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    Chelsea suffer transfer hammer blow as Napoli chief confirms Victor Osimhen is close to signing new contract

    CHELSEA look set for major transfer disappointment after Napoli claimed Victor Osimhen was on the verge of committing his future to them.The 24-year-old Nigerian striker achieved legendary status last season by firing the Italian club to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
    Chelsea’s hopes of signing Victor Osimhen from January have suffered a huge blowCredit: Getty
    Osimhen scored 26 goals in 32 top-flight matches and has continued that red-hot form this term.
    That led to him being linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs over the summer transfer window as both Manchester United and Chelsea chased his signature.
    Despite that, he has kept his focus and added another six strikes to his Napoli tally this term despite a number of controversies.
    Both the Premier League duo and rivals Arsenal were put on red alert after a controversial TikTok post left the player contemplating SUING his employers back in September.
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    Now Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is itching to strengthen his frontline and has made Osimhen his top January target.
    But he looks set to suffer frustration after Napoli’s CEO Aurelio de Laurentiis revealed that the club and their talisman are close to agreeing a contract extension.
    Despite previous talks breaking down, he made the revelation while awarding the Campania Felix award this week.
    De Laurentiis said: “For Osimhen, we are at signing of the contract that was pending this summer.”
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    Previous speculation had stated that under the terms of the deal, Napoli are likely to include a hefty release clause.
    Osimhen’s current contract expires in June 2025.
    Napoli are currently struggling in their title defence and are currently nine points behind leaders Juventus.
    But they will be hoping to try and close that gap when they take on second-placed Inter Milan at home on Sunday. More

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    Arsenal suffer transfer blow as Dusan Vlahovic opens talks on new Juventus contract

    ARSENAL transfer target Dusan Vlahovic has confirmed that he wants to stay at Juventus.The striker has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for the last two years.
    Dusan Vlahovic insists he wants to stay at JuventusCredit: Alamy
    Arsenal launched an attempt to sign him in January 2022, but he instead decided to join Juventus in a £62million transfer and has since scored 28 goals in 75 appearances.
    Vlahovic has been heavily linked with a move away from Turin in recent months amid the club’s financial issues.
    However, the 23-year-old recently told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he has no intention to leave.
    He said: “I didn’t experience it as a different summer from the others, from my point of view nothing happened.
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    “I have always been focused and calm, even during the tour in America, when I missed the match against AC Milan due to a physical problem. I have always been calm.
    “I was always sure I wanted to stay. The noises are always there, and they are part of the game, if we start listening to everyone, we can go crazy.
    “I isolated myself and only thought about the retreat and in the end I’m very happy I stayed. It was what I wanted.”
    Arsenal were reportedly considering the possibility of signing the striker in January, with Chelsea also interested.
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    Some clubs in Saudi Arabia also allegedly considered a swoop.
    Juventus currently value Vlahovic at £86m – £24m more than they initially paid for him.
    His current contract expires in June 2026.
    Both Arsenal and Chelsea are also understood to be interested in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
    However, he will likely cost a Premier League record fee of £120m at least. More

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    Who is Arsenal star Jen Beattie and does she have a partner?

    JEN BEATTIE boasts an impressive football career and has even been handed an MBE for her contributions to the sport.Though she is best known for her work on the pitch, the Women’s Super League star has also made headlines for her personal life.
    Jen Beattie returned to Arsenal FC in June 2019Credit: Christopher Lee – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
    Who is Jen Beattie?
    Jen Beattie is a Scottish footballer was born in Glasgow on May 13, 1991.
    She became interested in football after playing her brother Johnnie and his friends at primary school.
    Beattie was selected to play for Glasgow Primary School, where she was the only girl on the team ,and given the role of captain.
    Her brother went on to pursue a different path and became a professional rugby union player, representing Scotland on 38 occasions.
    Jen and Johnnie’s father is former Scotland and British Lions rugby union player, John Beattie.
    In October 2020, Jen was diagnosed with breast cancer.
    Beattie continued to appear for both Arsenal and Scotland during her radiotherapy treatment and also underwent surgery to remove the lump.
    Speaking about her experience of living with the disease, the sports star told The Herald: “It was one of the most difficult times of my life.
    “I was diagnosed during the middle of Covid, so being away from family and friends was one of the toughest things.  
    “I always give credit to my teammates and my club who supported me through that.”
    Beattie was awarded an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours for her services to football and charity.
    What football clubs has Jen Beattie played for?
    Beattie got her break in football when she started playing for Queen’s Park Rangers.
    This led to her joining Celtic Ladies, where she was then spotted by Arsenal scouts.
    After making the trip south to The Emirates, Beattie quickly started to amass silverware, winning the Women’s Premier League along with two league cups and two FA Cups also.
    Jen then moved to France when she signed for Montpellier on a two-year contract.
    Man City then came calling and the Scottish defender won another four trophies during her spell with The Citizens.
    Jen then spent a season out on loan in Australia, playing for Melbourne City.
    She returned to Arsenal in 2019 and won the FA Women’s Super League with her team that same year.
    Beattie retired from international duty in early 2023.
    She earned over 100 caps during her her 14-year stint with Scotland’s national team.
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    Who is Jen Beattie dating?
    Beattie dated former Love Island winner Amber Gill in late 2022.
    In November 2023 it was reported that the couple had split.
    A source told MailOnline of the break up: “Amber and Jen have decided to end their relationship.
    “They remain good friends and the split was amicable but they just grew apart after struggling to spend time together.
    “There’s still a lot of love between them and Amber will always hold a special place in her heart for Jen but ending their romance was the best decision for their lives right now.”
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    Jen and Amber first sparked romance rumours when they were seen exchanging numerous flirty emoji icons and messages on social media.
    They then appeared to confirm their relationship when Amber posted a video of her in a box at Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal Football Club. More

