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    Best XI of transfers on cards for January including Toney to Arsenal, Osimhen to Chelsea and Todibo to Man Utd

    WITH injury crises hitting multiple clubs and teams beginning to take a look at the business end of the season, the rumour mill is in full effect.We’re expecting a busy period of transfer spending in the Premier League with several top clubs unafraid to splash the cash in January.
    Ivan Toney could move for £100million in JanuaryCredit: PA
    Victor Osimhen would cost even moreCredit: Reuters
    Here’s a look at the best players being lined up for moves…
    David de Gea
    De Gea has resisted offers from Saudi Arabia and the MLS as he bides his time on choosing his next club.
    The former-Manchester United stopper became a free agent in the summer after United were unwilling to extend his £350,000-a-week contract and has remained without a club ever since.
    Newcastle and Barcelona are now set to battle it out to sign De Gea in January with both teams experiencing long term injuries to their first-choice goalkeepers.
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    David de Gea has been linked with a move to Newcastle and BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    Denzel Dumfries
    Dumfries starred for Inter as they battled their way to last year’s Champions League final.
    Calciomercato have reported that Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are set to battle it out for the £43.5m rated right-back this January – with Spurs prepared to offer Emerson Royal to Inter as part of a deal.
    Dumfries has been linked with a move to several Premier League clubsCredit: AFP
    Jean-Clair Todibo
    Todibo is one of the French national team’s most highly-rated defenders and is hotly tipped for a move in January.
    The centre-back is rated at £39million with United the favourites to sign him due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS owning Nice.
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    Spurs and Liverpool also reportedly hold an interest in the 23-year-old.
    Manchester United and Spurs are set to battle it out for Jean-Clair TodiboCredit: Alamy
    Antonio Silva
    Antonio Silva has become a stalwart at the heart of Benfica’s defence despite only being 20 years old.
    The centre-back has an £85million release clause in his contract that Manchester United are reportedly willing to meet.
    Silva has become a rock at the back for Benfica despite being 20-years-oldCredit: AFP
    Alphonso Davies
    The Canadian is arguably the best left-back in the world and tearing it up for Bayern this season but could leave Bavaria soon.
    The defender is unhappy with Bayern’s latest contract offer according to Bild and has Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City willing to better their offer.
    Alphonso Davies is one of the best left-backs in the worldCredit: Getty
    Jota
    Al-Ittihad’s Jota has experienced a difficult time in the Saudi League after being left out of the first team squad by Nuno Esperito Santo.
    The ex-Celtic winger reportedly fancies a reunion with former manager Ange Postecoglou at Spurs but the Aussie is still weighing up a move.
    Jota and Postecoglou could reunite in JanuaryCredit: PA
    Douglas Luiz
    Douglas Luiz has starred for Aston Villa this season with the Villans currently sitting in fourth.
    Arsenal are long-term admirers of the midfielder and are keen to pair him with Declan Rice in their midfield.
    Arsenal are long-term admirers of Douglas LuizCredit: Getty
    Joao Palhinha
    Another midfielder Arsenal are looking at pairing Declan Rice with is Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
    The Portuguese midfielder narrowly missed out on a move to Bayern Munich on September’s deadline day and the Germans are likely to reignite their interest.
    The midfielder could reignite his move to BayernCredit: AP
    Pedro Neto
    Pedro Neto was electric for Wolves this season prior to his injury, bagging one goal and eight assists in his ten Premier League appearances.
    Arsenal are long-term admirers of the winger and could look to bring them in as they look to win the Premier League title this year.
    Arsenal have tracked Pedro Neto since before his move to WolvesCredit: Getty
    Ivan Toney
    With Ivan Toney’s gambling ban set to end on January 17 a number of Premier League teams are falling over themselves to sign the £100million-rated forward.
    Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs are the current front-runners for the 27-year-old’s signature.
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    Ivan Toney is nearing his return from a gambling banCredit: PA
    Victor Osimhen
    Victor Osimhen was Serie A’s top scorer last season with 26 goals as Napoli romped to the league title.
    Chelsea are prepared to break the £115million transfer record that they paid for Moises Caicedo in the summer to sign Osimhen.
    Osimhen hasn’t quite replicated last season’s formCredit: Getty
    The best XI of players linked with a moveCredit: The Sun More

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    Arsenal scout USA wonderkid dubbed ‘next Thomas Muller’ as Arteta looks to add goals in January transfer window

