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    Arsenal and Chelsea target Ivan Toney ‘tells Brentford he wants January transfer’… but boss Frank wants him ‘FOREVER’

    BRENTFORD star Ivan Toney has told Brentford he wants to leave, according to reports.The 27-year-old is currently serving an eight-month ban from football for betting breaches.
    Thomas Frank wants Ivan Toney to stay foreverCredit: Getty
    Toney can play again from January 17 but his days with the Bees could be numbered.
    Reports claim that the striker is open to leaving the club in the winter window.
    Both Arsenal and Chelsea have supposedly held talks with the player’s representatives.
    He also recently changed agents, hinting at a possible move.
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    Meanwhile, Brentford are determined to hold onto their star man and could demand over £80million for his services.
    Manager Thomas Frank addressed speculation prior to their game against West Ham today.
    He said: “I want him to stay. Ivan is happy to stay.
    “He is happy at the club. What happens in the future is impossible to guess about.
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    “He’s a top player, one of our most important players, if not the most important last year.
    “Any player that can score 20-plus goals in the Premier League are very, very important.
    “Ivan’s skillset in terms of finishing abilities with his left and right, heading and his composure in those moments and his link-up play and his presence, character, is a very good package.
    “It’s not up to me to put a price tag on him, it’s down to the club.
    “But I’m happy with him, I hope he plays here forever and I’m the coach.” More

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    I’m an Arsenal legend who was head of Gunners academy that let Harry Kane go to Tottenham – the buck stops with me

    ARSENAL legend Liam Brady has admitted that it was his decision that led Harry Kane to being released from Arsenal’s academy aged eight.The England captain would go on to play for Sunday League side Ridgeway Rovers before being picked up by Spurs and the rest is history.
    Brady was Arsenal’s talisman in the ’70sCredit: Getty
    Despite a hugely successful spell as Arsenal’s academy manager, Harry Kane left the Arsenal academy under Brady’s watchCredit: Alamy
    In an interview with The Daily Mail, Brady, 67, says the buck for the decision to release Kane stops with him.
    Brady was Arsenal’s academy manager between 1996 and 2014 after spells in charge of Celtic and Brighton.
    The former Ireland international said it was a job he was incredibly passionate about and “the most rewarding part after my playing days.”
    He would nurture talents such as Ashley Cole, Jack Wilshere and Bukayo Saka to come through the Hale End academy but Brady knows that Kane was the one that got away.
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    On the talents of Cole and Wilshere, he said: “With Ashley, in my opinion he became the best left back in Europe. I’m sorry Arsenal fans feel so indifferent about him.
    “I was sad about how it went for Jack Wilshere with injuries because, in my opinion, he was too brave for his own good. If it was a 50-50 with Graeme Souness, he would have it. Jack went into every tackle.”
    When asked about Kane, Brady said: “I didn’t have anything to do with the decision, but the buck stops with me. That’s football.’ Win some, lose some. It is a brutal, brilliant, ludicrous game.”
    Kane would go on to join Spurs where he rose through the academy to become the club’s all-time highest goalscorer and captain of the England national team.
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    With Arsenal in the market for a striker this January and Ivan Toney top of the list, it’s fascinating to imagine what an alternative history would have looked like if Kane did not leave Arsenal’s academy.
    Instead, he’s flourishing at Bayern Munich with 12 goals and five assists in nine appearances and scoring goals from his own half following his £100million transfer.
    On Arsenal’s chances of winning the title this year, Brady said: “I like the way Mikel Arteta has them playing. But it gives me a nervous breakdown when they play in their own box.”
    Unfortunately for The Gunners however, he can’t see past Manchester City for the title: “Anybody that knows anything about football would say Manchester City. I think we’re all hoping as fans, Arsenal fans, Liverpool fans, that they might just take their eye off the ball this season. But…” More

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    Ex-Arsenal transfer chief explains why Gunners made infamous £40m+£1 bid for Suarez, when there was NO release clause

    ARSENAL’S former transfer chief Dick Law revealed why the club made their infamous £40million and £1 bid for Luis Suarez.The Uruguay international looked set to move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2013 after Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League.

