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    Arsenal ‘close to triggering £51m release clause for ‘next Sergio Busquets’ and he could replace Partey in January

    ARSENAL are reportedly plotting a move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.The Gunners are ready to meet the midfielder’s release clause of £51m.
    Arsenal are close to triggering Martin Zubimendi’s £51m release clauseCredit: Getty
    Arsenal were previously linked with a move for the 24-year-old – who has been compared to Barcelona superstar Sergio Busquets by Spanish media outlets.
    Mikel Arteta wanted to bring in Zubimendi as competition for Thomas Partey.
    But the move didn’t happen, and the midfielder slammed the door shut on transfer rumours shortly after the summer window opened in June.
    Arsenal instead signed Jorginho from Chelsea in January, before signing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz for combined fees of over £150m in the summer.
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    But with doubts now over the future of Partey after reported interest from French giants Juventus – the Gunners are going to try their luck again for Zubimendi.
    According to Spanish outlet Nacional, Arsenal are ‘close’ to triggering Zubimendi’s release clause, despite the fact that he is a ‘favourite’ of Barcelona manager Xavi.
    The deep-lying midfielder played a key role in helping Sociedad qualify for the Champions League this season and has started this campaign strongly.
    Nacional claim that the Gunners are pursuing his signature in January, meaning they could move on Partey during the same window.
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    Juventus are reportedly keen on signing the Ghana international, who is currently out of action with a groin problem.
    Meanwhile, Zubimendi style of play could add another edge to Arteta’s midfield.
    Speaking in October 2022 in an interview with The Guardian’s Sid Lowe, Zubimendi gave Arsenal supporters an insight into his playstyle – and the Busquets comparisons.
    He explained: “Us pivot midfielders have the bad luck that maybe we don’t get recognised, but if you understand football you know Busquets’ value.
    “We’ve normalised him playing well so much we don’t always appreciate him.
    “He’s set the bar so high that pivots are asked to do things we weren’t before. But that’s nice: you have to aspire to that.” More

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    Julian Nagelsmann ‘confirmed as new Germany coach for Euro 2024’ just six months after Bayern Munich sacking

    JULIAN NAGELSMANN has been appointed as the new German national team coach for Euro 2024, according to reports.The 36-year-old was sacked from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich just six months ago.
    Julian Nagelsmann has been appointed as the new Germany managerCredit: Getty
    The former Bayern manager has been out of work since last season as he was replaced by ex-Chelsea and PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.
    Nagelsmann had been linked to the then-vacant role at PSG, only for Luis Enrique to be named the new manager in the French capital. 
    Now he is set for a return to the dugout for the national team, according to German outlet Bild. 
    Germany will host the Euro 2024 and the national team has been without a manager after sacking Hansi Flick last week.
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    Despite not being a manager at the Bundesliga side anymore Nagelsmann was still under contract until 2026.
    Bayern thought they would be able to demand a fee for any side willing to take him.
    But the Bundesliga side recognises the importance of him leading Germany into next summer’s home European Championships.
    The 2014 World Cup champions suffered two group-stage exits at the last two World Cups and crashed out of Euro 2020 in the last 16 to England.
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    They have recorded just three wins from their last 12 fixtures – beating Oman, Costa Rica and Peru.
    For this reason, they are not demanding a fee from the German FA in order to release Nagelsmann.
    This will be Nagelsmann’s second time replacing Flick as he took over his role at Bayern in 2021. More

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    Harry Kane opens up on Man Utd transfer interest after claims he ‘had heart set on Old Trafford’ before joining Bayern

    HARRY KANE has opened up on Manchester United’s transfer interest after claims he “had his heart set on Old Trafford”.According to reports, Kane was keen to join the Red Devils, but a change of heart by Erik ten Hag led him to a Bayern Munich switch instead.
    Harry Kane is set to face Man United tomorrowCredit: Alamy
    Erik ten Hag had a change of heartCredit: Getty
    Kane, 30, had been Man United’s key transfer target at the beginning of the summer.
    But as the reality of what Tottenham would demand for him despite his contract status became clear, the Red Devils decided to pivot to Rasmus Hojlund instead.
    According to the Mail, Kane would have been willing to see out the final year of his Spurs contract before joining United on a free transfer, had they given him the requisite assurances.
    However, Kane has now given his own view on the saga, explaining, via Fabrizio Romano: “Man United option for me last summer? Obviously there were talks with different clubs.
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    “But FC Bayern was a club I was really interested in. Once they came in there weren’t many other options. Manchester is a big club but I’m very happy here.”
    Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was reportedly under pressure from his boss Joe Lewis to cash in on Kane rather than lose him for nothing next year.
    But Kane would have been willing to resist if a move to Old Trafford was in play.
    When the Red Devils forked out £72million for Rasmus Hojlund, however, the England captain gave up on the switch and decided to prioritise Bayern Munich.
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    Man United moved to sign Rasmus HojlundCredit: Getty
    He subsequently signed for the Bundesliga champions in a £104m deal just a day before the start of the Premier League season.
    Kane has scored four goals in his first four matches in the German top flight.
    The forward is set to meet English opposition tomorrow night, for the first time since leaving Spurs, when Bayern welcome Man United to Allianz Arena.
    He is likely to see England team-mates Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire in Munich.
    While his former Spurs pals Christian Eriksen and Sergio Reguilon could also be involved.
    Kane could see old Spurs pal Sergio ReguilonCredit: Getty More

