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    Roman Abramovich’s ex-transfer chief watches Chelsea with fans and makes surprise comment on Stamford Bridge view

    FORMER Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia was back at Stamford Bridge – this time amongst the fans. Granovskaia – who spent over ten years at the club – joined supporters to watch the Blues’ 2-1 win over Newcastle. Marina Granovskaia was back at Stamford BridgeCredit: InstagramBut the former Chelsea chief was in amongst the fansCredit: InstagramGranovskaia watched Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-1Credit: InstagramBut the Russian-Canadian businesswoman might not have been tall enough to catch Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer’s goals. She wrote on Instagram: “First time in with the supporters at Stamford Bridge and, no, I was not tall enough to see the goals! “But wonderful to be back to witness such a great performance and important win!” Granovskaia started working for Chelsea under ex-owner Roman Abramovich in 2010 on transfer and business dealings. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSBy 2014, she was chief executive of the West London club and had a huge part in negotiating transfers. But Granovskaia left alongside Abramovich in 2022 when it was brought by American billionaire Todd Boehly. Her return to Stamford Bridge was a huge hit with fans as her comment section was filled with praise. One said: “The queen is back.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Welcome home!”One hailed: “Queen Marina Proper Chels always.”Another gushed: “One of our own.”Meet Ibrahim Rabbaj, 15-year-old English Chelsea wonderkid compared to Messi More

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    ‘What happened?’, asks Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea ace and Mo Salah SNUBBED from African Player of the Year shortlist

    CHELSEA ace Nicolas Jackson addressed the controversial African Player of the Year shortlist that includes some major omissions, such as Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.The Confederation of African Football released the list of players who are nominated for this year’s esteemed POTY award but sparked a heated debate.Chelsea ace Nicolas Jackson fired back at the controversial African Player of the Year award shortlistCredit: RexJackson and Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah were both snubbed from the shortlistCredit: GettyThe list includes Brighton’s Simon Adingra, Rennes’ Amine Gouiri, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Marseille’s Chancel Mbemba, Al-Ain’s Soufiane Rahimi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Al-Kholood’s William Troost-Ekong and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams.However, some big names were left out, such as West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface as well as Jackson and Salah.The Chelsea ace was left baffled and took to social media to express his surprise.Jackson posted on his Instagram story: “What happened?!”Read More on FootballSalah, 32, stood out for Liverpool once more last season as he won the Carabao Cup and amassed a staggering 25 goals and 14 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.The Egypt international broke another record just an hour into the new season only two months ago as he recorded the most opening-day goals in Premier League history.Senegalese star Jackson, 23, has been on fire for Chelsea this season with five goals and three assists in eight Prem matches.Ghanaian ace Kudus already counts 16 goals in 55 matches for West Ham after only moving to east London a year ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoniface was among the brightest African stars last season as he played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph, which saw them winning their first ever title undefeated.The Nigeria international scored 21 goals and produced 10 assists in 34 matches for Xabi Alonso’s side last term.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsAnd Moroccan star Diaz helped Real win LaLiga as well as the Champions League.But none of those exploits were enough to make the shortlist. More

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    Panathinaikos 1 Chelsea 4: Joao Felix gives Enzo Maresca selection headache with double as Blues go top of table

