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    £72m Chelsea flop Kepa fears he will be sent back to Stamford Bridge after series of howlers at Real Madrid

    KEPA fears he will be sent back to Chelsea this summer after falling out of favour at Real Madrid.The on-loan keeper was slammed for his performance in Wednesday’s Spanish Super Cup against city rivals Atletico Madrid.
    Kepa Arrizibalaga is concerned he may be sent back to Chelsea this summerCredit: Reuters
    The Real Madrid keeper has been lambasted for making a number of mistakes since returning to SpainCredit: AFP
    Real won 5-3 in a game played in Saudi Arabia but Kepa was accused of making a string of errors.
    He has played only one La Liga match for the European titans since early November and is now regarded as the ‘cup’ keeper.
    Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin has replaced Kepa in the starting line up and the mind of boss Carlo Ancelotti.
    Kepa is now growing anxious that he will not be granted a permanent move back to Spain when his loan expires at the end of the season.
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    The world’s most expensive keeper made it public that he fancied quitting Chelsea for good when he signed the surprise temporary deal last summer – just a short time before the Premier League campaign kicked off.
    Injury has hampered his progress but the £72 million star has vowed to fight for his place.
    A source told SunSport: “He has been very unlucky. He got injured while playing his best. He loves Madrid and really wants to stay.
    “He will not give up.”
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    Kepa is under contract to Chelsea until the end of next season. But The club has moved on in his absence.
    Boss Mauricio Pochettino signed Brighton’s Robert Sanchez soon after he left for Madrid.
    And they have also brought in Serbian keeper Djordje Petrovic who has been impressive while standing in for injured Sanchez recently. More

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    Real Madrid ‘considering making transfer move for Erling Haaland’ as fresh doubts emerge over Kylian Mbappe switch

    REAL MADRID could turn their attention to Erling Haaland if they fail to sign Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.The Paris Saint-Germain star has just six months left on his deal in the French capital, meaning he is allowed to negotiate with other clubs ahead of a summer move.
    Real Madrid are concerned they won’t be able to agree a deal with Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
    Erling Haaland is an alternative for Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Real Madrid are in talks with the superstar but no agreement has been struck.
    Reports suggest that Mbappe will have to take a pay cut to secure a move to Los Blancos.
    And Real Madrid have put an end of January deadline on discussions to force him to pen a pre-contract.
    This has reportedly left Mbappe “unimpressed” with their approach as he planned to make a decision later this year.
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    Real Madrid are desperate to sign a marquee forward this summer.
    Should Mbappe reject them, the club could instead go for Haaland.
    Outlet AS claim the release clause in his Manchester City deal is closer to £100m than £200m.
    City have never confirmed a figure.
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    Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta revealed in November that the striker is open to a transfer in the future.
    She said: “Erling is the master of own destiny, always.
    “He will always do what’s good for him and for Man City.
    “When they all are open to make a change, it will happen.
    “Erling will always be respectful. For sure respect has to be on both club and player side. I’ve no doubts, Man City will respect him.
    “If something has to happen one day, we will agree on every step together with the club. It’s always about respect.”
    His dad Alf-Inge previously suggested his son wants to play all over Europe, saying: “I think Erling wants to test out his capabilities in every league.
    “Then he can stay in every league for three to four years maximum.
    “He could have two-and-a-half years in Germany, two-and-a-half in England, and then in Spain, Italy, France, right?” More

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    Three ex-Chelsea stars combine as Kepa howler sees Real Madrid let in ‘most impressive own goal ever’ against Atletico

    THREE ex-Chelsea stars combined for the “most impressive own goal ever” as Real Madrid beat Atletico 5-3 in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final thriller in Saudi Arabia.Real keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga flapped the ball onto his shin and over the line – with flailing team-mate Antonio Rudiger adjudged to have got the final touch.

    Real Madrid keeper Kepa and Antonio Rudiger watch as the centre-back nets an own goal as fellow ex-Chelsea ace Alvaro Morata hoversCredit: AFP
    Legs were flying everywhere as the ball goes in off Rudiger via Kepa’s fumble
    There was nothing Real could do once the ball ricocheted off Rudiger
    And the calamity was all done under pressure from a third former Blues’ player – Atletico striker Alvaro Morata.
    It was the most undignified moment of an unbelievable game in Riyad.
    The tie later went to extra-time at 3-3 before an own goal from Atletico’s Stefan Savic and Brahim Diaz’s freak breakaway strike nicked it for Real.
    Yet it had all begun so much better – not to say calmer – for Rudiger.
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    Mario Hermoso headed Atletico in front early on – but the German centre-back nodded the home side level midway through the first half.
    Ferland Mendy cleverly edged Real in front.
    But Antoine Griezmann’s pinpoint finish and Rudiger’s unlucky moment meant Atletico led 3-2 with just 12 minutes of normal time remaining.
    However, Dani Carvajal hammered Real all square.
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    And in the 116th minute a cruel deflection off Savic spiralled in.
    Diaz rounded off victory by tapping in on the counter-attack after desperate Atletico stopper Jan Oblak went up for a corner at the other end and was left stranded.
    But despite that sizzling climax, many fans focused on Rudiger’s earlier misfortune.
    Kepa came out hesitantly to meet an inswinging cross from Rodrigo Riquelme but pawed the ball downwards.
    It then veered in off the stopper’s leg at the same time as Rudiger appeared to get a touch in an ungainly scramble.
    Most viewers blamed the Costa Rica No1, who is on loan for the season from Stamford Bridge.
    One observer posted: “That’s the most impressive own goal I’ve ever seen. Fair play Kepa.”
    Another baffled fan wrote: “What did this mean LOL.”
    “Bizarre,” was another online verdict, with the harshest assessment of all being: “Kepa being a goalkeeper just shows that I can also be a player.” More

