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      in Soccer

      Liverpool ‘to launch’ a move for Bellingham, Carlos JOINS Villa, Mane to make decision after CL final – latest updates

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      LIVERPOOL are set to miss out on transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni who has agreed a deal with Real Madrid according to reports.However, the Reds are reportedly planning to launch a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
      Meanwhile, Aston Villa are getting their business done early as they have confirmed the signing of Diego Carlos from Sevilla.
      And Sadio Mane has revealed that he will make his contractual decision after the Champions League final.
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      Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
      Gerrard considering shock Suarez reunion
      Steven Gerrard could be in line for a sensational reunion with his former Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez.
      The Telegraph report that the Villa boss is considering a move for the Uruguayan, who is a free agent following the end of his contract with Atletico Madrid.
      Despite being 35 years of age, Suarez believes he can still play at the top level, and wants to remain at his peak with the World Cup to come later this year.
      Gerrard has already brought in one former Red to join him in the West Midlands, having made Philippe Coutinho’s transfer from Barcelona permanent earlier this month.

      Hammers say goodbye to Yarmolenko
      Andriy Yarmolenko is one of three West Ham players that will be released when their contracts come to an end next month.
      The Ukrainian joins former Fulham star Ryan Fredericks and back-up goalkeeper David Martin in searching for a new club.
      Yarmolenko spent four years at the London Stadium, and scored 13 goals in 86 appearances.
      Two of those strikes – against Aston Villa and Sevilla – came in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of his home country, and prompted emotional scenes with his teammates and supporters.

      Red Devils ‘eye Rams ace Edbiowei’
      Manchester United are interested in signing Derby County whizkid Malcolm Ebiowei, according to reports.
      The winger, 18, has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs in his debut campaign for the Rams this season.

      He has impressed United legend Wayne Rooney who promoted him to the first-team after watching him perform well in the youth sides.
      Now United are looking to strike a deal for the youngster with his contract expiring in the summer, report the Daily Mail.
      Newcastle have reportedly joined the Red Devils in the race to sign Ebiowei, who made 16 appearances this term, scoring once.
      He also scored seven goals in seven games for the under-18 side, sparking attention from Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
      Diego to Villa confirmed
      Aston Villa have announced a deal to sign Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos.
      The club has confirmed an agreement has been reached over a transfer fee with Fabrizio Romano revealing Carlos has agreed a contract.
      The defender, 29, is set to be unveiled as Villa’s third summer arrival following the capture of Boubacar Kamara and the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho.
      Carlos is now set to undergo a medical and will officially be a Villa player if he passes fit.
      The Villans are conducting their transfer business early and are clearly determined to improve on their 14th-placed finish this season.
      O’Hara: Spurs should sign trio
      With the news that Tottenham will have in the range of £150m for new players this summer, their former midfielder Jamie O’Hara has wasted no time in spending it.
      The talkSPORT host has compiled a list of players he would love to see Antonio Conte sign in order to get the North London club challenging for the title and Champions League.
      In conversation with Grosvenor Sport, O’Hara picked out a wing-back, a midfielder and a forward that he felt would be perfect for Spurs.
      “I’d love to see Spurs sign Perisic, who’s been playing left wing-back at Inter Milan,” he said.
      “I think Spurs can get hold of him, he’d be a great signing for the club. I think that’s a position they need to improve on.
      “I’d love to see James Ward-Prowse in a Tottenham shirt too. I think he’s underachieving at Southampton.
      “He’s a top player – set-pieces, delivery and scoring ability. I think he’d be perfect for the team, he would add loads of quality.
      “And they need a back-up striker to Harry Kane. I’d love to say Gabriel Jesus, but is he going to play second fiddle to Harry Kane? I doubt it.
      “But they need a really good, solid, goal-scoring centre-forward that doesn’t mind sitting on the bench.”
      Ten Hag consulted on Torres transfer
      Manchester United officials have consulted new boss Erik ten Hag about the possibility of signing Villarreal’s Pau Torres, according to the MEN.
      The Spanish international has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, and was first considered during Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s time in the hot seat.
      The recruitment department at Old Trafford have continued to monitor Torres’ situation, and now seem set to make a move – but only if Ten Hag gives the deal the green light.
      The Dutchman is keen for new defenders to arrive, but is known to favour Jurrien Timber, who he worked with at Ajax.

      Gunners ‘lose patience’ with Pepe
      Arsenal look set to call time on record signing Nicolas Pepe’s spell at the club.
      The Ivorian has been a model of inconsistency since arriving at the Emirates from Lille for £72m three years ago.
      Now Foot Mercato report that the Gunners hierarchy have finally lost patience with the winger, and are willing to cut their losses.
      The 26-year-old has already been offered to a number of clubs including Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
      PSG’s new sporting director Luis Campos was the man responsible for originally bringing Pepe to Lille, and is said to be considering a deal.
      City youngster joins Borussia Dortmund
      Teenager Jayden Braff has joined Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City.
      The 19-year-old winger treads the same path as Jadon Sancho before him, and like his namesake is a right-footed winger that prefers to play on the left.
      A Dutch U18 international, Braff played four games on loan at Udinese last season, scoring one goal.
      The youngster has put pen to paper on a three-year deal that will keep him at the Westfalenstadion until 2025.

      Loftus-Cheek to Lazio not likely
      A move to Lazio for Ruben Loftus-Cheek is unlikely, according to his agent Jonathan Barnett.
      Speculation had linked the Chelsea midfielder with the Rome club and their manager, the former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri.
      However, those rumours have been quashed by Barnett, who spoke to Tuttosport (via Inside Futbol) on the matter.
      “[Loftus-Cheek] and Sarri have an excellent relationship, but for the moment there is nothing,” he said.
      “Despite the club being in a transformative phase [owing to the change in ownership], Chelsea are still a top club.”
      Fulham’s Solomon deal in jeopardy
      Fulham’s bid to sign Israel international Manor Solomon is up in the air, according to reports.
      The newly-promoted Cottagers had apparently agreed a verbal contract to bring the winger to London from Shakhtar Donetsk last month, but have so far failed to get the deal over the line.
      Rumours have since emerged that talks have hit a stumbling block although Israeli sports channel Sport5 earlier tweeted that they still expected it to be completed.
      However, Fabrizio Romano has countered that claim, and insists the move is definitely off.

      Gerrard considering shock Suarez reunion
      Steven Gerrard could be in line for a sensational reunion with his former Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez.
      The Telegraph report that the Villa boss is considering a move for the Uruguayan, who is a free agent following the end of his contract with Atletico Madrid.
      Despite being 35 years of age, Suarez believes he can still play at the top level, and wants to remain at his peak with the World Cup to come later this year.
      Gerrard has already brought in one former Red to join him in the West Midlands, having made Philippe Coutinho’s transfer from Barcelona permanent earlier this month.

      Hammers say goodbye to Yarmolenko
      Andriy Yarmolenko is one of three West Ham players that will be released when their contracts come to an end next month.
      The Ukrainian joins former Fulham star Ryan Fredericks and back-up goalkeeper David Martin in searching for a new club.
      Yarmolenko spent four years at the London Stadium, and scored 13 goals in 86 appearances.
      Two of those strikes – against Aston Villa and Sevilla – came in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of his home country, and prompted emotional scenes with his teammates and supporters.

      United considering back-up keepers
      Manchester United have drawn up a shortlist of goalkeepers to potentially bring in as back-up for David de Gea.
      The Red Devils require a new reserve stopper after Lee Grant announced his retirement from playing yesterday while current number two, Dean Henderson, is expected to move on.
      Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News reports that both Newcastle’s Karl Darlow and Watford’s Daniel Bachmann are currently being considered.
      A return to Old Trafford for Sam Johnstone had been on the agenda, but the England goalkeeper now looks destined to join Crystal Palace.
      Rom requests talks with Inter
      Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku continues to look for an escape route out of Stamford Bridge, and has requested a meeting with Inter Milan to discuss his future.
      Journalist Fabrizio Biasin reports that striker has engineered an appointment between one of his representatives and his former club, due to take place in the coming days.
      However, any possible return to the San Siro is currently described as ‘complicated’.
      The 29-year-old Belgian moved to Chelsea last summer for a club record £97.5m, but Inter are not prepared to pay anything like that to resign him.

      Bayern ‘confident’ of landing Mane
      Sky Germany are reporting that that Bayern Munich are ‘confident’ that they can sign Liverpool’s Sadio Mane this summer for less than €50m.
      Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has made the Senegalese star the Bundesliga champions’ top transfer priority, and met with the player’s representatives earlier this month.
      Mane has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield, and has promised to reveal his future plans after Saturday’s Champions League final.
      Arsenal interested in Blues’ Levi
      There will be many interested observers when Huddersfield take on Nottingham Forest at Wembley in Sunday’s Championship play-off final – and not just because it’s supposedly ‘the richest game in football’.
      Instead, a flock of Premier League clubs will have representatives in attendance to the run the rule over Levi Colwill.
      The 19-year-old centre-back has earned rave reviews on loan at the Terriers from Chelsea this season, and is now the focus of a transfer frenzy that includes his parent club.
      Thomas Tuchel has stated that he is keen to see the teenager in action, but Goal report that Arsenal and Leicester are interested in persuading the defender to depart Stamford Bridge.

      Rangers ace Bassey in demand
      Aston Villa and Fulham are just two of the clubs closely monitoring the progress of Rangers’ Calvin Bassey.
      The 22-year-old defender was one of the stars of the Glasgow outfit’s remarkable run to the Europa League final, and has since been linked with a transfer back to the Premier League.
      The Nigerian international moved to the Scottish Premiership from Leicester back in 2020 when Steven Gerrard was in charge at Ibrox.
      It is understood that the Gers won’t accept anything less than £25m for Bassey, who is equally comfortably at left-back as he is centre-back.

      Eagles to swoop for Johnstone
      Crystal Palace are on the verge of signing England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to The Athletic.
      The 29-year-old is a free agent following the expiry of his contract at West Bromwich Albion.
      The stopper had been linked with a return to his former club Manchester United as well as Tottenham Hotspur.
      However, it is understood that Johnstone would prefer a Premier League move where he has a realistic chance of challenging for the first team.
      In four years with the Baggies, he kept 45 clean sheets in 167 games.
      Ambitious Arsenal in for Zin
      Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are already preparing for the new campaign despite the disappointment of missing out on Champions League football.
      And the Spaniard is ready to raid his former club Manchester City for two stars in order to ensure there are no such setbacks next season.
      His interest in striker Gabriel Jesus has been well documented, but The Mail now believe he also wants Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      The Ukrainian has been identified as a player to not only boost the Gunners’ midfield, but to competently fill in at left-back when Kieran Tierney is injured.

      Alonso’s agent arrives in London
      Marcos Alonso’s departure from Chelsea appears to be edging closer.
      Mundo Deportivo report that the Spaniard’s agent Fali Ramadani travelled to London this week in order to speed up transfer talks.
      The 31-year-old is expected to join Barcelona this summer, along with teammate Andreas Christensen and, potentially, captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
      Alonso moved to the Blues in 2016, and has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for the London club.

      United set De Jong deadline
      Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong remains one of Manchester United’s top targets this summer.
      However, the new ruthless Red Devils will not let the move become a drawn-out transfer saga and have set a deadline in order to get the deal done.
      Sport understand that United’s ultimatum will allow them to look elsewhere should the Dutchman decide to stay at the Nou Camp.
      Barca are reluctantly ready to part with the 25-year-old given their financial issues, and Erik ten Hag is incredibly keen on capturing his compatriot.

