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      Arsenal ‘battling Prem rivals for £50m Ousmane Dembele transfer’ as PSG consider cutting losses after FIVE GAMES

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      ARSENAL are one of a number of Premier League clubs eyeing up a move for Ousmane Dembele.The PSG forward, 26, only moved to the Ligue 1 giants in the summer from Barcelona.
      PSG are reportedly considering cutting their losses with Ousmane DembeleCredit: Rex
      However, he has failed to set the world alight in his first five games – failing to score for Luis Enrique’s men.
      That has prompted PSG to consider cutting their losses, according to the Daily Mirror.
      A loan deal in January has been suggested, with the likes of Tottenham and West Ham also monitoring Dembele’s situation.
      PSG already boast a wealth of attacking options, following a summer spending spree.
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      They beat Man Utd to the signing of Portuguese centre forward Goncalo Ramos for an initial outlay of £63million.
      On deadline day, they splashed £76.4million on Randal Kolo Muani, while they also brought in Marco Asensio from Real Madrid.
      Bradley Barcola and Kang In Lee were also added to the squad, to offset Lionel Messi and Neymar leaving the Parc des Princes.
      At Barcelona Dembele scored 40 goals in 119 games, but so far he’s struggled at PSG – with fans calling for him to be dropped after just five games.
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      Despite his poor form, boss Enrique is backing the former wonderkid to come good.
      “If I were a supporter of a team, I would pay to see Ousmane Dembele,” Enrique said.
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      “He’s a totally different player. He is unpredictable, overflows, [and] works magic.
      “It’s true that he may have missed things and didn’t score his first goal, but the day that happens, I’m sure he’ll score a lot later.
      “This happens to all attackers. It’s wonderful for a coach to have a player of this quality and level available.” More

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      Forgotten Arsenal ace wrestles with Reiss Nelson in North London derby training as fans say ‘he still plays for us?’

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      ARSENAL fans seem to have forgotten that one of their players is part of the squad as they notice him in training ahead of the North London Derby.Mohamed Elneny was spotted joking around with Reiss Nelson while Mikel Arteta’s side prepared for derby day.
      Mohamed Elneny has returned to Arsenal trainingCredit: Getty
      He could be seen wrestling with teammate Reiss NelsonCredit: Twitter @footballdaily
      Elneny threw Nelson to the floorCredit: Twitter @footballdaily
      Nelson tried to do the same to the EgyptianCredit: Twitter @footballdaily
      Elneny has just returned to fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury he picked up at the start of the year.
      And Arteta spoke about his return to the team in his press conference this week.
      He said: “He’s in a good place, obviously it’s been a while and it’s been a very significant injury, but I think he’s in the latter stages of that rehab process. 
      “He’s been training for almost two weeks with the team and he is in a good place. It’s always great to have him around.”
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      And it came as a surprise to Arsenal fans who seemed to have forgotten that Elneny was even at the club.
      One said: “Forgot Elneny still played for us.”
      While another questioned if the team had moved past needing the Egyptian, they wrote: “Do we still really need Elneny in the team.”
      Others welcomed the midfielder’s return and were happy to have him back.
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      Elneny is Arsenal’s longest serving player after joining the North London club in 2016Credit: Reuters
      One commented: “Elneny is the big bro in the squad. Love his attitude! Always a smile and bringing happiness whatever his situation.”
      And another chimed in saying: “That’s why Mo is still in the team!”
      Arsenal’s relaxed approach to training would suggest they’re feeling confident heading into their clash with bitter rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
      The Gunners will face a tough test though with Ange Postecoglou’s new-look Spurs looking like a hard team to beat.
      Mikel Arteta’s side face Tottenham on SundayCredit: Reuters
      Tottenham have been in electric form since the arrival of new boss Ange PostecoglouCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd send scouts to watch £30m-rated transfer target dubbed ‘the next Neymar’

