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    Arsenal ‘considering shock Eden Hazard transfer move’ with 32-year-old ex-Chelsea star mulling over Real Madrid future

    ARSENAL are considering a shock move for Real Madrid star Eden Hazard, according to reports.The former Chelsea winger is supposedly holding showdown talks over his future with the LaLiga side open to letting him leave.
    Real Madrid seem to be willing to let Eden Hazard leave the club this monthCredit: Getty
    And he could have a surprise offer from the Gunners as they look to bolster their squad for the title race.
    Outlet Mediafoot claims that Hazard could go to Arsenal if their proposed transfer for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk doesn’t materialise amid competition from Chelsea.
    Reports suggest that initial contact between Mikel Arteta’s side and representatives in the Spanish capital has been made.
    Hazard’s contract expires at the end of the next season and there has supposedly been interest from MLS teams, Fenerbahce and Al-Nassr.
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    The 32-year-old has found minutes hard to come by at Real Madrid this season, being an unused substitute on 16 occasions.
    He has featured only seven times, managing to score just once in all competitions.

    His big money move to Los Blancos back in 2019 has not gone to plan as he has suffered a number of injuries and because of the emergence of Vinicius Junior.
    Hazard was even recently mocked by a fourth-division player in the Copa del Rey as he was hooked off by boss Carlo Ancelotti in the 67th minute.
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    Demanding Real Madrid supporters also slammed his performance in the rare start.
    Hazard’s best days came in England with Chelsea, helping the Blues win two Premier League titles and two Europa Leagues.
    He would offer Arsenal experience and he is hoping to rejuvenate his career having also retired from international football with Belgium after a disappointing World Cup More

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    Enzo Fernandez appears to end Chelsea transfer speculation with passionate celebration after scoring on Benfica return

    ENZO FERNANDEZ appeared to end any Chelsea transfer speculation after passionately celebrating a goal on his return to Benfica. The Argentinian World Cup winner has been subject to heavy interest from the Blues, following his breakout performances in Qatar.
    Enzo Fernandez appeared to suggest he is staying at BenficaCredit: Twitter
    Fernandez, 21, was even left out of Benfica’s 1-0 win over Portimonense last Friday amid Chelsea’s pursuit of the player.
    But the midfielder returned in a cup match against Varzim, scoring on 78 minutes as the game ended 2-0.
    And Fernandez gave the biggest hint yet that he is not leaving after pointing to the Benfica badge and ground, insinuating he is staying put.
    Chelsea were at loggerheads with the Portuguese giants as they refused to pay the playmaker’s £105million release clause and failed in their bid to negotiate.
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    And Benfica manager Roger Schmidt ruled out Fernandez leaving just a day before his return to the starting XI.
    Schmidt said: “The Enzo story is closed, there’s nothing left. He’s our player.

    “He’s in a good position, Enzo is happy, training well, he’s part of the team. He’s a key player. That’s all.”
    Chelsea have now turned their attention to Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, 23.
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    Felix has agreed to move to Stamford Bridge on a six-month loan, worth £10m, despite interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
    Chelsea have also signed defender Benoit Badiashile, 21, attacker David Datro Fofana, 20, and 18-year-old midfielder Andrey Santos this month.
    But Chelsea boss Graham Potter could be ready to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 33, who was signed by previous boss Thomas Tuchel.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang faces the axe at ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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    Mauricio Pochettino has eyes on Chelsea job if under-fire Graham Potter is given boot after miserable run

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO is waiting in the wings to become the new Chelsea boss if Graham Potter is sacked.The former Tottenham chief has been out of work since being axed by French giants Paris Saint-Germain in July.
    Chelsea boss Graham Potter is under mounting pressure at Stamford BridgeCredit: GETTY
    Ex-Spurs and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is interested in taking the job if Potter is axedCredit: GETTY
    Blues chief Todd Boehly could decide to wield the axe if results don’t improveCredit: AP
    Potter is under huge pressure at Stamford Bridge following a shocking run of only one win in seven games in all competitions.
    Fans turned on the ex-Brighton man following their dismal 4-0 FA Cup third-round exit at Manchester City on Sunday.
    And SunSport understands Argentine Poch, 50, would be willing to take over if Chelsea called.
    But his affiliation with the Blues’ hated rivals Spurs has always been seen as an issue to him moving to West London.
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    Pochettino still has a home in the capital and spent a lot of time in the country, even when he was at PSG.
    It is understood the Blues board are already considering Potter’s future — despite only hiring him in September.
    However, the 47-year-old is expected to be given the rest of this month to see if he can turn things around.
    But a poor result against local rivals Fulham tomorrow could see the end of his short reign.
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    Under-pressure Potter said of Sunday’s defeat to City: “The first half was painful and tough for us all.
    “We were second best to a very, very good side. We are not in a great moment and even though it was a cagey first 20 minutes we couldn’t attack the backline well enough, we couldn’t attack as well as we would like.
    “Manchester City are very good at stopping you doing that but at the same time we struggled.
    “In terms of the Premier League, we have lost four matches – to Newcastle away, when we had nine players unavailable, we lost 1-0 to Arsenal, we lost on a bad day to Brighton and we lost to Manchester City.
    “We have also drawn to Manchester United and Brentford so the results in a small space of time aren’t positive.
    “You can make excuses and look for reasons or say it isn’t good enough. Both of those answers are correct.
    “We have to keep improving and stick together because clearly we are suffering as a football club and it’s not nice at all. But that’s where we are at the moment.” More