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    Arsenal unveil wild new shirt after collaboration with club legend Ian Wright as fans say ‘get this man a bloody statue’

    ARSENAL’s new shirt collaboration with club legend Ian Wright has sent fans into a frenzy.Several of the North Londoners’ playing and training kit drops since partnering with Adidas in 2018 have caused a stir.
    Ian Wright has launched a pre-match kit collection with ArsenalCredit: ARSENAL
    Several of the Gunners’ squad donned the Wright-inspired collectionCredit: ARSENAL
    Gunners icon David Seaman was also part of the ad campaignCredit: ARSENAL
    But their newly-launched collection with Wright – the club’s second all-time leading goalscorer – has really got the tongues of the Emirates faithful wagging.
    The Gunners officially unveiled their black and white Wright collection – which players will wear ahead of Saturday’s match with Wolves – on Friday.
    A snippet of a club statement read: “The design features a patchwork, hand-drawn illustration effect with a variety of squares inspired by Ian’s vibrant personality, the history of his life, people who are close to him and a selection of his favourite memories from his career.”
    Gooners were blown away by the pieces, with one writing on social media: “Love Arsenal, we can ball and we can dress”
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    Another said: “Fire.”
    And another said: “It’s only WRIGHT!
    One remarked: “Oooh this is pretty sick.”
    Another chimed in: “Had to buy this.”
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    The Ian Wright collection is in homage to the legendary Gunners strikerCredit: instagram @Arsenal
    One even called on the club to immortalise Wright outside of the Emirates, saying: “Get this man a bloody statue.”
    Former Gunners hitman Wright is over the moon to have been able to produce a line of pre-match apparel for his old club.
    He said: “Turning 60 last month made me reflect a lot on what I’ve done so far, my time at Arsenal and the very special people I’ve worked with.
    “So, to work with Adidas and Arsenal on this range that represents some of my biggest career moments is really special.
    “I hope people feel the love in this collection as much as I do.”
    Adidas’ head of design, Inigo Turner, said: “Ian has had a hugely successful career with Arsenal, with many memories and moments.
    “And so to mark his 60th birthday, we were keen to capture some of those occasions through innovative hand-drawn illustrations.
    “We looked back at many of the moments on and off the pitch, and have created a jersey, jacket and bag which we believe really embodies Ian’s style.

    “The black and white patchwork effect takes inspiration from some of his style choices from the 90s, and the pops of gold represent the Golden Boot award he received in 1992, and his iconic gold tooth.
    “The range was made in total collaboration with Ian, who had a real input into the design process, and it was a pleasure working with him.”
    Ian Wright is Arsenal’s former top goalscorerCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS More

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    Man Utd in advanced talks to hijack Arsenal’s £26million transfer for the ‘new Nemanja Vidic’

    MANCHESTER UNITED look set to hijack Arsenal’s deal for Radu Dragusin, according to reports.The Red Devils are keen to sign a centre-back in January after leaking goals in the Champions League.
    Radu Dragusin is on Man Utd and Arsenal’s radarCredit: Rex
    Man Utd have conceded 14 times in five European matches this season and their hopes of progression are now hanging by a thread after drawing 3-3 with Galatasaray.
    And to fix their defensive woes, the Red Devils are keen on Dragusin.
    The 21-year-old Romanian international has been compared to ex-United captain Nemanja Vidic.
    Dragusin came through the ranks at Juventus and now plays for Serie A side Genoa.
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    They had the defender on loan last season and made the move permanent in the summer for around £5million.
    He penned a contract at Genoa that runs until 2027 but it contains a release clause worth £26million.
    Reports from Romanian outfit ProSport claim United are in advanced talks with the player ahead of potentially triggering the clause.
    Dragusin’s agent Florin Manea previously revealed he has been in discussions with a host of Premier League clubs over a transfer.
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    He said: “I have been in London for some time and have almost weekly meetings with important teams.
    “We are getting closer. I spoke with Newcastle, with Arsenal, with Tottenham.
    “I also have messages with them, conversations. There are teams that ask about Dragusin.” More

