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    Rudiger’s agent confirms Premier League club offered defender DOUBLE Real Madrid’s transfer offer for ex-Chelsea star

    ANTONIO RUDIGER’S agent has claimed an unnamed Premier League club offered the centre-back double his wages at Real Madrid.Antonio Rüdiger signed a four-year contract at Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Saif Rubie helped facilitate Rudiger’s move to Real MadridCredit: Instagram / @saifpr
    Saif Rubie, the intermediary for a number of players including the German clashed with Simon Jordan on talkSPORT.
    The ex-Chelsea man left Stamford Bridge on a free transfer after failing to agree a new deal.
    Rubie revealed: “Let me confirm this, live on air, the Real Madrid deal was the smallest deal on offer.
    “There was a club in England offering almost double the amount and a club in Europe doubling the amount.”
    Manchester United had been linked with him.
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    Reports emerged that Rudiger was going to receive £10million in signing on fee.
    Rubie took exception to these claims saying: “He [Jordan] said that Rudiger was being very greedy because he was getting paid a £10m signing on fee.
    “And his advisors were getting £10m to go wherever they were going.
    “Let’s break it down. A £10m signing on fee is usually broken across the period of the contract, that’s four years, that’s £40,000-a-week.
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    “Let’s say it is £10m to £15m, the transfer window has just finished.
    “Antonio Rudiger has been one of the best, if not the best, defender in the world and Premier League.
    “It made Carlo Ancelotti want to bring him to Real Madrid. What is the value of a top flight, top level centre half in the game?”
    Rubie also admitted Chelsea’s old owners didn’t offer him a fair salary.
    He said: “What if I told you Chelsea, and the old regime, basically made next to no effort to keep the player.
    “At the time he was very happy to stay and potentially be the captain of the club. He was offered a contract that was half the amount Romelu Lukaku were earning.” More

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    Arsen Zakharyan hints at Chelsea transfer in January before team-mate gatecrashes interview with Blues chant

    CHELSEA transfer target Arsen Zakharyan has not ruled out a move to the club in January. Zakharyan was close to completing a move to Chelsea, but the transfer was blocked by UK sanctions placed on the teenager’s native Russia amid the war in Ukraine.

    Arsen Zakharyan talks about the offer he received from ChelseaCredit: Reddit -https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/x5ofxx/dynamo_moscows_arsen_zakharyan_in_an_interview/
    His team-mate then came up behind him and started chanting Chelsea’s nameCredit:
    Reddit -https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/x5ofxx/dynamo_moscows_arsen_zakharyan_in_an_interview/
    Zakharyan in action for Dynamo MoscowCredit: AFP
    However, despite the £13million transfer from Dynamo Moscow being blocked, the midfielder remains hopeful of sealing a move during the next window.
    Speaking during a post-match interview with Match TV, Zakharyan said: “I knew they were interested, maybe in the winter.”
    But his interview was gatecrashed when team-mate Fyodor Smolov began to chant: “Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea,” as he walked past.
    Zakharyan’s stock has grown exponentially after some strong performances last season.
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    He scored seven goals and contributed eight assists in the league last season.
    During the campaign, he played across a number of positions in attack but mainly occupied a position either as a left winger or more centrally.
    Zakharyan also told journalist Hcraf Khachatryan: “There was an offer, but it was impossible to complete a transfer.
    “How can I reject that? Of course, I accepted.”
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    A theme of Chelsea’s recruitment during the summer was the acquisition of a number of up-and-coming stars.
    This included the club pinching Omari Hutchinson from Arsenal and also signing Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa. More

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    Arthur Melo ‘was only Liverpool’s second choice after missing out to Chelsea in transfer for Denis Zakaria’

