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      Lucy Bronze confirms Chelsea move and return to England’s top-flight after Barcelona exit

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      LUCY BRONZE has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving three-time Women’s Champions League winners Barcelona.The England defender’s move to the WSL title holders comes three weeks after her contract with the Catalan giants ended.Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea after a trophy-laden two-year stint with BarcelonaBronze’s move comes a day after the Lioness helped European champions England automatically qualify for next year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBronze, who has won five Champions League trophies, will hope to do so for a sixth time with ChelseaCredit: GettyHer switch was confirmed by Chelsea a day after she helped England automatic qualify for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandThe 125-capped right-back, 32, and her team-mates hope to win the tournament for the second time in a row following their 2022 triumph.Bronze’s transfer will see her return to the Women’s Super League for the first time since leaving Man City two years ago to play in Spain.It will also see her link up with her England team-mates Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones.Read More Football StoriesThe defender, who has won three WSL titles, describes her Chelsea move as “surreal”.Bronze said:  “I’m really excited to be back in England.”My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games. “I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.Most read in Football”To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. “It’s obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time.”Over the course of a 17-year senior playing career which began in Sunderland in 2007 has lifted five Champions League trophies – two with Barcelona and three her former club Lyon.And the full-back has won three WSL titles in 2013, 2014 and 2016 during spells with Liverpool and Man City.  Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender.”She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”Bronze’s arrival at Chelsea follows a busy month of transfers for the Blues since new boss Sonia Bompastor took charge of the club.The ex-Lyon head coach has bolstered her midfield options with Julia Bartel and Oriane Jean-Francois joining from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea’s new additions include France forward Sandy BaltimoreCredit: GettyThis follows Melanie Leupolz’s departure for Real Madrid after four years with the Blues. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have also strengthened their attacking options by signing of France and former PSG forward Sandy Baltimore following Fran Kirby’s move to WSL rivals Brighton.Next season the team will chase an eighth top-flight title win and as well pushing to win the Champions League for the first time. More

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      Arsenal fans fume at ‘underwhelming Xhaka downgrade’ as Gunners battle Barcelona for ex-Newcastle star transfer

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      ARSENAL fans have been left fuming at an “underwhelming Granit Xhaka downgrade” as they battle Barcelona for Spain ace Mikel Merino.The former Newcastle star has spent the past six years with Real Sociedad, helping them become one of LaLiga’s top sides.Arsenal are targeting a move for Spain and Real Sociedad star Mikel MerinoCredit: GettySome fans believe the Barcelona target is a downgrade on Granit XhakaCredit: GettyBut Merino’s contract expires at the end of next season.And clubs are preparing to go to war over his signature.Barcelona are thought to be leading the chase for Merino, who operates as a deep-lying playmaker.But Catalan chiefs fear Arsenal could hijack the move as Mundo Deportivo claims Mikel Arteta sees him as a Xhaka replacement.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Swiss star left for Bayer Leverkusen last summer, helping them win their first ever title.Arsenal used both Thomas Partey and Jorginho in Xhaka’s place despite signing Declan Rice for £100million.But Arteta wants a new No6 to take control of midfield and allow Rice to push forward in attack.Merino’s profile fits the bill, while his experience means he will be expected to hit the ground running.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever, some Arsenal fans are not keen on the proposed move.One said: “An underwhelming Xhaka downgrade.”Meet the Arsenal Wags behind Gunners’ successAnother declared: “Merino in the Xhaka role? I really want Ebe Eze.”One noted: “I really don’t think this is good enough for a team that wants to win the league and challenge for Europe.”But one fan believes Merino would be a good fit.They added: “Merino is a tall Xhaka and a bit faster. Hope we sign him, he is a very good player for midfield.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Chelsea to sign Barcelona’s Marc Guiu, 18, as Blues trigger transfer release clause for star who has played just 7 times

