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      Barcelona turn down world-record bid from Arsenal to sign England star Keira Walsh before summer transfer deadline

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      BARCELONA rejected a world-record bid from Arsenal to sign Keira Walsh a day before the WSL summer transfer deadline on Friday. Reports claim the Gunners tabled a megabucks offer for the England star on September 12 – believed to be around £930,000 according to BBC Sport. Arsenal are claimed to have had a late summer transfer bid for Keira Walsh’s services knocked back by BarcelonaCredit: GettyBarcelona Women’s boss Pere Romeu described Walsh as “super professional” says his side will be counting on her this seasonCredit: ReutersArsenal’s reported bid for Walsh follows the Gunners signing ex-Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey in JulyCredit: GettyHowever Spanish paper Sport claims the Catalan giants rebuffed the bid from the North London side, with Chelsea also rumoured to be keen on the player. This is despite Walsh, 27, who has helped her team win seven trophies including two Champions League titles, entering the final year of her current contract. Earlier this summer it was reported the Lioness, who in September 2022 sealed a then world record-breaking £400,000 Barcelona transfer, was attracting interest from Arsenal. The midfielder, who joined the team from Manchester City after helping England win the Women’s Euros, has emerged as an influential figure for the Catalan outfit.Read More Football StoriesShe has shone in midfield alongside Spain stars Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmati with the trio helping their side win four major trophies last term. The club see the Rochdale-born midfielder, who started in Barcelona’s first two league matches this season, as a key player within their squad Yesterday boss Pere Romeu confirmed the club had no intention of parting ways with the player who helped her side win a ninth top-flight title last seasonHe told reporters: “There’s no case for Keira leaving. Most read in Football”She’s been with us throughout pre-season and is a key player for us.”She totally gets our style of play, is super professional, and has shown an amazing attitude and commitment from day one. “We’re definitely counting on her this season,” It is claimed Walsh does not intend to renew her contract which is set to expire in June next year. Since her move to Barcelona, who this April signed a two-year partnership with Spanish airline Vueling, the England midfielder has played in 49 games in Spain’s top-flight. On the domestic front Walsh has lifted two Liga F trophies, two Spanish Women’s Super Cups, and a Copa de la Reina.And she appeared in their five pre-season matches including their 2-0 Joan Gamper Trophy win against AC Milan last month.Had Arsenal succeeded in their efforts to sign Walsh, the move would have made her the second player to join the club from Barcelona this summer.In July World Cup-winning Spain forward Mariona Caldentey sealed a permanent switch the Gunners following a 10-year spell with the Catalan side.María Pérez is among the senior players to have left Barcelona this summer with the Spain midfielder joining London City LionessesThis summer’s transfer window has also seen the club bid farewell to Spain international María Pérez.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier today the defensive midfielder, 22, was announced as the newest signing of London City Lionesses whose squad includes Sweden stars Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson. The Women’s Championship side, owned by American businesswoman Michelle Kang, are chasing WSL promotion this term. More

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      Ousmane Dembele becomes third most expensive transfer EVER seven years after leaving Borussia Dortmund

