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      Arsenal LEAD Victor Osimhen transfer race ahead of rivals Man Utd as Napoli striker continues red hot season

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      ARSENAL are leading Manchester United in the chase for Victor Osimhen, according to reports.The red-hot Napoli striker is high in-demand having enjoyed a stunning campaign in Serie A.
      Victor Osimhen’s goals have fired Napoli to top spot in Serie ACredit: Rex
      Osimhen, 24, has turned heads by scoring 21 goals in all competitions – with his side top of the table and still going strong in the Champions League.
      Man United are on a striker hunt this summer and the Nigerian is high on their wishlist.
      But according to Italian outlet Rai, Arsenal have overtaken them in the race.
      The Gunners let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang go in January 2022, with Alexandre Lacazette following six months later.
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      They subsequently recruited Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, although the Brazilian has been injured since the World Cup.
      Eddie Nketiah has deputised in the meantime, but Arsenal could still look to bolster their front-line ahead of next season.

      Osimhen won’t come cheap, however, with Napoli set to dig their heels in regarding their star asset.
      It’s claimed that the Serie A side will demand an eye-watering £133million for Osimhen, which would shatter the £106m Prem record set by Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez in January – and the £72m Gunners record paid for Nicolas Pepe.
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      In addition to Man United and Arsenal, the mid-table Blues are also keen on Osimhen.
      Chelsea lack an out-and-out No9, with Kai Havertz largely having to fill the role this season.
      French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also in the hunt, despite already having Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi at their disposal.
      The Ligue 1 champions have a history of recruiting players from Napoli, having gone to them for Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Fabian Ruiz. More

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      Three ways Man Utd could line up with Harry Kane including new formation as they line up blockbuster summer transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED reckon they can sign Harry Kane this summer, if Tottenham miss out on the top four.Red Devils chiefs believe that Spurs will lower their £100million asking price if they fail to reach the Champions League.
      Harry Kane could join Manchester United this summerCredit: Rex

      Kane, who will turn 30 in July, has less than 18 months remaining on his contract in North London.
      And with United having made contact with Kane’s camp via a third party, they believe they can prise the England skipper from his boyhood club this summer.
      Manchester United were humiliated 7-0 by arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
      But irrespective of that dreadful result, they have made progress under Erik ten Hag.
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      And Kane could be the final piece of the jigsaw when it comes to the Red Devils competing for Premier League and Champions League honours once again.
      The forward would instantly be the focal point of United’s attack that they have lacked.
      Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial have all had turns as their No9 this term.
      But Kane appears to be tailor-made for the role, and would add immense quality up top for Ten Hag.
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      Kane could link up with England team-mate Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty

      His addition could allow Rashford to stick to the left flank, with Antony or Jadon Sancho on the right and Bruno Fernandes in the No10 position.
      Casemiro and Kane’s old Spurs pal Christian Eriksen formed a good midfield partnership earlier this season.
      But with United still in the hunt for a midfielder, the Dane could even be shunted to the bench.
      Despite last summer’s saga, Ten Hag would still be interested in reuniting with Barcelona’s former Ajax ace Frenkie de Jong.

      While Jude Bellingham and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo are also on their radar.
      Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have made up a largely competent back four this season – but will have to flush last Sunday’s Anfield aberration out of their systems.
      Meanwhile, stalwart David de Gea could sign a new contract to try and win his second Prem title with United, and first since 2013.
      The Spaniard’s current deal is set to expire in July.
      Ten Hag, 53, could also try Rashford up top with Kane – but may have to experiment with a back three formation to do so.
      Kane played with Christian Eriksen at Spurs between 2013 and 2020Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      Theo Walcott admits he could retire aged 34 at end of the season and hints at shock career change

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      THEO WALCOTT has hinted that Southampton’s relegation battle could cause him to retire.The English forward – who will be 34-years-old in ten days time – even suggested he could step onto the other side of the press area with a career in football journalism.
      Theo Walcott has hinted at retiring from footballCredit: Getty
      Southampton are currently fighting for Premier League safety and are one point behind Leeds in 17th.
      They are behind Everton as well in what has been a difficult season for the club.
      Ralph Hasenhuttl was sacked and his replacement Nathan Jones did not last long with Ruben Selles taking charge until the end of the season.
      Although there has been an improvement in recent weeks with two wins from the Saints’ last three games giving their Premier League survival hopes a boost.
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      However, for Walcott, he has admitted that the season has taken its toll on him.
      When asked when he could hang up his boots, he joked: “June and beyond? Goodness me, I might retire, who knows? This might retire me.
      “We’ll see, I don’t know and I honestly have no idea. I’m very relaxed about what happens next beyond this season.
      “I could be on your side of the fence talking to the players – who knows?”
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      However, for the moment, Walcott insists he is focused on securing Southampton’s top-flight status.
      He added: “I haven’t thought too far ahead, my main challenge is to keep this team up, help the players, help them learn some things from me and then I’ll make my decision.”
      If he were to move into punditry he would join a long line of footballers to make the switch such as Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Micah Richards and Thierry Henry to name a few.
      Walcott has had a successful career in the Premier League as he won two FA Cups during his 12-year spell with Arsenal.
      He also scored 78 goals in the Premier League and earned 47 caps with England. More

