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    Man Utd step up bid for £86m target with Anthony Martial or ‘incredible’ attacker to be offered in swap transfer

    ERIK TEN HAG will let striker Anthony Martial leave the club in order to fund a move for Atalanta target Rasmus Hojlund.According to Football365, Ten Hag is “willing” to offer the French forward to Atalanta in a swap deal for the highly rated Danish 20-year-old.
    Signing a striker is Erik Ten Hag’s priority this summerCredit: Rex
    Hojlund has made an impressive start to his international careerCredit: Getty
    Martial could be used as a makeweight for HojlundCredit: Getty
    The news comes after Atalanta bosses met last week to discuss the sale of Hojlund and decided they would demand a record fee for the striker.
    Their previous record sale was Cristian Romero to Tottenham in a £42.5million deal – and they will demand £86m for the Danish international.
    The news came as a blow for United, who were hoping to land the striker as a cheaper alternative to Tottenham’s Harry Kane for around £50m.
    A new striker remains the top priority for Erik Ten Hag with the Manchester club also looking to sign a new central-midfielder and goalkeeper.
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    The need for a number of players in key positions has seen United try to come up with creative solutions when signing players and offering Martial is an example of that.
    United are also willing to offer winger Amad Diallo on loan to Atalanta as part of any deal for Hojlund.
    United signed Diallo, 20, for £19m from Atalanta in 2020 and he is coming off the back of a superb loan spell at Sunderland.
    The Ivory Coast international scored 14 and assisted four times in his 42 appearances for the Black Cats.
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    His time in the North-East was described as “incredible” by Sunderland midfielder Luke O’Nien.
    Hojlund is fresh off the back of a breakout season at Atalanta that saw him score 11 and assist six times in his debut season.
    He scored a hat-trick on his Denmark debut against Finland in March before adding a brace in his second game against Kazakhstan.
    Hojlund shares the same agent as Erik Ten Hag and there were reports that the two had shared a video call about the prospect of the striker joining United.
    While Hojlund denied claims of a call taking place while on international duty, he was not coy on his interest in joining United.
    He told Danish outlet Berlingske via Football 365: “There has been no video call.
    “I can’t say anything about that.
    “It’s a huge club, so I must have done something right if it says they want me.
    “My goal is to reach the top shelf, and you can say that Manchester United is. So it will be huge.” More

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    Forgotten Premier League flop who once cost £25million ‘spotted selling his old Everton shirts on Facebook Marketplace’

    EVERTON flop Jean-Philippe Gbamin seems to be selling his match-worn kit on Facebook amid a disastrous spell at Goodison Park.Gbamin joined the Toffees in 2019 following a £25million deal with Mainz but has since struggled with only a mere eight appearances under his belt.
    Everton flop Jean-Philippe Gbamin has struggled to break into the first teamCredit: Getty
    Gbamin appears to be selling his Everton kit for a mere £300 on Facebook
    The midfielder’s struggles led to two loan stints as he temporarily joined CSKA Moscow and Trabzonspor last season.
    Despite having another year on his contract, the Ivory Coast international doesn’t appear likely to make Everton manager Sean Dyche’s plans for the upcoming season.
    Now the 27-year-old appears to be selling his kit on social media.
    The Ivorian reportedly shared a picture of Everton shirts, tracksuit tops and socks on Facebook Marketplace.
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    And it seems like the No6 is selling the lot for a mere £300.
    Gbamin appeared to post the advert with the following caption: “Everton Football Club Clothes Bundle – Brand New and Match Worn Shirts £300.”
    The versatile midfielder’s turbulent four-year stint at Merseyside got off on the wrong foot after his arrival from Germany.
    Gbamin suffered a serious hamstring injury within weeks of joining the club.
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    That set-back ruled him out for the majority of the 2019-2020 season.
    His luck didn’t improve as he then only mustered six appearances in the Premier League.
    Everton are set for an important summer transfer window that will demand significant reinforcement.
    The Toffees barely avoided relegation last season and took their survival struggle down to the wire as they didn’t seal safety until the final round of fixtures. More

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    Chelsea star ‘agrees £300k-a-week contract with Saudi side Al-Hilal’ with Blues set to pocket £25m for unwanted ace

