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      Arsenal in Manuel Locatelli transfer boost as Sassuolo confirm talks with ‘club from abroad’ despite Juventus interest

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      ARSENAL have received a boost in their reported pursuit of Manuel Locatelli after Sassuolo confirmed transfer talks with a ‘club from abroad’.Locatelli, 23, has been in dazzling form for Italy at Euro 2020, helping Roberto Mancini’s men set up a Sunday final against England.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Sassuolo’s Manuel LocatelliCredit: Getty
      Arsenal are in the market for a new midfielder as Granit Xhaka prepares to join Roma.
      And Locatelli is understood to be Mikel Arteta’s ‘dream’ signing.
      However, Arsenal are thought to face a transfer battle with Serie A giants Juventus for the playmaker.
      Max Allegri has reportedly identified Locatelli as the man to help Juve regain their Italian crown after a disappointing season.
      But the Gunners have been boosted by confirmation from Sassuolo that the Turin giants are yet to open talks due to financial problems.
      And instead, Sassuolo are in negotiations with an unnamed foreign side.
      Club chief Giovanni Carnevali told Sky Italy: “We’re in talks for Locatelli with one club from abroad, and it’s really advanced.
      “We’re going to meet with Juventus in the next few days, but there are no negotiations yet.
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      “Italian clubs are in a difficult financial situation.”
      Locatelli has played 68 times for Sassuolo over the past three seasons, scoring four times.
      He initially joined on loan from AC Milan in 2018 before making his stay permanent a year later.
      Locatelli could provide Arsenal with the blend of physicality and technique they’ve been craving in midfield, should he join.
      The Gunners have already lost Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos after their loans from Real Madrid expired.
      Meanwhile, Matteo Guendouzi has also been shipped off to Marseille.
      And Lucas Torreira is also expected to depart after a poor loan spell at Atletico Madrid.
      Juventus star Chiellini admits he was a ‘fool’ to snub Arsenal’s £66k-a-year transfer offer when he was 16-years-old More

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      Bonucci looks stony-faced in gym as Verratti warns Italy won’t be intimidated at Wembley for England Euro 2020 final

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      MARCO VERRATTI says Italy will not be intimidated by the atmosphere in the red hot cauldron of Wembley at Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against England.Wednesday’s semi-final win over Denmark saw Three Lions fans scream down the rafters supporting Gareth Southgate’s side – and the volume is likely to go up a notch again this weekend.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Marco Verratti says Italy are looking forward to playing England in a packed Wembley StadiumCredit: Getty
      Veteran defender Bonucci looked stony-faced as he enjoyed a gym workout earlierCredit: Getty
      With only 7,500 Italian fans allowed, Roberto Mancini’s men will be stepping into hostile territory but Verratti insists it doesn’t worry them a bit.
      The Paris Saint-Germain ace said: “The supporters will factor somehow, but we’re all professional players. 
      “We know what it is to play in fan packed stadiums and this will drive us as well.
      “We will be happy about it too – it’s great to play in a packed stadium.
      “We face a very tough team, they will be playing at home, they know the stadium well, but it is a dream for us to win the European Championship.
      “Now it’s all down to the final, which I think will be an epic and history-making either way.
      “Moments such as this one might not come up again – we’re all 100 per cent that these matches are there to be grabbed. We must win.
      “We weren’t given much credit abroad, but I think Italy is climbing back to the spot it belongs.”
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      England’s penalty winner against Denmark has come in for fierce criticism across Europe amid claims Raheem Sterling dived to get the decision.
      And Italian paper Gazzetta dello Sport even claimed the spot-kick was all down to a Uefa preference for England to succeed in reward for them leading the fight against the European Super League and defying Covid-19 fears to allow 65,000 into Wembley for the last three matches.
      It has fed a fear among some in Italy that Mancini’s men will be up against a biased ref on Sunday – something Verratti dismissed out of hand.
      The 28-year-old added: “As far as the referee is concerned, I think the referee will be up to the task
      “There’ll be no problems, they are professional figures, they are officials in Champions League matches so this is by no means a source of concern.
      “Perhaps it was a bit of a generous penalty, but it’s part of the picture in football.”
      If England are to triumph and win the Euros for the first time, they will have to unlock an Italy defence marshalled by the experience and mastery of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci – who was pictured looking stony-faced this morning during a gym workout.