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      ARSENAL and Manchester United have reportedly joined Chelsea in eyeing “the next Neymar”.Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Marseille are also among at least TWENTY clubs understood to be keen on £30million-rated Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa.
      Antonio Nusa is already a main man for Club Brugge, who he joined in 2021Credit: Rex
      Nusa made his second Norway appearance in a 2-1 Euro qualifier win vs Georgia in September, having scored on his debut in a 6-0 friendly success vs JordanCredit: EPA
      The Norwegian, 18, became the second youngest Champions League scorer ever in September 2022 during a 4-0 group win over Porto.
      But scouts were disappointed when Brugge left Nusa out of the squad for Thursday’s 1-1 Europa Conference League draw at home to Besiktas.
      Chelsea had a £26million deadline-day bid rejected for the two-footed teen who already has one two full caps
      However, the Evening Standard reckon he would only have stepped straight into Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team squad had wideman Ian Maatsen or midfielder Conor Gallagher been sold.
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      Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard is among the biggest admirers of his fellow countryman.
      The playmaker told Norway’s TV2: “Fantastic! He’s an incredibly exciting player.
      “Every time he gets the ball, it’s exciting. He is still young and will get even better. It was cool to see him.”
      Ex-Mats Solheim, who played with Nusa at Norwegian top-flight club Stabaek from 2020-21, went even further with his praise.
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      Th ex-defender, 35, said: “I can see similarities to Neymar in Nusa’s movements and in the way he uses the ball.
      “There is still a small gap between them, but he can get there.” More

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      Alex Scott looks amazing in low-cut top as she interviews Arsenal star Martin Odegaard for BBC’s Football Focus

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      ENGLAND legend Alex Scott revealed she will be interviewing Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard on BBC’s Football Focus.Scott, 38, made the announcement after Odegaard signed a new five-year deal with the Gunners that will see him staying at the Emirates until 2028.

      Alex Scott will interview Arsenal captain Martin OdegaardCredit: Twitter @BBCMOTD
      Arsenal legend Scott and Odegaard will have an exclusive sit-down on Football FocusCredit: Twitter @BBCMOTD
      Scott is currently presenting Football Focus on BBCCredit: Getty
      The pundit, who spent 12 years across three stints with the North Londoners, will have an exclusive sit-down with the attacking midfielder on Saturday.
      Scott announced on Twitter as she posed next to the Norway international: “Catch us on Football Focus.
      “I’m with the main man. Look at that, front page news. See you then.”
      This comes after the BBC denied the future of Football Focus is in doubt after a huge drop in viewing figures.
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      The popular show, which has been on air since 1974, has lost more than a third of its early-season audience in the space of four years.
      Scott replaced Dan Walker, who had anchored the show for 12 years before leaving, in 2021 and the major change coincided with a drop in viewing figures.
      The average viewership dropped by around 18,000 when the switch was made, but the BBC have placed no blame on the former right-back.
      A spokesperson said: “Football Focus continues to herald the start of a whole weekend packed full of sporting coverage for fans across BBC Sport, including radio, our website and Player.
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      “Week-on-week it is the most watched programme during that time slot and iPlayer viewing figures are also strong, so we know its popularity is enduring for fans, wherever they choose to watch.”
      Odegaard insists signing a new deal with Arsenal was a “really easy decision” for “lots of reasons”.
      The 24-year-old added that he has learned to call the Emirates as his “home” ever since his arrival in 2021.
      Odegaard said: “Signing a new contract was a really easy decision for me for lots of reasons.
      “Mainly what we are doing right now as a club is special, and I want to be a part of that.
      “I’m really excited for what’s to come here. I’ve found a place where I can be really settled and call my home.” More

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      How ruthless Arteta has turned Arsenal into title challengers by axing fan favourites with Ramsdale latest to be DROPPED

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      MIKEL ARTETA’s ruthlessness is the reason why Arsenal have gone from pretenders to contenders – so Gunners fans should stop whinging about his dropping of Aaron Ramsdale.The decision to give new stopper David Raya the opportunity to prove himself worthy of being the club’s No.1 is being fiercely debated by the Emirates faithful.
      Aaron Ramsdale has found himself warming the bench after being dropped by Mikel ArtetaCredit: GETTY
      Ramsdale has played second-fiddle to David Raya for Arsenal’s last two matchesCredit: Reuters
      Arteta has been criticised for giving Raya the chance to prove himself worthyCredit: ALAMY
      The Spaniard hasn’t shied away from making difficult decisions during his reignCredit: ALAMY
      Some fans are calling the axing of Ramsdale – who has been flawless this season – “unfair”, “uncalled for” and even downright “disrespectful”.
      But it’s neither of those things – it’s the reminder Ramsdale needed that he’s at one of the biggest teams in the world cannot rest on his laurels.
      The decision wasn’t an easy one Arteta, who today admitted: “I suffer and I care about every player who is not playing.
      “But this is the competition and this is my job to make decisions in the best possible way for the team.
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      “In your tummy when you have players sitting [out] and you have to announce the line-up, it is one of the hardest things.”
      Harsh it may have been, but no successful manager has ever got anywhere by putting a player’s feelings first.