      Dembele available after PSG u-turn
      Paris Saint-Germain will NOT join Paris Saint-Germain this summer, it has emerged.
      The Barcelona forward had looked set for free transfer to the Parc des Princes on the expiry of his contract at the Nou Camp.
      However, Le Parisien (via GFFN) report that the club’s new sporting director, Luis Campos, has concerns over the player’s attitude.
      And that may re-open the door for Chelsea.
      The Blues were heavily linked with a move for Dembele before PSG’s interest.
      Busy summer awaits for Toffees
      Everton are preparing for an active close season in the transfer market after narrowly surviving relegation.
      According to this morning’s rumours, the Toffees will rival West Ham for Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet after the Clarets dropped into the Championship.
      The 25-year-old is understood to have a release fee of £17.5m, and – unlike his current club – looks set to remain in the Premier League.
      Elsewhere, the Mail are suggesting that Frank Lampard fancies a move for Christian Eriksen, but faces competition from the Dane’s former club Tottenham.
      However, the same newspaper report that Richarlison may leave Goodison Park with Spurs, Real Madrid and PSG all interested in the Brazilian.
      Gunners battle to keep Saliba
      Arsenal face an anxious summer as they prepare to convince wonderkid William Saliba that his long-term future lies with them.
      Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have already indicated that they intend to integrate the young centre-back within the first team next season in order to warn off Marseille.
      The 21-year-old French international has impressed on loan at the Ligue 1 club this campaign, and their president Pablo Longoria has spoken publicly about his desire to make the move permanent.
      However, the Gunners are now fending off interest from elsewhere with big-spending Newcastle understood to be keen on Saliba.
      French journalist Fabrice Hawkins reports that the Toon Army as well as Napoli and Atletico Madrid are all considering making bids for the defender.
      Latest transfer gossip
      Manchester United are tipped to beat Chelsea to Christopher Nkunku but Ousmane Demeble is expected to snub Prem giants for PSG.
      The Red Devils could bid for RB Leipzig’s France midfielder Nkunku next week.
      The 24-year-old has just been named Bundesliga player of the year.
      PSG are confident Barcelona winger Demeble will join them ahead of Chelsea, having previously been linked to United and Arsenal.
      Brghton want £45million-plus for Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella – trailed by Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
      But there’s a glimmer of hope for Aurelien Tchouameni’s many Prem admirers.
      The Monaco midfielder’s move to Real Madrid has been hit by ‘tax issues’.
      United, Chelsea and Liverpool, in particular, might be delighted to hear that…
      Meanwhile, it’s thought the Red Devils could pursue Norwich right-back Max Aarons.
      The Gunners are said to be keen on borrowing United defender Ethan Laird – opening up the possibility of a ‘swap’.
      Finally, Tottenham chief Antonio Conte could consider an offer for key West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek.
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Paul Scholes gives Ten Hag advice, Man Utd ‘in talks’ with Nkunku, Pau Torres ‘to get’ dream shirt number – latest

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has provided Erik Ten Hag with some words of wisdom ahead the Dutchman’s new managerial role at Old Trafford.Scholes, 47, stated that a top four finish would be seen as a success for Ten Hag during his first season.
      And someone who could help Ten Hag achieve that is Christopher Nkunku as the RB Leipzig ace is currently in talks with United according to reports.
      Meanwhile, Pau Torres is eyeing up his dream number should his switch from Villarreal to Old Trafford be completed but the only problem is that Phil Jones occupies that shirt.
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      Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
      United and Real ‘in for Merih’
      Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral, 24, is said to be on Manchester United’s radar.
      The 33-cap Turk has also been linked with Real Madrid and Atalanta, where he shone on loan this season.
      It’s thought he has a buy-out option, having arrived at Juve from Sassulo in 2019.
      Credit: Getty
      Manchester United are interested in Juventus defender Merih Demiral according to Tutto Atalanta.
      United, as well as La Liga champions Real Madrid, are interested in a summer move for the powerful defender.
      The defender has a buy option that any of the interested parties could trigger this summer, including Atalanta where he spent the season on loan.
      The 24-year-old defender made 42 appearances in all competitions this season including six games each in the Champions League and Europa League.
      Demiral has 33 caps for Turkey at international level.
      Red Devils ‘eye Rams ace Edbiowei’
      Manchester United are interested in signing Derby County whizkid Malcolm Ebiowei, according to reports.
      The winger, 18, has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs in his debut campaign for the Rams this season.

      He has impressed United legend Wayne Rooney who promoted him to the first-team after watching him perform well in the youth sides.
      Now United are looking to strike a deal for the youngster with his contract expiring in the summer, report the Daily Mail.
      Newcastle have reportedly joined the Red Devils in the race to sign Ebiowei, who made 16 appearances this term, scoring once.
      He also scored seven goals in seven games for the under-18 side, sparking attention from Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
      Red Devils confirm Atletico friendly
      United will face Atletico Madrid in Oslo on July 30 in their fifth pre-season game.
      New boss Erik ten Hag announced training will start on June 27, with his first friendly against Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12.
      The Red Devils then head to Melbourne to play Melbourne Victory on July 15 and Crystal Palace four days later.
      United take on Aston Villa in Perth’s Optus Stadium on July 23, before returning to Europe for a clash with Atletico a week later.
      United tipped to step in front of Chelsea with Nkunku bid
      Manchester United will swoop in ahead of Chelsea with a bid for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku next week, according to reports.
      Nkunku, 24, was named as the Bundesliga Player of the Season earlier this week.

      Sky Sports Germany claim Nkunku’s representatives are “in contact” with the Red Devils.
      United are right at the front of the queue to sign the hot shot and an offer is “to be expected next week”.
      They are hoping to beat Chelsea as the Blues also ready themselves to launch a bid.
      Club consultant Ralf Rangnick – who once called Nkunku “the best young player in Germany” – has already “advocated the move” to Old Trafford.
      Ten Hag consulted on Torres transfer
      Manchester United officials have consulted new boss Erik ten Hag about the possibility of signing Villarreal’s Pau Torres, according to the MEN.
      The Spanish international has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, and was first considered during Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s time in the hot seat.
      The recruitment department at Old Trafford have continued to monitor Torres’ situation, and now seem set to make a move – but only if Ten Hag gives the deal the green light.
      The Dutchman is keen for new defenders to arrive, but is known to favour Jurrien Timber, who he worked with at Ajax.

      Red Devils to reshape defence
      Manchester United are prepared to listen to offers for three defenders as Erik ten Hag begins work on his back line.
      The MEN report that the Red Devils will part with Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Alex Tuanzebe if they receive suitable offers.
      Ivory Coast international Bailly arrived in 2016 for £30m, but only made four appearances in the Premier League last season.
      Jones, meanwhile, has been blighted by injuries in recent years, and only has a year remaining on his contract; Tuanzebe has spent much of the past two campaigns out on loan without success.
      Darwin due to make decision
      In-demand forward Darwin Nunez says he will make a decision on his future club after tomorrow’s Champions League final, according to Portuguese paper Record.
      The Benfica hotshot is wanted by Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid among others.
      Despite tomorrow’s final being contested by the two clubs rivalling the Red Devils for the Uruguayan, United insiders are confident of getting the deal done.
      The 22-year-old Nunez struck 34 goals in 41 games for Benfica in all competitions this season.

      Ten Hag begins backroom shake-up
      New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has started to shape his backroom team.
      The Dutchman has already brought in Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag as his assistant coaches, and is now preparing to let four members of staff go.
      The Manchester Evening News suggest those includes Mike Phelan, who has spent 25 years at Old Trafford off and on as player and coach, and who was assistant manager to both Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solkskjaer.
      Also on their way out are the three coaching additions made during Ralf Rangnick’s time in charge last season.
      Assistant Chris Armas, analyst Ewan Sharp and sports psychologist Sascha Lense will all leave the club after six months as part of the German’s team.
      United considering back-up keepers
      Manchester United have drawn up a shortlist of goalkeepers to potentially bring in as back-up for David de Gea.
      The Red Devils require a new reserve stopper after Lee Grant announced his retirement from playing yesterday while current number two, Dean Henderson, is expected to move on.
      Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News reports that both Newcastle’s Karl Darlow and Watford’s Daniel Bachmann are currently being considered.
      A return to Old Trafford for Sam Johnstone had been on the agenda, but the England goalkeeper now looks destined to join Crystal Palace.
      Relax! Frenkie won’t go to City
      Manchester United have received another boost in their bid to land Frenkie de Jong – they won’t be challenged by neighbours Manchester City.
      Reports coming out of the Etihad suggest that the Premier League champions have no interest in pursuing the Barcelona midfielder.
      The Catalan giants had flagged the possibility of a swap deal for De Jong involving Bernardo Silva.
      United set De Jong deadline
      Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong remains one of Manchester United’s top targets this summer.
      However, the new ruthless Red Devils will not let the move become a drawn-out transfer saga and have set a deadline in order to get the deal done.
      Sport understand that United’s ultimatum will allow them to look elsewhere should the Dutchman decide to stay at the Nou Camp.
      Barca are reluctantly ready to part with the 25-year-old given their financial issues, and Erik ten Hag is incredibly keen on capturing his compatriot.

      Morning, United fans
      United won’t let new boss Erik ten Hag splash huge sums this summer – but they are still favourites to land Christopher Nkunku.
      Old Trafford chiefs reportedly want a cautious first transfer window for ex-Ajax chief Ten Hag.Club revenue is rising again after the coronavirus pandemic but net debt has soared £52million since last year.
      But Ten Hag WILL at least be in charge of transfers.
      Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong remains his priority.
      And the latest suggestion is United have given the Holland midfielder an ultimatum to show he’s keen on joining.
      Ajax duo Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez are top targets.
      And the Red Devils are said to be stepping in ahead of Chelsea with a bid for RB Leipzig anchorman Christopher Nkunku next week.
      The twice-capped Frenchman, 24, is the Bundesliga Player of the Season.
      United are also being linked with Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral, who’s also admired by Real Madrid and Atalanta.
      Finally, the Red Devils, Chelsea and Liverpool might feel re-energised in the hunt for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni after his move to Real Madrid ‘stalled over tax issues’.
      Red Devils ‘eye Rams ace Edbiowei’
      Manchester United are interested in signing Derby County whizkid Malcolm Ebiowei, according to reports.
      The winger, 18, has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs in his debut campaign for the Rams this season.

      He has impressed United legend Wayne Rooney who promoted him to the first-team after watching him perform well in the youth sides.
      Now United are looking to strike a deal for the youngster with his contract expiring in the summer, report the Daily Mail.
      Newcastle have reportedly joined the Red Devils in the race to sign Ebiowei, who made 16 appearances this term, scoring once.
      He also scored seven goals in seven games for the under-18 side, sparking attention from Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
      Utd linked with Aarons ‘swap’
      Manchester United’s interest in Norwich right-back Max Aarons could lead to a ‘swap’ deal.
      Givemesport say the relegated Canaries are interesting in borrowing United defender Ethan Laird.
      The Englishman, 20, shone on loan for promoted Bournemouth.
      Red Devils confirm Atletico friendly
      United will face Atletico Madrid in Oslo on July 30 in their fifth pre-season game.
      New boss Erik ten Hag announced training will start on June 27, with his first friendly against Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12.
      The Red Devils then head to Melbourne to play Melbourne Victory on July 15 and Crystal Palace four days later.
      United take on Aston Villa in Perth’s Optus Stadium on July 23, before returning to Europe for a clash with Atletico a week later.
      Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
      Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
      AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.

      The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
      However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
      But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
      The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
      Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
      United and Real ‘in for Merih’
      Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral is said to be on Manchester United’s radar.
      The 33-cap Turk, 24, has also been linked with Real Madrid and Atalanta, where he shone on loan this season.
      It’s thought he has a buy-out option, having arrived at Juve from Sassulo in 2019.
      Credit: Getty
      Manchester United are interested in Juventus defender Merih Demiral according to Tutto Atalanta.
      Per the source, United as well as La Liga champions Real Madrid are interested in a summer move for the powerful defender.
      READ: 2022-23 Super Lig title favourites – Can Trabzonspor remain champions?
      Juventus could sacrifice Demiral to raise funds for the transfer window.
      The defender has a buy option that any of the interested parties could trigger this summer, including Atalanta where he spent the season on loan.
      The 24-year-old defender made 42 appearances in all competitions this season including six games each in the Champions League and Europa League.
      Demiral has 33 caps for Turkey at international level.
      The defender initially rose through the youth ranks of Fenerbahce before moving to Portugal where he was later snapped up by Sporting Lisbon.
      From there he was signed by Alanyaspor in Turkey.
      Martial flaw
      Manchester United striker Anthony Martial is on his way back to Old Trafford after loan club Sevilla rejected the chance to sign him.
      The 30-cap Frenchman, 26, missed six games in Spain through injury, netted only once and was even jeered by Sevilla fans.
      Man Utd boost as Barca’s Aurelien deal stalls
      Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool might feel re-energised in the hunt for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni after his move to Real Madrid reportedly stalled.
      It’s claimed the France midfielder’s Bernabeu talks have been hit by ‘tax issues’.
      Tchouameni’s transfer fee has also been a problem, according to 90min.
      PSG, including Kylian Mbappe, are also said to be strong admirers of the eight-cap star.
      But Real remain favourites to sign him.
      Blues turn De Ligt back on
      Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is rated as Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s ‘first choice’ target.
      Tuchel reportedly tried to sign the Holland and former Ajax star, 22, who Manchester United are previously thought to have trailed.
      Now Calciomercato say Chelsea are back in for De Ligt as they wait for their club takeover to be completed.
      United and Real ‘in for Merih’
      Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral is said to be on Manchester United’s radar.
      The 33-cap Turk, 24, has also been linked with Real Madrid and Atalanta, where he shone on loan this season.
      It’s thought he has a buy-out option, having arrived at Juve from Sassulo in 2019.
      Credit: Getty
      Manchester United are interested in Juventus defender Merih Demiral according to Tutto Atalanta.
      Per the source, United as well as La Liga champions Real Madrid are interested in a summer move for the powerful defender.
      READ: 2022-23 Super Lig title favourites – Can Trabzonspor remain champions?
      Juventus could sacrifice Demiral to raise funds for the transfer window.
      The defender has a buy option that any of the interested parties could trigger this summer, including Atalanta where he spent the season on loan.
      The 24-year-old defender made 42 appearances in all competitions this season including six games each in the Champions League and Europa League.
      Demiral has 33 caps for Turkey at international level.
      The defender initially rose through the youth ranks of Fenerbahce before moving to Portugal where he was later snapped up by Sporting Lisbon.
      From there he was signed by Alanyaspor in Turkey.
      United tipped to step in front of Chelsea with Nkunku bid
      Manchester United will swoop in ahead of Chelsea with a bid for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku next week, according to reports.
      Nkunku, 24, was named as the Bundesliga Player of the Season earlier this week.

      Sky Sports Germany claim Nkunku’s representatives are “in contact” with the Red Devils.
      United are right at the front of the queue to sign the hot shot and an offer is “to be expected next week”.
      They are hoping to beat Chelsea as the Blues also ready themselves to launch a bid.
      Club consultant Ralf Rangnick – who once called Nkunku “the best young player in Germany” – has already “advocated the move” to Old Trafford.
      Red Devils ‘issue De Jong ultimatum’
      Manchester United have reportedly issued Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong a transfer ultimatum warning they are prepared to move on.
      The Red Devils are hoping Erik ten Hag can rebuild the club to its glory days.