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      CHELSEA are reportedly set to sign Barcelona prodigy Marc Guiu after triggering his release clause.The striker, 18, burst on to the scene for his Spanish club this season, scoring twice in seven senior appearances – including after 33 seconds on his debut.Marc Guiu is close to joining Chelsea after they triggered his £5million Barcelona release clauseCredit: GettyHowever, chances under new boss Hansi Flick may be limited as Barcelona look to add at least one new superstar forward.And AS claims Chelsea have now made their move for Guiu by triggering his £5million release clause.The Blues will discuss terms with the teen on a long-term contract.While a potential loan move to French sister club Strasbourg may also be in the works.READ MORE ON CHELSEAGuiu looks set to become Chelsea’s third signing of the summer after Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Palmeiras’ Estevao Willian, although the latter will not join until 2025.The Blues are also close to a £19m deal for Aston Villa striker Omari Kellyman.And they are also considering a £30m bid for Lille forward Jonathan David, who has 52 club goals in the past two seasons.New boss Enzo Maresca starts his role next week after leading Leicester to the Championship title.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe Italian had been hoping to bolster his ranks with the £55m capture of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.But Chelsea pulled out of a move as Bayern Munich struck terms with the Frenchman.Poch in England frame The Londoners are still thought to be keen on landing a wide-man, although they will target a right-footer and not a left-footer.Lille man David can play on the flanks if needed.While a move for Athletic Bilbao and Spain star Nico Williams has already been deemed too expensive.As for outgoings, Ian Maatsen is on the cusp of a £37m move to Aston Villa.And Armando Broja is being chased by several European clubs following his dud loan spell at Fulham. More

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      Ellie Roebuck hails ‘perfect’ Barcelona move after Catalan giants sign the ex-Manchester City ace on a two-year deal

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      ELLIE ROEBUCK reckons her switch to Barcelona has come at a perfect time after sealing a move to the Catalan giants.The ex-Manchester City goalkeeper, 24, has joined the club as a free agent on a contract running until June 2026.Ellie Roebuck’s Barcelona move follows her announcing her departure from Manchester City last monthCredit: GettyThe Sheffield-born goalkeeper lifted three FA Cups and three Conti Cups during her eight-year stint with the CityzensCredit: GettyRoebuck’s Barcelona move has comes almost two years on from Lucy Bronze (pictured) and Keira Walsh joining the Liga F titansCredit: AFPRoebuck’s move, following her May departure from Man City, has seen her become the third Lioness to join the nine-time champions of Spain’s top-flight since 2022. Two years ago the Catalan giants signed her fellow ex-City aces Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh. And Roebuck’s switch comes three months after the Sheffield-born England star opened up on being the “on the road to recovery” from a stroke.  Of her Barca move, Roebuck, who made 100 Cityzens appearances, said: “I want to go private and live a new experience.Read More Football Stories”There’s no better place to do it than here, so I’m grateful for the opportunity.”I like to play with the ball at my feet and this is the perfect team to do that. “They like to have possession and play from the back, so I hope to bring my style.”I am very excited. I had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I am very happy to be here.Most read in Football“You could say that now everything has fallen into place, it was the perfect time to come.”Roebuck moved to Man City from Sheffield United’s Centre of Excellence in 2015 before signing her first professional deal with the Cityzens three years later.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 2019-20 season saw her keep ten clean sheets in 16 Women’s Super League games, winning the WSL’s inaugural Golden Glove award. Four years ago, the player who has won three FA Cups and three League Cups and a WSL title, was shortlisted for Fifa’s Best Women’s goalkeeper gong.However last season Roebuck did not feature in any top-flight games for City with teenage shot stopper Khiara Keating impressing for the side.And in March the goalkeeper revealed she had suffered a type of stroke known as a left occipital infarct, but had no lasting damage to her brain or vision.Back then, she said: “Life can throw unexpected challenges at you. “If this year has taught me anything, it’s that I’m strong and will give it all I’ve got for the thing I love most.”Roebuck’s Barcelona switch comes 11 days after the departure of the team’s former first-choice goalkeeper Sandra Panos.It also comes month after the Liga F giants won the Women’s Champions League for the third time in their history with a 2-0 victory against French juggernauts Lyon.Roebuck’s move will see her compete for game time with goalkeepers Cata Coll and Gemma Font.Majorca-born shot-stopper Coll was part of the Spain side that beat England in the final of last year’s Women’s World Cup.Roebuck was part of the Lionesses squad that won the 2022 Euros and reached the Women’s World Cup final last summer.And the former City ace, who has kept six clean sheets for England, hopes to get back into contention for international call-ups.Roebuck will compete for game time with Barcelona goalkeeper team-mates Cata Coll (pictured) and Gemma FontCredit: ReutersIn April, the 11-capped goalkeeper said: “To be a part of the squad that won (the Euros) was incredible. READ MORE SUN STORIES”To do that back-to-back would just be a dream.”My perception on life has taken a massive shift and this is something I’d be grateful to be a part of again.” More

