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      Arsenal exile Aubameyang could be offered career lifeline by Barcelona but wages could wreck January loan transfer

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG could be offered a career lifeline by Barcelona – but his wages could wreck any potential move.The £350,000-a-week striker has been training alone since Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stripped him of the captaincy last week.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could prove too costly for Barcelona next monthCredit: Getty
      The 32-year-old is expected to stay away from the first-team squad until he jets off for international duty with Gabon at the Africa Cup of Nations at the end of this month.
      Italian giants Juventus have been linked with a move for the star over recent days as his Arsenal future remains unclear.
      Now the Daily Mail states that Barcelona have joined the chase for him as well.
      The Catalans want the veteran on loan once the transfer window reopens in January.
      Barca are desperate to bolster their attack following Sergio Auguero’s retirement.
      However, the cash-strapped LaLiga club could be priced out of a swoop due to the forward’s wage demands.
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      Arsenal appear happy to get the ex-skipper off their payroll.
      But they would want Barcelona to pick up the tab in full with regards to Aubameyang’s wages.
      And that is something the Nou Camp outfit may not be able to afford currently.
      They have also been linked with a number of other attackers.
      One of those mentioned is Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani.
      The Uruguayan has only made three starts for the Red Devils this term.
      He is out of contract in June but United are believed to be keen on keeping him at Old Trafford until the end of the season.
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      Liverpool ‘ready to trigger Barcelona wonderkid Gavi’s £43m buyout clause’ as they join Chelsea in transfer race

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      LIVERPOOL are ready to trigger Barcelona wonderkid Gavi’s £43million buyout clause, reports say. The teen starlet has broken into the first-team set-up at the Nou Camp this season and has made a big impression in 13 LaLiga appearances.
      Liverpool are linked with Barcelona wonderkid GaviCredit: Getty
      His contract expires in 2023 but according to Elnacional, the midfielder is stalling on extending his deal.
      It comes with the club seventh in the league and still struggling even with Barca legend Xavi in charge.
      Gavi is said to have a £43m clause in his contract, which many teams are believed to be interested in paying.
      Liverpool are among them with manager Jurgen Klopp keen to add a central midfielder into his side.
      But Chelsea and Bayern Munich are two others linked with the 17-year-old.
      Barca are also said to be considering increasing Gavi’s clause to a huge sum of £840m – just as they did with Ansu Fati and Pedri.
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      The Catalans are determined to hold on to their prized assets, with Gerard Pique likening Gavi and Pedri to Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
      Pedri is reportedly keen to put pen to paper on a new deal which would extend his stay until 2026.
      But Barca face a fight to convince their current and rising stars to stay put after being dumped out of the Champions League.
      A 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich in Germany saw them fail to progress into the knockout stages for the first time in 21 years, adding further misery to their already disastrous season.
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      Bayern Munich dumped Barcelona out of the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd want Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong in cut-price £47m transfer as Ralf Rangnick looks to overhaul squad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED want Frenkie de Jong in a cut-price £47million transfer, according to reports. With Ralf Rangnick appointed interim manager until the end of the season, the German will be looking to make his mark on the squad when the window opens next month.
      Frenkie de Jong is wanted by Manchester United in a bargain January transferCredit: Getty
      And after reportedly turning down the chance to sign Philippe Coutinho from the Catalan giants, United are now being linked with his team-mate De Jong.
      According to El Nacional, the Red Devils are very keen on the 24-year-old Dutch midfielder.
      They know of Barca’s financial woes and therefore would not be willing to offer more than £47m – £18m less than the Catalan giants paid Ajax for De Jong in 2019.
      However, the report adds Barcelona would not even consider accepting an offer lower than £60m.
      De Jong is under contract until 2026 so if Rangnick really wants him at Old Trafford, the United board will need to back him with a bigger transfer fee.
      But Barcelona president Joan Laporta may have no choice but to accept the offer if his club remains in such significant debt.