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    Arsenal in advanced talks with Ben White over new deal and Arteta has already identified next star he wants to tie down

    ARSENAL are in advanced talks with Ben White and are hopeful of agreeing a new deal before Christmas.The Gunners have also opened negotiations with Takehiro Tomiyasu to extend his stay as part of manager Mikel Arteta’s long-term planning.
    White, 26, has 2½ years still left to run on his contract while 25-year-old fellow defender Tomiyasu’s deal expires in 2025.
    Arsenal are in advanced talks with Ben WhiteCredit: Alamy
    But Arteta and sporting director Edu aim to tie key stars down to fresh terms and keep the nucleus of the squad together until 2027 and beyond.
    Martin Odegaard and WIlliam Saliba, along with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes and Aaron Ramsdale have all agreed new terms over the past year or so.
    Recent signings Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are also locked into long contracts.
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    White cost £50million when he was signed from Brighton, while Japanese star Tomiyasu was a bargain £19.5m buy from Bologna when they both arrived in the summer of 2021.
    Midfielder Thomas Partey’s deal runs to 2025 but the club could sell him next month.
    Arsenal have spent some £600m on signings since Arteta took over four years ago.
    But the feeling within the club is they now have a strong squad for the next five years and will not need to keep splashing out at such a rapid rate in the future.
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    Arsenal sit top of the table and are through to the Champions League knockout stages after beating Lens 6-0.
    Arteta said: “It was a genuine dream.
    “We had a chance to qualify today and we’ve done it in a really convincing way against a really good side.
    |The team from the beginning showed a lot of aggression and determination to go for the game.
    “It’s great we’re able to win in this way and we showed at home not to concede any goals and score a lot which is a positive factor.
    “The players need to believe we can do that against big opponents.”
    Mikel Arteta praised his in-form GunnersCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal and Liverpool ‘exploring’ stunning Kylian Mbappe transfer with PSG star available for free in summer

    ARSENAL and Liverpool are both exploring the possibility of signing Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.The 24-year-old’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire in June, meaning he will become a free agent if he decides against renewing.
    Arsenal and Liverpool are considering the possibility of signing Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
    Mbappe can start negotiating terms with other clubs from January 1, with several European sides already understood to be interested.
    And according to the Daily Record, Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool are among his potential suitors.
    Both clubs are said to be “exploring the financial and sporting parameters involved” in signing the Frenchman.
    Mikel Arteta is eager to bring a new striker to the Emirates Stadium as he looks to guide Arsenal to their first league title in 20 years.
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    The Gunners have already been linked with a move for Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen ahead of the January transfer window.
    Meanwhile, Liverpool are long-term admirers of Mbappe, with Jurgen Klopp a known fan.
    Real Madrid have also held an interest in him for several years.
    Los Blancos came close to signing him in the summer of 2022, but he shocked the world by penning a two-year extension with PSG instead.
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    Mbappe has scored 14 goals in 12 Ligue 1 games so far this season
    The forward turned down a world-record offer from Al-Hilal this summer after the Saudi Pro League side had a £259million bid accepted.
    Mbappe was subsequently sent to train with PSG’s “undesirables” – a group of senior players that were transfer listed by the club prior to deadline day.
    However, he made a quick return to the first team and has since scored 17 goals in 17 appearances across all competitions this season. More

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    Brentford transfer chief gives blunt Ivan Toney update amid Arsenal and Chelsea interest

    BRENTFORD chief Phil Giles has revealed he has NEVER received a transfer offer for Ivan Toney.The in-demand striker has been tipped to leave the Bees when the transfer window re-opens.
    Brentford have never received an offer for Ivan ToneyCredit: Rex
    Toney is still serving his gambling ban which ends in January – when the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea could make a bid.
    However director of football Giles has cooled talk of Toney leaving by revealing no club has ever tried to sign the striker since he joined Brentford.
    Giles told BBC 5 Live: “I’ve never had one phone call in three-and-a-half years about Ivan Toney, in terms of interest in buying him.
    “If my phone rings between now and then, I’ll see what’s happening. But I’m really not focused on that at all.”
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    SunSport understands Brentford are braced for a three-way transfer tussle between Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham in January.
    Spurs have played down speculation linking them to Toney, claiming they are more focused on adding defensive cover in the new year.
    But sources at Chelsea are not convinced and are preparing to go head-to-head with their city neighbours in the transfer market.
    Arsenal are thought to be at the front of the queue for his services but Toney feels he has a “debt to repay” to Brentford and to the club’s manager Thomas Frank which means any move could be held off until the summer.
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    Brentford hope to land teenage Argentinian star Santiago Castro as a potential replacement for Toney.
    The Velez Sarsfield striker has been scouted by the Bees and is very highly-rated. More