      Verratti is adamant a raucous Wembley will not intimidate Italy and Lorenzo Insigne looks readyCredit: Getty
      Verratti reckons Bonucci’s leadership has been a big help to Italy’s midfield at the EurosCredit: Getty
      The pair have been superb throughout the tournament and Verratti says they provide the rock on which the attacking Italian side base their open approach.
      He said: “Giorgio and Leonardo help us out a lot, even in midfield.
      “They have a great experience and they just get stronger, so we are very lucky to have them on our side.
      “They make us feel safe, they give us that extra confidence, which is very important for us midfielders. 
      “We know we can go forward because we know that they are back there.”
      Verratti has puzzled reaction as fan joins in with Italy’s Euro 2020 celebrations before steward intervenes More

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      Manuel Locatelli ready to snub Arsenal transfer for Juventus having had heart set on move for a year

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      ARSENAL’s hopes of signing Manuel Locatelli look like they could be crushed amid reports of Juventus moving ahead in the race for the star. Tuttosport claims Massimo Allegri wants a deal for the player to be struck between the Turin giants and Sassuolo.
      Juventus are reportedly considering a player-plus-cash offer Arsenal target Manuel LocatelliCredit: Rex
      And it is thought the Mapei Stadium midfielder, 23, who has been one of Italy’s best performers at the Euros would prefer a move to the Old Lady. 
      Tuttosport claims Juventus, who finished fourth in Italy’s top-flight, may be open to putting forward a cash-plus-player proposal. 
      It is thought the club, who re-appointed Allegri as manager after sacking Andre Pirlo, could be willing to offer Radu Dragusin or Nicolo Fagioli as part of a deal.
      And Tuttosport suggests Locatelli, who has also been linked with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, has been eyeing a Juve move for a year.
      It would mean Arsenal – who are expected to lose Granit Xhaka to Roma – may have to consider other midfield targets. 
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      The news comes a month after reports claimed the Gunners were eyeing a £34million move for Locatelli with the club set to cut at four midfielders loose. 
      The departure of Matteo Guendouzi to Marseille is expected to be followed by the exits of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Lucas Torreira and wantaway Switzerland captain Xhaka. 
      Locatelli, who is due to play England in the Euro 2020 final, has made four starts for Roberto Mancini’s side netting two tournament goals. 
      And the Arsenal target notched up scored four times and three assists in 34 Serie A games for Sassuolo last term.
      His contract with the side, which he moved to from AC Milan in 2019, is due to expire in June 2023. 
      And the club finished eighth in Italy’s top-flight last term. 
      In June, Sky Sports Italia reported Sassuolo chief executive Giovanni Carnevali’s claims that Arsenal were upping the ante in their efforts to sign Locatelli.
      However, the Gunners are facing stiff competition from Juve who are thought to have a special connection with officials at the Mapei Stadium, according to Football London. 
      Carnevali told Sky Sport Italia: “Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli.
      “They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid… we will see.
      Juventus target Manuel Locatelli is due play England in the finals of this year’s EurosCredit: Getty

       “Juventus also want Locatelli and we have a special relationship with them.
      “We can think about Locatelli’s future, but above all we care about his present and that means Italy doing well at the Euros.”
      In June reports suggested Locatelli is expected to sign a contract in Turin until 2026 worth around £48,000 per week.
      Verratti has puzzled reaction as fan joins in with Italy’s Euro 2020 celebrations before steward intervenes More

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      Man Utd defender Eric Bailly wanted by Jose Mourinho in Roma transfer after revealing ‘we’ll meet in the future’

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      JOSE MOURINHO plans to raid Manchester United for defensive favourite Eric Bailly, according to reports.The Special One made Bailly his first signing as Old Trafford boss, paying Villarreal £30million for the Ivory Coast ace in 2016.
      Jose Mourinho is looking to make a summer swoop for Man United’s Eric BaillyCredit: Reuters
      Mourinho has just taken charge of Roma with the brief of lifting last season’s seventh-place finishers into Serie A’s top four.
      And multiple reports in Italy on Thursday claimed the Portuguese coach and SunSport columnist has set his sights on Bailly, 27.
      The centre-back has struggled for game time under current Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      He made 12 Premier League appearances last term, following just four two seasons ago and a dozen in 2018-19.
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      Roma could lose United old boy Chris Smalling this summer, with the 31-year-old linked with a potential departure.
      And Rome daily Il Tempo suggests Mourinho could offer Bailly an emotional reunion at the Stadio Olimpico.
      Bailly revealed a private phone call with his former boss in May after Mourinho parted company with the North London club.
      The pair were reported to have enjoyed a warm relationship during the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss’ time in charge at Old Trafford.
      The Ivorian said: “When he was sacked I sent him a message, and when he signed for Roma I spoke to him on the phone.

