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    Arsenal boost in Declan Rice transfer hunt with West Ham star keen to work with Mikel Arteta despite Chelsea link

    ARSENAL’S chances of signing Declan Rice have been boosted as the player is reportedly keen on the switch.The midfielder could leave West Ham in the summer in search of Champions League football.
    Declan Rice is said to be keen on working with Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty
    There is no shortage of interest in Rice with Chelsea and Manchester United believed to be long-term suitors.
    But Arsenal may be the frontrunner to land the England star as Rice is keen to work with Mikel Arteta, report The Guardian.
    The Gunners boss has reportedly even started planning for where the West Ham captain would fit into his team.
    West Ham could demand around £100million to let Rice leave.
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    But Arsenal are said to be saving for the summer after missing out on Mykailo Mudryk and signing £27m Leandro Trossard instead.
    Rice is Arsenal’s top transfer target and the league leaders are prepared to spend £80m to lure him across London.
    The 24-year-old is out of contract in 2024 and has rejected three offers of a new deal from the Hammers.
    United were tempted to move for Rice last summer.
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    However, they were put off the East London club’s £150m asking price and opted for Casemiro from Real Madrid.
    But they could try to sign him again next summer amid interest from Chelsea. More

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    Mikel Arteta reveals how Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson has helped inspire Arsenal’s Prem title charge ahead of clash

    MIKEL ARTETA has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson helped fire Arsenal’s title charge.The Gunners boss says he was inspired by Fergie’s “brutal honesty” when the Scottish legend was Manchester United manager.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has led the club to the top of the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    He revealed that he was inspired by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PA
    Arsenal’s 8-2 humiliation at Old Trafford in 2011 even kick-started Arteta’s own Emirates career.
    The Spaniard played for Everton and Arsenal when Fergie won five of his 13 Prem titles at United.
    Arteta said: “What really captured me was his presence, his charisma and the way he talked. How honest and brutal he was about certain opinions he had about players and the game.
    “I had a few conversations, not formally, but with people around him and it was more listening than talking.”
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    Arteta joined the Gunners just three days after Arsene Wenger’s side were blitzed at Old Trafford on August 28, 2011 — their biggest loss to United.
    He said:  “The circumstances are sometimes necessary for someone to be given the opportunity.
    “Unfortunately it had to be the 8-2 because it was a big result.
    “I don’t think it was just the result that got me here, but it probably helped. After that, the rest is history.”
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    After working as Pep Guardiola’s No 2 at Manchester City, Arteta became Arsenal boss in December 2019, landing the FA Cup in his very first season.
    Since then, he has shown Fergie-style ruthlessness in booting out big stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil from the Emirates.
    And Arteta has transformed the Gunners into title challengers, with a five-point lead at the top ahead of today’s key clash with  United.
    It will be the first time the Red Devils, revitalised by Dutch boss Erik ten Hag, have met Arsenal with so much at stake since the days of Fergie.
    The two clubs shared seven Premier League trophies between them from 1998-2004 and the Scot riled his old rival, then Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, with his  2003 ‘squeaky bum time’ taunt.
    And Arteta insists his side, boosted by the £21million signing of Brighton striker Leandro Trossard, have the style and steel of Wenger’s 2004 Invincibles.
    He added: “Having those qualities, that balance in the squad is necessary.
    “To have the mentality and capacity to control emotions required to play on the big stage is very necessary.
    New signing Leandro Trossard could make his debut against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    “The physical aspect is necessary, too.
    “Without that you cannot compete over 11 months in the conditions in which we work.
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    “We haven’t been in a title race for many years.
    “Words mean absolutely nothing, we have to do it on the pitch.” More

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    David de Gea willing to take Man Utd pay-cut to secure new long-term deal with keeper top earner on £375k-a-week at club

