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    Arsenal ‘approach Bayern Munich’ over German giants’ vice-captain after Kai Havertz ‘held private conversation’

    ARSENAL have approached Bayern Munich about a move for their vice-captain Joshua Kimmich, according to reports.The 29-year-old is in the final 18 months of his contract and has yet to agree on a new deal.Arsenal have made a move for Bayern’s star midfielder Joshua KimmichCredit: GettyKimmich plays alongside Arsenal star Kai Havertz for GermanyCredit: GettyIt has been claimed that Gunners forward Kai Havertz had a ‘private’ chat with his German teammate during the recent international break. Reports suggest that the club are ‘using this conversation to gauge the Bayern star’s interest’.Arsenal are said to be one of five teams keen on acquiring the services of Kimmich, who is said to be open to the idea of potentially moving to the Emirates.According to Football Transfers, Arsenal were told that Bayern will refuse to have any type of dialogue regarding a move for Kimmich until the end of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Kimmich will continue to be a top target for Mikel Arteta’s side in the summer.Bayern tried to flog the versatile midfielder to Newcastle last summer in a deal involving defender Kieran Trippier, who they tabled three bids for.Injuries have forced him into right-back in recent months, with Thomas Tuchel’s side falling further and further away from Bayer Leverkusen.Sources expect Arsenal’s interest in the German to really heat up once this campaign has finished. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBayern Munich are 13 points behind Bundesliga table-toppers Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyKimmich’s lack of an agent means that the north London club had to approach Bayern directly to learn about his availability.Paris Saint-Germain are also interested, alongside Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool.Defending Bundesliga champions Bayern have endured a disastrous campaign this season.Tuchel’s troops are a whopping 13-points behind Leverkusen – despite the impressive haul of £82million summer signing Harry Kane.Bayern Munich clash temporarily suspended and players taken off pitch as fans hurl tennis balls on fieldAnd they face a difficult path to winning the Champions League, facing Arsenal in the quarter-finals and potentially meeting Man City or Real Madrid in the semis.Arsenal also appear to be frontrunners to sign long term Bayern target Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.Kimmich’s stats this season More

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    Seven clubs Kalvin Phillips could join next including Leeds and European giants as Man City eye cut-price transfer

    KALVIN PHILLIPS’ nightmare loan spell at West Ham is going from bad to worse.The Manchester City loanee, 28, suffered a horror debut back in February as his error gifted Bournemouth the opening goal in a 1-1 draw.Kalvin Phillips has been poor since arriving at West Ham on loan in JanuaryCredit: GettyOne possible destination for Phillips could be a return to LeedsCredit: ReutersHe then made another mistake three days later, losing possession as Manchester United scored their third in a 3-0 win.He was brought on for 45 minutes in the humbling 6-0 defeat to Arsenal, before he was sent off for two yellow cards in three minutes against Nottingham Forest.And on Saturday, with West Ham leading 3-1 away at Newcastle, he gifted the hosts a way back into the game by fouling Anthony Gordon and conceding a penalty.Newcastle went on to win the game 4-3.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis poor performances have also culminated in him being dropped from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.And with his form showing no sign of improvement, it leaves his future beyond the end of the season totally unclear.So where will Phillips be at the start of the 2024/25 campaign?Here are seven possible destinations for the midfielder in the summer as Man City prepare to offload him for a cut-price of £30million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWest HamWest Ham do not have an option-to-buy clause in Phillips’ loan deal, but could still seek to make his move permanent in the summer.That is despite him showing few signs of improving David Moyes’ side, with the Englishman currently having accumulated more red cards than goal contributions since arriving in East London.’He’s wasting his time playing’ – Ex-Premier League referee bizarrely tears into Kalvin Phillips for getting sent off LeedsPerhaps the most likely move for Phillips is a return to his boyhood club Leeds – providing they secure promotion back to the Premier League.He left Elland Road for Man City in 2022, but would undoubtedly be welcomed back with open arms to the place where he made his name.Phillips played 234 games for Leeds and was pivotal in helping them win the second tier in 2020.JuventusItalian giants Juventus were heavily linked with a move for Phillips in the January window, before they pulled out of the deal due to his financial demands.But they could yet return for him in the summer if Man City are prepared to get rid for just £30m.NewcastleNewcastle lost out to West Ham in their pursuit of Phillips at the start of the year.But with Eddie Howe set to dip into the transfer market in the summer following a dismal campaign, Phillips could yet move back to the top of the Toon’s transfer wishlist.Bayern MunichBayern Munich have already shown a desire to bring in English players from the Premier League with Harry Kane and Eric Dier both making the switch over the last 12 months.Phillips could be the next Three Lions star to join the German giants – particularly if Joshua Kimmich does not sign a new contract and is sold by the Bundesliga club.BarcelonaBarcelona were another of the huge European clubs touted with a move for Phillips in January.And they have endured a midfield injury crisis this season – with Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong all sidelined.Could Phillips be the answer to their problems?READ MORE SUN STORIESAtletico MadridLike Barcelona, Atletico Madrid were also in the frame for Phillips during the mid-season window.Manager Diego Simeone’s style of play could well fit the ex-Leeds man perfectly should he be open to a LaLiga move. More

