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    Barcelona and Juventus offer to take exiled Aubameyang off Arsenal’s hands until end of season on loan transfer

    BARCELONA and Juventus have both made loan transfer offers for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.The former Arsenal captain has been exiled by Mikel Arteta following his latest disciplinary issue, returning late visiting his mother in France, but that has not put off the two giant clubs.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang has had loan offers from Barcelona and JuventusCredit: Getty
    His last appearance was as a late substitute at Everton on December 6.
    After returning from the Africa Cup of Nations early after a heart scare, Aubameyang has trained alone – but now may have got a lifeline.
    According to The Athletic, the two European powerhouses have submitted formal approaches to sign the 32-year-old until the end of the season.
    The January transfer window closes for Barca in Spain at 11pm UK time on Monday night.
    For Juve in Italy, it is four hours earlier at 7pm UK time.
    Aubameyang looks set to remain frozen out in North London as they look to ship him out with 18 months left to run on his current contract – and Arsenal must decide if his relationship with Arteta is beyond repair.
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    There was a loan bid from Saudi Arabian rivals Al Nassr and Al Hilal last week with an £8million obligation to buy him in the summer.
    But it is understood the Gabon international would prefer to stay competing at the top level in Europe – as Paris Saint-Germain considered an offer.
    Barcelona and Juventus certainly fit the bill for Auba.
    They both want reinforcements in attack, especially after the Old Lady lost Federico Chiesa for the remainder of the campaign through a cruel ACL injury.
    Alvaro Morata’s future could play a significant role in where Aubameyang ends up this week, though.
    If he stays on loan at Juventus, the Nou Camp would be the more likely destination.
    But if the ex-Chelsea striker gets recalled by Atletico Madrid and joins Barcelona, Auba may go to Juventus.
    That is even if they finalise their transfer for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, with Max Allegri wanting to use both new signings alongside Paulo Dybala in attack.
    Aubameyang’s wages do not look likely to cause any problems with both clubs indicating that they are willing to pay the bulk of Aubameyang’s £350,000-a-week basic salary.
    Arsenal’s other two strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both struggling for goals and out of contract at the end of this season.
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    Now Arsenal are frantically scrambling to come up with a top-class alternative, with Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin both under consideration.
    But neither player is expected to be available this month so allowing Aubameyang to leave without securing a replacement goalscorer would be a massive gamble.
    Arsenal are already down to just 21 senior players after allowing Calum Chambers, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Pablo Mari, Sead Kolasinac and Folarin Balogun to leave this month.
    The Aubameyang deal could depend on what happens with Alvaro Morata in the coming daysCredit: Getty More

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    Man City ‘interested in 17-year-old Barcelona wonderkid Gavi who has £41.75m transfer release clause in contract’

    MANCHESTER CITY have expressed their interest in 17-year-old Barcelona wonderkid Gavi.According to El Nacional, the youngster has a release clause of £41.75million and City are willing to make an approach if the opportunity arises.
    17-year-old Gavi earned his first team debut last yearCredit: AFP
    The midfielder was snapped up by the Barcelona academy in 2015 when he was just 11 years old.
    He signed his first professional contract for the club in September 2020 before making his debut for Barcelona B.
    In 2021 he was promoted to the first team and earned his senior debut for the Spanish National team.
    Gavi has already been considered a star by Xavi and one to watch for the future.
    But, his future at the Catalan club remains uncertain due to his low release clause and wages.
    He could prove to be the ideal long-term signing for Pep Guardiola’s side and would be a fantastic asset alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish.
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    However, the youngster has made it clear that he would prefer to stay in Barcelona for as long as possible.
    He is reportedly hesitant about making such a big move so early into his career and is excited by the prospect of playing alongside Pedri and Ansu Fati. More

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    Arsenal joined in Renato Sanches transfer race as Barcelona make Lille midfielder ‘priority signing’ this month