    ARSENAL are tracking Hajduk Split star Rokas Pukstas as they consider making the teenager their next American signing.Pukstas is an attacking midfielder who does his best work inside the box.
    Arsenal are tracking Hajduk Split and USA international Rokas PukstasCredit: Getty
    The 19-year-old has been dubbed the next Thomas MullerCredit: Getty
    The USA Under-20 international has been likened to Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller for his ability to sniff out chances and fulfil a variety of roles.
    The son of a former Lithuanian Olympic athlete, he came through the Sporting Kansas City youth set-up and spent time at FC Barcelona’s only stateside academy before moving to Europe.
    Pukstas made swift progress through the Hajduk Split youth teams and impressed dozens of scouts from major clubs when he scored in last season’s UEFA Youth League semi-final win over AC Milan.
    Now an established first-team regular, the Gunners could come knocking for him next year.
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    The club keeps tabs on many talented American players with breakout potential.
    Arsenal have actively recruited from across the Pond since Arsene Wenger was in charge.
    The list of those who made North London their first stop across the Atlantic includes Daniel Karbassiyoon, Gedion Zelalem, Matt Turner and Auston Trusty.
    Karbassiyoon, who joined the Gunners in 2003, is now a senior figure in the club’s recruitment department.
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    Owner Stan Kroenke knows the marketing potential of having a current US star on the club’s books and Pukstas appears to be on the right trajectory.
    The 19-year-old scored his third goal of the campaign with an audacious near-post flick last month to give the Gunners a timely reminder of his ability ahead of the January transfer window.
    Croatian newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija reported Arsenal would have a representative at Hajduk’s game against Gorica on Saturday where the youngster performed well in a routine 3-0 home win. More

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    Ian Wright brutally trolls Spurs star James Maddison in wild celebration of Declan Rice’s 97th-minute Arsenal winner

    IAN WRIGHT made time to troll Tottenham star James Maddison after going berserk following Arsenal’s late winner against Luton.The Gunners were pegged back by Luton twice until the Hatters took a 3-2 lead through Ross Barkley in the 57th minute.
    Ian Wright was buzzing with Arsenal’s winnerCredit: Optus Sport
    He showed the panel how he had just been reading an article on how Maddison had said he hates that Rice plays for Arsenal
    Rice and Maddison are pals from their England commitmentsCredit: Instagram

    A Kai Havertz equaliser on the hour mark set the game up for a grandstand finale.
    But it took the Gunners until the 97th minute to find the winner through Declan Rice.
    Wright was on punditry duty for Australian channel Optus Sport, who tweeted out his reaction to the goal.
    After going mad over the winner, Wright sat down to show the panel what he had been looking at on his phone.
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    Wright said: “Look at this! Look what I was just looking at.”
    The former Arsenal striker then pulled up an article he had been reading on how Maddison had described Rice as a “top player” and “hated” him moving to Arsenal this summer.
    Rice pulled up the article and quoted Maddison saying “I hate that he plays for Arsenal” before breaking out into a hearty laugh.
    He then broke out into a chant of: “Arsenal! Arsenal!”
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    Rice’s last gasp goal puts the Gunners five points clear at the top of the table.
    Liverpool can close the gap back to two if they win at struggling Sheffield United tonight.
    Meanwhile champions Manchester City could close their gap on Arsenal to three points if they win tonight… But face a difficult trip away to Aston Villa.
    Villa currently have the best home form in the Premier League, winning 13 consecutive Premier League matches dating back to last season. More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice shine but Raya blunders almost cost Mikel Arteta’s side

