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    Pablo Mari completes loan transfer to Udinese from Arsenal after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta

    SERIE A side Udinese have confirmed the signing of Pablo Mari until the end of the season.The 28-year-old defender joins from Arsenal on a short term loan deal after falling out of favour at the Emirates.
    Mari joins Udinese on loan until the end of the 2021/22 seasonCredit: Twitter / @PabloMV5
    There is no option to buy included in the loan dealCredit: Twitter / @PabloMV5
    Mari has made just three appearances for the Gunners in all competitions this campaign, with his last being the Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon in September.
    But despite being frozen out by Mikel Arteta, the loan deal does not include the option to make the move permanent.
    Speaking to Udinese’s official Twitter account, Mari said: “I’m so happy to be here, it’s a pleasure.
    “I want to say hello to all the Udinese fans, I’m here to give everything for that shirt and the club.
    “And I hope that we’re going to get a lot of wins here and at away games, so we need you.”
    And writing on social media himself, Mari said: “Happy and proud! I can’t wait to start this new adventure and give my all for the black and white shirt and for its fans! FORZA UDINESE!”
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    A statement on Udinese’s website described Mari as a: “Player who combines physical strength with technical qualities and great skill in aerial play, all precious characteristics that have brought him to the top European stages.”
    Mari initially joined Arsenal on loan from Brazilian side Flamengo, before making the move permanent six months later.
    But match time has been hard to come by this campaign after £50million summer signing Ben White has struck up a solid partnership with Gabriel at the back.
    Mari becomes the second player to leave Arsenal in two days after Sead Kolasinac joined French side Marseille yesterday.
    The Gunners agreed to rip up his contract six months early and leave on a free transfer, with Kolasinac no longer in Arteta’s plans.
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    Man Utd ‘in pole position to land Milinkovic-Savic but £67m-rated Lazio midfielder would rather transfer to Real Madrid’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in pole position to sign £67million-rated Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.But they may be dealt a major blow because the Lazio midfielder would rather join Real Madrid.
    Manchester United could make a swoop for Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-SavicCredit: Getty
    According to Il Messaggero, the Serie A side know they need to sell this summer in order to bring new players in.
    And their star midfielder could be used to raise funds as fans were warned to enjoy him while he is still at the Stadio Olimpico.
    Milinkovic-Savic, 26, has been a long-term target for plenty of clubs around Europe with United particularly keen for many years.
    He joined Lazio from Genk in 2015 and has racked up 54 goals in 270 appearances for the club.
    This season, he has been in especially strong form with seven goals and eight assists in 21 Serie A matches.
    That has led manager Maurizio Sarri to describe the Serbian ace as one of the ‘best players he has worked with’.
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    The Italian coach said: “I have coached many great players, but he is one of the best I’ve ever worked with.
    “His progress over the last two months has been excellent and he really can take another step up in quality.
    “He used to lose the ball too cheaply, but now he plays with more determination.”
    Lazio chairman Claudio Lotito hopes he can retain his strong performances for the rest of the season so he can demand at least £67m in the summer.
    But reports in Italy suggest Milinkovic-Savic’s relationship with Sarri has hit the buffers – putting the Red Devils on red alert.
    United are on the hunt for a new central midfielder to bolster their squad with Amadou Haidara, Denis Zakaria and Ruben Neves also linked.
    But Lazio’s Italian rivals Juventus and Inter Milan are said to be monitoring the Serb’s situation closely and could make a swoop, too.
    However, the 28-cap ace and 2015 Under-20 World Cup winner has his heart set on a dream transfer to Real Madrid – if they make an approach.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd battle Juventus for pole position in Ousmane Dembele transfer as Chelsea join race for Barcelona contract rebel