    DAVID DE GEA is willing to take a pay cut if it secures his long-term future at Old Trafford.Manchester United have just activated their 12-month option on the goalkeeper, keeping him at the club until the end of next season.
    David de Gea has 18 months left on his Manchester United contractCredit: REUTERS
    The Spaniard is willing to take a massive pay cut to extend his Old Trafford stayCredit: Rex
    De Ge earns a whopping £375,000 a weekCredit: REX
    The Spain star, 32, would love to stay way beyond that and is hoping for a minimum three-year extension if he can agree a new deal.
    Now Old Trafford sources claim De Gea has told club bosses he is after security, rather than trying to hold them to ransom — and if that means slashing his wages, then he will do so.
    He is currently the Reds’ top earner at around £375,000 a week and would have to take a drop of more than 25 per cent to get his wish.
    Boss Erik ten Hag has assured the keeper he has his full backing and is not chasing a new No 1, despite links with Brentford’s David Raya.
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    De Gea hopes that by blinking first a deal can be done as he does not want contract talks heading into the summer.
    And insiders claim United are equally confident of reaching an agreement for the man who has been at the club since June 2011.
    De Gea must keep Arsenal at bay in today’s Emirates showdown.
    United’s clashes with the Gunners were often fiery encounters when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in the dugouts.
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    Ten Hag and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta are unlikely to generate as many off-field headlines.
    Yet De Gea does not see why the current gaffers should not slug it out for trophies over the next few years.
    He said: “I hope so. We’re talking about one of the best managers in history, Sir Alex and Wenger from Arsenal.
    “It’s different eras, different football but let’s see.
    “Both teams have always been massive clubs, always playing to win trophies.
    “So, it’s nice to play each other now with both teams in such good shape and playing well.”
    Ten Hag has only been at United for six months but has transformed the club into title challengers for the first time since Fergie left in 2013.
    Erik ten Hag has given David de Gea reassurances over his futureCredit: REUTERS
    And a nine-game winning run was only ended by Crystal Palace’s late equaliser on Tuesday.
    Arsenal’s sole defeat came at Old Trafford in September but the rematch is a game United really need to win if they are to get in the title mix.
    De Gea, who once made a record-equalling 14 saves when United won at the Emirates in 2017, knows it is a big ask but reckons it can be done.
    He added: “We are playing well, competing very well, the team has a great spirit and we all want to win.
    “The feeling is good. Arsenal are doing really well this season — but we have to go there and try to win the game.”
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    United must do so without midfielder Casemiro, who is suspended after his fifth booking of the season.
    De Gea admitted: “He’s one of the best players in the team, so it’s going to be a big miss.” More

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    Man Utd, Liverpool and Co in huge Jude Bellingham transfer boost with England star set to turn down MEGA Dortmund deal

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is expected to turn down a double-your-money new deal when he meets Borussia Dortmund bosses this week.And that will officially kickstart the £100million-plus auction for the 19-year-old England midfielder, who is wanted by Liverpool, Real Madrid and both Manchester clubs.
    Jude Bellingham is set to reject a new deal at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
    Dortmund have a sit down planned with Bellingham over the next couple of days and want a swift answer on his plans.
    It is understood the Bundesliga outfit are prepared to make him the highest-paid player at the club, on around £180,000 a week, for a further five years.
    Yet Dortmund are equally aware Bellingham wants to test himself at a higher level, following his eye-catching performances at the World Cup.
    SunSport revealed this month that would-be buyers have been told they must pay 75 per cent of any total fee up front — with his former club Birmingham also due a cut.
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    They are happy not to stand in Bellingham’s way if he does insist he wants to go, as long as he gives them an answer which gives them time to line up a replacement.
    Bellingham can expect to receive offers of around £300,000-a-week wages but the grounded teenager has always insisted will put his football progression before finances.
    That has raised hopes at Anfield that he will join them, with reports his father Mark has been talking to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
    The Merseysiders know they will be blown out of the water if it does come down to a bidding war.
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    Meanwhile, Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko signed a two-year contract extension with the club to 2026 yesterday after a long negotiation for the teenager to remain.
    The 18-year-old, who became Germany’s youngest World Cup player when he featured at the tournament in Qatar in November, has long been a target for several major European clubs.
    Moukoko enjoyed a strong first half to the season that led to his Germany call-up, having scored six Bundesliga goals and set up another three.
    Dortmund sports director Sebastian Kehl said: “Youssoufa is an exceptional player we have trained and in who we still see great development potential.”
    Moukoko, who has been at Dortmund since the age of 12, is considered among the most-gifted forwards of his generation, having become the youngest  Bundesliga scorer at 16.
    He said: “It is no secret that I feel well at Dortmund.
    “I played youth football here, took my first steps in professional football and now I am ready to take the next step in my development together with the club.” More

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    Man Utd ready to hand Alejandro Garnacho club record contract to stay but 18-year-old unsure of transfer future

    MANCHESTER UNITED have offered Alejandro Garnacho the longest contract that they have ever tabled, according to reports.The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene this season with some exhilarating displays.
    Man United want to hand Alejandro Garnacho the longest deal in their historyCredit: Rex
    Club chiefs are keen to tie him down for as long as possible, believing he could become their biggest asset in years.
    According to the Mirror, they are offering Garnacho an EIGHT YEAR contract.
    They add, however, that the Argentine youth international is unsure whether to sign it.
    Garnacho’s current contract expires in 2024, and representatives only want to sign a four-year deal.
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    United want to pay him £32,000 a week – the most they’d have offered a teenager in their history.
    But his agents want a deal worth north of £40,000 a week.
    While Garnacho is not thought to be keen on signing an eight-year deal, there is no suggestion that he would like to leave imminently.
    Real Madrid would be keen to sign him, should he become available.
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    While Atletico Madrid would also like to bring him back to the Spanish capital, having lost him to United aged 16 for just £420,000 in October 2020.
    Garnacho’s stock has risen along with his play time this season, complicating negotiations.
    He has made 16 appearances for United’s first team under Erik ten Hag this term.
    The livewire winger scored his first Prem goal in the final match prior to the World Cup, a stoppage time winner against Fulham.
    Issues were raised last summer regarding his time-keeping during United’s tour of Thailand and Australia.
    However no one at the club doubts his talent.
    Garnacho, 18, netted a memorable last minute winner against FulhamCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd considering sending trio of top youngsters out on loan transfers including Robbie Savage’s son Charlie