    BARCELONA have joined Arsenal in the race for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches’ signature, according to reports.Lille confirmed in October that they will allow the 24-year-old to leave the club in January if a suitable offer emerges.
    Sanches has reignited his career during his spell at LilleCredit: Getty
    Reports in France at the time suggested that Arsenal were prepared to make an offer of around £25million for the Portuguese midfielder.
    However, the Gunners may now face some competition from Spanish giants Barcelona who are also eyeing up a move for the star.
    According to Portuguese broadcaster ELEVEN, Sanches has become a ‘priority signing’ for Xavi.
    Barcelona have already named Ferran Torres as their first signing of the window, but they are hoping to make a few more additions in a bid to climb up the LaLiga table.
    Meanwhile, Arsenal are currently in the market for another midfielder to fill in the gap left by Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny who will both compete in the Africa Cup of Nations this month.
    Ainsley Maitland-Niles could also be unavailable after rumours began circulating about a potential loan move to Roma.
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    Sanches first caught everybody’s eye when he broke through at Benfica in 2015.
    He then made a move to Bayern Munich in 2016 for a fee of around £35million, but his form took a huge dip.
    In a bid to reignite his career he was then loaned out to Swansea City but did not live up to the high expectations of fans.
    The midfielder was transferred to Lille in 2019 and has since found his form and guaranteed his spot in the starting XI. More

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    Chelsea star Christensen signs with agency linked to Lionel Messi’s brother fuelling Barcelona transfer talk

    ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN has signed up to an agency with strong links to Lionel Messi’s brother – fuelling speculation he is Barcelona bound.Chelsea’s Danish centre-half is out of contract at the end of this season and talks over a new deal stalled just before Christmas.
    Andreas Christensen is free to enter talks with other clubs with his contract due to expire at the end of this termCredit: Rex
    About the same time, Christensen teamed up with the KIN agency, in which Nou Camp legend Lionel Messi’s older brother Rodrigo has huge interests.
    Under freedom of contract rules, the Denmark star is now free to talk to rival clubs as his contract winds down at Stamford Bridge.
    Chelsea have grown increasingly impatient with negotiations as they try to persuade their one-time academy player to agree to an extension.
    And first-team head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed his exasperation, admitting that several times he was convinced a deal had been sorted only for the situation to change.
    Christensen has traditionally been represented by his father Sten.
    KIN also look after world-class players such as Manchester City’s German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
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    Christensen has had a special affection for Barcelona for many years, which endures despite their recent troubles on and off the pitch.
    Chelsea are fighting battles on two fronts as they try to convince the centre-back that his future lies with them
    And the two-Champions League winners are also facing an uphill struggle to keep hold of fellow defender Antonio Rudiger.
    Rudiger, 28, who has made 175 Blues appearances, is also out of contract this summer.
    It is reported the Germany international has now opened talks with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Barcelona’s main Spanish rivals Real Madrid about a possible deal in the summer.
    Antonio Rudiger has been linked with Bayern Munich and LaLiga giants Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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    How Barcelona can afford transfers like Haaland just months after announcing £1.2BILLION debt and releasing Messi

