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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      Arsenal agree to let Hector Bellerin leave on free transfer to join Barcelona despite having 12 months left on contract

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      ARSENAL have agreed to let Hector Bellerin leave on a free transfer, according to reports.The 27-year-old is now set to join Barcelona.
      Arsenal have terminated Hector Bellerin’s contractCredit: Getty
      The Gunners have agreed to let him leave a year early, according to The Athletic.
      And the right-back has already agreed a return to his former club Barca.
      He is now awaiting permission to travel to Spain when the paperwork goes through.
      Bellerin is claimed to be taking a pay cut to make the move possible, and is waiving any money owed to him by Arsenal.
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      Barca are in need of a right-back, with Dani Alves leaving the club for a second time and Sergino Dest poised to join AC Milan.
      Bellerin was not part of manager Mikel Arteta’s plans at the Emirates and has not been part of the first-team squad this season.
      He spent the last campaign on loan at Real Betis, and had been keen on a return to the Spanish outfit this summer.
      But they couldn’t afford a fee, and although he has now been let go for nothing, he is destined for the Nou Camp.
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      The Gunners had originally been keen to cash in on Bellerin with a year still to run on his deal.
      While Bellerin himself was hoping that the club would let him leave for free.
      And now, on the final day of the window, his wish has been granted.
      It ends Bellerin’s 11-year association with the Gunners, having originally joined the Academy from Barcelona in 2011.
      In total he made 239 appearances for Arsenal, scoring eight goals and providing 21 assists.
      The Spaniard also lifted the FA Cup three times during his time in North London. More

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      Arsenal braced for Gabriel Martinelli raid as AC Milan line up £43m transfer for attacker if Chelsea sign Rafael Leao

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      ARSENAL winger Gabriel Martinelli has emerged as a shock target for AC Milan as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Rafael Leao.Portuguese forward Leao has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge before Thursday’s deadline in a potential £126.1million transfer.
      Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with a move to AC MilanCredit: AP
      Milan have reportedly identified Martinelli as a possible replacement for Rafael LeaoCredit: Getty
      It has been claimed that the Blues are in talks with the Serie A champions with Thomas Tuchel desperate to bolster his attack.
      And according to Calciomercatoweb, Milan have already identified who they want to replace the 23-year-old with should they sell him this window or in the future.
      Brazil international Martinelli is on the Rossoneri’s radar with the 21-year-old to be their No1 target.
      With the player tied down at the Emirates until 2024, Milan are said to believe they have a chance at prising the youngster away from North London.
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      It has even been said that Milan feel as though an offer in the region of £43million could be enough to secure his services.
      Despite whispers from Italy, there is no suggestion from Arsenal that they intend to allow Martinelli to leave anytime soon.

      And it remains to be seen whether the Gunners would accept £43m for a player deemed as vital for Mikel Arteta.
      Following Martinelli’s impressive start to the season, it is understood that Arsenal are keen to extend his stay at the club.
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      He is set to receive a huge pay rise having nailed down a starting position on the left wing.
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has likened Martinelli to former Liverpool and Barcelona ace Luis Suarez.
      Speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel, he said: “Martinelli, if he stays fit, this guy, I’ve told you this before what Arteta told me.
      “He could be the next Suarez-type player.” More

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      Top ten biggest deadline day transfers including Bale to Real Madrid and Arsenal’s hat-trick of last-minute deals

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      AS THE hours tick down to the 11pm transfer deadline, there are plenty of big deals still in the pipeline. Clubs in the Premier League and across Europe will be scrambling to finish their summer business in time.