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      Fulham fans fume at Ivan Toney over Brentford striker’s ‘disrespectful’ celebration in 3-2 win

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      FULHAM fans were left fuming with Ivan Toney tonight.And it was all due to the Brentford striker’s “disrespectful” celebration aimed at Aleksandar Mitrovic.
      Ivan Toney was slammed by Fulham fans for copying Aleksandar Mitrovic’s celebrationCredit: Rex
      Toney also paid tribute to his baby in Brentford’s 3-2 win over FulhamCredit: Rex
      Toney scored his first goal since pleading guilty to FA betting charges as the Bees downed their London neighbours 3-2.
      The striker kept his cool from the penalty spot to fire home past Bernd Leno to put his side 2-1 up.
      And as he celebrated with fans, Toney cheekily twirled his hand by his ear.
      The same movement is used by Fulham striker Mitrovic, who had a run-in with Toney earlier this season.
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      Mitrovic claimed he was Toney’s “idol” after the Englishman did the same celebration in Fulham’s 3-2 league win in August.
      The Serb, who briefly played with Toney at Newcastle, had the last laugh at Craven Cottage by scoring a last-gasp winner.
      But Toney made sure he bagged bragging rights tonight as other goals from Ethan Pinnock and Mathias Jensen sealed victory for the home side.
      However, some Fulham fans were not best pleased with Toney’s efforts to once again imitate Mitrovic’s celebration.
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      Mitrovic had a quiet game in Fulham’s derby defeatCredit: Reuters
      One supporter said: “Why is Ivan Toney doing Mitrovic’s celebration? How disrespectful.”
      Another declared: “Smug little p***k Toney is – copied Mitro’s celebration in the home game, now done it again.”
      One noted: “Toney’s a massive d***hole.”
      Another added: “Toney is such a p***k doing Mitrovic celebration again loooool.”
      Having copied Mitrovic, Toney rounded off his celebration by sucking his thumb.
      The ace has just become a new father.
      And explaining both gestures, Toney said: “I am a fan of Mitrovic so I have to do his celebration and it was also for my son.”
      On netting yet another penalty, the 28th of his career so far, Toney added: “The wait doesn’t matter, the longer the better really because I can get away and think of other things like being away on holiday and chilling.
      “The goalkeeper didn’t move but I have always got a spot where I put the ball. I only changed the way I take penalties after I missed one.”
      Brentford boss Thomas Frank was full of praise for Toney, adding: “I take all the praise, it is solely me. No it is Ivan that is the technique he had when he arrived at Brentford.
      “He is the best penalty taker in the world for a few reasons, his strategy, he practices it and he is very cool. He keeps doing it all the same.
      “It is a unique skill with him, I think in general before this situation with the case going on before that unique ability to focus on games and training and he has kept doing that so that doesn’t surprise me.
      “He doesn’t like the situation but he has top focus.
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      “He is a special footballer, I think his character is unique in terms of leadership and driving his team.
      “His link-up play and the way he sees his team-mates around in terms of combinations and then his ability to score goals. He is an all-around football player.” More

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      Man Utd confident of stunning Harry Kane transfer this summer after making contact with £200k-a-week Tottenham star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED believe they will land Harry Kane this summer — if Tottenham finish outside the top four.Old Trafford chiefs reckon Spurs missing out on a Champions League place will see them lower their £100million asking price.
      Harry Kane could join Manchester United this summerCredit: Getty
      United have made contact with Kane’s camp through a third party and have been encouraged by the response.
      Kane turns 30 in July — and has achieved his ambition of becoming Spurs’ all-time top scorer.
      While United were hammered 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday, there is still a belief that Kane has a better chance of finally winning a trophy at Old Trafford than at Tottenham.
      The England captain’s £200,000-a-week deal is up at the end of next season and failing to make the Champions League puts suitors in a better position to negotiate a lower fee.
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      Kane said in January that there had “not been much talking” with Spurs over a new contract but he was “sure there will be conversations over the coming months”.
      Champions Manchester City are no longer in the running, having failed to land the striker in 2021.
      They have since signed Erling Haaland and the Norwegian has 27 Prem goals in the race for the Golden Boot.
      Kane has 18, with United’s Marcus Rashford on 14.
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      The Red Devils need another goalscorer to drive them on to be title challengers next season.
      Cristiano Ronaldo left in November and now his on-loan replacement Wout Weghorst has just one goal from 14 appearances.
      Spurs are currently in fourth place but lost 1-0 at Wolves on Saturday — while resurgent Liverpool are just three points behind them with a game in hand.
      Kane would link up with England pal Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty More

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      Victor Osimhen puts Man Utd and Chelsea on red alert as transfer comments send both sets of fans into meltdown

