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    Arsenal ‘in Joshua Kimmich talks’ as Gunners step up transfer chase after Bayern Munich contract offer ‘withdrawn’

    ARSENAL are stepping up their interest in Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, reports in Germany say. Kimmich’s future in Munich is in question following speculation that the Bundesliga leaders withdrew a contract extension. Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their interest in Bayern Munich’s Joshua KimmichCredit: GettyHis current deal expires in 2028 and according to Sky in Germany, Arsenal have held talks with the midfielder over a move. It comes amid speculation 33-year-old Jorginho is ready to leave the Gunners in the summer when his deal expires. But they are believed to be in competition with at least two others clubs outside of Germany for Kimmich.Bild that first reported Bayern had withdrawn their contract offer to the 30-year-old Champions League winner.READ MORE ON ABut an extension has not been ruled out completely with Bayern said to still want to keep Kimmich – who can also play at right-back. Arsenal have been linked with Kimmich for over a year now – with Germany team-mate Kai Havertz rumoured to have helped in talks. Bayern are top of the Bundesliga by eight points and travel to Stuttgart next – but Kimmich is ruled out due to a hamstring problem.Manager Vincent Kompany said: “We only have our sights set on Stuttgart. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But he probably won’t be travelling with us. The game is probably too early for him.”Kimmich went off injured in Bayern’s 4-0 win over Frankfurt in their last match. He has 36 appearances this season with one goal to his name. Benni McCarthy and John Barnes troll Sammy Kuffour about 1999 Champions League Final More

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    Arsenal ‘expected to sign big-money midfielder with lots of work done on Sesko and notable exit in summer transfer plan’

    IT IS set to be a busy summer at Arsenal with moves for a striker, midfielder and goalkeeper all being worked on, according to reports.Mikel Arteta’s side appear to have once again failed in their bid to win the title this season, with their 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest now leaving them 13 points behind Liverpool.Mikel Arteta’s influence on Arsenal transfers and the club’s future plans has been revealedCredit: GettyArteta wants to sign Alexander IsakCredit: ReutersBenjamin Seskois edging closer to a moveCredit: RexArteta wanted to sign Ollie Watkins in JanuaryCredit: RexAfter three years of playing second fiddle to Manchester City and now Liverpool, they are set to invest heavily in a new forward or two this summer.The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports two big names in the attacking department.The first is Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who Arteta “loves”, while the other is Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal are said to have done a lot of work on to complete a deal.Ornstein reports how Arsenal are in a strong financial position with PSR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, with other plans to bring in midfielder Martin Zubimendi and a new back-up goalkeeper, a major departure may be needed to ensure this PSR position is not compromised.Ornstein also spoke about the influence of Arteta in the transfer process and how his voice impacted the recent January window.He explained that while Arteta was a hugely influential voice and wanted to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, he does not control the purse strings at the Emirates.Mathys Tel, who eventually signed on loan for Tottenham, was discussed internally but was not pursued as the club wanted a natural No9.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArsenal suffered a huge blow to their title bid just days after the transfer window closed when Kai Havertz picked up a season-ending injury during the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai.The club have failed to score in both of their last two games, which has all but ended their hopes of winning the title barring a miraculous comeback.Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka Arsenal ratings vs Forest as NOBODY looks like scoring for Gunners but Saliba’s a Rolls Royce againMIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.But his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.But the fact the Gunners’ biggest threat at the other end of the pitch came from left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who was subbed off at half-time – says it all about the dire situation Arsenal somehow find themselves in.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays… More

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    Chelsea chief Todd Boehly proposes dramatic rule change that would see EFL clubs become Premier League owners