    BARCELONA president Joan Laporta claims it is “very possible” the Nou Camp side can sign Norwegian superstar Erland Haaland this year and promised: “Barca are back.”But this was the same Catalan club that was forced to unload Lionel Messi and a string of other prized assets only last summer.
    Joan Laporta claims Barcelona will be among the sides battling to sign Erling HaalandCredit: AFP
    Sun Sport explains how Barca got into such dire straits – and why Laporta is now so bullish about what seemed a crisis club.
    Ok, so what was Barcelona’s financial position?
    The Covid-hit season of 2020-21 saw the Catalan giants post losses of a staggering £404m, due to a huge wage bill and more than an entire season without crowds.
    That meant a gross debt of around £1.2bn. In October the club announced it was “technically bankrupt” – due to debts and liabilities – when Laporta returned to the helm for the second time in March.
    That’s not good. But the Spanish giants have often been loaded with debt – after all, no bank would ever close on them, would they?
    No, and indeed both Barca and Real Madrid have benefitted from that knowledge in the past.
    But that in an era before La Liga imposed the current tough Financial Fair Play demands.
    Which are?
    Since 2013, “economic controls” have introduced squad limit costs to impose strict budgets for each season, with the aim of preventing “unsustainable debt”.
    La Liga have a group of financial analysts who go through the books of every club to assign the limits.
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    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    What did that mean for Barca?
    Everything!, In 2019-20, the Catalan side had a squad budget of £552m.
    The following season it was down to £322m and this term cut to just £82m, only the seventh highest in Spain – Real Madrid were allowed to spend £621m – and less than Watford’s budget in the Prem.
    And that spelled the end for Messi?
    Yes, despite Barca insisting the Argentine did not want to go and had agreed to take a 50 per cent wage cut.
    But it also forced a fire-sale, headed by the departures of Antoine Griezmann, back on loan to Atletico Madrid with an obligation to buy, Emerson Royal to Spurs for £25m and Junior Firpo to Leeds for £15m.
    In total, Barca sold players worth £82m and did not pay a transfer fee for any of the players who arrived.
    Barcelona’s budgetary issues led the club to part company with superstar playmaker Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
    But they signed Sergio Aguero, didn’t they? And still have massive earners like Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.
    How can they have all them and pay out just £82m?
    They can’t. But they don’t have to. Although the salary cap was set by La Liga, the rules do not force them to sell players whose contracted salaries bust it.
    And even clubs that are over the limit can spend 25 per cent of transfer income on new salaries.
    It is understood that, despite the official limit, Barca’s current wage bill is actually in the region of £335m.
    Yes, but they signed Ferran Torres and are pushing hard for Alvaro Morata – how could they do that, even now that Aguero has been forced to retire?
    They have signed Torres, albeit only paying the £46m transfer fee in four instalments, but not registered him.
    And they can’t register him – or anybody else – until they have shipped out some of the players new boss Xavi no longer wants.
    That is why there is a desperation to find a new taker for Coutinho, Dembele, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti.
    Barca are reportedly willing to consider offers from clubs for a number of players including Samuel UmtitiCredit: Getty
    So why is Laporta so bullish?
    Probably because he has to be – especially with the Catalan fans still not happy despite Xavi’s return in place of axed Ronald Koeman.
    Champions League football next season is a must and while there seems little chance of making up 15 points on Madrid, Barca are up to fifth, within two points of third-placed Betis.
    And they have the fall-back option of winning the Europa League.
    Barca fans want Xavi to steer the club to a Champions League qualifying spot before next seasonCredit: EPA
    But what about the money?
    Gates have been restricted in La Liga so there will not be the normal cash inflow yet Laporta says the club has regained its “weight” in the transfer market.
    It could all be bluster, of course – smoke and mirrors on a grand scale.
    But Laporta also knows that there will always be someone willing to pony up the cash for Barca to spend…. More

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    Barcelona could offer Man Utd Ousmane Dembele for Anthony Martial in January swap transfer deal

    BARCELONA are reportedly looking to prise Anthony Martial from Manchester United by offering Ousmane Dembele in a swap deal.Catalan outlet Ara claims Nou Camp boss Xavi is desperate to sign a striker following Sergio Aguero’s retirement.
    Barcelona are eyeing a move for wantaway Man Utd striker Anthony MartialCredit: Getty
    Barca are ready to offer contract rebel Ousmane Dembele in a swap dealCredit: AFP
    And Martial has now emerged as a target after Ralf Rangnick warned Barca off Edinson Cavani.
    Martial has made it clear he wants to quit Old Trafford this month after attracting interest from Sevilla.
    But Barcelona could now jump the queue by launching a bid including contract rebel Dembele.
    The winger, a target for Newcastle, is set to become a free agent next summer after failing to agree a new deal.
    United have long been linked with Dembele, and could be tempted by a swap involving wantaway Martial.
    Barcelona have already splashed the cash since Xavi’s return, shelling out over £55million for Man City winger Ferran Torres.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    But with Aguero retiring due to a heart condition, Barca have just one recognised striker in loanee Luuk de Jong.
    And Xavi was initially hoping to add United’s veteran hitman Cavani to his squad.
    However, Red Devils boss Rangnick revealed today that the Uruguayan would be staying put until the summer.
    Barcelona have also expressed an interest in former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata.
    Juventus have told parent club Atletico Madrid they will not make his loan deal permanent.
    And Morata is reportedly eager to end his second Turin spell to link up with Xavi.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    But Juve have warned Barcelona they will not terminate Morata’s loan unless a replacement can be found.
    Ironically, Juventus were also keen on Cavani.
    But with the veteran staying put, the Italians are now said to be looking at Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauro Icardi and Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak. More

