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    Barcelona confirm France star Ousmane Dembele will be out for four months after going under the knife

    BARCELONA have announced that Ousmane Dembele will be sidelined for four months after undergoing knee surgery.Dembele got injured during Euro 2020 playing for France against Hungary on June 19 in Budapest and had since been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.
    Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele will be sidelined for four monthsCredit: Reuters
    Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele got injured at Euro 2020 while on international dutyCredit: Getty
    The winger was then flown to Finland for an operation on his right knee and Barca understand that they will be deprived of his services until the autumn.
    A statement from Barcelona read: “The first team player Ousmane Dembele underwent a successful operation in Turku (Finland) by Dr. Lasse Lempainen, under the supervision of the Club’s medical services, for discerning the distal biceps femoris tendon in his right knee. 
    “The approximate time out is four months.
    “Barca’s No. 11 had participated – coming off the bench – in  France’s first two matches at the Euros and was injured in the second of them, which was played on Saturday June 19 in Budapest against Hungary.

    “It should be remembered that Ousmane Dembele played a total of 44 games this season under Ronald Koeman, in which he has scored 11 goals.”
    Dembele’s four-year stint at Barcelona has been riddled with injury ever since his £135.5million move from Borussia Dortmund.
    The France international’s maiden season in Spain was marred by a series of knocks and he was thus limited to just 23 appearances across all competitions.

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    In February 2020, the 24-year-old was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring tear.
    However, that hasn’t stopped Dembele from amassing 118 appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring 30 goals along the way.
    The Frenchman didn’t miss much from Euro 2020 after his injury as his national team was shockingly eliminated from the competition by Switzerland in the Round of 16.
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    Ousmane Dembele shows off his skills in training with Barcelona More

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    Chelsea interested in Barcelona outcast Miralem Pjanic but face three-club transfer battle with Juventus and PSG

    MIRALEM PJANIC is reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a Barcelona fire sale.The LaLiga giants are facing mounting debt and have been told to drastically cut their wage bill.
    Miralem Pjanic reportedly favours a move to JuventusCredit: Getty
    Samuel Umtiti, Philippe Coutinho and Martin Braithwaite are just some of the players linked with moves this summer.
    According to ESPN, midfielder Pjanic is among them.
    The 31-year-old signed only 12 months ago from Juventus in a contrived swap deal for Brazilian playmaker Arthur Melo.
    Yet he has failed to light up the Camp Nou and did not score a goal during their failed LaLiga title bid.
    Therefore Barcelona are said to be ready to accept a reasonable bid for Pjanic.
    Massimiliano Allegri signed the Bosnian for Juventus in 2016 and helped turn him into one of the world’s top central midfielders.

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    The Italian is now back in Turin for the new season and is reportedly interested in securing Pjanic’s return.
    But the Old Lady are thought to not be too keen on a permanent transfer with a significant fee.
    Whether a loan deal is of interest to Barcelona remains to be seen.
    Earlier in the summer, the player was said to want a move back to Italy.

    Chelsea and PSG have also been named by Le10Sport as considering a loan bid.
    Thomas Tuchel is preparing to spend big to turn his Blues team into Premier League title challengers.
    On the German’s wishlist is a new centre-back with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde strongly linked alongside Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.
    Former striker Romelu Lukaku has also been lined up but is not thought to be ready to leave Inter Milan.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Barcelona ‘want to offer Chelsea Miralem Pjanic in swap transfer for Jorginho’ after career revival under Thomas Tuchel More

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    Barcelona should sign Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, claims Samuel Eto’o who played for BOTH fierce rivals

    BARCELONA legend Samuel Eto’o thinks the Catalans should sign Sergio Ramos this summer.The Real Madrid legend was released this month after his contract expired and is being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
    Samuel Eto’o says he would sign Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos if he was in charge at former club Barcelona
    But Eto’o, 40, who played for both Spanish giants, is keen for Ramos to do likewise.
    As a PSG fan the Cameroonian would also like Ramos to move to Paris, as he believes the Spaniard could help the club to an elusive first Champions League title.
    But he also suggested that Barcelona ought to make a move for the 35-year-old.
    He told AS: “Hopefully Sergio goes to PSG. If I could sign him for Barca, I would.
    “If he goes to PSG, I will be happy and I know that he will help us win the Champions League, which is proving very difficult for us.”
    Eto’o may not get his Barcelona wish however, as Ramos has reportedly ruled out a move to the Nou Camp or to his former club Sevilla.
    Ramos struggled with fitness last season and made just 15 league appearances for Real.
    And his lack of game time meant Luis Enrique left him out of the Spain squad for Euro 2020.
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    Ramos, 35, has been heavily linked with a move to PSG this summer