    TODD Boehly has proposed dramatic rule change to help bridge the gap between the Premier League and the Championship.The under-fire Chelsea chief also took the chance to brush off the fan protest outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.Todd Boehly proposed dramatic rule change to help bridge the gap in English footballCredit: GettyFans descended before Tuesday’s league game against SouthamptonBoehly drew upon his knowledge as an investor to suggest a ground-breaking rule change for the Prem to boost competitiveness.Speaking at the Financial Times’ Business of Football summit, Boehly explained: “There is a bit of an unorganised landscape in European football.”It reminds me of the Retail Sports Network market in America. There is a handful of things that needs to be sorted.”One of the challenges is relegation in football. It’s hard to price. If everyone was equal, you’d have a 15 per cent chance of relegation.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS”But everyone isn’t equal, so you have to work out how best to address that valuation challenge.”Relegation is cultural and not going anywhere. So why not every season when a team is in the EPL, you get one share of EPL stock and even if you go down you keep that stock.”The gulf between the Championship and Prem cannot be understated.Last season saw all three promoted sides, Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United, suffer immediate relegation for the first time since 1998.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe same fate currently awaits Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, with the trio occupying the drop zone with 11 matches remaining.But Boehly also shrugged off the fan protests which preceded Chelsea’s 4-0 win over the Saints on Tuesday.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyHe said: “I just think it is par for the course.”The sooner you learn you are not going to keep all the people happy all the time, the freedom shows up.”We are just trying to execute a plan and recognise things aren’t linear, and we are trending in the right direction.”The trend is moving in the right direction and that’s the thing that really matters.”In June, it will be three years in charge. That’s not a lot of time, especially when you get to 50, 60 or 70 years old in life.”Promoted Southampton sit bottom of the Prem with two wins from 27 gamesCredit: PASupporters directed their anger towards Todd Boehly and ownership group BlueCoOn Chelsea’s poor No 9 recruitment, he added: “Strikers are hard to find.”You don’t go into the grocery store and say, ‘I’m going to get a striker’.”It is an amazing skillset and you also have to have a fantastic mentality.”The final question by moderator Arash Massoudi was whether the ownership will change given the talk of disagreements between him and Clearlake. He answered: “Listen, I can’t predict the future. If I could, I wouldn’t be here talking to you.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca’s side are well in the hunt for a top four finish after beating the Saints this week.The Blues are one point adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City in fifth.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade More

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    Premier League TV games announced with Man Utd vs Man City time revealed and huge Chelsea clash on Thursday night

    THE Premier League have confirmed April’s TV fixtures.Several high-profile matches have been moved in order to be shown on the box.The Manchester derby is set to be shown live on TVCredit: PAThe Manchester derby is now set to take place on Sunday, 6 April – kicking off at 4:30pm live on Sky Sports.This will be one of four Manchester United matches to be shown on TV next month.Their trip to Nottingham Forest will be broadcast on TNT Sports on April 1.While their trip to Newcastle will now take place on Sunday, 13 April at 4:30pm to be shown on Sky Sports.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBournemouth vs Man Utd will also be shown on Sky Sports, kicking off at 2pm on Sunday, 27 April.Chelsea’s feisty London clash with Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, has been moved back 24 hours to take place on Thursday, 3 April and will also be shown on Sky.Both sides will be well accustomed to playing on Thursday nights by now, having both reached the latter stages of the Europa Conference League and Europa League, respectively.Among the other standouts is Liverpool’s Anfield derby with Everton.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe game will feature Arne Slot back in the dugout following his ban, and will be shown live on Sky Sports at 8pm on Wednesday, 2 April.League leaders Liverpool will have their West London clash with Fulham televised by Sky, kicking off at 2pm on Sunday, 6 April ahead of the Manchester derby.I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in the Premier League and it was like no otherEvery single one of the Reds’ matches in April will be shown on TV – with games against West Ham, Leicester and Tottenham all to be shown on Sky Sports.There will be four Monday Night Football offerings on Sky in April.Leicester vs Newcastle, Bournemouth vs Fulham, Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest and Manchester City vs Aston Villa are the matches that have been selected.April Prem TV fixtures in fullTuesday 1 April20:00 Nottingham Forest v Man Utd (TNT Sports)Wednesday 2 April20:00 Liverpool v Everton (Sky Sports)Thursday 3 April20:00 Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur (Sky Sports)Saturday 5 April12:30 Everton v Arsenal (TNT Sports)17:30 Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 6 April14:00 Fulham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)16:30 Man Utd v Man City (Sky Sports)Monday 7 April20:00 Leicester City v Newcastle United (Sky Sports)Saturday 12 April12:30 Man City v Crystal Palace (TNT Sports)17:30 Arsenal v Brentford (Sky Sports)Sunday 13 April14:00 Liverpool v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Newcastle United v Man Utd (Sky Sports)Monday 14 April20:00 AFC Bournemouth v Fulham (Sky Sports)Saturday 19 April17:30 Aston Villa v Newcastle United (Sky Sports)Sunday 20 April 14:00 Ipswich Town v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Leicester City v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 21 April20:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Nottingham Forest (Sky Sports)Saturday 26 April12:30 Chelsea v Everton (TNT Sports)17:30 Arsenal v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Sunday 27 April14:00 AFC Bournemouth v Man Utd (Sky Sports)16:30 Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur (Sky Sports)Monday 28 April 20:00 Man City v Aston Villa (Sky Sports) More