      One of the ways the Dutchman can do it is by getting his recruitment right.
      Man Utd were linked with a move for Ten Hag’s former Ajax player De Jong, who could be available for a transfer away from Barca this summer.
      But according to SPORT, United are seeking a final answer from De Jong on whether he wants to make the move, issuing an ultimatum.
      United are keen for the transfer saga not to drag out and are prepared to move on from the midfielder to avoid panic buys, despite being confident in agreeing a £70million deal with Barca.
      Retired Utd keeper Grant becomes Ipswich coach
      Lee Grant has joined Ipswich Town’s coaching staff just hours after announcing his retirement.
      The goalkeeper ended four years at Manchester United by calling time on his playing career aged 39.

      He will now join up with former Red Devils first team coach Kieran McKenna at Portman Road, with the Northern Irishman having left United to take charge of Ipswich last year.
      Grant has accepted a role as first team coach, with Rene Gilmartin staying in place as head of goalkeeping.
      Upon joining Town, Grant told the club’s media channels: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I am really looking forward to it.
      “I know Kieran and Martyn (Pert) having worked with them at Manchester United and I loved the work we were being given from a playing perspective. Now I am excited about working with them again, albeit in a different role.
      “I feel really blessed that I have been able to make the decision to retire and go straight into an exciting role with Ipswich Town.
      “Over the last few years, I have been preparing for this moment by obtaining my coaching licences, expanding my network and working on a business degree.
      “It has all been with the intention of being in a good place for a smooth transition at this point in my career.
      “I could not be joining a club with a more exciting footing than Ipswich either. There is new ownership, new direction, a driven manager and a squad that is also hungry to go and achieve things.
      ‘Red Devils won’t let Ten Hag spend big’
      United will not splash the cash on transfers during Erik ten Hag’s first year in charge.
      That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that United will approach the summer transfer window in a conservative manner.
      That is despite the fact the club’s hierarchy announced a total revenue increase of 29 per cent in the Red Devils’ third quarter financial results.
      Business is returning to normal at Old Trafford after the coronavirus pandemic. But net debt has risen £52million since last year.
      United will instead focus their investment on their recruitment system and that initiative will be led by football director John Murtough. They will be looking to replace senior scouting figures Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout as well as chief transfer negotiator Matt Judge.
      Ten Hag will be in charge of transfers and will approach the summer market with discipline. The Dutchman is reportedly keen on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as well as Ajax duo Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez.
      United chief executive Richard Arnold said: “It has clearly been a disappointing season for the men’s first team. Work is well underway to address this, led by our football director John Murtough and our new manager Erik ten Hag.
      “Resilience and high standards are core values for Manchester United, and we are determined to achieve better results next season and beyond. Faith in youth is another key tenet of the club and the continued success of our academy gives us confidence in the future.
      “Off the pitch, our revenues have continued to recover from the pandemic, reflecting the enduring strength of our commercial operations, which in turn support our ability to continue to invest in the club.”
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      in Soccer

      Gabriel Jesus ‘most likely’ to be big signing, Gunners ‘show interest’ in Zinchenko, Marquinhos legal battle – latest

      by

      ARSENAL successfully convincing Eddie Nketiah to sign a new deal might have altered Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans of signing two new strikers.However, reports suggest that Gabriel Jesus remains a top target for the Gunners boss, and their interest has not changed despite the development in Nketiah’s contractual situation.
      Which could result in a double Manchester City swoop as Arteta is eyeing up a deal for Oleksandr Zinchenko according to reports.
      And talented wonderkid Marquinhos is facing a legal battle over his imminent move to North London in the transfer window.
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      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
      Gunners and Barca vie for Villa whizkid Carney
      Arsenal and Barcelona are reportedly keen on Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, 18.
      The England Under-19 star helped Villa win the 2020-21 FA Youth Cup and played 11 Premier League games this season.
      Spanish outlet SPORT say Nou Camp sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff and director of football Mateu Alemany discussed a move with Chukwuemeka’s representatives this week.
      And Arsenal are thought to be long-term admirers of the whizkid, who has 13 months remaining on his Villa deal.
      PSG in for Pepe
      Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly eyeing up a shock swoop for Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe as an alternative to Ousmane Dembele.
      The 26-year-old is believed to be facing an uncertain future in North London having failed to prove his worth since his club-record £72million arrival in 2019.
      Former Lille winger Pepe is claimed to have been deemed as surplus to requirements having fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.
      Pepe was limited to just 20 Premier League appearances, with the player named in the starting XI just five times – the last of which came on October 18 in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.

      And with two years left to run on his contract, it has been reported that Arsenal are ready to listen to offers.
      According to Foot Mercato, PSG could be willing to take a gamble on the forward.
      Eddie tipped to snub Palace
      In-demand striker Eddie Nketiah is tipped to U-turn and agree a new Arsenal contract.
      The 22-year-old has been linked with Newcastle and especially Crystal Palace but revived his Gunners’ status with five goals in his last seven games.
      And the Athletic are amongst the outlets who say the ex-England Under-21 star now believes he has a future under Emirates chief Mikel Arteta.
      Who’s Gunning a move?
      Arsenal are set for a busy summer transfer window as they prepare for the demands of European football next season.
      Betfair have revealed the four most likely players to arrive at the Emirates Stadium with Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus the current favourite.

      Mikel Arteta will be in the market for new players in a number of positions, with improving their squad depth being the main focus point due to a much busier fixture list for next season.
      For much of the run-in towards the end of the Premier League season it looked as though Arsenal would be preparing to welcome Champions League football for the first time in six years.
      Two losses in their final three games, to Tottenham and Newcastle, meant a four point cushion over their North London rivals vanished, with the Gunners finishing fifth, two points shy of Spurs.
      Arsenal’s eighth-place finish in 2021 meant that the Gunners had no European football to deal with this season, so the requirement of having to play twice a week for most weeks next season will encourage the need for a deeper, stronger squad.
      Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is the name most heavily linked with Arsenal at the moment.
      Arsenal are in need of a striker with the departure of Alexandre Lacazette looking likely, and the contract saga of Eddie Nketiah still looking uncertain.
      BETFAIR ODDS

      Gabriel Jesus 4/9
      Youri Tielemans 10/11
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin 3/1
      James Maddison 4/1

      Gunners ‘lose patience’ with Pepe
      Arsenal look set to call time on record signing Nicolas Pepe’s spell at the club.
      The Ivorian has been a model of inconsistency since arriving at the Emirates from Lille for £72m three years ago.
      Now Foot Mercato report that the Gunners hierarchy have finally lost patience with the winger, and are willing to cut their losses.
      The 26-year-old has already been offered to a number of clubs including Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
      PSG’s new sporting director Luis Campos was the man responsible for originally bringing Pepe to Lille, and is said to be considering a deal.
      Arsenal interested in Blues’ Levi
      There will be many interested observers when Huddersfield take on Nottingham Forest at Wembley in Sunday’s Championship play-off final – and not just because it’s supposedly ‘the richest game in football’.
      Instead, a flock of Premier League clubs will have representatives in attendance to the run the rule over Levi Colwill.
      The 19-year-old centre-back has earned rave reviews on loan at the Terriers from Chelsea this season, and is now the focus of a transfer frenzy that includes his parent club.
      Thomas Tuchel has stated that he is keen to see the teenager in action, but Goal report that Arsenal and Leicester are interested in persuading the defender to depart Stamford Bridge.

      Ambitious Arsenal in for Zin
      Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are already preparing for the new campaign despite the disappointment of missing out on Champions League football.
      And the Spaniard is ready to raid his former club Manchester City for two stars in order to ensure there are no such setbacks next season.
      His interest in striker Gabriel Jesus has been well documented, but The Mail now believe he also wants Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      The Ukrainian has been identified as a player to not only boost the Gunners’ midfield, but to competently fill in at left-back when Kieran Tierney is injured.

      Gunners battle to keep Saliba
      Arsenal face an anxious summer as they prepare to convince wonderkid William Saliba that his long-term future lies with them.
      Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have already indicated that they intend to integrate the young centre-back within the first team next season in order to warn off Marseille.
      The 21-year-old French international has impressed on loan at the Ligue 1 club this campaign, and their president Pablo Longoria has spoken publicly about his desire to make the move permanent.
      However, the Gunners are now fending off interest from elsewhere with big-spending Newcastle understood to be keen on Saliba.
      French journalist Fabrice Hawkins reports that the Toon Army as well as Napoli and Atletico Madrid are all considering making bids for the defender.
      Morning, Arsenal fans
      Marquinhos’ move to the Emirates has hit a shock stumbling block.
      And Udinese defender Nahuel Molina is the new man on the Gunners’ radar.
      It’s claimed Wolves already have a pre-contract agreement with Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos.
      So Arsenal could face a tough legal battle to tie up what had seemed a straightforward £3million deal for the Brazilian, 19.
      But the Gunners are rated amongst the frontrunners to sign Argentina star Molina.
      Reports in Spain even suggest Arsenal are preparing an ‘important bid’ for the 24-year-old.
      Udinese’s third-top Serie A scorer notched seven goals and five assists, mainly from the right of a three-man defence.
      Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also keen on Molina.
      The Gunners are also said to be jostling for Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure.
      Meanwhile, Arsenal as well as Barcelona are reportedly keen on Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, 18.
      Finally, Crystal Palace target Eddie Nketiah is tipped to U-turn and agree a new Gunners’ contract.
      The 22-year-old bagged five goals in his last seven games.
      Eddie tipped to snub Palace
      In-demand striker Eddie Nketiah is tipped to U-turn and agree a new Arsenal contract.
      The 22-year-old has been linked with Newcastle and especially Crystal Palace but revived his Gunners’ status with five goals in his last seven games.
      And the Athletic are amongst the outlets who say the ex-England Under-21 star now believes he has a future under Emirates chief Mikel Arteta.
      Gunners rocked by Marquinhos ‘Wolves deal’
      Arsenal could face a legal battle with Wolves to sign Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos.
      The Gunners were thought to have all but tied up a £3million deal for the Brazilian, 19.
      But it’s claimed he’s already inked a pre-contract agreement with Wolves.
      That could mean a huge battle to sort out where he ends up this summer.
      Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
      Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
      AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.

      The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
      However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
      But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
      The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
      Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
      Gunners and Barca vie for Villa whizkid Carney
      Arsenal and Barcelona are reportedly keen on Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, 18.
      The England Under-19 star helped Villa win the 2020-21 FA Youth Cup and played 11 Premier League games this season.
      Spanish outlet SPORT say Nou Camp sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff and director of football Mateu Alemany discussed a move with Chukwuemeka’s representatives this week.
      And Arsenal are thought to be long-term admirers of the whizkid, who has 13 months remaining on his Villa deal.
      Could Tam be the right man?
      Roman’s Europa Conference-winning hero Tammy Abraham could land a huge bid from Arsenal.
      It’s thought the England and ex-Chelsea striker striker, 27, would be interested in returning to London.
      But Abraham has bloomed so much in Italy under ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho that he could cost around £50million.
      Chelsea boost as Barca’s Aurelien deal stalls
      Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool might feel re-energised in the hunt for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni after his move to Real Madrid reportedly stalled.
      It’s claimed the France midfielder’s Bernabeu talks have been hit by ‘tax issues’.
      Tchouameni’s transfer fee has also been a problem, according to 90min.
      PSG, including Kylian Mbappe, are also said to be strong admirers of the eight-cap star.
      But Real remain favourites to sign him.
      Gunners linked to Molina
      Arsenal have bid for Udinese’s Nahuel Molina, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
      The Argentina star was his club’s third-top seven Serie A scorer this season with seven goals, mostly playing on the right of a three-man defence.
      Marca say Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also keen on the 24-year-old, who supplied five top-flight assists
      Credit: Rex
      Nketiah ‘U-turn’ as he’s tipped to stay
      In-demand striker Eddie Nketiah is tipped to U-turn and agree a new Arsenal contract.
      The 22-year-old has been linked with Newcastle and especially Crystal Palace but revived his Gunners’ status with five goals in his last seven games.
      And the Athletic are amongst the outlets who say the ex-England Under-21 star now believes he has a future under Emirates chief Mikel Arteta.
      Gunners want Partey back
      Arsenal have reportedly contacted the Ghana Football Association to request that Thomas Partey is omitted from his country’s national squad ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and the Central Africa Republic.
      The 28-year-old, who missed the Gunners’ last nine games of the season with a hamstring injury, was expected to be called up by head coach Otto Addo.
      However, the Premier League club are still monitoring the player’s return to fitness, and have asked for him to be left out as a precaution.
      Ceballos ’20 minutes from career-ending injury’
      Ex-Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos was just TWENTY MINUTES away from a career-ending injury following a misdiagnosis from doctors last summer.
      Ceballos, 25, suffered a gruesome ankle injury in Spain’s opening game against Egypt at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

      But after sitting out for a few weeks, Ceballos thought it was OK to return to action after doctors told him he had only damaged his ligament.
      The Real Madrid playmaker attempted to play in the Olympics final that Spain lost to Brazil.
      And it could’ve been the last time Ceballos kicked a ball professionally if he continued playing for another 20 minutes.
      But when he returned to Madrid, doctors told Ceballos it was his talus – which supports body weight, that was impaired.
      Ceballos told Marca: “It has been the worst five months of my life. My ankle did not respond to me. I tried to play the final with a bad medical report where they told me that I had an injury of 2-3 weeks where only the ligament was affected.
      “Well, no. When I arrived in Madrid it turned out that I had a fracture of the talus, a bone that supports a great deal of body weight.
      “The doctors told me that if I had played 20 more minutes after the two infiltrations, I would no longer be able to play football.”
      U-21s not backseat for Rowe
      Lee Carsley says Emile Smith Rowe should not see his inclusion back in the England U21 squad as a “demotion”.
      And the Young Lions chief fully expects Arsenal star Smith Rowe to be on top of his game, despite having been in the senior set-up last time out.
      Smith Rowe came off the bench in England’s 3-0 win over Ivory Coast in March, and now has three senior caps and a goal to his name.
      But Gareth Southgate overlooked him for his latest squad, leaving Carsley to select him for the four Euro qualifiers the U21s play in June.
      But Carsley said: “We don’t want them to see it as a demotion. Ultimately your club form takes care of that. 
      “Our job is to maybe let them kick-start themselves again or maybe come into form and score some goals.
      “It’s such a high standard in the seniors that it’s almost a conveyor belt where you need to perform weekly in, week out. 
      “The way Gareth communicates to the players when they go up always leaves that opportunity to come back across and play with us.”
      Who’s Gunning a move?
      Arsenal are set for a busy summer transfer window as they prepare for the demands of European football next season.
      Betfair have revealed the four most likely players to arrive at the Emirates Stadium with Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus the current favourite.

