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      Arsenal fans say ‘Wenger has done it again’ with ‘eight-year master plan’ close to completion

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      ARSENAL fans joked “Arsene Wenger has done it again” after noticing the potential repercussions of Granit Xhaka’s career path.Xhaka, 31, joined the Gunners from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 and went on to make 297 first team appearances.
      Granit Xhaka could win the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen this seasonCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich are currently behind Leverkusen in the league tableCredit: Getty
      Football fans have joked that Arsene Wenger is responsibleCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He endured a mixed experience in North London before eventually becoming a fan favourite.
      The midfielder’s captaincy was revoked in 2019 after he told Arsenal fans to “f*** off” during a match against Crystal Palace.
      But supporters were devastated last summer when he completed a £21.5million move to Bayer Leverkusen.
      Since returning to Germany, Xhaka has been one of Leverkusen’s star players.
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      The Black and Reds sit at the top of the Bundesliga table, four points clear of Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich and are unbeaten in all competitions this season.
      Football fans are now convinced that he could prevent his ex-North London rival from winning a trophy once again.
      One person tweeted: “Arsene Wenger signed Granit Xhaka in 2016 so that 7 years later he could join Bayer Leverkusen to lead their title charge against Bayern Munich and ensure that Harry Kane does not win a single league title in his career.
      “Arsene Wenger has done it again 😂.”
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      Granit Xhaka’s career path
      May 2016: Xhaka joins Arsenal in £30million transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach.
      September 2016: He scores his first goal for the Gunners.
      May 2017: The midfielder wins the FA Cup with Arsenal
      September 2019: Xhaka is named Arsenal captain, replacing Laurent Koscielny.
      October 2019: He tells Arsenal fans to “f*** off” during a match against Crystal Palace while being booed.
      November 2019: His captaincy is revoked and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is named as Arsenal’s new captain.
      January 2020: The midfielder takes a first team hiatus and is rumoured to leave Arsenal.
      August 2020: Xhaka wins his second FA Cup with Arsenal.
      May 2022: He admits he is “ready” to captain Arsenal again.
      July 2023: Xhaka joins Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5million transfer.

      Another wrote: “If that pans out, it’s absolute genius!?!”
      While a third commented: “Arsene Wenger at it again 😂.”
      Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 and spent 22 years with the Gunners before leaving in 2018.
      During his time at the club he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. More

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      Liverpool and Man City set for transfer battle over Bayern Munich superstar – and could land him for a bargain

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      LIVERPOOL and Manchester City will reportedly go head-to-head to sign Joshua Kimmich.The Bayern Munich star is in the final 18 months of his contract and has yet to agree on a new deal.
      Joshua Kimmich is reportedly a target for both Liverpool and Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is said to have ‘good connections with the BundesligaCredit: Getty
      Kimmich, 28, would be able to leave the Bundesliga giants for free in the summer of 2025.
      This means that the Bavarian side could look to cash in on the Germany international this summer.
      German outlet Bild have claimed that both Manchester City and Liverpool are “closely monitoring” the star’s situation at the club.
      The Premier League sides are expected to make moves for the midfielder should he become available.
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      However, the report has also suggested that Jurgen Klopp may have an advantage over Pep Guardiola in the race to win his signature.
      This is due to Liverpool’s sporting director, Jorg Schmadtke, having “good connections” to the Bundesliga.
      Bild journalist Christian Falk said: “He’s in the final year of his deal at Bayern and they would like to celebrate a purchase price rather than lose him for free.
      “They could lose if he does not extend. And that’s where Manchester City and Liverpool come in.
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      “Thiago is always injured at Liverpool and his contract is running out, [Jordan] Henderson has left, there is a bit of space in midfield and Jurgen Klopp of course knows how important Kimmich is.
      “Schmadtke, the sporting director, has good connections in the Bundesliga.
      ‘So, Klopp is also now in the race for Kimmich.”
      Pep Guardiola did work with the midfielder during his time managing Bayern, having signed him in 2015 from RB Leipzig.
      In their one season together, the pair won the German treble of the league, DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup.
      Newcastle have also been linked with Kimmich with reports claiming that the Magpies had “opened talks” over a move.
      Kimmich’s Trophy HaulJoshua Kimmich has enjoyed a brilliant career at Bayern Munich which has seen him won 20 titles.