    ARSENAL moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table thanks to a last-gasp victory over Luton Town.The Gunners travelled to Kenilworth Road two points clear of second-placed Liverpool and three of defending champions Manchester City.
    Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the first halfCredit: REUTERS
    Gabriel Jesus bagged the Gunners’ second of the matchCredit: REX
    Kai Havertz scored an important equaliser for the visitorsCredit: GETTY
    Declan Rice snatched victory for the Gunners with a stoppage-time headerCredit: AFP
    The North Londoners ran out 4-3 winners over Rob Edwards’ dogged side, who twice came from behind.
    A Brazilian double from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus and a third goal in as many matches for Kai Havertz looked set to earn Mikel Arteta’s troops a point.
    But Declan Rice’s stoppage-time header spared the blushes of David Raya and sent the travelling Gooners into a state of pandemonium.
    Here, SunSport’s Chisanga Malata rates and slates the Gunners’ stunning last-gasp win…
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    David Raya – 2
    The North Londoners’ new No.1 had very little to do in the first half but was solid when called upon.
    Was powerless to stop Gabriel Osho’s stooping header in the 24th minute, although he allowed Elijah Adebayo to score the Hatters’ second equaliser of the match by flapping at an Alfie Doughty corner in the 47th minute.
    Should’ve saved Ross Barkley’s 56th-minute strike, which briefly put the home side into the lead.
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    David Raya was at fault for two of Luton’s three goalsCredit: EPA
    Ben White – 6
    Defended well when required and was a willing auxiliary runner on the right wing to support Bukayo Saka.
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    Teeped up Jesus for the Gunners’ second of the match with a beautifully dinked cross in the 45th minute.
    William Saliba – 6
    The Frenchman was at his imperious best in the first half, snuffing out the home side’s rare forays into the opposition’s box. Read the game immensely well, as he always does.
    Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
    Like Saliba, the Brazilian was positionally sound and strong when called upon.
    Jakub Kiwior – 6
    The Poland international filled in for the absent Takehiro Tomiyasu and wasn’t afraid to stick his foot in when required.
    Showing continued signs of settling into the physical demands of the Premier League.
    Jakub Kiwior looked solid at left backCredit: Getty
    Martin Odegaard – 7
    The conductor of the Gunners’ orchestra began pulling the strings early in the first half and showcased his extensive range of passing on several occasions in the match.
    Produced a sensational delivery deep into stoppage time for Rice to nod home and steal victory.
    Declan Rice – 7
    Quietly went about his business – breaking up play when required to and dropping deep at times to try kickstart forays forward.
    Rose high in the 96th minute to connect with an Odegaard delivery and head home what could be a huge goal in the title race.
    Kai Havertz – 6
    The in-form German was anonymous for large portions of the first half of the match, although his run into the box dragged defenders away and allowed Jesus to gobble up a free first-half header.
    Got the Gunners back on level terms on the hour mark. with a neat finish.
    Kai Havertz was anonymous for large portions of the match but scored a crucial equaliserCredit: GETT
    Bukayo Saka – 7
    Dangerous as always on the left but struggled to get into the game in the early embers.
    That changed in the 20th after he was played into the box by the quick-minded Gabriel Jesus and he squared the ball for Martinelli to tap home the opener.
    Produced a brilliant save from Thomas Kaminski in the 39th minute with a strong left-footed drive
    Gabriel Jesus – 8
    Struggled for service in the first half so looked to drop deep in order to get on the ball.
    His quick-thinking – which came in the form of a fast throw-in following a poor back pass – allowed Saka to set up the first goal of the match.
    Nodded the Gunners back into the lead in the 45th minute with a simple header from inside the 18-yard box.
    Showed great strength and poise to tee up Havertz for the vistors’ equaliser just moments after going behind.
    Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were Arsenal’s star men at Kenilworth RoadCredit: PA
    Gabriel Martinelli – 7
    Was lively on the left wing from the outset and a constant threat to the Hatters’ defence. Made a brilliant run across the box and produced a neat side-foot finish to fire the North Londoners into the lead.
    Would have doubled the Gunners’ lead just after the half-hour mark had it not been for a strong near-post save from Kaminski.
    Subs
    Oleksandr Zinchenko (64) on for Kiwior – 5
    Was a steady Eddie but offered very little going forward.
    Leandro Trossard (64) on for Gabriel Martinelli – 5
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    Should’ve fired the visitors back into the lead in the 76th minute but saw his effort deflected over the crossbar for a corner.
    Went close with a side-footed effort from outside the box More

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    De Gea and Ramsdale shock Barcelona targets as LaLiga side draw up NINE-man transfer list to replace injured Ter Stegen

