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    Man Utd’s £70m Casemiro transfer breaks Premier League record with £1.54BILLION spent – and still 11 days to go

    PREMIER LEAGUE summer spending has soared above £1.5BILLION – a new transfer window record.But with 11 days to go it could get even higher as Manchester United became the latest team to splash the cash.
    Premier League spending has hit a record £1.5BILLION after Man Utd signed Casemiro for £70mCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils have agreed a stunning £70million deal to sign Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro.
    The switch will see United’s spending soar to £131.2m this summer.
    And it means a whopping £1.54bn has now been spent by Premier League clubs this window.
    That’s a great deal more than the previous record of £1.43bn, which was splurged in 2017.
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    But with just under a fortnight left, and clubs still in the hunt for deals, the gap could increase even further.
    Chelsea are the biggest spenders so far with £179.1m.
    The Blues splashed £47.5m on Raheem Sterling, plus a further £33m on Kalidou Koulibaly and £62m on Marc Cucurella.
    Todd Boehly’s new club are being tipped to spend even more, with Frenkie de Jong and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – plus Wesley Fofana – in their sights.
    The total spending in the Premier League this summer
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    Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest have paid over £140m to boost their squad with SIXTEEN new players.
    Arsenal are on £112m thanks to deals for the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
    And West Ham are also in the top five after reinforcing their attack and defence.
    Meanwhile, the likes of Man City and Liverpool have spent heavily on marquee signings.
    City paid over £51m for Erling Haaland, while Liverpool spent £85m on Darwin Nunez.
    Elsewhere, Newcastle have had a fairly quiet window despite their Saudi riches, spending just under £57m on new signings.
    As for Leicester, they are yet to drop one single penny on new signings.
    But there’s still plenty of time for that to change for the Foxes.
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    Indeed, almost every side is likely to have at least one more signing in their sights before deadline day.
    However, it could take a major spending effort for the total summer figure to hit the £2bn mark. More

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    Barcelona have held ‘internal meeting’ to discuss making transfer offer for Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin

    BARCELONA have held an “internal meeting” regarding a potential swoop for Arsenal ace Hector Bellerin, reports suggest.Bellerin spent last season on loan at Real Betis and has fallen out of favour ever since his return to the Emirates with Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Cedric Soares ahead of him in the pecking order.
    Barcelona have held an “internal meeting” amid their interest in Arsenal ace Hector BellerinCredit: Getty
    According to Sport, Barca are interested in the full-back and held talks as they consider a bid to sign him ahead of transfer deadline day on September 1.
    Barcelona manager Xavi needs a new right-back urgently but the club has failed to land Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier and Villarreal’s Juan Foyth as they were deemed too expensive.
    However, Bellerin, 27, has one year left in his Arsenal contract and thus carries a cheaper asking price.
    The Spain international is also considered a sensible solution as he understands the “Barca way” after coming out of the club’s famous La Masia academy.
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    The 27-year-old is keen to leave the Gunners and go back to his homeland but would prefer a return to Betis.
    The Spaniard enjoyed a successful loan stint in Seville as he helped Manuel Pellegrini’s men win the Copa del Rey.
    Bellerin is so desperate to depart from the Emirates that he even asked the North Londoners to terminate his £110k-a-week contract.
    Barcelona look set to offload Sergino Dest, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
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    That will open up space for Bellerin’s potential return to the Nou Camp.
    The defender has amassed a total of 239 appearances during his 10-year stint at Arsenal. More

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    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta REFUSES to rule out transfer move for out-of-favour winger Nicolas Pepe

    MIKEL ARTETA admits it’s ‘possible’ Nice target Nicolas Pepe could leave Arsenal this month.Gunners’ boss Arteta hinted at movement from his ‘big squad’ before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
    The Gunners’ record buy Nicolas Pepe might yet be heading back to FranceCredit: Getty
    Emirates’ chief Mikel Arteta is pondering over the future of Nicolas Pepe, 27Credit: Getty
    And Pepe’s agent was spotted at ambitious French club Nice over the weekend.
    The £72million record buy from Lille is thought to be frustrated after falling down the list of wide options at the Emirates.
    Arteta is also said to be pondering a huge bid for Wolves winger Pedro Neto.
    And when asked about Ivorian ace Pepe, the Spaniard said: “Until the end of the window it’s possible that anything can happen with any player.
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    “What we can communicate we always do when it’s the right moment.
    “We discussed that we have a big squad and we’ve made some decisions and allowed some players to leave.”