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      OUSMANE DEMBELE has become the third most expensive transfer of all-time… SEVEN years after completing the move.The winger, 27, joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for an initial £96million.Ousmane Dembele’s Borussia Dortmund exit has become the third most expensive transfer everCredit: EPABarcelona paid a total of £125million after add-ons and bonuses for Dembele in 2017Credit: AP:Associated PressHis fee saw him tied with Paul Pogba’s Manchester United return as the eleventh most expensive deal in football history.However, Dembele has now risen to third in the list after the final cost of his Barca switch was revealed.He leapfrogs Philippe Coutinho’s 2018 move to the Nou Camp from Liverpool, in a deal understood to have been worth £105million.According to Bild, the Spanish giants paid £125million in total for the Frenchman once bonuses and add-ons were included.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong those add-ons was £17million from Barca qualifying for the Champions League twice during Dembele’s time at the club.The fees see Dembele place behind Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who were signed by Paris Saint-Germain for £198million and £163million, respectively.His move to LaLiga came just a year after joining Dortmund from Rennes for £30million.During his single season in Germany, Dembele scored 10 goals and provided 22 assists in 50 appearances.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe forward went on to spend six years at Barcelona before a £42million switch to PSG last summer.That deal took his cumulative transfer fees to £197million following 40 goals in 185 appearances for the Blaugrana.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveDembele joined Paris Saint-Germain last summer to take his cumulative fees to £197millionCredit: RexMeanwhile, Bild also report Dortmund have made more from player sales than any other German club since 2015.Across the last nine years, BVB have raked in £876million in transfer fees.Those fees include Jude Bellingham’s £87million move to Real Madrid in 2023, which could rise to £115million with add-ons.Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland have also been sold for over £50million in recent seasons.Dortmund have raked in £876million from player sales since 2015, including an initial £87million for Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyErling Haaland and Jadon Sancho were also sold for a combined £123millionCredit: AFP More

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      ‘I’m not at the start of my career. I have to make smart moves to accomplish my dreams’, says Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE is desperate to fulfil a dream that has so far eluded her during a trophy-laden 17-year playing career.Lifting the Champions League trophy with an English club is a milestone the Chelsea star, 32, is yet achieve.Lucy Bronze believes Chelsea are in a stronger position to win the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe England full-back has won the competition five times with Lyon and BarcelonaCredit: GettyBronze helped her former club Barca win their third Champions League title when they beat Lyon 2-0 in May this yearCredit: GettyBut it’s something she hopes to do with the Blues determined to end their trophyless run in the tournament.Adding Europe’s biggest club prize to their collection of 16 trophies – including seven WSL titles – is a top priority in a new era for the Blues under Sonia Bompastor.The France-born head coach, 44, has won the contest as a midfielder and a manager during a playing and coaching career spanning 17 years with Lyon.And Bronze is no stranger to winning the tournament having done so three times with the French side, and twice with Barcelona.Read More Football StoriesThe right-back, who joined Chelsea on a two-year deal in July after two years in Spain, said: “Those moments: Champions League finals, World Cup finals, European finals, they don’t come along that often.“They’re the best feelings that you have as an athlete.”Going for those every year is something that really motivates me but I’m motivated by the fact that I absolutely love what I do.”I’m not at the start of my career so I had to make smart moves to try to accomplish these dreams that I have.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Winning the Champions League with an English team has always been my dream.”Coming to Chelsea, I wanted to win the Champions League with an English team and they are the best team to do that with.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club”I won the tournament for the first time at Lyon, but nothing would ever be as good as doing it with an English team.”That’s something that I felt playing for England as well, winning a tournament with England means more to me than anything else.”Bronze’s hunger to help Chelsea become the first English side since Arsenal to win Europe’s elite club competition is an ambition shared by her boss.It has been 17 years since a team from these shores has triumphed in the contest.Within that time clubs from France and Germany have been the most dominant sides prior to Barcelona’s emergence as champions on three occasions since 2021.Bompastor’s former club Lyon are the contest’s current record winners. Since 2011 they have lifted the trophy eight times, with Bronze featuring in their wins in 2018, 2019 and 2020.In her first Blues press conference last month Bompastor made it clear that Champions League glory with Chelsea was among her targets.  And she believes a triumph in Europe would take her team 2to the next level”.Bompastor, whose side will host Aston Villa on September 20, said: “They have had a lot of success in past seasons thanks to Emma (Hayes).”My job is to work really hard to build on that legacy and try to bring the club to the next level.”Being able to win the Champions League will be a big challenge because there are a lot of really competitive clubs in Europe.”I think we have all the talent in the squad to go to the final and have a chance to win it.”In Bronze’s mind Chelsea emerging as victors in the tournament is just a matter of the team adding a “small bit” to their big pushes in Europe.Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.Lucy Bronze Past forays have seen them notch up firsts including beating two-time contest winners Wolfsburg for the first time in the tournament in 2021.They did so on the way to reaching the contest’s decider for the first time, where they were defeated by Barcelona. But Bronze, whose chat with Bompastor after this year’s final in June paved the way for move to London, believes her gaffer’s experience will be key to the Blues’ aim to join the list of tournament’s winners.  The Northumberland-born defender, who helped Barcelona beat Lyon in this year’s final added: “Chelsea have been to the final. “They’ve beaten the top teams. They are already in a lot better position. “Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.”Sonia’s been very experienced in the Champions League and that makes a huge difference.”Since her senior club football debut for Sunderland at 16 in 2007, Bronze has played for the Black Cats, Everton, Liverpool, Lyon and for Manchester City in two separate stints.During her playing career in England, the Lioness has won seven major domestic trophies including three WSL titles. The full-back was also an influential figure in England’s run to the last Women’s Euros and World Cup finals, helping her team become European Champions for the first time in 2022.Next summer Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will attempt to make history with their hope of becoming the first England team to win back-to-back Euros.Since the Lionesses’ tournament win two years ago, Bronze made 69 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions during her two-year spell there.But while the Catalan giants offered her a contract extension, reports claim the full-back was not a guaranteed to be a starter next season.On whether competing for an England spot for next year’s Euros influenced to her decision to leave the club, Bronze said: “I knew that as a Barcelona player I didn’t think I could keep going at that level.”Playing that amount of games every year, and all the travel they go through.”So coming back to England there are less games, maybe they are a bit more intense each, but I have more time to recover which I think is more important to me.”The (Women’s Super) league is special because the rivalries are getting stronger each year. “They are the games you look forward to no matter what league you play in.Bronze is set to make her first appearance in the WSL as a Chelsea player when they host Aston Villa on September 20Credit: Getty”To come back and to play in these rivalries, and to witness other ones like City and United, that’s what the supporters like to see.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It brings the drama to the game so I am looking forward to that. “The Chelsea-Arsenal game is the one I’m looking forward the most.” More