      Mikel Arteta will be in the market for new players in a number of positions, with improving their squad depth being the main focus point due to a much busier fixture list for next season.
      For much of the run-in towards the end of the Premier League season it looked as though Arsenal would be preparing to welcome Champions League football for the first time in six years.
      Two losses in their final three games, to Tottenham and Newcastle, meant a four point cushion over their North London rivals vanished, with the Gunners finishing fifth, two points shy of Spurs.
      Arsenal’s eighth-place finish in 2021 meant that the Gunners had no European football to deal with this season, so the requirement of having to play twice a week for most weeks next season will encourage the need for a deeper, stronger squad.
      Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is the name most heavily linked with Arsenal at the moment.
      Arsenal are in need of a striker with the departure of Alexandre Lacazette looking likely, and the contract saga of Eddie Nketiah still looking uncertain.
      BETFAIR ODDS

      Gabriel Jesus 4/9
      Youri Tielemans 10/11
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin 3/1
      James Maddison 4/1

      Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
      Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
      AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.

      The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
      However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
      But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
      The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
      Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
      Gunners put Doucoure under the Lens
      Arsenal are rated one of Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure’s main Prem admirers.
      The Gunners are planning a huge summer revamp this summer after missing out on Champions League football.

      There are reportedly twelve names that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has on his wishlist including Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.
      And the Mirror claim one player the Gunners are tracking is Doucoure who’s set to leave Lens for the Prem in the transfer window.
      The 22-year-old’s been in stellar form for Lens this season, providing four assists and one goal across 34 Ligue 1 appearances.
      And the Mali international now wants to try his hand in England where he’s not short on interest.
      My Wil is not to return
      Arsenal loanee William Saliba has yet again reiterated his desire to stay at Marseille after helping the club secure Champions League football.
      Quoted by GFFN after Marseille’s 4-0 win against Strasbourg, Saliba said: “I want to come back and play the Champions’ League.
      “I have never played in it and I want to discover it here.”
      Speaking earlier this month, the defender labelled L’OM as “my club” as declared it would be his “pleasure” to stay.
      Gunners Schick as a parrot
      Arsenal have been dealt another transfer blow by the news that long-term target Patrick Schick has penned a new deal with Bayer Leverkusen.
      The Czech has been a constant contender during Mikel Arteta’s search for a striker, and had been considered a realistic option this summer after the Gunners missed out on the Champions League.
      However, the 26-year-old has now committed his future to the Bundesliga outfit after signing a new five-year contract.
      Schick netted an impressive 24 goals in just 27 league appearances for Die Werkself last term.
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    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Monaco Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Practice updates as Max Verstappen aims to extend lead over Leclerc – latest

      by

      THE iconic Monaco Grand Prix is taking place across THIS WEEKEND.Max Verstappen triumphed in Monaco last year, and will be aiming to extend his six-point lead over Charles Leclerc in the Drivers Standings.
      And this year’s scenic street race may be one of the last, with the track unable to match the lucrative sums paid by the likes of Qatar and Saudi Arabia for the right to host a race.

      Start time: Practice from 1pm today
      Race time: 2pm, Sunday
      TV/ live stream: Sky Sports F1

      SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
      We are green again
      The session has resumed after that red flag while repairs were made to the barriers.
      Ricciardo is back in the team’s garage starting his debrief into what went wrong.
      Meanwhile, the other 19 cars will now complete the remainder of this session, which has 36 minutes left to run.
      Red Flag – Ricciardo has crashed out
      The Aussie is OK, but he has planted his McLaren into the barrier just by the swimming pool.
      It is the technical section of the track but you can see he lost control during his flying lap and that sent him into the crash barriers.
      Thankfully they were the impact-absorbing Tecpro ones, unlike the ones we saw in Miami.
      Ricciardo has radioed the team to say he’s ok and will explain where he went wrong once he gets back to the garage.
      Tsunoda has a lock up
      A mistake from the AlphaTauri man as he locks up and comes to a stop at turn one.
      He’s kept that car running but that was an easy mistake to make. He’s damaged his tyres in the process too.
      He says out the radio “the vibration is really bad. I cannot drive.”
      FP2 is go
      Green light in the pitlane as the cars ferry out on track. The two Williams drivers are first out.
      Verstappen, Perez and Norris are also in the first group to edge their way around this historic track.
      All set for second practice
      It is still incredibly warm with the local time approaching 5pm, this is going to be a key session for Mercedes.
      They had just two hours to dissect their opening practice and make the necessary changes in time for FP2.
      Both their drivers found it hard going in the earlier session with bouncing a problem.
      Have the team had enough time to find out what the issue is and fix it?
      FP1 is done – Leclerc leads
      The Ferrari man heads the timesheets for the opening practice in Monaco – but it is close.
      Perez in his Red Bull is just 0.039 seconds behind him, and Sainz 0.070 seconds behind his teammate.
      Verstappen in fourth, Norris fifth and Gasly sixth.
      Russell 8th and Hamilton 10th will be a concern for Mercedes and will require adjustments in time for FP2 in two hours.
      Hamilton unhappy
      He radios his team to complain about the handling of his car.
      Monaco is a bumpy track of course, but maybe those “It’s so bouncy out here, man. I’m f****** losing my mind!”
      He’s also requested elbow pads for the second session later in the day.
      Merc will need to get to the bottom of this bouncing as there was hope that it was fixed after Barcelona.
      10 Minutes to go
      Final few laps of this session and we have seen the usual suspects are quickest. Ferrari again have the pace this weekend, hotly followed by Red Bull.
      Mercedes still have some work to do, not helped by the bumpy track.
      There are some encouraging signs for Norris after his illness too.
      BIG lock-up for Verstappen
      He goes off the track at Saint Devote and ruins a set of tyres in the process.
      Sainz also has a big moment as he is forced to slam on the brakes as he encounters traffic in the final few corners.
      You just get the feeling, this new generation of F1 cars are just too big for this circuit. Again, Sunday could be a complete mess.
      News from rubber-lovers Pirelli
      The Italian tyre-supplier point out that only two drivers have used the soft compound so far – they are the ones with the red branding around the side and the quickest set, but also the least durable.

      Lap times continue to drop
      This time Lando Norris goes top. The McLaren man has been suffering from tonsillitis this week but seems to be ok in the car.
      I saw him just before the session to ask him how he was feeling, he said he was OK.
      Sure he will feel a lot better after that flying lap. Decent time of 1:15.056.
      Leclerc’s pole lap from last year was 1:10.346, but that was in the lighter cars.
      Flying lap from Hamilton puts him second
      He has been on to his team and radioed that he would like to make some adjustments to help dial in the performance.
      That said, he seems to already found a decent base level and pops in a time that is good enough for second, before being bumped down to third.
      His teammate, George Russell, is down in 12th place at the moment just approaching the halfway stage of the session.
      Both of the boys reporting serious bouncing over the bumpy Monaco surface. 😬Lewis is P3 as we half distance in FP1. 👌 George in P12 – yet to really put a clean lap together. pic.twitter.com/aGtuIYUyRA— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 27, 2022

      One for weather fans…
      The air temp is 30.6. Humidity 33%, track temp is 54.7 and the pressure at 1015.0
      That said, rain is forecast for Sunday, although the outlook for tomorrow looks good.
      Here we go, we are up and running again
      The Haas has been pushed out of the way and we can crack on with practice.
      It is Verstappen, Leclerc and Sainz at the top.
      Bottas has yet to set a time in his Alfa Romeo, Latifi and Ocon are at the bottom of the timesheets.
      Red Flag – Schumacher has stopped in the pitlane
      The Haas man has come to stop at the pit entry – and blocked it, so the stewards have rightly red flagged the session.
      That final sector is catching a few drivers out. Maybe it is the heat/tyres/anything else, but it could just be them getting to grips with these wider cars through the narrowest parts of the track.
      It is certainly going to be a bit of a squeeze in Sunday’s race.

      Leclerc sets the early pace
      The Monaco-born racer is using his local knowledge and sets the quickest time so far in his Ferrari. Still early days but it is Leclerc, Verstappen, Sainz, Norris, Hamilton.
      Hamilton is reporting “bouncing” over the team’s radio
      In Barcelona, they looked to have cured that problem. Surely it has not returned at this, the slowest track on the calendar?
      Make that 19 – Lewis Hamilton joins the track
      ICYMI, the seven time world champion has been granted another month’s grace in the ridiculous ‘bling ban’ from the FIA.
      He’s got his nose stud in and will be allowed to keep it in for this weekend, Azerbaijan and Canada.
      It is all looking rather desperate from the FIA, who say drivers who are married can retain their wedding rings.
      All seems a bit silly to me when they are risking their lives driving cars around at 200mph, but there you go…
      Back to practice…
      Green light in Monte Carlo for FP1
      And already we have a busy track with 18 out of 20 drivers all out on track for the opening of this Monaco Grand Prix.
      New, wider cars this year are looking HUGE.

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      £45m Marc Cucurella EXCLUSIVE, Todd Boehly’s ‘£200m’ Chelsea war chest, Drinkwater APOLOGISES, Nkunku bid – latest

      by

      CHELSEA’S wait of new ownership is set to FINALLY come to an end with the UK government and the Premier League approving Todd Boehly’s bid.Secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries said: “We are satisfied the proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals.”
      LA Dodgers owner Boehly, 48, will take the reins and has reportedly promised a £200 million war chest for Thomas Tuchel to have access to this summer.
      And some of that money could go towards the signing of RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku and Brighton ace Marc Cucurella.
      And Danny Drinkwater has released an emotional statement to the Chelsea fans after leaving the club following a frustrating time at Stamford Bridge.
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      Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
      Chelsea must pay £45m for Cucurella
      EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea must pay at least £45million to win the race for Brighton defender Marc Cucurella, writes ANDREW DILLON.
      And they will also have to see off Manchester City and Tottenham to land the Spanish left-back.

      Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, buoyed by the news that Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover of the club has cleared its final hurdle, is plotting a major overhaul of his defence.
      Cucurella fits the bill after a standout first season in England following a £15.4million transfer from Spanish outfit Getafe. Tuchel is braced to lose left-back Marcos Alonso, who is keen to return to Spain.
      Chelsea’s other player to fill that slot is Ben Chilwell and he only returned to action last weekend following a major knee injury.
      Cucurella, 23, feels loyalty to Brighton but admits that interest from newly-crowned Premier League champions City is hard to dismiss.
      End of Stamford Broj?
      Striker Armando Broja is wanted by Newcastle and West Ham after his loan joy with Southampton.
      The 12-cap Albanian, 20, is being eyed by several clubs after following a season on loan at Vitesse with regular Prem football for the Saints this term
      Goal say Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are amongst the frontrunners for the Slough-born starlet.
      But Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to Braja returning to Stamford Bridge next season.
      Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
      Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
      AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.

      The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
      However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
      But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
      The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
      Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
      Could Tam be the right man?
      Roman’s Europa Conference-winning hero Tammy Abraham could land a huge bid from Arsenal.
      It’s thought the England and ex-Chelsea striker striker, 27, would be interested in returning to London.
      But Abraham has bloomed so much in Italy under ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho that he could cost around £50million.
      Chelsea boost as Barca’s Aurelien deal stalls
      Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool might feel re-energised in the hunt for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni after his move to Real Madrid reportedly stalled.
      It’s claimed the France midfielder’s Bernabeu talks have been hit by ‘tax issues’.
      Tchouameni’s transfer fee has also been a problem, according to 90min.
      PSG, including Kylian Mbappe, are also said to be strong admirers of the eight-cap star.
      But Real remain favourites to sign him.
      Blues turn De Ligt back on
      Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is rated as Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s ‘first choice’ target.
      Tuchel reportedly tried to sign the Holland and former Ajax star, 22, who Manchester United are previously thought to have trailed.
      Now Calciomercato say Chelsea are back in for De Ligt as they wait for their club takeover to be completed.
      Departing Drinkwater apologises to Chelsea fans
      Danny Drinkwater apologised to Chelsea fans as he left on a free transfer after five years of failure.
      The £32million midfielder, 32, faded after winning three England caps as a key member of Leicester’s 2015-16 title-winning team.
      He played just 23 times for Chelsea as injuries, poor form, a drink-drive ban and other off-field issues blighted his Stamford Bridge career.
      He was loaned to Burnley, Aston Villa, Turkish side Kasimpasa and Reading.
      And he wrote on Instagram: “My time at Chelsea has come to an end… actually feels really strange writing this. Me, the club and fans are hugely disappointed with the outcome there is no doubt about that
      ‘Injuries, how I have been treated, mistakes I have made, issues of the pitch, lack of game time… the list of excuses could be endless but I would not and can not change what’s happened.
      “I’m going to look at positives over the past five years, I have played with great players, coached by awesome managers, worked with some brilliant staff, met some fantastic people, lived in some beautiful places, travelled the world and won some more silverware.
      ‘Football’s a fantastic sport but this for both parties was a business move gone wrong, it’s as black and white as that.
      “To the Chelsea fans I apologise for how this has turned out I would of loved for you to see me at my best in that shirt doing what I love. All the best x.”
      United tipped to step in front of Chelsea with Nkunku bid
      Manchester United will swoop in ahead of Chelsea with a bid for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku next week, according to reports.
      Nkunku, 24, was named as the Bundesliga Player of the Season earlier this week.

