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    Watch Arsenal ace Cedric Soares score wonder free-kick as Emile Smith Rowe and Vieira get minutes in Under-21s win

    CEDRIC SOARES scored a magnificent free-kick as Fabio Vieira played his first minutes in an Arsenal shirt against Swansea under-21s on Wednesday.Arsenal’s kids, with a spattering of seniors, ran out 2-1 victors at Meadow Park with Cedric bagging the winner.

    Fabio Vieira played his first game in Arsenal coloursCredit: Getty
    Cedric Soares scored the winner with a spectacular free-kickCredit: Getty
    Emile Smith Rowe got 45 minutes under his belt as he builds his fitnessCredit: Getty
    The Portuguese found the top corner with a classy finish, whipping the ball to beat the Swans keeper at his near post.
    Cedric played the entire match in the comeback win, with youngster Joel Ideho grabbing the equaliser in the 18th minute.
    Summer signing Fabio Vieira lasted 45 minutes as he continues his road to recovery after a foot injury, with Mikel Arteta in the stands watching on.
    The £34million star missed pre-season with the issue but has been in training since the end of July and is slowly making his way back into contention.
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    Emile Smith Rowe has also struggled with a groin problem and started against Swansea U21s before being substituted at half-time.
    But the England international is perhaps closer than Vieira to full fitness after playing six minutes in the 4-2 win over Leicester last Saturday.
    Interestingly, Vieira operated further forward than Smith Rowe against the Swans, hinting at the Portuguese playing in an advanced role once he is match-ready.
    Vieira offers Arsenal versatility with Arteta revealing the 22-year-old has played in different positions in training.
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    When asked to name Vieira’s best position, Arteta said: “That’s something the player is going to tell us.
    “We are already trying him in different positions in training, and he’s played on the left, right, as a false nine and an attacking midfielder, so it’s good.
    “He doesn’t want to be locked in any one position, because he’s so used to it, and that’s a really positive thing for us.” More

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    Tottenham in huge blow with Cristian Romero ‘ruled out for four weeks with muscle injury picked up during Chelsea draw’

    TOTTENHAM defender Cristian Romero is set to miss up to four weeks after picking up an injury in their draw with Chelsea.The Argentinian helped Antonio Conte’s side earn a hard-fought point at Stamford Bridge following Harry Kane’s stoppage-time equaliser.
    Romero hit the headlines for his hair pull on Chelsea defender Marc CucurellaCredit: Getty
    But now, according to Football London, a muscle problem could see him sidelined for between three to four weeks.
    This will see the South American miss games against Wolves, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Fulham.
    He could also be absent for the clash with Manchester City at the Etihad on September 10.
    Spurs’ Champions League group stage campaign also kicks off at the beginning of next month.
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    Romero’s performance on Sunday will be remembered for him pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella in the lead-up to Kane’s equaliser – a red card offence which went unpunished.
    But, aside from his sneaky gamesmanship, he has formed a stellar understanding with Eric Dier and Ben Davies in Conte’s back three.
    Now Davinson Sanchez will be hoping he can force his way into the side for the upcoming clash with Wolves.
    Sanchez started Tottenham’s final three matches of last season where they did not concede a single goal and booked their place in the Champions League.
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    Loanee Clement Lenglet, who is yet to start since arriving on loan from Barcelona, is not expected to be fit for the weekend.
    Spurs take on Wolves on Saturday lunchtime and will return to the top of the Premier League table with a win – at least temporarily.
    Conte’s men currently sit fourth in the table behind Man City, Arsenal and Brentford. More

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    Leicester want Illan Meslier transfer from Leeds with Man Utd target seen as Kasper Schmeichel replacement

    LEICESTER are reportedly lining up a move for Leeds keeper Illan Meslier as they search for Kasper Schmeichel’s replacement.The Foxes were stunned as the Danish shot-stopper, 35, left for Nice earlier this summer.
    Meslier has been linked with a move to a fellow Premier League clubCredit: Getty
    And it left Brendan Rodgers with no choice but to start the season with inexperienced Premier League keeper Danny Ward in between the sticks.
    Now, with two weeks left of the transfer window, Leicester are trying to find someone to fill Schmeichel’s boots for the coming years.
    According to Get French Football News, they are interested in Leeds man Meslier.
    The 22-year-old has thrived at Elland Road since becoming the No1 following their return to the top flight.
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    But while he still has four years left on his existing deal, he is being linked with a move away from Leeds.
    Earlier this week, it was reported that Manchester United consider him a potential long-term successor to David de Gea.
    However, Fabrizio Romano understands that Leeds have no intention of negotiating with bitter rivals United.
    And Jesse Marsch’s side appear to be set on not letting Meslier go this summer.
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    However, Leicester will feel that with Leeds and Man Utd being old rivals, they may have a better chance of prising Meslier away.
    He has made 89 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, missing just three Prem games since they were promoted from the Championship.
    Meanwhile, Rodgers is keen to address the lack of depth in the Leicester squad following a poor start to the campaign.
    They have just one point from two games – throwing away a two-goal lead against Brentford and then losing 4-2 to Arsenal. More

