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    Jorginho already planning next transfer away from Arsenal with contract expiring in summer

    JORGINHO could be on the verge of returning to Serie A as his Arsenal contract enters into its final eight months.The 31-year-old joined the Gunners from Chelsea for £12million in January.
    Jorginho has revealed he intends to play in his native Italy before retirementCredit: Getty
    While not a guaranteed starter since then, Jorginho made 14 Premier League appearances during the second half of last season as the Gunners narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City.
    This term, the Italian has had more of a prominent role and has captained the side for the last three matches in the absence of Martin Odegaard.
    The midfielder’s deal is set to expire next summer, and while there is an option to extend it for a year, his future is firmly up in the air.
    If Jorginho doesn’t agree new terms, he can talk to non-British clubs over signing a pre-contract agreement in January. 
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    Speaking ahead of Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia, he said: “I’m very much in doubt, I would like to return to Italy.
    “But I don’t know when the right time would be.
    “I want to return yes, but I don’t know when, I feel I still have things to do at Arsenal.
    “It always takes time when you change teams, but the first six months at Arsenal were not negative, on the contrary.”
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    The former Chelsea star is attracting interest from Lazio, AC Milan and his former side Napoli.
    Meanwhile, La Liga giants Barcelona are also reportedly targeting the Euros 2020 winner in order to fill in for the departed Sergio Busquets.
    Jorginho has started in four of the Gunners’ last five matches, including last month’s 1-0 victory over City.
    He is keeping his options open, though, and is enjoying his time at the Emirates as they look to mount another Premier League title challenge this season.
    The midfielder beat England in the 2020 Euros finalCredit: Rex More

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    Mikel Arteta tactical blunder is ‘WASTING’ Declan Rice.. Arsenal must target Bayern star transfer to fix it, says icon

    FORMER Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit believes Declan Rice is being wasted by Mikel Arteta this season.Rice has so far played as more of a box to box No8 but Petit believes he should play as a defensive No6 to get the best out of the England midfielder.
    Arteta has encouraged Rice to push forward this seasonCredit: Getty
    Petit believes Rice should be playing in a deeper roleCredit: Rex Features
    Petit told Compare.bet: “Declan Rice’s priority for Arsenal should be to maintain the balance of the side and to win the ball back for his team. 
    “He does those things so well. I think he is wasted a bit in that number 8 role where Xhaka played last season because he is such a brilliant holding midfielder.
    “You cannot ask him to play how Xhaka played last year because that’s not his position. 
    “His best position is as a holding midfielder and that is where the manager should play him, it’s fundamental to how Arteta wants to play.”
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    Petit was a defensive midfielder himself and played for The Gunners between 1997 and 2000 before leaving for Barcelona.
    He returned to the Premier League with Chelsea in 2001.
    Petit, who was part of the French national squad that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, added that he felt Arsenal should sign Bayern Munich pair Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich to solve what he considers to be Arsenal’s midfield conundrum.  
    He said: “The main two players I would target if I was Arsenal would be Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. 
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    Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich would stregthen Arsenal’s midfield says PetitCredit: EPA
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    “They are both incredible players with huge experience who have both been at Bayern for a while and would maybe like a new challenge. 
    “Goretzka has played at such a high level for so long and is still only 28, and I think Kimmich would be great for Arsenal, even if the price tag may be a bit expensive.”
    Rice himself admitted after last week’s game with Sevilla that he feels the No6 is his strongest position despite winning Man of the Match in a more advanced role.
    He said to the TNT crew: “I think my best position is probably as a No6. My biggest strength is breaking up the play and taking the ball from deep.
    “I do get excited when I play No8 though. I get to show the other side of my game. I didn’t stop running tonight.” More

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    Arsenal set to hijack Newcastle’s move for Ruben Neves with Gunners ready to replace crocked Thomas Partey