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      Former Premier League star shares beach pic with stunning bikini-clad wife… then savages troll in brutal five word blast

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      RAPHINHA showed off a beach break with his bikini-clad wife as he tore into trolls.The Barcelona winger shared loving photos as he relaxed with a smile and ravaged critics with some brutal comebacks.Many fans reckon pictures speak louder to trolls than wordsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/raphinha/Raphinha and Natalia Rodrigues are one of Brazilian sport’s glamour couplesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/raphinha/Raphinha split opinion by deciding to hit back at sad jibesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/raphinha/Raphinha posed in just swim shorts with his arms round Natalia Rodrigues, a childhood friend who he began dating three years ago and wed in February 2022.But followers of the former Leeds hero were divided between praise for his straight-talking and shock that he took time out to deal with “keyboard warriors”.One of the strangest pieces of abuse faced by Raphinha was this message: “I’m not ugly I just don’t have money.”But the 68-cap Brazilian responded with: “You ugly even with money.”READ MORE TOP STORIESRaphinha arguably fired into the top corner even more fiercely with another reply.One social media user queried: “What would happen to you if you weren’t a Barca player?”The ex-Rennes and Sporting Lisbon ace retorted: “A lot more man than you, monster.”Prem giants like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with Raphinha since he switched from Elland Road to Barca in July 2022.Most read in FootballRaphinha’s partner Rodrigues is a huge star onlineCredit: Instagram @taia_belloliBut the Spanish giants have generally insisted he is not for sale.And in fact transfer talk over the 27-year-old faded dramatically over the last summer.Who are these famous footballers?FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNow the main speculation is over why Raphinha has engaged with sad comments online.One fan wrote: “Why is he entertaining keyboard warriors.”Watch Raphinha PUNCH Marcos Alonso’s seat repeatedly in meltdown after Barcelona star is subbed against Man UtdRaphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds two years agoCredit: RexAnother said of the “ugly” flare-up: “The crazy thing is Raphinha is handsome so makes no senseA third observer handed out this advice: “Raphinha should stop replying and just enjoy life.”And a fourth put snide remarks down to jealousy.He posted: “Raphinha is living there dream lives playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world making 6 figures weekly lol whilst they do nothing but hate.”Meanwhile, the superstar is recuperating on the international break with his partner Natalia.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd many of his fans reckon the 25-year-old Instagram star is the only person who should be an influencer on him when it comes to online views.Rodrigues starting dating the footballer in 2021 and wed the next yearCredit: Instagram / @taia_rodriguessShe has been known as the fashionista of the Brazilian WAGsCredit: Instagram / @taia_rodriguessNatalia shares exotic fans with her army of online followersCredit: Instagram @taia_belloliNatalia has known Raphinha since childhoodCredit: Instagram / @taia_rodriguess More

