More stories

  • in

    Arsenal fans convinced they know what Zinchenko asked transfer target Rice in secret chat after England beat Ukraine

    ARSENAL fans reckon they know what Oleksandr Zinchenko said to Declan Rice after England’s win over Ukraine.Gareth Southgate’s men secured a comfortable 2-0 victory at Wembley on Sunday evening thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
    Declan Rice embraced Oleksandr Zinchenko before they exchanged a brief wordCredit: Twitter
    Arsenal fans are convinced they know what Zinchenko said to RiceCredit: Twitter
    Arsenal full-back and Ukraine captain Zinchenko, 26, who plays in midfield for his country, embraced several of the England players after the game.
    One of those was Gunners transfer target Rice, 24, who is expected to leave West Ham this summer.
    A host of Premier League clubs are in the frame to sign the Hammers skipper including Manchester United and Chelsea.
    But Arsenal supporters believe Zinchenko had a quick word with the Three Lions midfielder in an attempt to convince him to go to the Emirates.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    One fan shared a clip of Zinchenko hugging Rice, before he briefly says something to him.
    Alongside the footage, they added the caption: “Did Zinchenko ask Rice: ‘You joining, yeah?’ 😂😂.”
    Another added: “That man’s work is never done: left-back, attacking midfielder, head cheerleader, and recruitment coordinator.”
    A third replied: “I think it was more of a statement instead of a question 🤣.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And a fourth said: “Arsenal scouting system is the players 😂.”
    Rice will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer, but West Ham are still thought to be holding out for around £80million.

    Arsenal are keen to bolster their midfield, having previously seen two offers for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo rejected.
    They did bring in Jorginho in the January window, but are still thought to be looking for further reinforcements. More

  • in

    N’Golo Kante contract talks ‘into final stages’ with star expected to commit future to Chelsea after long lay-off

    N’GOLO KANTE’S contract talks are into the final stages, according to reports.And the midfielder looks set to commit his future to Chelsea.
    N’Golo Kante is set to sign a new two-year contract at ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Kante, 31, is out of contract at the end of this season in just three months’ time.
    Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are both monitoring his situation in the hope of securing a free transfer, while Liverpool were also linked.
    However, they are all expected to be left disappointed with Fabrizio Romano stating Kante is close to putting pen to paper on an extension at Stamford Bridge.
    SunSport understands that the deal will likely run until 2025 – with Chelsea having the option to trigger an additional 12 months.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    The Frenchman enjoys life in London so has been keen to stay put having made 262 appearances since joining from Premier League champions Leicester in 2016.
    The negotiations have rumbled on despite Kante not featuring since August due to a hamstring injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup.
    It means he is yet to play under manager Graham Potter, who took over in September.
    Potter said this month: “Managers before me have spoken very highly of N’Golo because he’s a top, top player.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “He’s been a huge miss for us. Great for us for him to be back. We have to be mindful.
    “We have to take the steps to get him back up to speed.”
    Kante returned to training earlier in March and was an unused sub against Everton before turning out in a behind-closed-doors 3-0 friendly win against Charlton on Friday.
    Mason Mount – who withdrew from the England squad as he regains fitness – and Thiago Silva cheered on Kante at the Cobham training ground.
    Fellow midfielder Mount even wore a ‘Kante 7’ home Chelsea shirt backwards to show his support.
    The struggling Blues will be back in action a week on Saturday, welcoming Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge, before facing Liverpool and Real Madrid either side of a trip to Wolves. More

  • in

    Chelsea set to sign 18-year-old Norwich star Alex Matos on a free transfer but fans are all saying the same thing

    CHELSEA are set to sign Norwich wonderkid Alex Matos on a free transfer.But fans all said the same thing in response to the possible deal.
    Another young prodigy is set to join the Chelsea academy in Alex MatosCredit: Getty
    EXCL: Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign U-18 talent Alex Matos (2004) from Norwich 🚨🔵 #CFCDeal entering closing stages, it will be done on a free transfer with add-ons.English winger will become part of Jim Fraser project, pushing for signing to build top U21 squad. pic.twitter.com/Dj8WosbGx2— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 24, 2023

