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      Former Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi seals short-term Arsenal move

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      ARSENAL have strengthened their goalkeeper options by adding Sarah Bouhaddi to their ranks on a short-term deal.The ex-Lyon ace 37, who won the Women’s Champions League eight times with the French giants, has joined the WSL side as a free agent.

      Sarah Bouhaddi’s Arsenal move follows the club signing United States defender Emily Fox earlier this month
      Bouhaddi’s move follows her one-year spell playing for Lyon’s rivals Paris Saint-Germain up until the end of last season.
      The arrival of the Cannes-born player also comes two weeks after Arsenal number one Manuela Zinsberger signed a new contract with the club.
      The side, currently third in the Women’s Super League, have been previously linked with Manchester United ace Mary Earps.
      Of her move to the Gunners who face West Ham in the top-flight on Sunday, Bouhaddi said: “I’m delighted to be joining Arsenal and to become part of this great club,”
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      “Arsenal has so much history across both the men’s and women’s teams and I’ve always admired the club.
      “I’m excited to get the opportunity to play in a league that is going from strength to strength.
      “I want to bring my experience to help the rest of the squad. I can’t wait to get started.”
      Bouhaddi’s temporary switch until the end of this season will see her provide cover for Sabrina D’Angelo.
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      The Gunners shot stopper is due to compete for Canada in the Gold Cup next month.
      Prior to signing for the WSL title-chasers the highly-rated veteran goalkeeper’s career included a trophy-laden 13-year with Lyon.
      She joined the French top-tier outfit in 2009 following spells at Toulouse and Juvisy from 2002 until that year.
      Whilst at Lyon Bouhaddi established herself as one of top shot stoppers in the world helping the club to win 11 top-flight titles and eight French Cups.
      Her performances for one of the most successful sides in women’s club football in European also helped her win Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper award back in 2020.
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “There aren’t many goalkeepers in world football with the breadth of experience and knowledge that Sarah has.
      “We’re delighted to bring her in to supplement our goalkeeping options.”
      Bouhaddi won eight Champions League trophies with Lyon

      Gunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley added: “She has a proven track record at the highest level of the game and we believe she is the perfect player to come in for this period.”
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      Bouhaddi, who began her senior club career with CNFE Clairefontaine in 2002, has made 149 appearances for France.
      Three years after helping her Les Bleues win the SheBelieves Cup in 2017, Bouhaddi decided to take a break from international duty. More

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      Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target ‘available for £43m from summer as Bundesliga star’s release clause leaked’

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      SEVERAL of the Premier League’s top clubs have been put on high alert after Benjamin Sesko’s alleged release clause was revealed.The 20-year-old arrived at RB Leipzig last summer from their Austrian sister club RB Salzburg.
      Sesko is one of Europe’s most highly rated young forwardsCredit: Getty
      His rapid progression from the Austrian league to the Bundesliga has naturally drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland, given they both made their names at Salzburg before big Bundesliga moves.
      Sesko started the season rapidly with a goal on both his Bundesliga and Champions League debuts for Leipzig.
      His debut goal in the Champions League made him the club’s youngest player to score in Europe, at just 20 years and 111 days old.
      The goals have become less consistent of late, which is natural for a youngster acclimatising to one of Europe’s top leagues.
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      Sky Sports Germany report that the forward will be available for a bargain £43million this summer due to the way his transfer to Leipzig was constructed.
      As part of Leipzig signing Sesko for £20.4m in the summer with £5m in add-ons, the cheap release clause was added this summer as a ‘compromise’ in the deal.
      Chelsea have previously been linked to a summer deal for Sesko, with the Blues seeing the Slovenian as a cheaper option to their long-term target, Victor Osimhen.
      As a stop-gap until then the club appear to be chasing Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, who has rarely featured for Unai Emery’s side this season.
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      Sesko is finding his feet at LeipzigCredit: The Sun
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      Arsenal in the past have also seen Sesko as a viable alternative to Ivan Toney, and will wait until the summer to sign a forward anyway.
      United were heavily linked with Sesko in the summer when they opted to sign Rasmus Hojlund instead.
      However, it is well known that the Red Devils remain in the market for a no9 as competition for the Hojlund. More

