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    Chelsea on alert as Juventus ‘open to letting Serbia World Cup star Dusan Vlahovic leave in shock transfer in January’

    JUVENTUS could let Dusan Vlahovic leave next year amid interest from Chelsea, according to reports.The striker signed for the Serie A giants last January in a £62million move from Fiorentina.
    Dusan Vlahovic has managed six goals in Serie A this season
    Juventus are prepared to let Dusan Vlahovic leaveCredit: Getty
    He has been in good goalscoring form for the Old Lady with 16 goals in 36 games.
    But Juventus are prepared to let Vlahovic leave amid record losses at the club over the last three years.
    The Serbia international, 22, could even leave when the January transfer window opens, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
    He adds that several top European clubs are interested in Vlahovic and are in touch with his agent.
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    Chelsea are included in that group but Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked.
    The Gunners tried to land Vlahovic last year before he signed for Juventus.
    And with Gabriel Jesus out injured for up to three months it is possible the Premier League leaders will try to lure Vlahovic to North London.
    Graham Potter’s Blues might go for him as they continue to look for an option to fill the Romelu Lukaku-shaped hole in their side left by the Belgium striker’s return on loan to Inter Milan.
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    Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, according to Il Bianconero.
    Liverpool have also been linked to the striker in a possible swap deal that would see Ibrahima Konate head to Turin. More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea transfer boost with Wilfried Zaha ‘most likely’ to QUIT Crystal Palace on free and run down contract

    ARSENAL and Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Wilfried Zaha with the winger set to run down his Crystal Palace contract, a report says.The 30-year-old has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park.
    Zaha s set to run down his Palace contractCredit: Alamy
    However, a big money transfer has never materialised despite his sensational form and a host of interest.
    Zaha is now in the final year of his contract at Palace meaning he can move for free at the end of this season.
    And according to Fabrizio Romano, Zaha is likely to snub a new deal at Palace and run down his contract, much to the delight of interested parties Arsenal and Chelsea.
    Arsenal could hold the advantage over their London rivals.
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    Zaha has previously admitted he is an Arsenal fan, despite his deep affection for Palace.
    In a 2017 interview on who he supports, Zaha said: “Arsenal. Still do.”
    The Ivory Coast international has six Premier League goals to his name in 13 games this season.
    Palace currently occupy 11th and restart their domestic campaign on Boxing Day at home to Fulham.
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    A win would lift Palace into the top half of the Prem table and above Chelsea and Brighton.
    They would also draw level on points with Liverpool.
    Zaha’s league stats this season More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea transfer blow with AC Milan chief ‘relaxed and confident’ Rafael Leao will happily sign new contract

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have suffered a dent in their transfer pursuit of Rafael Leao. It comes as AC Milan president Paolo Scaroni revealed he was at ease over contract talks regarding Leao.
    Rafael Leao scored twice for Portugal at the World CupCredit: Getty
    AC Milan’s president is “relaxed” over a new deal for LeaoCredit: Alamy
    Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Scaroni said: “I’m told that Rafa is really happy in Milano and with AC Milan.
    “Paolo Maldini’s taking care of the new deal negotiation so I’m confident and relaxed about it.”
    Leao was in action during the Qatar World Cup for Portugal before they were knocked out by semi-finalists Morocco.
    The attacker netted two goals off the bench. One during their opening 3-2 victory over Ghana and the other in the 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland.
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    Leao has just over 18 months left on his current Milan contract, meaning a transfer move for him is likely to occur in the next two windows if Milan do not want to let him go for nothing.
    Man Utd and Chelsea have been two of the leading parties in the pursuit of the 23-year-old.
    Erik ten Hag’s side are eyeing him as an alternative to Dutch ace Cody Gakpo, who has seen his asking price double since the summer, as they seek a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Meanwhile, Leao’s father gave a cryptic answer when previously asked about a transfer to Chelsea.
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    He said: “The answer is: we are working on it. We are dealing with it because Rafael Leao has a contract that ends in 2024. Until that date, we are dealing with all of that (transfer, contract and Sporting legal dispute).
    “Without Chelsea, without Barcelona, without Real Madrid, we are dealing with that.
    “Rafael loves being in Italy. He has an affection for the Italians that the Portuguese don’t have for him.
    “He won the trophy for best player in Serie A not because he’s handsome, but because he’s the best.”
    However, Scaroni’s latest comments will not bode well for either club’s hopes of signing him. More

