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      Barcelona ‘launch joint loan transfer bid for TWO Man City stars’ just days before Premier League opener

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      BARCELONA have launched a joint loan bid for TWO Manchester City stars just days before the Premier League is about to kick off.Spanish outlet Sport report that Barcelona are “very interested” in acquiring both Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo ahead of their season opener against Getafe this Sunday.
      City do not want to lose Bernardo Silva this summerCredit: Getty
      But Cancelo could be attainable for BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      The Catalan club hold a long standing interest in both players.
      Barca pushed hard to sign Silva last season when it looked as though the midfielder would leave the Etihad.
      In Cancelo’s case, Barcelona tried to sign him in January after the full-back fell out with manager Pep Guardiola, but he ultimately joined Bayern Munich on loan.
      Barcelona are set for a cash injection once Ousmane Dembele’s transfer to PSG is completed and view the Manchester City players as an ideal way to reinvest the cash.
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      Both Cancelo and Silva have operated in Dembele’s vacant right-wing position in the past but it is likely that Silva would play in Barca’s midfield three and Cancelo would play his preferred role of right-back.
      The report says that Barcelona would include a mandatory buy clause of £60million at the end of Silva’s loan deal.
      Silva’s City contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025.
      Sport say that City while City are open to letting Cancelo leave the club, they are not interested in selling Silva, particularly having already lost Riyad Mahrez this summer.
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      City have been linked with Palace’s Michael Olise and Rennes’ Jeremy Doku as they look to replace Mahrez – but Silva has operated off the right-wing in the past and started there during Sunday’s Community shield defeat to Arsenal.
      Cancelo, though, is free to leave the club and has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Barca.
      City will look to bounce back from Sunday’s penalty shootout defeat against Arsenal when they kick off their Premier League campaign away at Burnley on Friday night. More

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      Adult website offers Chelsea £40MILLION deal with Blues at risk of starting Premier League season without shirt sponsor

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      CHELSEA have been offered a lucrative sponsorship deal by an adult website.The Blues are yet to agree a front-of-shirt sponsor after ending a deal with previous partner Three, which was worth £40million a year.
      Chelsea could begin the season without a front-of-shirt sponsorCredit: Getty
      Adult website My.Club have reportedly offered Chelsea a similar fee to have their logo emblazoned across their shirts.
      The president of the X-rated website Mike Ford told The Mirror: “We here at My.Club want to sponsor Chelsea as they look to improve on last season’s disappointment.
      “We want to have the My.Club logo emblazoned on the front of Chelsea’s jerseys before the club kicks off its 2023 season against Liverpool.
      “This contribution would work for both parties. For Blues, it will help to make perfect signings like Kylian [Mbappe]. For us, it will ensure Blues fans have only two clubs to call ‘mine.’
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      “It would be great having Mbappe, [Mykhailo] Mudryk and other Chelsea players sharing their training exclusives and hosting AMAs on My.Club, a platform for all creators.”
      Chelsea are yet to reach an agreement with any company so face starting the season without a shirt sponsor.
      Yet they are in no rush to agree terms with CEO Chris Jurasek unwilling to compromise on the value of any deal as it could set an unwanted precedent for future negotiations.
      Previous talks with German banking giant Allianz fell through after they offered just £20m a year.
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      Chelsea have also been linked with a one-year, £40m deal with betting group Stake.com.
      The Blues were also blocked from agreeing a deal with Paramount Plus by the Premier League because of the risk of “upsetting current broadcast partners”. More

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      Man Utd legend Dimitar Berbatov DISAGREES with Raphael Varane over rule changes and thinks fans will be delighted

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      DIMITAR BERBATOV has admitted he is pleased with the new rule changes in football, unlike Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.Last month, the Premier League launched a new approach in a bid to cut down on time wasting during games.
      Berbatov believes the new rule changes will be beneficial for footballCredit: Getty
      Varane has expressed concerns for player welfareCredit: Getty
      The rule changes will see an increase of time added onto the end of every game to compensate for when the ball is not in play.
      It means that there will be more on-pitch action for fans to enjoy, which is something Berbatov is excited about.
      Speaking to Betfair, the former Man Utd, Tottenham and Fulham striker said: “So far, we’ve seen lots of added on time in matches. To be honest, I’m in favour of the new added time rules.
      “Sometimes in games, the actual playing is not what people expect it to be. If you calculate it, around 50 minutes is probably played in an average 90-minute game, with all the fouls and breaks in the match.
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      “I think the players will like it, obviously when you’re winning 1-0 and holding onto a lead late in the game, then the players won’t like it.
      “At the end of the day, I think people want to watch more football, so I’m okay with it.
      “The amount of time the ball is stopped during a game has to be compensated, and the only way is with additional time.
      “With this, I think players will have to stop wasting time.”
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      But while Berbatov is hopeful that the new rules will make football more exciting for fans, Varane has been very critical of them.
      The defender believes the increase in match time could be “damaging” to players and the game.
      He tweeted: “We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules.
      “From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.
      “Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?
      “As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.
      “I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.”
      Men’s football got its first taste of the new rules during the Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday.
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      Betfair is launching a new product ahead of the 2023/24 season called 90 Minute Payout, where the match result at 90:00 will stick even if your team concedes in injury time.
      If your team is losing in injury time but scores two late goals, your bet will still win, but you now have the added insurance of 90 Minute Payout if your team is already winning on 90 minutes, with your bet being paid out no matter what happens in added time. More

