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    ‘The baby is back’ – Hector Bellerin pictured at boyhood club Barcelona for first time after free transfer from Arsenal

    HECTOR BELLERIN has arrived back at Barcelona following his transfer from Arsenal.The Spain international completed a free transfer to the La Liga giants on Thursday – ending his 11-year love affair with the Gunners.
    Barcelona announced the signing of Hector Bellerin on a free transfer on ThursdayCredit: FC BARCELONA
    The former Arsenal man was spotted at the Nou Camp on FridayCredit: FC BARCELONA
    Bellerin was a product of Barcelona’s academyCredit: FC BARCELONA
    And the full-back was spotted arriving at the Nou Camp on Friday.
    Barcelona’s official Twitter account tweeted a video of the 27-year-old in the stadium this afternoon.
    Bellerin said: “Hey Culers, I’m back in Barcelona. Visca el Barca (Long live Barca).”
    A Barcelona fan account shared an image of the Spain international wearing a club polo shirt with the accompanying caption: “The baby is back!”
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    Bellerin joined Arsenal from Barcelona’s academy at the age of 16 and went on to make 239 appearances for the north Londoners.
    Leaving the Emirates wasn’t easy for the defender, who said in a statement: “Hello Gunners.
    “Feels like it was only a couple of years ago when I touched down in London for the very first time.
    “From day one I truly felt at home and I’ve said time and time again how this city has shaped me into who I am, and how much I owe it.
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    “It’s with a lot of sadness that today I say goodbye to this club, the fans, the staff, the players and our family all together.
    “There’s been highs, so high, and lows, so low, but I’ve enjoyed thoroughly every single experience I’ve lived with you Gunners.
    “It’s not always been easy being an Arsenal player these past 11 years, but it’s always been an honour to carry the weight of this badge and defend it almost 250 times in front of you all.
    “I want to thank Arsene, Francis, the late Steve Rowley, Steve Bould, Neil Banfield, Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and Mikel.
    “Thank you to the staff who work tirelessly for us to have it all ready when we step onto the pitch.
    “Physios, conditioning coaches, doctors, chefs, kit men, cleaners, security, and everyone else who is a part of this family.
    “Thank you to the players who have made my time here unforgettable.
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    “And most importantly, thank you Gunners, thank you for your continued support throughout all these years, for how supportive you were in the good and the bad, for how enjoyable it’s been to play in this beautiful stadium and for sharing together every single step of this journey of mine.
    “With the sadness of a goodbye, but the excitement of a new beginning, I say to you all THANK YOU. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
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    Ten stars who could be available for a bargain January transfer including Rashford and Kante with contracts almost up