    A TRIO of Manchester United youngsters — including Charlie Savage — could be heading out on loan.Midfielder Savage — son of Robbie — attacker Charlie McNeill and young Dutch centre-half Bjorn Hardley are also up for grabs.
    Charlie Savage featured for United during pre-seasonCredit: Getty
    Savage, 19, has made one senior appearance for Manchester United.
    The starlet was brought on for a late cameo during a 1-1 Champions League draw with Young Boys last season.
    He has also been named on the bench in the Premier League, for the 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on the final day last May.
    Savage is yet to make a matchday squad under Erik ten Hag.
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    But he did feature on the Red Devils’ pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand last summer.
    He also travelled on United’s trip to Spain during the World Cup in December.
    Savage is a Welsh youth international, and has earned one cap for their Under-21s.
    McNeill, also 19, HAS featured for United this season.
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    He was called upon from the bench during his side’s 1-0 Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad.
    The England youth international has struggled for goals in the PL2 this term, however, netting just once in 12 appearances.
    Hardley, 20, is yet to feature for United’s first team – but was an unused sub for the aforementioned clash with Young Boys last term.
    The centre-back has been a regular for the Red Devils’ Under-21s in PL2 this season.
    Charlie McNeill, left, trains alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Lisandro MartinezCredit: Getty
    Bjorn Hardley is a regular in the PL2Credit: Getty More

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    I can’t see Man Utd beating Arsenal without Casemiro, he’s going to be huge loss, says Gunners legend Paul Merson

    PAUL MERSON had suggested that Manchester United are not capable of beating Arsenal without Casemiro.The Brazilian is suspended for the Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
    🗣 “I can’t see Man United beating Arsenal without Casemiro.” ❌Paul Merson gave Manchester United a chance against Arsenal until they lost Casemiro to suspension pic.twitter.com/Qw2QPxf442— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 21, 2023

    Casemiro picked up his fifth booking of the seasonCredit: Getty
    Paul Merson thinks that he will be a big miss for the Man UnitedCredit: Getty
    The midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during the Red Devils’ draw against Crystal Palace in mid-week.
    The booking means that he has been ruled out for the clash against the league leaders.
    Casemiro has been a stand-out star for Erik ten Hag’s side this season as he has added some much-needed experience and steel to the midfield.
    And losing him for the match against Arsenal is a massive blow.
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    Former Gunners star, Merson, thinks that it will seriously hinder their chances of beating Mikel Arteta’s side.
    Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “He is massive for them. He would have looked after [Martin] Odegaard.
    “Casemiro breaks up the play, I can not see Manchester United beating Arsenal without him.
    “They might get a draw, might.
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    “I really thought with Casemiro in the team, Arsenal suited Manchester United.
    “I thought they would sit back, defend and then counter.
    “I don’t see that now without him, he is that highly rated by me.
    “He is that good, so I don’t give Man United that much of a chance.” More

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    Man Utd hero Dwight Yorke axed by Macarthur FC after just THIRTEEN games – but could stay in Australia with Sydney FC

    DWIGHT YORKE has left Macarthur FC after just 13 games as manager.The Manchester United legend landed his first managerial job and signed a two-year deal with the Australian side last summer.
    Dwight Yorke has left jis job as manager of Macarthur FCCredit: Getty
    But after Friday’s 1-0 loss away to Adelaide United, the 51-year-old held talks with Macarthur chairman Gino Marra.
    And the pair have decided to mutually terminate the ex-Aston Villa, Sunderland and Blackburn striker’s contract.
    Yorke, whose assistant Russell Latapy has also left, said: “I want to thank the chairman Gino Marra, CEO Sam Krslovic, all the ownership group as well as all the staff, fans of Macarthur FC.
    “I leave the football club with a great team that will continue to challenge for more silverware.”
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    Yorke guided the club to the Australia Cup – which was the Bulls’ first piece of silverware.
    He also led them to five league wins while at the helm but now he could be set to take over at rivals Sydney FC.
    Sydney have sacked Steve Corica after a disappointing start to the A-League campaign.
    And that has opened the door for Yorke, who spent a season as a player at the club, to take over.
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    The Man Utd icon gained his coaching badges with the Red Devils who helped kickstart his managerial career by recommending him to the Bulls.
    Macarthur were founded just six years ago, making them the youngest club in Australia’s top tier, and were only initiated into the competition in 2020. More