    But Ramos does have plenty of options available this summer.
    Chelsea have become the latest side linked to the veteran defender while Jose Mourinho is keen to take him to Roma.
    But both clubs could be left disappointed as Ramos has reportedly told his Madrid pals that he is destined for PSG.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Premier League clubs ask about Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka but face transfer battle with Barcelona and Real Madrid

    LEON GORETZKA has emerged as a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a host of Premier League clubs.Bayern Munich are in talks over extending the midfielder’s contract, which runs out in 2022.
    Leon Goretzka has been a key player for Bayern Munich after signing in 2018Credit: AP
    A continued stay in Bavaria is reportedly Goretzka’s preferred option but negotiations over his salary have not yet produced an agreement.
    The 26-year-old’s agent, Jorg Neubauer, was recently forced to retire and Neubauer’s wife has taken charge in his stead along with Bundesliga heavyweight agent Thomas Kroth.
    According to German outlet Sport1, a deal is very much in sight with Bayern determined not to lose the player.
    But interest is high with Premier League clubs as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly contacting his new representatives.
    In three seasons with Munich, Goretzka has won a trio of Bundesliga titles plus two DfB-Pokals and a Champions League.
    He is tipped to start in Germany’s Euro 2020 decider against Hungary on Wednesday night having overcome a thigh problem.

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    Thomas Muller is a major doubt for the Allianz Arena clash due to a knee injury.
    And Goretzka said: “I’ve got it in me to play the Thomas Muller role.
    “In many ways, his position for the national time is similar to mine. It’s a position I’ve played in before for the national team, and I’m ready to help the team.
    “The tournament can really begin for me now.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Germany stars sing 4 Non Blondes’ ‘What’s Up’ and play guitars ahead of Euro 2020 clash vs Hungary More

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    Arsenal chasing £18m-rated Brazilian striker Yuri Alberto, 20, but face competition from Barcelona for summer transfer

    ARSENAL are pursuing highly-rated striker Yuri Alberto, according to reports.The 20-year-old has impressed for Brazilian side Internacional this season, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances for the club.
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    Alberto has caught the attention of Barcelona as well as ArsenalCredit: AP
    The striker has garnered a lot of interest after an impressive season in BrazilCredit: AFP
    As well as performing well at club level, Alberto has also picked up two caps for the Brazil Under-23s team.
    And Arsenal will be hoping they can secure the youngster’s services this summer.
    According to Globoesporte, the Gunners are keen to bring Alberto in to bolster their attacking options.
    But they will have to fend off interest from Spanish giants Barcelona if they are to seal the deal.
    Arsenal are said to have been keeping tabs on Alberto since his time at Santos, where he netted three times in 27 games.
    SER Catalunya radio reported on Thursday that he had been offered to Barcelona for the price of £11m.
    But that offer ‘did not excite’ Barca despite it appearing to be a bargain price for the young talent.
    However, Internacional are still hoping they can receive a substantial fee for the striker.
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    Elsewhere in the transfer window, Arsenal have made an official offer of more than £30million for Norwich star Emi Buendia.
    But Norwich, who do not need to sell financially, are playing hard ball and insist they want £40m for the Championship player of the year.
    The Canaries, who accept their star player will leave, expect the clubs to increase their fight over their star asset during the next couple of days but a deal could be close.
    Buendia, 24, was a £1.5million bargain from Getafe in 2018 but Norwich will have to hand over 20 per cent sell-on fee to the Spanish side.
    With 15 goals, Buendia helped Norwich return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Man City defender Eric Garcia confirms Barcelona transfer… and cannot resist hilarious dig at Man Utd

