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      Bukayo Saka returns to training with two word-post as Arsenal get major boost ahead of Real Madrid clash

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      BUKAYO SAKA is on the verge of an Arsenal return.The Gunners star was pictured for the first time back in full training at London Colney today after undergoing hamstring surgery in December.Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka has returned to full trainingCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87The England star is in contention to play in the Gunners’ upcoming games after recovering from surgeryCredit: ReutersSaka teased fans in an Instagram post showing him smiling with his thumbs up alongside the caption: “Hello again.”And SunSport understands he is in contention to be included in the squad to face Fulham on Tuesday night ahead of vital clashes against Everton and Real Madrid.Saka, 23, tore his hamstring in a 5-1 Prem win over Crystal Palace on December 21 before having surgery to fix the issue days later.He has missed 19 games in all competitions since then, a run that saw Arsenal knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as lose ground in the Prem title race.Read More on ArsenalThe target was always for Saka to make it back for the Champions League quarter final first leg at home to Real Madrid on April 8 – and he looks on course to achieve that.Arteta is keen for Saka to get some minutes under his belt before then, with opportunities to do so at the Emirates against the Cottagers next week before a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on April 5.Despite his impressive recovery and rehab so far, Arsenal remain wary over pushing Saka too hard too soon. He will likely be given cameo appearances off the bench to prove his fitness and get back up to speed.Saka has stepped up his training load during the international break while his teammates have been away with their countries.Most read in FootballBefore the break, asked how Saka would be progressing, Arteta explained: “Hopefully with more ball at his feet than he has had. “That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own. “Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.”Despite his absence, Saka has been a constant presence in and around the team during his rehab, seen on crutches at the turn of the year supporting from the stands at the Emirates.On the club’s warm-weather retreat to Dubai last month, Saka flew out with the squad to carry on his individualised solo training plan with light gym work.He was also spotted in the Wembley tunnel speaking to Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel after England’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Latvia on Monday.Saka’s return has been aided by some much-needed rest, spending time abroad on holiday with his family in late January.Arsenal are in need of some attacking inspiration after Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out for the season with hamstring and knee issues respectively, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to deputise as a centre forward.And manager Mikel Arteta received yet another blow during the international break as Riccardo Calafiori had to withdraw from Italy’s squad after hurting his knee.Saka’s influence cannot be understated. Even after a three-month lay-off, he remains the leading provider of goals and assists in all competitions for Arsenal this term [nine goals and 13 assists].Three points adrift of Prem leaders Liverpool at the time of his injury, Arteta’s men now find themselves 13 points behind with nine games to play.Arteta was desperate to bring in reinforcements during the January window, linked with Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but could not get a deal over the line.Arsenal could be set for another major boost as Real face being without four stars for the first leg.Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as well as former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger and ex-Gunner Dani Caballos face an official Uefa probe for allegedly making obscene gestures after their victory over Atletico Madrid in the Last-16.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesVinicius was the most high-profile case as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atletico supporters during and after the clash at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.Rudiger, on the other hand, was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to Atleti supporters.READ MORE SUN STORIESCeballos, who spent two years at Arsenal before his return to Madrid in 2021, is accused of making an obscene one-armed gesture with a clenched fist.And Mbappe was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Saka underwent surgery on his hamstring and has missed the last three monthsCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool ‘could hijack Man City transfer for £50m star’ as replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold

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      LIVERPOOL face a £50million transfer duel with Manchester City as they battle to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.TAA appears certain to join Real Madrid this summer on a five-year deal worth £240,000 a week.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real this summerCredit: GettyAnd the Reds are looking abroad in their hunt to find a new right-back.Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon Juventus star Andrea Cambiaso is high up Liverpool’s wishlist.The 13-cap Italian reportedly came close to a big-money switch to Pep Guardiola’s City in the January transfer window.And there’s now an extra reason why Cambiaso, 25, is tipped to spark huge interest at the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJuventus sacked Brazil-born manager Thiago Motta and his staff this week.In total, it’s understood the Serie A giants will have to pay them 15million euros (£12.5m) in compensation.That means Juve might need to find £25m by the end of June to meet all their financial targets.And they know ex-Genoa ace Cambiaso could raise twice that sum.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan City were reportedly close to signing Andrea CambiasoCredit: GettyThe Old Lady brought in former Lazio manager Igor Tudor to succeed Motta, albeit just for the remaining nine games this term.So Juve are likely to delay any major decision on outgoing players until the summer.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyCambiaso has been one of their brightest lights this season as they sit a mediocre fifth in the Italian top flight.Similar to Alexander-Arnold, he can operate both on the right of a four-man defence or as a wing-back.After joining Juve in July 2022, Cambiaso is enjoying his best campaign yet. More