    ARSENAL have been handed a major boost as they try to hijack Newcastle’s move for Ruben Neves, according to reports.The Gunners are in the market for a central midfielder in January with Thomas Partey expected to be out into next year due to a thigh injury.
    Ruben Neves could return to the Premier League just months after moving to Al-HilalCredit: AP
    Meanwhile, Newcastle are also on the lookout for someone in the same position after Sandro Tonali was slapped with a ten-month ban for betting breaches.
    The Toon are keen on Neves and have been hoping to snap up the Al-Hilal star.
    A loan move has been in the works with the signing made straightforward due to the PIF Group owning both Newcastle and the Saudi Arabian club.
    But the deal now looks off with the Premier League ready to implement a rule change to stop such transfer being allowed.
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    The 20 clubs are set to vote in favour of preventing teams loaning players from clubs that have the same owners as them next week.
    This change in regulations improves Arsenal’s chances of signing Neves this winter.
    talkSPORT claim Gunners chief Edu is a huge fan of the 26-year-old.
    The Portuguese international has plenty of Premier League experience to his name after spending six years at Wolves.
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    He played 253 times for the club, scored 30 goals and captained the side regularly before his £47million move to Al-Hilal back in the summer.
    On Newcastle’s interest in Neves, manager Eddie Howe said: “He was a player we liked when at Wolves.
    “We are open to signing players from anywhere if they’re good enough and make us better.”
    When asked if they would fight any rule change, Howe added: “You can make that assumption.”
    Arsenal are looking to replace the injured Thomas ParteyCredit: Getty More

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    My son has lost his smile at Arsenal, says Ramsdale’s emotional dad as he slams Arteta for ‘wrong’ way he axed keeper

    AARON RAMSDALE’S father claims his son has “lost his smile” after he criticised Mikel Arteta’s handling over dropping the Arsenal goalkeeper. The former Sheffield United and Bournemouth stopper, 25, arrived at the Emirates in 2021 and instantly became No1, a post he held until September this year.
    Aaron Ramsdale’s father has hit out at the ‘wrong’ way his son was axedCredit: The Highbury Squad podcast
    The Arsenal goalkeeper has been playing second fiddle since SeptemberCredit: Getty
    Mikel Arteta has opted for David Raya instead of the England star in the Prem and EuropeCredit: Rex
    Summer signing David Raya, who arrived on an initial loan from Brentford, was picked instead of the England international for the win at Everton in September.
    The star has continued to be picked since by Arteta, with Ramsdale’s only outings since coming in the Carabao Cup, despite the boss initially claiming that the pair would rotate starts.
    Ramsdale admitted last month that he was “suffering and hurting” but vowed to work well with the man who has taken his spot.
    Now his dad, Nick, has been discussing the situation with Sophie Nicolaou and former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell on The Highbury Squad podcast.
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    He said: “Aaron’s lost that smile to when he was holding on to that ball at this moment in time.
    “And it is difficult. It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying you need to keep smiling.
    “David Raya is a great goalkeeper and it is not his fault. He’s just come in as a goalkeeper. David Raya, Aaron says, he is a lovely guy and he works hard with him and Aaron’s trying to help him as much as he can to settle in with the squad.
    “It’s possibly the way it’s been done. Not knowing the reason why, and this is me because we don’t know why.
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    “Again, Aaron is working as hard as he can. He’s trying to do his best for the squad. He’s upbeat and he’ll do everything for Arsenal to try and win the league.”
    Nick also stated that the atmosphere inside the Emirates on matchdays has “dropped like a lead ballon”, saying: “It’s not as fun as it used to be.

    “It was toxic when Aaron arrived and then it became a house party, last season was a house party – it now seems like mum and dad have got home, there’s a mess everywhere, mum and dad aren’t happy and the atmosphere has dropped like a lead balloon.
    “Maybe it’s sour grapes from me. If we win the Premier League it doesn’t matter if the atmosphere isn’t so good.”
    Nick then revealed a conversation between him and Arteta and claimed that the Arsenal manager made it clear to him that he only wanted his son despite Raya’s agent recently stating that his client had been a long-term transfer target for the Gunners.
    Nick, who also said that Arsenal sometimes “need to play beer football” as they can’t play “champagne football all the time”, says: “When I spoke to Mr Arteta on the phone before he signed Aaron, he said he wanted Aaron.
    “But now, you know, David Raya’s back on the market and he’s had David Raya.”
    Ramsdale actually penned a new long-term contract extension just weeks before Raya came in – and Nick says he agreed to that without the knowledge that he would soon be playing second fiddle to somebody else.
    He said: “Why would you extend a goalkeeper or any player’s contract and then two months later, or three months later…
    David Raya has been preferred to Aaron Ramsdale since SeptemberCredit: Getty
    “No, we did not have a clue, I didn’t have a clue, our family didn’t have a clue, Aaron didn’t have a clue that he was not going to carry on playing.”
    He then stated that Ramsdale, who admitted he struggles to concentrate all game to Ian Wright previously, has not been told by Arteta exactly what his role now is, saying: “Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper, and David Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens, an injury or a sending-off.
    “Aaron’s got to live with that and he is living with that even though he’s not been told it. By anybody.”
    But he then showed his support for Raya by adding: “You’ve got to give the guy a chance for God’s sake. Even though the way it’s been done, in my eyes, it’s been wrong and we can talk about that but it’s the decision.
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    “Really and truly we’ve got to get behind David Raya. He’s part of the family now.
    “Whether it’s only until May-June of next year. It won’t be, it’ll be longer in my eyes, but that’s by the by.” More

