Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal DID match Chelsea’s £88m transfer bid for Mudryk as Shakhtar Donetsk chief reveals nearly TWO MONTHS of talks

      by

      ARSENAL matched Chelsea’s £88million offer for Mykhail Mudryk… but missed out due to the Blues’ more “achievable” bonuses.The Gunners seemed to be closing in on a move for the Ukrainian, 22, ahead of the January transfer window.
      Mykhailo Mudryk was confirmed by Chelsea on SundayCredit: Getty
      Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mudryk had been hinting about joining Mikel Arteta’s side and a deal appeared to be in the final stages before Chelsea swooped in to seal an eight-and-a-half-year contract.
      In an interview with The Athletic, Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin revealed Arsenal had made their first contact with the player in “October or November”.
      By contrast, the Blues did not enter negotiations until the end of December.
      But Chelsea’s co-owner Behdad Eghbali and director of global transfers Paul Winstanley swiftly flew out to meet Mudryk in Turkey and brought him back to London on a private jet.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      A lucrative transfer was then finalised and personal terms were agreed.
      It was initially understood that Arsenal had failed to match Chelsea’s offer, something Palkin has refuted.
      He said: “When they (Arsenal) proposed the final offer of €70million (£62m) plus €30million (£26m) 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). I said to Edu (the Gunners sporting director) that I did my best but it was not possible.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The nature of Chelsea’s payment process was a far more favourable one for Shakhtar compared to the proposition Arsenal had put forward.
      Bonuses within the Blues’ transfer bid included winning the Premier League and Champions League before his contract expires in 2030.

      These were deemed to be “achievable” goals that he can attain at Stamford Bridge.
      Palkin continued: “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. So when they explain to you the whole story and you look for the next two, three, four, five years, then you see they have a serious project.
      “I believe they will build one of the best clubs in the world because I am telling you, they are very serious in all directions: sports science, the stadium side, the commercial side, on all things. For us, they looked very ambitious.”
      It was revealed on Monday that Shakhtar will donate £20.5m of the £88m transfer fee to help Ukraine’s war effort following the Russian invasion.
      Mudryk played just 44 games for Shakhtar, contributing 12 goals and 17 assists.
      He has also been capped eight times by Ukraine but is yet to register a goal contribution.
      Read More on The Sun
      Meanwhile, Chelsea currently sit 10th in the Premier League table.
      They are 10 points adrift of the top four and a huge 19 behind league leaders Arsenal. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham in fresh Pedro Porro transfer talks but Sporting Lisbon’s £39.9m asking price could prove issue

      by

      TOTTENHAM are set for fresh talks this week with Sporting Lisbon over the signing of defender Pedro Porro.Spurs have identified Porro, 23, as one of their top targets this window.
      Spurs will hold fresh talks with Sporting over a deal for Pedro Porro this weekCredit: Getty
      They feel the ex-Manchester City ace as the ideal candidate to strengthen at right wing-back.
      But Sporting are reluctant to let the Spaniard go in this window.
      So far they have insisted Spurs pay up the full £39.9million written into his release clause.
      Tottenham will hope to soften that stance when talks resume this week.
      READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
      Porro is highly rated after an impressive few seasons at Sporting.
      He helped the side win the league last season and this term he has chipped in with two goals and ten assists.
      Porro has also been capped once by Spain.
      Antonio Conte is still looking to make his first signing this January.
      Most read in Football
      The North Londoners are also interested in wantaway Brighton star Leandro Trossard.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      However, they face competition from arch-rivals Arsenal.
      Spurs are currently fifth and are five points off the Champions League spots.
      That is after they lost to the Gunners 2-0 at home on Sunday. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal consider Moussa Diaby transfer to boost winger options but fear being priced out by Bayer Leverkusen

      by

      ARSENAL are considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, according to reports.The Gunners are hoping to bolster their wide options this month amid their title push.
      Moussa Diaby is on Arsenal’s wishlistCredit: Getty
      Top target Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea insteadCredit: Reuters
      Ukrainian ace Mykhailo Mudryk had been their No1 target going into the January window.
      But after being gazumped by Chelsea’s huge £88million offer, Arsenal have moved on to other options.
      According to Sky Germany, French international Diaby is on the Gunners’ wishlist.
      But the 23-year-old won’t come cheap.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Last summer, Leverkusen demanded £75m when Newcastle tried to sign Diaby.
      He still has two-and-half years remaining on his contract with the Bundesliga club, meaning they are in no rush to sell.
      Diaby, who can play on either flank, has scored eight goals in 22 appearances for Leverkusen this term.
      Another player on Arsenal’s radar is Barcelona star Raphinha.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The Brazilian snubbed interest from the Gunners last summer to secure his dream move to Barca.
      But having been underwhelmed by the former Leeds ace, the Catalan side have reportedly shown a willingness to sell.
      He will not come cheap, however, with Spanish paper Diario Sport claiming that Barcelona will demand £100m for his signature.
      Arsenal would be very unlikely to match this asking price.
      Barcelona will demand big money for RaphinhaCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘still chasing £27m transfer for PSV’s ex-Tottenham winger Noni Madueke despite staggering £97m Mudryk swoop’

