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      Arsenal legend Merson slams Chelsea’s £600m transfers saying Mudryk has done ‘nothing’ and Madueke isn’t good enough

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      ARSENAL legend Paul Merson has slammed Chelsea’s £600m recruitment and says Mykhailo Mudryk has done “nothing” and that Noni Madueke is not good enough.Blues owner Todd Boehly spent a stunning £326m in the January transfer window – which is more than a third of the total £815m paid across the whole of the Premier League.
      Chelsea could end up paying a total of £97m for Mykhailo MudrykCredit: Getty
      The Blues also bought Noni Madueke from PSV for £35mCredit: Getty
      Enzo Fernandez broke the British transfer record by joining Chelsea for £107m on deadline day.
      The World Cup-winning Argentina midfielder became the EIGHTH arrival in January alone, following the likes of £97m Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, Benoit Badiashile and £35m winger Madueke from PSV.
      However, Saturday’s defeat at home to bottom side Southampton means it is just two wins in 14 Premier League matches for under-pressure boss Graham Potter.
      Mudryk did make a promising cameo during his Chelsea debut in the goalless draw at Liverpool last month but has still yet to deliver either a goal or an assist.
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      And Merson, who won the top tier twice during his Gunners heyday, says that the Ukrainian international should already be making an impact.
      He told Sky Sports: “People think Potter isn’t the right man for the job, but I think he is. For me, I think give him time.
      “I don’t see it changing too quickly. I look at the players and I don’t get it.
      “This Sunday is Chelsea’s biggest game of the season – it’s Tottenham. If he loses this one I’m not sure there is a way back because the fans will go ballistic.
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      “This game can change everything though – if Chelsea beat Spurs he can also be a hero.
      “I like him as a manager but I look at the quality of the players and I question it.”
      And that is when Merson decided to pull the trigger on the new boys.
      The ex-England star added: “They brought Mykhailo Mudryk for £88m and, bar a cameo of 20 minutes, he’s shown nothing. I mean nothing.
      “You wouldn’t expect to need time to settle in at that price.
      “The forward-thinking players are no better than the ones they’ve already got so what’s the point? You can’t tell me that Noni Madueke is a better player than Raheem Sterling or Christian Pulisic. He’s not.
      “Why are you buying a load of players that aren’t better than what you’ve got? None of them improve the team bar Enzo Fernandez and the centre-half [Benoit Badiashile].”
      Paul Merson has gone in two-footed on Chelsea’s new additionsCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool outcast Oxlade-Chamberlain thrown shock transfer lifeline and could play Champions League football next season

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      ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN has reportedly been thrown a transfer lifeline by a Champions League-chasing club with the Liverpool ace set to end his disastrous spell at Anfield. The 29-year-old joined Liverpool from Arsenal in a £33.4million 2017 transfer.
      Fenerbahce are keen on forgotten Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-ChamberlainCredit: Rex
      Oxlade-Chamberlain has won some of the world’s best trophies, including a Premier League and Champions League title while playing for the Reds.
      However, on an individual level, the ex-England international has struggled for consistency, mainly due to injury.
      The winger-turned-midfielder has missed an astonishing 88 games through injury while on the books at Liverpool.
      And this summer, his stay on Merseyside is set to come to an end when his contract expires.
      READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWS
      But he could get a quicker escape before the end of the season, with Fenerbahce keen on him, according to Aspor.
      The Turkish winter transfer deadline was extended to March 5.
      And Fenerbache could play a small fee to free Oxlade-Chamberlain from Liverpool should they make a move.
      Oxlade-Chamberlain has played just 11 times this season, starting five of those games.
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      The Turkish giants are currently sat second in the Super Lig, behind rivals Galatasaray by nine points.
      They could slash Galatasaray’s nine-point lead down to six as they have a game in hand.
      Fenerbahce are on course to qualify for Europe’s top club competition via the league, with the top two teams in the Turkish league earning a spot.
      They could also earn a spot by winning the Europa League.
      Fenerbahce topped Group B and will contest the round of 16 next month. More

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      I almost quit football to help my father sell fish at the market and now I am linked with a £90m transfer to Chelsea

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      THIS footballer almost quit the beautiful game to help his father sell fish at their local market.But it’s a good thing he didn’t give up on his dreams.
      This Chelsea-linked star almost quit the game to sell fish with his dadCredit: Instagram @rbleipzig
      That’s because he’s now being tipped for a stunning £90million move to Chelsea.
      The Blues have been splashing the cash left, right and centre under Todd Boehly.
      The American has handed out more than £600m on stars including Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez.
      And there could yet be more incomings this summer.
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      One area which has been a cause for concern is defence.
      But Chelsea could be presented with a saviour in the shape of RB Leipzig and Croatia star Josko Gvardiol.