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      New manager Xavi, who replaced De Jong’s compatriot Ronald Koeman, views the technician as one of his key players and wants to build the team around him.
      He started on the bench in Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Real Betis to ensure he is sharper to face Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
      Xavi insisted there are no plans to sell De Jong – but admitted new arrivals in January must be preceded by sales.
      The ex-midfielder said: “Frenkie de Jong will not leave the club.
      “He’s not for sale – we consider Frenkie as a key player for Barca.
      “The club is working to strengthen the team in the winter transfer window.
      “If a new signing arrives, someone has to leave.”
      Since Rangnick’s appointment, SunSport also revealed United’s plans to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara by activating his £32m release clause.
      And they have also renewed their interest in Aston Villa ace John McGinn as they hope to bolster the midfield options.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      All Golden Boy winners from 2003 and where they are now, including Balotelli, Renato Sanches and Haaland

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      AND the winner is…Barcelona star Pedri has beaten the likes of Man United wonderkid Mason Greenwood to the the 2021 Golden Boy following a 20-man strong shortlist.
      Barcelona star Pedri is the 2021 Golden BoyCredit: Getty

      Greenwood had been in blistering form for the Red Devils but lost out to Spain international Pedri, who has become a standout star for both club and country
      Greenwood was one of three England aces who had been nominated, with Arsenal star Bukayo Saka receiving a second nod in a row and Jude Bellingham also getting recognised for his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund.
      Other notable talents in the running were Barcelona’s Gavi and Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
      Down the years, the likes of Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney have got their hands on the trophy, as well as some underwhelming names like Anderson and Alexandre Pato.
      Even more incredibly Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard and Neymar have all failed in their bid to win it.
      But who are the other previous winners of the award since its 2003 inception? Take a look below…
      2003 – RAFAEL VAN DER VAART
      THEN at Ajax, 20-year-old Van der Vaart was already an established star in Holland – with three full seasons under his belt.
      The 109-cap Holland legend went to play for Hamburg, Real Madrid and Tottenham, as well as Real Betis, Midtjylland and Esbjerg.
      Since retiring, Van der Vaart has dabbled in professional darts – making his BDO debut in 2019.