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      How Arsenal could line up to face Nottingham Forest in Premier League opener after beating Man City

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      ARSENAL will get their latest Premier League campaign underway this Saturday lunchtime when they host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.Mikel Arteta’s side will go into the clash full of confidence after winning the Community Shield against Manchester City last weekend.

      Arsenal won the Community Shield last weekendCredit: Rex
      Cole Palmer had given City the lead with a sumptuous left footed shot on 77 minutes.
      But substitute Leandro Trossard’s equaliser 11 minutes into stoppage time sent the match to penalty kicks – with Arsenal winning 4-1 from the spot.
      Arteta was forced into some big decisions by the absences of former City duo Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      Kai Havertz was preferred to Eddie Nketiah and Trossard in Jesus’ position.
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      While new signing Jurrien Timber was given the nod over Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back.
      Arsenal are keen to sign goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford in the coming days.
      But with no deal yet agreed, penalty shoot-out hero Aaron Ramsdale will get the nod in goal.
      Ben White will likely start at right-back, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-half.
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      Timber is expected to keep his spot on the left, with Zinchenko still ruled out by a calf injury.
      Declan Rice will make his Premier League debut for Arsenal, likely alongside Thomas Partey in midfield – with Jorginho having been suffering with a muscular injury.
      Skipper Martin Odegaard will start as the Gunners’ creator in chief, with Bukayo Saka wide right and Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
      Havertz could keep his spot up front, with Jesus to be out until at least next month with a knee issue.
      Reiss Nelson could miss out with a toe injury and will be assessed before the weekend.
      While Folarin Balogun has a foot injury.
      Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira will likely have to make do with a place on the bench.

      Kai Havertz could get another opportunity up frontCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea join Arsenal in transfer hunt for £15m Spanish wonderkid… but the defender might snub both

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      CHELSEA have joined Arsenal in the race to sign defender Ivan Fresneda.However, the £15million-rated wonderkid could snub both clubs amid interest from Barcelona.
      Chelsea have entered the race to sign Ivan FresnedaCredit: Getty
      Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the Valladolid right-back, even agreeing a deal to sign him back in January.
      The transfer never materialised, though, but the Gunners have revived their interest this summer.
      According to Sport, Chelsea are also now in the race to sign Fresneda and are set to submit a bid.
      Barcelona have already had a bid rejected for the 18-year-old, with a follow-up offer being prepared.
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      The Spanish giants believe a bid worth £10million plus £5million in add-ons will be enough to sign Fresneda.
      Having already held talks with the club, the report adds that Barca are his preferred generation.
      Borussia Dortmund have also been chasing a deal during the current window, having joined Arsenal in agreeing terms earlier in the year.
      Fresneda, who previously spent four years in Real Madrid’s academy, enjoyed a breakthrough season last term.
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      The Spanish youth international made 24 appearances across all competitions for Valladolid.
      His potential arrival at Stamford Bridge would further bolster Mauricio Pochettino’s options at right-back.
      The Chelsea boss can already call upon Reece James and Malo Gusto, who has returned from a loan spell with Lyon after signing for the Blues in January. More

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      Chelsea suffer new blow after Nkunku injury as transfer target ‘offered £172m contract’ by Saudi side