      Bundesliga titles x8
      DFB-Pokal x3
      DFL-Supercup x6
      Uefa Champions League x1
      Uefa Super Cup x1
      Club World Cup x1

      On the international level, the 82-cap midfielder has also picked up the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017. More

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      Fans reckon Eric Dier has ‘gone full Steve McClaren’ as ex-Tottenham ace gives live TV interview after Bayern debut

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      ERIC DIER was accused of going “full Steve McClaren” after making his Bayern Munich debut last night.The defender, 30, joined the Bundesliga champions a fortnight ago from Tottenham after spending nine-and-a-half years in North London.
      Eric Dier was accused of going ‘full Steve McClaren’
      Dier, 30, made his Bayern Munich debut last nightCredit: Getty
      McClaren was accused of mimicking a Dutch accent during his time at FC TwenteCredit: PA
      He was an unused substitute as Thomas Tuchel’s side lost 1-0 at home to Werder Bremen over the weekend.
      Dier made his Bayern debut last night, replacing Dayot Upamecano at half-time during their 1-0 win over Union Berlin at Allianz Arena.
      After the game, the England international told Sky Sports: “A very proud moment for me obviously to make my debut for this club.
      “It’s a very proud moment for me and my family and obviously I really enjoyed it.
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      “I really enjoy playing here and I’m happy to have made my debut here at this stadium.
      “So I’m really happy with how I’ve settled and obviously to make my debut and hopefully I can continue to help my team.”
      After the interview was posted to social media, many fans thought that Dier had done a McClaren by mimicking the German accent while speaking in English.
      McClaren, now a first team coach at Manchester United, famously did something similar during his time at Dutch side FC Twente.
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      One fan wrote: “Bro developed a German accent after 1 game.”
      While, followed by a laughing emoji, a second asked: “Why’s he putting on a foreign accent?”
      A third said: “Another Steve McClaren moment. Strong accent.”
      And a fourth pointed out: “That accent came outta nowhere lol.”
      Another cheekily added: “Been having lessons off Scheeeve McClaren?”
      Soccer Saturday host Simon Thomas tweeted: “Absolutely magnificent.
      “That embarrassingly common English habit of thinking a terrible accent equals a valiant attempt at speaking another language.”
      Dier moved to Portugal with his family at the age of seven.
      He is able to speak Portuguese fluently, and even used the language at times while chatting with former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho.
      The defender is also fluent in Spanish, which over the years has helped him communicate with team-mates that don’t speak English.
      Dier came on with Bayern level at 0-0 against Union, but his side would take the lead within 30 seconds of his introduction.
      The defender’s former Tottenham pal Harry Kane struck the post with a left-footed effort, with the ball ricocheting to Raphael Guerreiro.
      He then did the rest, slotting the ball home with his right foot.
      The match took a bizarre turn in the 74th minute when Union Berlin coach Nenad Bjelica was sent off for twice striking Leroy Sane in the face.
      Sane had tried to retrieve the ball from Bjelica, only for it to be knocked away.
      As a melee subsequently ensued, Dier could be seen trying to defend his new team-mate.
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      Bayern’s win saw them close the gap with leaders Bayer Leverkusen to four points after 18 games.
      Xabi Alonso’s table-toppers are yet to lose a Bundesliga game this season.
      Nenad Bjelica bizarrely lost his head as he confronted Leroy SaneCredit: Getty More

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      Union Berlin boss Nenad Bjelica sent off for shoving Bayern Munich ace Leroy Sane in the FACE as fans predict ‘long ban’

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      UNION BERLIN coach Nenad Bjelica stunned fans after he was sent off for pushing Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane in the FACE.The Croatian head coach, 52, was watching his side trail 1-0 when he picked up the ball after it went off by the touchline.
      Nenad Bjelica pushed Leroy Sane in the face and earned himself a red cardCredit: Reuters

      The ugly scenes saw the Union coach sent offCredit: Getty
      Sane was booked for his part in the spatCredit: Getty
      Ex-Manchester City man Sane, 28, attempted to grab it from him, but Bjelica whipped it away.
      The manager then lost control of the ball, before he proceeded to thrust his hand into the Bayern man’s face.
      The moment sparked chaos on the sideline as backroom staff pulled the pair apart.
      And Bjelica was rightly dismissed for his shocking actions as those watching were left astonished.
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      Sane was given a yellow card for his part in the altercation.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “He deserves a long ban. That’s bad.”
      Another added: “Why would he do that?”
      A third replied: “Surprised Sane is still standing. Some force in that.”
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      While a fourth simply responded: “That’s crazy.”
      Bjelica now faces the prospect of a lengthy ban following the violent act – which came moments after his side appealed for a penalty that was not given.
      Bayern held on to win the game 1-0 and close the gap on Bayer Leverkusen to four points at the top of the Bundesliga table.
      It comes after Harry Kane and Co suffered a shock 1-0 home loss to Werder Bremen at the weekend. More

