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      Arsenal ‘match Chelsea’s £51m offer for Ousmane Diomande’ with Sporting Lisbon star set to spark transfer battle

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      ARSENAL are set for a bidding war over Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande after matching Chelsea’s offer ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence at the end of the season and Diomande, 20, has stood out in his eyes after some impressive performances in Portugal.Arsenal have matched Chelsea’s offer for Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane DiomandeCredit: GettyDiomande has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe centre-back has been so influential for Ruben Amorim’s side that he has attracted interest from the Gunners and the Blues as well as Bayern Munich and Newcastle.At the beginning it was Chelsea that led the transfer chase with an offer of €60million (£51m), plus bonuses.According to Record, however, Arsenal have matched their rivals’ bid for the Ivory Coast international.However, Sporting value Diomande at €80m (£69m) and are in no rush to sell as his contract doesn’t run out until 2027.Read More on ArsenalTherefore, both Premier League giants may have to cough up a larger sum for the Ivorian’s services.However, the same source claims there’s a strong possibility the African star will leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer.Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the defender since 2022 when he was in still Midtjylland’s books.And now the North Londoners have informed both the player’s camp as well as Sporting about their intention to sign him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDiomande joined the Lisbon giants last year despite not making a single appearance for Midtjylland, who loaned him out to Portuguese minnows Mafra in his one and only year with the Danish outfit.The towering defender has since amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 29 appearances with the Primeira Liga team.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerArsenal and Chelsea are currently focused on the Premier League as Arteta’s men are pushing for a first title since 2004.Mauricio Pochettino’s men, on the other hand, are languishing in the bottom half of the table with five points separating them from seventh place, which usually leads to European qualification. More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea transfer blow as top target to begin new contract negotiations including bumper £102m release clause

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      SPORTING LISBON are opening talks on a new mage transfer release clause for Viktor Gykores to “protect” them from the Premier League clubs circling.The Swedish striker cost a club-record £17m last summer from Coventry City but he has already repaid that faith with his scintillating form.Sporting’s hope to convince Viktor Gyokeres to sign a new deal with an improved release clauseCredit: AFPThe 25-year-old has scored 27 goals in 33 appearances, as well as recording double figures in assists, to catch the eye of Europe’s big guns.Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the hotshot – with the latter allegedly having a £74m approach rejected in January.Previous reports had claimed that Sporting Lisbon were holding out for the £87m release clause fee that was part of his package.Now A Bola have claimed that the Portuguese league leaders want to secure him to a new agreement that would not only land Gyokeres a bumper pay rise but would also offer them “greater protection”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey are well aware of the growing interest in their star striker.As well as Arsenal and Chelsea, Bayern Munich are also keen to bring him to the Bundesliga while French giants Paris Saint-Germain have joined the transfer chase.This update also adds that several Spanish teams are in the hunt – but a host of the interested clubs may soon be ruled out of signing him.Sporting Lisbon are hoping that the reward of a pay rise would see Gykores pen his new contract and agree to a release clause of a whopping £102m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd that would ensure that any sale of their prized-asset would turn out to be a record departure for the club.The agents of Gykores, who was snapped up by Coventry in 2021 after failing to make the grade at Brighton, are also allegedly making a trip to Portugal in April.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd Sporting will be looking to use that time to thrash out terms on the updated agreement.Meanwhile, the transfer speculation does not seem to be having any adverse effect on the player himself.He fired a hat-trick against Boavista on Sunday as the 6-1 victory ensured they remain a point ahead of rivals Benfica, who have played a game more, at the top of the table.The forward will now be hoping to take that form on to the international stage with Sweden, who he has scored five times in 19 caps for.They take on Portugal away tonight in a friendly before taking on Albania on home turf on Monday. More

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      Chelsea ‘steal march on Arsenal and Newcastle in race for £68m Sporting star Ousmane Diomande’

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      CHELSEA are leading the race to sign Ousmane Diomande, according to reports.The defender, 20, has impressed since joining Sporting Lisbon from Midtjylland last year.Ousmane Diomande has impressed for Sporting Lisbon this seasonCredit: GettyHis strong performances for Sporting have already attracted plenty of Premier League interest.According to Portuguese paper Record, Chelsea are very keen on Diomande.They claim that the Blues have already made contact with his representatives ahead of potentially getting a deal done.Chelsea would reportedly be willing to pay around £51million up-front for the Ivory Coast international.READ MORE ON CHELSEASporting are claimed to want a further £17m in add-ons, which Record claim Chelsea would be willing to pay.Newcastle and Arsenal are also interested in Diomande.And should Chelsea’s potential FFP concerns lead to them having to tighten the purse strings this summer, Diomande could move to the Toon or Gunners.Elsewhere, Juventus are also believed to be interested in the commanding 6ft 3in ace.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL But the Serie A side would be unlikely to be able to match Sporting’s asking price.Diomande has made 43 appearances for the Portuguese giants since signing in January 2023.Pochettino reacts to Chelsea_s draw at Brentford, PAHis side currently top their league, while they are also fighting on the European front.Earlier this week Diomande featured as they drew 1-1 with Atalanta in the Europa League round of 16.They will travel to Italy next week for the second leg.Diomande, 20, was in action for Sporting earlier this weekCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham chasing transfer for former Man Utd target who has ARSENAL crest tattooed on body and idolised Patrick Vieira