    ON this evidence Enzo Maresca should win his first Chelsea trophy at a canter this season.His Blues strolled past Panathinaikos without much need to engage their brains, let alone work up a sweat.Chelsea run riot in AthensCredit: RexThe biggest resistance offered in Athens was a crafty supporter armed with a green laser pen – trying but failing to put off the Chelsea players.Given how much of a stroll some of these games should be, they offer a chance for those in need of a confidence boost.Two of those did just that, Joao Felix scoring twice having struggled for minutes since his before and Mykhailo Mudryk netting one and setting up two.Mudryk, desperately needing a statement performance, skied an early chance and looked to be heading for another frustrating night.READ MORE IN footballBut soon he started to make things happen.The Ukrainian, whose potential is undoubted but rarely looks like being fulfilled, was causing constant trouble down the left and teed up the opener.After Felix flicked on a header into his path, Mudryk raced forward and picked his moment to slide the ball back to his Portuguese teammate, allowing him a first time finish past Bartlomiej Drągowski.He could have had another assist minutes later too, squaring well for Enzo Fernandez to strike – though it was just tipped over.Most read in FootballJoao Felix opened the scoringCredit: ReutersFelix started the rout in GreeceCredit: GettyMykhailo Mudryk got himself a much needed goalCredit: APMudryk has another positive performance in EuropeCredit: APCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter a couple of early scares – including Filip Jorgensen needing to save from Tin Jedvaj’s second minute header – Chelsea were in full control.They may have had a rough couple of years but they are clearly too good for Europe’s third tier competition.Roberto Mancini brutally sacked from job as highest-paid manager in the world just days after clashing with fansThat was made more than clear inside ten second half minutes as Chelsea bagged another three.First Mudryk added to his first assist with a maiden goal of the season, heading in at the far post from Pedro Neto’s cross.He then set Felix up for his second of the night, taking advantage of the hosts’ failure to clear a Neto cross, laying the ball back before the shot deflected in off Serbian Nemanja Maksimovic.Within moments of putting the game beyond doubt, Felix won a penalty – his cross striking the hand of Daniel Mancini. Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then.The winger was denied the chance to wrap up his hat-trick as Christopher Nkunku converted from the spot, despite having to deal with a laser pen constantly in his eye.From there Chelsea slowed, a number of changes and chances for youngsters: Tyrique George, Marc Guiu and Cesare Casadei.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Chelsea’s guard down a touch, the hosts grabbed a consolation.Sub Georgios Vagiannidis found space down the right and crossed for former Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri to tap in at the far post.Christopher Nkunku scored from the spotCredit: GettyHe pulled off his trademark celebrationCredit: Getty More

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    Graham Potter opens up on Chelsea exit and return to football as he says he’s watching the ‘madness from afar’

    GRAHAM POTTER has lifted the lid on his football hiatus.Potter, 49, has been without a job since he was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 after just seven months in charge.Graham Potter has opened up on his absence from footballCredit: PADespite being linked with a number of jobs, including the England role, he has remained out of football management.However, he has now lifted the lid on what he has been doing since his Blues exit.Speaking on the BBC’s Planet Premier League, Potter said: “The time I’ve had has been, you know, amazing. I had 12, 13 years of non-stop football coaching, managing.”So from the fourth tier in Swedish football to last eight in the Champions League with Chelsea. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So that doesn’t come for free in terms of how much you have to devote and how much you have to sacrifice for that, especially when you’ve got a young family. “So to be able to have the time to spend with them, to reconnect with them, to sort of get a bit of energy and reflect and can look back on the 12 years and think, ‘OK, what went well and what can I improve and what do I need to do and what do I want the next 12 years look like?’.”Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want it to happen. “But when it does happen, you have to try and take the positives and look at it as a bit of a gift and say, ‘OK, look, what does the next stage, you know, sort of bring and what does it look like and how do I want it to look?’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And now, yeah, I’m enjoying doing things like this, this is something I never really did because when you’re a football manager, you haven’t got time to do stuff like this. “And I quite like to experience new things. So that’s been good to be able to do that.  Former Chelsea manager Potter weighs in on Postecoglou’s ‘shell-shocked’ interview after Brighton’s win over Spurs “And at the same time, you give yourself a chance to watch the madness from afar and you get a perspective and then, you know, you look back and I can honestly say I’m more confident in my own ability now than I was before I went to Chelsea or before I went to Brighton. “So the process has been good.”Potter is married to Rachel, who he started dating in the 1990s.They have three sons together who live in Sweden, with Potter splashing out on a £2million mansion located just an hour from Ostersund – where he spent seven successful years as boss – in 2023.Asked about the England job and the appointment of Thomas Tuchel, whom he replaced at Chelsea, the ex-Brighton boss revealed: “Well, like I said a few weeks ago, I’ve been out of work for 18 months.”And I’ve had conversations with quite a few people, but I don’t want to get in a place where I’m confirming or denying anything because I don’t think that’s fair for anybody.”With regard to that I think they’ve made a really good appointment for a coach that is obviously successful, has won lots of things and I think if that’s the strategy and if that’s the criteria then it’s a fantastic appointment because Thomas’s record is brilliant and he’s won the Champions League.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.He added: “Do I think that an English coach can win the World Cup or a major trophy? Yes, absolutely I do.”So you look at the previous winners, the Spanish coach, I don’t think was a Champions League winning coach. I don’t think the Argentinian coach was a Champions League-winning coach. “If you look at the last, in the last European coach to, to win outside of Europe, the World Cup, Joachim Loew, his career was, was one of a coach. “But at the same time, I understand if that’s the criteria and it feels like that was the movement towards how we need a winning coach, a top coach that can help these top players, then Thomas is a fantastic coach and a great appointment.”In September, Potter also addressed rumours linking him with the Manchester United job if Erik ten Hag is sacked. He told Sky Sports: “I take what the media say with a pinch of salt.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week.”I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”Potter has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag if he is sacked by Man UtdCredit: GettyNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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    ‘This guy isn’t real,’ say Chelsea fans as new signing breaks Neymar’s record in Brazil