    As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are closing in on securing a contract for Matos.
    The versatile 18-year-old winger and midfielder, born in 2004, can join for nothing – although some add-ons are expected.
    At Chelsea, the Englishman will link up with Jim Fraser’s project to build a strong Under-21s team.
    Head of youth development and recruitment Fraser identified Matos as the perfect candidate with bags of potential.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    But supporters are convinced he will fall into the trap of plenty of other Chelsea youth stars over the years.
    One said: “Why are these kids joining Chelsea, zero pathway, just stocking piling talent. At this point will they even get consistent game time at youth-team level?”
    Another wrote: “Why do kids sign for Chelsea. No chance ever of progressing. Out on loans to Darlington in 6 months. One day kids will learn.”
    And a third added: “Suspect we will never hear from him again. So sad these young lads’ heads are turned.”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Matos started out at Luton before switching to Norwich at U12s level.
    He has progressed through the ranks, featuring for the U18s as a schoolboy and signing a scholarship at Carrow Road in 2021.
    This season, he has racked up an impressive three assists in 13 appearances for the Canaries in the Premier League 2.
    At international level, he has appeared for England U15s.
    Matos would link up with Jimmy-Jay Morgan in the Chelsea academy.
    The striker turned down the advances of Manchester City and Arsenal to join Chelsea from Southampton for £6million in February.
    Within weeks of joining the Blues, though, Morgan flew out to Los Angeles to have surgery on a knee problem found during his medical.
    Jimmy-Jay Morgan joined Chelsea from Southampton in FebruaryCredit: Getty More

  • in

    European giants want to sign Lionel Messi in shock free transfer as he edges closer to PSG exit

    LIONEL MESSI could be set to leave Paris Saint-Germain and join Inter Milan this summer, according to reports.The Argentinian legend sees his deal expire at the Ligue 1 club at the end of the season.
    Lionel Messi is wanted by Inter MilanCredit: Reuters
    Messi has the option to extend his stay at PSG by a further year, but he is expected to quit after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
    Inter Milan are keen on trying their luck at signing the 35-year-old on a free transfer, claim Calcio Mercato.
    The Serie A side believe they can use the relationship their chief and former player Javier Zanetti has with Messi from their days playing together for the Argentina national team.
    Meanwhile, Barcelona want to bring the attacker back to the Nou Camp where he spent 21 years.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    However, the Catalan giants may not be able to sign him due to ongoing financial issues.
    Barca have essentially been placed under a transfer ban by LaLiga until they balance their books and could be forced into selling a number of players.
    Retired striker and Messi’s best mate Sergio Aguero remains hopeful that the World Cup hero can go back and finish his career at the club.
    Aguero said: “My feeling is that there is a 50 per cent chance that Leo Messi will return. I think that Leo should retire at Barca. Barcelona is his home, he has to finish his career here.”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has also been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami.
    Rumours linking Messi with a switch to a Saudi Arabian club have been shut down by his father, Jorge, who labelled the reports as “fake news”. More

  • in

    Arsenal’s on-fire striker Folarin Balogun refuses to close door on quitting club after lighting up Ligue 1 on loan

    FOLARIN BALOGUN has fuelled speculation he could leave Arsenal by revealing he would be open to returning to Stade Reims.The striker has been a hit on loan at the Ligue Un club with 17 goals in 27 league games.
    Folarin Balogun is open to returning to Stade Reims next seasonCredit: AFP
    His form could encourage Mikel Arteta to use the youngster in the first team next season.
    But Balogun is not closing the door to a potential exit and would be open to moving back to Reims.
    When asked about his future in an interview with Ligue Un he said: “Contractually I have to go back because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement.
    “I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    “A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.
    “I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don’t know what the future will bring.”
    Balogun also needs to decide his international future after being left out of the England squad.
    He appeared to be frustrated by his omission and posted a message hinting at a potential switch to the USA saying: “In life go where you are appreciated.”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The 21-year-old then jetted out to Orlando, Florida this week – where the USMNT had a training camp.
    USA interim boss Anthony Hudson also revealed he had held talks with Balogun over a potential switch.
    He said: “As I said before, we’ve had dialogue we’ve spoken.
    “He’s out here, having a bit of a break and some training, and we’ve had some discussions. So yeah, now it’s about him just enjoying the rest of his trip.
    “It’s been good, because it’s been an opportunity for us just to share about our program and who we are and what we do.
    “And look, that’s it, I hope we get the chance to speak to him again. So it’s been good to meet him, and I know a few of the guys who have spoke to him as well.” More