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      Chelsea send chief scout to watch explosive Colombia wonderkid with controversial trick ahead of transfer window

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      A SENIOR Chelsea scout witnessed an incredible moment during a spying mission to assess a top South American target in Colombia last night.The Blues’ official was in Bogota to track the progress of teenage forward Neyser Villarreal, who sparked chaos in a derby clash against Santa Fe by standing on the ball.Chelsea are keeping tabs on Millonarios wonderkid Neyser VillarrealCredit: ConmebolVillarreal sparked chaos in a derby clash against Santa Fe by standing on the ballCredit: XThat led to a brawl while Chelsea’s chief scout was watching from the standsCredit: XThe 19-year-old winger was immediately booked by the referee for showboating as tensions between the two rival clubs flared on the pitch and in the stands.Villarreal was the standout player for Colombia’s team at this year’s South American Under-20 championships, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals and four assists.But the Millonarios starlet is no stranger to controversy in his short professional career, having missed training with his club after being inundated with offers to move overseas last month.Porto, Inter Miami and Watford are all keen to sign the talented attacker, who can play in any position across the frontline and has a contract that is currently set to expire later this year.Read More on ChelseaBut now Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Villarreal by sending their top scout in the region all the way from Sao Paulo to Bogota to check up on him.Stamford Bridge is already home to a huge contingent of South American stars and many more have been signed by the Blues and farmed out for experience elsewhere.That number includes Colombian U20 teammate Oscar Perea, who was signed by BlueCo-owned Strasbourg last summer.Villarreal’s ceiling appears to be higher as he caught the eye with his dynamic dribbling and shooting at the South American Under-20 championships.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis ability to maneuver in tight spaces often saw him draw the attention of multiple defenders, but he easily beat opponents in one-on-one situations with body feints and quick changes of direction.His pace made him a constant threat when Colombia counterattacked and he proved adept at instigating one-twos to break defensive lines around congested penalty areas.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineScouts noted his explosive acceleration made it look like he had an extra gear while the power and accuracy on his shots was also impressive.The teenager may need to work on the consistency of his final ball, but he demonstrated a variety of driven and floated crosses during the tournament as well as some astute decision making in the final third.Although naturally stronger shooting with his right foot, Villarreal showed a tendency to cut inside from the right and attempt curling left-footed shots towards the far post, which showed room for improvement. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s classy gesture to Danny Welbeck revealed 12 years after striker last played for Man Utd legend

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      DANNY WELBECK has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson still calls him after games.The Brighton star, 34, came through the ranks at Manchester United under the legendary Scot.Danny Welbeck recently scored a brilliant goal against NewcastleCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson remains in contact with his ex-playersCredit: ReutersWelbeck won a Premier League title with the Red Devils, but was sold to Arsenal just 12 months after Ferguson’s 2013 departure.Ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals, the striker revealed that his old boss, 83, contacted him after his goal against Newcastle in the last round.Speaking to the BBC, Welbeck said: “[Sir Alex Ferguson] actually phoned me after the Newcastle goal.”He talked about the goal and the performance.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He was buzzing and to have that sort of connection, he is a manager who is always looking out for his players, always wants the best for them, and still to this day is in contact.”Welbeck’s brilliant extra time winner against Newcastle set up this Saturday’s quarter-final between Brighton and Nottingham Forest.The former England star has had a productive season on the South Coast, scoring seven Premier League goals in just 17 starts.His Toon strike even prompted former Man Utd team-mate Wayne Rooney to make a big claim.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWelbeck played under Sir Alex at Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Red Devils’ all-time leading goalscorer, 39, said: “Danny’s great to play alongside.”If I’m completely honest I’d probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.Danny Welbeck lifts lid on ex-Man Utd players’ WhatsApp group including one huge star who just ‘chats and chats’ “He’s scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he’s having a fantastic season.”Welbeck recently revealed that he is part of a WhatsApp group full of former Man Utd stars.He told Sky Sports: “Everybody plays a part. It’s a lot of banter, chatting about football and a lot of banter.”Asked who the admin is, Welbeck replied: “I think it might be Rio [Ferdinand].”He just chats doesn’t he. You know what he’s like he just chats and chats.”He loves it. He’s making a career out of talking now so… we give me a lot of stick too.” More

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      Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill before all-out brawl in derby clash