    THE summer transfer window may be shut but there are several players who face uncertain futures with their contracts up next year.And for those who missed out on a move, January presents another opportunity for them to complete a transfer.
    Marcus Rashford has several suitors including PSG and Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    Chelsea will want to avoid losing key stars for nothing after Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen left on frees this summerCredit: Getty
    That includes the likes of Youri Tielemans and Douglas Luiz, with Leicester and Aston Villa just about holding onto their stars amid interest from Arsenal.
    There are many big-name players who could be available on a cut-price deal in January due to their contract status.
    Here, SunSport takes a look at ten of those players.
    Marcus Rashford
    The England star has a lot of interested suitors including Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, who considered a bid for the striker his summer.
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    But Rashford, 24, is a firm part of Erik ten Hag’s plans and Manchester United would likely demand a significant fee to let him leave, even if his contract is expiring in June.
    Rashford is a key part of Erik ten Hag’s plansCredit: AP
    Jorginho
    Chelsea will be keen to avoid a repeat of this summer when they lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen for nothing – with Juventus already eyeing Jorginho.
    But the Italian insists he loves the club and is 100 per cent focused on success with the Blues, while reports claim Chelsea will hold talks with his representatives about a new deal this month.
    Chelsea plan to hold talks with Jorginho over a new deal this monthCredit: Getty
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    N’Golo Kante
    Kante, 31, was also subject to transfer interest this summer due to his contract situation.
    He is highly regarded by Thomas Tuchel but it is possible United could look to snap him up on a free, particularly if Chelsea want to sign Declan Rice as his replacement next summer.
    N’Golo Kante was subject to transfer interest this summerCredit: Getty
    Wilfried Zaha
    Crystal Palace reportedly fear losing Zaha, 29, for nothing with the winger not planning to extend his contract.
    Arsenal are long-term admirers while Chelsea considered a late bid this week after failing to sign first-choice Anthony Gordon.
    Wilfried Zaha is not planning to extend his stay at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
    Luke Shaw
    United reportedly plan to offer Luke Shaw a bumper new contract worth £190,000 a week that will keep him at the club until 2026.
    That would make him one of the highest earners in the squad despite his frequent injury issues, with the left-back, 27, at risk of losing his place in the side to Tyrell Malacia.
    Manchester Uniteed are set to offer Luke Shaw a bumper new dealCredit: Getty
    Youri Tielemans
    The Belgian, 25, was subject to intense transfer speculation but a proposed move to Arsenal or Newcastle never came to fruition.
    Both clubs were likely deterred by Leicester’s £38m asking price so could try and snatch him away in January when he should be available for a much smaller sum.
    Youri Tieleman could be available for a bargain price in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
    Douglas Luiz
    Arsenal reportedly had three offers for the midfielder rejected by Aston Villa on deadline day.
    Luiz, 24, was said to be open to the move so the transfer could be resurrected in January if the Gunners retain their interest in the Brazilian.
    Arsenal came close to signing Douglas Luiz on deadline dayCredit: PA
    Gavi
    The highly-rated Barcelona youngster was of interest to Liverpool this summer with the Reds said to have been prepared to meet his £50m release clause.
    However, it appears Gavi, 18, is more likely to extend his contract at the Nou Camp with club president Joan Laporta revealing negotiations were in the final stages.
    Gavi is believed to be close to extending his Barcelona contractCredit: Getty
    Jan Oblak
    The Slovenia international has been a faithful servant to Atletico Madrid over the past eight years but could be ready for a new challenge.
    If he does run down his contract several clubs around Europe are likely to be put on high alert with the likes of United, PSG and Chelsea linked to the 29-year-old in the past.
    Jan Oblak’s contract situation could put some big clubs on high alertCredit: Reuters
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    Milan Skriniar
    Chelsea and Tottenham wanted the Inter Milan centre-back this summer before moving on to other targets.
    The 27-year-old is a key player for Inter so the Italian giants will likely pull out all the stops to get him to renew his deal amid interest from PSG.
    Inter Milan will have to fight off interest from PSG to get Milan Skriniar to renew his dealCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal fans fume at each other as #EduOut trends on Twitter with fans slamming transfers despite perfect season start

    THERE may be some trouble in paradise at Arsenal.Despite starting their best start to a season since 2004, some fans are still not happy.
    Some Arsenal fans want transfer chief Edu outCredit: Getty
    The Arsenal technical director signed five new players this summerCredit: Getty
    A section of supporters have been left frustrated by the club’s late summer transfer business.
    Over £100million was spent on Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos earlier in the window.
    But they did not make a signing on transfer deadline day, despite injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
    Late attempts were made to sign Douglas Luiz, but Aston Villa were adamant the midfielder was not for sale.
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    Arsenal also chose not to bring in a new winger after allowing Nicolas Pepe to join Nice on loan.
    And it hasn’t gone down well with a portion of the fanbase, as some sensationally believe transfer chief Edu should be sacked.
    The hashtag “EduOut” was even trending on Twitter as supporters vented their fury.
    One wrote: “Letting Pepe go without signing a replacement is a sackable offence #EduOut.”
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    Another said: “Imagine not replacing our 72 mill winger Pepe, not replacing Partey/Elneny and leaving us short for players when we have 9 games to play in October and a s*** load more… and people thought the ambition from the club was there. Shambles #EduOut.”
    “I think it’s time Edu leaves tbh. He really can’t negotiate a sizeable sale or a player price down. #EduOut.”
    Meanwhile, other Arsenal fans were left staggered that some want Edu to leave after this summer’s business.
    Jesus’ £45m arrival already looks a bargain after three goals and three assists in five games, while £32m for Zinchenko is a snip too.
    One supporter angrily wrote: “You lot are so stupid with this #EduOut. We got some stupid fans!”
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    Another said: “I hate football Twitter. Why is #EduOut trending after our best windows in recent history. Clowns.”
    And a third exasperated fan claimed: “Anyone tweeting or retweeting #EduOut or #ArtetaOut because we haven’t signed anyone is getting blocked expeditiously.” More

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    ‘Not always easy’ – Hector Bellerin posts emotional message to Arsenal fans after joining Barcelona on free transfer

    HECTOR BELLERIN has posted an emotional farewell message to Arsenal fans after rejoining childhood club Barcelona on a free transfer.Bellerin, 27, made a late switch back to the Nou Camp on transfer deadline day – 11 years after leaving Barca for Arsenal in 2011.