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    Fans say ‘Ramsdale’s days were numbered’ after interview with Ian Wright that left Arsenal legend looking shocked

    SUPPORTERS have claimed that “Aaron Ramsdale’s days were numbered” after watching a clip of him leaving Arsenal legend Ian Wright looking shocked emerged.Ex-Sheffield United and Bournemouth stopper Ramsdale, 25, arrived at the Emirates in 2021.
    A clip from an Aaron Ramsdale interview in the summer has resurfaced and got Gooners talkingCredit: Behind The Game
    Gunners legend Ian Wright looked stunned at the keeper’s wordsCredit: Behind The Game
    He instantly became No1 at the club and held that spot until September this year.
    Spaniard Raya arrived on an initial loan from Brentford during the summer transfer window and the 28-year-old was preferred to the England international for the win at Everton in September.
    The star has continued to be picked since by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, with Ramsdale’s only outings since coming in the Carabao Cup.
    Back in the summer, Ramsdale joined Gunners icon Wright, 60, for an interview on the Behind The Game podcast.
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    During it he spoke about his concentration levels and his interactions with fans during the matches.
    He said: “If you ask me to concentrate on a game of football for 90 minutes I’m finished. I can’t do it.
    ”So that’s why I get involved with the fans and I’ll sing along with the songs.”
    Ramsdale continued: “If someone’s giving me abuse I’ll turn around and I’ll give them a bit back.”
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    Wright looked stunned at Ramsdale’s revelation, before the goalie continued: “I’ve had my two/three minutes of sort of madness in my head, straight back to the football.
    “I’ve got 10/15 minutes of total concentration again – next thing you know half time is around.”

    The clip of the keeper’s admission has now re-emerged on social media, and it was shared by one fan along with several crying with laughter emojis and the caption: “Ramsdales days were numbered after he dropped this bombshell.
    “He should’ve kept it to himself.”
    A fellow Gooner shared a screenshot of Wright’s face during the interview and wrote: “This reaction from Ian says it all.”
    Another agreed, writing: “Ian Wright’s reaction and facial expression says it all.”
    Posting the same shot of Wright, another wrote: “He wish he could stop him, but the words just kept coming out.”
    However, not everybody was upset by Ramsdale’s remarks, with a host of fans backing him.
    One replied: “People are taking this out of context. Obviously this is in a game when we are leading comfortably.”
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    Another said: “TBF, that’s like >90% of all people no matter their job.”
    As another commented: “Ramsdale is still our best GK by some distance.” More

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    Victor Osimhen reveals he owns two Premier League kits as Liverpool join Chelsea and Arsenal in transfer race

    VICTOR OSIMHEN has revealed he owns two Premier League shirts as clubs queue up for the in-demand striker.The Napoli hitman finished as top scorer in Serie A last season.
    Victor Osimhen is wanted by multiple Premier League teamsCredit: Getty
    That sparked interest from several Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Arsenal.
    Now the Nigerian has revealed he owns two team shirts – Manchester United and Chelsea.
    He told The Obi One podcast: “I don’t have a favourite Premier League team but I’ve two jerseys: Chelsea and Manchester United.
    “Many friends of mine are Chelsea fans, few are United fans.
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    “Premier League is the most appreciated league by every African player — it’s a huge league.”
    Arsenal have been linked to a striker with Eddie Nketiah struggling for goals in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus.
    Brentford star Ivan Toney is believed to be of interest but he could cost between £80-£100million.
    Osimhen is another potential option for the Gunners although SunSport revealed Liverpool sent scouts to watch the Napoli ace while he was on international duty last month.
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    United are also said to be interested in Osimhen as they are targeting an experienced forward to help out Rasmus Hojlund.
    It remains to be seen if Napoli will let their star man leave in January, and if he does go it could be for a fee upwards of £100m. More