    CHELSEA are set to bag £25million for unwanted defender Kalidou Koulibaly after an offer from the Saudi League.Koulibaly, 31, has agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal on a lucrative contract but a fee is yet to be agreed between the two clubs according to Goal.
    Koulibaly looks set to be the latest player to join a Saudi side on a mega-bucks dealCredit: Alamy
    Koulibaly signed from Napoli for £33m last season on a four year contract amid high expectations.
    He had established himself as one of the finest defenders in the Serie A – making the league’s team of the season on four occasions.
    But a combination of poor form and upheaval at Chelsea saw the defender struggle to nail down a place in the side.
    Koulibaly played just 23 times in the league for Chelsea last season and given his £162,000-a-week deal at the Bridge, his sale is seen as a priority.
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    He is one of three Chelsea players that look set to move to the Saudi league on mega-contracts.
    Edouard Mendy, 31, and Hakim Ziyech, 30, will follow Koulibaly out of the exit door according to Sky Sports Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio.
    Mendy looks set to join Saudi side Al-Ahli with Ziyech possibly linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
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    Fees are yet to be agreed between the clubs but representatives of the Saudi government are in London to make a deal happen.
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    Romelu Lukaku, 30, was offered the chance to join the Saudi league according to French outlet Foot Mercato, but turned down a £326,000-per-week contract because he wants to join Inter Milan.
    Meanwhile another Chelsea player’s move to the Saudi League looks set to be announced imminently.
    N’golo Kante, 32, will be announced as an Al-Ittihad player on a contract worth £375,000-a-week shortly.
    He will join on a four year deal until June 2027. More

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    Folarin Balogun issues stern warning to Arsenal as USA star reveals summer transfer wishes

    FOLARIN BALOGUN issued a stern warning to Arsenal as he revealed his summer transfer wishes.The striker, 21, spent last season impressing out on loan at Reims.
    Folarin Balogun has a big decision to make over his transfer futureCredit: Getty
    He scored a whopping 22 in 39 in France and faces a big decision during the off-season regarding his future.
    Balogun is desperate to be playing regular first-team football – but is unsure if he can leapfrog Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to be Arsenal’s main striker.
    However, he has already ruled out another temporary switch away from the Emirates.
    Balogun, who joined Arsenal aged eight in 2008, said on international duty with the USA: “What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.
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    “I’m not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.
    “But I’m just committed to now, I try to stay present.”
    Balogun scored his first senior international goal for the Stars and Stripes on Sunday night in his second cap after pledging allegiance to the country of his birth instead of England.
    The Yanks beat Canada 2-0 to lift the CONCACAF Nations League trophy.
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    AC Milan, Inter Milan and RB Leipzig are being linked with a move for young forward Balogun.
    But Arsenal, who have Balogun tied down until 2025, are understood to be demanding a staggering £40million.
    Gunners legend Thierry Henry reckons Balogun must choose a club where he is guaranteed to be playing regularly – because he cannot afford to waste a critical season of his career.
    Henry said: “It’s going to be important next season to play.
    “I don’t know if he’s going to play for Arsenal. We all know for the national team with England he had to battle with Callum Wilson, [Ivan] Toney, Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham, Harry Kane.
    “He’s been great in the league. He’s a good nine. Now he’s going to have to find a team where he’s going to play next year, that’s very important.”
    The US team beat Canada to be crowned CONCACAF Nations League championsCredit: Getty More

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    Kyle Walker ‘in talks’ to make major transfer U-turn amid rumours of move to Champions League giants Bayern Munich

    MANCHESTER CITY star Kyle Walker could make a dramatic U-turn amid speculation linking him with a move to Bayern Munich.Walker was reportedly expected to join Bayern following a sensational Treble-winning campaign that saw him win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League with City.
    Manchester CIty star Kyle Walker has been linked with a move to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    Walker is holding talks with Manchester City over a contract extensionCredit: Getty
    According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, however, the right-back is holding talks with the Citizens over a potential contract extension.
    The Bundesliga champions still want to sign the England international but City manager Pep Guardiola wants to hold onto him.
    Romano tweeted: “Man City and Kyle Walker are in talks over contract extension.
    “Sources believe this is still a possibility despite interest from Bayern.
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    “Bayern want Walker but City are still in talks to discuss Kyle’s stay.”
    Walker’s contract runs out in 2024, which means City could lose him for free next year if he stays without penning a new deal.
    Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of the 33-year-old, whom he watched during his time in Chelsea’s dugout.
    The Bavarians are rigorously searching for a right-back during the summer transfer window.
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    And the German giants are determined to sign from the top shelf after refusing to turn Walker’s City team-mate Joao Cancelo’s loan deal into a permanent stay.
    City are also looking to upgrade in defence despite a stunning campaign at home and abroad.
    That is why Guardiola is very keen to land RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol. More

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    Arsenal ‘very confident of signing Declan Rice AND Kai Havertz’ in huge summer transfer spree