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      2004 – WAYNE ROONEY
      AFTER exploding on to the scene in 2002-03 with Everton – with that goal against Arsenal – Rooney earned a move to Manchester United that summer.
      After winning the award around his 20th birthday, Rooney went on to win 120 caps for England, become the nation’s all-time leading scorer, while adding five Premier League titles and one Champions League crown, scoring 306 career goals.
      Rooney is now coach at cash-strapped Derby after the sacking of boss Phillip Cocu.
      Wayne Rooney won the Golden Boy award in 2004 shortly after joining UnitedCredit: Rex Features
      Lionel Messi is another big-name star to clinch the famous awardCredit: AFP
      2005 – LIONEL MESSI
      ONLY 18-years-old at the time, Messi exploded on to the scene with Barcelona only a year earlier.
      The Argentine legend has become arguably the greatest player of all time, scoring 672 goals in 778 club games, as well as 80 Argentina goals from 156 games.
      Messi also won ten LaLiga titles, four Champions League crowns – as well as a world-record SIX Ballons d’Or, amongst many, many other accolades.
      Now, he is at PSG after falling out with Barcelona hierarchy.
      2006 – CESC FABREGAS
      THEN at Arsenal, Fabregas was 19-years-old when he was given the nod.
      The Spaniard went on to star for Barcelona and Chelesa before heading to Monaco – where he now plays – with three league crowns to his name, in all.
      2007 – SERGIO AGUERO
      A MANCHESTER CITY legend, Aguero was at Atletico Madrid, aged 19, when he bagged the award.
      Aguero went on to win five titles at City, including the dramatic winner as the club won their first-ever Premier League crown in 2011-12 on the final day of the season.
      Now, he’s at Barcelona for a new challenge.
      2008 – ANDERSON
      THE list’s first true flop, Anderson had joined Man Utd in 2007, thought to be an exciting young winger.
      But issues with form and fitness saw him transition into becoming a wildly underwhelming central midfielder.
      After leaving United in 2015, Anderson turned out for Internacional and Adana Demirspor in the Turkish second tier.
      Mario Balotelli won the award shortly after joining Man CityCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Isco won the award back in his Malaga days before bagging a move to RealCredit: AFP
      2009 – ALEXANDRE PATO
      ANOTHER ‘future superstar’ who never quite became that, Pato was on fire as a 20-year-old at AC Milan, having just scored 15 Serie A goals in 2008-09.
      But injuries and a lack of form saw him move back to Brazil, before an ill-fated loan stint at Chelsea preceded time at Villarreal Tianjin Quanjian and Sao Paulo.
      At 32, Pato is playing in the MLS for Orlando City.
      2010 – MARIO BALOTELLI
      AFTER three red-hot years at Inter Milan, “Super Mario” bagged his move to Man City in the summer of 2010 before winning the Golden Boy award.
      But things never quite panned out for Balotelli as lack of form on the pitch and a series of controversies off it saw him become something of a journeyman.
      Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor are now trying to get a tune out of the erratic Italian.
      2011 – MARIO GOTZE
      THEN only 19-years-old, Gotze was being tipped for a bright future at Borussia Dortmund – and even earned a move to Bayern Munich in 2013.
      But a spate of injuries and a freak illness threatened to derail his career, as a return to Dortmund saw Gotze get back on track – even getting back into the Germany squad.
      Gotze is now at PSV Eindhoven after being released by the Bundesliga giants.
      2012 – ISCO
      AFTER swapping Valencia for Malaga, Isco instantly became a sensation in Spain, earning himself the Golden Boy award in 2012, aged 20.
      He earned a move to Real Madrid a year later, but while featuring 214 times in LaLiga across seven years, many believe he would have earned far more individual success elsewhere.
      Paul Pogba won the Golden Boy award in 2003 while at Juventus
      Raheem Sterling clinched the title while at Liverpool before his Man City moveCredit: PA:Press Association
      2013 – PAUL POGBA
      POGBA quit Old Trafford in 2012 with just three Premier League appearances under his belt – instantly becoming a hit at Juventus.
      The Frenchman quickly became one of the best and most dynamic midfielders in the world, becoming the most-expensive player in the world three years after his Golden Boy win as he rejoined United in an £89m deal.
      Pogba is still at Man Utd but is rumoured to be unhappy with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      He played a huge role as France won the 2018 World Cup.
      2014 – RAHEEM STERLING
      FROM talented star at Liverpool to one of the best players in the world at present, it’s been a meteoric rise for Sterling.
      The England ace won the award aged 19 and would join Man City the following summer – where he has won three Premier League titles.
      However, he has struggled to make Pep Guardiola’s first eleven in recent weeks – with rumours of a move away intensifying.
      2015 – ANTHONY MARTIAL
      THE now-Man Utd star swapped Lyon for Monaco in 2013 and quickly became a key squad member as they rose to the top of French football.
      Another star to see his career stall a tad at Old Trafford, Martial has been unable to score with any regularity.
      Martial won the award early in his Man Utd career after leaving MonacoCredit: Getty
      Matthijs De Ligt is the most-recent winner of the Golden Boy awardCredit: Alamy
      2016 – RENATO SANCHES
      AFTER impressing for Benfica in 2015-16, Sanches was called up to Portugal’s squad for Euro 2016 – and the midfielder starred as they stunned Europe to win the title.
      Sanches, still only 23, earned himself a move to Bayern Munich – but his career hit a brick wall and was even sent on an atrocious loan spell at Swansea.
      The Portuguese flop is now at Lille where he has managed to rebuild his career.
      2017 – KYLIAN MBAPPE
      THE France wonderkid had just joined Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco when the Golden Boy committee came knocking.
      Since making that move permanent in 2018, he has won three Ligue 1 crowns as well as the World Cup in that run, scoring 138 goals for the French club.
      The forward is a target for Real Madrid and Liverpool.
      2018 – MATTHIJS DE LIGT
      DE LIGT was in phenomenal form in 2018-19 as Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League – but even before that stellar run, De Ligt was awarded the Golden Boy award.
      His form saw seemingly every club in the world after him, with Juventus winning the race.
      Despite his big-money move, De Ligt has struggled to replicate his top form in 30 Serie A games, despite Juve winning the league in his first season.
      2019 – JOAO FELIX
      THE Portuguese ace starred at Benfica in the 2018-19 season, ultimately leading to him winning the Golden Boy gong.
      In the same year, Felix made his mega-money move to Atletico Madrid, where he found his feet after a tricky start to life in LaLiga.
      Felix has scored 11 goals in 34 LaLiga games and has won his first 13 caps for Portugal – scoring three times – since 2019.
      2020 – ERLING HAALAND
      LAST year it was Norwegian powerhouse Haaland who was victorious as the Golden Boy.
      The most wanted footballer in the world showed his worth for Borussia Dortmund by plundering 41 goals in as many games for the German giants.
      The son of Leeds United favourite Alf-Inge Håland is destined to be a legend in the game, and has been linked with moves to all the world’s top clubs.
      2021 – PEDRI
      BARCELONA may be suffering financially, as well as still recovering from the bitter blow of losing Lionel Messi.
      But with club legend Xavi returning as manager, fans have even more reasons to be optimistic after Pedri was crowned Golden Boy for 2021.
      The playmaker starred for Barcelona in his first season last term, playing an incredible 52 times.
      Pedri also only made his Spain debut at the start of 2021 but has gone on to secure an amazing TEN caps already, nailing his place in the starting XI during Euro 2020.
      Erling Haaland wows social media with crazy three-ball penalty trick… but did the Man Utd transfer target fake it More