    Nice – owned by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe – have already brought in ex-Arsenal and Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey, plus Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel
    It’s also claimed the Ligue 1 big-spenders are looking at former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani and Blackburn hitman Ben Brereton-Diaz.
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    Meanwhile, Arteta revealed the Gunners are “addressing” whether versatile star Ainsley Maitland-Niles should be loaned out.
    Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin is understood to be keen on joining either Barcelona or boyhood club Real Betis.
    And quizzed if Bellerin’s circumstances had changed, Arteta replied: “Not at the moment, no update, and it’s like the other situations at the moment.” More

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    Arsenal boss Arteta ‘confident’ star man Bukayo Saka will sign new contract as Man City ponder transfer

    MIKEL ARTETA is increasingly confident that Arsenal will tie down Bukayo Saka to a new long-term deal.But the Gunners boss admitted that the longer uncertainty rumbles on, it could lead to the England star taking his eye off the ball.
    Saka in action during the Premier League win over Leicester City at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
    And Manchester City are waiting to pounce, with Pep Guardiola viewing Saka as the ideal man to replace Raheem Sterling after his shock switch to Chelsea.
    Arteta said: “I am very confident that we as a club and Bukayo, his family, his agent, everybody, we are very much aligned in what we want to achieve.
    “And now it is about putting it on a piece of paper.
    “I would like that to get done, because I don’t want the player or anybody else distracted while we are in the middle of the season.
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    “But those things take time and they have to go through the right process, and I think the process has been really good.”
    Arsenal have already offered terms that would make forward Saka one of their top earners.

    The 20-year-old still has two years remaining on his current contract.
    The academy star is viewed as one of the club’s crown jewels and is adored by Gunners fans.
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    Losing him would be a huge blow, as Arteta attempts to mould a team that can finally compete for the title and get back into the Champions League.
    Landing Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City were huge coups for the club.
    But losing Saka would have fans fearing another false dawn at the Emirates. More

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    Sweden ace Hurtig hails Arsenal move after club confirms the forward’s transfer from Juventus

    LINA HURTIG says it is super exciting to move Arsenal with the club strengthening their attacking ranks before their season-opening duel with Manchester City.The WSL giants today announced Sweden’s star transfer from Juventus ending weeks of speculation.
    Lina Hurtig has become the second Sweden international to join Arsenal this yearCredit: Getty
    Hurtig was part of the Juventus side that reached the Champions League quarter-final last termCredit: Getty
    And the former Serie A ace has become the second Swedish player to join the Gunners following the January transfer of her compatriot Stina Blackstenius.
    Her arrival follows the departure of England forward Nikita Parris who sealed a move to Manchester United.
    The length of Hurtig’s deal has not been disclosed by the club who finished one point behind WSL champs, Chelsea, last term.
    Of her Arsenal move, Hurtig who spent two years at Juve and will wear the Gunners’ number 17 shirt, said: “It feels so great – I’m very happy to be here.
    “I’ve always, always wanted to play in England, and I’ve always been interested in English football, so it’s super exciting for me to be here.
    “I know Arsenal are a great club, with great players and lots of quality, so I think I will enjoy it here.”
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    Hurtig, who made her senior debut for Sweden in a 1-1 friendly draw with Canada in 2014, has scored 19 times in 58 appearances for her country.
    The versatile forward’s international goals include a header netted in a 3-0 defeat of the USA during the Tokyo Olympics’ group stages.
    And the Sweden star and team-mates went on to win silver at the Games.
    The forward, who was part of the side beaten 4-0 by England in this year’s Euros semis, began her senior club career at Swedish side Gustafs GolF IN 2011 before sealing a 2012 move to Umea.
    After the latter’s 2016 relegation from her country’s top division, Hurtig spent two years playing for Linkopings before joining Juve in August 2020.
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    There she helped the Italian champs, managed by former Gunners’ boss Joe Montemurro, to win two Italian Super Cups, one Coppa Italia trophy and two Serie A titles.
    The club also reached last term’s Champions League quarter-finals where they fell to a 4-3 defeat on aggregate to eventual contest winners Lyon
    Head Coach Jonas Eidevall, whose team will face Man City away on September 11, added: “Lina is an excellent forward who will bring power and dynamism to our game.
    “She has shone in the Champions League and international tournaments, and we are delighted that she will be lining up for Arsenal moving forward.”
    Hurtig helped Sweden to reach the Euros semi-finals this summerCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal youngster Salah Oulad M’Hand set to join Hull on loan transfer with option to buy next summer in major coup

