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    William Saliba contract details revealed as he agrees new four-year deal despite Arsenal being left in shock by demands

    ARSENAL have given in to William Saliba’s demands to agree a new long-term contract with the French international defender.The final details of the deal are still being worked out but the club are now confident of the 22-year-old centre-half putting pen to paper in the next few weeks.
    Saliba has agreed terms on a new four year contract at ArsenalCredit: Getty
    And that comes as a massive relief to manager Mikel Arteta, who was desperate to avoid any uncertainty dragging into the new season.
    It is understood that the contract, which will run to 2027 with the possibility of an option for a further 12 months, will be worth around £200,000-per-week.
    That is considerably more than Arsenal were hoping to pay Saliba, whose current salary is only £40,000-a-week.
    SunSport exclusively reported last month how Arsenal were in shock at his demands.
    Read more Football
    But with only 12 months remaining on his current contract and French Champions Paris St. Germain closely monitoring the situation, Saliba’s advisors always had the upper hand in negotiations.
    Arteta made it absolutely clear that the player was central to all of his long-term plans and must be kept at any cost.
    And that has resulted in the club more or less agreeing to pay the player whatever he wanted to secure his long-term future.
    Saliba is currently recovering from the back injury which ruled him out of Arsenal’s final 11 games of the season and has not been included in the French squad for their forthcoming Euro qualifiers against Gibraltar and Greece.
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    But it is hoped he will be fit enough to take part in next month’s pre-season tour of the USA and the aim is to have the contract signed before they cross the Atlantic.
    Saliba, a £27million signing from St.Etienne in 2017, becomes the fourth key Arsenal player this year to agree a new long-term contract, following on from Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka.
    The club are also putting the final touches to a new deal for Reiss Nelson, who is out of contract at the end of this month but is now set to stay at the Emirates.
    Arteta wants to get his squad sorted as quickly as possible this summer ahead of the club’s long-awaited return to the Champions League.
    They are ready to open the bidding for West Ham skipper Declan Rice with an offer in the region of a club record £90million and are also looking to further strengthen in midfield and in defence.
    Fans have taken to social media to express their delight at the news.
    One said: ” We are cooking!!”
    Another replied: “Great deal. He will dominate the league for years to come.”
    A third added: ” Best news I’ve heard this week.” More

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    Luton Town ‘hold talks with ex-Chelsea star in stunning transfer’ to bolster squad for first ever Premier League season

    LUTON TOWN have held talks with former Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic over a free transfer, according to reports.Luton sealed promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history with Ethan Horvath as their No1 – but he is set to return to Nottingham Forest following his loan.
    Asmir Begovic could be playing for Luton Town next seasonCredit: Getty
    The American kept 20 clean sheets in his 51 matches during his spell at Kenilworth Road.
    The Hatters will need to assess their goalkeeping options as they prepare for Premier League football.
    And, according to The Telegraph Luton have held talks with veteran shot stopper Begovic.
    The 35 year old is available on a free having rejected a new contract at Everton following spells with Chelsea and Bournemouth before moving to Merseyside.
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    The Bosnia and Herzegovina international made just three appearances last season, with his only Premier League start coming in a 1-0 over West Ham in September.
    In fact, since joining the Toffees in July 2021, Begovic has only made ten appearances for the club.
    The report adds that Rob Edward’s side are also looking at Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers.
    Travers, came through the ranks with the Cherries and has played for the club 70 times.
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    He played 15 times last season, 12 of them in the Premier League before losing his place to Brazilian team-mate Neto.
    The 24 year old is a Republic of Ireland international having won three caps since his debut in September 2019.
    Luton currently have three goalkeepers on their books – Jack Walton and ex-Arsenal duo James Shea and Matt Macey. More

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    Man Utd takeover LIVE: PSG chief holds talks Glazers over sale, Chelsea fans ‘keen’ on Mount exit, Harry Kane updates

    PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has reportedly played a significant role in the talks for Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim to buy Manchester United.The takeover of Man Utd is now down to a two-horse race including Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.
    Meanwhile, Chelsea fans are keen to cash in on Manchester United target Mason Mount after identifying youngster Cesare Casadei as the “next Frank Lampard.”
    And United have received a transfer boost after Real Madrid lined up an alternative to Harry Kane.
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    Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
    Price set for Frimpong
    Bayer Leverkusen have set a price for Man Utd target Jeremie Frimpong, according to Sky Sports.
    Attacking right back scored nine goals and notched 11 assists in the Bundesliga.
    Ten Hag is said to be a big fan, but will face competition from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
    Al-Khelaïfi declartes love for PSG
    Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has revealed he will not be involved in anything to do with Man Utd in the event of a Qatar takeover.
    “Paris St-Germain is my club, in my heart. I have nothing to do with Manchester United”, told BBC
    “I am talking about anyone, not just Manchester United. I will give them the experience that I have. That’s it”.
    They stand Red-y
    Manchester United have been handed a major transfer boost as two top targets are interested in joining the club.
    United boss Erik ten Hag is keen on mounting a Premier League title charge next season but knows he needs a stronger squad to compete with rivals Manchester City.
    Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund is keen on joining the Red Devils in the summer, according to the Mirror.
    The same source adds that Monaco ace Axel Disasi is also keen on switching to Old Trafford.
    Well I Nev-er
    Manchester United legend Phil Neville has joined Canada’s national team as part of John Herdman’s coaching staff after he was sacked by Inter Miami.
    Neville was relieved of his duties by fellow United great and club owner David Beckham with Inter sitting bottom of MLS’ Eastern Conference.
    The former England women’s manager has jumped straight back into work, accepting an offer to work with Herdman.
    The 46-year-old joins Canada’s backroom team alongside former Millwall ace Richard Shaw.
    Credit: Getty
    David’s De-cision time
    Manchester United star David de Gea is contemplating his future, while on holiday.
    De Gea will officially become a free agent at the end of the month despite the club’s best efforts to tie him down to a new deal.
    A new four-year contract, which included a massive pay cut, is understood to have been on the cards for the goalkeeper, who is using his summer holiday to weigh up his next move.
    The 32-year-old shared a video of himself wading through crystal-clue water to his Twitter and Instagram with the following caption: “Relax. Recharge. Contemplate.”
    Haard pass for Man Utd
    Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke wouldn’t have Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland in the 1999 Treble-winning team.
    Yorke said: “People try to compare the teams. We were more physical, we had better players. You can’t tell me they have better than Paul Scholes and Roy Keane. Maybe Kevin De Bruyne would get into our midfield.
    “But no defender on the planet would want to face Ryan Giggs at his very best. He was a class act. Look at David Beckham and his delivery of a ball. Yes, Erling Haaland is unique but the way we played and the formation we played in, I wouldn’t swap him for what we had.
    “We had a great combination with myself and Andy Cole. Don’t get me wrong, it is an incredible feat what he has done. Scoring 52 goals in 52 appearances with a game still to go is something else. But I still would take my combination with Andy.
    “Also, I would put my money on Jaap Stam handling Haaland and behind him we had the best goalkeeper in the world at the time in Peter Schmeichel.”
    Federico Chiesa chase
    Manchester United have been handed a transfer boost in their pursuits of Juventus star Federico Chiesa, who has made a huge decision on his future with the club.
    According to Corriere dello Sport, Chiesa is open to the idea of joining a new team in the summer.
    The news comes as a boost to United and Liverpool’s hopes of signing the 25-year-old as they are again linked with a move.
    The winger is said to be “unhappy” at Juve as he does not feel at the “centre of the project”.
    Reports have stated Liverpool lead the race for the Italy international’s signature alongside Newcastle, with Bayern Munich also interested.
    Chiesa is now expected to be available for around £30million, two years after the Merseysiders failed with a £100m offer.
    Credit: Rex
    Back from the Red
    Manchester United fans might be wondering how three of their rejects have managed to stand out with Inter Milan today.
    So where did it all go wrong for Romelu Lukaku, 30, Matteo Darmian, 33, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 34, at Old Trafford?
    Still short of a No 9, United could do with Lukaku at his best but his time at the club came to an inauspicious end at a cricket ground in Perth before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could get him out.
    Mkhitaryan left many fans just as baffled as he failed to convince ex-manager Jose Mourinho right from the start, despite the Special One making him a £30million signing in the summer of 2016.
    Darmian spent four years at United after a £12.9m move from Torino in 2015 and had a great start as he was named the club’s player of the month for August.
    But the full-back moved to Parma for £1.4m in 2019, then joined Inter the following season — initially on loan.
    Not Inter it
    Paul Ince hated it at Inter Milan when he first moved to Italy, the Manchester United legend told SunSport’s Charlie Wyett.
    Ince told SunSport: “The move came as a bit of a shock as I had already been at Manchester United for six years. I was negotiating a contract for another four years. Then the club accepted a £7.5million bid from Inter Milan. It wasn’t the move I wanted.
    “When we landed there were loads of press, fans. This bloke came up and said, ‘Mr Ince, are you married? A lot of players often return home with an Italian woman as they are all so beautiful’.
    “My wife Claire was with me and was upset as soon as we arrived at the airport — so it was not a good start! We could not find a place to stay, either. They showed us a couple of terrible apartments and then I started to have second thoughts about the whole move.
    “Then, they put us in a beautiful hotel on Lake Como and we stayed there two or three months. For the first few weeks it was a struggle. The manager Ottavio Bianchi was playing me on the left wing. We went to Torino for a game, we had not started the season well, and were 2-0 down at half-time.
    “Massimo Moratti, the Inter president, came down at half-time and went bananas. I told my team-mate Massimo Paganin, who spoke good English, ‘Can you tell the president I had six years at Manchester United in central midfield and you are not getting the best out of me’.
    “The president listened, told the manager to put me in midfield and we drew the game 2-2. By Monday, the president had fired the manager and brought in Roy Hodgson, that is when things changed and improved for me.”
    Declan Rice alternative
    Bayern Munich appear to have found an alternative to West Ham superstar Declan Rice.
    Manchester United have been previously linked with Rice, who has also been eyed by Bayern.
    However, there is now hope that the Bundesliga champions are out of the race for the midfielder after they completed the free signing of Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig.
    Laimer has signed a four-year deal at the Allianz Arena and will aim to help the Bavarians win a 12th consecutive title.
    All gone Ron
    Manchester United legend and Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been pipped to a spot in the Saudi Pro League team of the season by Odion Iglaho.
    Ronaldo’s Saudi move did not pan out well, as the team dropped out of first place and missed out on the title to Karim Benzema’s new club Al-Ittihad.
    Ronaldo, 38, himself did impress as he registered 14 goals and two assists in 19 appearances for Al-Nassr.
    But it was not enough to earn the five-time Ballon d’Or winner a spot in the Team of the Season.

    Everton target Man Utd flop
    Everton boss Sean Dyche has made Manchester United flop Wout Weghorst his main summer transfer target, reports SunSport’s Charlie Patrick.
    Dyche signed Weghorst at Burnley, who still owns him, and is now “desperate” to be reunited with him at Goodison Park after his Old Trafford loan stint comes to an end on June 30.
    And Weghorst, who won’t stay with the Red Devils, is said to be keen on a reunion.
    Our source told SunSport: “Wout would like to stay in England, is settled in the North West and has a huge amount of respect for Sean Dyche.
    “He credits him for bringing him to the Premier League and is excited at the prospect of playing a part in the rebuild at Everton.”
    Real go for bargain
    Real Madrid are “set to offer a shockingly low transfer bid” to Tottenham for Harry Kane in the summer transfer window.
    Manchester United have made Kane one of their summer priorities as his future remains uncertain.
    However, it has now emerged that Real are leading the race for the star striker after losing Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad.
    According to Marca, however, after the arrival of Endrick – and with hopes of a move for Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe being lined-up for 2025 – Los Blancos are reluctant to break the bank for a player who turns 30 next month.
    Therefore, the same source claims the Madrid giants are willing to make a bid of around £68million for the England captain.
    Chelsea fans on Mount
    Chelsea fans are keen to cash in on Manchester United target Mason Mount after identifying youngster Cesare Casadei as the “next Frank Lampard.”
    Mount is edging towards an exit after refusing to sign a new deal, with United leading the race.
    But the Red Devils are reluctant to meet the Blues’ £70million price tag, with talks now at an impasse.
    Both parties now face an anxious wait over the playmaker’s future, but fans feel their club should cash in quickly for a cheaper figure because they already have a ready-made replacement.
    Casadei, 20, joined the West Londoners from Inter Milan last summer and spent the season on loan at Reading.
    The Italian sensation is now shining at the U20s World Cup, becoming the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals so far.
    Al-Khelaifi involved in takeover
    Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has played a significant role in talks surrounding Manchester United’s takeover by a group fronted by Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.
    The ongoing saga is now down to a two-horse race including Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
    The Qatari businessman’s team initially consulted Al-Khelaifi for advice on United’s valuation, with the Glazer family demanding £6.4billion for the club.
    Accoridng to The Athletic, however, the PSG boss was recently contacted by the Red Devils’ unpopular owners, who wanted him to talk Sheikh Jassim in to increasing his offer.
    Al-Khelaifi, who is acting as an adviser for Sheikh Jassim, has met the Glazers and Raine Group, the American bank that is conducting the sale, to discuss the takeover.
    However, several English teams now want the Premier League to investigate the source of funds.
    Credit: Rex
    Good morning Man Utd fans
    Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has played a significant role in Sheik Jassim’s takeover of Manchester United, The Athletic have revealed.
    The report reveals Al-Khelaifi was contacted for advice by Sheik Jassim’s bid, before the Glazer family contacted him about increasing the Sheik’s offer.
    Several Premier League clubs now want to investigate the source of the funds.
    The Athletic have also revealed that Erik ten Hag’s tenacity has triggered a new strategy from United in trying to get deals done early.
    United were handed a boost in the chase for Declan Rice after West Ham lined up their replacement in Edson Alvarez, but with his heart set on Arsenal this may be arbitrary.
    Elsewhere, United could now make a move for Federico Chiesa after reports emerged revealing he is unhappy at Juventus.
    The winger is disgruntled at not feeling at the “centre of the project” in Turin and could go for as little as £30million.
    Scott McTominay is a target for Newcastle, according to the Daily Mail, who say the Scot is one of four targets who they are aiming to sign in a £75m budget.
    In terms of the stars United currently have on their cards, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported Victor Lindelof will NOT be sold by club.
    It comes following a string of impressive displays towards the end of the season.
    However, Harry Maguire is reportedly reluctant to leave Old Trafford behind.
    Class of 92 member Phil Neville is back in work as part of John Herdman’s staff in the Canadian National Team after being sacked from his Head Coach position at Inter Miami.
    Dwight Yorke does not believe Erling Haaland would make it into the United’s 1999 Treble-winning team.
    In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: “People try to compare the teams.
    “We were more physical, we had better players. You can’t tell me they have better than Paul Scholes and Roy Keane. Maybe Kevin De Bruyne would get into our midfield.”
    Good morning Man Utd fans
    Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has played a significant role in Sheik Jassim’s takeover of Manchester United, The Athletic have revealed.
    The report reveals Al-Khelaifi was contacted for advice by Sheik Jassim’s bid, before the Glazer family contacted him about increasing the Sheik’s offer.
    Several Premier League clubs now want to investigate the source of the funds.
    The Athletic have also revealed that Erik ten Hag’s tenacity has triggered a new strategy from United in trying to get deals done early.
    United were handed a boost in the chase for Declan Rice after West Ham lined up their replacement in Edson Alvarez, but with his heart set on Arsenal this may be arbitrary.