    Hector Bellerin has rejoined Barcelona on a free transfer after leaving ArsenalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fcbarcelona/
    The Gunners agreed to terminate the right-back’s contract so he could complete his dream move.
    And the three-time FA Cup winner can now start afresh in his hometown after spending last season on loan with Copa del Rey winners Real Betis.
    Bellerin became a firm favourite at the Emirates after playing 239 times for Arsenal.
    And the four-time Spain international posted a tearful farewell message to supporters on social media after his Barcelona return was confirmed.
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    Bellerin, who is on a one-year contract at the Nou Camp, said: “Hello Gunners. Feels like it was only a couple of years ago when I touched down in London for the very first time.
    “From day one I truly felt at home and I’ve said time and time again how this city has shaped me into who I am, and how much I owe it.
    “It’s with a lot of sadness that today I say goodbye to this club, the fans, the staff, the players and our family all together.
    “There’s been highs, so high, and lows, so low, but I’ve enjoyed thoroughly every single experience I’ve lived with you Gunners.
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    Bellerin spent 11 years at Arsenal after joining them from Barcelona in 2011Credit: Getty
    “It’s not always been easy being an Arsenal player these past 11 years, but it’s always been an honour to carry the weight of this badge and defend it almost 250 times in front of you all.
    “I want to thank Arsene, Francis, the late Steve Rowley, Steve Bould, Neil Banfield, Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and Mikel. 
    “Thank you to the staff who work tirelessly for us to have it all ready when we step onto the pitch.
    “Physios, conditioning coaches, doctors, chefs, kit men, cleaners, security, and everyone else who is a part of this family.
    “Thank you to the players who have made my time here unforgettable.
    Thank you for your continued support throughout all these yearsHector Bellerin
    “And most importantly, thank you Gunners, thank you for your continued support throughout all these years, for how supportive you were in the good and the bad, for how enjoyable it’s been to play in this beautiful stadium and for sharing together every single step of this journey of mine.
    “With the sadness of a goodbye, but the excitement of a new beginning, I say to you all THANK YOU. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta paid tribute to Bellerin in a statement on Arsenal’s official website.
    He said: “We today say goodbye to Hector and we thank him so much for his loyalty and commitment to Arsenal Football Club. 
    “During his 11 years with Arsenal, Hector won three FA Cups and made nearly 250 appearances – such a huge contribution to the club. 
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    “I’m privileged to have played in the same squad as Hector for three seasons, wearing the Arsenal shirt and sharing many great moments on and off the football pitch together. 
    “We thank you Hector and wish you and your family all the best for your return to Barcelona.” More

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    Ainsley Maitland-Niles signs new Arsenal deal then joins Southampton on loan transfer as Oriel Romeu departs Saints

    ARSENAL outcast Ainsley Maitland-Niles has completed a season-long loan to Southampton – after signing a contract extension at his parent club.The versatile 25-year-old was not part of Mikel Arteta’s immediate plans at the Emirates.
    Ainsley Maitland-Niles has signed contracts with Arsenal and Southampton todayCredit: Getty
    The versatile star joins Saints on a season-long loanCredit: Getty
    And after loan spells at West Brom and Roma in the last two seasons, he has gone out on another temporary deal by joining Saints.
    But first he put pen to paper on a new deal with Arsenal until 2024.
    Maitland-Niles has 132 Gunners appearances but just three goals.
    He was part of the England Under-20 World Cup-winning side in 2017 and lifted the FA Cup in 2020 as well as the Europa Conference League under Jose Mourinho.
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    Now he will hope to kick on again with regular minutes at St Mary’s.
    Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Ainsley is at a good point in his career, with a lot of experience already, but he is also still a player with potential, and he is someone who can definitely help us.
    “I think he fits well with us and can develop his game even further during his time here.
    “He can also play in different positions, which is always a good thing.
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    “I am pleased to welcome him as part of our squad.”
    The signing of Maitland-Niles follows a busy deadline day for Saints.
    Earlier on, there was the permanent exit of Oriel Romeu.
    The defensive midfielder joined LaLiga new boys Girona after seven years and 256 appearances at Southampton.
    Jack Stephens headed to Bournemouth on loan while teenage midfielder Samuel Edozie signed from Manchester City. More

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    Arsenal’s transfer chase for Douglas Luiz is OVER after Aston Villa reject take-it-or-leave-it £23m final offer