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    Barcelona line up Alexander Isak as long-term Robert Lewandowski replacement – and he hasn’t ruled out transfer before

    BARCELONA have their eyes set on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak to replace veteran Robert Lewandowski, according to reports.Barca boss Xavi is said to be a big fan of the forward and is on the hunt to bolster his forward options.
    Barcelona have their eyes set on Alexander IsakCredit: Getty
    Barca are looking to find a replacement for Robert LewandowskiCredit: Getty
    According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, Xavi is currently planning for the club’s long-term future without former Bayern Munich superstar Lewandowski.
    The 35-year-old joined the Catalonian side last summer for £38million after his record-breaking spell in the Bundesliga.
    But the Spaniard is concerned the Polish striker’s career may be coming to an end and is desperate to start searching for a replacement – and is keen on signing Isak.
    The report claims that Lewandowski’s time at Barcelona isn’t up just yet as the club will not be “making any serious moves for Isak until next summer.”
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    The report adds that the Magpies would be looking for the same fee they paid if they part ways with the forward.
    For Xavi’s side, this will be tough as the club is still in financial trouble.
    Isak, 23, made a name for himself while a Borussia Dortmund player on loan at Dutch side Willem II in 2019.
    He became the first player to ever score three penalties in a Dutch second-division match.
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    Having left Dortmund for Real Sociedad the forward then signed for Eddie Howe’s side for a club record of £63m last summer.
    He has scored 12 goals in 31 matches for the Magpies but has had to fight for a starting role against Callum Wilson.
    The Swedish international’s contract does not finish until 2028 meaning it will not be an easy task for Barca to get his signature.
    But the Blaugrana have been long-time fans of Isak having previously been linked with the Swedish star before his move to the Premier League.
    When asked in 2021 about a potential move to Nou Camp the former Real Sociedad player told Spanish outlet El Diario Vasco he needed to remain “calm”.
    He said: “You have to be calm. I am. My goal is to finish the season in the best way, there is one game left and I said that I feel good here, I’m very good.
    “What happens is that nobody knows what will happen in the future. Neither you nor I. I take everything very calmly,” More

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    Man City postpone contract talks with Kevin De Bruyne until he recovers from injury as star approaches last year of deal

    MANCHESTER CITY have postponed contract talks with Kevin De Bruyne, according to reports.That is despite the Belgian star approaching the final year of his Etihad contract.
    Kevin De Bruyne’s contract talks have been suspended while he is out injuredCredit: EPA
    The playmaker, 32, is a key cog in Pep Guardiola’s side and was instrumental in their Treble-winning season last term.
    But he limped off with a hamstring tear just 22 minutes into the curtain-raising Premier League opener at Burnley on August 11.
    And the Daily Star state the champions put negotiations with the player’s father on ice over extending his Etihad stay.
    That is because they want to wait until De Bruyne is back in action from his lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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    He underwent surgery following the injury and is not expected to return to action until the New Year.
    And come the end of the season, the £375,000-a-week ace will have just 12 months remaining on his current contract which expires in June 2025.
    Manager Pep Guardiola is keen to keep hold of the influential star, who he handed the captain’s armband to this summer following Ilkay Gundogan’s exit.
    It is understood the Spaniard has approved of City offering De Bruyne another two-year contract.
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    Should the ex-Chelsea man accept the terms, he would be tied down at the Etihad until his 36th birthday.
    But failure to agree a new deal would surely see plenty of interest come in – or City risk losing him for free at the end of next season.
    De Bruyne joined the club from Wolfsburg in 2015 for a then-club-record £55million.
    He has racked up 96 goals, 153 assists goals and 13 major trophies – including five Premier Leagues and the Champions League – from his 358 appearances.
    Pep Guardiola handed the Belgian the captain’s armband this summerCredit: Getty More