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    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang WANTS to seal Chelsea transfer this summer if Barcelona sell – despite Man Utd holding talks

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG could reject Manchester United and move to Chelsea instead this summer, according to reports.Barcelona are open to selling the striker, 33, as they look to recoup funds.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would prefer a move to Chelsea over Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Aubameyang only joined the Catalan club in February and scored 11 goals in 17 LaLiga appearances last season, sparking interest from Chelsea and United.
    Erik ten Hag is keen to add the forward to his squad and United have reportedly held talks with Barca about a move.
    But if Barcelona do let Aubameyang leave the striker would rather join Chelsea, report the Daily Mail.
    The Gabon international worked with Thomas Tuchel previously at Borussia Dortmund and he was a big hit in Germany, scoring 141 goals in 213 appearances for the club.
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    A move to the Blues would also allow Aubameyang to return to London – where he spent four years playing for Arsenal.
    But in order for Chelsea to land the striker they must meet Barcelona’s asking price, which is believed to be around £21million.
    And Aubameyang is not pushing to make a move happen given he is happy playing at the Nou Camp, despite the risk of less game time following the signing of Robert Lewandowski.
    The news will come as a blow for Ten Hag and United as they urgently look to recruit a new striker.
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    There are several players reported to be on the club’s radar including Leicester star Jamie Vardy.
    Most recently, the Red Devils were said to have had a £110m bid for Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix turned down.
    His team-mate Matheus Cunha is also thought to be of interest for United, who are looking at Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic too. More

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    Man Utd transfer boost as out-of-favour PSG striker Mauro Icardi would ‘welcome’ move to Old Trafford

    MAURO ICARDI is keen on a switch to Manchester United this summer, with boss Erik ten Hag desperate to land a striker.The Argentina hitman, 29, has been told he is not wanted at megabucks PSG and reports in his homeland from TyC Sports indicate that the star is open to a moving to Old Trafford on loan, with a view to permanent deal.
    Icardi has been told to find a new club by French giants PSGCredit: Alamy
    Icardi’s agent and wife Wanda Nara is leading talks over his next clubCredit: https://www.instagram.com/wanda_nara/
    Despite rumours the pair are heading for a divorce, his agent and wife Wanda Nara is still involved in discussions over his next club.
    Icardi is also wanted by Galatasaray, with Nara meeting representatives of the Turkish club three times.
    With Anthony Martial injured and Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly still having one eye on the exit door, Ten Hag is very much in the market for a striker.
    He has so far been frustrated in his efforts to land Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.
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    Ten Hag has signed only Christian Eriksen, full-back Tyrell Malacia and centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
    Icardi has been bombed out of the first team squad and told to train on his own by new PSG boss Christophe Galtier.
    With Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar in the French champions’ front line, Icardi is not likely to get much, if any, playing time in Paris.
    Galtier said: “I told him that I want to reduce the size of the squad and not work with 25 outfield players.
    “The club is working closely with Mauro to find the best possible solution.
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    “He’s had very little game time and I think it would be best for him to get back up and running.”
    United’s bid to land 33-year-old Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic illustrated just how much Ten Hag believes the club need extra firepower. More

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    Jesse Lingard wants to become an ACTOR after he retires from football as he gets set for Forest home debut