    PA:Press Association

    Luis Suarez was heavily linked with a switch from Liverpool to Arsenal in summer 2013 The now 36-year-old, who plays for Brazilians Gremio, had a clause in his contract with the Reds that they had to inform him of any transfer bid if it was more than £40m.
    And Law insisted that Arsenal were always aware the figure was not a buy-out clause and they simply added the extra pound to kick-start negotiations.
    But Liverpool owner John W. Henry took offence to the offer and, after it was publicised, he tweeted: “What do you think they’re smoking over there?”
    Suarez ended up remaining at Anfield for another season where he was named PFA Player of the Year before sealing a £75m move to Barcelona.
    Several years later and the striker was available for a nominal fee, leaving Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in 2020, where he won the LaLiga title.
    The Gunners’ then-transfer guru Law would later explain that the North London side had never wanted to antagonise their Premier League rivals. More

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    Liverpool ‘verbally agree’ January transfer of exciting Brazil star in huge blow to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

    LIVERPOOL have agreed personal terms with one of Brazil’s most highly-rated stars, reports suggest.Fluminense ace Andre Trindade, who has also been linked with Arsenal, is said to be close to joining the Reds.
    Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with Fluminense star Andre TrindadeCredit: AFP
    Liverpool transfer target Andre has also been linked with ArsenalCredit: Getty
    However, Liverpool appear to have stolen a march on the Gunners as they seem closer to landing the versatile midfielder.
    According to sports journalist Francois Plateau, the Brazil international has already reached a verbal agreement with the Merseysiders.
    However, there is no official agreement between Liverpool and Fluminense at this stage.
    Jurgen Klopp’s side are still facing competition as there have been other clubs getting in touch with the Brazilian club as well as Andre’s camp.
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    This comes amid reports claiming Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen in midfield with Thomas Partey linked with a move to Juventus.
    Liverpool have been monitoring the 22-year-old since the summer but their advances were turned down due to the Copa Libertadores.

    Reports suggested Klopp’s side offered £25million for the No6, who can cover all positions in the middle of the park.
    However, talks could move faster after Saturday’s Copa Libertadores Final which will see Fluminense facing off against Boca Juniors at the Maracana.
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    Andre’s commitments with the Tricolor will then be completed for the season and he could thus be free to move to Anfield if his release clause is met as he still has a contract until December 31, 2026.
    The defensive midfielder has amassed a total of four goals and three assists in 160 appearances for Fernando Diniz’s side despite his young age.
    The youngster’s impressive performances also led to a senior debut with Brazil in June as well as a total of two caps. More

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    Declan Rice has classy response after Arsenal star is BOOED by former club West Ham following £105m transfer

    ARSENAL superstar Declan Rice issued a classy message to former club West Ham despite getting booed by Hammers fans on Wednesday.Rice returned to the London Stadium for the first time since his record £105million move to Arsenal last summer.
    Arsenal star Declan Rice was booed by West Ham fans on his return to the London StadiumCredit: Rex
    Rice, though, issued a classy message to West Ham fans despite the jeersCredit: Reuters
    The star midfielder came off the bench in the 57th minute during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match.
    However, that wasn’t a homecoming to be remembered as he was jeered by many home fans, who still haven’t forgiven him for joining their London rivals.
    However, there was also a section of supporters who haven’t forgotten his eight-year contribution to the club and rose to their feet to applaud their former captain.
    The East Londoners’ manager David Moyes urged the fans to show the 24-year-old the respect that he deserves before the match but there were some who didn’t take his advice.
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    The England international, though, wasn’t daunted by the boos as he took to Instagram after the match to issue a story of him showing appreciation to the West Ham faithful.
    Rice accompanied the pic with the following message: “Despite the result, loved being back at the stadium & seeing so many familiar faces.
    “Thank you West Ham fans for the reception. Will be forever grateful to all of you.
    “Wish you all nothing but the best for the rest of the season. See you soon!”
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    Rice’s homecoming really didn’t go the way he hoped as Arsenal were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
    West Ham won 3-1 thanks to an own-goal by Ben White and goals by Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
    The North Londoners’ captain Martin Odegaard eased the blow for his team when he hit the back of the net during stoppage time.
    Moyes’ men are now set for another difficult match in the competition as they will visit Liverpool in the quarter-finals on December 19. More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea told how much it will cost to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney in January transfer window

