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      Shakhtar CEO slams Arsenal conduct as he reveals reason club sold Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea in £88m transfer

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      SHAKHTAR DONETSK’s CEO has hit out at Arsenal’s conduct over Mykhailo Mudryk – and explained why Chelsea landed the star. The two London clubs were locked in intense talks with the Ukrainian club over their young winger.
      Mudryk has become one of the most expensive signings in Chelsea’s historyCredit: Getty
      Edu has turned Arsenal’s fortunes around off-the-pitch but was pipped to long-term target MudrykCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But Chelsea won out in the end and signed Mudryk in a deal worth £88m.
      Mudryk, who was paraded to fans at half-time of Sunday’s win over Crystal Palace, has signed a mammoth eight-and-a-half year contract.
      Shakhtar chief Sergei Palkin has spilled the beans on how the deal happened – and why he was not happy at the way Arsenal went about the deal.
      Asked why pundits saw the Gunners as favourites for Mudryk, he told the Athletic: “It is because Arsenal contacted the player almost one and a half months before they contacted us.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      “Can you imagine, for example, to have Mikel Arteta, Oleksandr Zinchenko and the sporting director (Edu) calling you, to have Arsenal calling you almost every day, every two days, every three days?
      “Therefore, why did many people around it have the impression that Mudryk was going to Arsenal? It is because Arsenal contacted him and then Mudryk started to watch some games of Arsenal. But negotiations are negotiations.”
      While the CEO confirmed he did not make any formal complaints, he did raise the issue with the Gunners’ negotiating team.
      Palkin added: “When I met Arsenal and they mentioned they had already talked to the player and they had contacted the player, to be honest, I knew beforehand that they had started to contact him.
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      “I said, ‘OK, you start to contact him but first of all you should close it with us’. But OK, we have what we have.”
      Palkin also revealed that both Arsenal and Chelsea offered the same “fixed” amount, but the Blues’ bonuses and add-ons were more tempting to Shakhtar.
      The chief executive commended Chelsea’s “serious” approach and said he believed they are building “one of the best clubs in the world”.
      He added: “Yes, we can talk about bonuses, but these bonuses should be somehow achievable and realistic, let’s say. Therefore, in this case, Chelsea was much more serious and fair in some points.
      “When we met Chelsea, we stayed all together. For you to understand the context, it was for nine or 10 hours. They invited the player and explained to us the whole project.
      “We realised that, yes, if you look right now, Chelsea have some kinds of problems but it is normal because they have a transition period from one owner to another. It is understandable. They would like to change a lot.”
      The signing of Mudryk is the fifth acquisition of the window already for Chelsea.
      The 22-year-old follows the loan move of Joao Felix and the permanent deals for Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos.
      Todd Boehly’s transfer spend is close to £400m in two windows More

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      UK’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe formally launches Man Utd takeover attempt as he says ‘we have entered the process’

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      THE UK’S richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe has entered the race to buy Manchester United.The Old Trafford club were put up for sale by the Glazers back in November, although they’re still waiting to find a suitable buyer.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe has entered the race to buy Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      Joel and Avram Glazer put the club up for sale back in NovemberCredit: AFP
      Manchester United fans have regularly protested against the ownersCredit: Getty
      But The Times have claimed that Ratcliffe has now confirmed that he’s in the running to takeover from the Americans.
      The report states that bids are expected from the US, the Middle East and Asia, but the 70-year-old is the first to publicly express his interest.
      A spokesperson said: “We have formally put ourselves into the process.”
      Formal bids are set to take place at the beginning of February with a view to changing ownership before the end of the season.
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      But a potential takeover, which would be music to the ears of United fans, can only happen if the Glazers agree on a price.
      And they’re thought to be looking for more than £5billion.
      Ratcliffe, who’s worth £15billion, first revealed he was interested last summer.
      A spokesperson back then said: “If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.
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      “If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.
      “This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent.
      “Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset.”
      Ratcliffe, a lifelong United supporter, is a petrochemicals tycoon who at his peak was worth around £21billion.
      He runs multi-billion-pound chemicals giant Ineos, which owns French club Nice, Swiss side Lausanne, plus a third of Formula One team Mercedes.
      Ratcliffe also made a last-gasp bid to buy Chelsea back in May, although his £4.25billion offer was rejected.
      His intention was to create a “very fine club in London” at Stamford Bridge.
      But the club was eventually sold to Todd Boehly, who’s not been afraid to splash the cash during his short time in charge.
      United fans’ frustrations have been growing for several years with the Old Trafford faithful angry over their constant failings in the transfer market and a lack of progress on the pitch.
      They’ve won just three trophies in nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson left despite spending more than £1billion on new players.
      A potential buyer comes less than two months after the Red Devils were put up for sale.
      A takeover would be another boost for Erik ten Hag and Co with things going swimmingly on the pitch.
      Read More on The Sun
      United came from behind to beat rivals Manchester City on Saturday to record a ninth win on the bounce and move into contention for the title.
      Next up is a trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday before a crunch game at leaders Arsenal on Sunday. More