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      CHELSEA transfer target Victor Osimhen has been offered a lucrative contract worth £172MILLION by Al-Hilal, according to reports.The striker has been heavily linked with a move away from Napoli this summer.
      Chelsea target Osimhen has been offered a lucrative contract by Al-HilalCredit: Alamy
      The Blues have suffered a major attacking blow, with Nkunku set to miss four monthsCredit: Getty
      Several clubs – including Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea – have expressed an interest in signing him, but Napoli’s £150m asking price has proved to be a stumbling block.
      However, Al-Hilal are now willing to go all-out for him.
      According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Saudi Pro League side have offered him a £172m contract.
      The deal is said to be worth around £34.5m-a-year for five years.
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      And it acts as a huge blow for Chelsea and new boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has been eager to sign another new striker this summer.
      The Blues welcomed Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge in June after reaching a £52m agreement with RB Leipzig.
      However, the Frenchman suffered a serious meniscus injury last week, meaning he is now expected to be unavailable until Christmas.
      In a club statement, Chelsea confirmed: “Nkunku has sustained a knee injury which will rule the forward out for an extended period.
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      “The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation programme.”
      Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on Sunday.
      New signing Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line in Nkunku’s absence, having arrived from Villarreal for £32million this summer. More

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      Arsenal legend plans to follow Mikel Arteta into coaching

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      AARON RAMSEY is set to follow in the footsteps of ex-team-mate Mikel Arteta and start his coaching badges.The ex-Arsenal midfielder, 32, played alongside Arteta for five years in the Gunners midfield.
      Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta were team-mates and central midfield partners for Arsenal
      Ramsey has returned to boyhood club Cardiff and made his first appearance in Sunday’s 2-2 Championship draw with LeedsCredit: Getty
      And Ramsey has been highly impressed with how the Spaniard has adapted to life in management.
      SunSport exclusively revealed last summer that the Football Association of Wales would offer Ramsey and Gareth Bale places on their coaching courses.
      Ramsey, who made his third Cardiff debut in the Championship 2-2 draw at Leeds on Sunday, says he intends to focus on his playing days.
      But, unlike Bale who is enjoying his retirement, has opened the pathway to a career in the dugout when he retires.
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      Ramsey said: “It’s still early days for me, but I’m definitely going to do my coaching badges now that I’m back home and I’m able to do that on my doorstep.
      “I’ll definitely do them over the next few years, but that’s just in case one day I do decide to go into it.
      “I still feel like I’ve got a lot more years to play yet. That’s what I’m fully focused on.”
      Ramsey always knew Arteta, who led Arsenal to a Community Shield penalty shootout triumph over Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday, would go on to become a manager.
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      The 41-year-old undertook his coaching badges with the FAW and the pair discussed the Welsh course as players.
      Ramsey spent 11 years at the Emirates between 2008-2019 and won the FA Cup three times including two match-winning goals in 2014 and 2017.
      The Wales captain added: “Arsenal are in good hands with Mikel.
      “I played with him and you could see his intensity and the way that he talked about the game, the way he saw the game, that he was destined to become a manager.
      “To be able to learn as an understudy to one of the best managers of all time in Pep Guardiola has given him a lot of insight and knowledge that not many people would have. 
      “Having said that, he has brought in his own style Arsenal, put his own take on it.
      “That mixture is only going to be good for Arsenal and help them to win a few things.” More

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      Christopher Nkunku could be out until CHRISTMAS in huge blow to Chelsea after £52m transfer undergoes knee surgery

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      CHELSEA’s new £52million signing Christopher Nkunku has undergone knee surgery and will be out for months.It is a huge blow to the Blues ahead of their Premier League opener this weekend.
      Christopher Nkunku has undergone knee injuryCredit: Getty
      The Frenchman was forced off in last week’s friendly against Borussia Dortmund after damaging his left meniscus.
      Chelsea had initially hoped he would only be out for weeks instead of months.
      However, the forward will now be out for at least four months after having surgery on the injury.
      As a result, Nkunku is now unlikely to play until December in a huge blow for Mauricio Pochettino.
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      In a club statement, Chelsea confirmed: “Nkunku has sustained a knee injury which will rule the forward out for an extended period.
      “The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation programme.”
      Nkunku is a new arrival at Stamford Bridge, with his move to the club from RB Leipzig finalised earlier this summer.
      The condition of the pitch in Chicago had been pinpointed as a potential reason for the injury.
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      Soldier Field had recently hosted an Ed Sheeran concert prior to the match between Chelsea and Dortmund.
      Speaking after the match, Pochettino told reporters: “I didn’t see the action but it is not about complaining.
      “Always we take some risks because the pitch is not perfect because they are using it for different sports and that is sometimes the risk of the tour, yes.
      “But I think it was a bit unlucky in the situation but we cannot complain about the pitch and to blame the pitch for why he suffered the injury. For me it was bad luck.”
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      Chelsea begin their campaign at home to Liverpool on Sunday.
      New signing Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line in Nkunku’s absence, having arrived from Villarreal for £32million this summer. More