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    Ryan Fraser’s Bournemouth walk-out may backfire as Arsenal and Tottenham transfer interest dries up

    RYAN FRASER’S decision to walk out on Bournemouth could backfire.
    The Scot rejected a Cherries deal of around £67,000-a-week — but Crystal Palace are offering closer to £50,000 a week for the winger, who had hoped to earn a move worth at least double that.

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    Ryan Fraser refused to play for Bournemouth after the Prem restart as the Cherries were relegatedCredit: Reuters
    Fraser, 26, is available on a free and was being tracked by elite clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham after his stellar 2018/19 campaign, when he scored seven Premier League goals and 14 assists.
    After failing to repeat that success, neither club has made a move.
    It means Fraser’s options could be limited to Palace and West Ham, who are also interested.
    And with the pandemic affecting football finances everywhere, the wages on offer may not be as lucrative as before Covid-19 struck.

    Fraser snubbed a short-term contract in June, so sat out the rest of the campaign as Bournemouth slumped to relegation.
    Having signed for the Cherries back in League One, he made over 200 appearances but has not played in almost five months.

    The 2019/20 season saw Fraser score just once, against Everton in September, with four assists.
    Bournemouth were relegated on the final day of the season despite completing a league double over the Toffees.

    After the coronavirus shutdown, they picked up only two wins in nine games as they finished a point from safety.

    Alex Crook says Crystal Place are favourites to sign Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser More

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    Arsenal in pole position to land Coutinho after talks with agent but Barcelona will reject Guendouzi swap transfer

    ARSENAL are leading the race to sign Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.
    Mundo Deportivo report the Gunners are in pole position to swoop for ex-Liverpool playmaker Coutinho after talks with his agent Kia Joorabchian.

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    Philippe Coutinho could be heading to ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    A swap deal involving Matteo Guendouzi is not fancied by BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Joorabchian is believed to have a good relationship with Arsenal’s head of football and transfer guru Raul Sanllehi.
    The pair are said to have begun negotiations over a potential move to bring the Brazilian playmaker to the Emirates.
    But – in a blow to Mikel Arteta’s side – Barcelona will reportedly outright reject the offer of a money plus player deal involving outcast Matteo Guendouzi.
    The Catalan giants have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and are only interested in a pure cash deal.

    Guendouzi has been jettisoned from the Arsenal squad after his antics at Brighton last month and an exit looks inevitable.

    Coutinho’s representative Joorabchian previously confirmed the ace’s desire to return to the Premier League, where he spent six seasons at Anfield.
    He told talkSPORT: “After the Champions League, it’s not been a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can; he loves playing in the Premier League and is adored in the Premier League.
    “There is much genuine interest in Philippe because he is a great player and a big success. There is always interest.”

    Arsenal’s North London rivals Spurs are also in the frame to sign the player after securing Europa League qualification.

    Leicester are another potential destination as the 28-year-old seeks a new home in the Premier League.
    Coutinho spent this year on loan at Bayern Munich and is set to stay for the completion of their Champions League campaign before deciding on his future.
    A spot in Quique Setien’s future plans at parent club Barca is unlikely to be on offer, with a move to the English top-flight high on the agenda just two and a half years after his £142million arrival.

    Coutinho ‘considering transfer to Arsenal, Leicester or Tottenham’ with £142m Barcelona flop already negotiating exit More

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    Philippe Coutinho’s agent confirms he wants Premier League return with Arsenal and Tottenham linked with transfer

    PHILIPPE COUTINHO wants a returns to the Premier League, according to his agent.
    Kia Joorabchian confirmed the news that the former Liverpool star is eyeing up a return to England, with both Arsenal and Tottenham linked with a move.

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    Philippe Coutinho could be heading for a transfer back to EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
    He told talkSPORT: “Because the Champions League is going to run all the way until August 23, I think it will be difficult for players like Coutinho to make any commitment or move until that date.
    “He has the Champions League at the moment and they have to qualify for the next round [against Chelsea], and then he could play Barcelona, believe it or not.
    “After the Champions League, it’s not been a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can; he loves playing in the Premier League and is adored in the Premier League.
    “It is one of his priorities… but he is also not against staying at Barcelona, so it is very much open.”