      Sky Sports Germany claim Nkunku’s representatives are “in contact” with the Red Devils.
      United are right at the front of the queue to sign the hot shot and an offer is “to be expected next week”.
      They are hoping to beat Chelsea as the Blues also ready themselves to launch a bid.
      Club consultant Ralf Rangnick – who once called Nkunku “the best young player in Germany” – has already “advocated the move” to Old Trafford.
      JT vs Rio: ‘Stats don’t lie’
      John Terry has claimed the “stats don’t lie” after Rio Ferdinand only labelled him as the fifth-best centre-back in Premier League history.
      The Chelsea icon is regarded by many as one of the greatest defenders in the Prem era, winning the title on five occasions.

      Ferdinand though put THREE Manchester United centre-backs ahead of old England colleague Terry, including himself.
      The Old Trafford hero was debating the best central defenders of the Prem era with Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk for BT Sport.
      And Ferdinand put himself in top spot, followed by team-mate Nemanja Vidic, Van Dijk at third, Jaap Stam fourth and Terry fifth.
      Van Dijk meanwhile omitted himself and put Ferdinand top too, followed by Vincent Kompany, Stam, Terry and Sami Hyypia.
      One man though who didn’t agree was Stamford Bridge stalwart Terry.
      Taking to his Instagram story Terry posted a picture that contained a variety of stats to back him up.
      They included captains with most Prem titles and centre-backs with the highest winning percentage in Prem history.
      Both of which were topped by Terry, who captioned the post “opinions are great but the stats don’t lie”.
      Toon and Hammers eye Armando
      Striker Armando Broja is wanted by Newcastle and West Ham after his loan joy with Southampton.
      The 12-cap Albanian, 20, is being eyed by several clubs after following a season on loan at Vitesse with regular Prem football for the Saints this term
      Goal say Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are amongst the frontrunners for the Slough-born starlet.
      But Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to Braja returning to Stamford Bridge next season.
      Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
      Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
      AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.

      The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
      However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
      But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
      The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
      Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
      Inter offer Chelsea target Perisic new deal
      Chelsea transfer target Ivan Perisic has been offered a new deal to stay at Inter Milan.
      The Croatian star has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer when his current contract with the Nerazzurri expires next month.
      However, the Serie A side are desperate to keep the 33-year-old, and have tabled an improved £5m-per-season proposal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Perisic is understood to be considering his options with Tottenham also interested in the two-footed midfielder.
      Dembele rejects new Barca deal
      Ousmane Dembele has rejected a new contract offer from Barcelona and looks set to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
      The French international signed for the LaLiga club from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for a whopping €105m, but saw much of his time in Spain blighted by injuries.
      In five years at the Nou Camp, Dembele has managed 150 appearances for Barca, scoring 32 goals and providing 34 assists.
      The news of Dembele’s return to France will come as a blow to Chelsea, who had been hoping to tempt the 25-year-old into a move to Stamford Bridge.

      Boehly to hand Tuchel £200m
      New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will provide Thomas Tuchel with £200m for new players after completing his takeover at Stamford Bridge, report The Mail.
      However, ‘vast chunks’ of that war chest is expected to be used to recruit new defenders.
      Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger have already confirmed their departures from the club, and Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to follow suit
      As we reported this week, a deal for Sevilla Jules Kounde is nearing completion – although the LaLiga club are holding out for the player’s release fee of £81m to be met.
      Elsewhere, the Blues are also interested in Villarreal’s Pau Torres – a target for Manchester United – and Leicester’s Wesley Fofana.
      Rejuvenated Lampard plotting Chelsea raid
      Frank Lampard is planning a return to former club Chelsea this summer in order to snap up some of their hottest young talent.
      The Everton boss, buoyed by his side avoiding relegation, wants to inject youth and ambition into his ageing squad, and has targeted a number players that he previously worked with at Stamford Bridge.
      The Liverpool Echo have speculated on which youngsters could be tempted by a reunion with Lampard, and suggest that Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, Levi Colwill, Ethan Ampadu and Billy Gilmour all fit the bill.
      Lampard has built a reputation for bringing youngsters through during his fledgling managerial career, and can be considered a major factor for the current success enjoyed by Mason Mount and Reece James.
      Johnson keen on Perisic interest
      Former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson would welcome his old club bringing in Ivan Perisic on a free transfer.
      The 33-year-old Croatian is viewed as an upgrade on Marcos Alonso, and could be the ideal candidate to share left wing-back duties with Ben Chilwell should he move to the Londoners.
      In conversation with Bettingodds.com, Johnson admitted he would be thrilled to see Perisic join the Blues.
      “Yes, absolutely. It would represent a smart bit of business. He’s another top player who can play in a few positions,” he said.
      “If Alonso’s going to leave the club and you can bring in a player like him on a free, who can play in a couple of positions, then it sounds like a no brainer.”
      Target offered new Inter deal
      Chelsea transfer target Ivan Perisic has been offered a new deal to stay at Inter Milan.
      The Croatian star has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer when his current contract with the Nerazzurri expires next month.
      However, the Serie A side are desperate to keep the 33-year-old, and have tabled an improved £5m-per-season proposal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Perisic is understood to be considering his options with Tottenham also interested in the two-footed midfielder.

      Good morning Chelsea fans
      Todd Boehly’s £4.25bn takeover now has Government and Premier League approval, meaning new signings aren’t too far away.
      Jules Kounde tops the shortlist of defenders, and the Sevilla man would slot straight in on the right hand side of a back-three if he is recruited.
      Personal terms have already been agreed and the Frenchman is only waiting for Chelsea, reports say.
      Meanwhile on the other side the left-footed Josko Gvardiol is an option, having impressed at RB Leipzig.
      Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta are on their way to Barcelona, while Thiago Silva is at the advanced age of 37.
      Chelsea are also “ready to launch a bid” for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, claim reports.
      Chelsea have been handed a major transfer boost as Barcelona boss Xavi admitted Ousmane Dembele may have played his last game for the club against Villarreal.
      Blues Possible XI
      Todd Boehly’s £4.25bn takeover now has Government and Premier League approval, meaning new signings aren’t too far away, writes Giacomo Pisa..
      Jules Kounde tops the shortlist of defenders, and the Sevilla man would slot straight in on the right hand side of a back-three if he is recruited.
      Meanwhile on the other side the left-footed Josko Gvardiol is an option, having impressed at RB Leipzig.
      And in attack the Blues are claimed to be plotting an ambitious raid for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.
      The 27-year-old is out of contract at the Etihad at the end of next season, and is an option if Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech or Christian Pulisic depart.
      There could be a fresh face in midfield too.
      West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is highly thought of, but his £150m price-tag is likely to price the Blues out of a move.
      Monaco man Aurelien Tchouameni is an alternative, and is admired by those in high places at Stamford Bridge.
      A midfield duo of Tchouameni and Mateo Kovacic would be likely to strike fear into the hearts of any Premier League side.
      Especially with English duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell marauding down the wings either side of them.
      Arms race for Broja
      Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is at the centre of a transfer war between Newcastle and West Ham.
      Broja impressed with a series of impressive displays at Southampton and has attracted the attention of other clubs before the summer window.
      According to Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are attempting to sign the forward during the summer.
      Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to the Albania international returning to Stamford Bridge next season.
      But the 20-year-old may have options if he wants more first-team football next season
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Chelsea’s summer spending
      Thomas Tuchel will be chomping at the bit for Chelsea to spring into life in the transfer market – and he doesn’t have long left to wait writes Giacomo Pisa.
      Todd Boehly’s £4.25bn takeover now has Government and Premier League approval, meaning new signings aren’t too far away.
      Reports suggest Boehly is eager to back Tuchel in the upcoming window and will give the German around £200m to play with.
      Chelsea are even said to have drawn up an EIGHT-MAN centre-back shortlist to cope with the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
      It’s expected to be a busy summer of incomings and outgoings at Stamford Bridge, and Tuchel’s line up could be very different come the start of the new season.
      Last Gall for Conor?
      Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has refused to rule out a transfer for Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.
      Vieira said of Gallagher, who is set to return to Stamford Bridge after the end of the season: “Conor has been fantastic for us.
      “He felt like he is at home the way he has been performing for us. He understands the way that we want to play the game, and he brings his energy and his determination.
      “We know that he has to go back to Chelsea. Then, what will happen? We don’t know”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Chelsea in for Nkunku
      Chelsea are “ready to launch a bid” for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, claim reports.
      GOAL report that Chelsea sense a chance to get their man.
      Nkunku was named Bundesliga’s Player of the Season.
      The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has been constantly linked with a move to United, who sent scouts to watch him in action in April.
      United’s pursuit was given a boost when it was reported that the France international was open to a Premier League switch.
      And now it appears the Blues have joined the race to sign Nkunku.
      Go for it
      Former Chelsea ace Glen Johnson advised his former club to try and beat Barcelona for Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.
      Johnson told Betting Odds: “In terms of the player himself, then yes. But business-wise, what that might do to [Romelu] Lukaku, if he’s not playing where’s he going to go, how much is he going to be worth.
      “They bought him for an awful lot of money. But at the same time, if they give him another six months and he doesn’t perform, then they might miss out on the top four. It’s a tough one.
      “While Lewandowski is available on the free, I think you have to try and sign him.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Jules Kounde situation
      Chelsea’s approved takeover is a major boost in their longtime bid to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde.
      The Blues are in desperate need of defensive reinforcement after losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid.
      Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta are on their way to Barcelona, while Thiago Silva is at the advanced age of 37.
      Transfer guru Andreas Korssund tweeted: “Jules Kounde is closing in on a move to Chelsea.
      “The Blues will conclude talks with Sevilla as soon as Boehly’s takeover is complete and they are ready to pay the required fee.
      “Personal terms have already been agreed and the Frenchman is only waiting for Chelsea”

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      Neymar wants ‘to stay’ despite PSG being ‘ready to sell’ him, Bayern Munich ‘met with’ Mane’s agent, – latest updates

      by

      NEYMAR has revealed that he wants to stay at Paris Saint-Germain despite the club reportedly wanting to cut ties with him.The Brazilian could be surplus to requirements with Kylian Mbappe signing a new contract.
      But Neymar has admitted that nobody from the club has been in direct contact with him on the matter.
      Meanwhile, Liverpool ace Sadio Mane’s agents have met with Bayern Munich according to reports.
      Mane, 30, is out of contract in June 2023 and he could be looking to earn a living elsewhere.
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      ‘Red Devils won’t let Ten Hag spend big’
      United will not splash the cash on transfers during Erik ten Hag’s first year in charge.
      That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that United will approach the summer transfer window in a conservative manner.
      That is despite the fact the club’s hierarchy announced a total revenue increase of 29 per cent in the Red Devils’ third quarter financial results.
      Business is returning to normal at Old Trafford after the coronavirus pandemic. But net debt has risen £52million since last year.
      United will instead focus their investment on their recruitment system and that initiative will be led by football director John Murtough. They will be looking to replace senior scouting figures Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout as well as chief transfer negotiator Matt Judge.
      Ten Hag will be in charge of transfers and will approach the summer market with discipline. The Dutchman is reportedly keen on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as well as Ajax duo Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez.
      United chief executive Richard Arnold said: “It has clearly been a disappointing season for the men’s first team. Work is well underway to address this, led by our football director John Murtough and our new manager Erik ten Hag.
      “Resilience and high standards are core values for Manchester United, and we are determined to achieve better results next season and beyond. Faith in youth is another key tenet of the club and the continued success of our academy gives us confidence in the future.
      “Off the pitch, our revenues have continued to recover from the pandemic, reflecting the enduring strength of our commercial operations, which in turn support our ability to continue to invest in the club.”
      Man Utd hit snag over De Jong
      Barcelona will only sell Frenkie de Jong if they can sign Robert Lewandowski or Bernardo Silva, according to reports.
      The Manchester United target has been linked with a £65million move away from Catalonia.
      While he remained a regular after Xavi’s arrival, De Jong isn’t considered untouchable at Barcelona.
      The LaLiga giants remain in financial peril, with club chief Joan Laporta trying to juggle making ambitious signings with balancing the books.