    ARTHUR MELO was only Liverpool’s SECOND choice to bolster their midfield on deadline day.And the Reds were forced into making a move after missing out on Juventus teammate Denis Zakaria to Chelsea.
    Arthur Melo was Liverpool’s second choice midfield signing on deadline dayCredit: Getty
    Liverpool wanted to sign Juventus teammate Denis Zakaria but lost out to ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Calciomercato claims Jurgen Klopp was desperate to sign a box-to-box player after being plagued by midfield injuries.
    And the German boss identified Zakaria as his No1 choice to fill the gap left by Thiago Alcantara.
    Liverpool made their move as the hours ticked down towards the end of the market.
    However, they were unable to reach an agreement with either Zakaria or Juventus.
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    At the same time, Chelsea entered the bidding process after missing out on Ajax’s Edson Alvarez.
    Zakaria jumped at the chance to move to Stamford Bridge on loan.
    And Liverpool were then left negotiating with Juventus for playmaker Arthur.
    Once regarded as a top talent, the 26-year-old Brazilian has suffered a sharp decline in recent years.
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    He managed just one goal in two years with the Bianconeri.
    And a dip in form has seen Arthur play for Brazil just once since 2020.
    Liverpool are paying Juventus almost £4m to loan the midfielder for the season.
    And should Arthur come good, there is an option to sign him permanently for just over £32m next summer.
    The former Barcelona star could now make his debut against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday.
    As well as Thiago, Klopp is also without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita.
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    Havey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho both struggled in Saturday’s 0-0 Merseyside derby draw at Everton.
    And Arthur could find himself slotting in alongside Jordan Henderson, who came off the bench at the weekend. More

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    Chelsea star Reece James agrees new five-year deal as England ace more than DOUBLES salary to £250,000-per-week

    REECE JAMES has signed a new deal at Chelsea which will see him more than DOUBLE his previous wages. The Chelsea star is a cornerstone member of the team and has been rewarded for his performances with a new deal – as confirmed by a statement on Chelsea’s website.
    A breakdown of Reece James’ new bumper deal
    James in action for Chelsea against West HamCredit: Getty
    SunSport previously revealed James was on the lower end of the Chelsea wage structure at £100,000 per week.
    But now he will more than double his previous wages to £250k per week with a new five-year deal.
    In addition, his new contract will make him the highest-earning defender in the club’s history.
    On the deal, Chelsea’s club statement said: “Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Reece James has signed a new five-year contract.
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    “A Cobham graduate who first trained with us at the age of six, James has emerged as one of the best young players in the game… and having now committed to the club until 2027, Blues fans can enjoy James’ prodigious talent for many more years to come.”
    According to the Mail, new owner Todd Boehly wants to implement an American-style contract policy for players under 25, tieing them down to contracts for as many as seven years.
    This new policy has already been enacted on the likes of academy prospect Armando Broja, who penned a new six-year deal with The Blues.
    On the James deal, Boehly added: “We are thrilled to give Reece a new long-term contract at Chelsea.
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    “He is an outstanding player and a true Chelsea man, and we are all looking forward to watching him continue to flourish at Stamford Bridge.”
    James has started all but one of Chelsea’s games this season, with the one game he missed being the club’s 2-1 defeat to Southampton.
    The 22-year-old, who can play as either a centre-half or at right wing-back, has had a direct hand in 16 Premier League goals since the start of last season – more than any other defender.

    On his new deal, James said: ” I am over the moon with my new contract and I’m thankful for the fans, the new ownership and everyone involved in the club.
    “I cannot wait to see what the future holds, and I am sure we will have the chance of winning many trophies.
    “I grew up supporting this club and I’ve been here since I was a six-year-old. I put pen to paper on a new deal because this is the club I want to be at.
    ” I’d like to say a special thanks to the fans, I am here to stay and we have a bright future ahead of us.”
    Thomas Tuchel’s side have started the season in rocky form despite splashing nearly £300million on new players over the summer.
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    Thus far, they have picked up three wins, two defeats, and a draw and sit sixth in the table.
    However, the nature of their latest win drew widespread criticism of the quality of officiating in English football, after a late West Ham equaliser was controversially ruled out. More

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    Kepa explored Chelsea transfer exit in summer after losing No1 spot to Mendy, confirms Tuchel amid Napoli interest

    THOMAS TUCHEL admits Kepa Arrizabalaga explored a move away from Chelsea this summer.But despite interest from Napoli, the goalie decided to stay put at Stamford Bridge.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga looked at leaving Chelsea this summer amid interest from NapoliCredit: Getty
    Kepa, 27, remains the most expensive gloveman in history after joining Chelsea for £71.6million from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.
    But despite being No1 at Stamford Bridge in his first two seasons, Kepa has spent the past 24 months playing second fiddle to Edouard Mendy.
    Reports claimed the 11-time Spain international was giving serious thought to moving on this summer.
    And Napoli made an approach over a loan deal with an option to buy next year.
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    However, a move to Italy failed to materialise.
    And deadline day saw Kepa stay put in London for what’s set to be his fifth season at Chelsea.
    The ace is now ready to make his first appearance of the campaign in tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.
    Blues boss Tuchel now admits the stopper did spend time considering his options over the summer.
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    Kepa received several options for a fresh start away from Stamford Bridge.
    But after giving careful thought to all proposals, he eventually decided he was best served staying at Chelsea.
    Tuchel declared: “He tried and checked his options, which we were aware of.
    “They were not satisfying for him or for us, so he stayed and I’m very happy about that.
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    “I was always very clear directly with him that I would love him to stay, and my point of view is that he’s absolutely ready to play.
    “It’s on us if we give him the chance or not but he’s 100 per cent ready with how he behaves and trains.” More