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      Ex-Barcelona ace claims reason they didn’t win more titles and famously lost to Liverpool was because they were ‘BORED’

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      IVAN RAKITIC has claimed that his Barcelona side were beaten by Liverpool in 2019 because they were “BORED”.The LaLiga giants were dumped out of the Champions League by the Premier League outfit after an unforgettable 4-0 defeat at Anfield.Liverpool mounted a spectacular comeback to beat Barcelona in 2019Credit: Times Newspapers LtdIvan Rakitic has claimed the result came about because they were ‘bored’Credit: Getty – ContributorLiverpool mounted a miraculous comeback to win the tie, having been 3-0 down after the first leg in Spain.Divock Origi scored the first before Georginio Wijnaldum’s brace levelled the tie.Origi then netted the iconic winner after latching on to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner.Rakitic, 36, has now insisted that the defeat for Barcelona was as a result of the team being “bored.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “With all due respect and affection to all the teams, Barcelona did not win more because of boredom and thinking about things other than football.”I have heard many of your teammates say that they have never seen anything like this.”We screwed up against Roma and Liverpool, but I am convinced that we were affected by that boredom, by feeling too superior.”If you don’t give your all, you don’t win.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”If we had maintained our hunger, we would have won one or two more Champions Leagues.”Rakitic enjoyed a lot of success in Barcelona during his six-year spell at the club.The 25 top-rated footballers in EA FC25The Croatian midfielder won four LaLiga titles, four Copa de Rey’s and a Champions League in 2015.The result in 2019 saw Jurgen Klopp’s side book their spot in the Champions League final.Liverpool went on to win the match against fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Barcelona chief breaks silence on Ilkay Gundogan’s shock transfer return to Man City and reveals real reason he left

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      BARCELONA transfer chief Joan Laporta has revealed the reasons behind Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Manchester City.Gundogan, 33, left Man City as a treble-winner last summer to join the Catalan outfit when his contract expired.Ilkay Gundogan returned to Man City after a season with BarcelonaCredit: GettyGundogan left following the big money signing of Dani OlmoCredit: EPABut Barcelona chief Joan Laporta insists Gundogan’s exit was down to ‘sporting’ reasonsCredit: GettyHowever, just one year later, he sealed a move back to his old stomping ground on a free transfer to reunite with Pep Guardiola and co.His time in Catalonia came in a season in which Barcelona desperately struggled across the board.It also saw Gundogan brutally call out his team-mates after their exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, with his wife later forced to defend his “treble mentality”.The German was reportedly the eighth-highest earner in the squad on £165,000 a week, but Barcelona needed to make room in their budget in order to register new signing Dani Olmo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Blaugrana chief Joan Laporta has insisted Gundogan left for sporting reasons, following a discussion with new manager Hansi Flick.Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, he said: “[Gundogan is] a great player and an excellent person. The year we spent with him showed us what he’s like. “But after a meeting with [Hansi] Flick and assessing the situation of the squad, he decided he wanted to leave.”The signing of Dani Olmo [meant] he was a player who performs a similar function to that of Gundo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s purely a sporting decision. It wasn’t a financial one, but the financial repercussions have been good for us. It’s a sporting decision by Barca and Gundogan.”He came without a transfer fee and it was fair that if he wanted to go to City there wouldn’t be a fee.Ilkay Gundogan points blame at two Barcelona team-mates on live TV after nightmare Champions League exit to PSG”It has had an impact on our accounts, but the reason was a sporting decision by the player.”Gundogan made 51 appearances for Barca last season, scoring five goals and adding 14 assists – the most in the squad.He has made two appearances off the bench for the Cityzens this season.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      Cesc Fabregas set to complete double-transfer of Barcelona legend and Man City star as fans say Como are ‘new Inter’