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      Barcelona release Arsenal transfer target after 14 YEARS as he becomes first casualty following Xavi’s exit

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      SERGI ROBERTO is set to become the first “victim” of Xavi’s Barcelona exit, according to reports in Spain.The news comes amid rumours that Arsenal have been tracking the player.
      Sergi Roberto has been at Barcelona for 14 years but could leave this yearCredit: Getty
      Roberto’s Barca contract runs out on June 30 and he was set to see it extended under Xavi’s leadership.
      But with Xavi confirming he will leave at the end of the season, Barcelona’s hierarchy have decided the player is surplus to requirements, according to AS.
      Xavi was an advocate of Roberto, even making him captain at the start of this season, but announced he will be stepping down due to the pressures of being Barcelona coach.
      Announcing his decision, Xavi said: “I’ve thought about the club and above all the players.
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      “I have the feeling that I am doing the right thing, that I am acting with common sense.
      “I think the club needs a change of dynamics, the dynamic is very negative.”
      Last summer, the Barcelona youth product agreed to take a hefty pay cut in order to help the club with their financial issues.
      The salary decrease left him as one of the lowest-paid players in the squad despite being at Barcelona for 14 years.
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      Sergi Roberto has not featured much this seasonCredit: The Sun
      Injuries have led to Roberto playing a bit-part role for Barcelona this season, making just six appearances in LaLiga.
      The midfielder is currently missing with a muscular issue, and expected to be out until mid-February.
      Roberto’s favoured position is as a midfielder, but he can also operate at full-back.
      That versatility has seen Arsenal maintain an interest in a potential free transfer for Roberto, given they are looking for a cover in their defence.
      Arsenal have also been left consistently short in the midfield this season following a string of injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. More

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      Forgotten Arsenal wonderkid once dubbed ‘the new Cesc Fabregas’ joins 11th club of career

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      FORMER Arsenal youngster Fran Merida has signed for the 11th club of his career.The midfielder, now 33, has joined Spanish minnows CD Lugo for an undisclosed fee.
      Fran Merida, Arsenal Soccer – Carling Cup – Fourth Round – Arsenal v Liverpool – Emirates StadiumCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      He was previously plying his trade for Chinese Super League club Tianjin Jinmen Tiger F.C., who he joined in 2022.
      But the lure of returning home was too much to turn down for journeyman Merida.
      As a teenager, the playmaker was highly thought of after beginning his youth career at Barcelona.
      He transferred to the Gunners in 2005, following in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas.
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      Arsene Wenger described the teenager as an “absolutely amazing player.”
      Ultimately, the move drew comparisons with the Spain World Cup winner.
      However, Merida failed to live up to the hype surrounding him.
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      He would play just 16 times under the Frenchman, snubbing a new contract to sign for Atletico Madrid in 2010.
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      But, he failed to find a home for himself at the Vincente Calderon.
      Merida then bounced around the clubs, including enjoying a spell at Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense followed by stints at Spanish second division clubs Huesca, Osasuna, and Espanyol. More

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      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ‘on three-man shortlist for Barcelona job’ as search begins for Xavi’s successor

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      MIKEL ARTETA is among a three-man shortlist to succeed Xavi at Barcelona, reports in Spain say. Nou Camp legend Xavi announced he will be stepping down as Barca boss at the end of the season.
      Mikel Arteta is linked with the Barcelona jobCredit: Getty
      And according to Spanish reporter Gerard Romero, Arsenal manager Arteta is among those the LaLiga giants will eye as a replacement.
      It is claimed Barca sporting director Deco started speaking to the agents of potential candidates over the last few weeks.
      Jurgen Klopp – set to leave Liverpool in the summer too – and Julian Nagelsmann, who is in charge of the German national team, are also linked with the role.
      Barca considered Arteta after sacking Ronald Koeman in October 2021 but Xavi was instead appointed.
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      But Arteta did sign a new contract in 2022, which keeps him tied to the Emirates until the summer of 2025.
      Spanish World Cup winner Xavi led his club to the league title last season – but will leave at the end of this campaign.
      He said: “I think the club needs a change of dynamic.
      “For the good of the players, I believe that they will free themselves. We play with a lot of tension.
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      “For the good of the board of directors, it is best that I leave. I will give my best. I think all of that will help the dynamic change.
      “This is the message I would like to give. I think I am doing the right thing.”
      Xavi made the shock announcement following a 5-3 home loss to Villarreal, which leaves them ten points off leaders Real Madrid.
      Xavi is stepping down as Barcelona bossCredit: Getty