    ARSENAL starlet Salah Oulad M’Hand is reportedly closing in on a loan switch to Championship side Hull.The Yorkshire outfit are claimed to have the option to turn his temporary spell into a permanent stay next summer.
    Hull are set to complete the loan signing of Arsenal midfielder Salah Oulad M’HandCredit: Getty
    Gunners starlet Salah will reportedly wear the No10 shirt for Championship side HullCredit: Getty
    Big things are expected of teenage midfielder Salah, who was an unused substitute in five Premier League matches last season.
    The Holland Under-17 youth international was also named on the bench for the Gunners’ FA Cup third round defeat against Nottingham Forest in January, as well as three Carabao Cup ties.
    But the youngster, who is tied down at the Emirates until 2025, is keen to depart North London in his quest to play regular first team football.
    According to the Hull Daily Mail, the Tigers have agreed a loan with a buy-option for the ex-Feyenoord youth ace.
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    Personal terms have already been agreed with Hull and Salah, who have made landing the player a top priority this window.
    It is understood that Salah will wear the No10 jersey at the MKM Stadium.
    Arsenal are said to have been reluctant to let him leave, but Salah’s eagerness to join Hull has proved vital in the transfer.
    The central midfielder is expected in Hull on Thursday with only formalities needed to be completed before the move is officially announced.
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    Salah is just one of a number of youngsters that Arsenal have allowed to depart on loan.
    Striker Folarin Balgoun has been snapped up by Reims, with the ex-Middlesbrough loanee scoring in each of his first two Ligue 1 games.
    Meanwhile teenage midfielder Charlie Patino has joined Championship side Blackpool until the end of the term.
    Mexico international Marcelo Flores will be plying his trade in Spain this season with Segunda Division outfit Real Oviedo.
    And shot-stopper Arthur Okonkwo has signed for League Two club Crewe, where he has already featured five times. More

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    Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe ‘closing in’ on Nice loan transfer to link up with Aaron Ramsey and get £72m flop off books

    ARSENAL are getting closer to offloading Nicolas Pepe with OGC Nice interested, according to reports. The winger is reportedly nearing a deal that would see him join the French club on loan.
    Nicolas Pepe looks set to leave ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Aaron Ramsey left Juventus on a free transfer after his contract expiredCredit: Alamy
    The Ivorian’s agent was allegedly spotted at Nice’s stadium over the weekend as he looks to secure a move for his client.
    Pepe, 27, has failed to reach his potential consistently at the Gunners following a massive club record £72million transfer from Lille back in 2019.
    Back then he came off the back of a sensational season in Ligue 1 netting 22 times.
    But Pepe has been unable to replicate that level of success in the Premier League.
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    He has scored 27 goals in 112 games and is now firmly second choice behind Bukayo Saka.
    With minutes restricted and him supposedly on sizeable wages, Mikel Arteta has been desperate to offload him this summer.

    He may not be the only player heading for the exit door in the coming days with Hector Bellerin linked with a switch to both Barcelona and Real Betis.
    If Pepe joins Nice he will team-up with former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey.
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    The club is owned by Jim Ratcliffe, who is interested in purchasing Manchester United, and he is splashing the cash this transfer window.
    They have already signed Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and remain keen on Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz.
    Ratcliffe is using his British links to secure deals and bolster the squad as he aims to get them competing in the Champions League after narrowly missing out last season. More

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    Arsenal’s flying start down to Arteta’s brilliant tactical switch with Xhaka and Zinchenko holding the key