      And neither has Arteta, whose cut-throat approach in recent years has transformed Arsenal on and off the pitch.
      It started with his axing of former team-mate and beloved fan favourite Mesut Ozil, which, in hindsight, was a sign of things to come.
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      Mikel Arteta first showcased his ruthless side by getting rid of former team-mate Mesut OzilCredit: REUTERS
      Strikers Lacazette and Aubameyang were both binned by Arteta due to their poor displaysCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
      Ozil – the Gunners’ former club-record signing – wasn’t training or playing to Arteta’s liking and felt the full force of the Spaniard’s axe in late 2020.
      The public exile and eventual termination of Ozil’s contract was hotly debated at the time given the German’s creative talent and saw many fans question Arteta’s decision-making.
      But Arteta stuck to guns and, eventually, managed to replace the fan-favourite’s penchant for creativity.
      Ozil isn’t the only big-name Gunner to have fallen victim to Arteta’s ruthlessness, with former strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also getting the chop.
      The once-beloved duo were cast aside – with Lacazette’s contract running out and Aubameyang’s being terminated – as soon as they weren’t performing to the Spaniard’s high standards.
      Nicolas Pepe, another former club record signing, also had his lucrative contract ripped up after failing to deliver enough for Arteta – despite scoring 27 goals and racking up 27 assists in 112 appearances.
      Even Kieran Tierney has felt the brunt of Arteta’s no-nonsense approach to trying to end the club’s 20-year wait to win the Premier League.
      Arteta made the injury-prone Scot aware he’s falling to the back of his mind with the signings Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber before loaning him out to Real Sociedad.
      Fans should stop whinging about his decision to drop Aaron RamsdaleChisanga Malata
      The talented but volatile Matteo Guendouzi and tireless workhouse Lucas Torreira were also shown the Emirates back door once they were deemed to be surplus to requirements.
      Arteta’s clearing of the deadwood in recent years has undoubtedly paid dividends as it’s allowed a new crop of stars – the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba – to take centre stage.
      It’s not just on the pitch that Arteta has put his foot down, with the 41-year-old insisting there be no cliques at meal times.
      Players are banned from choosing where they sit and are forced to mix with one another and the coaching staff.
      It’s clear from the camaraderie shown on the pitch that there are no factions in the squad and that they’re a tight-knit and focused unit.
      That unity led to the Gunners turning in their best title challenge in seven years last season, in which they finished second following a disappointing collapse at the final hurdle.
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      Fans can complain all they want about Arteta being “harsh” on Ramsdale by dropping him for Raya, who needs to have the experience of being between the sticks in big games should injury befall his team-mate.
      But they can’t question his decision-making, which, to this day, has been nothing short of spot-on.
      Arsenal have become a super tight-knit group under Mikel ArtetaCredit: REX More

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      Arsenal fans joke William Saliba is ‘dangerous but good’ after chaotic, brilliant sequence in PSV Champions League win

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      ARSENAL FANS were left in awe after a brief moment of panic when William Saliba worked himself out of trouble during their 4-0 thrashing of PSV. The Frenchman has already established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and he showed his skills on the Champions League stage last night.
      William Saliba left Arsenal fans impressed after some calm dribbling to evade pressure last nightCredit: Getty

      Saliba was running back to his goal with Noa Lang chasing him downCredit: TNT SPORTS
      He turned away from the winger with easeCredit: TNT SPORTS
      Saliba put himself in trouble though with Ismael Saibari now coming at him head-on and had to push the ball to one side to keep possessionCredit: TNT SPORTS
      He skipped away with the ball at his feet after staying calm under heaps of pressureCredit: TNT SPORTS
      Saliba was running back to his own goal with the ball at his feet in the second half at the Emirates Stadium when he realised PSV’s Noa Lang was hot on his tail.
      The 22-year-old remained calm and turned away from trouble with ease, but he found himself in a compromising situation with Ismael Saibari now charging at him.
      But in a wonderfully sharp and silky move the centre-back evaded the oncoming pressure with a quick two touch that saw him drag the ball away from Saibari with his right foot and then take a touch past him with his left.
      Saliba then turned and charged into midfield bringing the ball away from trouble and maintaining possession for Arsenal.
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      And although it all turned out well for him and the Gunners, some Arsenal fans still had their hearts in their mouths watching the sequence of play.
      Many took to social media to react to the incredible passage of play.
      One joked: “He’s so good. Dangerous, but good!”
      Whilst another added: “He’s nicknamed Rolls Royce for a reason.”
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      Saliba is often referred to as a “Rolls Royce” by Arsenal fansCredit: Alamy
      A third said: “He’s not just a defender, but a beast too.”
      And one fan even made a huge claim after seeing Saliba’s skills, they said: “William Saliba is the best defender in the Premier League.”
      Arsenal looked just as confident as their towering centre-back on their return to Champions League football.
      They breezed past PSV with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
      Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side replicate their superb performance on Sunday when they play host to their fierce rivals Tottenham in the Premier League.
      Arsenal comfortably brushed past PSV with a 4-0 home winCredit: Alamy
      Bukayo Saka scored their first goal on the club’s return to the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal ‘close to triggering £51m release clause for ‘next Sergio Busquets’ and he could replace Partey in January