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    Man Utd fans fear Edinson Cavani ‘waved goodbye’ in win over Burnley and will leave in January transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans fear Edinson Cavani ‘waved goodbye’ to the club following yesterday’s win over Burnley.The striker, 34, started in the 3-1 win at Old Trafford on Thursday.
    Edinson Cavani waves as he leaves the Old Trafford pitch on ThursdayCredit: EPA
    Man Utd fans fear Edinson Cavani ‘waved goodbye’ after the 3-1 win over BurnleyCredit: Getty
    But supporters were taken aback by Cavani’s actions after the final whistle.
    Video footage shows the Uruguayan veteran applauding, waving and blowing kisses to home fans in the Theatre of Dreams.
    Cavani is out of contact next summer and has been tipped to leave after struggling to hold down a regular spot in the starting XI.
    Spanish giants Barcelona are reportedly plotting a January swoop following Sergio Aguero’s retirement.
    Meanwhile, fallen Italian giants Juventus and Brazilian Samba side Corinthians have also been linked.
    And some United fans reckon Cavani’s gestures after the Burnley game were goodbye messages.

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    One said: “Today was different. The matador gesture, the goodbye kisses, the lock sign (together always) and the teary face.
    “I hope he does stay but that felt like goodbye.”
    Another tweeted: “It’s most likely that he is leaving in January.”
    One noted: “We can’t let him leave right now, with Covid and injuries he’s the best 9 we have.”
    Another added: “I hope it’s not true, would be gutted if he left in January.”
    Cavani joined United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and scored 17 goals last season.
    He has two goals this term in 10 games but has struggled for consistency with injuries.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Barcelona board and Xavi split on raiding Chelsea for Azpilicueta and Christensen despite duo ‘willing to join for free’

    BARCELONA are pondering a move for Chelsea pair Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, Spanish reports say. The Blues defensive duo are both out of contract at the end of the season, and yet to renew their deals.
    Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are both linked with BarcelonaCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
    Unless they sign a contract extension, in January they are allowed to start negotiating a free transfer abroad.
    According to Sport, both Azpilicueta, 30, and Christensen, 25, are keen on a move to Barca, with the LaLiga giants also interested.
    But it is claimed no official offers have been made to the pair.
    Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt, 22, is said to be Barca boss Xavi’s preferred choice, but a far more expensive one at that.
    That means the club legend oculd soon be at odds with his cash-strapped bosses.
    Especially with fund now even lower after the club somehow funded the £55million deal for Man City’s Ferran Torres.
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    Chelsea also face losing Antonio Rudiger, 28, with the German also facing six months left on his deal.
    And there is growing concern from Stamford Bridge that the German will not renew, with Real Madrid a heavily linked alternative.
    Contrary to reports in Spain, club captain Azpilicueta on the other hand is willing to stay and fight for his place, The Athletic say.
    But Chelsea have long had a policy of only offering players over 30 one-year extensions.
    Christensen meanwhile could be closing in on a new deal, along with Thiago Silva, journalist  Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
    Silva, 37, signed on a free from PSG in 2019 and was handed one year with the option to extend.
    That was triggered, but the Brazilian is set to now sign another 12-month deal.
    Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger are both out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters More