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    Arsenal ‘consider shock transfer for relegated Leicester star’ if they can’t nab first-choice target

    ARSENAL are reportedly interested in signing Leicester right-back Timothy Castagne.Mikel Arteta has been monitoring Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda since January.
    Arsenal are looking at the possibility of signing Leicester’s Timothy CastagneCredit: Alamy
    Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a right-back this summerCredit: Alamy
    And the Spaniard, 18, remains the Gunners’ top priority as they seek to bolster their options on the right side of their back line.
    However, they are already lining up an alternative if a deal cannot be struck with Valladolid – with Borussia Dortmund in contention to hijack the deal.
    According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Castagne is the back-up target if a Fresneda transfer falls through.
    He claims talks have started between Arsenal and Leicester over a possible switch.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    The reports also states that “things could move quickly” if Arteta’s men decide to bring in the Belgium international.
    Castagne, 27, was a part of the Leicester side relegated down to the Championship on the final day of the Premier League season.

    A 2-1 win over West Ham failed to keep them up as Everton beat Bournemouth 1-0 to clinch safety at the expense of Dean Smith’s men.
    A host of Leicester players are now expected to depart the King Power Stadium following their drop down to the second tier.
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    Youri Tielemans has already made the move to Aston Villa.
    James Maddison and Harvey Barnes are two more names heavily linked with transfers this summer.
    Meanwhile, Arsenal are being linked with a number of players in the transfer window.
    Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Ilkay Gundogan have all been mooted as potential arrivals at the Emirates.
    Ivan Fresneda remains Arsenal’s No1 targetCredit: Getty More

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    Neymar ‘wanted by Al-Hilal as Saudi club sends representatives to Paris for talks after missing out on Messi transfer’

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN superstar Neymar is being targeted by Al-Hilal ahead of the summer transfer window.The star forward, who joined PSG on a world record £198million transfer in 2017, looks set to leave Paris.
    Paris Saint-Germain appear likely to offload Neymar in the summerCredit: Getty
    Al-Hilal have flown to Paris hoping to sign PSG superstar NeymarCredit: Rex
    The French champions are looking for a major revamp with stars like Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami, already out.
    According to CBS Sports, Neymar could be next as Al-Hilal representatives flew to the French capital on Friday hoping to seal a deal with him.
    The Saudi giants initially hoped to land Messi but the Argentina captain opted for the MLS.
    Therefore, Al-Hilal have turned their attention to the Brazil international and are willing to offer a mammoth wage package.
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    The 31-year-old’s salary would be in line with Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s whopping £171million per year.
    Al-Hilal, who are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, look set to offer PSG close to £40m for Neymar, whose contract runs out in 2025.
    The Brazilian has also been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.
    Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle have all been touted as potential destinations for the Barcelona hero.
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    If Neymar decides to roll credits on his European career he will be joining a number of fellow stars in the Middle East.
    That includes Karim Benzema, who moved to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid.
    The same club, which is also owned by the PIF, looks set to agree terms with Chelsea star N’Golo Kante. More

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    Ex-Chelsea star Joao Felix sparks transfer rumours after following shock club on Instagram.. as president hints at move

    JOAO FELIX has sparked intense transfer speculation after following Galatasaray on Instagram.Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea after falling out with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone at the Wanda Metropolitano.
    Chelsea opted against a permanent deal for Atletico Madrid star Joao FelixCredit: Getty
    The Blues had the option to make the forward’s move permanent but new manager Mauricio Pochettino opted against it amid a major squad overhaul at Stamford Bridge.
    According to the Daily Mail, the Portugal international is still set to leave Atletico due to his strained relationship with Simeone.
    And the 23-year-old hinted that Turkey could be his next destination after linking up with Galatasaray on social media.
    And the Turkish champions’ president Dursun Ozbek strongly suggested a deal could be on the cards.
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    Ozbek told Mundo Deportivo: “The fact that Joao Felix is following Galatasaray shows how important Galatasaray is.”
    Felix has fallen out of favour in Madrid but Atletico are still not going to let him go on the cheap.

    Therefore, another loan deal appears likelier as Atleti are keen to recoup a lion share of the £113million they splashed for him in 2019.
    That is despite CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin strongly hinting recently that the ex-Benfica star will be leaving Atletico.
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    Gil Marin said: “Felix is the biggest bet the club has ever made.
    “I think he’s a high-performance player, one of the best in the world, but, for reasons that it’s not worth naming now, the relationship between him and the coach is not good, nor is his motivation.
    “I would love for it to continue, but that is not the player’s intention.” More

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    Brighton winning transfer race for hugely rated £16m Dutch goalkeeper after Burnley had bid rejected

    BRIGHTON are winning the race for £16million Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen.The Seagulls hope to beat Burnley to the No 1 who is one of the best prospects in Europe.
    Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has attracted in interest from several clubsCredit: Rex
    But Brighton are winning the race for the 20-year-old’s signatureCredit: GETTY
    Burnley boss Vincent Kompany saw a £13m bid rejected by his old club Anderlecht for 20-year-old Verbruggen.
    Brighton plans to offer more and then talk the player into joining them where his ability with the ball at his feet would be a major asset.
    Verbruggen has turned down past advances from Liverpool and Manchester United because he wants to play first-team football.
    Jason Steele replaced Robert Sanchez in goal for Brighton’s run-in as they reached Europe for the first time, finishing sixth in the Prem to reach the Europa League.
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    Sanchez was dropped in early March and then asked to train away from the first-team squad.
    Despite his numerous impressive displays, Verbruggen has yet to be called up for Netherlands duty.
    But Anderlecht’s goalkeeping coach believes it’s only a matter of time before he wins his first Oranje cap.
    Frank Boeckx told Sporza: “If he performs well there and continues to show himself at Anderlecht, then the Oranje is a logical next step.
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    “Bart has an incredible work ethic; wanting to get better.
    “His meticulous match preparation and his will to understand the opponent. For someone his age, that’s special.
    “Bart is already very mature at the age of 20.
    “How he succeeded [Hendrick] Van Crombrugge – captain and a big name – without blinking, shows his mental strength.
    “His footballing qualities are also exceptional.
    “The way he sees and executes passes, both short and long. His athleticism is also very good.
    “He has all the qualities of a modern goalkeeper.” More

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    Aston Villa sign long-term Arsenal target Youri Tielemans and ‘on verge’ of adding former Gunner to new-look midfield

    ASTON VILLA have confirmed the signing of long-term Arsenal target Youri Tielemans and could reportedly be about to sign an ex-Gunner too.The midfielder was available on a free transfer this summer after running down his contract at relegated Leicester.
    Youri Tielemans has signed for Aston VillaCredit: Getty
    Arsenal were interested in signing the midfielder over the last few months.
    But he has now signed for Villa, the club has confirmed.
    And Tielemans, 26, is set to be joined at Villa Park by former Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who will arrive on a free from Liverpool according to talkSPORT.
    The Gunners were believed to have held talks with Tielemans a few weeks ago about a potential move.
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    And the Belgium international’s signature is a coup for Villa, with Liverpool and Newcastle also linked.
    Tielemans could be the first of several departures from Leicester following their relegation.
    James Maddison could be the most expensive exit amid interest from Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle.
    Arsenal have also been tipped to make a bid for the England international, who could cost at least £40million.
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    Harvey Barnes could make a move with Toon once again a potential suitor.
    Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth is known to be a big admirer of the winger. More

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    Riyad Mahrez ‘offered stunning Man City transfer exit worth £40million a year’ just hours before Champions League final