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      Bayern Munich fearing the ‘curse of Harry Kane’ as CEO launches stinging attack on Thomas Tuchel’s German giants

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      WHAT started off as a bit of light-hearted joshing about Harry Kane is turning into a sick joke.The England captain, 30, left his boyhood club Spurs in the summer to go to Bayern Munich where he would be as guaranteed as you can be in football of ending his trophy hoodoo.
      Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich are seven points off top spot in the BundesligaCredit: Getty
      Some laughed: “But what if he takes his silverware jinx with him to Bavaria?” —  not for one minute thinking it might actually happen.
      Yet here we are, past the midway point of the Bundesliga season. And somehow, despite Kane’s record-breaking goals haul, Bayern are seven points off the top and out of the cup.
      In the wake of Sunday’s shock slip-up at home to Werder Bremen, a column in Germany’s leading tabloid Bild yesterday read: “The question has to be seriously asked: Will Bayern now also suffer the curse of Harry Kane?”
      The article went on to point out that none of what has happened to Bayern this term is his fault — and rightly so.
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      Kane has been magnificent for his new side, banging in 26 goals in 24 games — including a jaw-dropping 22 in 17 league matches. But even he must be starting to wonder if the footballing gods are punishing him for a crime in a previous life.
      His barren trophy run could have been over instantly as he made his debut in the German Super Cup against RB Leipzig but found himself on the wrong side of a 3-0 scoreline thanks to Dani Olmo’s hat-trick.
      Scarcely-believable embarrassment was suffered at the hands of third-tier side Saarbrucken in the German Cup, who dumped Bayern out with a 2-1 win.
      Bayern’s league campaign would actually not look so bad were it not for the stellar efforts of table-topping Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso.
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      And Munich remain in the hunt for the greatest club prize of all as they face Lazio in the Champions League last 16 next month.
      But the way they are playing right now, nothing is assured. Boss Thomas Tuchel is certainly feeling the heat as a result.
      Bayern’s CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen is not known for making outlandish statements but he described his side’s football for the first 70 minutes of Sunday’s defeat by lowly Werder as “boring”, that the team played  a “bad game” and “didn’t show the attitude you have to show”.
      Alarm bells should be ringing out now for Tuchel, who is yet to stamp his identity on the team and could oversee Bayern’s first trophyless since 2011-12.
      It is not a case of £104million signing Kane being a one-man band — like he was for Antonio Conte’s Tottenham  side last season — because Leroy Sane is flourishing.
      But question marks have been raised about the lack of creativity as well as problems in defence and midfield.
      Under-pressure Tuchel needs a response in tonight’s home game against Union Berlin.
      ‘IT’S NOT EASY’
      He said: “We can do a lot better, there’s a lot of room for improvement.
      “It’s not a case of simply flipping a switch. It’s not easy.
      “We’re very aware of the state of play. It’s our job and my responsibility to ­influence it. We’re actually very positive but we are falling well short of our expectations in matches.
      “We will continue to demand it until it works and we’re ready to show the desire that will also spark the fans. We’re below our expectations.”
      Leverkusen have a history of hiccups and ­Bayern are hoping that proves the case again this season to allow them to secure their 12th successive ­Bundesliga triumph.
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      But all of a sudden, Kane and Co look right up against it to ensure they do not end the campaign potless.
      This was not how it was supposed to go for the Three Lions skipper.
      Thomas Tuchel is coming under pressure at BayernCredit: Rex More

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      Newcastle standing firm over Kieran Trippier as they ‘REJECT Bayern Munich’s latest lowball transfer bid’