      A look at Barca’s managerial targets

      Mikel Arteta
      The Spaniard learnt his coaching craft under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking over at Arsenal in 2019.
      He turned the Gunners into title contenders, only narrowly missing out to City last season.
      And having come through Barca’s youth set up, Xavi’s exit could give Arteta the perfect return to the Nou Camp.
      Jurgen Klopp
      The German established himself as one of the finest coaches in the world after joining Liverpool from Borussia Dortmund in 2015.
      He led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years and also lifted the Champions League in 2019.
      His resignation caused shockwaves around the footballing world and there will be no manager in greater demand than Klopp next season.
      Julian Nagelsmann
      Nagelsmann announced himself at RB Leipzig and his success earned him a dream job at Bayern Munich.
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      With the German giants, he won the league title in 2022 but a year later he was suddenly dismissed.
      And despite links to Chelsea and Tottenham, he instead succeeded Hansi Flick as head coach of the German national team in September. More

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      Gary Lineker tells Victor Osimhen which Premier League club he should join after Napoli star’s transfer hint

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      GARY LINEKER has named the Premier League club Victor Osimhen should join.The Napoli striker has been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks.
      Gary Lineker has told Victor Osimhen which Premier League club he should joinCredit: Splash
      Osimhen has hinted he could leave Napoli in the summerCredit: Getty
      He has also hinted he could make a move away from the Italian champions in the summer.
      If Osimhen does move, Lineker has told him he would join Arsenal if he was in his shoes.
      Asked who he would sign for on the Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker explained: “I think I’d look at it and I’d go, at the moment, Arsenal.
      “Obviously, we’re talking about everyone offers the same thing, that’s what you want, blah blah blah in your contract.
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      “I mean, to be honest, they earn so much now that you can just choose where you want to go.
      “I would say, Arsenal are probably a centre-forward away from winning things. Chelsea are a centre-forward away from becoming competitive again. Manchester United are a centre-forward away from improving, but they’ve still got a long way to go.
      “If I were him, you want to go somewhere where you think you’re going to win things.”
      Lineker’s comments come after Osimhen hinted this week he could be on the move at the end of the season.
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      He revealed he has already made a decision on his future and hailed the Premier League as one of the best leagues in the world.
      The 25-year-old told CBS Sport: “I want to finish the season with Napoli strong and then come up with the decision I’ve already made.”
      Osimhen signed a new deal through to 2026 in December but has continued to be linked with a move away from Napoli.
      The forward has eight goals across all competitions this season after winning the Serie A golden boot last term.
      His 26 league goals helped fire Napoli to their first league title since 1990. More

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      Top 10 worst clubs at transfers revealed with Arsenal and Man Utd among six Premier League teams to feature

