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      Todd Boehly makes secret trip to Saudi Arabia as Chelsea look to raise £100m in huge transfer exodus

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      TODD BOEHLY made a secret trip to Saudi Arabia amid speculation Chelsea are planning to sell more players to the country’s Pro-League this summer.Chairman and co-controlling owner Boehly is believed to have held talks with the Pro-League’s director of football and former Blues technical director Michael Emanalo.Todd Boehly made a secret business trip to Saudi ArabiaRomelu Lukaku is currently on loan at Roma and is scheduled to return to ChelseaKepa Arrizabalaga could also return after falling down the pecking order at Real Madrid where he’s on loanChelsea announced pre-tax losses of more than £90million last week which means they are looking to offload some of the squad this summer to stay within Profitability and Sustainability Rules.It is thought they may have to raise £100m by the end of June so Boehly is paving the way with a series of meetings in the Arab state.Former Chelsea stars N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibably all quit Stamford Bridge for Saudi last summer.Boehly is preparing for another round of outgoings with on-loan players Romelu Lukaku and keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga top of the list.Read More on ChelseaLukaku, 30, is scheduled to return from his year’s long loan at Italians Roma at the end of the season and has two years left on his £325,00- a-week contract.He has a £37m release clause in his contract but money is no object to Pro-League teams.Kepa, 29, is at Real Madrid and while he is keen to stay, the £180K Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order and is now resigned to coming back, as SunSport revealed.Kepa has a further 12 months left on his contract but with Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez ahead of him in the queue for the No1 spot, his future at Chelsea looks uncertain.Most read in FootballConor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah could also be on the move.Gallagher, 23, sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of next season and he is no closer to signing an extension.Fans all fooled by ‘Sky Sports commentary’ during Chelsea vs Newcastle – can you spot it?Broja is currently on loan at Fulham, who paid Chelsea a loan fee of around £750,000 in January but the total will increase to £4m if the striker fails to start 60 per cent of the Cottagers’ games.And Chalobah has only played five times this season after an injury setback and will want more opportunities.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe trio are all up for sale because they are Chelsea academy graduates.Selling the stars will help the West Londoners avoid breaking financial rules as homegrown players count as 100 per cent profit.Marc Cucurella has also fallen down the pecking order after recently returning from ankle injury. More

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      Arsenal sweating on Gabriel Martinelli fitness for crunch Man City clash with forward out of Porto Champions League game

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      ARSENAL are hopeful Gabriel Martinelli will be fit for their Premier League title showdown with Manchester City this month – despite withdrawing from the Brazil national team.The Gunners winger was taken off in the 64th minute during their 6-0 win away at Sheffield United last week after suffering a cut to his foot.Gabriel Martinelli will be fit to play Manchester City at the end of the monthCredit: RexHe was helped off the pitch in considerable pain, and was then spotted last weekend using crutches while watching his team-mates beat Brentford 2-1 at the Emirates.It is understood he will not be available for tonight’s Champions League last-16 second-leg clash with Porto having sat out of first-team training.His absence from representing his country during the upcoming international break was also confirmed last night as Brazil announced their updated 26-man squad.The decision for Martinelli to miss clashes with England and Spain on March 23 and March 26 respectively was likely made after recent club and country discussions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Martinelli remains in contention to be back fit for Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal’s mammoth trip to the Etihad on March 31 – one that could decide the title.Arteta is helped by the fact his table-topping side do not have a game until their trip to Manchester, giving his squad plenty of time to be fit and fresh for their final 10 Prem outings.Martinelli’s form has picked up since the turn of the year, and now has eight goals and six assists in all competitions this campaign.Man City have issues of their own, with keeper Ederson also pulling out of the Brazil squad with a thigh injury that could sideline him for up to four weeks.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL The City No.1 was forced off during the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday – and is now a major doubt to face Arteta’s Arsenal at the end of the month.Elsewhere for Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko [calf] is back to full fitness, while Takehiro Tomiyasu [also calf] could make the squad to face Porto tonight after returning to full training.Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal to seize their “beautiful” Champions League momentShould that be the case, Arteta will have practically a fully fit squad to tackle the end of the season with, leaving just Jurrien Timber as he nears the end of his recovery from ACL surgery. More

