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    Forgotten Arsenal star set to have loan contract ripped up six months early after playing just 149 minutes all season

    MARQUINHOS could see his spell in France come to a premature end after playing 149 minutes this season.The forgotten Arsenal star was loaned out to FC Nantes in the summer window after failing to assert himself in north London.
    Marquinhos could have his loan move brought to an early end in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    Since arriving in Ligue 1 things have not gone according to plan for the 20-year-old with a lack of form impacting his game time.
    Marquinhos has featured just seven times in the league this season and has started only once.
    And now French outlet L’Équipe have reported that the winger may leave FC Nantes in January, despite his contact lasting until the end of the season.
    They cite a lack of playing time as one of the potential reasons behind the early termination.
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    Marquinhos has failed to score and provided just one assist so far this season.
    He wants to take part in the South America pre-Olympic tournament from January 20 to February 11, which Nantes are against, and this is being used as one of the reasons for the early end to his loan spell.
    If he was to be sent back to Arsenal it’s unlikely he would be any use to Mikel Arteta with the Gunners having previously placed him out on loan.
    In addition, Arsenal already possess ample talent in his position, in the form of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and a resurging Kai Havertz.
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    Marquinhos played six times for Arsenal’s first-team, registering a goal and an assist on his 2022 debut, which came in a Europa League win over FC Zurich.
    However, he wasn’t able to hold down a starting spot, racking up just one minute of Premier League football.
    The Gunners’ then loaned him out to Championship side Norwich in the second half of last season, where he made only 11 appearances.
    He had spent his career at Brazilian side Sao Paulo before his switch to England, playing 42 times for his boyhood club.
    Marquinhos won the Campeonato Paulista with Sao Paulo in 2021 and the Pan American Games with Brazil U23s last year. More

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    Ivan Toney’s sell-on clauses revealed with Premier League rivals set for huge windfall if Arsenal seal £100m transfer

    NEWCASTLE and Peterborough are set for huge windfalls if Arsenal sign Ivan Toney.The Brentford striker has been strongly linked with a move to the Gunners this month.
    Newcastle are set for a transfer windfall if Ivan Toney leaves Brentford this monthCredit: Getty
    Peterborough would pocket £30million from a £100million transfer thanks to their sell-on clauseCredit: Rex
    Arsenal face competition from Chelsea and Tottenham, though, with Toney reportedly valued at a massive £100million by the Bees.
    A deal worth that amount would see both Newcastle and League One Peterborough pocket millions thanks to their sell-on clauses.
    According to Sky Sports, Posh have a 30 per cent clause included in the £5million deal that took Toney to Brentford in 2020.
    Meanwhile, Newcastle would receive 30 per cent of that amount after selling the forward to Peterborough two years earlier.
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    Those clauses would see Darren Ferguson’s side receive £30million if Toney is sold for £100million, with the Magpies then cashing £9million from that figure.
    Newcastle previously received £1.5million from Toney’s 2018 move to Brentford.
    He has since scored 32 goals in 66 top flight appearances for the club, who are desperate to keep hold of him ahead of his return to action.
    Manager Thomas Frank warned off clubs ahead of his side’s weekend defeat at Crystal Palace.
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    He told reporters: “As far as I know Ivan is a Brentford player. I want to keep him and I’m looking forward to him playing with us.”
    Toney, who has just 18 months left on his contract, can return to competitive action from January 17 after serving an eight-month gambling ban.
    Toney has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of his Brentford returnCredit: Getty More

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    Ghana boss reveals why Arsenal star Thomas Partey has NOT been called up to squad for Afcon 2024

