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    Houssem Aouar lets down excited Arsenal fans who thought agent was in London securing transfer move

    HOUSSEM AOUAR has poured cold water on internet gossip of an Arsenal switch by firmly shutting down rumours his agent was in London. The Lyon ace had been at the centre of speculation concerning a move to the Emirates last summer – and the murmurs have refused to go away.
    Lyon midfielder Houssem says his agent was not in London following transfer gossip on social mediaCredit: Getty
    Earlier this month SunSport reported Arsenal fans were getting giddy online, amid rumours the player’s brother and agent had been seen in London. 
    However, Aouar, 23, whose Lyon contract expires in June 2023,  has taken to social media to confirm photos shown in an Instagram story were actually of his best friend. 
    And he appeared to dismiss rumours of an impending Groupama Stadium exit by his ending his message with “Allez Lyon”.
    In a post on his Instagram account, Aouar wrote: “Guys leave him. He is one of my best friends, not my real brother. By the way… not my agent also.

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    “Once again, unfortunately, an umpteenth “fake news” story has been released about me on multiple social media accounts. 
    “I’m not in the habit of responding to what is said about me…[but I was] sick, I was hospitalised over the weekend. 
    “Know that I am a lot better and that I am ready for the future!
    “Thank you to those who have always supported me, in the good times as in the less good times. Allez Lyon.”
    Lyon has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates and Arsenal are thought to have bid for the playerCredit: AFP

    Arsenal, who have bid farewell to Real Madrid loan stars Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos, are on the hunt for a playmaker. 
    And it is reported Aouar was one of Mikel Arteta’s top transfer targets prior to the Gunners prising Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid last term.

    It is thought Arteta is an admirer of the playing style of the France international who registered seven goals and three assists in 30 Ligue One appearances last term. 
    This week French outlet Le10 Sport reported Arsenal had submitted a formal offer for the player.
    It is thought the Gunners – who finished eighth in the Prem last term – are hoping to sign the attacker for a price between £17million and £21.4m.  
    And SunSport reported the club were preparing a contract worth £100,000-a-week in a bid to lure the player to the Emirates. 
    Arsenal are thought to be looking for a playmaker following Martin Odegaard’s return for Real MadridCredit: Getty
    However, the France midfielder is also on the radar of Serie A champions Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. 
    And both European giants may be able to tempt the player with Champions League football next term. 
    It is thought the player had to address transfer speculation concerning his absence from pre-season training.
    Jose Mourinho predicts Arsenal star Bukayo Saka will start for England in Euro 2020 final against Italy More

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    Arsenal dealt blow in Andre Onana transfer race with Ajax goalkeeper ‘preferring move to French giants Lyon this summer’

    ARSENAL’S hopes of swooping for Andre Onana have hit a snag with the Ajax stopper keen on a Lyon switch, according to reports.  And Football London claims the Gunners are seeking to sign five players before the August 31 summer transfer deadline.
    Lyon are thought to be ahead of Arsenal in the race for Ajax stopper Andre OnanaCredit: Getty
    It is thought Mikel Arteta and Emirates technical chief Edu are looking to recruit two defenders and two midfielders in addition to a goalkeeper. 
    It comes days after rumours of the North London side granting an exit to stopper Alex Runarsson following his errors during Arsenal’s league cup quarters loss to Man City in December. 
    Onana, 25, has been heavily linked with Mikel Arteta’s side who are eager to secure a higher-placed finish in the top-flight next term after failing to qualify for Europe. 
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    The Cameroon-born player has kept 84 clean sheets in 204 Ajax appearances since his 2015 move to Amsterdam from Barcelona’s Under-19s side. 
    The stopper, who is thought to be Arsenal’s top goalkeeping target, has just one year remaining on his contract. 
    And Football London claims the Emirates outfit may have to offer incentives to the stopper to beat Lyon in the race for his signature. 
    It is thought the guarantee of first-team starts ahead of first-choice keeper Andre Leno, 29, could help swing things in Arsenal’s favour. 
    However, some outlets in France claim Lyon – who finished fourth in Ligue One last term – are leading the chase for Onana
    The Cameroon ace is currently serving a playing ban for breaking doping regulations which is due to end in November.
    And Dutch news outlet NOS suggests Onana’s agent has reached a personal agreement with the Groupama Stadium side. 
    Reports claim German international Leno’s Arsenal future could still be in doubt
    Bernd Leno’s future at Arsenal has come into questionCredit: Getty