    BARCELONA could hand Aaron Ramsdale or David de Gea a dramatic lifeline to replace injured No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen, it’s claimed.The LaLiga giants are reportedly considering at least NINE alternatives as Ter Stegen faces up to two months out.
    Aaron Ramsdale is tipped to be on Barcelona’s radarCredit: Rex
    David de Gea is regarded as a contender to step in at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen puts a brave face on his injuryCredit: Alamy
    The Germany star, 31, has opted for back surgery after missing Barca’s last three games.
    And Spanish outlet Sport suggest Arsenal’s second-choice keeper Ramsdale as well as club-less former Manchester United hero De Gea are under consideration.
    But it’s understood the Gunners would fight any attempt to lure Ramsdale away in January, even on loan.
    The England ace, 25, is keen for regular action to help safeguard his place at Euro 2024.
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    But although David Raya appears entrenched as the Arsenal No1, Emirates boss Mikel Arteta is determined to keep Ramsdale until at least the summer.
    In contrast, free agent De Gea might be easier to lure.
    The Spaniard, 33, has been linked with Saudi clubs and, this week, Newcastle following Nick Pope’s injury.
    But the ex-Atletico Madrid stopper would surely be tempted if Barca came calling.
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    Hugo Lloris, 36, is on the list of possible replacements after losing his Tottenham place under Ange Postecoglou to Guglielmo Vicario.
    But perhaps the most surprising name mentioned is Kasper Schmeichel.
    The former Leicester man, 37, joined Anderlecht on a one-year contract last summer.
    Ex-Borussia Dortmund keeper Roman Burki, 33, now in the MLS with St Louis City, and 32-year-old Al-Hilal No1 Yassine Bounou are also rated as contenders.
    Former Real Madrid ace Keylor Navas could be on the radar too as the 36-year-old is well behind first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma at PSG.
    And two other veterans – both without a club since last summer – would surely also love an opportunity with Barcelona.
    That’s former Vallodolid star Sergio Asenjo, 34, and 30-year-old ex-FC Koln stopper Timo Horn.
    And there’s even a chance Barca will catapult 19-year-old Ander Astralaga into the senior team. More

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    Arsenal ‘set to move for Juventus wonderkid, 18, in January transfer swoop’ just five months after he joined from Bayern

    ARSENAL are plotting a January move for Juventus wonderkid Kenan Yildiz, according to reports.Mikel Arteta is eager to add to his squad next month as he looks to lead the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 20 years.
    Arsenal are interested in Kenan YildizCredit: Getty
    And Turkish-Football claim that Yildiz is one of his preferred targets.
    The 18-year-old broke into the Juventus first team at the start of the season after moving from Bayern Munich last summer.
    He has since made five senior appearances for the Serie A giants.
    Yildiz also earned his first senior call-up to the Turkish national team in October.
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    The forward opened his international account in a sensational 3-2 win over Germany.
    His impressive performances this season have seen him attract interest from the likes of Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Liverpool.

    But Arsenal are understood to be willing to bid for him in January.
    Yildiz’s current contract expires in June 2027, so the Gunners will likely have to table a significant offer to convince Juventus to sell.
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    Manager Massimiliano Allegri gushed over the teenager’s talent during a post-match press conference in October.
    He said: “In my opinion, he becomes a wonderful player, stopping the ball as he stops.”
    Arsenal have also been linked with Ivan Toney, Pedro Neto and Douglas Luiz ahead of the January transfer window. More

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    Fans claim FA Cup third round draw is ‘fixed’ as Arsenal land ANOTHER horror tie with easier games for rivals

    ARSENAL fans reckon the FA Cup third round draw is “fixed” after landing a considerably harder tie than their rivals. The Gunners will host Liverpool in the pick of the bunch.
    Arsenal drew Liverpool in the FA Cup third roundCredit: ITV
    Meanwhile, Chelsea welcome Preston North End, Manchester United travel to Wigan and City play Huddersfield at home.
    It left some Gooners irked and believing the draw was “rigged” and “fixed.”
    One said: “Arsenal vs Liverpool in FA cup third round draw!
    “Where has man united have Wigan away, Man City have Huddersfield. That is fixed.”
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    Another added: “Liverpool in the FA Cup third round. What a surprise. Another year, another rigged cup draw..”
    One fumed: “This FA cup draw is rigged. What are the odds of playing City & Liverpool back to back years in the 3rd round.”
    Another raged: “How about that. ANOTHER rigged FA Cup draw.”
    Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates in January will be a repeat of the 2001 FA Cup final.
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    Michael Owen inspired the Reds to victory with two late goals at the Millennium Stadium – the sixth of their eight titles.
    Another tie to look out for is Sunderland against Newcastle – which will be the first Tyne-Wear derby since March 2016.
    Ramsgate are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, sitting top of the Isthmian South East division.
    They played in the preliminary round way back on August 19.
    Ramsgate head to AFC Wimbledon on Monday night with the winner earning a home tie against promotion-chasing Ipswich.
    Ramsgate are bidding to progress into the FA Cup third roundCredit: X @JoeTaylor28 More

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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