    Elsewhere, United could now make a move for Federico Chiesa after reports emerged revealing he is unhappy at Juventus.
    The winger is disgruntled at not feeling at the “centre of the project” in Turin and could go for as little as £30million.
    Scott McTominay is a target for Newcastle, according to the Daily Mail, who say the Scot is one of four targets who they are aiming to sign in a £75m budget.
    In terms of the stars United currently have on their cards, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported Victor Lindelof will NOT be sold by club.
    It comes following a string of impressive displays towards the end of the season.
    However, Harry Maguire is reportedly reluctant to leave Old Trafford behind.
    Class of 92 member Phil Neville is back in work as part of John Herdman’s staff in the Canadian National Team after being sacked from his Head Coach position at Inter Miami.
    Dwight Yorke does not believe Erling Haaland would make it into the United’s 1999 Treble-winning team.
    In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: “People try to compare the teams.
    “We were more physical, we had better players. You can’t tell me they have better than Paul Scholes and Roy Keane. Maybe Kevin De Bruyne would get into our midfield.”
    EXCLUSIVE: I hated it when I joined Inter from Man Utd
    Paul Ince is a flag-waving, patriotic Englishman who always backs Premier League teams in Europe.
    Yet Saturday’s Champions League final will be difficult. He is completely torn over who to support.
    Because as he watches Manchester City take on Inter Milan, the memories will come flooding back to Ince, who remains one of this country’s most successful exports to Italy.
    He said: “It is a difficult one for me. As an Englishman, I will always want English teams to do well but Inter has a massive place in my heart so I am divided.”
    Ince, 55, followed in the footsteps of stars like Paul Gascoigne, Trevor Francis and David Platt when he headed to Italy in 1995.
    You can read the full exclusive from Charlie Wyett HERE.
    EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd Treble winner says Haaland wouldn’t get into 99′ side
    It may not surprise you what Dwight Yorke thinks when asked to compare Pep Guardiola’s trophy machine to the Red Devils’ 1999 vintage.
    Yorke was top scorer with 29 goals that season, his first at Old Trafford, as they became the only English club to win the title, FA Cup and Champions League in an unforgettable campaign.
    And Yorke would not swap a single player for one of City’s — well, he might try and squeeze Kevin De Bruyne into the midfield.
    Yorke, 51, said: “People try to compare the teams.
    “We were more physical, we had better players. You can’t tell me they have better than Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.
    “Maybe Kevin De Bruyne would get into our midfield.”
    You can read the full Exclusive from Neil Custis HERE.
    Ronaldo OUT of Saudi TOTS
    Cristiano Ronaldo has been LEFT OUT of the Saudi Pro League Team of the Season.
    The 38-year-old has scored 14 goals in 16 league matches, however, his position in the lineup was instead taken by former Man Utd striker Odion Ighalo.
    The Saudi Pro League TOTS
    Man Utd send best wishes to former ace
    Manchester United have wished former striker Javier Hernandez a speedy recovery after he sustained an ACL tear in his right knee.
    The 35-year-old, affectionately nicknamed “the Little Pea”, faces six to nine months on the sideline.
    An LA Galaxy statement said: “Hernández will undergo surgery on a date to be determined to begin the rehabilitation process.”
    Man Utd sent their best wishes on Twiter
    Man Utd fans say goodbye to star
    Manchester United fans took to social media to say goodbye to David de Gea.
    It comes after the Spaniard posted a photo with the caption: “Relax. Recharge. Contemplate.”
    The goalkeeper’s contract is up at the end of the month. United want to keep him on reduced terms, but thus far there has been no agreement.
    But many fans have run out of patience following a string of high-profile errors.
    Responding to his post, one fan said: “Thanks for everything, Dave, but it’s time to say goodbye.”
    A second wrote: “New journeys at a new club ahead.”
    With a third adding: “Hopefully contemplating your future at United ending.”
    David de Gea posted this message
    Man Utd to make early in-roads
    Manchester United are reportedly aiming to get off to a quick start to the summer transfer window, all thanks to Erik ten Hag.
    United a known for being slow out of the blocks, but with the Dutch boss’ reported insistency to get deals done.
    According to The Athletic, his energy is central to the Red Devils’ new strategy.
    Newcastle want United academy graduate
    Newcastle reportedly want to sign Scott McTominay, but only if he is within budget.
    According to the Daily Mail, the Scot is a target alongside the likes of James Maddison, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher.
    However, the report stipulates Newcastle have a budget of just £75million before player sales due to the restrictions of Financial Fair Play.
    Ex-star reveals stunning tattoo
    Ashley Young has revealed a stunning back tattoo.
    The former United star began the work while still at Old Trafford, with the 37-year-old finally finishing the ink work in Cheltenham.
    The artwork appears to show an adult alongside a child looking out at a football stadium.
    Underneath it reads: “Nothing or no one can hold you back when you realise the power you possess is limitless.”
    Alongside the image, he added the caption: “Thanks so much for finally finishing this wicked piece and thank you for having me @mollydoestattoos @paradise_cheltenham 💉🖋️🤘🏾❤️.”
    The stunning tattoo on his backCredit: INSTAGRAM/youngy_18
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    Fans convinced Christian Pulisic has dropped MAJOR hint about transfer with Chelsea keen to ship £58m flop

    FOOTBALL fans believe they know where Christian Pulisic is going following his latest Instagram post.The Chelsea star, 24, has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge amid a difficult season with the club.
    Christian Pulisic is being heavily linked with a move away from ChelseaCredit: Rex

    He registered just one goal and two assists in 30 appearances for the Blues during the 2022/23 campaign.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan are interested in agreeing a deal for the American forward.
    It is understood he has the “green light” to seek a switch away from West London.
    And there are other clubs in the race for the ex-Borussia Dortmund man.
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    But football fans are convinced Milan will land Pulisic after studying his latest social media post.
    He has linked up with the US national team for their games against Mexico and Jamaica later this month.
    And a photo he shared with his American training top on showing the red and black colours of AC Milan.
    He then added the caption: “⚫️🔴US.”
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    In response, one follower replied: “AC Milan confirmed with that caption.”
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    Another added: “Welcome to AC Milan ⚫🔴.”
    A third said: “Those are AC Milan colours 👀👀.”
    While a fourth responded: “You’re definitely going to Milan!!”
    Pulisic joined Chelsea from Dortmund for £57.6million in January 2019.
    He has contributed 26 goals and 21 assists in 145 appearances for the Blues, winning the Champions League, Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup.
    But Chelsea are keen to offload players from their inflated squad after spending £600m across the last two transfer windows. More