  • in

    Mitrovic ‘cost himself big money move to MAN UTD as club shelve plans to sign him’ after Old Trafford red card shame

    ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC has reportedly cost himself a big-money move to Manchester United.That’s after being charged by the FA for shoving a referee while playing the Red Devils.
    Man Utd have ended interest in Aleksandar Mitrovic after his red card at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Mitrovic, 28, lost his head in Fulham’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat to United at Old Trafford earlier this month.
    The Serbian reacted furiously when teammate Willian was sent off for a penalty handball.
    Mitrovic was shown a straight red card for shoving Chris Kavanagh before aggressively shouting in his face.
    And the striker now faces a 10-match ban after being pulled up by FA chiefs.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    However, Mitrovic’s implosion could cost him a whole lot more.
    The Daily Star claims he was being lined up by Man United for a big-money move this summer.
    Erik ten Hag had been left impressed by Mitrovic’s impressive haul of 11 strikes – not to mention last season’s record-breaking 43 goals in the Championship.
    And Mitro was seen as an alternative to loanee Wout Weghorst, who could return to Burnley this summer.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    But Ten Hag and fellow United transfer gurus have now struck Mitrovic off their list after his total lack of discipline on the field.
    It’s reckoned Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona were also keeping tabs on the hitman.
    And they too may now look elsewhere as Mitrovic prepares to serve a lengthy ban.
    The 80-cap Serbia international has been at Fulham since 2018 following an initial loan move from Newcastle.
    Mitrovic has 94 goals in 169 games for the Cottagers and has twice been crowned Club Player of the Year. More

  • in

    Aubameyang ‘willing to accept a minimum salary’ to end Chelsea nightmare and return to cash-strapped Barcelona

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is reportedly willing to accept a huge wage cut to return to Barcelona.The striker is under contract with Chelsea until 2024 but the Blues are believed to be open to terminating his contract.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is happy to accept a massive wage cut to join BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    Aubameyang has played just 18 games since arriving from Barca for £10million last summer.
    A return of three goals has led to the 33-year-old being frozen out, and he could return to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.
    According to Sport, Aubameyang is willing to accept a minimum salary at Barcelona, who are still in financial difficulty.
    The cash-strapped club were fined £700,000 for breaching Financial Fair Play rules after exceeding salary limits for the free signings of Dani Alves and Andreas Christensen, plus Ronald Araujo’s contract extension.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    That means they may not be able to get anywhere close to the reported £160,000 a week Aubameyang earns at Chelsea.
    But Aubameyang appears to have an affinity to the club and was warmly welcomed back into the dressing room after he watched Barca beat Real Madrid 2-1 in El Classico last week.
    He posed for photos with a delighted Ferran Torres and would likely be a welcome signing after he scored 13 goals in 23 games for the Blaugurana last season.
    Manager Xavi admitted he was sad to see Aubameyang leave after he helped his side qualify for the Champions League.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    He said: “I feel bad because he helped us a lot. He was an example on and off the pitch.”
    Barcelona reportedly tried to re-sign the Gabon international in January but LaLiga rules prevent a player being registered three different times in one season. More

  • in

    Dejan Kulusevski can join Tottenham for just £31m transfer fee from Juventus as long as Spurs meet one condition

    TOTTENHAM star Dejan Kulusevski is set to join the club permanently providing they qualify for the Champions League, according to reports.The winger joined Spurs in January 2021 on an 18-month loan deal from Juventus that expires at the end of the season.
    Dejan Kulusevski could join Spurs permanently this summerCredit: Getty
    Tottenham paid £9million to have him temporarily and they already have an agreement in place to sign him for £31million.
    However, the deal only becomes possible providing Spurs finish in the top four this term, claim Calciomercato.
    The club currently sit fourth in the Premier League table but face a battle with Newcastle for the position.
    Eddie Howe’s men are just two points behind and have two games in hand.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    There is also concern regarding Spurs’ current form as they have won just one of their last five matches.
    Additionally, the future of manager Antonio Conte is uncertain, which could prevent the team enjoying a strong finish to the campaign.
    Kulusevksi also reportedly needs to feature in at least 50 per cent of Tottenham games for the agreement to be in place come the summer, which he is set to do having played 27 games this season.
    The Swede has only found the back of the net twice this term.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    However, he is supposedly still happy at the club and is open to staying.
    Juventus could also need to balance the books this summer amid financial pressure and Kulusevski is likely to be sold. More