      De Jong could go for the right price… and if Laporta can replicate his star power in other areas.
      Bizarrely, Barca are willing to replace the former Ajax wonderkid… with a player in a different position.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta will part ways with De Jong if he can sign striker Lewandowski or attacking midfielder Silva.
      Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski has admitted that he wants to leave the Bundesliga champions and that he won’t extend his contract, which has a year left to run.
      Silva, meanwhile, could have been sold by Manchester City last summer, although his performances since have re-cemented his position as a key player.
      Toon and Hammers eye Armando
      Striker Armando Broja is wanted by Newcastle and West Ham after his loan joy with Southampton.
      The 12-cap Albanian, 20, is being eyed by several clubs after following a season on loan at Vitesse with regular Prem football for the Saints this term
      Goal say Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are amongst the frontrunners for the Slough-born starlet.
      But Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to Braja returning to Stamford Bridge next season.
      Who’s Gunning a move?
      Arsenal are set for a busy summer transfer window as they prepare for the demands of European football next season.
      Betfair have revealed the four most likely players to arrive at the Emirates Stadium with Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus the current favourite.

      Mikel Arteta will be in the market for new players in a number of positions, with improving their squad depth being the main focus point due to a much busier fixture list for next season.
      For much of the run-in towards the end of the Premier League season it looked as though Arsenal would be preparing to welcome Champions League football for the first time in six years.
      Two losses in their final three games, to Tottenham and Newcastle, meant a four point cushion over their North London rivals vanished, with the Gunners finishing fifth, two points shy of Spurs.
      Arsenal’s eighth-place finish in 2021 meant that the Gunners had no European football to deal with this season, so the requirement of having to play twice a week for most weeks next season will encourage the need for a deeper, stronger squad.
      Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is the name most heavily linked with Arsenal at the moment.
      Arsenal are in need of a striker with the departure of Alexandre Lacazette looking likely, and the contract saga of Eddie Nketiah still looking uncertain.
      BETFAIR ODDS

      Gabriel Jesus 4/9
      Youri Tielemans 10/11
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin 3/1
      James Maddison 4/1

      Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
      Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
      AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.

      The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
      However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
      But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
      The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
      Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
      Luc could be in to smash Toon transfer record
      Newcastle could smash their transfer record for another Brazilian – £50million-rated Lucas Paqueta.
      Eddie Howe splashed the cash in January to bolster his then-struggling Toon squad and enjoyed great success in guiding the Magpies away from the drop zone.

      Now Newcastle are plotting more additions this summer to continue pushing up the table under their new Saudi owners.
      And a fresh report is claiming that they want to make Lyon attacking midfielder Paqueta marquee signing.
      The Times is stating that Howe is ready to break the North East side’s transfer record to try and bring the Brazilian international to St. James’ Park.
      It says that the club are preparing a move for the 31-cap Samba star.
      Gunners put Doucoure under the Lens
      Arsenal are rated one of Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure’s main Prem admirers.
      The Gunners are planning a huge summer revamp this summer after missing out on Champions League football.

      There are reportedly twelve names that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has on his wishlist including Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.
      And the Mirror claim one player the Gunners are tracking is Doucoure who’s set to leave Lens for the Prem in the transfer window.
      The 22-year-old’s been in stellar form for Lens this season, providing four assists and one goal across 34 Ligue 1 appearances.
      And the Mali international now wants to try his hand in England where he’s not short on interest.
      Bren guns for Leeds
      American Brenden Aaronson is currently undergoing a medical with Leeds United, and will soon become the Yorkshire club’s first summer signing.
      Jesse Marsch is wasting no time after masterminding the Whites’ final day escape from relegation, and is keen to bring his compatriot to Elland Road from RB Salzburg.
      The 21-year-old has been capped 18 times for his country, scoring five times, and has just helped Salzburg to an Austrian league and cup double during his first season at the club.
      The attacking midfielder is expected to cost Leeds in excess of £20m.
      James starts to Garner interest
      Southampton are keeping close tabs on Manchester United’s plans for James Garner.
      The Athletic report that there are several admirers of the young midfielder within the Saints hierarchy, who have been impressed during the player’s loan spell with Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
      The south coast club are waiting to hear what Erik ten Hag has in store for Garner, but would be interested in doing a deal on either a permanent or temporary basis.
      The 21-year-old has scored four times and laid on eight assists in 41 league games for Forest this season, helping to propel them to Sunday’s play-off final at Wembley.

      Good Evans! New deal for Foxes ace
      Leicester City’s Jonny Evans is on the brink of agreeing a 12-month extension to his current deal at the King Power Stadium.
      The 34-year-old only has a year left to run on his contract, but Brendan Rodgers is keen to utilise the defender’s experience beyond next season.
      Evans joined the Foxes in 2018, and he has gone on to make 138 appearances for the East Midlands’ side.
      However, injuries restricted the Northern Ireland international to just 18 in the Premier League last term.
      Gunners Schick as a parrot
      Arsenal have been dealt another transfer blow by the news that long-term target Patrick Schick has penned a new deal with Bayer Leverkusen.
      The Czech has been a constant contender during Mikel Arteta’s search for a striker, and had been considered a realistic option this summer after the Gunners missed out on the Champions League.
      However, the 26-year-old has now committed his future to the Bundesliga outfit after signing a new five-year contract.
      Schick netted an impressive 24 goals in just 27 league appearances for Die Werkself last term.
      United best placed for Pau
      Manchester United are leading the race to land Villarreal defender Pau Torres, according to reports in Spain.
      AS (via Sport Witness) suggest that it is United who are best placed to sign the 25-year-old among several interested parties from the Premier League.
      Tottenham attempted to land the Spanish international last year, but were knocked back ahead of the Yellow Submarine’s semi-final assault on the Champions League.
      New United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly stated that he wants the Red Devils to bring in Torres ‘at all costs’ as he begins to reshape his side’s defence.

      Dembele rejects new Barca deal
      Ousmane Dembele has rejected a new contract offer from Barcelona and looks set to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
      The French international signed for the LaLiga club from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for a whopping €105m, but saw much of his time in Spain blighted by injuries.
      In five years at the Nou Camp, Dembele has managed 150 appearances for Barca, scoring 32 goals and providing 34 assists.
      The news of Dembele’s return to France will come as a blow to Chelsea, who had been hoping to tempt the 25-year-old into a move to Stamford Bridge.

      What Chuk! Barca want Carney
      Aston Villa wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka is a shock transfer target for Barcelona.
      The 18-year-old’s agent has met with. Barcelona staff Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff, according to Spanish radio station SER.
      The young midfielder has a year remaining on his current deal at Villa Park, and has been reluctant to sign a new contract despite his club’s best efforts.
      Chukwuemeka made 12 appearances in the Premier League last season, providing one assist, and started the home draw with Burnley earlier this month.

      Boehly to hand Tuchel £200m
      New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will provide Thomas Tuchel with £200m for new players after completing his takeover at Stamford Bridge, report The Mail.
      However, ‘vast chunks’ of that war chest is expected to be used to recruit new defenders.
      Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger have already confirmed their departures from the club, and Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to follow suit
      As we reported this week, a deal for Sevilla Jules Kounde is nearing completion – although the LaLiga club are holding out for the player’s release fee of £81m to be met.
      Elsewhere, the Blues are also interested in Villarreal’s Pau Torres – a target for Manchester United – and Leicester’s Wesley Fofana.
      Rejuvenated Lampard plotting Chelsea raid
      Frank Lampard is planning a return to former club Chelsea this summer in order to snap up some of their hottest young talent.
      The Everton boss, buoyed by his side avoiding relegation, wants to inject youth and ambition into his ageing squad, and has targeted a number players that he previously worked with at Stamford Bridge.
      The Liverpool Echo have speculated on which youngsters could be tempted by a reunion with Lampard, and suggest that Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, Levi Colwill, Ethan Ampadu and Billy Gilmour all fit the bill.
      Lampard has built a reputation for bringing youngsters through during his fledgling managerial career, and can be considered a major factor for the current success enjoyed by Mason Mount and Reece James.
      Aarons-on way to Elland Road
      American Brenden Aaronson is currently undergoing a medical with Leeds United, and will soon become the Yorkshire club’s first summer signing.
      Jesse Marsch is wasting no time after masterminding the Whites’ final day escape from relegation, and is keen to bring his compatriot to Elland Road from RB Salzburg.
      The 21-year-old has been capped 18 times for his country, scoring five times, and has just helped Salzburg to an Austrian league and cup double during his first season at the club.
      The attacking midfielder is expected to cost Leeds in excess of £20m.

      New City signing scores six
      Manchester City have signed a goalscoring machine.
      No, not Erling Haaland, but Julian Alvarez, who bagged a double hat-trick for River Plate last night in the Copa Libertadores.
      The striker scored three in each half as his side thrashed Alianza Lima 8-1 in their final group game.
      The 22-year-old Argentine officially joined City in January, but was loaned back to Los Millonarios for 12 months.
      However, after Alvarez’s recent goalscoring exploits, there is the understanding that the Premier League champions are willing to pay a £1.3m compensation fee to end the loan early.

      Kane commits future to Spurs
      Harry Kane is open to the possibility of signing a new extended contract with Tottenham, according to The Daily Mail.
      The striker was a frustrated figure in North London at the start of last season after his club blocked a big-money move to Manchester City.
      However, the England captain has become ‘increasingly hopeful’ of Spurs’ long-term ambition since the appointment of Antonio Conte.
      It was revealed earlier this week that Conte would be handed a cool £150m to improve the playing squad this summer.
      Saliba still part of plan
      William Saliba will not be sold this summer despite increasing interest from clubs across Europe.
      The 21-year-old has enjoyed another impressive season out on loan – this time at Marseille – in which he also broke into the French national team.
      The Ligue 1 side have been keen to make his loan move permanent while the likes of AC Milan have also been linked.
      However, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have reiterated that the player’s long-term future is at the Emirates, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      The Gunners plan to finally integrate Saliba within the first team next season.

      De Gea to pen new deal
      David de Gea is set to sign a new Manchester United contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2025.
      The 31-year-old has 12 months remaining on his current deal, but Ekrem Konur understands that the Spaniard is ready to pen a two-year extension.
      De Gea joined the Red Devils in 2011, and is closing in on 500 appearances for the club.
      Meanwhile, United have announced a pre-season friendly with De Gea’s former club Atletico Madrid.
      The fixture will be played in Oslo on July 30, a week before the new Premier League season is scheduled to start.

      United to open Nkunku bidding
      Manchester United will open the bidding for RB Leipzig’s in-demand Christopher Nkunku with a £60m offer, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.
      The Red Devils have long been tracking the 24-year-old, who has just completed a sensational season in Germany.
      The forward struck 35 goals in all competitions, and weighed in with 20 assists too as Leipzig finished fourth in the Bundesliga.
      Following the appointment of Erik ten Hag, the Premier League club are now ready to begin the business of overhauling their squad.
      However, it has emerged in the past 24 hours that Chelsea are ready to rival United for the French international.
      Bernardo can fill Frenkie hole
      Barcelona manager Xavi has identified Bernardo Silva as the player he wants to replace Frenkie de Jong with if the Dutchman leaves the Nou Camp.
      De Jong has been heavily linked with a big-money move away from LaLiga this summer with Manchester United believed to be increasingly keen on the 25-year-old.
      And his arrival in Manchester could yet prove to be the catalyst for a significant departure from the city.
      Mundo Deportivo report that the Catalan giants want Man City’s Bernardo to be his successor in the Barca midfield.
      Xavi is understood to see the Spaniard as being technically superior to the departing De Jong.
      Blues target offered new deal
      Chelsea transfer target Ivan Perisic has been offered a new deal to stay at Inter Milan.
      The Croatian star has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer when his current contract with the Nerazzurri expires next month.
      However, the Serie A side are desperate to keep the 33-year-old, and have tabled an improved £5m-per-season proposal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Perisic is understood to be considering his options with Tottenham also interested in the two-footed midfielder.

      Bayern ‘keeping eye’ on Rashford
      Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on Marcus Rashford’s ongoing situation at Manchester United.
      The English international endured a frustrating 2021-22 campaign, and had entertained the possibility of a move away from the hometown club that he joined as a seven-year-old.
      The revelation earlier in the year had put a number of teams on red alert, and Bayern have maintained their interest despite the Red Devils’ recent change in regime.
      The Telegraph understand that Rashford now wishes to stay and fight for his place under new boss Erik ten Hag, but could a bid from the German giants be too much to ignore?