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    Erling Haaland ‘would sign for Real Madrid tomorrow’ as Spanish giants told of Man City star’s bargain release clause

    ERLING HAALAND “would join Real Madrid tomorrow” if the Spanish giants were to trigger his release clause, according to reports.The Manchester City striker, 23, joined the Premier League champions from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £51million.
    Erling Haaland has been sensational since arriving at Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    And he has been a phenomenon for Pep Guardiola’s men, scoring 71 goals in 75 games and helping Man City secure the Treble last season.
    His status as one of the best players in the world means a fellow Premier League club would have to pay a release clause of around £171m to steal him away from the Etihad.
    However, according to AS, the release clause for a non-English side is HALF that sum.
    This means Real Madrid could lure him to Spain for just £86m.
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    The report also states that Haaland – who is under contract until 2027 – has a house in Marbella and enjoys travelling to Spain when he has time off.
    AS go on to claim Haaland would “sign for Real Madrid tomorrow” if the 14-time European champions came calling.
    But it is more likely Los Blancos will try to acquire the Norwegian superstar in 2025.
    That is because they are continuing to pursue Paris Saint-Germain talisman Kylian Mbappe in 2024.
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    It is being widely reported that the Frenchman will arrive in the Spanish capital when his contract expires on June 30.
    Yet Haaland could still join Real Madrid next year as Carlo Ancelotti’s men are understood to be in a financial position where they can afford both Mbappe and the Man City man.
    Real already boast superstar attackers Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.
    They sit top of the LaLiga table, above Girona on goal difference and seven points clear of rivals Barcelona.
    Meanwhile, Haaland has not featured since early December after suffering a foot injury.
    He is expected to return before the end of the month.
    Man City sit third in the Premier League, five points adrift of Liverpool with one game in hand. More

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    Real Madrid ‘to turn to Erling Haaland if they fail in Mbappe transfer but will only have to pay HALF his release fee’

    REAL MADRID will attempt to sign Erling Haaland if they can’t seal a deal for Kylian Mbappe this summer, according to reports.Mbappe’s representatives have strongly denied claims that the Frenchman has agreed to join Los Blancos on a free transfer.
    Real Madrid want to sign Erling Haaland if they fail to land MbappeCredit: Getty
    Kylian Mbappe’s representatives have denied claims that he agreed to join Real MadridCredit: Getty
    As reported by RMC Sport, a statement from his team read: “There’s no agreement on Kylian future.
    “There have been no discussions about his futures. No type of influence could dictate the timing of Kylian’s discussions, reflections, decisions.”
    The World Cup winner has just six months remaining on his current Paris Saint-Germain contract, meaning he is now free to negotiate with other clubs.
    Real Madrid have been pushing to sign Mbappe for years, but there is no guarantee that he will make the switch this summer.
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    If the Frenchman decides against moving, Los Blancos could attempt to sign Haaland instead.
    According to Spanish outlet AS, the Manchester City striker is still on Carlo Ancelotti’s radar.
    Haaland’s current deal runs until 2027 and includes a £172million release clause.
    However, that clause allegedly just applies to Premier League clubs.
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    Mbappe has scored 18 league goals so far this season
    Haaland is leading the Premier League Golden Boot race
    For European clubs it is said to be closer to £86m.
    Haaland enjoyed a record-breaking debut season in England.
    He won the treble with Man City and scored the most Premier League goals in a single campaign. More

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    How Real Madrid could line up after Kylian Mbappe ‘agrees to join on free transfer next season’

