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      Man Utd and Arsenal transfer blow as Barcelona president rules out Ansu Fati exit as interest confirmed

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      PREMIER LEAGUE giants Manchester United and Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Ansu Fati.The two clubs have been monitoring Fati ahead of a potential summer move as they look to strengthen their forward lines.
      Ansu Fati in action for Barcelona against Girona in La Liga.Credit: Rex
      But Barcelona president Joan Laporta has poured cold water on any chances of the forward leaving in the summer.
      Laporta said: “We are not thinking of selling Ansu Fati as of now, he’s loved here, then I cannot predict the future.”
      He added: “His agent told us there are clubs keen on signing Ansu Fati yes.”
      “It is clear that he wants to succeed here at Barca.”
      The summer arrivals of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski along with Fati’s recovery from a long term injury have seen him given limited chances to impress.
      The La Masia product has made 20 appearances in LaLiga this season scoring three goals as Xavi’s men lead Real Madrid by seven points.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano had previously reported that Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool were the Premier League clubs tracking Fati’s situation for this summer.
      The Spaniard, who inherited the No10 shirt when Lionel Messi departed for PSG, is a versatile forward who can play in a number of positions across the front line.
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      Despite the Catalan giants pulling multiple financial levers they are still in deep financial trouble.
      Fati has a £898million release clause in his contract but a big offer from any potential suitors could tempt Barcelona to cash in to ease their financial woes. More

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      Kylian Mbappe wants Real Madrid transfer move again and can leave PSG for FREE in 2024 when deal runs out

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE wants to leave PSG and could join Real Madrid for free as soon as next year, according to reports. The French superstar appeared set to head to the Bernabeu last summer as Real Madrid looked to get their claws into one of the world’s best players.
      Kylian Mbappe is PSG’s top goal scorer so far this season with 20 in all competitionsCredit: Getty
      But the club were left stunned when Mbappe signed a new contract with PSG in the summer of 2022.
      Now it appears a path to Real Madrid remains open despite the bitter fallout from that transfer row.
      The Athletic report that the 24-year-old remains on their radar as the club plan for life after Ballon D’Or Karim Benzema.
      Mbappe can leave PSG for free in 2024 if he does not activate the optional extra year clause in his contract.
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      He is not expected to leave the Parc des Princes this summer.
      Madrid are believed to be keeping a close eye on how that situation plays out but have other options on the table.
      Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is also reported to be among the options that Madrid could look to attract.
      But with reported exit clauses of £176m in 2024 and £154m in 2025, the striker promises to be among priciest of Madrid’s alternatives.
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      Reports emerged last year that Mbappe was keen on getting out of PSG and his relationship with the club was “completely broken”.
      But tensions appeared to have cooled since then with the PSG hierarchy now focused on trying to get Messi to renew his deal. More

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      Carlo Ancelotti ‘agrees to become next BRAZIL manager’ and Real Madrid stars have ‘already been told’

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI will reportedly become Brazil’s next manager in conflicting reports.The Real Madrid boss, 63, has already allegedly informed some of the squad at the LaLiga giants he is departing, says journalist Bruno Vicari.
      Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly agreed to take charge of BrazilCredit: Getty
      And he is set to take charge of the South American side at the end of the season.
      According to ESPN , neither Brazil or Ancelotti will officially announce the news “as the coach still has a contract with the Spanish club until June 2024”. 
      And they state that he has also not actually penned his deal.
      However, they claim that he will sign a three-year contract in the summer which will take him until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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      But personal terms are still being finalised between the two parties.
      The Brazilian players at Madrid under Ancelotti have already reportedly been informed of the impending move.

      And even though the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eder Militao are sad that he will be departing the Bernabeu, they “believe it is a good name to lead the five-time world champions”.
      Despite the bombshell report, The Athletic say Ancelotti has “not heard anything” from the Brazil FA amid continued links to national team.
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      Ancelotti’s entourage and coaching staff have denied the story and the Brazilian FA could even release a statement to deny the claim.
      The Italian’s only previous experience on the international stage as a coach came when he was assistant manager of Italy in the early 1990s.
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      Since then he has gone on to take charge of some of the biggest clubs in Europe after starting out at Reggiana and Parma.
      He has had spells at Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton, in addition to Milan, Chelsea and Madrid.
      Brazil sacked manager Tite after they were eliminated from the World Cup on penalties by Croatia in the quarter final.
      Ancelotti was asked following the tournament about whether he would like to replace Tite but stated at the time that he had no plans to.
      The Brazil FA could be forced to deny claims Carlo Ancelotti will be their new managerCredit: Getty More

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      Jordi Alba offers to take huge pay cut to help stricken Barcelona out with his contract having one-year left