      Bailly has dropped down Manchester United’s pecking order under current boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: PA:Press Association

      “We had a few laughs.  He’s a coach I’ve always been good with.
      “Hopefully he’ll do well in Italy, and we’ll meet in the future.”
      Bailly is under contract with United until 2024.
      Jose Mourinho says coming second at Euro 2020 just not enough for England More

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      Jose Mourinho fumes about Man Utd and Tottenham exits and hits out at claims he was ‘disastrous’ at Prem clubs

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      JOSE MOURINHO has dismissed suggestions that his time in charge of both Man Utd and Tottenham were failures.The new Roma boss was sacked by Spurs in April having been at the club for just 17 months.
      Jose Mourinho has hit out at suggestions that his time at Man Utd and Spurs was not successfulCredit: Getty
      Jose Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham in AprilCredit: Getty
      He won the Europa League with Man Utd in 2017 – one of three trophies he scooped at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      His previous job was two years in charge of Manchester United, where he won the Europa League and EFL Cup.
      Mourinho – who is working for SunSport as a Euros columnist this summer – will take charge in Rome next season.
      And he refuted suggestions that his last two Premier League jobs were unsuccessful.
      Mourinho said: “I won three trophies at Manchester United and that was seen as a disaster.
      “I reached a cup final which I was not allowed to play at Tottenham, and that was seen as a disaster.
      “What’s a disaster for me is considered as a great success for others.”
      Mourinho was seen enjoying some Italian culture by driving a VESPA around the club’s training ground.
      The SunSport columnist recently arrived in Rome after his team returned to training ahead of the upcoming season.
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      The 58-year-old has shared a video on Instagram of him riding the iconic Italian-made scooter while being filmed by several cameras.
      One cameraman is sitting on a golf buggy, which makes the video even more bizarre.
      It’s unclear at this stage why Mourinho was driving a Vespa around Roma’s training ground, although we assume it was for business and not pleasure.
      The ex-Chelsea manager was greeted by dozens of Roma supporters when he arrived in the Italian capital at the beginning of July.

      Mourinho has replaced fellow Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca at the Stadio Olimpico and is aiming to close the gap on Inter Milan.
      Roma finished seventh in Serie A last term – TWENTY-NINE points behind the champions.
      The Italian giants also finished six points being rivals Lazio and haven’t won a trophy for 13 years.
      Watch Jose Mourinho ride a VESPA around Roma’s training ground as he gets pre-season training underway at new club More

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      Watch Italy captain Chiellini ‘bully’ Spain’s Alba during penalty shootout coin toss and playfully punch rival in face

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      GIORGIO CHIELLINI was captured psyching out Spain captain Jordi Alba before Italy’s penalty shootout win. The two skippers came together for the coin toss and it was there Chiellini got hands on with Alba.
      Giorgio Chiellini was captured psyching out opposing captain Jordi AlbaCredit: Reuters
      Giorgio Chiellini and Jordi Alba pictured embracingCredit: Reuters
      He grabbed, pushed and even playfully punched the Barcelona left-back despite then giving him a hug.
      According to the Mail, Alba was under the impression that referee Felix Brych’s coin had fallen for Spain.
      It had a blue an a red side, and when it came up red the left-back thought he had the pick of the ends – but red had actually been designated to Italy by German official Brych.
      Two tosses took place, first to decide the ends and then who shoots first, and both landed for the Azzurri.
      Fans picked up on the bizarre embrace and were convinced Juventus legend Chiellini was doing his best to get in Alba’s head.
      Some even suggested he was ‘bullying’ his smaller rival.