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    Arsenal ‘ready to hijack’ Ange Postecoglou’s first transfer as Tottenham boss as stunning release clause emerges

    ARSENAL are reportedly preparing to hijack Ange Postecoglou’s first transfer target as Tottenham boss in the form of Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson.Postecoglou, 57, was unveiled as Spurs’ new manager earlier this week following a dismal campaign for the club.
    Ange Postecoglou has a big job to turn things around at TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Victor Nelsson is attracting interest from both Arsenal and TottenhamCredit: Getty
    The Lilywhites finished eighth in the Premier League table, missing out on European football next season.
    And they could be set to lose talisman Harry Kane as Real Madrid and Manchester United circle for his signature.
    Ex-Celtic head coach Postecoglou has a big job on his hands to turn things around in North London.
    And one of his first moves was mooted to be the acquisition of Galatasaray centre-back Nelsson.
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    The Dane, 24, has featured 80 times across two seasons for the Turkish giants since moving from Copenhagen.
    And he played an integral part in Galatasaray clinching their first league title in four years last month.
    He has also received 10 caps for the Denmark national team.
    Spurs are in the market for central defenders as Davinson Sanchez looks set to depart the club.
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    And Nelsson has been eyed as an affordable option given his £21.5million release clause – even though bids tabled so far have failed to exceed £13m.
    But Fanatik are now reporting that Arsenal are set to enter the race for the Scandinavian.
    Mikel Arteta’s men are in the market for a host of players including Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, as well as Chelsea man Kai Havertz.
    And Nelsson’s defensive quality would be a welcome addition to the Gunners’ squad – with Arteta eyeing another Premier League title challenge next season.
    Arsenal are looking to bolster their squad in the summer windowCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea transfer target Mike Maignan posts cryptic Instagram message in pointed dig at current club AC Milan