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    David Coote slapped with lengthy Uefa ban for bringing the sport of football into disrepute

    DAVID COOTE has been banned from officiating by Uefa until 2026.Coote, 42, had already been sacked by the PGMOL in December following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.David Coote has been banned by UefaCredit: GettyNow Uefa have hit him with a ban of their own, effective immediately and running until June 30, 2026.Uefa revealed that Coote has been banned for “bringing the sport of football, and Uefa in particular, into disrepute”, as well as “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.The European football governing body opened an investigation into Coote following The Sun’s exclusive video of Coote snorting a white power while on duty at Euro 2024.Coote’s ban means he can no longer officiate in the Nations League, Champions League, Europa League or Uefa Conference League.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEWhile, despite him already being sacked, Uefa’s jurisdiction over the English leagues means he won’t be able to officiate in the Premier League either. Coote was initially suspended by the PGMOL following a video emerging online of the referee calling then-Liverpool manager a “German c***”.Paul Field, chairman of the ­Referees’ Association, had said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.Most read in FootballVideo emerged showing Coote snorting a white powder“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”While Coote himself had said he would like to return to officiating in some form.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powderHe added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge. “But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Coote revealed that he is gay – suggesting that hiding his sexuality is one of the contributing factors to his actions.He said : “My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position.”But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.”Coote was also subject to an investigation over allegations related to bookings given to Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski in the 2019/20 Championship campaign.It was claimed that Coote has discussed the possibility of showing Alioski a yellow card with a third party before the game.However, it is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.Coote maintained his innocence on the matter in a statement and claimed he has always held the “integrity of the game in the highest regard”.A statement read: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”Coote told The Sun he is gay in an exclusive interviewCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Chelsea’s leadership group revealed with no Cole Palmer and forgotten star who hasn’t played for FOUR YEARS

    CHELSEA’S leadership group has reportedly been revealed amid their torrid run.The West Londoners have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions, in which they’ve conceded eleven goals.Several Chelsea players were reportedly frustrated by a lack of leadership from senior players in recent weeksCredit: REUTERSSkipper Reece James is said to have reacted by arranging a team meal to boost moraleCredit: REXEnzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are said to be part of Chelsea’s leadership groupCredit: GETTYThe downturn in form has seen Enzo Maresca’s troops surrender fourth place to struggling Prem champions Manchester City.And the leadership shown by senior players in recent weeks has reportedly prompted “concerns” from several squad members.The Athletic claims the concerned players made their thoughts known to skipper Reece James and other figures in the leadership group.James is said to have promptly arranged a team meal in a bid to boost morale.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThe Blues’ leadership group is said to consist of defenders Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo, as well as midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is also reportedly part of the group – despite having not played in nearly four years and having only made one appearance for the club.Chelsea stopped a three-game losing streak on Tuesday with a 4-0 thrashing of Championship-bound Southampton.Maresca told the BBC: “[I’m] very happy [with the result]. We said already that from now on every game is important.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSForgotten stopper Marcus Bettinelli is also said to be part of the leadership groupCredit: GETTY”And if we get three points, it’s even better. First of all, every game is tricky and anything can happen.”We have to embrace that and we started the game in the right way.Cole Palmer left bemused as Chelsea star is asked about fighting giant chicken wing “This is the worst game because everyone takes it for granted. It’s dangerous.”I think the performance was there. Even the last game against Aston Villa the performance was there.The Blues will be back in action next Thursday, travelling to Denmark to take on FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Europa Conference League last 16 tie. More