    It was previously reported that the Barcelona flop was likely to sign for one of Arsenal, Leicester City or Spurs this summer.
    On the subject of which clubs were in the frame, he added: “There is much genuine interest in Philippe because he is a great player and a big success. There is always interest.”

    Joorabchian fuelled talk of a return to the English top-flight last month.
    He discussed Coutinho’s future on talkSport: “We’re still waiting until the season finishes before we start talking about anything in terms of transfers.

    “I’ve always said he loves to play in the Premier League.
    “He enjoyed his time very much and if the opportunity arises to come back to the Premier League, whether it be this year or in the future, he’s definitely looking at that.”
    The Brazilian playmaker has spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Bayern Munich.
    He has signed a deal to remain with the German giants for the conclusion of the Champions League in August.

    But it appears he has not done enough to secure a permanent move.
    The ex-Anfield No10 moved to Barcelona in a massive £142million deal back in January 2018.
    But he failed to deliver at the Nou Camp before being shipped out on loan last summer.
    And it is unlikely that he will be able to force himself into Quique Setien’s plans and is assessing his options elsewhere, with a return to England high on his wishlist.
    Coutinho bagged nine goals and assisted a further eight in 34 Bundesliga appearances this campaign, showing glimpses of his former self.
    After Leicester and Spurs both secured Europa League qualification on the Prem’s final day, they are thought to be realistic potential destinations for the 28-year-old.

    Reports suggested Coutinho initially turned down an approach from Arsenal over fears they would not stump up his desired wages.
    But a move to join Mikel Arteta’s side remains on the cards ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea this weekend.
    Former Inter Milan man Coutinho is believed to be taking time out to consider his next move before making a decision after the end of Bayern’s European run.

    Coutinho ‘considering transfer to Arsenal, Leicester or Tottenham’ with £142m Barcelona flop already negotiating exit More

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    Arsenal blow as Monaco move to sign Real Madrid flop Luka Jovic on loan after striker’s nightmare year

    ARSENAL have been dealt a blow following reports that Monaco have made their move to sign Real Madrid flop Luka Jovic.
    ESPN claim the French club’s new manager Niko Kovac has eyed the striker as his first signing.

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    Monaco are keen on Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic with Zinedine Zidane said to be willing to listen to offersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The report adds that the former Bayern Munich boss, who replaced Robert Moreno at Monaco last week, has already held talks with Jovic.
    The pair are represented by the same agent, Fali Ramadani, and Kovac has already managed the Serbia International at Eintracht Frankfurt.
    The 48-year-old is said to be keen on a reunion with Jovic, with a loan the most likely option at this stage.
    The 22-year-old was touted as the next big thing last summer after he sealed a £54m move to LaLiga champions Madrid.

    But the striker has endured a year from hell in La Liga with Zinedine Zidane now ready to listen to offers for him.
    It had been speculated that Mikel Arteta earmarked Jovic as a possible replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Arsenal.
    But SunSport previously reported how the Gunners face competition from Milan in the race to prise the Serbian away from Madrid.
    Leicester City were also plotting a £31m swoop to partner Jovic with Jamie Vardy.

    The Serbian has scored just twice in 26 games in all competitions during his first year in Spain.
    Jovic’s problems have not just been on the field, with the player also involved in a number of coronavirus controversies throughout the pandemic.
    He had previously been warned by former coach Dragoslav Stepanovic that he is ruining his career after breaking quarantine rules in March to fly to Serbia to visit his girlfriend.

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    Luka Jovic alongside Serbian model girlfriend Sofija MilosevicCredit: Refer to Caption

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    Jovic reportedly flew to Sofija when he was supposed to be self-isolatingCredit: Instagram @sofijamilo

    Premier League clubs are intersted in Luka Jovic – here is why More

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    Juventus join Man Utd in transfer race for Raul Jimenez and make Arsenal striker Lacazette backup target

    JUVENTUS have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Raul Jimenez from Wolves, according to reports.
    Tuttosport claim the Italian side are set to make a move for striker Jimenez and are likely to offload Douglas Costa to fund a deal.