      The versatile centre-back, who can also play on the left, is one of world football’s top prospects.
      Gvardiol, 21, has already clocked up 74 appearances for RB Leipzig and scored his fourth goal in last night’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Manchester City.
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      Josko Gvardiol has become a star for RB Leipzig and CroatiaCredit: PA
      The ace put in several admirable performances at the World Cup too, leading his country to a third-place finish.
      And Gvardiol is now being strongly linked with a £90m switch to Stamford Bridge.
      But things could have turned out differently had he decided to follow through on initial plans to quit football.
      Gvardiol admits he was looking to pack things in four or five years ago after warming the bench for Dinamo Zagreb’s youth side.
      The defender endured a tough upbringing in the Croatian capital, waking up daily at 4am to help his dad sell fish at the market.
      And Gvardiol almost stepped away from football to partake in the family trade full-time.
      I was frustrated and, at one moment, I was thinking to leave footballJosko Gvardiol
      But after soon getting his break in the team, the star’s stunning progress saw him blitz into Zagreb’s senior squad.
      Gvardiol told the Times: “I was 16 or 17 and still on the bench in the youth teams. I was frustrated and, at one moment, I was thinking to leave football.
      “[Selling fish?] By the way, I hate fish. Imagine being 16 years old and there’s only fish to eat every day at home. I want to try something else.
      “I don’t know what happened but then afterwards I started to play and they finally saw something in me, my quality, and in one year I moved to Dinamo Zagreb’s second team.
      “In six months I was in the first team with [now-RB Leipzig team-mate] Dani Olmo.”
      Gvardiol also revealed he could have joined Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds before opting for Leipzig instead.
      Gvardiol scored in last night’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Man CityCredit: Getty
      He said: “I had two options, Leeds and Leipzig. Bielsa was the coach and my goal in my career is to play in the Premier League.
      “[But] I knew I needed to take a few steps more before I get there one day.”
      Gvardiol almost saw his dream come true last summer when Chelsea made a late move.
      But Leipzig rejected the bid after telling Gvardiol he was too important to sell.
      The ace added: “My agent called me and saw that Chelsea is extremely interested. Of course you definitely think about a serious offer from a huge club like Chelsea.
      “Leipzig said they didn’t want to sell me, in the end I really struggled with that decision but we didn’t make an agreement.
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      “It is what it is, I am here and fine with this because my idea had been to stay here, one season wasn’t enough.
      “This is my second, even one more season would be great but we will see.” More

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      Man Utd’s Jude Bellingham transfer back ON as they join three rivals in race for hottest prospect in football

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S move for Jude Bellingham is back on.That’s after joining three rivals in the race for England’s midfield superstar.
      Man Utd are back in the hunt for Borussia Dortmund star Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      Bellingham, 19, is the hottest property in football right now after becoming a key man for club and country.
      The midfielder has clocked up 10 goals for Borussia Dortmund this season and also set the World Cup alight with some huge performances under Gareth Southgate.
      It now looks certain Bellingham will depart Germany for a new challenge after three years in the Bundesliga.
      And the Athletic claims United have emerged as a potential destination for the box-to-box star.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The Red Devils are enjoying a fine resurgence with Erik ten Hag at the helm.
      And they could soon have plenty of cash to spend ahead of a potential takeover by mega-rich Qataris.
      That has opened the door to a possible £132million move for Bellingham, which would make the teenager the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
      However, United currently lag behind several other sides.
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      It’s reckoned Liverpool are favourites despite having a shocking season under Jurgen Klopp.
      Bellingham is a huge admirer of the German and has not been put off by their dip in form.

      Sources close to negotiations claim it’s “Liverpool’s deal to lose”, but it remains to be seen whether the Reds can stump up the cash as owners FSG look for new investors.
      Meanwhile, Real Madrid are keen after holding talks with Bellingham’s representatives.
      They would love to create a new midfield three also involving Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
      But Real do not currently have the funds to match bids from the Premier League.
      They already acknowledge Bellingham is likely to return to England.
      And they are also prioritising a new forward to replace ageing hitman Karim Benzema.
      Finally, Manchester City remain interested despite their Financial Fair Play battle.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ilkay Gundogan could be off when his contract expires, and Bellingham is also close pals with striker Erling Haaland.
      But the final say will come down to Pep Guardiola, with City always ready to back their man if he deems a player absolutely necessary. More

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      Marcel Sabitzer hints at permanent Man Utd transfer stay at end of season as Bayern Munich make their demands

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could sign Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent basis in the summer, according to his agent.The midfielder arrived in an emergency loan deal in January to replace the injured Christian Eriksen.
      Marcel Sabitzer could stay at Manchester United beyond his loanCredit: Rex
      He was thrown straight into the United team and appears to be enjoying life at Old Trafford.
      And according to his agent there is a chance he could sign a permanent deal in the summer.
      He told German outlet Sport1 that they “will see what happens” when the transfer window re-opens.
      But with Bayern Munich believed to be open to a sale it is possible Sabitzer will remain at United.
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      He signed for the German champions in 2021 but has struggled to nail down a first-team place.
      Bayern have reportedly set an asking price of £18million for the midfielder but would be willing to negotiate that fee.
      Sabitzer also refused to rule out a permanent switch after revealing he liked the atmosphere at the club.
      He said: “It’s a loan at the moment, that’s all I can say.
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      “I like it here. I’m feeling very good here. I like the team, I like the club, the atmosphere in Old Trafford.
      “We will see what happens in the summer.” More