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      Dani Alves forced to deny he convinced Neymar to quit Barcelona for PSG and insists Brazil pal lured HIM to Paris

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      DANI ALVES has denied he convinced Neymar to join Paris Saint-Germain, instead claiming it was the Brazilian who persuaded him.In the summer of 2017, Alves transferred to the Ligue 1 side after just one season with Juventus.
      Alves and Neymar signed for PSG within one month of each otherCredit: Reuters
      The pair enjoyed some sensational times at the Nou CampCredit: Reuters
      Less than one month later Neymar also signed for PSG as he left Barcelona for a world record fee.
      But Alves insists he played no part in his fellow countryman’s decision to depart the Nou Camp and that it was in fact the other way around.
      Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said: “It is the opposite of what people believe, I am grateful to Neymar because it was he who convinced me to sign for PSG.
      “I have had nothing to do with his arrival. My only advice was to tell him to be happy.
      “I swear by my children, that I have nothing to do with the decision.”
      Alves returned to Barcelona earlier this month after five years away from the Spanish giants.

      The 38-year-old has agreed to rejoin despite being paid just ONE EURO per month due to Barca’s financial crisis.
      Following his return to the club, he said: “I am still in shock. I have been trying to return for a long time. It is a privilege to return, we will try to rescue the Barca that we all know.
      “We are in a process, but we have to accelerate it because we are Barca and there is no margin to make mistakes.
      “I am facing an incredible challenge, one of the ones that fascinates me the most.
      “To rebuild, fight, sweat…defend the shirt. There are two shirts that when I put them on I feel like a superhero: the one from Brazil and the one from Barca.”
      Alves played 391 times for Barcelona during his first spell after joining from Sevilla in 2008.
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      He left for Juventus eight years later, but not before he’d got his hands on six LaLiga titles and an impressive three Champions League crowns.
      Since leaving the Catalan giants, Alves has played for Juve, PSG and Sao Paulo.
      The right-back also captained his country to Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020. More

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      Man City edging closer to £75m Frenkie de Jong transfer with broke Barcelona ready to cash in on main asset

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      MANCHESTER CITY are closing in on signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong for £75million as the Spanish side are ready to cash in, according to reports.The 24-year-old joined the Catalan giants for £65m in the summer of 2019 but he has not set the world alight.
      De Jong has struggled to make an impact at BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      The Catalan giants could be willing to listen to an offer for the midfielderCredit: Getty
      And after a difficult start to the season he is being linked with a move away from Barcelona as the club continue to try and climb out of their financial crisis.
      According to El Chiringuito, the LaLiga side are ready to sell De Jong in an attempt to raise funds during their economic downturn.
      And Man City have been discussed as a potential destination for the Dutch midfielder.
      A swap deal with De Jong and Raheem Sterling has been rumoured, but it appears Barca’s financial situation means they would be more inclined to accept a cash offer.
      However, there is still a chance Barca could try and keep him following the arrival of Xavi as their new boss.
      A few months ago, before Xavi was in talks to take over from Koeman as manager, the former Spain midfielder spoke glowingly about De Jong.