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    Raul Jimenez has excelled for Wolves in the Premier League

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    Alexandre Lacazette is another option for Juventus
    But if a move for United target Jimenez does not materialise the Old Lady have lined up a swoop for Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette as Plan B.
    Jimenez has impressed since making his stay at Molineux permanent in July.
    Wolves smashed their transfer record to land the player from Benfica for £32million and he has repaid their faith by bagging 26 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions this season.
    The Mexican was previously urged to join the Red Devils this summer by his international boss.

    Gerardo Martino feels the 29-year-old could be the classic No9 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for.
    But Serie A champs Juve will provide plenty of competition for his signature and the lure of playing with Cristiano Ronaldo could prove too strong for Jimenez.

    The pair are both represented by Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes which could give the Bianconeri the edge in negotiations.
    Jimenez could be the perfect foil for Ronaldo with the Mexican’s selfless play and hard pressing a great match for the former Real Madrid superstar.

    Failing that, Juventus could test Arsenal’s resolve with an offer for Lacazette but are also keen on Napoli man Arkadiusz Milik and have one eye on Roma’s Edin Dzeko as they make back-up arrangements.

    Raul Jimenez scores amazing breakaway goal for Benfica More

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    Arsenal ‘still keen on Justin Kluivert transfer with Roma winger looking to move on this summer and relaunch career’

    ARSENAL are reportedly “still keen” on signing Justin Kluivert from Roma this summer.
    Mikel Arteta is looking to continue his Gunners rebuild once the transfer window re-opens this summer.

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    Justin Kluivert is still a transfer target for Arsenal Credit: Getty Images
    And according to Corriere dello Sport, he could get the attacker as he will be available for £27million.
    Speculation has mounted that the 21-year-old could be involved in a player exchange deal with Arsenal.
    Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shone at Roma while on loan this season and is keen to make the move permanent.
    However, despite lengthy discussions between the two clubs, that has not materialised.
    But the out of favour Dutch winger is still up for sale and it seems the Gunners are still in the race to sign him.
    The son of Holland legend Patrick completed a big-money move to the Stadio Olimpico from Ajax in 2018.

    But he has failed to continue his rise since and has only scored five goals and provided seven assists during his time there.

    Despite that poor form, he still has age on his side.
    And Arteta could decide Kluivert would be a huge asset in his attacks as he plots his summer additions. More

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    Mavropanos signs new Arsenal contract but will join Stuttgart on loan next season following Nuremberg spell

    ARSENAL have announced that Konstantinos Mavropanos has signed a new contract but will be loaned out again next season.
    The 22-year-old defender, who has been at Bundesliga 2 side Nuremberg since January, will join Stuttgart this summer.

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    Arsenal defender Dinos Mavropanos has signed a new long-term contract Credit: Getty – Contributor
    He made 12 appearances for the German second-division strugglers and became a key figure in saving them from relegation this season.
    Stuttgart, who were linked with a move for Mavropanos earlier this year, will be playing in the Bundesliga next season after earning promotion.
    It was the club’s director of football Sven Mislintat who took him to Arsenal from Greek side PAS Giannina in January 2018.
    But since then, the Greece Under-21 international has played just seven Premier League games.

    Stuttgart were also said to be keen on a move for Mavropanos’ club and international teammate Sokratis.
    The 32-year-old could be allowed to move on after entering the final year of his contract and has experience in the Bundesliga having featured for Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund.
    The Gunners have already secured David Luiz and Pablo Mari for next term.
    Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Rob Holding may also have some part to play.

    But Mikel Arteta is still on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer to tighten the Gunners’ leaky backline.

    Following Wednesday night’s 2-1 win against champions Liverpool, the Spaniard was asked whether he would be given the finances to improve his squad this summer.
    He told Sky Sports: “I don’t know. It’s a big concern.
    “You need it to build a squad. It’s not magic. You need to improve with quality players in the squad and you need bigger squads to compete in this competition. There’s the challenge.”

    Mikel Arteta admits there is still a big gap between Arsenal and Liverpool More