    CHELSEA fans have been left gushing over new signing Estevao Willian after he broke a record held by Neymar.The teen sensation has earned the nickname “Messinho”, and it appears to be with good reason.Estevao Willian has left fans stunned ahead of his transfer to ChelseaCredit: GettyHe has broken a record held by NeymarCredit: GettyThe Brazilian winger has been in impressive form for Palmeiras, with 16 goals to his name this season in all competitions.But a goal and assist in his most recent Brazilian Série A game against Juventude has seen him eclipse Neymar’s record for most goal contributions in the competition for an under-17.He now has a total of 18, made up of ten goals and eight assists.Neymar’s record was set back in 2009, and saw him contribute a total of 16 goals and assists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of completing his transfer to Chelsea next summer, worth up to £53million, fans have been left stunned by his talent, and a clip showing he maybe won’t stay down as often as Neymar either.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This Estevao guy isn’t real.”Being able to be that good on the ball and make the right decisions almost every time, having the burst to go past players on the wing and having the awareness to do it centrally and make runs in behind and finish too.”A second said: “Estêvão Willian is a warrior.”Most read in FootballNeymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellA third said: “The talent of this guy is crazy.”Another said: “Defenders will suffer next season.”Neymar has also heaped praise on the prodigy, saying: “Congratulations Estêvão Willian for breaking the record!” He continued: “I hope you continue shining & enchanting people with your football.”Neymar, 32, achieved his record with Santos before joining Barcelona in 2013. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he had an underwhelming spell, before joining Al Hilal where he has struggled with injury. More

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    Shakhtar Donetsk chief tells off Chelsea saying ‘you don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it’