    LEAGUE leaders Arsenal failed with a dramatic last-gasp bid to land Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.Bids of £20million and £23million were both rejected by the struggling Midlanders before the Gunners decided they were not prepared to go any higher for a player who is in the final of his contract.
    Douglas Luiz has been attracting interest from many Premier League sides but Arsenal have pulled out of the runningCredit: Reuters
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was given the green light to make one last signing after confirmation that Mohamed Elneny is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the year by a serious hamstring injury.
    And with Thomas Partey currently ruled out by a persistent thigh injury, the Gunners are suddenly short of options in central midfield.
    But it was only after Tuesday’s 2-1 win against Villa that the possibility of a deal for Douglas Luiz was first broached between the two clubs.
    And there simply wasn’t enough time to reach an agreement for the 24-year-old Brazilian international who worked with Arteta at Manchester City before his £12.5million move to Villa in 2019.
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    Villa boss Steven Gerrard had appeared to open the door to Luiz’s departure after Tuesday’s game when he said: “Douglas only has a year to go and it’s one of those really touchy situations where we have to do what is best for the club, not necessarily what is best for me.”
    But Villa decided that they would rather keep the influential player at the club despite running the risk of losing him as a free agent next summer.
    And even though they signed a ready-made replacement in £13million Leander Dendoncker from Wolves last night, they could not be persuaded to accept Arsenal’s top offer.
    At least Arsenal were able to get Hector Bellerin off their wage bill after cancelling the Spanish international’s contract without a pay-off.
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    Now Bellerin is set to sign for Barcelona as a free agent after Arsenal secured an agreement for a potential sell-on fee.
    Meanwhile, academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Nile has secured another loan away from the club.
    The Gunners youngster has agreed a temporary deal with Southampton, who will have the option to buy the midfielder next summer. More

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    Everton re-sign Idrissa Gueye after Arsenal snub transfer move for PSG midfielder and instead target Douglas Luiz

    IDRISSA GUEYE has re-joined Everton after Arsenal snubbed the chance to move for the Paris Saint-Germain ace.The 32-year-old Senegal star is heading back to Merseyside, three years after he left the club for PSG in a £27m transfer.
    Gueye returns to Everton after three years at PSGCredit: Getty
    Arsenal were pursuing the Senegal international but decided to focus on other targetsCredit: Getty
    The midfielder has signed a two-year contract to stay at the Toffees until 2024. 
    Gueye will bring a wealth of European and Premier League experience back to Goodison Park.
    He spent four years in England playing for the Toffees and Aston Villa.
    The Senegal star will return to Goodison Park with two Ligue 1 titles and a Champions League runners-up medal.
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    Gueye also helped Senegal win their first Africa Cup of Nations while on the books of the Parisians.
    On his return to England, he told Everton’s official site: “There is no better feeling than coming back home.
    “I am very happy to be here at Everton again, to help and to work hard. I’ll give my soul to this team. 
    ““For me, it’s special. I told PSG if I am going to leave it will be for one team — and that was Everton.”
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    The Gunners have been hunting for a new midfielder following injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
    And PSG ace Gueye was one of the players on Arsenal’s shortlist.
    Arsenal decided to pursue Villa’s £25million man Douglas Luiz ahead of Gueye.
    Brazil ace Luiz, 24, is entering the final year of his contract at Villa Park.
    Meanwhile, Everton are also reportedly close to signing Manchester United youngster James Garner.
    The 21-year-old, who helped Nottingham Forest win promotion to the Premier League last term, will cost £15m and will sign a contract until the summer of 2027. More

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    Everton close in on Idrissa Gueye transfer after Arsenal snub move for PSG midfielder and instead target Douglas Luiz

    IDRISSA GUEYE was on Arsenal’s original midfield shortlist but the Gunners did not make a move and the Senegal star is close to completing his move to Everton.The Gunners have been hunting for a new midfielder following injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
    Gueye is set to return to Everton three years after his departure for PSGCredit: Getty
    Paris Saint-Germain ace Gueye, 32, was one of the players on Arsenal’s shortlist.
    The midfielder would bring a wealth of European and Premier League experience.
    Gueye spent four years in England playing for Aston Villa and Everton.
    However, Arsenal have decided to pursue Villa’s £25million man Douglas Luiz ahead of Gueye.
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    Brazil ace Luiz, 24, is entering the final year of his contract at Villa Park.
    Gueye will now instead complete a return to Everton, three years after he left the club for PSG in a £27m transfer.
    The Senegal star will return to Goodison Park with two Ligue 1 titles and a Champions League runners-up medal.
    Gueye also helped Senegal win their first Africa Cup of Nations while on the books of the Parisians.
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    Everton are also reportedly close to signing Manchester United youngster James Garner.
    The 21-year-old, who helped Nottingham Forest win promotion to the Premier League last term, will cost £15m and will sign a contract until the summer of 2027. More