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    Man Utd and Arsenal joined by Newcastle in Christian Pulisic transfer battle with USA winger set to quit Chelsea

    NEWCASTLE are reportedly considering swooping for Christian Pulisic as they join Manchester United and Arsenal in the fight for the American. There is renewed interest in the Chelsea winger after he showed off his abilities in the US’ run to the World Cup last-16.
    After several frustrating months at Chelsea, Pulisic came to the fore at the World Cup with the USACredit: Getty
    Big Premier League clubs are believed to be interested in a January move for Pulisic and Newcastle have now joined the fight.
    The Mirror report that the 24-year-old is one of three targets Eddie Howe’s side are considering to strengthen their Champions League ambitions.
    Chelsea value Pulisic at around £40m but Newcastle are hoping to get the fee reduced.
    They face a battle with Man United and league leaders Arsenal but the pair would reportedly prefer a loan.
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    But the Blues are believed to prefer a permanent deal if they were to cash in on Pulisic.
    The attacker struggled to find a way into either Thomas Tuchel or Graham Potter’s Chelsea teams after thriving in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
    The Magpies will hope he can help boost their efforts to finish in the top 4 after the club’s brilliant start to the season.
    Newcastle sat third going into the World Cup break having won their last five games on the bounce.
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    They have also lost fewer games than Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
    If they cannot land Pulisic, the north-east club have other options.
    Leeds ace Jack Harrison and Brighton star Leandro Trossard are also believed to have caught Newcastle’s eye. More

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    Eden Hazard ‘tempted by MLS transfer as ex-Chelsea star considers quitting Real Madrid to rediscover form’

    EDEN HAZARD is considering a move to Major League Soccer in order to escape his Real Madrid nightmare. The Ex-Chelsea star announced his retirement from International football after Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup during the group stages.
    Eden Hazard could pursue a move to the MLSCredit: EPA
    And now, with his club career having taken a dramatic fall off since he moved to Spain the 31-year-old is looking at ways to reignite his career.
    According to French outlet L’Equipe, the MLS is one such destination which interests him.
    The winger has struggled for game time under Carlo Ancelotti this season.
    He played just six times at club level prior to the World Cup, with four of these coming as cameos off the bench.
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    Hazard has previously admitted that he would be willing to leave the Spanish giants next summer if they told him to go.
    He said: “I have one more year and I have to show (what I can do) but it isn’t easy. I’m not playing, I want to play more. I’m really sorry about what has happened.
    “In January it’s impossible (to leave), because I have my family and I like the city.
    “But in the summer it’s possible that I leave. I have a year left on my contract and it’s a decision for the club.
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    “If the club says ‘Eden, thanks for these four years, but you have to go’ I’ll have to accept it.
    “But being a Real Madrid player was my dream as a kid. I want to play for this club.”
    Following his international retirement, Hazard was spotted taking in some Basketball in New York as the Atlanta Hawks took on the New York Knicks in the NBA.
    Hazard was pictured in New York following his international retirementCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Chelsea blow with Real Madrid ‘all in’ on Josko Gvardiol transfer as LaLiga giants plot stunning £78million swoop