    ARSENAL have received a boost this month with the news Thomas Partey will NOT join up with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations.The Gunners midfielder has been out since October following surgery on a thigh injury – one that Ghana boss Chris Hughton has described as “substantial”.
    Thomas Partey has been left out of the Ghana squad for the Africa Cup of NationsCredit: Getty
    Chris Hughton described the midfielder’s injury as ‘substantial’Credit: Getty
    There were hopes Partey, 30, would be back this week to be involved in Sunday’s FA Cup third round clash with Liverpool – in time to join up with his Ghana team-mates at AFCON ahead of their opening group game against Cape Verde on January 14.
    However, the decision has been made between the Arsenal medical team and Black Stars head coach Hughton not to risk Partey out in the tournament’s host country Ivory Coast as he continues recovering from the “biggest injury” of his career.
    In a press conference announcing his 27-man squad, Hughton explained: “Thomas Partey for sure, and I say this not in a detrimental way to the squad that we have, but he is one of our most important players.
    “This we know and, withstanding his injury, he certainly would be in the squad. We know the quality of player that he is. This is a player that has a substantial injury.
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    “I’ve spent a lot over this period of time with Thomas and also engaging with the medical staff at Arsenal Football Club. 
    “They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him and the biggest injury that he’s had.
    “The most important thing for me as head coach and our association is to give him the support that he needs through this period of time. 
    “From all the information that we’ve been given, the timelines of his recovery and the caution that will be taken, will not meet our timelines for the AFCON.”
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    Partey has recently returned to light training and was due to be in contention to make the squad to face Jurgen Klopp’s Reds at the Emirates this weekend.
    It would be his first appearance in all competitions in an Arsenal shirt since October 8 – the 1-0 victory over Manchester City.
    He will then have further time to recover and get up to speed with Arsenal’s next clash not until January 20 when they take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
    Arsenal have also welcomed back Takehiro Tomiyasu from a calf injury, but Fabio Vieira (groin) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) remain out. More

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    Six players Arteta could sell to boost Arsenal’s January transfer kitty including England trio and struggling newbie

    THE January window provides an opportunity for Mikel Arteta to breathe new life into his struggling Arsenal side.The Gunners have won just one of their last five Premier League games, and have fallen from being top on Christmas day down to fourth after successive losses in the capital.
    Mikel Arteta wants to add to his squad in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    Last week they had 30 shots on goal at the Emirates but still managed to lose 2-0 to West Ham before a dismal 2-1 defeat away to goal-shy Fulham.
    Arteta is in need of some spark, and fresh faces could be the key, but the Spaniard has suggested the club need to sell first before considering splashing the cash this month.
    Alongside sporting director Edu, Arteta has several game plans depending on who they can shift and how quickly they can act in the market.
    Here, SunSport assesses six options the Arsenal boss has in adding to his transfer kitty:
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    CEDRIC SOARES
    The 32-year-old Portuguese full-back has been deemed surplus to requirements in North London for some time now, having spent the end of last season on loan at Fulham.
    His contract expires in the summer, with the club very unlikely to extend his deal after initially signing on loan in January 2020 from Southampton before making it permanent that summer.
    Cedric Soares has made just two first team appearances this seasonCredit: Reuters
    Arteta has previously spoken of Cedric’s positive influence in the dressing room and in training, but game time has been seriously limited – just 65 minutes this campaign.
    Turkish sides Besiktas and Trabzonspor are interested in a loan plus an obligation to buy. Arsenal would rather sell now, but may be left with little choice if offers come in.
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    It could be seen as a gamble by Arteta, given Arsenal’s injury issues in that position, but Takehiro Tomiyasu returned to action at Craven Cottage while Jurrien Timber is expected to make his long-awaited comeback in mid-February.
    EDDIE NKETIAH
    The future looked bright for the England striker when he signed a new long-term deal at Arsenal in the summer of 2022 – taking on Thierry Henry’s famous No.14 shirt.
    But since then, despite an impressive goal-to-game ratio – mainly from the bench – Nketiah has struggled to convince Arteta he can lead the line for an entire season.
    Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a January move to Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
    As it stands, Arteta wants to keep him at the club, a useful squad player who is currently Arsenal’s joint-top Prem scorer with five goals in 10 starts so far.
    There has been interest around the 24-year-old for some time now, and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs this month on a potential move.
    With his contract not expiring until 2027, Arsenal would be looking for an extraordinary offer to let Nketiah leave. Until then, he will remain in Arteta’s plans.
    EMILE SMITH ROWE
    Despite still having his minutes managed since coming back from injury, it was a surprise to see Smith Rowe an unused sub as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser against Fulham.
    During the early days of Arteta’s reign, he was one of catalysts for their upturn in form, providing goals, assists and energy.
    Emile Smith Rowe has suffered several injury issues in the last 18 monthsCredit: Alamy
    Now, since his last new contract in July 2021, he has made 51 Prem appearances across three seasons, yet has made just one Prem start across the past two seasons.
    He may be a fan favourite, but Arteta could see this as the time to cash in on a young player who still has potential to make his mark in this division.
    Tied up until 2026, Arsenal will again be waiting for a significant offer before making a decision.
    Newcastle have previously been interested but are only looking at loan deals with an obligation to buy during this window, and have their eyes on Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
    AARON RAMSDALE
    The player who more than most has his eyes on the exit door with the Euros approaching in the summer, having been ousted as No.1 by the arrival of David Raya in the summer.
    Ramsdale was bought for £30m including add-ons from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021. His contract expires in 2026 with an option to extend until 2027.
    Aaron Ramsdale is no longer Arsenal’s No1Credit: Getty
    Arsenal will want to at least get back what they put in should he leave, but again, Arteta has been insistent in his desire for Ramsdale to fight for his place from the bench.
    Yet Ramsdale knows his Three Lions chances are slipping away week by week. He has made just five Prem appearances this season, the last one coming in November.
    Chelsea and Newcastle are keeping tabs on the situation, both clubs suffering from injuries to their first-choice keepers currently.
    JAKUB KIWIOR
    The Polish defender only signed last January in a £20m five-and-a-half-year deal from Italian outfit Spezia, but is already fighting to stay in North London.
    Kiwior was axed at half-time against Fulham having struggled in an unfamiliar left-back role, just his eighth Prem appearance of the season.
    Jakub Kiwior has failed to impress so far this seasonCredit: Getty
    Like Cedric, it would be a risk to sell him without bringing in a like-for-like given Arsenal’s injury worries at the back, as well as Kiwior’s flexibility in defence and holding midfield.
    It could be a departure that makes sense given Tomiyasu, Timber and Thomas Partey are all expected back within the next month.
    However, Tomiyasu is set to join up with Japan for the Asian Cup and Kiwior may be needed as cover.
    REISS NELSON
    One of Arteta’s most loyal servants and a player the Spanish coach still feels he can get more from, Nelson has been on the periphery of the starting XI for some time.
    The issue for the 24-year-old academy graduate is that he is attempting to break into a crowded position – one that already has Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
    Reiss Nelson signed a new four-year deal in JulyCredit: Alamy
    The four-year deal he signed back in July will help keep his price high should Arteta feel, like Smith Rowe’s situation, that now is the time to cash in and move on.
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    Again, it would be a risk to see a valued squad member depart. Wolves have been interested in the player in the past, and Nelson is sure to attract further Prem suitors should offers begin to flood in.
    For now, Arteta is happy with Nelson’s position in the squad, but his impacts off the bench this season have been underwhelming at best. More