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    Nottingham Forest line up England wonderkid transfer as they prepare to go back in for 17-year-old EFL winger

    TEENAGER Tom Watson is back on the radar of Nottingham Forest.Sunderland’s 17-year-old winger was a Steve Cooper target before he signed an extended contract on Wearside earlier this month.
    Nottingham Forest are keen on Sunderland’s Tom WatsonCredit: SUNDERLAND
    Steve Cooper had targeted Watson before he signed a new deal with Sunderland this summerCredit: Alamy
    But the Premier League outfit are still hot on England youth Watson’s trail — and may even try their luck  in January.
    Forest rated Watson at £300,000 in the last window but know his value has gone up with his new contract.
    The youngster has made just one senior appearance when he came off the bench for the Black Cats last season against Huddersfield Town.
    But he has impressed at youth level, scoring 13 times in 34 appearances for Sunderland’s U18 squad.
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    Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ethan Horvath is fuming at being left out of Cooper’s Premier League squad — and denied any chance of a loan move.
    Forest’s USA international, 28, helped Luton win promotion in May but now appears unlikely to play any football until at least January.
    It comes after the Tricky Trees have already seen two big name shot-stoppers come through the doors at the City Ground this summer.
    Matt Turner arrived from Arsenal on a permanent deal after struggling for game time in North London behind Aaron Ramsdale.
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    Ethan Horvath has been left out of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League squadCredit: Getty
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    Whilst the experienced Odysseas Vlachodimos swapped Portugal for the Midlands in a move from Benfica.
    Horvath, who joined Forest from Club Brugge back in 2021, has made just 11 appearances for the club since his arrival.
    Forest have already signed Matt Turner from ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Odysseas Vlachodimos has also joined from BenficaCredit: Getty More

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    Brighton set to go back in for £10m-rated Boca Juniors ace as they look to beat Man City and Juventus in transfer race

    BRIGHTON will make a new move for Argentinian left-back Valentin Barco ahead of the winter window.The Seagulls tried to sign Barco, 19, from Boca Juniors this summer and went close to triggering his release clause of around £10million.
    Valentin Barco is on the radar of several top clubsCredit: EPA
    However, Manchester City and Juventus were also strongly linked and the whole deal became too hard to broker.
    But progressive Brighton still think they can offer Barco the best move at this point of his career.
    Boss Roberto de Zerbi remains optimistic a deal can be struck.
    However, the club may have to pay more for him than expected.
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    Barco has played 22 games for Boca Juniors in his career and has become a first-team regular this year.
    He is predominately a left-back, but he can also play higher up the pitch as a winger.
    Barco has been capped three times by the Argentinian Under-20s team.
    Boca Juniors want to keep the wonderkid and could reportedly tempt him into staying by offering him a new deal.
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    The contract would supposedly see his release clause rise to £16m.
    Brighton have developed a reputation for picking up prospects from South America and they already have Barco’s international team-mate Facundo Buonanotte in their squad. More

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    Premier League cult hero who scored one of the best ever goals finds new club after two months unemployed

    PAJTIM KASAMI has signed for Sampdoria after spending two months without a club.The Swiss international left previous team Olympiacos at the end of last season.
    Pajtim Kasami has signed a one-year deal with SampdoriaCredit: Instagram @sampdoria
    The Swiss midfielder scored one of the all-time great Premier League goals for FulhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Kasami, 31, will be best known to English football fans for his spell at Fulham.
    He played 56 times for the Cottagers between 2011 and 2014.
    His most memorable moment by far came in a match against Crystal Palace during the 2013-14 campaign.
    Palace had gone 1-0 up on the night via a goal by Adrian Mariappa.
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    Kasami then levelled for Fulham in spectacular fashion, controlling a long ball with his chest before striking a sensational volley into the opposite top corner.
    The West Londoners went onto win the match 4-1, but would be relegated at the end of that campaign.
    Kasami left upon Fulham’s demotion, joining Olympiacos.
    He returned to English football during the 2016-17 season, playing on loan at Nottingham Forest.
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    The 12-cap international spent five years back in his native Switzerland with Sion and then Basel, before returning to Olympiacos last year.
    He has now penned a one-year contract with Sampdoria and will play in Serie B, following his new team’s relegation to the second tier last term.
    Fulham fans still appear to hold a place in their hearts for Kasami.
    One wrote: “Should have come home son.”
    While a second tweeted: “Many congratulations Pajtim!!”
    Another added: “Good luck, Pajtim!”
    Kasami celebrates his amazing Selhurst Park strikeCredit: Getty Images – Getty More