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      Most handsome Premier League managers revealed by AI with Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta missing out to TikTok sex symbol

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      PREMIER LEAGUE managers have been ranked from most to least handsome using AI technology.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta took his team to the summit of the table on Saturday as they beat Brentford 2-1 at the Emirates.Mikel Arteta sits top of the Premier League table but not when it comes to managerial handsomenessCredit: GettyChelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino failed to make it into the top 10Credit: AlamyAnd they now head into the final 10 games of the season looking to maintain that position as Liverpool and Manchester City bid to overhaul them after playing out a 1-1 draw at Anfield.But while Arteta’s Gunners may occupy top spot, the Spaniard is playing catch-up to another Premier League head coach in a whole different way.That is because the ex-Everton midfielder has only ranked second on the list of the best-looking managers in the division – while there is no place in the top 10 for Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino, or Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou.Here is a breakdown of the top 10 according to AI software AttractivenessTest.com – used by InstantCasinos.com.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL10) Sean Dyche – 5.75/10Sean Dyche sneaks into the top half of most handsome Premier League managersCredit: AlamyEverton boss Sean Dyche, 52, may surprise some people by edging into 10th place on this list.He pipped Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe to the last spot in the top half.9) Erik ten Hag – 5.77Erik ten Hag is the oldest manager to make the top 10Credit: AlamyManchester United boss Erik ten Hag, 54, makes up one of five bald managers in the top 10.But Red Devils fans will be disappointed to see him lose out on eighth place to a legendary Manchester City defender.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL 8) Vincent Kompany – 5.87Some will be surprised Vincent Kompany is down in eighth on this listCredit: GettyBurnley have won just three of their 28 Premier League games so far this season, so manager Vincent Kompany, 37, needs all the wins he can get.And he has made it into the top eight on this list – but failed to crack 6 out of 10 on the attractiveness score.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title race7) Nuno Espirito Santo – 6Nuno Espirito Santo sits seventh according to the AI technologyCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo may have suffered a dismal time with Tottenham, but he still has looks on his side.The Portuguese boss recently celebrated his 50th birthday, but remains one of the most handsome managers in the Premier League.6) Marco Silva – 6.32Marco Silva narrowly misses out on a place in the top fiveCredit: ReutersFulham boss Marco Silva, 46, narrowly misses out on a spot in the top five despite returning the same score as the manager above him.But he does have bragging rights over compatriot Nuno as the best-looking Portuguese coach in the division.5) Thomas Frank – 6.32Thomas Frank sneaks into the top fiveCredit: GettyBrentford manager Thomas Frank, 50, is the highest-ranking coach from managers currently in the bottom half of the Premier League table.The Bees sit just five points above the relegation zone, but the Danish boss’ handsomeness is not something that will keep him up at night.4) Pep Guardiola – 6.85Pep Guardiola is the second-oldest manager in the top 10Credit: GettyManchester City’s Pep Guardiola, 53, is bidding for a historic fourth successive Premier League title this season.But he will have to settle for fourth on this list as he failed to join three others managers in exceeding a 7 out of 10 attractiveness rating.3) Gary O’Neil – 7.2Wolves boss Gary O’Neil slots into the top threeCredit: GettyWolves boss Gary O’Neil, 40, led his side to a sensational 2-1 victory over Man City earlier this season.Now the ex-Portsmouth midfielder has another win over Guardiola as he takes third spot ahead of the Treble-winning coach.2) Mikel Arteta – 8.13Mikel Arteta has to settle for second on the listCredit: GettyMany Arsenal fans may have expected Arteta, 41, to clinch top spot when it came to the most attractive Premier League managers.But while the Spaniard secured an impressive rating of 8.13, he has to settled for the runners-up spot.READ MORE SUN STORIES1) Rob Edwards – 8.39Rob Edwards is the most handsome Premier League managerCredit: PALuton boss Rob Edwards, 41, became a “sex symbol” on TikTok earlier this season as women commented a host of lewd responses to one of his interviews.Now his status as the Premier League’s most handsome manager has been reinforced with a score of 8.39.All 20 Premier League managers ranked by attractiveness More