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      Frenkie De Jong LATEST, Carragher urges Ten Hag to AXE Ronaldo, Man Utd on ‘brink’ of signing Timber

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      MANCHESTER UNITED target Frenkie de Jong will only be sold if Barcelona they can sign Robert Lewandowski or Bernardo Silva, according to reports.The midfielder has been linked with a £65million move away from Catalonia.
      Elsewhere, goalkeeping coach Lee Grant has confirmed his retirement from professional football at age 39 and has since joined up with ex-United coach Kieran McKenna on his staff at Ipswich Town.
      The veteran shot-stopper made 511 total appearances across his career and joined the Red Devils from Stoke back in 2018.
      Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher has urged Erik Ten Hag to AXE Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
      Whilst the English giants are reportedly closing in on the signing of £30 million Jurrien Timber from Ajax.
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      ‘Red Devils won’t let Ten Hag spend big’
      United will not splash the cash on transfers during Erik ten Hag’s first year in charge.
      That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that United will approach the summer transfer window in a conservative manner.
      That is despite the fact the club’s hierarchy announced a total revenue increase of 29 per cent in the Red Devils’ third quarter financial results.
      Business is returning to normal at Old Trafford after the coronavirus pandemic. But net debt has risen £52million since last year.
      United will instead focus their investment on their recruitment system and that initiative will be led by football director John Murtough. They will be looking to replace senior scouting figures Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout as well as chief transfer negotiator Matt Judge.
      Ten Hag will be in charge of transfers and will approach the summer market with discipline. The Dutchman is reportedly keen on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as well as Ajax duo Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez.
      United chief executive Richard Arnold said: “It has clearly been a disappointing season for the men’s first team. Work is well underway to address this, led by our football director John Murtough and our new manager Erik ten Hag.
      “Resilience and high standards are core values for Manchester United, and we are determined to achieve better results next season and beyond. Faith in youth is another key tenet of the club and the continued success of our academy gives us confidence in the future.
      “Off the pitch, our revenues have continued to recover from the pandemic, reflecting the enduring strength of our commercial operations, which in turn support our ability to continue to invest in the club.”
      JT vs Rio: ‘Stats don’t lie’
      John Terry has claimed the “stats don’t lie” after Rio Ferdinand only labelled him as the fifth-best centre-back in Premier League history.
      The Chelsea icon is regarded by many as one of the greatest defenders in the Prem era, winning the title on five occasions.

      Ferdinand though put THREE Manchester United centre-backs ahead of old England colleague Terry, including himself.
      The Old Trafford hero was debating the best central defenders of the Prem era with Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk for BT Sport.
      And Ferdinand put himself in top spot, followed by team-mate Nemanja Vidic, Van Dijk at third, Jaap Stam fourth and Terry fifth.
      Van Dijk meanwhile omitted himself and put Ferdinand top too, followed by Vincent Kompany, Stam, Terry and Sami Hyypia.
      One man though who didn’t agree was Stamford Bridge stalwart Terry.
      Taking to his Instagram story Terry posted a picture that contained a variety of stats to back him up.
      They included captains with most Prem titles and centre-backs with the highest winning percentage in Prem history.
      Both of which were topped by Terry, who captioned the post “opinions are great but the stats don’t lie”.
      Man Utd hit snag over De Jong
      Barcelona will only sell Frenkie de Jong if they can sign Robert Lewandowski or Bernardo Silva, according to reports.
      The Manchester United target has been linked with a £65million move away from Catalonia.
      While he remained a regular after Xavi’s arrival, De Jong isn’t considered untouchable at Barcelona.
      The LaLiga giants remain in financial peril, with club chief Joan Laporta trying to juggle making ambitious signings with balancing the books.

      De Jong could go for the right price… and if Laporta can replicate his star power in other areas.
      Bizarrely, Barca are willing to replace the former Ajax wonderkid… with a player in a different position.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta will part ways with De Jong if he can sign striker Lewandowski or attacking midfielder Silva.
      Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski has admitted that he wants to leave the Bundesliga champions and that he won’t extend his contract, which has a year left to run.
      Silva, meanwhile, could have been sold by Manchester City last summer, although his performances since have re-cemented his position as a key player.
      Is Ron a ‘giant’ or a giant ‘problem’?
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s roles will be one of the major dilemmas for new United boss Erik ten Hag.
      The Dutchman insists he ‘can’t wait’ to work with the ‘giant’ who at 37 was this season’s top scorer.

      But Jamie Carragher is among pundits who believe the older version of Ronaldo could cause a tactical ‘problem’.
      No-one doubts that Portugal frontman Ronaldo is an all-time great – for Real Madrid, Juventus and United.
      But CV and reputation alone can’t sustain a playing career.
      So who do you reckon will be right? Or could it be a mixture of both – a ‘giant’ headache?
      Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
      Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
      AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.

      The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
      However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
      But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
      The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
      Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
      David de Stayer
      David de Gea is set to sign a new Manchester United contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2025.
      The 31-year-old has 12 months remaining on his current deal, but Ekrem Konur understands that the Spaniard is ready to pen a two-year extension.
      De Gea joined the Red Devils in 2011, and is closing in on 500 appearances for the club.
      Meanwhile, United have announced a pre-season friendly with De Gea’s former club Atletico Madrid.
      The fixture will be played in Oslo on July 30, a week before the new Premier League season is scheduled to start.
      James starts to Garner interest
      Southampton are keeping close tabs on Manchester United’s plans for James Garner.
      The Athletic report that there are several admirers of the young midfielder within the Saints hierarchy, who have been impressed during the player’s loan spell with Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
      The south coast club are waiting to hear what Erik ten Hag has in store for Garner, but would be interested in doing a deal on either a permanent or temporary basis.
      The 21-year-old has scored four times and laid on eight assists in 41 league games for Forest this season, helping to propel them to Sunday’s play-off final at Wembley.

      United best placed for Pau
      Manchester United are leading the race to land Villarreal defender Pau Torres, according to reports in Spain.
      AS (via Sport Witness) suggest that it is United who are best placed to sign the 25-year-old among several interested parties from the Premier League.
      Tottenham attempted to land the Spanish international last year, but were knocked back ahead of the Yellow Submarine’s semi-final assault on the Champions League.
      New United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly stated that he wants the Red Devils to bring in Torres ‘at all costs’ as he begins to reshape his side’s defence.

      Breaking: Lee Grant announces retirement
      Manchester United back-up goalkeeper Lee Grant has announced his immediate retirement from the game at the age of 39.
      The stopper began his career at Derby 20 years ago, and has since played for Burnley, Oldham, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke.
      He told the club’s official website: “After 511 appearances, I’ve decided it’s the right time to move into the next stage of my career.
      “There have been so many fun moments mixed in with the odd challenge, but I’m grateful for each and every one.
      “Fulfilling a boyhood dream of playing for Manchester United was something I thought was out of reach, so to have achieved that fills me with great pride and emotion!”

      Red Devils were in for Scarlett
      Manchester United approached Tottenham last month to enquire about young striker Dane Scarlett, it has been revealed.
      Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News reports that the Red Devils were interested in bringing the 18-year-old to Old Trafford, only to discover that he had signed a new deal with Spurs just days earlier.
      United’s outgoing director of football negotiations Matt Judge had identified Scarlett as a potential recruit with the player in the final months of his previous deal with the North Londoners.
      The teenager made seven appearances for the Spurs first team last season, having become the club’s youngest Premier League player the previous campaign.
      De Gea to pen new deal
      David de Gea is set to sign a new Manchester United contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2025.
      The 31-year-old has 12 months remaining on his current deal, but Ekrem Konur understands that the Spaniard is ready to pen a two-year extension.
      De Gea joined the Red Devils in 2011, and is closing in on 500 appearances for the club.
      Meanwhile, United have announced a pre-season friendly with De Gea’s former club Atletico Madrid.
      The fixture will be played in Oslo on July 30, a week before the new Premier League season is scheduled to start.

      United to open Nkunku bidding
      Manchester United will open the bidding for RB Leipzig’s in-demand Christopher Nkunku with a £60m offer, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.
      The Red Devils have long been tracking the 24-year-old, who has just completed a sensational season in Germany.
      The forward struck 35 goals in all competitions, and weighed in with 20 assists too as Leipzig finished fourth in the Bundesliga.
      Following the appointment of Erik ten Hag, the Premier League club are now ready to begin the business of overhauling their squad.
      However, it has emerged in the past 24 hours that Chelsea are ready to rival United for the French international.
      Bayern ‘keeping eye’ on Rashford
      Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on Marcus Rashford’s ongoing situation at Manchester United.
      The English international endured a frustrating 2021-22 campaign, and had entertained the possibility of a move away from the hometown club that he joined as a seven-year-old.
      The revelation earlier in the year had put a number of teams on red alert, and Bayern have maintained their interest despite the Red Devils’ recent change in regime.
      The Telegraph understand that Rashford now wishes to stay and fight for his place under new boss Erik ten Hag, but could a bid from the German giants be too much to ignore?

      Good morning United fans
      Villarreal star Pau Torres’ agents will travel to Manchester this week to negotiate a contract with United.
      According to reports, the centre-back is one of the players up for grabs and is valued at just £45million.
      Manchester United ace Anthony Martial is on his way back to Old Trafford after Sevilla rejected the chance to sign him.
      Martial joined the Andalusians on loan during the January transfer window but he missed six games through injury, scored just one goal and was even jeered by his own fans in a miserable spell.
      Chelsea are “ready to launch a bid” for RB Leipzig forward and United transfer target Christopher Nkunku, claim reports.
      New manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo is part of his plans for next season.
      Boss Ten Hag has also met with kitchen staff as he wants to look at weekly menus and choose what will stay or go, according to SunSport’s Daniel Cutts.
      Ten Hag will speak to the groundsmen about daily training set-ups for drills ahead of pre-season as well.
      The 52-year-old is a real stickler for detail, even down to the length of the grass on different pitches.
      Torres agents coming to Manchester
      Villarreal star Pau Torres’ agents will travel to Manchester this week to negotiate a contract with United.
      That is providing an agreement can be struck with the Yellow Submarine first.
      According to Deportes de Periodico Mediterraneo, the centre-back is one of the players up for grabs and is valued at just £45million.
      The Red Devils are among those keen and it’s also claimed that the Spain international’s agents Tarraga and Fores would be willing to travel to Manchester as early as this week to negotiate a contract.
      The 25-year-old has been made available this summer due to the La Liga club’s financial struggles

      Meet the Rashfords
      Premier League ace Marcus Rashford proposed to his childhood sweetheart while on a romantic trip to Hollywood.
      The Manchester United forward, 24, popped the question to Lucia Loi, also 24, as they toured celebrity hangouts in Los Angeles.
      Rashford shared a romantic image to mark the special occasion.
      Congrats Marcus!

      Ant good enough
      Manchester United ace Anthony Martial is on his way back to Old Trafford after Sevilla rejected the chance to sign him.
      Martial joined the Andalusians on loan during the January transfer window but he missed six games through injury, scored just one goal and was even jeered by his own fans in a miserable spell.
      Sevilla president Jose Castro said: “Anthony Martial will return to Man United.
      “We spent important money on him but it didn’t work. Also, he had injuries and we’re not going to buy him on a permanent deal”
      Lingard of honour
      Marcus Rashford was spotted leaving a swanky restaurant in Los Angeles with Jesse Lingard on Wednesday.
      The pair may have been tucking into a farewell meal for Lingard who is set to leave United on a free transfer this summer.
      Lingard’s contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in the summer and the winger has no intention of penning a new deal with the Red Devils.
      The winger could remain in the Premier League with West Ham keen on giving him a new home following his successful loan spell in East London during the second half of the 2020/21 season.
      Van de Beek district
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is relishing working with former Everton loanee Donny van de Beek.
      The two men had a successful partnership at Ajax that saw them winning the Double and making it to the Champions League semi-finals.
      Ten Hag said: “Of course we had a fantastic squad in that time in Ajax.
      “We had a fantastic relationship and I look forward to seeing him again”
      Don’t be Rash
      Marcus Rashford is poised to turn down Bayern Munich and fight for his place under new boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
      Rashford was thought to be considering a move away from United following a poor season where he only scored five times in 32 matches across all competitions.
      However, it seems Rashford still wants to prove his worth to the Red Devils, according to The Telegraph.
      Ten Hag’s plan to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title has resonated with Rashford.
      And to show his intent, Rashford plans to put himself through some intense training in the USA.
      The England international will travel to America for a grueling training schedule next month, before linking back up with his United teammates on June 27, the report adds.
      Chelsea in for Man Utd target Nkunku
      Chelsea are “ready to launch a bid” for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, claim reports.
      GOAL report that Chelsea sense a chance to get their man.
      Nkunku was named Bundesliga’s Player of the Season.
      The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has been constantly linked with a move to United, who sent scouts to watch him in action in April.
      United’s pursuit was given a boost when it was reported that the France international was open to a Premier League switch.
      And now it appears the Blues have joined the race to sign Nkunku.
      Laying down the law
      New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is already undergoing a huge internal review as his plans to overhaul the club begin, according to SunSport’s Daniel Cutts.
      Ten Hag has begun his United rebuild at their training ground, with ambitions to lead the club back to the Premier League’s elite crew.
      SunSport understands the different support departments at the Carrington training complex have been told of his plans.
      The Dutch tactician wants to spend time with each of them to see how they work and meet the staff on a personal level.
      This includes everyone from the technical analysis team to the nutritionists and conditioners
      It’s still Ron
      New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo is part of his plans for next season.
      Ronaldo’s future has been uncertain for quite a few months and there were questions as to whether Ten Hag was planning to hold onto him.
      But the Dutch tactician has put all the speculation to rest after being asked if he wants the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to stay: “Of course!”
      Ten Hag was then asked what Ronaldo brings, to which he responded “goals”.
      Ten Hag taking over
      New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has also met with kitchen staff as he wants to look at weekly menus and choose what will stay or go, according to SunSport’s Daniel Cutts.
      Ten Hag will speak to the groundsmen about daily training set-ups for drills ahead of pre-season as well.
      The 52-year-old is a real stickler for detail, even down to the length of the grass on different pitches.
      A source said: “He’s bringing his own style. It feels like an army leader getting his troops in order.”
      The Dutch tactician took an official tour of the Aon Training Complex earlier this week and had his first press conference on Monday afternoon.
      And Ten Hag has already warned his players of his brutal work ethic and preparation plans ahead of the new campaign
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Torres agents coming to Manchester
      Villarreal star Pau Torres’ agents will travel to Manchester this week to negotiate a contract with United.
      That is providing an agreement can be struck with the Yellow Submarine first.
      According to Deportes de Periodico Mediterraneo, the centre-back is one of the players up for grabs and is valued at just £45million.
      The Red Devils are among those keen and it’s also claimed that the Spain international’s agents Tarraga and Fores would be willing to travel to Manchester as early as this week to negotiate a contract.
      The 25-year-old has been made available this summer due to the La Liga club’s financial struggles