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      TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon star and huge Arsenal fan Morten Hjulmand, according to reports.Spurs are claimed to have sent scouts to watch the midfielder in action.Morten Hjulmand has impressed for Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe midfielder has the Arsenal crest tattooed on his left armCredit: RexHjulmand, 24, has made no secret of his Arsenal obsession, however, and even has their crest tattooed on his upper left arm.According to Portuguese paper Record, Spurs sent scouts to watch him in action as Sporting beat rivals Benfica 2-1 last Thursday.They add that the North Londoners could launch a summer bid for the Dane, as they look to upgrade on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp.Hjulmand is claimed to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd speaking about how he got into the Gunners, he said: “My dad supported Arsenal and we watched games together when we were younger.”Hjulmand began his professional career with Austrian side Admira Wacker in 2018.He later earned a move to Italian side Lecce in 2021, before joining Sporting in a £15.4million deal last summer.The all-action ace has swiftly become a key man, making 36 appearances so far this term in all competitions.Most read in FootballManchester United are also claimed to be interested in Hjulmand.Earlier this year it was suggested that the Red Devils had sent scouts to watch him six times this season.Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video In January it was reported that Erik ten Hag’s side tried to offer Facundo Pellistri in part exchange for Hjulmand.United star Christian Eriksen has even acted as a mentor for the Sporting star, who broke into the Danish national team set-up last year.Hjulmand, 24, is said to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kidCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool ‘draw up two-man shortlist’ including ‘one of Europe’s brightest coaches’ if they fail to hire Xabi Alonso

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      LIVERPOOL have identified two alternatives to Xabi Alonso in their search for a new manager, according to reports.The Reds are on the lookout for a new boss with Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of the season.
      Xabi Alonso is wanted by LiverpoolCredit: AP
      Sporting’s Ruben Amorim is an alternativeCredit: Alamy
      Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann could be available in the summerCredit: AFP
      Alonso is believed to be the club’s first choice amid his stunning season at Bayer Leverkusen.
      The 42-year-old former Liverpool player has led the German side to top of the Bundesliga, the semi-final of the DFP-Pokal and the last-16 of the Europa League.
      With Alonso also attracting interest from Bayern Munich, Anfield chiefs are aware they need other options.
      Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann are on Liverpool’s wishlist, claims The Telegraph.
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      Amorim, 39 is a highly-rated young gaffer, guiding the club to their first league title in 19 years in 2021.
      He has since lifted two domestic cups and taken them into the knockout rounds in Europe.
      Meanwhile, Nagelsmann, 36, has had success at both RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich.
      He is currently in charge of the German national team and will take them into Euro 2024 this summer.
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      However, his contract expires after the tournament.
      Liverpool have also been linked with Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
      Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers More

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      I’m related to Brazil legend Zico… now I’m making my own way at top European club and Man Utd even came calling

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      TOP clubs from around Europe are in the battle to sign wonderkid Eduardo Quaresma.The centre-back is a distant relative of Brazil legend Zico.
      Eduardo Quaresma has been linked with several top clubsCredit: AFP
      He is a distant relative of Brazil great ZicoCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Zico, 70, is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in history.
      He earned 71 Brazil caps and was likened to Pele.
      And now Quaresma is trying to follow in his footsteps and already has several big clubs chasing his signature.
      Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan have all previously been linked with the centre-back.
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      Quaresma, 21, came through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon.
      The club’s academy has a reputation for nurturing top talents after bringing through the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo.
      After making his debut at the age of 18, Quaresma was then loaned out to Portuguese side Tondela and then he had a spell with Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim last season.
      He has now returned to Sporting and is a mainstay in the side, having played 25 times for the club.
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      However, unlike his famous relative Zico, the defender instead represents Portugal and not Brazil.
      He is still waiting for his first senior call-up, but he is a regular for their Under-21s.
      Zico has been asked about his connection to Quaresma, he said: “It is true that I have a Portuguese family, but I was not aware of this connection with the boy. 
      “I hope the boy is very successful, that he finds his place at the club, that he can make his dreams come true.
      “I sincerely hope that Eduardo brings much glory to Sporting and achieves success in his career. That’s what’s important.
      “It is also important that, regardless of your surnames, you continue to work.
      “The important thing is that he continues to dedicate himself and fight for his space, that he plays the football he knows.”
      Sporting Lisbon youngster’s debut goes ‘from heaven to hell in four minutes’ as team-mates rush to console him More