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    Roberto De Zerbi ‘leads Bayern Munich’s three-man shortlist’ to replace Thomas Tuchel as manager

    BRIGHTON’S Roberto De Zerbi has allegedly emerged as the favourite to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich and put on a three-man shortlist.The ex-Chelsea manager confirmed in February that he would be departing the German champions this summer.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is allegedly the frontrunner for the Bayern Munich jobCredit: ReutersTuchel could even leave Bayern immediately, claims ex-Germany international Dietmar Hamann, after he conceded the title to Bayer Leverkusen after his side’s 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.Xabi Alonso, who was also wanted by Liverpool, was lined-up until he confirmed he was staying with unbeaten Leverkusen, who are 13 points clear.Now The Times have claimed that De Zerbi is “highly rated by Bayern’s management” and has now “become the frontrunner for the job”. Max Eberl has recently arrived on Bayern’s board and has been tasked with overhauling the squad.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut this update states that he “is a particular admirer” of Brighton’s boss and that he “has already put out feelers to discover whether the Italian would be available” and also if he is “interested in a move”.De Zerbi, 44, succeeded Graham Potter at Brighton in September 2022 led the Seagulls to sixth – their best-ever finish – to qualify for the Europa League.He is under contract until 2026 but several reports have hinted that it has a buyout clause included that may be triggered in the summer.He is another that is on Liverpool’s shortlist to take over from Jurgen Klopp, but both the Reds and Bayern have also switched their attention to Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDe Zerbi refused to give much away regarding his future after Brighton’s 2-1 loss at Liverpool on Sunday, saying: “I want to speak with my club.“I have a contract, but the problem is not the contract — the problem is to find the same plan, the same target, the same vision for the future.”Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveStuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness is the nephew of Uli Hoeness, Bayern’s long-time general manager.He had been linked and was on the shortlist until he recently extended his contract.Former boss Julian Nagelsmann, who was sacked by them 12 months ago, has also been reported to have been mooted for a shock return.The 36-year-old still had over three years before the end of his contract. Some reports say that it is now “understood that certain people at the club have realised that his sacking was somewhat premature”.Ex-Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, who will take charge of Austria at Euro 2024, is another name that has been rumoured. More

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    Arsenal and Bayern Munich to do battle off the pitch as well as on it as they target transfer for Real Sociedad star

    ARSENAL face a battle on and off the pitch with Bayern Munich with the Champions League quarter-finalists both reportedly eyeing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.The midfielder “remains on the list” as a top transfer target at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the 2024 summer window.Martin Zubimendi ‘remains on Arsenal’s list’ to target in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyThe Gunners are looking to bolster their squad ahead of next season as boss Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar continuously work to improve their current squad.Zubimendi has emerged as a player of interest, with him becoming one of LaLiga’s leading midfielders.And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arteta’s side are eyeing up the 25-year-old.But he adds they will have to battle Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for the Spanish international’s signature.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe tweeted: “Understand Martin Zubimendi remains on Arsenal list. And he was on top of Bayern list in case Xabi Alonso was gonna become their new coach. “Bayern still appreciates Zubimendi as one of the targets but final decision will be up to next manager. It’s all quiet with Barca.”It means Arsenal, who face Bayern Munich in the Champions League later this month, must out-do their German rivals in the transfer market too.Arsenal are keen to bolster their midfield department, despite signing recording addition Declan Rice last year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERZubimendi has established himself as a key player for Imanol Alguacil’s side after rising through the ranks at Sociedad.He led the LaLiga outfit to a place in the last-16 of the Champions League before eventually crashing out to Paris Saint-Germain. Three ways Declan Rice has become one of the world’s top midfieldersThe Spain international still has three years left on his contract with Sociedad, hinting they are in no rush to sell him.Zubimendi said: “I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad, I always say that. I love life here, at home, I’m so happy here. “The values of this club are the same as mine so I feel very good, I always said that I’m happy.”However, the benefit of playing in the Premier League for one of Europe’s most successful sides could be hard for Zubimendi to turn down.  More