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED have REJECTED a Bayern Munich offer for Kieran Trippier, it’s been claimed.The German champions are keen on signing a new right-back and are understood to have placed the England defender high on their wishlist.
      Bayern Munich are keen on signing Kieran Trippier from NewcastleCredit: GETTY
      Talks over a potential deal began last weekend, prompting Bayern to reportedly table a £12million offer for the 33-year-old’s services.
      But The Magpies are said to have turned down the Bavarian’s offer for the former Tottenham Hotspur man.
      That’s according to The Athletic, who claim the Newcastle brass are “adamant the right-back is staying” at St James’ Park.
      They also claim Trippier will respect the club’s decision not to sell him this month.
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      It’s not known if Bayern offered Germany international Joshua Kimmich – whom Toon boss Eddie Howe is a big fan of – as a makeweight in the deal.
      Bayern will likely now turn their attention to signing Paris Saint-Germain fullback Nordi Mukiele, whom manager Thomas Tuchel is also a fan of.
      Newcastle are seemingly trying to avoid breaching Financial Fair Play rules by entertaining offers for their big names.
      Miguel Almiron is said to be on the verge of joining Al-Shabab after the club reportedly reached an agreement to sell the Paraguayan to the Saudi Pro League side.
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      Eddie Howe could face losing some of his big name players as Newcastle try to avoid an FFP violationCredit: REX
      The reported deal comes just weeks after Toon CEO Darren Eales admitted every player has a price.
      He said: “On any player, at any time, it depends on circumstances.
      “It’s difficult to hypothesise but, if we’re offered £1bn for one of those players, then no one could argue against that making sense.
      “Any decision we make will always be against the backdrop of the medium to long-term benefit for the club.
      “It’s difficult to say specifically on certain players.
      “But I can say that, if we’re going to get to where we want to get to, at times it is necessary to trade your players.
      “Whether that is because of the contract length of the player in question, the offer is too good to refuse, you need to reload in certain areas.
      “But all of this could make sense to trade that player.
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      “It is counter-intuitive and part of the inherent system of PSR that there is an incentive to trade your players if you want to re-invest, by the nature of the boundaries.”
      Newcastle will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup. More

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      Man Utd ‘lead Arsenal in Joshua Zirkzee transfer race’ with Red Devils ‘only club to have held talks’ with ex-Bayern ace

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      MANCHESTER United lead the race to sign Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee despite interest from rivals Arsenal.The Red Devils are the only club to have held transfer talks with the former Bayern Munich star.
      Manchester United lead the race to sign Bologna forward Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: Rex
      Zirkzee, 22, rose through the youth system at Bayern Munich but struggled to make the breakthrough at senior level before joining Bologna in 2022.
      After a slow debut year in Italy, the forward has impressed this term after scoring seven goals and creating two assists in 19 Serie A appearances this year.
      Erik ten Hag is desperate to bolster his frontline and is eyeing up to sign the ex-Netherlands U21 star in the summer.
      Reports have claimed that Zirkzee’s contract with Bologna includes a £34m release clause.
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      But club director Marco Di Vaio has confirmed that option exists only for his former employers Bayern.
      However, a deal to return to the Bundesliga is unlikely as Man Utd are the only club to begin formative talks to recruit the Dutchman.
      Zirkzee, who remains under contract with Bologna until 2026, has been integral in the club’s push for Champions League qualification.
      Thiago Motta’s side are seventh in the standings but sit just two points behind Fiorentina in fourth.
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      Arsenal are also keen on the 2019-20 Champions League winner alongside Tottenham and Ajax.
      Zirkzee caught Europe’s attention after his successful debut season with Bayern.
      He assisted the German giants to a continental treble – the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFL Super Cup.
      And his goal-scoring prowess could come in hand at Old Trafford as Ten Hag has not seen the best in Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund. More

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      Newcastle fans fume ‘you WHAT?’ after finding out Kieran Trippier’s ‘mad’ price tag amid Bayern Munich transfer interest

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      NEWCASTLE fans were left shocked upon hearing star man Kieran Trippier could leave for just £12million.Trippier has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, who are keen to add to their English contingent after signing Eric Dier and England captain Harry Kane.
      Newcastle are open to letting Kieran Trippier go for a fee between £11m-£12mCredit: Getty
      And according to Sky in Germany, the Magpies may demand a fee between £11m-£12m for the right-back during the January transfer window.
      The Tyneside giants previously rated the 33-year-old at £13m, while Bayern appear to prefer a loan.
      The Toon Army were left in disbelief upon hearing such a relatively low release clause for one of the best English players in the world.
      On fan tweeted: “You what?”
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      Another commented: “Even during a bad season for Kieran, that’s peanuts for a player of his caliber.”
      A third wrote: “Easy for Bayern.”
      This fan wondered: “Loan or permanent?”
      And that one posted: “Only? Way too little for him definitely.”
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      Trippier is not the only Newcastle star Eddie Howe could lose this month.
      The Geordies are said to have agreed a shock deal to let Miguel Almiron leave for Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia.
      AC Milan are also ready to submit a bid to sign Callum Wilson on a permanent deal.
      Wilson appears keen on a switch to Milan where he would link up with fellow England aces Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. More