    JESSE LINGARD has made the shock revelation that he wants to be an ACTOR after he quits football.Fans might find it difficult to picture J Lingz treading the boards as Hamlet or starring alongside Robert De Niro right now.
    Jesse Lingard during the 2-0 Prem loss to Newcastle last weekendCredit: Rex
    But the player is certainly not afraid of taking risks after he snubbed West Ham in favour of newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.
    The former Manchester United and England star is set to be barracked by Hammers fans at the City Ground.
    Some are even ready to throw fake money at the 29-year-old after he was branded a mercenary for choosing a lucrative switch to Forest which could see him trouser up to £150,000 a week.
    He had been tipped to rejoin West Ham, where he enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell.
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    But Lingard has proven he is more than willing to play the pantomime villain, because he sees himself as a budding thespian.
    He told Tubes on Soccer AM: “I want things in place with my little one for when I finish football, so she has something to look up to and it’s about what’s next. I’d like to go into acting.
    “I’m strong enough to deal with all that criticism now.
    “I’ve been through a lot and it’s always me that will try to break the mould and set the next thing up for the next generation.
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    “I started the clothing brand the week before we played Liverpool, but we got a win in the week. I do my YouTube stuff, I have my media company and they’re all things I enjoy.
    “I love football, it’s my passion, but when I finish I want to work on the next thing and my family can come into it when they’re older.”
    Lingard claims he moved to Forest because they made him feel ‘loved’ and that he turned down better financial offers abroad. More

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    Jesse Lingard hits back at criticism of Nottingham Forest transfer after Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville’s jibes

    JESSE LINGARD has blasted criticism over his shock move to Nottingham Forest as “nonsense”.After the star left Manchester United this summer, he was tipped to to rejoin West Ham, where he enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell.
    Nottingham Forest star Jesse Lingard is never shy on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @jesselingard
    Forest play West Ham tomorrow, with some Hammers fans even ready to throw fake money at the 29-year-old.
    Eyebrows were raised when he instead opted for newly-promoted Forest and Sky pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville were among the most vocal in condemning his decision.
    He was also branded a mercenary by many fans for a move which sees him become comfortably Forest’s highest earner on a reported £115,000 a week, which can rise to £150,000 with bonuses.
    But Lingard has already spoken of how the club made him feel loved.And he told Soccer AM: “For me it’s nonsense, I don’t like to read into a lot of stuff too much, it was my decision.
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    “The owners were very strong in their approach and went overboard and when I saw that kind of appreciation it’s hard to say no. I WhatsApp them and it’s like a family.
    “They’ve showed me so much love getting here in the first place and that was one of the most importance factors.
    “I’m strong enough to deal with all that criticism now.
    “I’ve been through a lot and it’s always me that will try and break the mould and set the next thing up for the next generation.
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    “I started the clothing brand the week before we played Liverpool, but we got a win in the week. I do my YouTube stuff, I have my media company and they’re all things I enjoy.
    “I want things in place with my little one for when I finish football, so she has something to look up to and it’s about what’s next. I’d like to go into acting.
    “I love football, it’s my passion, but when I finish I want to work on the next thing and my family can come into it when they’re older.
    Lingard claims he turned down more lucrative offers abroad.
    But Carragher said on the latest Overlap Fan Debate: “He went there for the money.
    “I love Nottingham Forest, that they are back in the Premier League, but if any footballer is picking Nottingham Forest right now, before West Ham and what they’ve done in the last two or three years, they’ve obviously gone there for a few quid.” More

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    Brighton striker Neal Maupay in talks over £15million move to Nottingham Forest as Prem new boys’ spree continues

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST are in negotiations to sign Brighton striker Neal Maupay for £15million.Newly-promoted Forest have spared no expense after making it back to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years, already splurging over £100m.
    Pointing to the exit, Forest keen to seal move for Brighton striker Maupay
    And French ace Maupay, 25, looks set to miss the Seagulls’ clash with Newcastle as talks firm up over his shock switch to the City Ground.
    Fired up Forest are close to landing Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis for £20m, and are also closing in on deals for midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Atalanta ace Remo Freuler.
    But they know promoted sides always struggle for goals, so are still keen for more firepower, leading to the ambitious bid for Maupay.
    Boss Steve Cooper is also looking for a left-back and winger before the transfer window shuts.
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    Cooper pulled off a coup in signing former England and Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard on a free transfer.
    Talks for former France Under-21 international Maupay are already at an advanced stage.
    Senegal star Kouyate is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace, but Swiss international Freuler will cost around £8m from Serie A.
    Forest sensationally won the play-off final against Huddersfield despite looking like relegation fodder when Cooper took over in September.
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    It seems like Forest are trying to spend their way into staying up in the promised land of the Premier League.
    And they will be hoping their new boys settle in quickly, having been beaten 2-0 by Newcastle on the opening weekend. More