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      CESC FABREGAS’ Como side are poised to sign Barcelona legend Sergi Roberto and Manchester City midfielder Maximo Perrone, according to reports.The ex-Arsenal star, 37, took over as head coach of the newly-promoted Serie A side last month.Cesc Fabregas has landed two new big signings for his sideCredit: AlamySergi Roberto is poised to sign for the Serie A clubCredit: RexHe left Barcelona this summer after featuring 14 times last seasonHaving spent time as a player, academy coach and assistant at the Italian club, he assumed the role as boss and is wasting no time in bolstering his squad.They are already closing in on a deal for Real Madrid youngster Nico Paz, 19.Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, ex-Barcelona man Roberto, 32, is expected to follow suit with a “deal in place” for him to join Como.The versatile midfielder and full-back ended his 18-year affinity with the Catalan giants earlier this month in an emotional press conference after his contract came to an end.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRoberto, who played with Fabregas, racked up 373 games for Barcelona’s first team, winning seven LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues.As a free agent he is an attractive proposition for Como – who are enjoying a first ever season in the top flight.They will offer him a two-year deal plus the option of an additional 12 months.And Roberto is set to be joined in the beautiful Italian region by Man City man Perrone, 21.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaximo Perrone is set to join Roberto at ComoCredit: RexPeronne spent last season on loan at Las PalmasThe Argentine midfielder arrived at the Etihad in January 2023 and made his Premier League debut the following month.After just one more appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side, he spent last season on loan at Las Palmas, playing 29 LaLiga games.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25″Final details” are being worked out around Perrone’s move, but Como are said to be “closing in”.Fabregas began life as Como boss with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.Como then kicked off their league campaign with a 3-0 loss away at Juventus. More

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      Ilkay Gundogan signs autographs as Man City icon meets Pep Guardiola at boss’ Manchester restaurant to seal transfer

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      ILKAY GUNDOGAN has arrived back in England ahead of sealing his free transfer to Manchester City from Barcelona.The midfielder was pictured signing autographs for fans after returning to Manchester.Ilkay Gundogan has arrived back in England ahead of his Manchester City returnCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeGundogan signed autographs for fans as he prepares to complete a free transfer from BarcelonaCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe was spotted leaving a restaurant where he met City manager Pep Guardiola.The pair held a 50-minute meeting at TAST Restaurant in Manchester, which is owned by the Spaniard.City have agreed terms with Gundogan ahead of a dramatic return to the Etihad Stadium.The Premier League champions have seen off rival interest from Turkish sides Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes just over a year after he left for Barcelona following seven years in England.Gundogan signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 before going on to make 304 appearances for City.The German scored 60 goals and provided 38 assists as well as serving as captain in his final season.He also won 14 trophies including the treble during the 2022/23 campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJust 12 months after moving to Barca on a free, though, he has all but left the Spanish giants.Gundogan leads a fire-sale at the club with up to 10 players expected to leave before the transfer window closes. Micah Richards explains awkward exchange with Erling Haaland live on Sky Sports after Man City’s win over ChelseaDuring his time in Spain, he made 51 appearances for Barcelona, scoring five goals.As well as his imminent City return, Gundogan’s international future has also been finalised this week.The 33-year-old announced his retirement from Germany duty after winning 82 caps and scoring 19 goals for his country.He is now set to become Guardiola’s second signing of the summer.City have already added Brazilian winger Savinho to their ranks after bringing him to the club from French side Troyes. More