      A number of top stars may still be on the move including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Youri Tielemans and Mykhaylo Mudryk.
      But it would take some massive deals on Thursday to break into the top ten of deadline day transfers – with the top one surely set to stay for a long time…
      Gareth Bale: Tottenham to Real Madrid, £85.3m (2013)
      Not only is Bale’s switch to the Bernabeu the biggest transfer on deadline day ever, but it was once the world record.
      The long saga eventually culminated in the Welsh wizard spending nine years with Real, winning 16 trophies including five Champions Leagues before joining Los Angeles this summer.
      Gareth Bale completed his world-record transfer on deadline day in 2013Credit: Reuters
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      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Dortmund to Arsenal, £55m (2018)
      Arsenal fans were understandably excited when the club dropped £55m on Aubameyang.
      Things started brilliantly for the Gabon international, so much so that he was awarded a huge new contract and the armband – before being struck by the captaincy curse and was shoved out by Mikel Arteta.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the second-biggest deadline day signing but left Arsenal for freeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Fernando Torres: Liverpool to Chelsea, £50m (2011)
      This was a landmark transfer on a bonkers day in 2011 as Chelsea broke the record for the amount spent by an English club to lure Torres from Anfield.
      Despite his huge success for Liverpool, El Nino simply failed to deliver for the Blues and will always be recognised as a major flop in West London.
      Fernando Torres endured a torrid time at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFP
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      Thomas Partey: Atletico to Arsenal, £45m (2020)
      Arsenal toyed with Atletico by triggering his release clause right at the end of the window, forcing them to sell the Ghana man.
      Partey took his time to adjust to English football but is now showing why the Gunners splashed the cash with his dominant performances in midfield.
      Thomas Partey arrived in October 2020 when the transfer window dates were changed for CovidCredit: Getty

      Mesut Ozil: Real Madrid to Arsenal, £42.5m (2013)
      See Aubameyang. Another big-name signing that enthralled supporters with his sheer mastery.
      But after being handed a mega £350,000-per-week contract, it all went downhill and the club bought him out of his contract to let him leave for free.
      Mesut Ozil had a superb start at Arsenal but left under a cloudCredit: Getty – Contributor
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      Ronaldo: Inter to Real Madrid, £40.5m (2002)
      One of the most talented footballers of all time really rubbed salt into Barcelona’s wounds by joining Real Madrid, five years after leaving the Nou Camp for Inter.
      His five years produced 104 goals in 177 games but just two major honours, LaLiga in 2003 and 2007, as the Galacticos underdelivered.
      Ronaldo joined Real Madrid for £40.5m in 2002Credit: Reuters
      Anthony Martial: Monaco to Man Utd, £36m (2015)
      The Frenchman’s transfer broke the record fee paid for a teenager – with a further £22m in potential add-ons.
      Martial made an immediate impact with his stunning finish against Liverpool on his debut but has struggled to kick on – but now hopes to resurrect his United career under Erik ten Hag.
      Anthony Martial scored his famous goal against Liverpool on his United debutCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      Andy Carroll: Newcastle to Liverpool, £35m (2011)
      Just a few hours before the Torres deal was signed, Carroll was the most expensive footballer in British transfer history after this ludicrous move from Newcastle.
      Unlike Luis Suarez who also arrived at Anfield in January 2011, it proved a waste of cash as Carroll managed 11 goals in 58 games before injury-hit spells at West Ham, Newcastle, Reading and West Brom.
      Andy Carroll was a major miss but Luis Suarez a big hit at LiverpoolCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Arsenal to Liverpool, £35m (2017)
      Oxlade-Chamberlain was determined to be a central midfielder after Arsene Wenger insisted on using him out wide, even at wing-back.
      The England international landed a major switch to Liverpool.
      Despite Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup winner’s medals, it has still been personally disappointing for the Ox who has been ravaged by injuries.
      Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled for a consistent run in the Liverpool teamCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Danny Drinkwater: Leicester to Chelsea, £35m (2017)
      This one went right down to the wire but the Blues may be wishing they didn’t get it over the line after all.
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      A year after snapping up N’Golo Kante for £30m the previous year, Chelsea raided Leicester again by offering Drinkwater a big-money move to Stamford Bridge.
      However, it did not work out at all as Drinkwater was released this summer with just 12 Premier League appearances and four loans.
      This was a familiar sight for Danny Drinkwater after he joined Chelsea from LeicesterCredit: Getty – Contributor More