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      Keira Walsh thought to be in Barcelona’s plans for next season despite Arsenal interest, according to reports

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      BARCELONA are thought to be keen on retaining Keira Walsh’s services amid reported interest from Arsenal.Walsh, 27, who helped the team win their third Champions League trophy in May, is thought to be a Gunners summer transfer target. Keira Walsh is reportedly attracting interest from ArsenalCredit: GettyThe England midfield star is due to enter the final year of her contract with BarcelonaCredit: AFPLast Friday, the Athletic reported the WSL side are interested in signing the midfielder who joined the Catalan club almost two years ago from Manchester City.Following her September 2022 move the England ace has gradually flourished in Barcelona’s midfield a longside Patri Guijarro and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.The player, who spent seven years at Man City, has helped the team win seven major trophies including two top-flight titles.Silverware triumphs for Walsh, who sealed a world transfer recording-breaking £400,000 Barca switch two years ago, include a quadruple during the side’s 2023-24 campaign.Read More Football StoriesLast season the Catalan giants won the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Women’s Super Cup for the tenth and fourth time.These trophy wins occurred under former boss Jonatan Giraldez who left this month to become head coach of US side Washington Spirit. Since her move to Spain Walsh has started in 32 the team’s 49 top-flight games in the past two seasons.The England ace who, is set to help their Lionesses continue their push for an automatic place at next year’s Euros, has one year left on her current Barcelona contract.Most read in FootballIt is thought Spain’s top-flight champs are likely to after a hefty fee from the Gunners if they continue their chase for the midfielder.And the Athletic claims Arsenal’s interest in the player occurred before playmaker Victoria Pelova suffered a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty with the Netherlands.Spanish outlet Relovo reports discussions between Barcelona and Arsenal over the potential transfer of Walsh are at an advanced stage.However sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims sources have informed them the midfielder is part of Barca’s plans for next season.Mariona Caldentey has reportedly agreed to join Arsenal this summerCredit: EPAShould Arsenal succeed in signing Walsh it would see her become the second player from the Catalan side to join the club this summer.According to Sky Sports Mariona Caldentey has reached an agreement to join the Gunners when her Barcelona contract expires at the end of June.Barca’s women’s side are now under new management with Pere Romeu taking over as head coach following Giraldez’s departure. More

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      Barcelona legend Xavi ‘plots Premier League move’ as he attempts to emulate Pep Guardiola

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      XAVI is reportedly eyeing up a move to the Premier League to follow in the footsteps of his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.The legendary midfielder, 44, was dismissed by Barcelona last month after a turbulent few months at the helm.Xavi is eyeing up a Premier League move, according to SportCredit: RexXavi worked under Pep Guardiola for four yearsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdXavi was spotted publicly for the first time on Saturday, since his Barcelona sacking was confirmed at the end of last season.And now Spanish news outlet Sport report that the Barca legend is plotting a move to the Premier League.If this materialises, he will be following in the footsteps of his former manager Pep Guardiola.Xavi intends to spend some much-needed time with his family in the coming months, but is eyeballing England as his destination.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSXavi’s idea would be to take an “interesting” project in England, although it’s not known which clubs he could have his eye on, according to Sport.Despite the criticism Xavi faced during his tenure at Barcelona, he is likely to receive numerous offers after winning the domestic double in 2022/2023.The former Camp Nou midfielder announced that he would be leaving at the end of this season in January, only to perform a U-turn in April.The club then announced his dismissal at the end of the campaign which saw Barca finish second, and 10 points behind rivals Real Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Xavi was predicted to make a swift return to management, and was linked with Chelsea after they parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino.Elsewhere, Barcelona announced the appointment of former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick as the club’s new manager.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersFlick will undertake a two-year contract, and is only the third German to take charge of the Catalonian outfit.Manchester United approached Xavi about becoming the club’s new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.This comes amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of United boss Erik ten Hag.Likewise, AC Milan and the South Korean national team also made contact with Xavi. More