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      Nketiah’s £100k per week contract, Arsenal ‘pull plug’ on Partey, Saliba’s new deal, Martinez REJECTS Gunners – latest

      by

      EDDIE NKETIAH is set to STAY at Arsenal having been offered a whopping new contract according to reports.Nketiah, 22, had been linked with moving away on a free transfer this summer but it has now been reported he is set to sign a new five-year deal with the club which will see him earn around £100k per week.
      Meanwhile, Arsenal have requested that the Ghana football association do not include Thomas Partey in their squad.
      Elsewhere, the pathway for William Saliba’s return could be clearing up as reports suggest that Arsenal want the Frenchman as part of the project.
      And reports suggest that summer target Lautaro Martinez has rejected a move to North London in the upcoming transfer market.
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      U-21s not backseat for Rowe
      Lee Carsley says Emile Smith Rowe should not see his inclusion back in the England U21 squad as a “demotion”.
      And the Young Lions chief fully expects Arsenal star Smith Rowe to be on top of his game, despite having been in the senior set-up last time out.
      Smith Rowe came off the bench in England’s 3-0 win over Ivory Coast in March, and now has three senior caps and a goal to his name.
      But Gareth Southgate overlooked him for his latest squad, leaving Carsley to select him for the four Euro qualifiers the U21s play in June.
      But Carsley said: “We don’t want them to see it as a demotion. Ultimately your club form takes care of that. 
      “Our job is to maybe let them kick-start themselves again or maybe come into form and score some goals.
      “It’s such a high standard in the seniors that it’s almost a conveyor belt where you need to perform weekly in, week out. 
      “The way Gareth communicates to the players when they go up always leaves that opportunity to come back across and play with us.”
      Who’s Gunning a move?
      Arsenal are set for a busy summer transfer window as they prepare for the demands of European football next season.
      Betfair have revealed the four most likely players to arrive at the Emirates Stadium with Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus the current favourite.

      Mikel Arteta will be in the market for new players in a number of positions, with improving their squad depth being the main focus point due to a much busier fixture list for next season.
      For much of the run-in towards the end of the Premier League season it looked as though Arsenal would be preparing to welcome Champions League football for the first time in six years.
      Two losses in their final three games, to Tottenham and Newcastle, meant a four point cushion over their North London rivals vanished, with the Gunners finishing fifth, two points shy of Spurs.
      Arsenal’s eighth-place finish in 2021 meant that the Gunners had no European football to deal with this season, so the requirement of having to play twice a week for most weeks next season will encourage the need for a deeper, stronger squad.
      Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is the name most heavily linked with Arsenal at the moment.
      Arsenal are in need of a striker with the departure of Alexandre Lacazette looking likely, and the contract saga of Eddie Nketiah still looking uncertain.
      BETFAIR ODDS

      Gabriel Jesus 4/9
      Youri Tielemans 10/11
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin 3/1
      James Maddison 4/1

      Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
      Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
      AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.

      The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
      However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
      But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
      The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
      Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
      Gunners put Doucoure under the Lens
      Arsenal are rated one of Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure’s main Prem admirers.
      The Gunners are planning a huge summer revamp this summer after missing out on Champions League football.

      There are reportedly twelve names that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has on his wishlist including Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.
      And the Mirror claim one player the Gunners are tracking is Doucoure who’s set to leave Lens for the Prem in the transfer window.
      The 22-year-old’s been in stellar form for Lens this season, providing four assists and one goal across 34 Ligue 1 appearances.
      And the Mali international now wants to try his hand in England where he’s not short on interest.
      My Wil is not to return
      Arsenal loanee William Saliba has yet again reiterated his desire to stay at Marseille after helping the club secure Champions League football.
      Quoted by GFFN after Marseille’s 4-0 win against Strasbourg, Saliba said: “I want to come back and play the Champions’ League.
      “I have never played in it and I want to discover it here.”
      Speaking earlier this month, the defender labelled L’OM as “my club” as declared it would be his “pleasure” to stay.
      Gunners Schick as a parrot
      Arsenal have been dealt another transfer blow by the news that long-term target Patrick Schick has penned a new deal with Bayer Leverkusen.
      The Czech has been a constant contender during Mikel Arteta’s search for a striker, and had been considered a realistic option this summer after the Gunners missed out on the Champions League.
      However, the 26-year-old has now committed his future to the Bundesliga outfit after signing a new five-year contract.
      Schick netted an impressive 24 goals in just 27 league appearances for Die Werkself last term.
      Arsenal pull plug on Partey
      Arsenal have reportedly contacted the Ghana Football Association to request that Thomas Partey is omitted from his country’s national squad ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and the Central Africa Republic.
      The 28-year-old, who missed the Gunners’ last nine games of the season with a hamstring injury, was expected to be called up by head coach Otto Addo.
      However, the Premier League club are still monitoring the player’s return to fitness, and have asked for him to be left out as a precaution.
      Saliba still part of plan
      William Saliba will not be sold this summer despite increasing interest from clubs across Europe.
      The 21-year-old has enjoyed another impressive season out on loan – this time at Marseille – in which he also broke into the French national team.
      The Ligue 1 side have been keen to make his loan move permanent while the likes of AC Milan have also been linked.
      However, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have reiterated that the player’s long-term future is at the Emirates, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      The Gunners plan to finally integrate Saliba within the first team next season.

      Gunners duo up for award
      Arsenal goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Bernd Leno are both up for the Premier League Save of the Season award.
      The Gunners are the only club to have two different stoppers on the ten-save shortlist.
      Ramsdale was nominated for his brilliant flying effort that tipped James Maddison’s free-kick on to the crossbar at Leicester back in October.
      Leno’s stop to deny Romelu Lukaku from close range on the opening weekend of the season is also among the contenders.
      You can vote for the award on the Premier League website.

      Gnabry a no-go this summer
      Serge Gnabry is open to a sensational return to Arsenal – but it won’t happen this summer after the Gunners missed out on Champions League football.
      BILD journalist Christian Falk reports that the Bayern Munich star has entertained the idea of a move back to the Premier League, and the club where he began his career.
      However, any deal is said to be currently financially unviable after the Gunners failed to finish in the top four.
      Instead, the North London outfit’s best hope of landing the 26-year-old lies in 2023 when Gnabry is out of contract at the Allianz Arena.

      Good morning Arsenal fans
      Arsenal star Mohamed Elneny has agreed a new contract to stay at the Emirates.
      The midfielder hardly featured for previous manager Unai Emery, which led to a loan to Besiktas in 2019, and he initially struggled under Mikel Arteta.
      However, the Egypt international has now emerged as a key member of the squad after he was given an opportunity following three straight defeats.
      Roma star Tammy Abraham is keen to return to London amid links with Arsenal.
      According to reports, Abraham would be keen to return to the capital.
      Despite William Saliba not wanting to return to Arsenal, boss Mikel Arteta wants him BACK.
      Arteta is now finally keen to integrate his young star into his Arsenal defence.
      And the Gunners have made Eddie Nketiah a final contract offer to keep him at the Emirates Stadium.
      Reports claim there is growing confidence that Nketiah will stay at the club despite increasing interest from West Ham and Crystal Palace.
      Youri Tielemans boost
      Arsenal received a major transfer boost in their bid to sign Leicester star Youri Tielemans.
      According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Tielemans is “keen” on a move to the Emirates.
      The midfielder has stood out at the King Power Stadium this season and has been linked with a move away.
      Manchester United and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the Belgium international.
      Tammy Abraham boost
      Roma star Tammy Abraham is keen to return to London amid links with Arsenal.
      According to Metro, Abraham would be keen to return to the capital following his stint with Chelsea.
      The striker has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign with the Giallorossi and has amassed 27 goals as well as five assists in 52 matches across all competitions.
      That has led to interest from the North Londoners, according to Football London.

      Nketiah given a final contract offer, say reports
      Arsenal have made Eddie Nketiah a final contract offer to keep him at the Emirates Stadium, writes Alex Smith.
      The Daily Mail are reporting that there is growing confidence that Nketiah will stay at the club despite increasing interest from West Ham and Crystal Palace.
      The striker had reportedly rejected the chance to extend his current deal, which is up this summer.
      But having enjoyed a run in the starting XI at the end of the season, he may now have been convinced to stay.

      Mikel Arteta is supposedly a big fan of Nketiah and with Alexandre Lacazette leaving the club there is a chance he continues as first choice striker next season.
      The 22-year-old started eight league games for the Gunners this campaign scoring five goals.
      No says Sal
      Arsenal loanee William Saliba has yet again reiterated his desire to stay at Marseille after helping the club secure Champions League football.
      Quoted by GFFN after Marseille’s 4-0 win against Strasbourg, Saliba said: “I want to come back and play the Champions’ League.
      “I have never played in it and I want to discover it here.”
      Speaking earlier this month, the defender labelled L’OM as “my club” as declared it would be his “pleasure” to stay.
      Sali-back says Arteta
      Despite William Saliba not wanting to return to Arsenal, boss Mikel Arteta wants him BACK.
      Arteta is now finally keen to integrate his young star into his Arsenal defence.
      He told RMC: “William Saliba has to come back. He has the experience to be competitive with us. We sent him to Marseille for his growth.”
      “William wanted to be regular starter as you know but now we want him back at Arsenal.”
      Saliba’s impressive season with Marseille led to him being named as the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year.
      The move to the south of France was the third loan deal Arsenal have arranged for Saliba since signing him, following stints at Saint-Etienne and Nice.
      William Saliba has to come back.Mikel ArtetaRMC
      Van Persie helps Nelson
      Arsenal legend Robin van Persie has been helping his former club out by giving Feyenoord loanee Reiss Nelson tips.
      Nelson told The Athletic: “Yeah, I speak with him.
      “Sometimes he comes over on a Wednesday, before Europa Conference League games on a Thursday.
      “I ask him about what positions I need to be getting in. Certain movements I need to be doing, certain finishes.
      “He’s amazing. He makes it so much simpler for you to understand. Sometimes the ball will come inside, and you go to smash it.
      “He’s just like, ‘Look, make sure you get [good] contact, make sure your body is this way, make sure you just want to hit it into the corner’”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Arteta on Elneny
      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is “delighted” with Mohamed Elneny’s new contract.
      Arteta said: “Mo is a really important part of the team.
      “He brings endless energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the team and is loved by everyone.
      “He’s an important player for us on and off the pitch, a real role model to our younger players and I’m delighted he’s staying”
      El and back
      Arsenal star Mohamed Elneny has agreed a new contract to stay at the Emirates.
      The midfielder hardly featured for previous manager Unai Emery, which led to a loan to Besiktas in 2019, and he initially struggled under Mikel Arteta.
      However, the Egypt international has now emerged as a key member of the squad after he was given an opportunity following three straight defeats.
      Fabrizio Romano claims that he has agreed an extension until 2023 with the option for an additional 12 months – that was backed up by Sam Dean of The Telegraph.
      And, according to Football London, he may have already signed the respective paperwork
      Houssem Aouar latest
      Lyon are open to selling former Arsenal target Houssem Aouar in the summer.
      According to RMC, the Ligue 1 giants have opened the door for Aouar to leave.
      Real Betis, Real Sociedad and two unnamed English clubs are interested in the midfielder.
      The Gunners have been continuously linked with the France international in the last two years
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Youri Tielemans boost
      Arsenal received a major transfer boost in their bid to sign Leicester star Youri Tielemans.
      According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Tielemans is “keen” on a move to the Emirates.
      The midfielder has stood out at the King Power Stadium this season and has been linked with a move away.
      Manchester United and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the Belgium international
      Jesus loves you
      Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus is still open to joining Arsenal despite Mikel Arteta’s men failing to secure a Champions League spot.
      Jesus has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates as well as Tottenham, with SunSport understanding the Gunners are in pole position to sign him.
      The potential transfer is still on according to Globo Esporte, with the forward prepared to miss out on Europe’s premier competition.
      The report adds that the Brazil international’s agents will now meet with City to present offers for the striker with the club hoping to fetch a fee between £42million-£52m.
      Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has declared that Arsenal have made signing Jesus their top priority

      Tammy Abraham boost
      Roma star Tammy Abraham is keen to return to London amid links with Arsenal.
      According to Metro, Abraham would be keen to return to the capital following his stint with Chelsea.
      The striker has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign with the Giallorossi and has amassed 27 goals as well as five assists in 52 matches across all competitions.
      That has led to interest from the North Londoners, according to Football London.

      Arsenal target Hlozek
      Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sparta Prague ace Adam Hlozek ahead of the summer transfer window.
      According to The Athletic, Hlozek is of interest as a backup to a more established forward.
      However, Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be interested in the 19-year-old’s signature.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his attack as he is likely to lose both Alexandre Lacazette as well as Eddie Nketiah, who are out of contract in June
      Credit: AFP
      Better call Sal
      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed he is finally ready to welcome William Saliba into his squad.
      Arteta told RMC: “William Saliba has to come back.
      “He has the experience to be competitive with us. We sent him to Marseille for his growth.
      “William wanted to be regular starter as you know but now we want him back at Arsenal”.
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