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    Man Utd ‘blocked Ten Hag’s approach for Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech despite changing transfer strategy to back boss’

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag was BLOCKED from signing Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech during the transfer window, according to reports.The Red Devils had been heavily linked with a swoop for the Morocco international last month.
    Man Utd blocked a move for ZiyechCredit: Getty
    Chelsea were understood to be prepared to sell him for as little as £8million, but no offer was received before deadline day.
    And according to Manchester Evening News, that was because United chiefs actually BLOCKED Ten Hag from making a bid despite claims suggesting they would back him fully.
    Nevertheless, the Red Devils had another expensive summer having introduced five new additions.
    Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen became the first signings of the window when they arrived from Feyenoord and Brentford respectively.
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    United began to splash the cash when they brought in Lisandro Martinez from Ajax for £55m.
    Casemiro followed in a shock £70m move from Real Madrid last month.
    And Antony became the most expensive signing of the summer when he made the blockbuster £85.5m move from Ajax on deadline day.
    The Red Devils also signed Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a season-long loan with a £5m option-to-buy.
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    However, they did miss out on top target Frenkie de Jong, who decided to remain at Barcelona.
    The midfielder was expected to leave before deadline day, but chose to stay despite the club threatening to slash his wages. More

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    Crystal Palace readying £20m January transfer bid for Conor Gallagher if England star’s Chelsea dream is shattered

    CRYSTAL PALACE will make a serious bid for Conor Gallagher in the next window – if his Chelsea dream is shattered.Palace wanted England midfielder Gallagher, 22, to return after his successful loan spell but were given no encouragement.
    Crystal Palace are keen to re-sign Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    The midfielder has had a rough start to his bid to become a Chelsea first-team player with a red card thrown in.
    However Gallagher was not willing to give up that quickly either despite the Palace overtures behind the scenes.
    Palace have money to bid for the England international on a permanent basis if the price is around £20million and extras and they will try hard in January.
    The Eagles are also waiting for Antoine Semenyo to get fully fit at Bristol City before making an offer for him.
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    Transfer chief Dougie Freedman watched Semenyo in action yesterday after refusing to bid until he has been watched.
    Semenyo has been in scoring form off the bench but lacks game time after recovering fitness.
    Gallagher joined Chelsea’s academy in 2008 at the tender age of eight years old.
    The midfielder rose through the ranks in 2019 as he was promoted to the senior squad.
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    The 22-year-old was then loaned out to Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and of course Palace.
    Gallagher stood out at Selhurst Park last season.
    He amassed a total of eight goals and five assists in 39 appearances. More

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    Liverpool’s transfer swoop for Spanish starlet Stefan Bajcetic was smart business and left Man Utd and Chelsea red-faced

    LIVERPOOL’S new Spanish starlet Stefan Bajcetic is looking like a smart capture – and leaving Manchester United and Chelsea with red faces.The Kop babe has been on Jurgen Klopp’s bench already.
    Manchester United and Chelsea were both admirers of Stefan Bajcetic, who was snapped up by LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
    But the reason he joined the club a year ago is down to their willingness to take a chance on landing him as a kid.
    Bajcetic joined Liverpool just before the new post Brexit rules came in and it could be one of the most well-timed transfers ever.
    Both United and Chelsea had been tracking the top talent for months.
    Although both sides decided against pursuing a move because of fears he would not be allowed into the country.
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    Bajcetic was given a 21 minute runout by Klopp in Liverpool’s 9-0 rout against Bournemouth.
    The 17-year-old has also played twice for the U21s this season.
    Meanwhile, Liverpool left back James Norris is wanted by Huddersfield Town – after they failed in a deadline deal.
    The Kop kid has impressed in the U21s.
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    He even trained with the first team last week.
    That led to the Terriers were told to wait.
    The 19-year-old has played six times for the U21s this season. More