    MANCHESTER UNITED are battling Juventus for pole position in the Ousmane Dembele transfer race, according to reports.But Chelsea also look set to try their luck in landing the Barcelona contract rebel.
    Ousmane Dembele is a transfer target for Manchester United, Juventus and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Dembele’s current deal at the Nou Camp expires at the end of the season and he does not look likely to put pen to paper on an extension.
    And that would open the door for interested clubs to land him for free this summer.
    According to Sport in Spain, the Red Devils and the Old Lady have been in ‘especially intense’ contact with Dembele’s representatives since the middle of 2021.
    And the report even adds a suggestion that Dembele may have already signed a pre-contract agreement with one of those two clubs.
    United almost landed Dembele two summers ago.
    But with Anthony Martial set to leave Old Trafford, Dembele could come in as a direct replacement for his compatriot.
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    However, Juventus may be able to lure the World Cup winner to Turin.
    They have lost winger Federico Chiesa for the rest of this season through his cruel ACL injury.
    And the favourable tax rates for professional footballers in Italy could also help Juventus’ attempt.
    The report also adds Chelsea have been in touch with Dembele this January over a potential offer.
    However, Bayern Munich will not be making any offers because Dembele’s wage demands are too high.
    And Paris Saint-Germain also have no interest in the winger because they do not trust his physical conditioning and want to pursue other targets.
    Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for £99million.
    He has 31 goals in 129 appearances – including one in 11 this season – but has been plagued by injuries throughout his time in LaLiga.
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    Aubameyang set to be handed career lifeline by Juventus as they make Arsenal exile No1 transfer target to replace Chiesa

    FEDERICO CHIESA’S season-ending injury means Juventus are in the market for a new forward. And reports suggest they have made former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang their top target.
    Juventus are reportedly keen on a move for AubameyangCredit: EPA
    Mauro Icardi was previously courted, but Juve have now turned their attention to Aubameyang, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercato.
    Chiesa injured his ACL in the 4-3 comeback win over Roma, bringing his season to a premature end.
    It leaves Juve short of options up front, with Aubameyang now ‘top of the shortlist’ for the Serie A giants.
    Memphis Depay has been mentioned too, but as with Icardi, that interest seems to have waned in favour of the Arsenal outcast.
    Aubameyang has played both up front and out wide for the Gunners, meaning he can either lead the line or take up Chiesa’s position on one of the flanks.
    Arsenal are claimed to be willing to listen to offers for Aubameyang, which could spark an approach from Juve.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE AFCON
    Elsewhere Newcastle have been credited with an interest in the forward, with Barcelona also monitoring the situation.
    And after being stripped of the Arsenal captaincy last month, his future at the club remains uncertain.
    Especially with Arsenal strongly linked with a £58million move for Fiorentina hitman Dusan Vlahovic.
    Aubameyang is currrently on AFCON duty with Gabon, but is yet to feature at the tournament after testing positive for Covid-19 upon his arrival.
    He’s also been frozen out of the Arsenal squad by Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.
    The forward hasn’t featured in Arsenal’s last six Premier League games, but has recently been pictured in an Arsenal shirt for the first time since falling out of favour at the club.
    ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs More

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    ‘We were powerless’ – Schmeichel opens up on Christian Eriksen’s collapse and forming shield to protect his family

    KASPER SCHMEICHEL has revealed he felt “powerless” watching pal Christian Eriksen fighting for his life.Schmeichel was among the Denmark players to form a protective shield as medics battled to resuscitate former Spurs schemer Eriksen after his collapse in their game with Finland at Euro 2020.
    Kasper Schmeichel and Simon Kjaer comfort Sabrina Kvist Jensen, partner of Christian EriksenCredit: AFP
    And the Leicester keeper admitted he did not want to play out the remainder of the match despite a FaceTime chat with the stricken Eriksen in the tunnel of Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium.
    Schmeichel said: “We’d been looking forward to the day for so long – and it all became very irrelevant very quickly.
    “The way Christian went down you could see something wasn’t right.
    “We were powerless. We were in the same boat as everybody else, we didn’t know more than anybody else – we just had a front row seat to it.
    “The last thing we wanted was that image of Christian on the ground cast around and World TV.
    “I knew his family with her and sitting not far from it and we didn’t want them to see that. I couldn’t look but I had to see if he was OK.”
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    Speaking for the ITV documentary “Kasper Schmeichel – Keeping the Faith” which screens tomorrow, he added: “We were told the option was to play now or play the next day in an empty stadium at 12.
    “I just wanted the game over and done with. I wanted to go and see Christian.
    “Christian had woken up and myself and Simon Kjaer were able to FaceTime with him in the tunnel.
    “He told us to go and play which helped definitely but you could see we were not ourselves we were shell-shocked. We still could have won the game but it didn’t really matter at all.”
    Schmeichel’s life story, part of ITV’s Against the Odds series, includes his parts in Leicester’s amazing 2016 title win and last season’s FA Cup triumph.
    But it is Eriksen’s narrow survival and the disaster that saw Leicester owner Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha die in the 2018 helicopter crash that claimed three other lives that added another dramatic chapter.
    We were powerless. We were in the same boat as everybody else, we didn’t know more than anybody else – we just had a front row seat to it.Kasper Schmeichel on Christian Eriksen’s collapse
    Schmeichel, who had been among the players to wave the chopper off the King Power Stadium pitch, recalled: “It became evident something was wrong quite quickly.
    “I ran out of the stadium and I could hear the helicopter landing.
    “I got as close as you possibly can but the flames in the heat made it impossible to get inside. Someone pulled me away.
    “there wasn’t really any chance of anyone surviving that. It’s a horrible night that will be etched in everybody’s memories forever.”
    Schmeichel did also reveal one encounter with a Leeds fan upset with him for admitting his unhappiness during his spell at Elland Road.
    The Dane said: “He told me the chant was just banter.
    “So I said ‘Your dad’s a xxxx but I like you – do you like me calling your father that?’ He understood then.”