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    Alphonso Davies’ agent slams ‘unfair ultimatum’ from Bayern Munich as uncertainty surrounds Real Madrid target

    ALPHONSO DAVIES’ agent has hit out at Bayern Munich for “unfairly attacking” the defender as contract negotiations continue to stall.The Canadian, 23, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign.Alphonso Davies’ future remains uncertain following comments from his agentCredit: GettyDavies’ agent Nedal Huoseh did not hold back when asked about negotiationsCredit: Instagram @nedalhuosehHe is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his contract – which expires at the end of next season.Reports last month claimed he had reached a “verbal agreement” with Los Blancos to join them either this summer or in 2025.Bayern are keen to tie him down to ensure he does not leave for a bargain price.However, his agent, Nedal Huoseh, has criticised the “ultimatum” being placed upon Davies, particularly given the managerial uncertainty at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHead coach Thomas Tuchel is leaving in the summer and his replacement has not yet been announced.Speaking to BILD, Huoseh said: “It’s unfair to receive an ultimatum from Bayern. We will decide how to proceed at the end of the season when there is more clarity.”It’s unfair that Alphonso is now being attacked.”We were close to an agreement a year ago. Then the entire club management was replaced. We didn’t hear anything for seven months. Although I tried during this time to contact the club myself.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Now we are being given an ultimatum and are supposed to react within two weeks because the club is under pressure and took a long time to reposition itself in the management? That’s not fair.”Huoseh went on to add: “It’s a very important contract in Alphonso’s career and we’re supposed to make the decision without knowing who the coach will be next season or what the team looks like.How Harry Kane got even better at Bayern”That’s why we think it’s unfair to react to the ultimatum.”Davies joined Bayern from Vancouver Whitecaps in January 2019 for a then MLS record fee of £17.5million.He has racked up 184 appearances for the German giants, winning five Bundesliga titles, two German Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.He also has 45 caps and 15 goals for Canada. More

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    Harry Kane coming back to Tottenham… for pre-season friendly against his Bayern Munich a week before Prem opener

    HARRY KANE is coming back to Tottenham.But, unfortunately for Spurs fans, it will be for one night only.Harry Kane has been a scoring sensation for Bayern – just as he was at SpursCredit: AFPThe England captain is set to take part in Bayern Munich’s friendly against his old club at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday August 10 – the week before the new Premier League season.Spurs’ record-scorer Kane, 30, was sold to Bayern for £104million in August and has blasted 37 goals in 35 games for the Bavarian giants.The hosting of Bayern – in an exhibition dubbed the Visit Malta Cup – could be the second time Spurs face the Bundesliga side in a matter of days.It is expected the pair will play each other in South Korea as part of the Coupang Play Series tournament on August 2 – though that has yet to be confirmed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut if England go deep in Euro 2024, Kane would likely still be on holiday for that clash on the other side of the world.Another familiar face coming back to Tottenham for the home friendly is Eric Dier, whose January loan to Bayern is to be made permanent in the summer.Kane did not play in either of England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley in the last week due to an ankle injury.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut he has returned to Bayern training and is expected to be fit for Saturday’s powderkeg clash with Borussia Dortmund.Most read in FootballKane hit a hat-trick in the reverse fixture earlier this season – becoming the first player to score a treble on his Der Klassiker debut.Inside Harry Kane’s life in MunichDespite breaking numerous other scoring records this term, Kane looks set to miss out on the Bundelisga title as Bayern are ten points off table-topping Bayer Leverkusen with eight games to go.Kane will soon be back in North London with Munich going to Arsenal for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 9. More