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      Man Utd ‘contact Xavi’ over replacing Erik ten Hag – but face fight with European giants

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have approached former Barcelona boss Xavi about becoming the club’s new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.The legendary midfielder, 44, was dismissed by the Catalan giants last week after a turbulent few months at the helm.Xavi was sacked by Barcelona last week despite agreeing to continue just weeks earlierCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s future remains unclear at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyHe had initially confirmed he was leaving in January, before Barcelona convinced him to stay on in April.But he was then axed before their final game of the season against Sevilla, with German Hansi Flick already announced as his replacement.Now Xavi is out of work, with AC Milan and the South Korean national team having already made contact with him.And according to AS, Man Utd have also made an “informal” approach for the Spain icon amid uncertainty surrounding the future of head coach Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it remains Xavi’s preference to take a year away from management before he looks for his next role in 2025.He won 89 of his 142 games in charge of Barcelona, claiming the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup in the 2022/23 campaign.He then guided them to second place behind Real Madrid in the league this season, while they also reached the Champions League quarter-finals.Prior to his dismissal, Xavi told the press: “To the new manager, I tell you: ‘You will suffer’.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This is a very complicated place to be. This is a difficult job and you have to be patient.”I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two-and-a-half years has caused an earthquake.”Man Utd coach reveals why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Ten Hag before exile that sparked Dortmund transferBarcelona confirmed his departure in a statement that read: “The club wishes to publicly thanks Xavi and the rest of his coaching staff for their commitment, dedication and generosity, and for their help in reaching an agreement to sever the contract.”Furthermore, we wish him success in the future on both a personal and professional level.”Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s future is still unclear despite Man Utd’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.Aside from Xavi, those tipped to replace Ten Hag include Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate.SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
      Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
      Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
      Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
      Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
      Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
      Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
      Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
      Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
      Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
      Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
      Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
      Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
      Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
      Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
      Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
      Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
      Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
      Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
      Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
      Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
      Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
      Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
      Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
      Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
      Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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      Barcelona ‘unable to register Hansi Flick as new boss’ as four players risk being unable to play for a whole year

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      DESPITE being named as Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick has yet to be officially registered as the club’s new boss.The 59-year-old was publicly announced on May 29 as Xavi Hernandez’s successor, where he became only the third German to take charge of the Catalonian outfit.Hansi Flick was named as Barcelona’s new manager on May 29Credit: Zac Goodwin/PA WireHe replaced Xavi Hernandez who was sacked despite his intention to stayCredit: EPAFlick’s last role was with the German national team, where became the first manager in the country’s history to be fired from the positionCredit: ReutersHowever, according to MARCA, the Nou Camp side’s ongoing financial issues mean they have yet to submit the necessary paperwork to formally confirm Flick’s contract.This is to do with the club’s current salary limit.As it stands, it’s been reported ‘there is no space’ to register Flick, and in addition to this, four players are not yet registered for the 2024/25 season.Among them are two of the club’s rising superstars, midfielder Gavi and left-back Alejandro Balde.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe duo, who collectively have 34 caps for Spain despite both being under 21-years-old, are set to be registered before the start of the upcoming season.In order to resolve the problem, Barcelona must let players go who are on high wages.Some names that could depart North Spain this summer are Eric Garcia, as the ex-Manchester City man spent last season on loan at LaLiga’s surprise package in Girona, whilst the futures of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo remain unclear.The duo signed on loan from Atletico Madrid and Man City respectively, where they collectively played 62 games in the league, scoring nine goals.Most read in FootballVictor Roque, who only joined this January on a seven-year contract could potentially head towards the exit as Barcelona aim to free up space on the wage bill.The 19-year-old has scored two goals in 16 matches since his move from Athletico Paranaense.Barcelona star Joao Cancelo shows off his skills on the training pitch Centre back Inigo Martinez could also leave the Camp Nou this summer after just one year in northern Spain. The former Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao man played just 25 times in all competitions last season.Despite the need to sell players, that hasn’t stopped potential arrivals being linked with a move to the Nou Camp.Among them is Man City’s unwanted midfielder Kalvin Phillips, despite his disastrous loan at West Ham. More