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      Mudryk Chelsea bonuses revealed as Shakhtar confirm Arsenal never came close to transfer and deride ‘Ballon d’Or clause’

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      SHAKHTAR DONETSK have revealed the bonuses involved in Mykhailo Mudryk’s move to Chelsea.And it was confirmed that it was those “achievable and realistic” bonuses that led to the Blues blowing Arsenal out of the water for Mudryk.
      Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk despite Arsenal interestCredit: Getty
      Shakhtar Donetsk revealed the bonuses involved in Mykhailo Mudryk’s Chelsea dealCredit: Getty
      The West Londoners hijacked their rivals’ bid to land the winger in the January transfer window after reaching a deal worth a total of £88million with Shakhtar.
      The Ukrainian giants’ CEO Sergei Palkin confirmed that Chelsea beat the North Londoners thanks bonuses largely related to them winning the Premier League and Champions League.
      However, there is no added clause relating to the 22-year-old potentially winning the Ballon d’Or, like his previous manager Robert De Zerbi – now at Brighton – predicted.
      And those terms will remain active across the entirety of the Ukraine international’s eight-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
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      Palkin told The Athletic: “We can talk about bonuses, but these bonuses should be somehow achievable and realistic, let’s say.
      “Therefore, in this case, Chelsea was much more serious and fair in some points.
      “Chelsea’s offer for Mudryk has no Ballon d’Or clause. It is achievable bonuses that we feel can be reached.”
      Palkin also confirmed that talks with Arsenal were off before Chelsea swooped in.
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      Shakhtar weren’t happy with the Gunners’ final offer worth €70million (£62m) plus €30m (£26m) in add-ons.
      Palkin added: “When they proposed the final offer of €70million plus €30million [in add-ons], we sat down and started to talk internally about how it will be fulfilled in terms of the payments, the fixed part and the bonus issues.
      “We realised we will not close this deal [with Arsenal].” More

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      Spurs fan who kicked Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is unmasked in new footage – do you know him?

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      SHOCKING new footage has emerged showing a Spurs fan escape through the crowd after kicking Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale.The player was assaulted at the end of Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday, January 15.
      Tottenham Hotspur fan kicks Aaron Ramsdale and then runs back into the standsCredit: Sky Sports
      His face could be seen after he took off his scarfCredit: Sky Sports
      In a desperate bid to escape security, he frantically started climbing over seats through the crowd.
      The man, who covered his face with a scarf, then appeared to meet up with two men who knew him.
      He removed his face covering as he looked out of breath and fans tried to protect his identity by standing in front of him.
      When he was leaving the stadium he had taken off his jacket and scarf to change his appearance and quickly slipped past people going up the stairs.
      Ramsdale was handed a bottle of water after the incident.
      The Met Police later confirmed a man has been charged with assault.
      Spurs boss Antonio Conte said: “I didn’t see it before. If this situation happened [then] it’s not good, it’s not positive.
      “I think that in every moment we have to show respect. If we want respect, we have to show respect. Honestly, I didn’t see this [incident] but if this situation happens for sure I don’t like it.”
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      Tottenham defender Eric Dier said of the incident: “I didn’t see it, but obviously it’s just unacceptable really. There’s nothing more I can say other than it’s unacceptable and it shouldn’t have happened.”
      Tottenham said in a statement: “We are appalled by the behaviour of a supporter that attempted to attack Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at the end of today’s match. Violence in any form has no place in football.”
      A Football Association statement read: “We strongly condemn the incident involving a spectator that followed today’s Premier League fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
      “This is wholly unacceptable behaviour and we will work together with the police, the relevant authorities and the clubs to ensure the appropriate action is taken.”
      A Premier League statement read: “There is no place in football for acts of violence, and under no circumstance should players be attacked or fear for their safety at games.
      “The League will support the clubs and relevant authorities in taking the strongest possible action against the individual responsible.”
      A PFA statement read: “Players have a right to be safe in their place of work. When a player is attacked we expect the laws and regulations that are in place to protect them to be properly enforced.
      “As the players’ union we treat this as a priority issue. We will be continuing to work with the authorities to demand that players and staff are better protected in their place of work.”
      Former Arsenal and England striker Lianne Sanderson tweeted: “That idiot that kicked or tried to kick @AaronRamsdale98 should be banned for life. Hate seeing things like that. What on earth is wrong with people.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Mikel Arteta’s men are not even halfway through their Premier League campaign but this was a hugely significant triumph – one which may be pinpointed as the most crucial of the lot if they are crowned champions of England for the first time in 19 years. 
      Next Sunday, they face a resurgent Manchester United – the only team to have defeated them in the league this season – and next month they face City.
      He balanced on the side-line rail before jumpingCredit: Sky Sports
      The fan climbed back over the crowd to get away from securityCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Barcelona target Ilkay Gundogan free transfer as they look set to miss out on Chelsea star N’Golo Kante