    MANCHESTER CITY defender Eric Garcia has confirmed he is leaving to join Spanish giants Barcelona, but not before he aimed one final dig at local rivals Manchester United.The 20-year-old Spaniard was born in Barcelona and was in their youth team until 2017.
    Garcia is swapping Man City for Barcelona as he goes in search of more minutesCredit: Getty
    He left for Man City four years ago but has only played 35 times for the Sky Blues in his three seasons with the first team.
    Speaking to Catalan outlet L’Esportiu about his decision to return to Barca, he said: “I have thought about my future and what I think is best now.
    “I think it’s a brave decision. I am very convinced of the step I have taken.”
    He was then asked about comparisons between himself and Gerard Pique, who came back to Barca as a young defender after a four-year stint with Man Utd.
    “I don’t care because I think we’re different footballers, right? The truth is, I play down the subject,” he added.
    “Gerard has achieved everything, he is one of the best central defenders in the world, he is more than recognised and I am 20 years old and I am starting my career, practically.
    “So the only possible comparison is this: that we are both from the [Barcelona] academy and we lived in Manchester, but he played for the not-so-good team.
    “I was luckier and I was able to play for the best team in Manchester. It’s a shame for him.”
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    Pique was a part of Man Utd’s team between 2004 and 2008Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Garcia also took the time to speak about legendary Man City striker Sergio Aguero.
    He said: “Kun [Aguero] is a phenomenon and a goal-scoring machine. How old are you? Forget it!
    “Kun will score goals until the age of 100. He is a legend, a myth. And a fabulous teammate.”
    The Argentine is the club’s all-time top scorer but is leaving at the end of the season when his contract comes to an end.
    Aguero is strongly linked with a move to Barca to join up with international teammate Lionel Messi.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Pep Guardiola says he is staying put at Man City ahead of Champions League final against Chelsea More

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    Southampton interested in transfer of Barcelona full-back Junior Firpo as they search for Ryan Bertrand replacement

    SOUTHAMPTON are hunting down Barcelona defender Junior Firpo to replace Ryan Bertrand, according to reports in Spain.The former Chelsea left-back will become a free agent at the end of next month with Arsenal and Leicester tipped to offer a contract.
    Ryan Bertrand is set to leave Ralph Hasenhuttl’s SouthamptonCredit: Reuters
    Ralph Hasenhuttl will therefore look to the market having recently shifted central defender Mohammed Salisu over to the flank in Bertrand’s absence.
    ESPN report on Barcelona’s Firpo, 24, entering the Saints’ radar.
    The Spaniard has played second fiddle to Jordi Alba since his £17million move from Real Betis two seasons ago.
    And he is named among a number of fringe players who Barcelona want to sell as part of a summer overhaul.
    Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho are also up for the chop.
    Southampton are said to have already made first contact to gauge a move.
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    But fierce competition is likely to come from Serie A, where a number of clubs are described as keen.
    AC Milan attempted to sign Firpo on loan in January and the Rossoneri could offer Champions League if they come back in for his signature.
    A busy summer could be in store for Southampton with a replacement potentially also needed for Danny Ings.
    The striker has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester United or neighbours City, as an alternative to Harry Kane.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Lionel Messi agrees two-year Barcelona contract extension More

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    Lyon chief Juninho delivers stinging attack on ex-Man Utd star Memphis Depay with forward set for Barcelona transfer

    LYON sporting director Juninho delivered a stinging attack on Memphis Depay, who is set to sign for Barcelona. The forward fancied a move to the Nou Camp last summer but the Spaniards could not afford to sign him.
    Memphis Depay is set to quit Lyon for BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    Lyon sporting director Juninho delivered a stinging attack on Memphis DepayCredit: Getty
    Instead, with his contract expiring ths summer, he will leave for Barcelona on a free transfer.
    Lyon chief Juninho confirmed the club made attempts to keep Depay, but took a swipe at the attacker for being too self-centered.
    And he insisted the 27-year-old is not at the level of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, therefore cannot expect preferential treatment.
    Juninho told OLTV: “Memphis, he has done his time. The president made a lot of efforts for him to extend. Memphis, he wanted a team for him.
    “That is not a criticism. I had a good relationship with him. However, it was as if the whole team had to work around him and that was very hard.
    “Because everyone needs to feel like they are working equally.
    “There are only 4 players in the world who you should do everything for him: Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Mbappe.
    “If you have one of them, things should work around them. Sorry, I think Memphis is good, but not at the level of those four. And I think he needs to work more off of the ball.”
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    The Dutchman, who scored 22 goals in 40 appearances this season, is set to be joined at Barca by Sergio Aguero, 32, who will leave Manchester City after the Champions League final.
    Depay confirmed Lyon’s last game of the season would be his final for the club as he said farewell after four years in France.
    He said to L’Equipe: “It will be strange to think that I will play my final game for the club on Sunday against Nice.
    “I am a bit sad that I won’t be able to do that in front of the fans, in an empty stadium without my friends, the fans and my family.
    “I’ve had some great times here. I have played in the Champions League, I have captained the team and I am a much better player now.
    “I want to go to one of the two or three best clubs in the top five leagues. I don’t know where I will end up yet, but that’s my plan.
    “If people don’t consider me a player of that level then they have a problem with me. If I am not on the list of great players then it’s their problem.”
    Lyon star Memphis Depay works out in football training More