    BRENTFORD rate Arsenal and Chelsea target Ivan Toney at £100milion.And the Bees aim to keep the England striker until at least the summer.
    Ivan Toney could be chased by a string of top clubs in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
    Toney’s eight-month ban for betting offences ends on January 16 – just as he enters the last 18 months of his contract.
    Sky Sports say the Bees value the once-capped star in the same bracket as Europe’s elite hitman because of his goalscoring consistency.
    And that might be a blow to his host of admirers – mainly Prem rivals.
    The title-chasing Gunners and Maurcio Pochettino’s Blues are both seeking a natural scorer.
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    But it’s thought Brentford’s “bigger” London rivals are weighing up bids for Toney of “only” around £50m-£60m.
    The ex-Peterborough ace has reportedly hinted he’s keen to move.
    However, one consideration might be his hopes of making the Three Lions’ squad for Euro 2024.
    Brentford will surely offer him regular football, whereas he would have to decide if a fresh start at a new club would be a risk or a bonus.
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    Bayern Munich paid Tottenham £104m for England skipper Harry Kane, 30, in the summer.
    And Three Lions’ midfielder Declan Rice, 24, joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105m.
    So it’s understandable that even in pre-season Bees boss Thomas Frank said of Toney: “£100m plus?… What would you pay for a striker that guarantees you 20-plus goals? 
    “And this is 20 goals for a mid-table club. What can he do in a bigger club?” More

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    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta lines up double transfer raid on LaLiga with Thomas Partey’s future in doubt

    ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly added La Liga duo Martin Zubimendi and Aurelien Tchouameni to his list of transfer targets.The Gunners are at risk of losing Thomas Partey in January, with the midfielder allegedly becoming “dissatisfied” with his role at the Emirates Stadium.
    Arsenal want to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: Getty
    The Gunners are also interested in Aurelien TchouameniCredit: Alamy
    Partey, who has made just four Premier League appearances so far this season due to injury, could leave for around £30million when the upcoming transfer window opens.
    But Arteta already has already set his sights on two other midfielders.
    According to Calciomercato, the Spaniard has expressed an interest in signing both Real Sociedad star Zubimendi and Real Madrid’s Tchouameni.
    Arsenal attempted to sign Zubimendi earlier this year, but Real Sociedad didn’t want to sell and the 24-year-old was reluctant to leave.
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    He now has a £53m release clause in his contract, so he could be snapped up as soon as January.
    However, Barcelona have also expressed an interest in signing him, with Xavi a known admirer.
    In January, the Barca boss admitted: “He (Zubimendi) is a more physical and faster player than (Sergio) Busquets, who is technically better.
    “But not only Zubimendi, all of Real Sociedad’s midfield players. We are playing a great team and Zubimendi is a great footballer.”
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    Thomas Partey could leave Arsenal next yearCredit: Getty
    Tchouameni has also emerged as a top target for Arsenal, but he will likely come with a significantly higher transfer fee.
    The Frenchman joined Real Madrid in an £85m transfer from Monaco last summer and has since made 64 first team appearances.
    Should either player join the Gunners, they will link up with record signing Declan Rice in midfield.
    Rice left West Ham to join Arsenal in a £105m transfer this summer and has since established himself as a key first team player and fan favourite. More

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    Mikel Arteta considering January transfer U-turn with winger ‘to be recalled’ after just ONE start while out on loan

    MIKEL ARTETA is reportedly considering recalling Marquinhos back from his loan in January.The Brazilian winger, 20, was sent out by Arsenal to French club Nantes in the summer.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is considering recalling Marquinhos from his Nantes loanCredit: Getty
    Marquinhos has struggled for game time on his latest loan at NantesCredit: Getty
    But, he has one made one start for the Ligue 1 side and played a combined 88 minutes of top flight football.
    The Gunners were hopeful that the youngster would benefit from regular game time.
    However, Nantes have failed to provide that for Marquinhos, which will disappoint manager Arteta and sporting director Edu.
    Nantes even allowed the wide-man to play in the Pan American Games in Chile with Brazil’s U23’s this month.
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    Greek giants Olympiakos were close to securing a loan deal for Marquinhos before Nantes swooped.
    He was also discussed by Nottingham Forest, before the Premier League side opted for Nuno Tavares.
    Italians Bologna, Empoli and Frosinone were all interested in signing Marquinhos.
    The report by the Mirror says that Arteta is keen to bring him back to the Emirates if his situation at Nantes does not change.
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    Then, they will send him out elsewhere for first team experience.
    Arsenal’s loan manager Ben Knapper, who is set to join Norwich City next month, is said to have been monitoring all Arsenal’s stars on loan with Edu.
    It is unknown if both sides inserted a break clause into the contract, but a termination could still be possible if both sides agree it would benefit the player.
    Marquinhos signed for Arsenal in 2022 for £3million.
    Memorably, he scored on his debut for the club in the 2-1 Europa League win over FC Zurich.
    Last season, he joined Norwich City on loan in the January transfer window.
    However, he failed to hit the heights expected – scoring just once in 11 games. More