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      ‘Never say never’ – Napoli chief reveals Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen could leave for ‘crazy’ fee

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      NAPOLI’S president has admitted that star man Victor Osimhen could leave if they receive a “crazy” transfer offer.Nigerian star Osimhen, 24, has fired Napoli 15 points clear at the top of the Serie A table in their pursuit of a first title since 1990.
      Victor Osimhen continued his stunning scoring streak against Frankfurt on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      And he further strengthened his blossoming reputation and continued his scoring streak for the Italian side against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last night.
      Osimhen opened the scoring in the first half as Napoli beat 10-man Frankfurt 2-0 in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
      That took his tally to 20 goals for the campaign and will surely have seen interest in him soaring.
      Recent reports have emerged suggesting Man Utd are preparing to launch a staggering £107million transfer bid.
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      Such a deal would equal the current British transfer record set by Chelsea’s acquisition of Enzo Fernandez in January – with the Blues also keen to land the hitman.
      Liverpool are another club believed to be looking at launching a mega move for him.
      But Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has so far remained defiant over the possibility of a sale and wants to keep him.
      But now, when quizzed about the futures of both Osimhen and fellow star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, he has admitted that the pair could leave this summer in a huge boost to the circling Premier League clubs – but reiterated that he hopes to hold on to them both.
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      De Laurentiis said: “Kvara and Osimhen? It won’t be difficult to keep our best players, we’re good with contracts — but never say never in case of crazy proposals. I think they will stay for a long time.”
      Osimhen left Lille for Napoli for £62.4m in 2020 and has scored 42 goals in 70 Serie A appearances since.
      He remains under contract until 2025 but no talks over an extension are believed to have yet taken place.
      The Red Devils lost Cristiano Ronaldo in December but brought in Wout Weghorst on-loan to bolster their forward line.
      Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in a new striker this summer for the long-term and has identified Napoli’s Osimhen as his No1 target. More

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      Premier League clubs dealt transfer blow as Napoli boss says ‘priceless’ wonderkid ‘not for sale’

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      NAPOLI have told Premier League suitors that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is “priceless”.The Italians are braced for summer bids for their star men after flying to massive 15 point lead in Serie A, as they look destined for a first league title since 1990.
      Napoli have warned Premier League clubs off of their wing sensationCredit: AFP
      While the likes of Manchester United are circling around hotshot striker Victor Osimhen, Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia has been just as important this season.
      Napoli plucked the 22-year-old from obscurity last summer in a bargain £8.8million deal from Dinamo Batumi in his homeland.
      He has since earned the nicknamed ‘Kvaradona’ – after Napoli most iconic former star Diego Maradona – after scoring 10 goals and provided 9 assists in 19 Serie A matches this season.
      This form has put some of the Premier League’s biggest teams on alert but Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has dealt interested parties a huge blow.
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      He said: “Khvicha’s a fantastic player and we want to keep him, it’s not even the case to mention a specific price tag to sell him.”
      He continued: “In this moment, Kvaratskhelia is not for sale. The market hasn’t even started.”
      The winger has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest sides including Real Madrid, Manchester City and PSG.
      Cash rich Newcastle have also registered their interest in recent weeks as the race really starts to hot up.
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      Kvaratskhelia was part of the Napoli side that beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
      He missed a penalty but did provide the assist for Napoli’s second goal.
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in action for Napoli in the Champions League football against Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Rex
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring for Napoli in Serie ACredit: Rex More

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      ‘Getting Harry Kane vibes’ – Arsenal fans excited as club consider huge move for 20-year-old Serie A striker

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      ARSENAL are plotting a transfer swoop for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports. The 20-year-old has impressed in Italy this season having joined last summer from Strum Graz in a £15million deal.
      Rasmus Hojlund has impressed this season for AtalantaCredit: Getty
      Hojlund has netted seven goals in 21 games for Atalanta this term.
      And his form has caught the attention of Arsenal, according to La Repubblica.
      However, the report claims that Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez is also a huge admirer of Hojlund.
      Real are on the lookout for Karim Benzema’s long-term successor.
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      The two-capped Dane has Arsenal fans excited.
      He has even been likened to Tottenham star man Harry Kane.

      One Gunners fan said: “Anyone else getting Harry Kane vibes?”
      Another tweeted: “He’s got Odegaard’s feet.”
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      However, some Arsenal fans are keen to stick with academy graduates Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun.
      The latter, in particular, is having a barnstorming season in Ligue 1 with Reims.
      Balogun has 15 goals in 23 league games, outscoring the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
      Hojlund has been likened to Harry KaneCredit: Alamy More