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      CHELSEA target Neyser Villarreal’s cheeky skill sparked chaos in a derby match in Colombia.Tempers flared after the 19-year-old was given a yellow card for his provocative tactics when his Millonarios F.C side were 2-0 up over Santa Fe.Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill as all out brawl is sparked in derby clashCredit: XFury incited among both sets of players as soon as Villarreal was booked for his pointless ballstandingSanta Fe players began pushing and shoving the cheeky 19-year-old awayBefore Villarreal began running away from the meleeHis team-mates began protecting VillarealMillonarios manager David Gonzalez quickly subbed Villarreal off after another player shoved him a few minutes later.With Millonarios in possession and pushing for a third in the 76th minute, Villarreal seemingly chose to wind up the opposition over his side’s dominance.As Christian Mafla was approaching him, Villarreal skilfully stood on the ball before passing to his team-mate and running into the box.But the referee Jose Ortiz immediately noticed and began running over with his book out.Many believe the audacious move undermined sportsmanship and sporting integrity – especially as Santa Fe were down to ten men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLaw 12 of the Laws of the Game specifies that unsporting behavior can lead to a caution (yellow card), and showboating can fall under that category.Fury incited among both sets of players as soon as Villarreal was booked for his pointless ballstanding.Several Santa Fe players began pushing him around the box before his team-mates piled in to protect him.Villarreal then ran away down the pitch, before he was followed by veteran pros Mafla and Hugo Rodallega Martinez.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMillonarios manager David Gonzalez quickly subbed Villarreal off after another player shoved him a few minutes later.The match finished 2-0 to leave Santa Fe second and move Millonarios fifth in the Categoria Primera A standings.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSunSport understands that Chelsea are keeping an eye on Villarreal ahead of the summer window.The teenager helped Colombia to third in the U-20 South American Championships this year.He has provided one assist in 12 appearances for Millonarios since joining the first team.Last year, Chelsea signed South American wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras in a £28m deal.The 17-year-old Brazilian will arrive in Cobham this summer.Meanwhile, Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo and 17-year-old Kendry Paez will also arrive in 2025. More

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      Premier League to have TWO summer transfer windows for first time in history as new dates are revealed

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      THE PREMIER League’s summer transfer window will be split in TWO after a club vote.Prem regulations state the summer window can last a maximum of 12 weeks, with the winter period lasting a maximum of one month.Signings can be announced from June 1Alexander Isak will be wanted by several clubs during the summerCredit: GettyBut new temporary transfer regulations introduced by Fifa to allow clubs to register new signings ahead of this summer’s expanded Club World Cup have forced a one-off change of rules.Contracts have traditionally expired on June 30, the “end” of the season, with players officially joining new clubs from July 1.But Fifa announced clubs involved in the 32-team tournament would be able to register new players between June 1 and June 10.And while Chelsea and Manchester City are the only Prem teams involved in this summer’s £770m competition in the USA, club chiefs agreed at their shareholder meeting in central London to align their own regulations with world chiefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a statement, the Prem said: “Premier League clubs have today agreed the dates for the Summer 2025 Transfer Window.“The window will open early, between Sunday 1 June and Tuesday 10 June, due to an exceptional registration period relating to the FIFA Club World Cup.“It will then reopen on Monday 16 June and close on Monday 1 September.”The current rulebook, in place for this season, states that the summer window should start “at midnight on the date 12 weeks prior to the date on which it is to conclude”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat would have meant an opening to the window from June 9, although players moving clubs would not have been eligible to play for their new side until the start of July.But club bosses agreed that the 12-week maximum period should remain, bringing the decision to have two separate periods when deals can be made.Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawThe confirmation of the September 1 closing date comes despite a majority of club sporting directors having signaled they wanted the window to shut BEFORE the start of the Prem campaign on the weekend of August 16.But club chiefs feared a repeat of what happened when a similar approach applied by the Prem in  isolation to the rest of Europe in 2018 led to clubs unable to replace players lost to clubs outside England in the final two weeks of the global window.Discussion over a window alignment between the Big Five leagues have been held in recent months but at this stage there is no agreement – although Germany’s Bundesliga is in favour.But it was agreed at today’s meeting that the Prem cannot go it alone again and that an early closure must be confirmed by all five major leagues before it is a feasible move.Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is said to be a target for Arsenal and Man UtdCredit: RexChelsea and Man City are both set to be in Club World Cup actionCredit: AFPEkitike could be on his way from the BundesligaCredit: Rex More

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      Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi

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      CAR obsessed Marcus Rashford has ditched his Lamborghini supercar for a roomier estate – a brand new £177,000 Audi RS 6 Avant GT.The speedy Man Utd ace, currently on loan at Aston Villa, added the special edition Audi to his collection after waiting months for it to be delivered.Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford has sold his incredible £450,000 Lamborghini super carCredit: Youtube / Warford CarsThe ace has splashed out £177k on a rare new AudiCredit: AudiRashford will be hoping the fresh motor can see him hit top form at loan side Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe estate car can comfortably fit five passengers and has plenty of boot space.But the meaty performance motor also has a top speed of 190mph and can do 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds.Only 660 have been made worldwide and the GT boasts a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine, which produces 630 horsepower and 850 Newton-metres (Nm) of torque.This comes after SunSport learned the 27-year-old star has flogged his £450,000 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe sold the V12 supercar to a rally driver and the personalised motor, which has Rashford’s signature on the door sills and his emblem between the two seats, has since popped up in a YouTube video.In the video posted on the Warford Cars YouTube channel earlier this month, the new owner is identified only as James, a rally driver.James said he bought the car for £450,000, direct from Lamborghini and it had 4,000 miles on the clock.It’s likely Rashford paid similar for the car when he bought it new and then sold it to Lamborghini who sold it on for a profit.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRashford’s Lamborghini has already been snapped upCredit: Youtube / Warford CarsIt made a surprise appearance on a YouTube videoCredit: Youtube / Warford CarsThe striker was in the news again for his cars just last week when his £700,000 Rolls-Royce had to be towed off a motorway following a tyre blow-out.Rashford was on England duty when the car broke down on the M60 on March 21. It was not known who was driving.Moment Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce is towed off motorway after tyre blew outThe posh motor was stranded for more than an hour at the spot near where another of his Rolls Royces was written off in a 2023 crash.The vehicle was so badly wrecked, Rashford was forced to flog it for a hugely discounted £184,000 at auction.The forward then replaced it with an almost identical car in May last year – opting for white instead of grey.Last year Rashford was banned from driving for six months after he was caught bombing down a motorway at 104mph in another of his flashy Rolls-Royces.Cops caught the winger speeding in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Blue Shadow on the M60 in Manchester on December 12, 2023.The car loving ace seems to operate a revolving door of luxury supercars.He has also owned a £350,000 Lamborghini Urus Performante, a £360,000 McLaren 765 Long Tail, a £170,000 Mercedes G-Wagon and a custom £180,000 Mercedes Vito Maybach van.On the pitch, things are in top gear for Rashford.READ MORE SUN STORIESHaving made a major impact at Aston Villa since agreeing a January loan move to the Midlands, Rashford made a return to the England set-up during the current international break.Rashford started both England games as the Three Lions beat Albania and Latvia. More

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      Taking cocaine at Chelsea was the worst decision I made during career – I could have won the Ballon d’Or easily

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      ADRIAN MUTU believes that he could have won the Ballon d’Or, if not for taking cocaine.The former striker, 46, signed for Chelsea from Parma in a £16million deal in 2003.Adrian Mutu signed for Chelsea under Claudio Ranieri in 2003Credit: AFPThe Romanian had a decent first season at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyMutu was a regular in his first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 10 goals in all competitions under Claudio Ranieri.The Romanian hardly featured under Ranieri’s successor Jose Mourinho, however, with the pair clashing over his fitness.Things then went from bad to worse in October 2004, when Mutu was hit with a seven-month ban after testing positive for cocaine.The forward would never play for the Blues again, subsequently signing for Juventus in the next transfer window.READ MORE ON CHELSEAMutu believes that had he sought help during his Chelsea stint, his career in England could have been very different.Mutu told the Telegraph: “Taking cocaine during my time at Chelsea was the worst decision I could have made in my career. “I was alone and sad, but neither depression nor anything else justified my actions.”I should have asked for help, and I didn’t. However, you learn from everything in life, and the lesson made me a better person – much more mature and self aware. And I’m proud of that.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMutu went on to salvage his career in Italy, particularly at Fiorentina – where he scored 69 goals across a five-year stint.But the 77-cap former Romania star believes he could have been regarded among the very best.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineOn the Ballon d’Or, Mutu added: “I’ve reflected on that many times. I believe that for more than a season, I was amongst the best players in the world, so I could have won it easily.”But bad decisions prevented me from doing so. I try not to beat myself up about it.”Since hanging up his boots in 2016, Mutu has become a manager.The former Chelsea striker has already managed six clubs, as well as Romania’s Under-21s.His most recent spell was with Romanian side Petrolul Ploiesti, although he left after just four months.Mutu has admitted that he would be interested in coaching in England one day.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe controversial star said: “England is the birthplace of the best football. Many of the top coaches today manage Premier League clubs, and foreign managers have made the league more interesting and better.”Without a doubt, it would be a huge step in my career.”Mutu has worked as a manager since hanging up his bootsCredit: Getty More