    KYLIAN MBAPPE is set to join Real Madrid in a stunning free transfer this summer.The Frenchman finally reached an agreement with Los Blancos last week following months of speculation, according to Foot Mercato.
    Kylian Mbappe is set to join Real Madrid this summerCredit: Getty
    Real Madrid have been pushing to sign Mbappe since his Monaco days.
    The La Liga giants came close to sealing a deal in 2022, but the 25-year-old penned a new two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain instead.
    However, Carlo Ancelotti will finally get his man in July.
    Mbappe is set to jump straight into the Italian’s starting line-up when he arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu, joining the likes of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
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    The World Cup winner regularly plays on the left wing for his national team, but he will likely move into the middle for Real Madrid to accommodate Vinicius and Rodrygo.
    Bellingham, who joined Los Blancos in a huge £115million transfer last summer, is set to keep his spot in midfield.
    The England international is currently leading the La Liga Golden Boot race with 13 goals in 17 games.
    Mbappe’s proposed partnership with Bellingham will likely strike fear into any defence in Europe.
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    How Real Madrid could line up with Mbappe
    Although they are yet to pen new deals with Real Madrid, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric could stay at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond the summer.
    Both players will be able to provide five-star service to Mbappe in attack.
    And with Thibaut Courtois set to return from an ACL injury ahead of the 2024-25 season, Los Blancos will still be defensively solid.
    David Alaba, who joined the club in 2021, is also set to return from his ACL injury in time for the new season.
    Alternatively, Ancelotti could bolster his squad even more by adding some extra summer signings to the mix.
    Real Madrid have expressed an interest in signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, but they face competition from PSG.
    Guimaraes could be a perfect replacement for either Kroos or Modric in midfield.
    Federico Valverde will also step up should either of the two players leave.
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    Kylian Mbappe ‘ready to consider Premier League free transfer’ with PSG ace ‘unimpressed’ by Real Madrid pursuit

    KYLIAN MBAPPE is reportedly ready to consider a free transfer to the Premier Leauge – as frustrations grow with Real Madrid’s pursuit.The French sensation, 25, has entered the final six months of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.
    Kylian Mbappe could be set for a sensational free transfer in the summerCredit: Getty
    And he is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants at the end of the season.
    Real Madrid remain desperate to land the World Cup winner – after failed attempts in 2017 and again in 2022.
    However, The Times state Real have placed a January deadline on Mbappe signing a pre-contract agreement for the 2024-25 season to secure his services.
    But the report adds the forward is unimpressed by Los Blancos’ approach to the latest negotiations – and he has told friends he will not be forced into making a premature decision.
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    The Times adds that Mbappe wants to explore his other options first.
    And that includes moving to England, with Liverpool a genuine possible destination.
    The Qatar 2022 Golden Boot winner has openly admitted his admiration for Jurgen Klopp’s style of play and held talks with Liverpool in 2022.
    Mbappe could be a suitable superstar replacement for Mo Salah if the Egyptian hero does go to Saudi Arabia this summer.
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    The Saudi Pro League, meanwhile, are expected to make another approach for the Frenchman.
    Mbappe was the subject of a world-record £259million transfer bid from Al-Hilal last year but opted against the move which would have seen him become the highest-paid footballer on the planet.
    Following the saga in the summer, Mbappe informed PSG he would not sign the 12-month extension option on his current contract.
    That saw him exiled from the first-team squad and he was only able to return after agreeing to forego a series of bonuses worth £68m.
    Mbappe – who has 22 goals in 23 games since his reintroduction – discussed his future with PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi ahead of Wednesday’s Trophee des Champions victory over Toulouse.
    However, he left the door open to where he will be playing his football next term.
    Mbappe told reporters: “No. I’m very, very motivated for this year. It is very important.
    “As I said, we have got titles to go after and we have already taken one.
    “After that, I haven’t made up my mind yet. I have not made a choice.”
    Mbappe previously held talks with Liverpool and admires Jurgen Klopp’s playCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey opponents ‘submit list of shirts they want after game’ with Premier League icon in big demand

    REAL MADRID’S Copa del Rey opponents have submitted a list to highlight the players they want to swap shirts with at the end of the game.Los Blancos will take on fourth division Arandina away from home this evening.
    Midfield maestro Luka Modric proved to be the player most in demandCredit: Getty
    Marca obtained a list of the players the Arandina squad would like to swap shirts withCredit: MARCA
    Arandina have never been above the third tier of Spanish football in their 37-year-history.
    They’ll welcome 14-time Champions League winners Real Madrid to a sold out Estadio El Montecillo in the round of 32.
    The club saw off Real Murcia before producing an upset against La Liga side Cadiz in the second round.
    Playing Real Madrid is something that many of these players have only dreamed of and as a result there is a clamour to get their hands on an opposition player’s shirt.
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    Jude Bellingham has been Madrid’s star man this season, scoring 17 goals in 22 games and yet he was not the most requested player of the Real Madrid XI.
    Three players wanted Belligham’s shirt, with two opting for Toni Kroos and Vinicius Jr.
    But 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric was the most requested shirt by far.
    Nine players listed the Croatian as the player they most want to swap shirts with.
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    Arandina’s goalkeeper Adri kept the goalkeeper union strong by requesting to swap shirts with Kepa Arrizabalaga.
    And forward Atomo said that Nacho Fernandez was top of his list so that he could gift the shirt to his sister.
    Arandina captain Jorge Gonzalez said: “In the locker room I proposed the idea of ​​trying to get as many shirts as possible because at the end of the day everyone is going to want the same shirt.
    “And I think the beauty of this match is having a memory. If Madrid can provide us with more t-shirts, welcome. More