: Rex
    Afobe will sign for the thirteenth club of his careerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    But injuries and a lack of opportunities have seen the striker restricted to just eight Championship starts.
    The last time he was picked from the off in a league game was more than three months ago.
    And Millwall have confirmed they’ve terminated his deal with South London Press claiming he’s on his way to Dubai to sign for Hatta Club.
    Afobe finished as the club’s top scorer last season after scoring 13 in all competitions, which almost fired Gary Rowett’s men into the play-offs.
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    But he’s slipped down the pecking order this term and the Lions have agreed to end his contract early.
    His deal was meant to expire at the end of the season.
    Including loan spells, Hatta Club – who play in the United Arab Emirates First Division – will be the thirteenth of his career.
    He finally signed for Millwall after two loan spells and has been loaned out ELEVEN times.
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    Afobe started at Arsenal, although he never ended up appearing for the Gunners, and has played for the likes of Wolves, Bournemouth, Stoke and Trabzonspor.
    He’s scored 99 goals during his time in English football. More

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    Arsenal and Newcastle ‘monitoring Hirving Lozano’s situation at Napoli as they consider transfer swoop’

    ARSENAL and Newcastle are reportedly monitoring Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.The Mexican attacker’s contract at the Serie A side is set to expire at in 2024, which is believed to have alerted the attention of the Premier League clubs.
    Arsenal and Newcastle are reportedly targeting Hirving LozanoCredit: Rex
    His deal situation means he could leave Napoli in the summer, according to La Repubblica.
    Lozano, who is also known as ‘Chucky’, has long been linked with a move to the Prem ever since he was at his previous club, PSV.
    Since joining Napoli, the 27-year-old has had mixed form, scoring 30 goals and providing 16 assists in his 134 appearances in all competitions.
    The player “has repeatedly expressed in the past the desire” to try the Premier League, and Arsenal and Newcastle could offer him the chance, as said in the report.
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    Both the Magpies and Gunners are said to be “courting” him, along with clubs from the Bundesliga.
    Arsenal are in the market for another attacker and have seen two bids rejected for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk rejected.
    The latest bid is around £62million, but with Chelsea circling the Gunners could miss out.
    Lozano would be an alternative option and would cost the North London side a lot less money.
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    Newcastle are building a squad they hope is capable of challenging for the Premier League title.
    And with Allan Saint-Maximin struggling to be reliably fit, Lozano could provide Eddie Howe with another option on the wing. More

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    Arsenal transfer target Mudryk ‘likes’ mocked up photo of himself behind bars as fans call for him to be ‘freed’

    ARSENAL transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk ‘liked’ a mocked up photo of himself behind bars with fans calling for him to be ‘freed’ from Shakhtar Donetsk.The Premier League leaders have been chasing the Ukraine wonderkid, 22, over the past month.
    Mudryk liked a mocked up post of him behind barsCredit: Instagram
    Arsenal saw an initial approach for Mudryk knocked back by ShakhtarCredit: Getty
    Arsenal even submitted an offer worth £62million, 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, 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.
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    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.
    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.
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    One fan said: “He unliked it, I know damn well he was forced.”
    Another replied: “Bro. Hand in that transfer request. We all want you here at Arsenal.”
    A third added: “Arsenal needs you, Arteta needs you, in Arsenal you can achieve your goal of becoming world best footballer. Trust the process please.”
    The Gunners are in need of attacking reinforcements following the serious injury to main striker Gabriel Jesus during the World Cup.
    Their most recent outing, a 0-0 draw with Newcastle, was the first game in which they failed to score in the Premier League all season. More

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    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta accused of ‘acting like a clown for protesting every decision’ in Newcastle draw

    CHRIS SUTTON has hit out at Mikel Arteta after the Arsenal boss vented his frustrations towards the referee during his side’s goalless draw with Newcastle.Arsenal remain eight points clear at the top of the table despite dropping two points at home to the Magpies on Tuesday.
    Mikel Arteta has become well known for his tendency to show emotion on the touchline and stray outside his technical area
    During the game Arteta seemed to be aggrieved at a number of decisions given against his team and became an animated and agitated character on the sideline.
    There was also a flash point with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
    The Spanish coach discussed his feelings about the refereeing performance after the game claiming that Arsenal were denied two ‘scandalous’ penalties by the officials.
    Former Blackburn striker, Sutton, wasn’t impressed with Arteta’s touchline antics and has had his say on the matter.
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    He told the Daily Mail: “There is a fine line between being passionate and a clown, and Mikel Arteta was the latter on Tuesday.
    “I can understand getting caught up in the heat of the moment. It happens. You’re angry. You vent.
    “But Arteta was at it all game, protesting against every decision.
    “Arteta went over the top in his behaviour and Arsenal’s players responded by surrounding the referee to claim Murphy handled the ball late on.”
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    Sutton wasn’t the only one to make a comment on Arteta’s display on the sidelines after a fan took to social media to show a video of a cartoon fly edited alongside the manager’s extravagant actions.
    The draw meant Arsenal failed to capitalise on the opportunity to go 10 points clear of reigning champions Manchester City.
    Arteta’s men face a tough run of fixtures with clashes against Tottenham, Manchester United and Man City all to come in their next five league games.
    The Spanish boss has been nominated for manager of the month which alongside the player of the month nominations for Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka display Arsenal’s electric form. More

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    Joao Felix mysteriously left out of Atletico Madrid squad against Real Oviedo amid Man Utd and Chelsea transfer links

    JOAO FELIX was left out of Atletico Madrid’s victory over Real Oviedo fuelling the fire around a potential move away from the Spanish capital.Atletico overcame their opposition 2-0 in the Copa del Rey without the influence of the Portuguese playmaker who wasn’t in the squad at all.
    Joao Felix has made 130 appearances for Atletico Madrid since signing for the side in 2019
    The reason for his absence is a mystery with some reports suggesting he was injured and others saying that Atletico are trying to avoid him getting injured to ensure a move away for the star.
    Felix has been linked to a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea.
    Despite being Atletico’s record signing the 23-year-old has fallen out of favour with manager Diego Simeone since making the £113million move from Benfica.
    It is reported the club are willing to let him leave on loan, but that they expect an eye-watering £10.5m loan fee to convince them to part with his talents.
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    Atletico CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, conceded that the club are considering letting Felix leave because of his fractured relationship with the manager.
    He said: “For reasons it isn’t worth getting into – the relationship between him and the boss [Simeone], the minutes played, his motivation right now.
    “It makes you think if there’s a reasonable option that’s good for the player, good for the club, we can look at it. I’d love for Joao to continue, but this is the current situation.”
    Man United are said to be in negotiation with the Spanish club, but are way off their valuation for Felix.
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    The Red Devils are now without Cristiano Ronaldo and in need of a replacement after missing out on Cody Gakpo to Liverpool.
    Chelsea are also keen to lure him to Stamford Bridge with the Blues failing to recruit the right forward after multiple failed attempts.
    Arsenal are also reportedly interested in Felix as they search for a replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus.
    The Portugal star played a big part in his nation’s run during the World Cup and has managed four goals and three assists in 13 league appearances for Atletico this season. More