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    Fulham extend Tom Cairney’s contract by 12 months as performance against Arsenal caps off stunning resurgence

    FULHAM have extended Tom Cairney’s contract by one more year.The Scottish midfielder, who would have been a free agent this summer, is now tied to the club until 2025 meaning he will complete a decade of service at Craven Cottage.
    Fulham have extended Tom Cairney’s contract by one more yearCredit: Rex
    This is because Fulham have triggered their option of giving Cairney an extra 12 months after some impressive recent performances for Marco Silva’s side.
    The 32-year-old was impressive in his team’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday and he made his 300th club appearance in the 5-0 thrashing of West Ham last month.
    A £2.8million signing from Blackburn in 2015, he missed the start of this season with a knee injury but has worked his way back into the team.
    His contract extension follows the news that Tim Ream has extended his stay at Fulham until 2025. He also joined the club in 2015.
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    Also revealed by SunSport, Tosin Adarabioyo has told Fulham he wants to leave at the end of the season as a free agent.
    The Cottagers have offered the centre-back, 26, a new deal with his current terms due to expire in the summer.
    But Tosin, who attracted interest from Tottenham and Monaco during the last transfer window, is expected to snub it as he wishes to move on for nothing when the campaign ends.
    Spurs have made signing a new centre-back their top transfer priority in January.
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    At present, Fulham still expect the Manchester City academy product to stay in January despite there only being months remaining on his deal.
    Tosin will be able to agree a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from the start of next month.
    Silva is believed to have not given up hope that Tosin will have a change of heart before the season ends.
    Tosin Adarabioyo has told Fulham he wants to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: AFP More