    This despite the player being established as the club’s No1 stopper following Emi Martinez’s departure for Villa in September 2020. 
    In May The Athletic claimed the player, who sealed a 2018 switch from Bayern Leverkusen, was among five first-team regulars who are thought to want to leave the Emirates. 
    The others are David Luiz, who left at the end of last season, Hector Bellerin, Willian and Granit Xhaka, who is expected to move to Roma.
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    Arsenal must flog at least one midfielder to land Houssem Aouar transfer with four players’ futures up in air

    ARSENAL have to sell at least one midfielder if they want to sign Houssem Aouar, according to reports.The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Lyon ace but reportedly need to make room on the wage bill before they bring him in with four players’ futures at risk.
    Arsenal have to sell at least one midfielder if they are to sign Lyon ace Houssem AouarCredit: Getty
    Arsenal – who are favourites to sign the Frenchman – are said to have launched an official bid after Lyon dropped their original asking price to just £17million.
    Le 10 Sport claimed the Ligue 1 star could cost the Gunners under a third of the £54m fee club officials hoped to get in 2020. 
    Aouar, 23 – who is said to have skipped pre-season training to force through a move – had been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates before the start of the 2020-21 season. 
    Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is thought to be keen on the versatile ace who can play centrally or on the wing.
    But players need to leave before they finalise the deal, according to ESPN.
    Matteo Guendouzi has already left for Marseille.
    The 22-year-old has initially signed for the Ligue 1 side on loan but Jorge Sampaoli’s side have an obligation to buy him permanently next summer.
    And the North Londoners are also in talks with Roma about a deal to take Granit Xhaka to Jose Mourinho’s new side.
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    Arsenal are also said to be open to offers for Lucas Torreira and uncertainty remains over the futures of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock.
    Martin Odegaard’s loan deal will not be extended or made permanent so with all those outgoings, there should be room for Aouar.
    In September reports in France claimed Lyon had turned their noses up at two separate bids from the North London giants of £31m and £34.5m.
    However, Le 10 Sport say the Gunners have returned with a fresh offer for the midfielder whose current contract with the French outfit runs out in 2023.
    And it is thought LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain could be set to rival Arsenal for the France player’s signature.  
    It is believed the club’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League may have influenced a drop in price. 
    However, the player faced some fitness struggles last term after picking up a thigh injury in November 2020. 
    The Lyon-born ace’s spell on the treatment table led to him missing out on France’s involvement in Uefa’s Nations League after being called up by Didier Deschamps
    And Aouar was also left out of the Les Bleus squad for this year’s  European Championships. 
    In June SunSport reported Arsenal were preparing a contract worth £100,000-a-week in a bid to lure Aouar to the Emirates. 
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Sergio Ramos signs for PSG on free transfer after bungling French giants accidentally announce move day early

    SERGIO RAMOS’ move to PSG was accidentally leaked – by the French giants themselves.The Real Madrid legend completed his move to Paris on Thursday.
    Sergio Ramos has signed for PSG on a two-year deal

    But somebody at PSG appeared to have jumped the gun on Wednesday night.
    An article announcing that Sergio Ramos will wear the No 4 shirt was posted on the club’s website.
    It was swiftly deleted – but not before the internet had already noticed.
    Ramos said in the article: “This number four, I appreciate it a lot out of superstition, because I had it from the start of my career, and then it accompanied me throughout my life, continued with me, brought good luck, and a lot of victories.
    “Now number four is part of me as a person and as a professional. For me, it’s a privilege to be able to wear this number in such a great team, Paris Saint-Germain.
    “So it will be very special to be able to wear my number here in Paris.”
    The Real Madrid legend is leaving after 16 trophy-laden years in the Spanish capital.
    He has signed a two-year deal with the French giants after completing his medical.
    The Spain international will be on lower wages at PSG than the approximately £310,000-a-week he earned at Madrid.
    PSG sporting director Leonardo accelerated talks in the middle of June and progress has been made this week.
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    Former Clasico rival Neymar, described as a friend of Ramos, has reportedly urged the player to make the switch to PSG.
    Mauricio Pochettino’s side failed to win either Ligue 1 or the Champions League last campaign, falling short in the final weeks of both competitions.
    The coach is said to want extra experience and leadership added to his squad this summer, with Ramos boasting over 700 club appearances.
    It is said that he views Paris as a better location for his family of TV presenter wife Pilar Rubio and their four sons.
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    Sergio Ramos ‘completes PSG medical ahead of free transfer with official announcement expected in coming days’