    Kasper Schmeichel – Keeping The Faith, airs on ITV4 at 10pm tonight (Tuesday)

    Christian Eriksen and Kasper Schmeichel in 2018Credit: CLODAGH KILCOYNE More

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    Chiesa suffers devastating ACL injury in Juventus’ win over Roma and will miss Italy’s crunch World Cup play-off

    FEDERICO CHIESA’S season is over after he suffered a devastating ACL injury in Juventus’ win over Roma.And that means the forward will miss Italy’s crunch World Cup play-off in March.
    Federico Chiesa sustained a horror ACL knee injury on SundayCredit: Reuters
    The Italian will miss the rest of the season as he recovers from surgeryCredit: Getty
    It could also wreck any hopes of Bayern Munich or Chelsea – both linked with the attacker – securing a summer transfer.
    The 24-year-old sustained the damage in a tackle by Chris Smalling early on in Sunday night’s 4-3 victory.
    He hobbled off on 32 minutes and Juventus confirmed he will be operated on in the coming days. 
    And it looks almost certain that his season is over as the hashtag #ForzaFede quickly spread on social media and supporters of Juventus and rival teams sent messages of support. 
    But, as with most ACL knee injuries, it is unclear exactly when the 38-cap Italy winger will be ready to return to action – and if he can rediscover his top form.
    Chiesa wrote on Instagram to his 3.5million followers: “Heartfelt thanks to everyone for the messages of support. See you soon, on the pitch!”
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    Italy national team boss Roberto Mancini had an in-form Chiesa to help fire the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title last summer.
    However, the European champs failed to guarantee their spot at this year’s World Cup through the qualifying groups. 
    Now they must try and see off North Macedonia and then either Turkey or likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal without talisman Chiesa to secure a place in Qatar between March 24 and 29. 
    But Mancini will not be the only one crushed by the injury blow as Max Allegri needs to lead his team through the rest of the season without one of his key stars.
    The Old Lady are currently fifth in Serie A – helped by the dramatic comeback at Roma.
    They face Villarreal in the last 16 of the Champions League. 
    Chiesa has chipped in with four goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this term.
    Only Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata have scored more – despite Chiesa missing six matches due to a muscle injury before Christmas. More

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    Roma had more English players in starting XI against Juventus than Man City did in lineup to face Swindon