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      BARCELONA star Jordi Alba has offered to take a PAY CUT in order to stay at the Nou Camp.The 33-year-old Spanish international left-back arrived at the Catalans in 2012 from Valencia.
      Mandatory Credit: Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (13755567bv) 18 Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona celebrates his goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on February 5th, 2023. FC Barcelona Vs Sevilla FC – La Liga, Spain – 05 Feb 2023Credit: Rex
      Jordi Alba has offered to take a pay cut to stay at BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      Since then he has played over 300 matches in the top-flight and won countless honours.
      He has five LaLiga titles, a Champions League, Club World Cup, five Copa del Reys and four Spanish super Cups on his CV.
      After previously spending time in Barcelona’s academy before heading to Cornella, this is Alba’s 18th season at Barcelona.
      However, he has found himself left on the bench for spells this term under boss and former team-mate Xavi.
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      The 2012 European Championship winner has now entered the final 18 months of his contract and speculation has been mounting that he looks set to depart the club this summer.
      However, not only has he declared that he intends to see out the full length of his deal – he has even told Marca that he would be willing to take a pay cut to remain there.
      Alba said: “I think I’m at a good level. It is true that I am not playing everything, but when I go out I try to do my best. And when I’m not playing I try to help all my teammates by supporting them from the bench.
      “It’s a new facet for me because normally I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of minutes.
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      This year not so much, but I also have my minutes and I’m happy with this role.
      “It is important to help my colleagues, to be with them, to advise them, and this is also positive and motivates me.”
      When asked whether he would lower his salary, he replied: “Yes. It’s a club decision and I’ve always helped when asked.
      “My intention is to help the club and that both parties are happy.”
      Alba added: “I feel good, I feel capable and I have the support of the coach and team-mates.
      “When I go down the street people let me know. I feel good and the day I feel that I am not capable of defending a club like Barcelona, ​​I will be the first to leave.” More

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      Arsenal join Man Utd in Ansu Fati transfer race with Liverpool and Bayern Munich ‘informed’ of his Barcelona situation

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      ARSENAL have joined the race to sign Barcelona star Ansu Fati, according to reports. The Premier League leaders are working on ways to bolster their attack come the summer.
      Ansu Fati has seen most of his minutes this season come from the benchCredit: Rex
      Fati has six goal contributions in his limited minutes this season
      According to Fabrizio Romano, this has seen them set their sights on Fati.
      The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting talents in world football.
      However, a lack of minutes – other than those gained off the bench – have seen the Spaniard question whether he wants to stay at the club in the summer.
      The report suggests Barcelona want to keep him beyond the summer, but the second half of this season is pivotal in the decision.
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      The Gunners have joined Manchester United and Liverpool to try and sign him and are said to be “well informed” on the situation.
      Meanwhile, German giants Bayern Munich are interested but are not actively working on a deal.
      Barcelona’s aforementioned reluctance to sell up could see them refer any would-be buyers to Fati’s colossal €1billion (£898million) release clause.
      Fortunately for the interested parties, Barcelona need to considerably lower their wage bill under the orders of La Liga chief Javier Tebas.
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      Despite the pulling of a number of economic levers to facilitate transfers and contracts last summer, the club remain under huge financial pressure.
      This means they could allow the likes of Fati or Frenkie de Jong to leave in the summer to help shave off £177m from their wage bill. More

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      Tottenham ‘were snubbed by Franck Kessie after launching January transfer move’ for Barcelona outcast

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      TOTTENHAM were ‘snubbed’ by Barcelona’s Franck Kessie as they explored a January move for the midfielder, according to reports in Spain. Kessie joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer from Italian giants AC Milan where he was a crucial first team player.
      Franck Kessie in action for Barcelona during a recent La Liga match against Seville.Credit: Rex
      Spanish outlet Sport report that Antonio Conte’s side tried their luck with a move for the Ivorian due to his lack of minutes at the Nou Camp this season.
      The Ivorian’s name was one of those heavily linked with leaving Barcelona due to their financial issues.
      The report claims that at no time did Kessie consider cutting his time short with the LaLiga side but that did not stop Tottenham knocking at the door.
      For Kessie unless he was told by Barcelona manager Xavi that he no longer counted on him then his plan was to always continue with the club as he was convinced his time would come.
      The 26-year-old has only featured 12 times in LaLiga for the Catalan giants this season as they sit top of the table.
      The Ivorian has scored twice for the club since his summer arrival, once in the Champions League and once in the Copa Del Rey.
      The start of 2023 has been better for Kessie and after Sergio Busquets picked up an injury at the weekend the midfielder has an opportunity to stake his claim for a run in the side.
      Tottenham are clearly in the market for a midfielder, the summer signing of Yves Bissouma from Brighton hasn’t gone to plan so far and Antonio Conte will be looking for reinforcements in that area to bolster the squad.
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      Antonio Conte’s side had been linked with moves for Weston McKennie and Ruslan Malinovskyi but the pair subsequently joined Leeds and Marseille respectively.
      The North London outfit signed right back Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon and Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villareal last month. More