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are set to continue their busy summer with the free transfer signing of Sergio Ramos.The 35-year-old is available after leaving Real Madrid, where he spent 16 years and won 18 major trophies.
    Sergio Ramos is a free agent after calling time on his Real Madrid careerCredit: AFP
    A move to the French capital has long been rumoured and an announcement could finally arrive in the coming days.
    Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports on Ramos signing a two-year contract following a successful medical.
    Madrid had only offered the defender a one-year stay although it was recently claimed that PSG will be paying him a smaller wage than what was on the table at the Bernabeu.
    Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester City had all been linked with the Spaniard.
    But he is set to join fellow former Real star Achraf Hakimi in Paris.
    The full-back completed a £59million move from Inter Milan this week to further bolster Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

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    How PSG could line up if they can complete an expensive summer

    AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, available as a free agent after his Rossoneri contract expired, is tipped to follow with PSG having already brought in Georginio Wijnaldum.
    And they may not stop there with Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba also rumoured to be on Les Parisiens’ radar.
    PSG failed to win the Ligue 1 title last season for the first time in four years.
    A shot at finally winning the Champions League is also high on their agenda having reached the final and semi-final in the last two years.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Arsenal ‘launch official Houssem Aouar transfer bid with long-term target and Lyon star available for just £17m’

    ARSENAL have reportedly made an offer to Lyon for midfield gem Houssem Aouar following a drop in the asking price for the player.Le 10 Sport says the Ligue 1 star could cost the Gunners under a third of the £54million fee club officials hoped to get in 2020. 
    Arsenal’s interested Aouar could be set to heat up with the club reportedly making a bid for the Lyon starCredit: Getty
    Aouar, 23, had been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates before the start of the 2020-21 season. 
    Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is thought to be keen on the versatile attacker who can play centrally or on the wing.
    In September reports in France claimed Lyon had turned their noses up at two separate bids from the North London giants of £31m and £34.5m.
    However, Le 10 Sport says the Gunners have returned with a fresh offer for the midfielder whose current contract with the French outfit runs out in 2023.

    ⚽ ENGLAND vs DENMARK BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

    And it is thought LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain could be set to rival Arsenal for the France player’s signature.  
    Lyon, who finished fourth last term, are reportedly after £17m to £21m for Aouar. 
    It is believed the club’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League may have influenced a drop in price. 
    However, the player faced some fitness struggles last term after picking up a thigh injury in November 2020. 
    The Lyon-born ace’s spell on the treatment table led to him missing out on France’s involvement in Uefa’s Nations League after being called up by Didier Deschamps
    And Aouar was also left out of the Les Bleus squad for this year’s  European Championships. 
    In June SunSport reported Arsenal were preparing a contract worth £100,000-a-week in a bid to lure Aouar to the Emirates. 

    Ligue One side Lyon are after £17m to £21m for AouarCredit: AFP

    The club are looking to boost their midfield ranks after finishing eighth in the Prem last term and missing out on a place in Europe.
    The Ligue 1 star, who began his career in Lyon’s academy at 11, notched up eight goals and four assists in 33 appearances across all competitions last season. 
    However, Aouar appeared in eight fewer games than he did in the 2019-20 season.
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    PSG snap-up Achraf Hakimi on five-year deal in transfer from Inter Milan with Sergio Ramos set for medical TONIGHT