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      ARSENAL are reportedly plotting a move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.The Gunners are ready to meet the midfielder’s release clause of £51m.
      Arsenal are close to triggering Martin Zubimendi’s £51m release clauseCredit: Getty
      Arsenal were previously linked with a move for the 24-year-old – who has been compared to Barcelona superstar Sergio Busquets by Spanish media outlets.
      Mikel Arteta wanted to bring in Zubimendi as competition for Thomas Partey.
      But the move didn’t happen, and the midfielder slammed the door shut on transfer rumours shortly after the summer window opened in June.
      Arsenal instead signed Jorginho from Chelsea in January, before signing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz for combined fees of over £150m in the summer.
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      But with doubts now over the future of Partey after reported interest from French giants Juventus – the Gunners are going to try their luck again for Zubimendi.
      According to Spanish outlet Nacional, Arsenal are ‘close’ to triggering Zubimendi’s release clause, despite the fact that he is a ‘favourite’ of Barcelona manager Xavi.
      The deep-lying midfielder played a key role in helping Sociedad qualify for the Champions League this season and has started this campaign strongly.
      Nacional claim that the Gunners are pursuing his signature in January, meaning they could move on Partey during the same window.
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      Juventus are reportedly keen on signing the Ghana international, who is currently out of action with a groin problem.
      Meanwhile, Zubimendi style of play could add another edge to Arteta’s midfield.
      Speaking in October 2022 in an interview with The Guardian’s Sid Lowe, Zubimendi gave Arsenal supporters an insight into his playstyle – and the Busquets comparisons.
      He explained: “Us pivot midfielders have the bad luck that maybe we don’t get recognised, but if you understand football you know Busquets’ value.
      “We’ve normalised him playing well so much we don’t always appreciate him.
      “He’s set the bar so high that pivots are asked to do things we weren’t before. But that’s nice: you have to aspire to that.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil ‘in frame for shock international team manager job’ just six months after retiring

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      FORMER Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is in line for a shock return to football just six months after retiring, according to reports.German outlet Bild, report that Ozil is being lined up for a boardroom role as the general manager of the Turkish team.
      Mesut Ozil could be returning to football just six months after his retirementCredit: Getty
      Ozil’s link to the job comes after the Turkish national team sacked Stefan Kuntz from his managerial role after a 4-2 defeat to Japan.
      The man that brought him in, Turkish midfield legend Hamit Altintop, is the current incumbent sporting director and Ozil could be his replacement.
      The association are reportedly lining up former Germany manager Joachim Low as Kuntz’s replacement and may appoint Ozil to oversee preparations for the Euros and World Cup.
      Kuntz was sacked after a string of poor results and also for falling out with Turkey talisman Hakan Calhanoglou.
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      There have been rumours that Altintop’s job has been in danger dating as far back as June according to Bild, and Turkey’s latest international results did not help matters.
      A 1-1 draw with Armenia followed by the aforementioned 4-2 loss to Japan means Altintop’s future is now hanging by a thread.
      It would certainly be a shock move for Ozil to return to football so quickly after announcing his retirement back in March.
      The midfielder most recently played for Istanbul Basaksehir after leaving Arsenal to join Fenerbache in 2020 but injuries saw him struggle to rediscover the glittering form of his early career.
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      He joined Basaksehir in 2022 but made just seven appearances for the side before calling time on his career.
      He said in a lengthy social media statement about his retirement: “Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.
      “I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity. But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it’s become more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football.
      “It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs – Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends.
      “Special thanks must go to my family members and my closest friends. They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support, through the good times and the bad.
      “Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love no matter the circumstances and no matter which club I was representing.
      “Now I’m looking forward to everything that is in front of me with my beautiful wife, Amine, and my two beautiful daughters, Eda and Ela – but you can be sure that you will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels. See you soon, Mesut!”
      It looks as though we may be seeing Ozil back in the football game sooner than we’d thought. More