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    Forgotten Arsenal star Mohamed Elneny offered Emirates escape route as lucrative transfer on table for outcast

    MOHAMED ELNENY has a lucrative transfer offer on the table ahead of the January transfer window.The Arsenal midfielder has been offered an escape route away from the Emirates Stadium after struggling for opportunities this season.
    A number of clubs are interested in Mohamed ElnenyCredit: Getty
    Elneny has only made four appearances so far this term after returning from a knee injury.
    However, he could now be on his way out of the Premier League, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    Trabzonspor are reportedly interested in a move for the 31-year-old, with other clubs also weighing up an approach.
    The report adds that Besiktas, Galatasaray and clubs in Saudi Arabia are exploring the conditions of a potential transfer.
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    Elneny previously spent the 2019/20 on loan in Turkey with Besiktas.
    The Egyptian joined Arsenal in 2016 and is currently the club’s longest-serving player.
    He has since made 159 appearances for the Gunners, scoring six goals and winning the FA Cup in 2017.
    Since his injury comeback, though, Elneny has made just four appearances and has not featured in the league since October.
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    After signing an extension in February, his contract is set to expire at the end of this season.
    He may not be the only departure from the Emirates next month, either, with Arsenal reportedly also open to loaning out Takehiro Tomiyasu. More

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    Arsenal ‘open to letting Tomiyasu leave in January loan transfer’ as Napoli plot double raid on club

    ARSENAL are reportedly open to letting Takehiro Tomiyasu leave on loan next month.The Gunners are expected to be active in the January transfer market as they target their first Premier League title in 20 years.
    Napoli are reportedly interested in signing Takehiro Tomiyasu on loanCredit: Alamy
    The Serie A champions are also interested in Jakub KiwiorCredit: AFP
    Mikel Arteta is eager to sign a defender, a midfielder and a striker when the window opens.
    However, some current players will have to be offloaded to make way for new additions.
    And according to Italian outlet Il Mattino, Tomiyasu could be allowed to leave.
    Napoli are understood to be interested in signing the full-back on loan in January.
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    The Serie A champions are also considering a swoop for Jakub Kiwior, but Arsenal are less likely to sanction a loan for him.
    Arteta is allegedly willing to let Kiwior leave in a permanent transfer next month.
    The 23-year-old has been limited to 21 appearances since joining Arsenal in January 2022.
    Meanwhile, Tomiyasu has established himself as an important member of Arteta’s squad.
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    The full-back has made 19 appearances so far this season, but recently suffered a calf injury which has left him sidelined.
    Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
    The Gunners have been linked with several players ahead of the January transfer window, including Ivan Toney, Dominic Solanke and Matthijs de Ligt. More

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    Arsenal ‘immediately reject transfer enquiry from Premier League rivals for Eddie Nketiah’

    ARSENAL have rejected an initial enquiry for striker Eddie Nketiah from Crystal Palace, according to reports.The Daily Mail have claimed the Gunners have turned down an approach from the Eagles as they search for a new striker.
    Arsenal have knocked back an approach for Eddie Nketiah from Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex
    Arsenal are said to have immediately informed Palace that the England international is not available.
    The North London club are reportedly steadfast that a deal for Nketiah to leave the Emirates will not happen in January as things stand.
    But it is yet to be seen if that may change in the near future depending on incoming business from Mikel Arteta’s side in the winter window.
    Crystal Palace have been eyeing Nketiah for a long time and are in the market for a new centre-forward.
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    The 24-year-old is Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with his five goals.
    But he often falls victim of limited game time and is regularly chosen to play second fiddle to Gabriel Jesus.
    Arsenal have also been linked with bringing in a new striker as they look to improve their chances in the title race.
    Nketiah’s future with the club could depend on whether or not Arteta and Edu are able to bring in a new centre-forward in January.
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    The Gunners have been linked to Brenford’s Ivan Toney as well as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
    But it has been widely reported it will be difficult for Arsenal to bring in big money striker in the upcoming window.
    However, if they are able to land themselves a game-changing forward then it’s much more likely Nketiah will be allowed to leave.
    Should that be the case then Crystal Palace will be among a number of teams who could sign the Hale End graduate. More