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    Humble Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims he will NEVER agree to replace a sacked manager after turning down 40 jobs

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed why he snubbed former club Molde.The Norwegian, 52, was out of work for three years following his Manchester United exit.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge of Besiktas last monthCredit: RexHe returned to the dugout last month, replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst after he was let go Besiktas.Speaking to The Athletic, Solskjaer revealed that he turned down “at least 40″ jobs as he waited for the right opportunity.Among them were Molde, where he worked between 2011 and 2014, and 2015 to 2018.Solskjaer could have replaced Erling Moe, who worked as his No2 at Molde, as boss.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut that did not sit right with him.”It’s a big thing for me,” he admitted. “I’d never take a job which someone had been released from without their agreement.”Moe, 54, has since reunited with Solskjaer as his assistant in Turkey.When it was raised that he was in the fortunate financial position to be able to say no, Solskjaer added: “I get that, but that’s me. I’ve just had three years out of management.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSErling Moe was Solskjaer’s assistant at MoldeCredit: AFP”I didn’t waste that time: I studied, worked for Uefa where I studied tactical trends, went to games, coached my son’s under-16s team.”I really enjoyed it and being with family. I’ve spent nights with Man Utd supporters and I’ve loved that connection.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Besiktas for having ‘no scouting department’ after suffering humiliating Europa League exit “I had so much positive feedback that I started to think ‘Yeah, I did alright actually as a manager’.”Solskjaer has had a promising start to life at Besiktas.The Turkish giants won their country’s domestic cup last season, but had been languishing in seventh when Solskjaer arrived.He has since taken charge of eight games in all competitions; winning six, drawing one and losing just once.Quizzed if he has spoken to Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho since moving to Turkey, Solskjaer said: “No, but we’ll play them soon. I have huge respect for Jose and what he’s done in football.”We’ve never really sat down and spoken for a long time because it was Covid time when I was at United and he was at Spurs. But I’ll see him soon when we meet.”Besiktas are scheduled to face Fenerbahce away from home on May 4.Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho are set to reunite in TurkeyCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group More

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    Floyd Mayweather splashes astonishing £1.4MILLION on 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch to celebrate 48th birthday

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER treated himself to a 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch worth £1.4MILLION to celebrate his 48th birthday.The boxing legend – who made close to £1BILLION in his career – is known to collect expensive jewellery. Floyd Mayweather treated himself to a 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch worth £1.4mCredit: Pristine JewelersThe watch was made by the Pristine JewelersCredit: Pristine JewelersThe watch is a one-of-oneCredit: Pristine JewelersAnd he lived up to his Money monicker after splashing out the $1.8m (£1.4m) on a custom timepiece. He visited New York’s opulent diamond district and the Pristine Jewelers to collect his newest addition. Mayweather’s friends Avi Davidov and Ofir Ben Shimon handed him the “One of One” watch to commemorate the launch of his new workout supplement brand Youare101.Avi and Ofir are celebrity jewellers and masterminded Cardi B’s £400,000 diamond engagement ring.READ MORE IN boxing Daily Mail footage reveals Ofir showing off the watch and saying: “This watch was made specifically for the champ Floyd Money Mayweather, a one of one piece.” And Mayweather said: “Avi and Ofir have been my close friends for over a decade. “This watch was crafted by them personally and is very special. And cost a pretty penny.” Mayweather’s most expensive piece was the $18m (£14.2m) he paid for the Billionaire Watch – embedded with 239 diamonds – made by Jacob & Co. Most read in BoxingMayweather’s £14m Jacob & Co watchCredit: INSTAGRAMThe boxing legend made close to £1bn in boxingCredit: InstagramCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe American retired from boxing in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor. But he has continued to box in exhibition bouts against stars from the boxing, MMA and social media world. And he took aim at 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 28, when probed on a potential fight by Jimmy Fallon. Mayweather said: “Easy. Easy. Too easy. At 48, too easy.”Floyd Mayweather took aim at Jake Paul amid talk of a fightCredit: AFP More