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      Lionel Messi’s brother releases grovelling apology to Barcelona after bizarre rant as club chief responds

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      LIONEL MESSI’S brother Matias has issued an apology to Barcelona fans following his comments on the club.Matias declared Messi would never return to Barca, and if he did president Joan Laporta would have to be axed.
      Matias Messi has apologised after hitting out at BarcelonaCredit: https://twitter.com/clipsmartinmin/status/1623334421435764738
      Matias said his brother would never return to the clubCredit: The Mega Agency
      Barcelona president Joan Laporta has responded to the commentsCredit: EPA
      💣 Matías Messi, hermano de Leo Messi, en Twitch👋🏻 “No vamos a volver y si lo hacemos vamos a hacer una buena limpieza, entre ellos, echar a Laporta”😱 “El Barça se empezó a conocer por Messi, no lo conocía nadie, solo al Madrid”📻 #PartidazoCOPE pic.twitter.com/1tgJ2KRVBG— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) February 8, 2023

      Messi was forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 with the club unable to offer him a new contract due to their perilous financial position.
      The 35-year-old has been linked with an emotional transfer back to the Spanish giants when his PSG contract expires at the end of the season.
      However, Matias claimed a return is not on the cards as he slammed the club.
      On son Tomi’s Twitch stream, Matias said on Barca: “I have a SPORT [newspaper] clipping stuck in my house that says: ‘Messi should return to Barcelona’; and I subtitled it ‘hahahaha, we are not going back to Barcelona, and if we do, we are going to do a good cleaning. Among them, kick out Joan Laporta’.
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      “People (in Barcelona) did not support him. People should have gone out to do a march or something, let Laporta leave and Messi stay. The Spanish are traitors.
      “I tell you because I want it to come out of our guts and not listen to things that are not true.”
      And Matias has now taken to Instagram to issue a grovelling apology for his words.
      He wrote: “I want to apologise for what I said on social networks, I was just making jokes with my son and my friends.
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      “How am I going to think that of a club as big as Barcelona and their history, which has given a lot both to my family and Leo? 
      “For us, Catalonia is our second home and that is well known.
      “I’m very sorry and I apologise to everyone, especially the Barcelona fans.”
      Barcelona president Laporta, who Matias openly criticised, has also responded to the comments.
      He said: “Lionel Messi is part of this club’s heritage. He belongs to PSG. Out of respect, I will not speak.
      “His brother has apologised and that’s it.”
      Messi’s representatives were quick to distance the World Cup winner from his brother’s original comments, with a source telling SPORT: “Matias’ opinion is individual.
      “It does not have to coincide with Leo’s or with that of other members of his family or those around him.”
      Messi spent 21 years at Barca, winning 35 trophies during his time there, as well as six out of his seven Ballon d’Ors. More

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      David Beckham was a member of Real Madrid’s Brazilian clique leaving Spanish-speaking stars jealous, Robinho reveals

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      DAVID BECKHAM left Spanish-speaking members of the Real Madrid squad jealous thanks to being part of the Brazilian clique at the club, according to Robinho.The 39-year-old Brazilian and former Manchester City star recounted his time at the Bernabeu to Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
      David Beckham was a popular member of the dressing room at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      Beckham spent four seasons at the Bernabeu before leaving for LA Galaxy in 2007Credit: EPA
      In April 2020, he spoke of the chemistry in the team and his ex team-mate Beckham, who owns MLS side Inter Miami, saying: ”When Madrid came, I saw that they had a large Brazilian presence in the team and they had Vanderlei Luxemburgo as their coach at the time.
      ”So, why go to Barcelona? There was a great harmony among the Brazilians in the squad. Beckham was always with the Brazilians. He was part of our group.
      ”The Spaniards were jealous because he spoke more Portuguese than Spanish, so he ended up spending more time with us.”
      After scoring more than 80 goals over four seasons at Santos, Brazilian Robinho moved to Europe and helped Real Madrid win back-to-back LaLiga titles in 2007 and 2008.
      Spanish giants Barca had had their eyes on the starlet at around that time, but Real swooped in with a deal before their rivals had the chance to steal their prize.
      He then stayed in Spain for three seasons before moving over to City in 2008.
      Things did not end on good terms for him and Real when his time with the club came to its eventual end.
      He also told Gazzetta: ”My goal was to go to Chelsea. But things ended badly with Real Madrid.
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      ”They didn’t like Chelsea selling shirts with my name on them before the deal was concluded.
      “I don’t regret leaving Madrid. But I am sorry I made mistakes with them when I left.
      ”Madrid was the club that opened my doors and offered me the opportunity to conquer Europe.”
      Former England captain Beckham joined LA Galaxy from Real in 2007 and part of his contract gave him the option to buy an MLS franchise at a reduced rate in the future.
      It took him several years, but he took up that option and he now owns Inter Miami.
      And the ex-Manchester United winger recruited former Old Trafford pal Phil Neville as his manager in January 2021. More