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      BARCELONA are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan.The LaLiga giants are hoping to sign the midfielder on a free transfer in the summer.
      Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly attracting interest from BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Gundogan’s contract at the Etihad Stadium expires at the end of the season and he will be available on a Bosman deal.
      Barcelona have been a big mover in the Bosman market due to the club’s recent financial constraints.
      They signed the likes of Frank Kessie, Marcos Alonso, Hector Bellerin and Andreas Christensen on free transfers last summer.
      The Catalonian side had been interested in signing N’Golo Kante, but he is closing on a new contract at Chelsea.
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      Therefore the club have turned their attention to Gundogan, according to The Telegraph.
      The German is able to discuss terms with Barcelona now as he is in the last six months of his deal.
      But as the report suggests, a deal will hinge on whether or not the 32-year-old signs a new deal with Man City.
      Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first transfer when he arrived at the club seven years ago in 2016.
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      The German is an important member of the team as he is the current captain.
      He took over the role from Fernandinho following the Brazilian’s departure last summer.
      He had played an important role in the club’s four Premier League titles since his arrival. More

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      West Ham ‘consider shock Harry Maguire loan transfer with Man Utd ready to accept huge loss on defender’

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      WEST HAM are considering a shock loan move for Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, reports say. The centre-back has fallen out of favour with Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag, making only four league starts this season.
      Harry Maguire is linked with a move to West HamCredit: Getty
      And despite a superb winter World Cup showing, still Ten Hag has lost faith in Maguire.
      It has even see him field left-back Luke Shaw, 27, in a central partnership with Raphael Varane, 29.
      According to The Mirror, United are prepared to make a huge loss on the defender they paid Leicester £85million for in 2019.
      And it is claimed West Ham are ready to make a loan move for the unsettled England international.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      It comes as Wolves attempt to prise Craig Dawson away from London.
      Dawson, 32, is rated at around £7m and is keen on a return to the Midlands having played before at West Brom.
      Wolves have already had a bid turned down but look set to return for further talks with West Ham.
      It would leave a gap in their defence that Moyes wants Maguire, 29, to fill.
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      But Senegal’s 6ft 3in centre-half Formose Mendy, 22, is another on their list having made a good impression at the World Cup.
      Moyes once looked at signing Maguire for just £4m from Sheffield United while he was Old Trafford manager in 2013 but a possible move never took off.
      United have won their last five league matches to rise to fourth in the table.
      But Maguire has played little part, causing question marks over his future in Manchester.
      He signed from Leicester for a world-record defender’s fee but faces leaving United empty-handed.
      Harry Maguire faces an uncertain Manchester United futureCredit: Getty More

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      Steven Gerrard to be SNUBBED for Poland boss job with president wanting new boss to have international experience

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      STEVEN GERRARD is set to miss out on the Poland job due to his lack of international experience.The former Aston Villa and Rangers boss emerged as a shock target for the Poles to replace the recently-departed Czeslaw Michniewicz.
      Steven Gerrard emerged as a shock candidate for the Poland jobCredit: AFP
      But his lack of international experience has ruled him out of the race to replace Czeslaw MichniewiczCredit: GETTY
      SunSport revealed that Poland footy chiefs had added Gerrard to their shortlist of managers to replace Michniewicz.
      But Polish Football Association chief Cezary Kulesza has since revealed they’re looking to appoint a manager with previous international experience.
      During an appearance on RMF FM, the former White-Reds midfielder said: “The candidate is from abroad.
      “I would like the decision to be made today or tomorrow, but it depends on the other party.
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      “The most important criterion was whether he had previously led a national team.”
      Poland’s eagerness to have an experienced international manager all but rules out Gerrard – who has only managed in the Premier and Scottish Premier Leagues – out of the running.
      Gerrard, 42, was understood to be open to taking the job, which would have included a bumper salary.
      But the potential appointment of the Liverpool legend was written off by former Poland ace Zbigniew Boniek.
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      He said: “Any Polish coach who has been sacked or resigned recently would be better than Gerrard.
      “He doesn’t really know anything about the Polish national team.
      “He is not the manager for Poland.
      “They have to come up with a new man quickly because the first games for the Euros are in March.” More

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      Chelsea fans fear curse of the No15 will strike again as Mykhailo Mudryk is given shirt number

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      CHELSEA fans are fearing that new signing Mykhailo Mudryk will fall victim to the curse of the No15 shirt.The Ukrainian was handed the shirt number following his signing from Shakthar Donetsk.
      Mykhailo Mudryk has taken the No15 shirt at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The number 15 shirt at Stamford Bridge has a somewhat tainted past.
      Stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah wore the jersey for the Blues, but failed to show their best form for the club.
      Since leaving Chelsea, the duo have gone on to become world-class players at Manchester City and Liverpool, respectfully.
      Some of the club’s other former players to don the number have also gone on to flop for the Blues.
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      Kurt Zouma, Victor Moses and Papy Djilobodji were all handed the shirt, but did not excel as expected.
      And now fans are worried about the same happening with Mudryk, as one tweeted: “He won’t be there long then.”
      Another commented: “Them players went on to other clubs to fulfil their potential.”
      A third said: “He might have to leave Chelsea to achieve that.”
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      A fourth added: “At a different clubs though.”
      However, not all of Chelsea’s No15s have been failures as club legend Didier Drogba wore the number.
      The Ivorian striker scored 164 goals in 381 appearances in all competitions for the club. More