      He said: “He is an extraordinary player, he is not afraid to receive the ball in difficult areas, to turn around.
      “He needs time to adapt, it is another culture. It is a big club. Frenkie de Jong is Frenkie de Jong. It has nothing to do with it, neither with me, nor with Iniesta nor with Busquets.
      “He is a very capable footballer, he is going to be the organizer of this generation from the Netherlands. He is very capable of doing it.
      “He has a very good generation and he is going to achieve great things.”
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      De Jong has made 106 appearances for Barcelona, scoring nine goals in the process.
      But he is currently part of a side going through a torrid run of form after a horribly difficult 12 months.
      Barca currently sit ninth in the LaLiga table with just four wins from 12 games so far this season. More

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      Chelsea flop Timo Werner wanted by Barcelona on loan transfer in January with crisis club desperate for new striker

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      BARCELONA are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea flop Timo Werner on loan in the January transfer window.The German forward has struggled to adjust to the Premier League since arriving at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2020.
      Goals have been few and far between for Werner since joining ChelseaCredit: PA
      He has managed just 14 goals in 62 appearances and only two goals so far this season.
      Yet despite his poor form in England, Werner remains a desirable acquisition for many clubs around Europe.
      And, according to The Hard Tackle, Barcelona have now emerged as a potential location for the 25-year-old in January.
      New boss Xavi, who took over from Ronald Koeman last week, has already been hit with a striker crisis at the Nou Camp.
      Martin Braithwaite is continuing to recover from a serious injury, with Sergio Aguero also out indefinitely.
      Young star Ansu Fati is struggling with fitness issues and Luke de Jong is reportedly not favoured by the new Barca manager.

      As a result, they are looking for a new focal point to their attack and Werner is said to fit the mould.
      However, due to the Catalan giants’ crippling financial situation they would only be looking to bring the Chelsea man in on loan.
      As well as Werner, Barca have also been linked with a number of other Premier League forwards.
      These include Manchester City and England international Raheem Sterling and Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.
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      Xavi is looking to turn Barca’s fortunes around after a disastrous start to the campaign under Koeman.
      They currently sit ninth in the LaLiga table having won just four of their opening 12 games.
      And they also face a fight to qualify out of their Champions League group following defeats to Bayern Munich and Benfica. More

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      Dani Alves’ transfer back to Barcelona to be BLOCKED as ‘LaLiga chiefs won’t believe he’s only getting paid ONE EURO’

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      DANI ALVES’ return to Barcelona is set to be BLOCKED by LaLiga chiefs as they do not believe the claim his salary will be ONE EURO.The Brazilian full-back enjoyed eight supremely impressive years at the Nou Camp between 2008 and 2016.
      Alves spent eight years at Barca during some of the most successful years in the club’s historyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And, despite the Catalan giants’ current financial crisis, they are keen to try and secure his return at the age of 38.
      However, according to Esport 3, LaLiga are expected to refuse Alves’ second spell at Barcelona as they do not accept the club’s proposal that his wage will be just one euro.
      The links with a second stint at Barca come two months after the ex-Juventus and PSG man had his Sao Paulo contract ripped up.
      Alves, who still hopes to go to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, played 95 times for Sao Paulo, scoring ten goals.
      But following a disagreement with the club, he parted ways with the Brazilian outfit one month after winning Olympic gold with the national team at the Tokyo Games.
      During his time at Barca, Alves, who is the most decorated footballer ever, won six LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues.

      He was a major part of Pep Guardiola’s iconic team which is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.
      Another member of that legendary outfit was Xavi, who took over as Barca coach last week.
      And Guardiola, who coached both Alves and Xavi during some of the best years of their careers, sent a classy message to the new Barca boss following his appointment.
      He said: “I wasn’t the heir to anybody and Xavi doesn’t have to be my heir.
      “If [Barcelona president] Joan Laporta and the board have chosen Xavi then it’s because there are millions of pros and few cons.
      “He knows the club and will bring positive energy, given how he enjoys football and because of his dedication. He always sees the positive side of things.
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      “With his class, dedication and effort, I’m sure he’ll improve the club’s situation.”
      Xavi will be in charge for Barcelona’s next game against Espanyol on November 20.
      The European giants have slumped to ninth in La Liga having won just four of their 12 games this season. More