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      Liverpool in huge boost for life after Jurgen Klopp as transfer guru Michael Edwards AGREES to return to Anfield

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      MICHAEL EDWARDS has sensationally agreed a Liverpool return to soften the blow of Jurgen Klopp’s departure.It’s widely reported that the transfer guru will take up a new senior role at Anfield, having previously spent six years as sporting director until 2022.Former sporting director Michael Edwards is set to rejoin LiverpoolCredit: PAHis return will soften the blow of Jurgen Klopp’s exitCredit: EPAThat role is expected to go to Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes, who is leaving the Cherries this summer.Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group were desperate for Edwards to return after Klopp announced his exit.The popular chief was responsible for securing huge signings including Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.Liverpool owner John W Henry and FSG leader Michael Gordon both held talks with Edwards in Boston last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd having previously turned down an offer to return as sporting director, he will now be back at Anfield in a more senior capacity.It’s believed Edwards will front Liverpool’s data-led approach to the transfer market.And with a new boss set to arrive, his presence and experience will be a huge factor in any future success.Liverpool have already been through two sporting directors since Edwards’ exit two years ago.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGJulian Ward was promoted to the role as his successor but left in 2023.Jorg Schmadtke then got the job last summer on a short-term basis and moved on after the January transfer window.’I have a real sneaky feeling,’ says smiling Man Utd legend as he tips Klopp for stunning Liverpool return in two yearsBournemouth technical director Hughes is now set to take up the mantle after helping the Cherries become a Premier League force.He will work directly with the next Liverpool manager, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso favourite for the job.However, Liverpool are also keen on Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.And they also hold interest in Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.Xabi Alonso is favourite to take charge at AnfieldCredit: Getty More

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      Fans can’t believe what Tim Sherwood said to Cole Palmer on live TV as Chelsea star is left looking awkward

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      FOOTBALL fans slammed Tim Sherwood after he left Chelsea forward Cole Palmer looking incredibly awkward with his comments during a live TV interview.Ex-Manchester City man Palmer, 21, has enjoyed a superb first season at Stamford Bridge on a personal level, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in 24 Premier League appearances.Tim Sherwood’s comments left Cole Palmer looking at him awkwardlyCredit: Stadium AstroFans criticised Sherwood for creating the awkward moment of silence on live TVCredit: Stadium AstroOn Monday night, he scored and assisted for a fifth league match this season as he inspired Mauricio Pochettino’s men to a 3-2 victory over Newcastle.But he was then forced to overcome a cringe moment thrust upon him by pundit Sherwood during a post-match interview.Despite Palmer’s excellence, Chelsea are still languishing in 11th place in the Premier League table.And Sherwood proceeded to call out the England international’s Chelsea team-mates as Palmer stood there in silence.The former Tottenham manager said: “All you need is some players to play with.”This led to a hugely awkward moment of dead air, before Sherwood added: “I knew you can’t say that, but I’m saying it.”I just think you need more quality around you. For me he [Pochettino] needs to build the team around you with the quality you have.”But that will come with a few transfer windows, hopefully, once he gets the right players in.”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Palmer has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League this seasonA baffled Palmer responded: “Yeah, there’s a lot of quality there, not just me. We’ve got loads of other players.”So hopefully the team can gel a bit more than everyone has seen.”Pochettino speaks out after Chelsea’s huge win over NewcastleThe exchange saw Sherwood criticised on social media as viewers were quick to pan his behaviour.One said: “Why the f**k would you say this?”To which another responded: “Yeah not professional at all.”A third replied: “It’s always these failed managers that have the most to say.”While a fourth added: “He’s trying to set him up, trying to put words in his mouth. But Palmer handled it really well.”And a fifth said: “Even Palmer was disgusted.” More