      Still can’t get over how funny Chiellini was before the shootout, the bloke punched Alba, bear hugged him a few times, and pushed him. It was absolutely ridiculous and very enjoyable.— Muddassir Hussain (@muddassirjourno) July 6, 2021

      One tweeted: “My word, Chiellini cooked Alba. Real leader. Alba drives home no confidence.”
      Another posted: “He was playing mind games and Alba knew it.”
      One commented: “The penalty shootout was over before it began. Italy had this wrapped up.”
      Another said: “Still can’t get over how funny Chiellini was before the shootout, the bloke punched Alba, bear hugged him a few times, and pushed him.
      “It was absolutely ridiculous and very enjoyable.”

      Never seen someone get so alpha’d on live tv 😂— nick (@nickgents21) July 6, 2021

      He was playing mind games and Alba knew it— ً (@MLWIV14) July 6, 2021

      Friendship? He was trying to get in his head and it worked— FinianS (@s_finian) July 6, 2021

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      The European Championship semi-final was played at Wembley but still had Italian and Spanish fans in attendance.
      Before the coin toss, Spain keeper Unai Simon sneakily began walking down towards the end which had the majority of his fans sitting.
      But after Chiellini won the toss, he chose the end where Italian supporters were sitting.
      It proved a smart decision, as they went on to win 4-2 on penalties and on Sunday will face the winner between England and Denmark.
      Italy beat Spain on penalties after 1-1 draw to progress to Euro 2020 final at Wembley More

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      Georgina Rodriguez’s sister sparks rumours Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner is pregnant with now-deleted picture

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO could have his fifth child on the way amid rumours his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez is pregnant.The 27-year-old model’s sister Ivana sparked speculation her younger sibling was expecting to add to the Juventus star’s clan.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez could be expecting another child
      Ivana Rodriguez sparked speculation her sister was pregnant with this deleted snap

      Ronaldo, 36, currently has four children – Cristiano Jr as well as twins Eva and Mateo were born via a surrogate mother.
      Alana Martina’s mother is Rodriguez, the couple’s only child together.
      But the Spanish former Gucci shop assistant is raising them all as if they are her own since coupling up with Ronaldo back in 2017.
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      According to Spanish outlet OkDiario, Ivana Rodriguez has teased that her sister Georgina is pregnant again.
      The 31-year-old published a now-deleted picture of her sibling on Instagram in a white suit jacket with a heart emoji over her belly.
      SunSport previously reported that Georgina herself teased her own pregnancy last year with several cryptic baby posts.
      Although the rumours didn’t amount to anything, Ronaldo’s other half did admit that she wants more children in the future.
      The happy couple are yet to comment on the latest pregnancy speculation as they continue to relax on their luxury yacht.

      The family holiday comes following Portugal’s exit from Euro 2020 at the hands of Belgium in the last 16.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner – who is away with friends as well – will return to action with Juventus for pre-season in the coming weeks.
      Ronaldo has been the subject of speculation of his own concerning his playing future as he enters the final 12 months of his contract in Turin.
      Georgina Rodriguez shares video of Cristiano Ronaldo training on controversial rooftop of luxury £6m Lisbon apartment More

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      Liverpool ‘ask Lazio about Sergej Milinkovic-Savic transfer as they line up move for long-term Man Utd target’

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      LIVERPOOL have contacted Lazio regarding a move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.The Reds are reportedly willing to pay up to £68.4million for the midfielder.
      Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is a man in demandCredit: Getty
      But according to Calcio Mercato, Lazio club president Claudio Lotito will demand £85m for the Serbian.
      Contract talks between Lazio and Milinkovic-Savic’s representatives are said to be on ‘standby’.
      But he does still have three years remaining on his current deal.
      Milinkovic-Savic, 26, ‘dreams’ of a move to Real Madrid one day, with thhe 21-cap international born in Spain.
      But a move doesn’t make sense for Los Blancos this year.
      Liverpool are chasing a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutch midfielder, 30, opted to turn down a new contract at Anfield in favour of joining Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.

      The Serb returned to pre-season training with Lazio this morningCredit: Getty
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      Milinkovic-Savic has long been linked with Manchester United but no concrete move has ever been close.
      Milinkovic-Savic, who is represented by former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman, has made 247 appearances for Lazio since joining from Genk in 2015.
      He has scored 47 goals and conjured up 38 assist in six seasons.
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      Ex-Chelsea star Mateja Kezman represents Milinkovic-SavicCredit: PA:Press Association
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      Milinkovic-Savic scores impressive over the fence goal in training More