    CHELSEA transfer target Mike Maignan has posted a cryptic Instagram post in a pointed dig at current club AC Milan.The French goalkeeper has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
    Mike Maignan has appeared to aim a dig at current club AC MilanCredit: Alamy
    Mike Maignan shared a cryptic Instagram post after Paolo Maldini’s exit
    Maignan’s future at Milan is currently up in the air following a turbulent few days at the San Siro.
    The dismissal of technical director and club legend Paolo Maldini after four years in the role has angered several key players.
    Theo Hernandez, Sandro Tonali, Rafael Leao and Maignan are all reportedly disgruntled by the decision, with sporting director Ricky Massara also leaving.
    Maignan now appears to have made his feelings known in a cryptic social media post featuring Maldini.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    He shared a pair of images from his Milan unveiling in 2021, showing the Frenchman holding his shirt and signing his contract next to Maldini.
    Alongside the images, he wrote: “Sempre Milan”, meaning “Always Milan”. He also placed a question mark on the “I” in Milan.
    Football Italia report that Maldini had been set to offer Maignan a new deal prior to his departure.
    His exit has now thrown the 27-year-old’s future into doubt, despite him still having three years left on his current contract.
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    The disruption comes as a boost for Chelsea, who have Maignan at the top of their list of goalkeeping targets.
    Maignan caught the eye in his second season in Italy, conceding just 27 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions.
    Mauricio Pochettino wants to sign a new number one this summer, with Andre Onana and David Raya also identified as targets.
    Current Chelsea stoppers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy were less than impressive last term, leaving doubts over their ability moving forward.
    Mike Maignan is one of Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsCredit: Getty More

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    Luis Suarez breaks silence on sensational transfer to reunite with ex-Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

    LUIS SUAREZ has broken his silence on the speculation linking him with a move to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.The transfer would raise the prospect of Suarez and Messi reuniting two thirds of the iconic ‘MSN’ frontline which also included wantaway PSG forward Neymar.
    The iconic duo will not be reuniting this summerCredit: Getty
    But the forward spoke out to say that he is happy at Brazilian side Gremio, who he joined just six months ago.
    On the speculation linking him with a move to Inter Miami, which began immediately after Messi’s transfer was announced, Suarez told Uruguayan publication El Observador: “This is false, it is impossible,
    “‘I am very happy at Gremio and I have a contract until 2024.”
    The Uruguayan forward signed for Gremio from his boyhood club Nacional in January after helping the Uruguayan club win the league.
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    While a number of former European stars are making the switch to the MLS and Saudi Arabia, part of why Suarez signed for Gremio was due to its location, which borders Uruguay.
    Messi’s Inter Miami move will see him earn £43million-a-year which equates to £830,000-a-week.
    And according to The Athletic, his salary will be paid in part by Adidas, Apple and the rest of the MLS’ clubs.
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    The lucrative financial package was made to dissuade Messi from following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in joining a team in Saudi Arabia.  
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    The Saudi league were reportedly willing to offer Messi as much as £352m-a-year which works out at £6.7m-a-week.
    One former Barcelona player that could be joining Messi in Miami is midfielder Sergio Busquets.
    Busquets, 34, faces a familiar dilemma for ageing superstars around Europe in having to choose weigh up a move to the MLS alongside a move to Saudi Arabia.
    He reportedly has an offer worth £16m-a-year which equates to £308k-a-week from Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. More

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    Mateo Kovacic ‘agrees terms’ with Man City with transfer fee for Chelsea star to be settled after Champions League final

    MATEO KOVACIC is tipped to join Manchester City next week after the Chelsea midfielder reportedly agreed terms.Transfer guro Fabrizio Romano reckons a transfer fee will be decided after City’s Champions League final against Inter Milan on Saturday.
    Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic should complete a move to the Etihad following their showpiece clash against Inter in IstanbulCredit: AP
    The Premier League champions are already said to have held advanced talks over signing the Croatia star.
    And the 29-year-old admits he’s open to a move after Chelsea’s “very bad” season.
    City have just sat out one major transfer battle as Real Madrid landed Jude Bellingham.
    And so far the Treble seekers are not seen as in the running for West Ham skipper Declan Rice.
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    So recruiting a cheaper, more experienced player with Champions League-winning pedigree makes sense.
    Kovacic, who is on international duty, stirred exit talk with frank comments over the past 24 hours.
    He told Nacional, via the Evening Standard: “I have one more year with Chelsea, this season was very bad.
    “Everything is going towards the fact that after five good years I will change, but in football anything can happen.”
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    The former Inter and Real ace even added: “Manchester City is a top team and deserves to be in the Champions League final.
    “That’s what I have to say. The summer is long, we’ll see what happens.”
    He softened those remarks only slightly by describing Chelsea as “phenomenal” and revealing he “loved” London as well as Blues’ fans.  More