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK general director Sergiy Palkin has slammed Chelsea for not knowing how to use “Ferrari” Mykhailo Mudryk.The Ukrainian has failed to make his mark in the Prem after signing from Shakhtar for £88.5m in January 2023.FC Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin has questioned how Chelsea use MudrykMykhailo Mudryk has failed to hit the mark at Stamford BridgeChelsea flop Mudryk has scored just seven goals and provided seven assists in 66 appearances for the Blues.The winger has struggled to hold down a regular place in the team, which has been compounded by the arrival of Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix this summer – all of whom are above him in the pecking order.The 23-year-old has started just ONE game this season, where he was hauled off at half-time in Chelsea’s 6-2 win at Wolves.And his most recent blow came after being left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad to take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday – which the Blues lost 2-1. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut now Shakhtar director Palkin has accused Chelsea of not having a plan for the Ukraine international and likened him to a sportscar.Palkin told GOAL: “You don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it.“A normal car will do. If you buy a Ferrari, you should think about how to handle it. That’s my opinion on Mudryk at Chelsea.”I am sure that he will show his qualities when he gets the chance.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMudryk is linked with a move away from Chelsea”He is an absolute difference maker, which can also be seen in his appearances for the Ukrainian national team. There are very few players in this category.”Mudryk was locked in a transfer tussle between top-flight rivals Arsenal and Chelsea but eventually settled on a move to West London. Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A The Gunners had led the charge for Mudryk before Chelsea swooped in to hijack the deal.Mikel Arteta’s side then signed Leandro Trossard for £30m from Brighton instead.Bizzarely enough, Trossard missed a penalty in Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.Meanwhile, fans were shocked to spot Mudryk cheering on his former side, who lost 1-0 at the Emirates after Gabriel Martinelli’s tame shot hit in off goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk’s backside inside 29 minutes.Mudryk was spotted at the Emirates as Shakhtar Donetsk took on Arsenal in the Champions League More

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    Chelsea ‘make transfer enquiry for Christantus Uche’ months after he was signed from Spanish third tier for £400k

    CHELSEA have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus Uche ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Uche, 21, joined the LaLiga side from Spanish third-tier outfit Ceuta in July for a bargain €500,000 (£416,000) and has since taken the top flight by storm.Chelsea have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus UcheCredit: GettyUche has taken LaLiga by storm after joining Getafe from the Spanish third tier last summerCredit: AlamyThe versatile midfielder has started in all 10 league matches this season and even scored on his debut against Athletic Bilbao to save a point in a 1-1 draw for Jose Bordalas’ side.According to Relevo, the Nigerian is already attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.And Chelsea are among Uche’s suitors as they are closely following his incredible development.The same source claims the Blues have already enquired about the playmaker and discussed a potential deal.Read More on FootballIt is understood that the ex-Nigeria youth international has an “affordable termination clause” on his contract, which runs until 2028.Uche’s stunning rise has also caught the eye of his national team and thus a first ever senior Nigeria call-up is now imminent.The versatile player, who can also play as a false nine, has turned a lot of heads in LaLiga this season despite having no experience at elite level before his move to the Coliseum. Uche amassed a total of 36 appearances last term with Ceuta, where he also picked up two assists.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe attacking midfielder quickly won over Bordalas and the rest of his team-mates.And thus Uche is now fully focused on his new team, which has yet to kick into gear.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskGetafe are currently 16th in the table after three losses and only one win in 10 matches.Chelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

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    Arsenal ‘battling Chelsea and Barcelona for shock Jhon Duran transfer’ with ’40 clubs’ chasing £75million striker

    ASTON VILLA striker Jhon Duran is reportedly attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.The 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far at Villa Park.Arsenal and Barcelona are among the clubs interested in Jhon DuranCredit: GettyAston Villa want £75m for the strikerCredit: GettyIn 11 appearances so far this season, Duran has scored six goals – one of which fired Villa to a huge Champions League win over Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.He is now one of the most sought-after young players in Europe.According to AS Colombia, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea are among FORTY clubs interested in signing the forward.But he will not be allowed to leave Aston Villa for anything less than £75million.Read More in FootballDuran, who joined Unai Emery’s side from Chicago Fire in January 2023, is under contract at Villa Park until June 2030 having penned a new deal earlier this month.Villa striker Ollie Watkins has also been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past.The Gunners are understood to be in the market for a new striker amid doubts surrounding the future of Gabriel Jesus.They held a strong interest in RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko in the early stages of the summer transfer window.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, he instead signed a contract extension with the German side.Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres have also been linked.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card? More