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    Joshua Kimmich ‘considering huge Arsenal transfer with Bayern Munich ready to sell in the summer’

    JOSHUA KIMMICH is reportedly considering a shock move to Arsenal.The Germany international’s future with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich has been up in the air for several months.Joshua Kimmich’s future at Bayern Munich is unclearCredit: GettyThe Germany international is reportedly considering leaving the Allianz ArenaCredit: GETTYBayern tried to flog the versatile midfielder to Newcastle last summer in a deal involving defender Kieran Trippier, who they tabled three bids for.And they remain keen to sell the former RB Leipzig man this summer so as not to lose him on a free transfer next year.Arsenal are said to be one of five teams keen on acquiring the services of Kimmich, who is said to be open to the idea of potentially moving to the Emirates.That’s according to Sky Sports Germany, who claim Kimmich isn’t “ruling out a move, and he is open to discussions” with potential suitors.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSKimmich was reportedly involved in a bust-up with Thomas Tuchel’s assistant Zsolt Low after their defeat to table-toppers Bayer Leverkusen last month.BILD claimed he had to be held back by team-mates in the tunnel after Low shouted something at him.The incident, however, was downplayed by Tuchel, who said: “I know what was going on.”This is not for the public. We are in a football locker room.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBayern Munich are ten points behind Bundesliga table-toppers Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GETTY”This is a pretty normal occurrence if kept within limits. And it stayed within limits.”Defending Bundesliga champions Bayern have endured a disastrous campaign this season.Astonishing moment man tries to steal Kimmich’s shirt thrown to kid in crowd after Bayern Munich clash Tuchel’s troops are a whopping TEN points behind Leverkusen – despite the impressive haul of £82million summer signing Harry Kane.And they face a tricky path to winning the Champions League, facing Arsenal in the quarter-finals and potentially meeting Manchester City or Real Madrid in the semis. More

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    Bayern Munich BANNED from bringing fans to Emirates in huge advantage for Arsenal in Champions League quarter-final

    ARSENAL were handed a horror Champions League quarter final draw against Bayern Munich – but already have a massive advantage in their first leg at the Emirates.The Gunners will welcome former Tottenham striker Harry Kane back to North London for the first leg before a mammoth test away in Munich to book a semi-final spot.Arsenal will renew their Champions League rival with Bayern Munich next monthCredit: PAThe Gunners will be boosted by the news that Bayern WON’T have any of their supporters in attendance at the EmiratesCredit: RICHARD PELHAMThe Germans have been slapped with a one-match fan ban for letting off fireworks against Lazio in the last-16Credit: AlamyHowever, the German giants will NOT have any away fans at the Emirates for the first leg having received a Uefa one-match ban earlier this week for fan trouble.During their 1-0 first leg defeat away at Lazio in the last-16, travelling Bayern fans threw fireworks onto the pitch. They would eventually win 3-1 on aggregate to advance.Having already received a suspended one-match ban – as well as a £30k fine – for an identical incident in the group stages at Copenhagen in October, Uefa were left with no choice but to impose the ban.This leaves Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal with a massive chance to take advantage in their first leg with a semi-final against either Real Madrid or Manchester City on the horizon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe away end at the Emirates will also be free to be filled instead by more home fans, meaning the possibility of the 60,000-capacity stadium being a sell-out without any travelling supporters.After receiving the ban on Tuesday, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: “We have to accept this punishment. “Not only were pyrotechnics set off, but also fired deliberately onto the field, directly endangering bystanders.“This was such an explicit violation of the conditions of probation that an appeal is unfortunately futile.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERArsenal have historically struggled against the German giantsCredit: GETTY“The fact we now have to play away without the support of our fans is a big blow. “A small group of individual offenders have done a disservice to all our supporters and the team.”Thomas Muller hilariously calls out Kai Havertz as Arsenal draw Bayern Munich in Champions League Arsenal’s quarter final first leg will take place on either the ninth or tenth of April, with the second leg coming a week later on either the 16th or 17th.Arteta’s men reached this stage after beating Porto in a nervy last-16 shoot-out at the Emirates – the first time they have reached the last eight since 2010.Elsewhere in the quarters, Atletico Madrid face Borussia Dortmund and PSG play Barcelona. More