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      I’m the coach who discovered Cristiano Ronaldo – I knew he was destined for greatness after seeing three star qualities

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S former Sporting Lisbon Laszlo Boloni boss revealed the Portuguese icon was destined for greatness after spotting three key things.And his journey to become one of the best players in the world began with his first-team debut in August 2002.
      Laszlo Boloni revealed three key things he saw in Cristiano Ronaldo to know he was going to become one of the bestCredit: instagram
      Ronaldo has gone on to win 33 trophiesCredit: Getty
      The Al-Nassr star has gone on to win 33 trophies in his spell-bounding career, including seven league titles, five Champions Leagues, and a European Championship for Portugal.
      And at just 17-years-old was when Ronaldo made his first appearance in the 58th minute of Sporting CP’s Champions League qualifiers against Inter Milan.
      While the game ended 0-0 Sporting coach Boloni knew this was the beginning of something great for the youngster.
      The 70-year-old spotted not only his physical and technical ability but Ronaldo’s maturity that went beyond his years.
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      The Romanian said to Marca: “I went to see the youth team and asked if Cristiano could come along with the first team because he was in good physical condition, was really quick and had great technical ability.
      “None of this was a surprise. When I saw him in action, I decided that he wasn’t going to go back to playing with the youth team.
      “He played and behaved like someone way beyond his years. In the dressing room he was a bit of a joker, but on the pitch he was exceptional.
      “To have the level of maturity that he did isn’t common for someone of 16 to 17 years of age.
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      “I didn’t know that he was going to be one of the best ever, but I did know that, if he avoided injuries, he would be a very good player.”
      Boloni who is currently in the leading role at Ligue 1 side Mertz even said Ronaldo could overtake Portuguese greats Luis Figo and Eusebio.
      He continued: “At that time I was asked about him in an interview and I said that he would surpass Luis Figo and even Eusebio.
      “Comparing a young player to those two, who are considered Gods in Portugal, caused me some problems. Ronaldo, though, has proven that I was right all along.”
      During the strikers youth playing days, Boloni also revealed how Ronaldo even played in the wing
      He added: “He was young and only weighed 60kg, so it was going to be difficult for him to hold up the ball when up against 100kg center-backs.
      “On the flank, with the speed and dribbling ability he had, he would be far more effective.”
      Alongside the Real Madrid icon during his early days in Lisbon was Fabio Paim – who is the only player Ronaldo has said will surpass him – but his career quickly took a turn for the worse.
      The wonderkid at Sporting who was meant to be better than RonaldoFabio Paim was supposed to become the best footballer in the world
      Paim is the only player Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly stated is better than him.
      The winger was snapped up by Sporting Lisbon’s academy at eight, leaving home to live in Lisbon and the hype quickly gained momentum.
      Paim’s talent seemed destined to propel him to greatness – and exceed fellow Sporting Academy prodigy Ronaldo who is three years older.
      But he failed to make a single senior debut at Sporting and went on loan to Chelsea in 2008.
      Paim became “overwhelmed” by money and fame and splashed his cash on cars, women, alcohol and partying.
      Then at 22 he “mentally” retired and continued a journeyman career in China, Angola, Lithuania, Qatar, Malta and Brazil, simply to fund his lavish lifestyle.
      And in 2019, Paim’s life took its worst turn when he was arrested for carrying 5g of cocaine. 
      He then ended up in the infamous Caxias prison for 12 months which is next to where the Portugal national team trained and where Paim would be forced to watch Ronaldo from his cell window. More

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      Chelsea ‘launch £73m transfer bid for Gyokeres but Sporting instantly reject it as they hold out for release clause’

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      CHELSEA have reportedly made an offer to sign Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.The striker has been in scintillating form since his summer move from Coventry with 20 goals and ten assists in 24 games.
      Sporting Lisbon rejected Chelsea’s opening bid for Viktor GyokeresCredit: AFP
      Chelsea need a forward and have been linked with a move for Gyokeres for several weeks.
      And according to Portuguese outlet Record they have made an opening bid for the Swedish international worth £74million.
      That offer has reportedly been rejected by Sporting, who are unwilling to let the forward leave for less than his £87m release clause.
      Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Gyokeres but the 25-year-old revealed he doesn’t “care about any interested parties at the moment”.
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      He said: “I think it’s a bit like when Sporting came in to sign me.
      “I’m very happy here and I don’t care about any interested parties at the moment.
      “I’m enjoying every day here and not thinking about what’s going on around me.
      “Yes, there’s talk of big clubs, but for now it’s just news. That’s all.”
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      Chelsea have alternative options in mind with Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran the most recent player to be linked.
      The Blues reportedly have a shortlist of five names which includes Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic. More