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      ARSENAL and Manchester United have both been named amongst the top 10 worst clubs at transfers.Six Premier League teams feature in the top 10 after new research from CIES Football into transfers.
      Arsenal are one of six Premier League clubs in the 10 worst teams at transfers after a huge loss on Nicolas PepeCredit: Getty
      Barcelona rank as the worst at transfers, having spent over £1billion on the likes of Philippe CoutinhoCredit: Getty
      Clubs have been ranked based on transfers between 2014 and 2023, with their fees spent and received calculated into a total profit or loss.
      Fortunately for Arsenal and United fans, they do not rank top amongst the clubs with the worst transfer records.
      Instead, Spanish giants Barcelona have the biggest loss on deals during the period in question.
      Barca spent over £1billion on the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann between 2014 and 2023.
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      The trio were signed for a combined £330million, only to have since been sold for a total of £77m.
      Overall, the Spanish champions only received £524million in fees to give a transfer loss of £540million.
      Chelsea were the only other club in the top 10 to spend over £1billion, with Todd Boehly’s free-spending Blues ranked second.
      Since his takeover in 2022, the club have not held back in the transfer market, but have failed to recoup their large fees, leaving a loss of £413million.
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      Romelu Lukaku is one of three players Chelsea have spent over £95million onCredit: Getty
      Amongst those brought in during the research period, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romelu Lukaku were all signed for over £95million each.
      Arsenal rank third, with former club record signing Nicolas Pepe amongst their big money flops across the last decade.
      Pepe scored 27 goals in 112 appearances for the club before joining Trabzonspor on a free transfer in September.
      The Gunners have lost £373million on transfers, seeing them finish just ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
      Neymar’s £198million move to the French capital in 2017 remains the world transfer record.
      However, PSG failed to recoup half of that amount when he left for Al-Hilal last summer.
      United complete the top five, with their £85.5million signing of Antony in 2022 contributing to a £280million loss on transfers.
      PSG failed to recoup half of the world record £198million fee spent on Neymar in 2017Credit: PA:Press Association
      Antony’s £85.5million move to Manchester United sees them into the top fiveCredit: EPA
      The Brazilian has come under fire for his performances since joining the Red Devils after arriving for the second biggest fee in the club’s history.
      Paul Pogba remains United’s record signing, though, but left for free in 2022 at a loss of £90million.
      Aston Villa, Everton and Liverpool also appear in the top 10, along with Italy’s AC Milan and Juventus.
      Although Villa spent just £313million from 2014 to 2023, the club recouped only £94million according to CIES.
      A majority of that figure comes from Jack Grealish’s then British record move to Manchester City in 2021.
      In contrast, Juventus’ transfer expenditure fell just short of £900million, but their incoming fees of over £700million see the Old Lady only ranking as high as 10.
      Everton are eighth after big losses on Yannick Bolasie, Davy Klaasen and Yerry Mina, despite profits on both Lukaku and Richarlison.
      Yannick Bolasie is one of a number of players Everton suffered big losses onCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Lille’s capture and sale of Victor Osimhen helps them rank as the best club at transfersCredit: AFP
      City rivals Liverpool are a place below in ninth after spending £82million less.
      However, the Reds have only sold three players for over £50million, despite breaking their transfer record twice since 2018.
      As for the best clubs at transfers, French side Lille are ranked first.
      Thanks in part to the sale of Pepe to Arsenal in 2019, Lille have made £330million in profit on transfers since 2014.
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      Victor Osimhen and Sven Botman have also been sold for large profits during that period.
      Ajax and RB Salzburg complete the top three, with no English clubs featuring in the top 10 best clubs at transfers. More

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      Mikel Arteta ‘ready to sell Nuno Tavares in permanent transfer’ but deal at risk thanks to Nottingham Forest

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      MARSEILLE are reportedly pushing to sign Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares this month.However, a deal is dependent on Nottingham Forest.
      Marseille want to sign Nuno TavaresCredit: Getty
      Tavares joined Forest on a season-long loan in September after falling down the pecking order at Arsenal.
      The full-back has been limited to just six appearances since moving to the City Ground.
      Nottingham Forest will have the opportunity to sign him on a permanent basis for £12million at the end of the campaign.
      But Tavares is allegedly open to a move away.
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      And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Marseille want to sign him.
      Arsenal are now “100 per cent open” to selling the Portuguese international in a permanent transfer.
      However, Nottingham Forest insist on keeping him until the end of the season.
      Arsenal have no recall clause, so Tavares will likely stay at the City Ground until June.
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      The 23-year-old spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Marseille.
      He made 39 appearances for the Ligue 1 side during his spell in France. More