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    Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ‘being eyed by several Spanish clubs’ as Joao Felix loan transfer edges closer

    CHELSEA star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Spain.The Gabon striker joined the Blues in the summer but has failed to find his best form for the club.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly being eyed up by clubs in SpainCredit: Alamy
    Atletico Madrid could move for him if Joao Felix leavesCredit: Rex
    He has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge since his arrival.
    Aubameyang has played nine times in the Premier League, scoring just once.
    It has been a disappointment for the club as there had been hope he would continue the fine form he showed at Barcelona in a six-month spell at the end of last season.
    In just 18 starts for the Catalonian side he scored 13 goals.
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    And his pathway to the pitch could be further blocked when Chelsea complete the loan signing of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
    Aubameyang missed the side’s defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup after hurting his back, but is expected to be fit for the next game on Saturday.
    However, he could find a way out of the club without playing much more football in the Blues shirt.
    The 33-year-old is being eyed up by several clubs in LaLiga, including Atletico, according to the Daily Mail.
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    The capital club could be viewing the former Arsenal captain as a replacement for Felix should he leave the Metropolitano Stadium this month.
    However, whether or not Chelsea would be willing to let him leave would be another thing.
    Aubameyang is one of the club’s only senior strikers as Romelu Lukaku is on loan and Armando Broja is out for the long-term with an injury.
    There is new boy David Datro Fofana, but it remains to be seen whether he will be handed a first-team role. More

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    Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku will not play until end of February as his recovery from knee injury drags on

    CHELSEA-BOUND Christopher Nkunku will not play until the end of February at the earliest as his recovery from a knee injury drags on.The France striker and his club Red Bull Leipzig have targeted the Champions League last 16 clash with Manchester City on February 22 as his comeback date.
    Christopher Nkunku is set to sign for Chelsea in the summerCredit: AFP
    But after suffering an injury prior to the World Cup, his return date has now been revealedCredit: AFP
    Nkunku remains in Paris undergoing treatment for the problem which he picked up just before the World Cup and which stopped him from joining the eventual finalists in Qatar.
    Chelsea and Leipzig have yet to formalise the £53 million deal which was triggered by the Premier League side meeting the player’s buy-out clause in his contract.
    The date with City is only a loose target with some people fearing Nukunku’s return may come as late as March to ensure his injury is fully fit again.
    Chelsea have been pursuing Nkunku for some time and even arranged a secret medical for him in early September as they looked to get ahead of their rivals.
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    He was named in Didier Deschamp’s provisional 25-man squad for Qatar but had to withdraw after getting hurt in a collision with Eduardo Camavinga while training at France’s national team HQ in Clairefontaine near Paris.
    Chelsea are eager to add firepower to boss Graham Potter’s squad having struggled with forwards in recent seasons.
    Belgium star Romelu Lukaku lasted just a season before being sent back to Inter Milan on loan.
    Veteran Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is struggling to make an impact after signing in the summer.
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    Germany striker Timo Werner lasted only two seasons before he returned to Germany.
    Chelsea have won just once in the last seven matches.
    Here’s how Nkunku performed for RB Leipzig before his injury More

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    Man Utd suffer double blow as Chelsea’s Joao Felix loan transfer sees Atletico Madrid target Memphis Depay