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    Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star reveals favourite club saying ‘incredible’ team left him wanting to train even on days off

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMAEYANG has revealed the club that left the biggest impression on him during his career.The 34-year-old joined Marseille in the summer after a miserable stint at Chelsea last season and has five goals and three assists in 15 games for his new club.
    Aubameyang said he was happiest at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    In an interview with Prime Video, Aubameyang revealed that it was Barcelona that he was most fond of playing for during his playing career – despite only playing for them for six months.
    That’s despite sensational stints at Borussia Dortmund and St. Etienne who are both known for their excellent atmospheres.
    The forward also captained Arsenal during his time in North London.
    In the interview with Amazon, the striker said: “I think I had the best six months of my career [at Barcelona]. I have never enjoyed playing football and going to training so much.
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    “I even went to training on my off days. This is to tell you, it was incredible.”
    Arsenal fans will know that this is a pretty big deal for Aubameyang, given that he was stripped of his captaincy by Mikel Arteta due to his consistent lateness to training.
    It was revealed in Arsenal’s All or Nothing documentary that Arteta had to fight to convince sporting director Edu to tear up the Gabon international’s contract due to his lax attitude.
    In the doc, Arteta said: “I have everything documented, with the dates, the times, the conversations, how it happened, why it happened . . . because of if one day it’s needed.
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    Aubameyang is now plying his trade for MarseilleCredit: Getty
    “[Aubameyang] has been late, apart from all the [other] issues, many times.
    “The club has got a tradition. When you get paid that much . . . ”
    Edu wanted to keep the striker because of his goalscoring ability, but Arteta said letting him go was a matter of trust.
    The Spaniard said: “You cannot measure trust. 
    “When that’s gone, it’s a really difficult point to get something back from.
    “What happened . . . in the last ten years? 
    “In Spain, it is called ‘casa pepe’ . . . everyone does whatever he f*****g wants.”
    The forward then joined Barcelona on a free, where he scored 13 goals and registered one assist in 14 games.
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    A miserable spell at Chelsea followed, where he scored just three times in 21 games.
    Aubameyang will be hoping that Marseille provides a similar platform to Barcelona in terms of success as he enters the autumn of his career. More

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    Arsenal line up transfer for Champions League star as Partey replacement despite ace wanting to play for Liverpool

    ARSENAL are lining up a move for Julian Brandt, according to reports. The Borussia Dortmund star got his teeth into Premier League opposition when he scored in his side’s 2-0 win over Newcastle in the Champions League on Tuesday.
    Julian Brandt is being lined up by ArsenalCredit: Getty
    The Gunners may bring him in as a midfield replacement for Thomas ParteyCredit: Getty
    Brandt has previously flirted with a move to England, with Jurgen Klopp wanting him over Mohamed Salah for his evolving Liverpool team back in 2017.
    And according to The Mirror, Arsenal want to bring the 27-year-old to the Emirates.
    Arsenal signed Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to play in midfield in the summer.
    But reports suggest Thomas Partey could be making an Arsenal exit with concerns over his injury record.
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    Midfielder Brandt could therefore be bought in as a replacement, though there are a number of options in that sense.
    However, the Gunners will not be alone in wanting to sign the German.
    Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are also said to be interested in his signature.
    Dortmund are unlikely to be under pressure to sell in January given Brandt recently signed a contract extension to June 2026.
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    But that will not stop interest from coming in the summer.
    Although neither side are Brandt’s preferred destination, having admitted in an interview with The Athletic he regrets not joining the Reds from then-club Bayer Leverkusen.
    He said: “I had that chance to take that next step to join Liverpool, but the time wasn’t right for me.
    “I was aware that they were also looking at Mo Salah at the time. It’s a shame because I would have loved to play for Kloppo.”
    Brandt has admitted he regrets not joining Liverpool in 2017Credit: Rex More