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      Ian Wright confirms plans on Sky Sports for when BBC contract ends as Carragher jokes ‘You’re on a Bosman this summer’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER joked that Ian Wright is on a “Bosman this summer” after his guest role on Monday Night Football. Wright joined Carragher on punditry duty as Chelsea beat Newcastle 3-2 at Stamford Bridge. Ian Wright on Monday Night Football with Jamie CarragherAnd host David Jones thanked the Gunners legend for coming on. Wright said: “Thank you very much, I appreciate it. I love being on, I watch it every week so I’m quite pleased to be on.” Carragher then quipped: “You’re on a Bosman this summer, aren’t ya?” A Bosman is a football term for a free agent, referencing Wright’s decision to leave the BBC and Match of The Day. READ MORE IN football Wright said back to Carragher: “I’ve already been signed up by my daughters, I’m going netball and football, that’s me done!” The Arsenal icon was earlier in the night hailed by fans for highlighting Manchester City’s Premier League penalty charges.The former England and striker discussed the Treble winners’ 115 charges live on Sky Sports.Speaking during the show, Wright explained: “We can’t speak about City without speaking about the fact that there’s 115 charges around them because the one thing I would like more than anything else is for that to be gone from City.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “So that you can give the team and the manager the love that they deserve and the flowers they deserve.”You speak about them and it’s like there’s an elephant in the room, you want to speak about them, with this rivalry, without saying ‘yeah, but this…’Fans can’t believe what Tim Sherwood said to Cole Palmer on live TV as Chelsea star is left looking awkward”It’s not fair on the players, it’s not fair on the clubs. The sooner that’s gone, the better for them.”Fans were quick to hail Wright for “mentioning the unmentionable” during the show.One viewer wrote on X: “Kudos to Ian Wright for mentioning the unmentionable – the 115 charges against Manchester City. It really is the proverbial elephant in the room that needs addressing now!”Another added: “Honestly @IanWright0 is a brilliant pundit, so well spoken, points articulated expertly and he still manages to remain unbiased and relatable. This is the type of coverage we want.” More

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      ‘I’ve never seen him do that EVER’, gasps Richards after Guardiola’s ‘unusual’ actions spotted live on Sky Sports

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      MICAH RICHARDS was stunned at Pep Guardiola’s decision to speak to Kevin De Bruyne on the bench after the midfielder’s angry reaction to being substituted against Liverpool.De Bruyne, 32, who assisted John Stones’ opener in their 1-1 draw at Anfield, was replaced by Mateo Kovacic in the 69th minute of the huge clash in the Premier League title race.Pep Guardiola explained his decision to substitute Kevin De BruyneCredit: APDe Bruyne was clearly upset at being taken offCredit: APGuardiola sat next to De Bruyne and spoke to him following their altercationCredit: Sky SportsAs he made his way off the field, De Bruyne appeared to be angrily gesticulating with Guardiola about the decision to bring him off.The Man City boss was then seen later in the match attempting to reason with the Belgian on the bench as he sat next to him and conversed once more.This was something ex-Man City defender Richards was shocked by as he had never seen the Spanish coach do that before.Speaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: “I’ve never seen that before, Pep usually just leaves them.”It shows you how important Kevin De Bruyne is to this team, doesn’t it? I’ve never seen him do that ever with any player.”There was a couple of instances where Aguero got subbed, Aguero wasn’t happy. I didn’t see him go over to Aguero.”It just shows you how important he thinks Kevin De Bruyne is to this team.”Gary Lineker, who described it as an “unusual” moment, then added: “He’s obviously a leader in the dressing room as well. You want to keep the leaders on board, don’t you?”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Guardiola discussed De Bruyne’s angry reaction during his post-match interview.And he insisted he was pleased with the playmaker’s desire to remain on the pitch.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceWhen asked about De Bruyne being upset, he said: “That’s good, that’s good. He’ll have a chance next game to prove how wrong I was. It’s fine.”We have a player who keeps the ball, it’s not about pressing.”That is why Mateo is really good with that and [we put] Bernie [Bernardo Silva] in a central position with Phil [Foden] – in some positions he can keep the ball and make an extra pass when we arrive to the box.”So look what happened with Phil, two or three times he arrived in the final third because I know in central positions Phil is extraordinary.”De Bruyne has contributed two goals and 12 assists in 12 games since returning from injury in January.Next up for Man City is an FA Cup quarter-final at home to Newcastle on Saturday.They then host Arsenal in a crunch clash after the international break on March 31 as they look to overhaul the league leaders – who sit one point above them.Guardiola was pleased De Bruyne was not happy at coming offCredit: Sky SportsMicah Richards was shocked Guardiola opted to speak to De Bruyne on the benchCredit: Getty More