    ARSENAL are “very confident” of completing deals for both Declan Rice and Kai Havertz as part of their summer transfer spree this summer.The club remain confident of completing a deal for Rice, 24, despite having a transfer offer worth £90million rejected by West Ham last week.
    Declan Rice is Arsenal’s highest priority this summerCredit: Getty
    Havertz emerged as a surprise transfer target for Arsenal last weekCredit: Getty
    West Ham owner David Sullivan confirmed that Rice will leave the club this summer following the Hammers’ Europa Conference League victory this month.
    And despite Arsenal having their initial bid rejected for Rice last week, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenburg reports that the club are in advanced stages to capture the midfielder’s signature.
    It is believed that Arsenal will pay a fee of £100m to secure the England man.
    Plettenburg also reports that Arsenal are in advanced negotiations to sign Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.
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    Fabrizio Romano yesterday reported that Arsenal had agreed personal terms with the German forward, 24.
    Arsenal will match Havertz’s current wages at Chelsea by offering him a £220,000-per-week contract.
    But there remains work to be done between Arsenal and Chelsea regarding a fee for the player – with the Blues reportedly demanding £70m.
    Arsenal have so far only offered £60m but Chelsea are keen to recoup the £70m they paid to sign the forward from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020.
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    While Havertz has largely played as a striker for Chelsea, Mikel Arteta sees the German as a player that can bolster his midfield options.
    Arsenal face competition from Bayern Munich to sign Havertz, with the Bavarian club keen to sign the German international as a successor for Robert Lewandowski who left for Barcelona last summer.
    Chelsea hope that Bayern’s interest will see Arsenal offer closer to their asking price for the German.
    It is shaping up to be a busy summer for outgoings at the Bridge, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech all close to agreeing moves to the Saudi league.
    Mason Mount and Romelu Lukaku are also expected to leave the club this window. More

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    Fans think Bukayo Saka has hinted at next transfer destination as Arsenal star is filmed singing to England team-mate

    BUKAYO SAKA was filmed singing Real Madrid’s anthem to England team-mate Jude Bellingham – and it immediately sparked theories over his future.Bellingham became the most expensive British player ever by joining Real in a whopping £115million transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
    Fans think Arsenal star Bukayo Saka hinted at his next transfer destinationCredit: Getty
    Arsenal star Saka sang Real Madrid’s anthem to England team-mate Jude BellinghamCredit: https://twitter.com/RMadridistaReal/status/1670470965719977984?s=20
    The midfielder met with Saka while in training ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia at Wembley.
    And the camera caught the Arsenal winger enthusiastically shaking Bellingham’s hand with a special message.
    Saka sang: “Madrid, Hala Madrid, Y nada mas [Madrid, Hello Madrid, And nothing else].”
    That got fans thinking about a potential deal in what is shaping up to be a thrilling summer transfer window.
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    Real supporters appear to believe that Saka singing their anthem could be an indication he’s moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in the near future.
    One fan tweeted: “Arsenal fans ain’t ready for that [David] Ornstein exclusive on Real Madrid advanced talks with Arsenal for Saka tweet.”
    Another Real supporter commented: “Let’s go for Bukayo.”
    A third posted: “Your boy will join us soon.”
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    This supporter wrote: “Bring the English best RW in.”
    And that one stated: “We need a right winger.”
    Nevertheless, the 21-year-old recently signed a new deal tying him to Arsenal until 2027 and is now officially the club’s highest earner. More

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    Man Utd and Arsenal transfer target ‘subject of HUGE bid to join Portugal pal Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia’

    ARSENAL and Manchester United could miss out on signing Ruben Neves after he was reportedly the subject of a HUGE transfer offer from Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal, who finished third in the Saudi Pro League, have submitted a staggering £47million bid to sign Neves.
    Ruben Neves is set to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    Neves is the subject of a huge bid from Al-HilalCredit: Getty
    The report from Relevo states Neves is expected to sign for the club as early as next week providing there are no further alterations to the plan.
    Neves’ current club Wolves are said to prefer a quick sale after drawn-out negotiations with Barcelona, though these talks have been more egged on by Jorge Mendes than the club itself.
    The report adds Al-Hilal’s “decisive” stance on negotiations have allowed talks to progress quickly.
    Neves is already said to be convinced by the deal, meaning the 26-year-old’s six year stay at Molineux Stadium is set to come to an end.
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    The Portugal star has previously been linked with a move to both Man United and Arsenal, with both identifying him as an option to bolster their midfield.
    However, the Red Devils instead have looked towards Chelsea star Mason Mount, while the Gunners are eyeing up released Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan.
    Both are interested in West Ham skipper Declan Rice, but Man Utd’s ongoing takeover saga has left their pursuit of the Englishman in limbo.
    With Neves set for a move to the Middle East, he will be joining Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
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    Ronaldo headed to Al-Nassr after seeing his contract ripped up at Man Utd.
    Since arriving he has scored 14 goals in 16 league matches.
    The footballing icon was seen meeting social media sensation and super fan Speed, with the pair performing his iconic “Siuu” celebration together. More