    ROMA had more English players in their starting XI to face Juventus this weekend than Manchester City did at Swindon.Jose Mourinho’s men hosted Juve in Serie A on Sunday with three English stars in the starting XI.
    Roma’s team to face Juventus on Sunday included three English stars
    Manchester City had more Portuguese players than English players in the starting XI at Swindon
    And all three are senior England internationals.
    Tammy Abraham started upfront while Chris Smalling was joined in defence by debutant Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
    Abraham and Smalling have been mainstays in the team throughout the season while Maitland-Niles joined on loan from Arsenal last week.
    The trio have 46 Three Lions caps between them – Abraham has ten, Smalling 31 and Maitland-Niles five.
    By contrast, English champs City only fielded TWO at the County Ground on Friday night.
    Experienced right-back Kyle Walker played the full 90 minutes of the FA Cup victory over the League Two Robins.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in FOOTBALL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    Cole Palmer, meanwhile, was subbed off after 86 minutes and a goal as the Citizens breezed to a 4-1 win.
    Walker has 65 caps but 19-year-old academy graduate Palmer is currently part of the England Under-21 set-up.
    City did bring compatriots Luke Mbete and James McAtee off the bench, though.
    But while City smashed in four on their way to winning, Mourinho saw his side concede as many at the Stadio Olimpico.
    Abraham fired the hosts in front on 11 minutes and Roma led 3-1 with 20 minutes to go.
    But three goals in seven minutes, plus a missed Roma penalty, saw Juventus secure a staggering 4-3 win.
    ‘COLLAPSED PSYCHOLOGICALLY’
    The result saw Mourinho’s men fail to break into the top six and the Special One bemoaned his side’s ‘mental fragility’ having ‘controlled the game for 70 minutes’.
    Mourinho ranted: “Unfortunately I can criticise the team…
    “[It was] 70 minutes of absolute control, the team played well, with a mentality of making the game. The approach was right, with the desire to tactically control.
    “Then we collapsed psychologically.
    “With a strong mentality team it would not be a problem, but the psychological fragility emerged.
    “There is a reason why Roma didn’t win against the top teams last year and it’s difficult this year too.
    “We have limits on the bench, my soul hurts because I’m not used to this team profile.”
    Chris Smalling and Ainsley Maitland-Niles teamed up in defence togetherCredit: Getty
    Abraham headed Roma in front but could not prevent a 4-3 defeat to JuventusCredit: Reuters
    Kyle Walker and Cole Palmer were the English representatives for City at SwindonCredit: Reuters More

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    Arsenal want Dusan Vlahovic transfer and plan to use Lucas Torreira as part of player-plus cash swap offer to Fiorentina

    ARSENAL want to use Lucas Torreira as part of a swap deal for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic but don’t expect to make any major signings this month.Serbian international Vlahovic, 21, has been identified as a potential long-term Emirates replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
    Dusan Vlahovic is on Arsenal’s wishlistCredit: Rex
    The Gunners hope that Lucas Torreira could sweeten the dealCredit: Rex
    And the Gunners are hoping that Torreira’s successful loan spell with the Serie A club can help swing a deal their way.
    Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano is keen to keep the Uruguayan midfielder who has emerged as a key player for his team this season.
    Arsenal are prepared to let them have Torreira for around £12.5million – or as part of a deal for £45million-rated Vlahovic.
    But Vlahovic, who has already scored 23 goals for club and country this season, is not convinced about a move to the Emirates and is prepared to wait for other offers from England, Spain and Germany. 
    Mikel Arteta is stepping up his search for a young target man to lead his attack but after spending £148million in the summer is prepared to wait until the summer to make his move.
    Lacazette is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to leave as a free agent.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST FOOTBALL OFFERS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    And Aubameyang is out of favour following a disciplinary row which led to him being stripped of the captaincy and ordered to train on his own last month.
    Now the veteran striker is set to miss Gabon’s opening two games of the Africa Cup of Nations after contracting Covid this week.
    Yet Arsenal will only let him leave during the current transfer window if they can sign a replacement striker.
    And Aubameyang’s £250,000-a-week basic wage and the fact that he is approaching his 33rd birthday means Arsenal have not been overwhelmed by offers.
    Now he is expected to return to the Emirates at the end of the month and be reintegrated into the squad to help the Gunners secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
    But the £56million superstar is no longer regarded as the main man by Arteta.
    And with Eddie Nketiah also set to leave as a free agent in the summer, signing another striker has become Arsenal’s top priority.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sun Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a leading target and, unlike Vlahovic, would not need persuading to move to the Emirates.
    But the struggling Merseysiders are likely to demand around £60million for their England international who has missed most of the season with injury.
    Ainsley Maitland-Niles will complete his season-long loan move to Roma today and talks are continuing with Middlesbrough about a loan for young striker Folarin Balogun.
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a leading target for ArsenalCredit: Reuters More