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      ‘What is it with Sky?’ asks Gary Lineker as he reveals he ‘doesn’t really understand’ new broadcast feature

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      GARY LINEKER put Micah Richards on the spot as he questioned a new feature on Sky Sports’ football coverage.The England legend and former Manchester City star are now regular faces on our TV screens for BBC show Match of the Day.Mike Dean is part of a new referee commentary feature on Sky SportsCredit: twitter @SkySportsNewsGary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer discussed it on The Rest is FootballCredit: The Rest is FootballRichards, who also works for Sky Sports, and the Premier League’s all-time top scorer Alan Shearer have also recently become part of the new hit podcast The Rest Is Football, which is hosted by MOTD pal Lineker.The three former footy stars have provided plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, with Shearer even revealing how he once caught an unknown couple getting kinky on a piano in his hotel room.However, during the latest episode discussing Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, Richards was awkwardly put on the spot after covering the game with Sky.The broadcaster has introduced a new feature that includes a referee, in this case Mike Dean, joining the commentary to discuss decisions during the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while chatting about Ederson’s challenge on Darwin Nunez that led to Liverpool’s penalty, it triggered something in Lineker to go in two-footed.He said: “What is it with Sky and this co-commentary with a referee thing? It’s kind of drifted in, I think BT did it a little bit…“During the game, I don’t really understand it. It’s almost like saying that you pundits don’t understand the laws of the game.”Richards replied: “Yeah but we don’t know all of the laws of the game do we Gaz?”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “Speak for yourself, Micah,” responded Lineker as Richards continued: “Come on. Pundits don’t know the laws…”Lineker hit back with: “Well they should do as it’s very much part of the job now.”11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryRichards said: “Yeah, but I mean… How many times have you heard pundits get it so wrong.“They are just giving their opinion and not matter of fact.”Lineker then put Richards on the spot and asked him to name names, which led to an awkward laughter from all three as SHearer attempted to break the ice with: “He’s gone all quiet!”Lineker then continued his argument by stating: “You can see if it’s a foul or not. It’s blindingly obvious things – it’s just something with me…“Obviously, broadcasters are looking to try and change things and do something a little bit different and all that, but I do find that one a tad odd.“Have one if there’s something actually contentious at some point, maybe, but we know a foul, we know the laws of the game.”“Do we though,” interrupted Richards before Lineker replied, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, with: “Yes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read all the laws of the game.”Then it was Richards that refused to back down as he asked Lineker: “OK, how many times on Match of the Day have you had to read something new out when they’ve changed a law.”But Lineker said: “I think that’s a thing where you tell the audience about a change, that you read out the law of the game for them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t think that we are reading out for ourselves. We shouldn’t be, I don’t think.”Shearer then attempted to put an end to the debate by saying: “I know what you’re saying Micah but we should know them, shouldn’t we. Well, some of us do.” More