    ARSENAL have made an extremely impressive start to the season, after backing manager Mikel Arteta in the transfer market.He signed Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira from FC Porto for  £35m and made a double raid on former club Manchester City to snap up Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus for £45m, and the Ukrainian star Oleksandr Zinchenko for £31m.
    New arrivals Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have settle in quicklyCredit: Rex
    Add in the return from a loan spell in France for the French central defender William Saliba, and Arsenal have added depth and quality to their squad. 
    Wins so far away to Crystal Palace (2-0) and at home to Leicester (4-2) have only really been part of the story. 
    More impressive than the results have been the performances as Arsenal have impressed on a tactical level.
    Even more than that, Arteta seems to be getting a tune out of Granit Xhaka.
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    In particular Xhaka has been working well with new signing Zinchenko and an intriguing partnership is developing.
    Zinchenko as the inverted fullback
    The term inverted fullback is all but inescapable now within the world of football. 
    It started with Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich when he decided to ask Phillip Lahm to move inside when Bayern were in possession and essentially create an extra midfielder.
    Zinchenko plays centrally, in a position that is more normally taken up by a central midfielder. As Zinchenko moves into these areas we see Xhaka move into higher spaces out wide.
    Zinchenko spent most of the game on the attack against Leicester
    We have seen Manchester City and Liverpool, the two most successful teams in the modern Premier League era, use their fullbacks in this way to create more control in matches. 
    Now, with the signing of Zinchenko we can see that Arsenal are starting to look to play in the same way.
    When Zinchenko signed for Arsenal there were some questions around which position he would play, perhaps as an attacking midfielder.
    So far this season we have seen Zinchenko play as a left-back for Arsenal but his movement and rotations have very much seen him move into central positions when Arsenal are in possession. 
    With Xhaka in possession in a deeper area Zinchenko has not only gone past the midfield line but moved centrally as well. He is in position to receive the ball in a pocket of space between the defenders.
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    In both league games this season Zinchenko moved centrally in order to create overloads and allow Arsenal to play from the back and through the thirds.
    One of the keys in Arsenal’s strong start to the season, however, has been the interchanging of positions between Zinchenko and Xhaka. 
    As Arsenal look to build their attack, Xhaka will move deeper or wider and look to pull an opposition midfield player out with him. 
    This is the sign for Zinchenko to dive inside into the unoccupied space from where he can receive the ball and play. 
    Zinchenko moves forward in possession and Xhaka moves outside to clear space for the fullback to advance centrally. As this happens there is further rotation with the left-sided attack as Gabriel Martinelli moves inside, and Xhaka has moved into his zone, and receives a forward pass from Zinchenko.
    The same goes for more advanced areas with Zinchenko looking to combine and move centrally in the final third. 
    The movement of Xhaka, who moves intelligently, creates space that can be occupied not only by Zinchenko but even by Martinelli or Jesus. 
    Granit Xhaka’s key role
    In football, nothing works in isolation. 
    Signing Zinchenko and asking him to play as an inverted fullback would not be effective if you did not have central midfielders who were willing to move to create space for the Ukrainian to move into. 
    This is where Xhaka comes in.
    The Swiss international midfielder has always been versatile in terms of his role for Arsenal. 
    When they started to try to play out from the back properly, first under Unai Emery and then under Arteta, it would often be Xhaka who would take responsibility for dropping back into the defensive line to create a passing angle for his goalkeeper or defenders.
    Arsenal star Xhaka has been moving out wide this season
    Xhaka is the deepest and most wide player on that side in the build-up as Zinchenko is positioned inside him. As Xhaka plays the ball forward he and Zinchenko move up together to support behind the ball but the Ukrainian stays on the inside
    Now, the versatility and mobility of Xhaka is even more evident.
    Such has been the impact that the new signings have had at Arsenal though we can see that Xhaka is having even more of an impact on matches and getting on the ball more than ever before. 
    It is just that he is not necessarily getting possession in positions that we would traditionally expect for a central midfielder.
    Now, he is more likely to get on the ball in the central third of the pitch either in the channel on his side or even in the wide areas. 
    From these positions his passing ability and ability to find creative passing angles have helped Arsenal to unpick deeper defences.
    Zinchenko moves inside in possession and plays a one-two with Xhaka and attacks the central space. The movement from Xhaka has dragged the opposition midfielder out and created that space.
    Xhaka has the ability to make teammates better through his movement and willingness to sacrifice himself by moving out and away from the space that the ball will be played through. 
    He is also very good when it comes to counterpressing when Arsenal lose possession of the ball and as such his positioning wide or high and in the channel has been useful for Arsenal in quickly regaining possession of the ball. 
    Gabriel takes the ball out from the back. Zinchenko moves inside and essentially pins the defensive player in that area as he has to cover the threat of the pass. This allows Xhaka to rotate out and into free space.
    For such a short period of time we have already seen Zinchenko and Xhaka form a strong relationship and understanding. 
    We have to be clear though that even though their partnership and rotations are amongst the strongest and most obvious, the movement ahead of them of Martinelli and Jesus has also been extremely impressive.
    The fact that there are so many rotations throughout the Arsenal side when they are in the attacking phase has played a significant role in their early season success.
    What does this mean?
    Honestly, at this stage, it is nothing more than an interesting observation. As we know, the Premier League is a marathon and form comes and goes.
    Tactically, Arsenal look interesting – but it takes more than interesting tactical ploys to mount another campaign for a Champions League qualifying spot.
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    But, the early signs are a lot better than they were last season that’s for sure. 
    If Arteta can keep Xhaka on the pitch for long periods this season and keep him playing like this, it creates plenty of opportunity for Arsenal to attack.
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