    RIYAD MAHREZ has reportedly been offered a stunning exit from Manchester City worth £40million a year – just hours before the Champions League final.Mahrez, 32, has two years remaining on his deal at the Etihad but has been linked with a move away from the Treble-chasers.
    Mahrez has been linked with a big money move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Rex
    Mahrez has enjoyed another successful season with Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring 15 times and providing 13 assists.
    But the Algerian is set to miss out on the starting line up for the showpiece event with Guardiola preferring Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva down the flanks.
    And now Saudi suitors are attempting to lure Mahrez to the Middle East with a mega offer.
    According to ESPN, Al-Ahli are hopeful of securing the services of Mahrez this summer.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    The report adds that the Saudi side have offered the winger a two-year contract worth £40m a season plus bonuses, with the option of a third year.
    Mahrez has become frustrated at a lack of playing time this season and is understood to be open to a move.
    However, it remains unclear if City would allow the player to leave and what fee they would be expecting.
    After the 3-0 win against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi final in April, Guardiola admitted that Mahrez was frustrated at his lack of playing time.
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    He said: “He’s grumpy with me when he doesn’t play, all the time. He makes me notice when he’s grumpy.
    “He is an exceptional player, his playing is exceptional on the biggest stages and he has the mentality to score a goal.
    “The composure for the penalty was important, and the second and third were brilliant.
    “So satisfied for Riyad because he loves to play football, he’s given many, many things in these years and hopefully more in the future.”
    The situation is likely to be resolved after the Champions League final.
    If Mahrez were to join he would be following in the footsteps of several high profile stars who have joined the Saudi Pro League.
    Karim Benzema signed for Al Ittihad, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia while N’Golo Kante is set to become another high-profile addition to the league.
    Since joining City from Leicester in a deal worth close to £60m in 2018 Mahrez has established himself as an important member of Guardiola’s squad.
    Read more on The Sun
    During his five year spell at City, he has scored 78 goals in 236 appearances and scored a career-high 24 times last season.
    The former Leicester man has lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his time at the Etihad. More

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    Viewers baffled as US journalist makes bizarre claim that ‘David Beckham learned English for MLS move’ on live TV

    FANS have been left baffled after a US journalist bizarrely claimed that Lionel Messi should learn English like David Beckham did before moving to the MLS.Messi announced on Wednesday that he would be joining Inter Miami in a dramatic transfer U-turn having been strongly linked with a return to former club Barcelona, and a big money move to Saudi Arabia.
    Kilmeade was criticised for his comments before claiming he was in fact jokingCredit: Fox Sports
    David Beckham moved to LA Galaxy in 2007Credit: The Times
    Lionel Messi has announced that he will be joining Inter MiamiCredit: AFP
    Excitement for the Argentine’s arrival has been seen across the whole country not least for Inter Miami who have seen a huge increase in their Instagram following.
    However, Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade raised issue with the potential language barrier for Messi, but made a bizarre comparison to David Beckham.
    He said: “The only thing I worry about, he [Messi] doesn’t speak English, and I want to see him sit down and talk.
    “One thing about David Beckham, he learnt to speak English for us [Americans] with an accent, when he came at 32-years-old.”
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    Fans took to social media in their masses to respond to Kilmeade’s comments.
    One said: “Kilmeade is the dumbest and it isn’t even close.”
    A second added: “Truly one of the funnier sports related news clips I’ve ever seen.”
    A third said: “There’s stupid, and then there’s weaponized ignorance like this.”
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    Another responded: “An Englishman learned to speak English. This guy is an oxygen thief.”
    Following the backlash Kilmeade clarified his comments in a tweet saying: “This is hilarious – once again people have no idea when I am kidding around.”
    Messi will see out the remainder of his contract with PSG before meeting up with his new team-mates in Miami.
    His debut has reportedly been scheduled in for July 21 in a League Cup opener at home to Cruz Azul before making his MLS debut a month later in a home fixture against Charlotte FC. More

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    Chelsea ‘agree personal terms with top goalkeeper target to replace Kepa & Mendy but have opening £34m bid REJECTED’

    CHELSEA have reportedly agreed personal terms with Andre Onana as they prepare for him to become their new first-choice keeper.But an initial offer of £34million sent to Inter Milan has been rejected by the club.
    Andre Onana is preparing to play for Inter Milan in the Champions League finalCredit: Getty
    Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have been battling for the No1 spot at Stamford Bridge over the past 12 months.
    But they could now both be unseated by highly-rated Cameroonian Onana, 27.
    The Inter Milan shot-stopper is set to face Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday.
    And while he only arrived in Italy at the beginning of the season, his sensational form has seen him already linked with a move elsewhere.
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    According to Tutto Mercato, Onana has agreed personal terms with Chelsea.
    But the Blues have seen an opening bid worth £34million rejected by the Italian giants.
    The keeper signed a five-year deal with Inter to keep him at the club until 2027.
    And the lengthy contract means he will likely set teams back a sizeable fee if they are to pluck him away from the San Siro this summer.
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    It is understood a fee in the region of £40m will be required to acquire the Cameroon international.
    And the Blues are desperately keen to offload players this summer.
    They are bidding to trim down their inflated squad following a £600m spending spree across the last two transfer windows.
    Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher could all be set to leave in the coming months. More