    MANCHESTER UNITED could suffer a double blow with Joao Felix’s proposed loan to Chelsea leading to Atletico Madrid targeting Memphis Depay.The Red Devils are on a brilliant run and continued their perfect post-World Cup form by beating Everton on Friday.
    Manchester United are set to miss out on signing Joax FelixCredit: Rex
    Atletico Madrid are targeting Memphis Depay as a replacement for FelixCredit: Getty
    But Erik ten Hag is still hoping to bolster his squad with attacking reinforcements before the end of the month.
    United have already missed out on Cody Gakpo after he joined Liverpool.
    And the Old Trafford club are set to also lose out to Chelsea in the race for Felix.
    The Atletico Madrid ace has been linked with United, but he’s now on the verge of securing a loan switch to Stamford Bridge.
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    As a result, the La Liga side want to replace the Portugal star this month.
    And Sportitalia claim they’re now interested in Depay, another of United’s January targets.
    Depay endured a tough spell at Old Trafford between 2015 and 2017, scoring just seven goals in 53 appearances.
    He left for Lyon before securing a switch to Barcelona in 2021.
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    But the Dutchman has slipped down the pecking order at the Nou Camp and has only featured four times this season.
    He did start their recent Copa de Rey match with Intercity, but his last league outing was back in September.
    But Besiktas striker Wout Weghorst has emerged as another target for Ten Hag’s side.
    The Turkish club have insisted there’s currently no deal in place, but United are confident of getting their man before the deadline on 31 January.
    Experienced duo Eden Dzeko and Olivier Giroud are alternative options. More

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    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus Thuram as Barcelona ‘scout striker ahead of summer transfer’

    CHELSEA are facing an uphill battle to sign Marcus Thuram after Barcelona sent scouts to watch him, according to reports. Thuram, 25, is out of contract in the summer and consequently represents a cut-price option in a heavily inflated January market.
    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus ThuramCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are one of a number of sides who have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, who can play as a winger or a striker.
    However, Barcelona are understood to be taking the most keen look at him.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s present financial situation is restricting them from being able to freely navigate the market.
    Therefore, they have been seeking cheaper alternatives – a profile Thuram fits due to the nature of his contract.
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    The report indicates the Spanish giants have sent scouts to watch the Borussia Monchengladbach star, with “favourable” reports being returned.
    Thuram is typically deployed through the centre in Germany, but during the World Cup he made his impact off the bench coming from the wing, showcasing his versatility.
    With him thought to be available for just under £10million as well, the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool have all retained an interest.
    But each of these clubs seem to have transfer target priorities which, for now at least, lie elsewhere.
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    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to have now stepped down from his role as interim sporting director, but it has not stopped the club pressing forward with deals.
    The Blues have verbally agreed to cough up the £10million loan fee for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, which they hope will alleviate some of their issues for the remainder of the season.
    Here’s how Thuram has performed in the Bundesliga this season More

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    Chelsea wages revealed with Joao Felix set to become joint-fourth top earner if he completes loan transfer from Atletico

    CHELSEA are closing in on a £10million loan deal for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix – and he will instantly become one of the club’s top earners.The Blues look to have beaten Manchester United and Arsenal to the Portuguese star’s signature.
    Joao Felix is set to agree a loan move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Joao Felix is set to become the joint-fourth highest earner at Stamford Bridge
    And Felix, 23, is expected to become the fourth highest earner at Stamford Bridge.
    The former Benfica man, who joined Atletico for £113m in 2019, will reportedly rake in £250,000-a-week.
    Raheem Sterling is the club’s top earner at £325k per week, with Kai Havertz on £310k and Kalidou Koulibaly on £295k.
    But no other Chelsea stars are ahead of Felix – who will be looking to improve on the 34 goals and 18 assists he contributed in 131 appearances at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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    Chel;sea’s fifth highest earner is summer signing Wesley Fofana, with the 21-year-old scooping £200k-a-week after his £70m move from Leicester.
    Fellow summer arrival Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is claimed to be on £160k-a-week, making him the ninth highest earner.
    Marc Cucurella takes home £175k-a-week, which is less than left-back rival Ben Chilwell, who is thought to be on £190k-a-week.
    Reece James has shot up to the club’s fourth highest earner alongside the incoming Felix after the England defender signed a mega new £250k-a-week deal.
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    And while Mason Mount currently only scoops £88k-a-week, it may not be long until he’s alongside the likes of James.
    The Blues are keen to tie the academy graduate down to a new deal after securing James’ long-term future.
    The Blues have handed 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka a reported £85k-a-week deal.
    And summer deadline day loan addition Denis Zakaria is thought to be on £35k-a-week.
    Back-up keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga earns £190k-a-week, more than double rival shot-stopper Edouard Mendy.
    Other big earners include Christian Pulisic, who rakes in £160k-a-week.
    Jorginho and Thiago Silva are both on £110k-a-week, while Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech each earn £100k-a-week, as per Spotrac’s figures. More