    CHELSEA have had their hopes of attracting rising star Josko Gvardiol to Stamford Bridge dashed as Real Madrid make their intent known.The London club have been linked with a big money move for Gvardiol as they look to bolster their backline.
    Josko Gvardiol’s Croatia face up against Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup next.
    The centre-back currently plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and his contact doesn’t expire until 2027, meaning anyone interested will have to fork out a serious fee.
    Reports in Spain have emerged that Real Madrid are willing to pay what is needed to attract the Croatian born player to the Bernabeu.
    Alfredo Pedulla has reported that the Spanish giants are willing to put in a bid of around £78million to beat Chelsea to the post.
    Gvardiol has cemented his name as one of the hottest prospects in football with some impressive performances during the World Cup.
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    The 20-year-old is currently in Qatar representing Croatia who have made it into the quarter-finals of the competition.
    The youngster has played every minute of the tournament so far for his nation and has been an integral part of their success.
    Chelsea have been heavily linked with luring him to the capital, but his agent, Marjan Sisic, has said Gvardiol is in no rush to leave Germany.
    He told Sky Germany: “Regarding a possible transfer in the summer of 2023 we are not in a hurry.
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    “I can also make it clear that there are no pre-agreements with any clubs. For sure, a lot of top clubs are informed about him but Josko has a long-term contract in Leipzig.
    “Josko feels totally happy in Leipzig. His development is amazing and RB are playing very well under Marco Rose.”
    Gvardiol has made 65 appearances for RB Leipzig including 10 in the Champions League which is an impressive level of experience for such a young player.
    Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City have all also been linked with a move for the former Dinamo Zagreb man and so there will be a lot of competition to secure his signature. More

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    Adrien Rabiot reveals he is ‘attracted’ to the Premier League after he is linked with transfers to Man Utd and Chelsea

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea target Adrien Rabiot wants to play in the Premier League.Rabiot is set to become a free agent in the summer and can sign a pre-contract agreement with a Prem club in January.
    Adrien Rabiot says he wants to one day play in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    United were close to signing the France international in a £15m deal in the summer, although he ended up staying at Juventus due to his wage demands.
    But with his contract in Turin running down, the midfielder now looks to set to move away.
    Chelsea are also interested and are plotting a Januarymove, with serious doubts over the futures of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.
    Although Rabiot confirmed that he’s weighing up his options ahead of the market reopening for business.
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    Before the World Cup, he said: “The Premier League remains the most followed league, but I don’t think about the future.
    “I stay focused on the World Cup. The club and I are in no hurry.
    “There is serenity and we will have time to weigh up every possibility.”
    But the 27-year-old recently commented on his future and revealed that he wants to play in England, although he didn’t specify whether that’ll be in the near future.
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    He said: “Premier League attracts me. I’ve always said I’d like to play there — will it be at the end of my contract at Juve? I don’t know.
    “I don’t have favourite team in England, no team where I’d necessarily like to play.” More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea scouts ‘left stunned by Porto winger Pepe’ but player is only available in £65m transfer

    ARSENAL and Chelsea are reportedly due to battle it out for Porto winger Pepe.The 25-year-old Brazilian was first linked with the Gunners back in the summer.
    Porto star Pepe has left Chelsea and Arsenal scouts amazedCredit: AFP
    Arsenal and Chelsea are both chasing Porto winger Pepe along with JuventusCredit: Getty
    However, his hefty price tag put off Mikel Arteta from making a moving.
    Scouts have continued monitoring the star’s progress this term, and a fresh report has claimed that both Arsenal and Premier League rivals Chelsea have been blown away by his performances.
    Portuguese outlet A Bola allegedly left their talent spotters “with their mouths open”.
    And they are not the only clubs considering a move.

    Italian giants Juventus are now believed to have placed him on their wishlist.
    But any transfer move for the South American will be costly.
    Porto are holding out for at least £65million for Pepe – which would trigger his release clause.
    He began his career at local side Foz do Iguacu back in his homeland.
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    After bursting on to the scene there, he was soon snapped up by Gremio and won the Campeonato Gaucho for four straight years.
    He helped himself to 20 goals in 86 league appearances for them, which led to Porto making their move.
    The Brazilian U23 international headed to Portugal in 2021 and he has helped them to the Primeira Liga title plus the Taca de Portugal, the country’s version of the FA Cup, and Supertaca Candido de Oliveira, which is similar to the Community Shield. More