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are set to confirm the signing of Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan, according to reports.The defender has put pen to paper on a five-year deal to complete his third transfer in three years.
    Achraf Hakimi is set to confirm his move to PSG after completing a medical
    Sergio Ramos is set to follow Hakimi to the French capital
    Hakimi, 22, successfully completed a medical with PSG on Tuesday and the move will be announced shortly according to journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi.
    PSG agreed a £59million fee with Inter for Hakimi last month after the Serie A champions rejected a bid from Chelsea.
    And the French outfit are not stopping there, with Sergio Ramos set to undergo a medical in the next few hours, reports Fabrizio Romano.
    The 35-year-old has been a free agent since his release by Real Madrid in June.
    Romano suggests Ramos will sign a two-year deal with PSG, with the club also set to confirm the addition of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
    Donnarumma was targeted by Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona on a free transfer but has chosen Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
    A loan transfer for Moise Kean is still on the cards and PSG are awaiting a final decision from Everton and Rafa Benitez, according to Romano.
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    Hakimi won Serie A with Inter last season but will now move to a fourth country in his short career, having previously played for Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
    And news of his transfer means Chelsea will have to focus on other targets, such as Adam Traore.
    Thomas Tuchel is still yet to make a signing as Blues boss but he is believed to be keen on Erling Haaland and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
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    Best XI of stars going into final year of contract and could be available on free transfers including Ronaldo and Mbappe

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Kylian Mbappe start up front in a star-studded XI made up of players out of contract next summer.The superstar pair are heading into the final season of their current deals at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
    This top-quality XI is made up of players out of contract at their clubs in 2022
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe are both out of contract next summerCredit: Alamy
    And that means, as things stand, they will become free agents this time next year.
    So SunSport decided to compile the best team possible made up of those tied down until 2022.
    Andre Onana
    The Ajax goalkeeper may be serving a doping ban but can return from that next season – Arsenal and Lyon are battling it out to sign the Cameroon international.
    Niklas Sule
    Forming part of a back three, the defender could be let go by Bayern Munich at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, especially with the arrival of Dayot Upamecano.
    Raphael Varane
    It was Sergio Ramos this year and Varane next for Real Madrid, with the World Cup winner unable to agree on a new deal – Manchester United are looking to pounce this summer, though.
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    John Stones
    The Manchester City man enjoyed a brilliant season alongside player-of-the-year Ruben Dias, earning himself an England recall and surely a new deal at the Etihad.
    Ousmane Dembele
    Another player linked with United, the Barcelona wide man is struggling to make progress in contract negotiations at the Nou Camp – and his four-month injury lay-off will not help his chances of earning a new deal.
    Eduardo Camavinga
    Camavinga has attracted plenty of interest from United, PSG and Real Madrid with the French teenager tipped for great things – although Rennes may cash in this summer with a £26million Old Trafford switch.
    Paul Pogba
    Should Camavinga arrive in Manchester in 2022, though, he may not play alongside compatriot Pogba, with Mino Raiola desperate to get his high-profile client a mega transfer, possibly to the Bernabeu.
    Ansu Fati
    The comparisons have been made with Lionel Messi due to his breakthrough as a teenager at the Nou Camp – but now he could follow in the Argentine’s footsteps by running down his deal.
    It could be one in, one out at Old Trafford next summer with Eduardo Camavinga and Paul PogbaCredit: AFP

    Pedri
    Like Fati, Barcelona are at risk of losing another ridiculous young talent with Pedri, one of the stars of the Euros, also out of contract with no shortage of admirers.
    Kylian Mbappe
    PSG are determined to get Mbappe to commit his future to the club but he is not convinced just yet, especially with the prospect of an easy switch to Real Madrid in 12 months.
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    As with Mbappe, there has been plenty of talk about Ronaldo’s future this summer – but that will only intensify at the end of the upcoming season if he does not pen a new deal at Juventus with United, PSG and Sporting Lisbon among the possible destinations.
    Other mentions
    Among the other top players whose contracts expire on June 30, 2022 are Leon Goretzka, Marcel Sabitzer, Lorenzo Insigne, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, Franck Kessie and Dani Carvajal.
    Some of the Premier League stars include Chelsea defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Arsenal strikers Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette as well as Everton’s Colombian ace James Rodriguez.
    Ansu Fati is one of a number of Barcelona stars whose contracts expire in the summer of 2022Credit: Getty
    Alexandre Lacazette is also into the final 12 months of his deal at the EmiratesCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
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