      by

      CHELSEA are reportedly still chasing £27million winger Noni Madueke – despite just splashing out £97m on Mykhailo Mudryk.The Blues stunned Arsenal by hijacking the deal for the Ukrainian winger.
      Noni Madueke is a target for Chelsea in the transfer windowCredit: Getty
      However, Todd Boehly’s January business for attacking talent may not be over just yet.
      Dutch football reporter Rik Elfrink states Madueke is “still waiting” to see where his future lies because the “transfer troubles with Chelsea are not over”.
      The PSV Eindhoven star, 20, remains a target for the Blues – and Elfrink suggested he appeared distracted as he struggled to find his best form in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Fortuna Sittard.
      Madueke spent four years in the Tottenham academy before switching to PSV’s youth set-up.
      READ MORE ON TRANSFERS
      Chelsea made contact with the Eredivisie club last week to enquire about the England Under-21 international.
      PSV – who sold Cody Gakpo to Liverpool this month – told the Blues their winger is not for sale.
      However, the Stamford Bridge club still reportedly tabled an offer worth around £27m.
      Chelsea have already signed striker David Datro Fofana and £35m defender Benoit Badiashile this month.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      But Graham Potter is a keen admirer of Madueke and was interested in bringing him to the AmEx during his time at Brighton.
      PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is hoping to hold on to Madueke but accepts he could leave this month.
      He said: “I know of the interest in Noni.
      “I’d rather not have that, but it’s not something I decide.
      “The fact that there’s a lot of interest in him is of course due to his quality and his performances. But I do find it worrying.
      “We will certainly do everything we can [to keep him]. But you also know that things can change real quick if the interest heats up.
      “As a club, you’ve got to be ready and have replacements lined up because if he leaves it would mean that we lose another player this winter.
      “But there can also be situations like with Cody [Gakpo], where a certain type of club comes with a certain offer. Then it might be that it’s no longer possible to stop the deal from taking place. I hope that’s not going to be the scenario this time, but I can not exclude it.” More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans all saying same thing after Arsenal star Granit Xhaka’s rallying pre-Tottenham team talk emerges before win

      by

      ARSENAL fans have hailed Granit Xhaka’s leadership after footage emerged of his passionate pre-match team talk ahead of the North London derby.Mikel Arteta’s men beat local rivals Tottenham 2-0 on Sunday to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
      Granit Xhaka gave a rousing team talk to the Arsenal playersCredit: Twitter

      Arsenal fans have praised the Swiss midfielder for his leadershipCredit: Getty
      Arsenal are now – for the first time this season – the bookies’ favourites to win the title after extending their advantage over Manchester City.
      And Gunners supporters are citing Xhaka’s galvanising personality as one of many reasons they are so proud of their team.
      Before the clash with Spurs, he could be seen geeing up those around him with an emotive burst of encouragement as the team carried out their pre-match stretching.
      Reacting to the clip, one person said: “This season I just love this guy. On and off the pitch, with or without the ball. Real character.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Another added: “When he talks, others listen. He has the respect of the whole changing room.”
      A third said: “His turnaround in the fans eyes needs to be studied in history books.”

      And a fourth replied: “What makes us so good is they’re all leaders. These players, even the young ones, show leadership and character.
      “I was one of Xhaka’s biggest critics years ago but boy has he proved me wrong.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Xhaka was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy in 2019 after telling his own fans to “f*** off”.
      He was heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates over the following 12 months.
      But his relationship with the supporters has now completely changed as he is one of the most-loved stars in the Arsenal team.
      Xhaka has contributed four goals and four assists in 25 appearances for the Gunners so far this season.
      He has formed a sensational partnership with Thomas Partey in the heart of Arteta’s midfield, with Arsenal unbeaten in the Premier League so far this season when the pair have started together.
      Xhaka was superb yet again for Arsenal in the North London derbyCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Winks finally plays for Sampdoria five months after joining on loan as Tottenham ace comes on for debut as sub