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      VICTOR OSIMHEN has put Manchester United and Chelsea on red alert with his latest transfer comments.And both sets of fans have been sent into a meltdown as a result.
      Man Utd and Chelsea fans are loving Victor Osimhen’s latest transfer commentsCredit: Rex
      Osimhen, 24, has set Serie A ablaze this season with 19 goals in just 21 games for Napoli.
      The Italian giants lead the title race by a mammoth 15 points.
      But Napoli face a tough ask to keep some of their brightest talents this summer.
      The likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kim Min-Jae and Stanislav Lobotka have been irresistible at times.
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      However, Osimhen is regarded as the key cog in the machine.
      And plenty of clubs are wondering how high they could soar with his goals next term.
      United and Chelsea are both thought to be in the race for Osimhen, who could fetch over £100million.
      Napoli who have a history of cashing in at the right moment for a huge fee, are reluctant to sell.
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      But Osimhen has now opened the door to a Premier League switch by declaring he “dreams” of testing himself in England’s top flight.
      Osimhen said: “I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world (Serie A) is an amazing feeling for me.
      “A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league but now I’m in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.
      “I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League some day but like I said, it’s a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well.”
      This sent fans of Man United and Chelsea into overdrive.
      A United supporter said: “We should not bottle this.”
      Another declared: “In the summer we’ll make your dream come true.”
      Meanwhile, a Chelsea fan noted: “We desperately want a No9 and have owners who will break the bank. Seems inevitable.”
      Another added: “United are a problem but we have agent Drogba.” More

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      Man Utd ‘have bigger concerns than Liverpool mauling’ and cannot win Premier League until they fix issue, says pundit

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      KAREN CARNEY has suggested that Man United need to fix the defence if they want to be winning the Premier League.The Red Devils’ backline was torn apart on Sunday as Liverpool ran rampant, scoring seven goals in a humiliating defeat at Anfield.
      Man United were hammered by LiverpoolCredit: Rex
      Karen Carney believes they need to fix the defence in order to challenge for titlesCredit: Alamy
      Against the Premier League’s best sides, United’s defence has been unravelled.
      This season, United have been on the end of some heavy defeats, including the 6-3 to Man City as well as conceding three to Arsenal in January.
      While there have been a lot of improvements to the team under manager Erik ten Hag, Carney believes that the defence still needs work if they want to be challenging for the title.
      She told Sky Sports: “You can’t just write it off, it’s Liverpool your rival.
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      “It has to be in the forefront of your mind, it has to hurt.
      “I think with the form they have previously been on winning the trophy as well you could say it is a blip.
      “But there are bigger concerns in terms of conceding 16 goals against Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City.
      “Clean sheets win you championships and goals win you games.
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      “Man United and fans of the club will want to win the league.
      “They are conceding far too many for me. You are defined by the teams that are up there with you. If you want to win, you have to be flawless.
      “We have seen the levels you have to be at to win the Premier League, the goals they are conceding are coming from little errors and it is costing them massively.”
      After the defeat, Ten Hag tore into his Manchester United stars and told them they were lucky to be travelling back on the team bus.
      The Dutchman felt they deserved to be leaving Merseyside with the club’s raging supporters after their worst defeat for 91 years. More

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      Chelsea fans all say the same thing as Kai Havertz is made new penalty taker following Jorginho exit

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      CHELSEA fans are all saying the same thing about Kai Havertz.The German striker has been made the Blues’ No1 penalty taker following Jorginho’s exit to Arsenal.
      Chelsea fans are all saying the same thing about Kai HavertzCredit: Rex
      Havertz has replaced Jorginho as Chelsea’s penalty takerCredit: Getty
      Havertz, 23, was a costly purchase from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 at £71million.
      But he has failed to hit the heights at Stamford Bridge.
      And after netting just 29 goals in his time at Chelsea, Havertz has been tipped for a return to Germany.
      However, boss Graham Potter insists the misfiring striker is not to blame for his side’s attacking woes.
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      And Havertz will now get the chance to add to his meagre tally by becoming Chelsea’s new penalty taker.
      Reliable spot-kicker Jorginho, who scored 27 penalties for Chelsea and missed just four, was shipped off to Arsenal in January.
      But Havertz has been named as his successor despite only netting one penalty in his entire Blues career.
      The strike came in last year’s Club World Cup final win over Palmeiras.
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      And there are positives to take, with the hitman yet to miss any of his 14 career spot-kicks.
      However, Chelsea fans are now worried that it signals the German is seen as a key player by Potter.
      And instead of being dropped to give another forward a chance, Havertz will continue to lead the line for the foreseeable future.
      One supporter said: “So basically he’s a guaranteed starter.”
      Another declared: “Is this guy ever getting benched for Fofana or Aubameyang? Felix could be our taker.”
      One noted: “Only chance he has of scoring these days.”
      Another added: “Performing at his worst from all our forwards but he gets promoted to be a starter?” More