      by

      HARRY WINKS has finally made his Sampdoria debut more FIVE months after signing.The England international joined the Serie A club on loan in August to increase his game-time after making just nine Prem starts last season.
      Harry Winks made his Sampdoria defeat against EmpoliCredit: Getty
      It was the midfielder’s first competitive appearance for 239 daysCredit: Getty
      But an ankle injury overshadowed his time in Italy and forced him to miss the first half of the campaign.
      Winks underwent surgery to fix the problem back in November.
      He said on Instagram: “Absolutely gutted it’s come to this, I came here with the hope to give my all to this club.
      “However after trying everything to return to playing, a persistent problem I had since the summer has resulted in surgery.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “I’m positive the procedure went well and all my focus is on returning as soon as possible to help the team.
      “Thanks for all the support 💙.”
      He made a swift recovery though, and was in the squad for the first time against Napoli last week and was also an unused substitute in the 1-0 loss at Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia.
      But the midfielder finally went one better and made his Sampdoria debut against Empoli as a 61st minute substitute.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Heartbreak for Sampdoria 💔They thought they had equalized with virtually the last kick of the game, but after consulting VAR the goal is disallowed for a handball in the build-up ❌ pic.twitter.com/ufnx9QWc6I— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 16, 2023

      It was Winks’ first competitive outing for 239 days, since he came off the bench for Tottenham at Norwich on the final day of last season.
      But he wasn’t able to stop his side from slipping to a thirteenth Serie A defeat of the campaign, as they were denied a 97th minute equaliser by VAR following a lengthy wait after a handball in the build-up.
      Sampdoria remain 19th, seven points from safety, after winning just two league games this season. More

    • 313 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I don’t really give a s***’ – Moyes responds to criticism and says ‘it won’t be end of the earth’ if West Ham sack him

      by

      DAVID MOYES admits it “wouldn’t be the end of the earth” if he was sacked by West Ham.But the Scot remains determined to turn things around and bring success and trophies to East London.
      David Moyes is under serious pressure at West Ham after a poor run of resultsCredit: Rex
      Boss Moyes is under big pressure after the Hammers’ rocky campaign.
      They are on a seven-game winless run, leaving them inside the bottom three ahead of a relegation crunch with Everton on Saturday.
      SunSport revealed Moyes, 59, WILL be in the dugout to face the Toffees at the London Stadium but his future is now on a match-by-match basis.
      Speaking on Steven Bartlett’s podcast Diary of a CEO, when asked if he worries about losing his job, Moyes said: “As a young manager I worried much more. In the position I am in now, I worry far, far less.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “I want to be here, I’m enjoying what I am doing. But it wouldn’t be the end of the earth if something went wrong for me now.
      “But my pride, determination is that I want to be successful and do a really good job for West Ham.”
      The Hammers  were one of the biggest spenders last summer, forking out about £160million for eight new signings to revamp the squad.
      Yet Moyes has no regrets over his transfer policy, explaining: “We have had a really good team for the last two years. A few were coming to the end and we needed to change it.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “I had to break it up a little bit as I had seen signs. My experience was telling me if I don’t do it, I am going to be caught out.
      “Now, with my age, I don’t really give a s**t. I am not going to get many more goes at this.
      “So, if I don’t make a go of it and don’t do what I think is right in what I want to do, I will regret it.
      “What I need is to get some time to let them settle. I hope I get the opportunity to keep it going.” More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘hold Denzel Dumfries transfer talks’ with Inter willing to let Netherlands World Cup right-back go for £35m

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are holding transfer talks with Inter Milan over a move for Denzel Dumfries, according to reports.The full-back gave his reputation a boost with consistent performances for Holland during the World Cup.
      Denzel Dumfries is in talks with Man Utd over a move to Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      And he is once again being linked with a move to the Premier League.
      Dumfries, who is an attacking right-back, is available for only £35m, according to Italian publication Tuttomercato.
      The 26-year-old has been at Inter Milan since 2021 but the Serie A club are believed to be open to a sale.
      They are already in discussion with Man Utd, according to the report, while Chelsea are also interested amid Reece James’ frustrating injury issues.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      United have been having to deal with injuries at right-back themselves after Diogo Dalot limped off during their Carabao Cup clash against Charlton.
      He then missed Saturday’s Manchester derby win over City.
      Meanwhile, Dumfries was left on the bench during Inter’s 1-0 league victory over Hellas Verona.
      The Dutchman had been ever-present in Serie A until that game, making 17 appearances, laying on two assists and chipping in with one goal.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Dumfries had been even more impressive in Qatar for his national team.
      The defender caught the eye with his marauding runs from deep and got a goal and two assists in five games.
      Along with Dalot, United have Aaron Wan-Bissaka as an option for right-back.
      He has been linked with a return to Crystal Palace but has in recent weeks been getting more football under Erik ten Hag More