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    Trossard vs Mudryk: How cut-price Brighton star compares to Chelsea’s mega-money signing as Arsenal close in on transfer

    ARSENAL are hoping to sign Mykhailo Mudryk alternative Leandro Trossard in a cut-price deal from Brighton.The Gunners missed out on the Ukraine wonderkid with London rivals Chelsea securing his signature.
    Arsenal are negotiating for TrossardCredit: Getty
    Chelsea snatched Mudryk away from ArsenalCredit: PA
    Chelsea forked out upwards of £88million on the electric winger, who has penned an eight-and-a-half year deal.
    Wantaway Brighton star Trossard, 28, is seen as a possible alternative to Mudryk, with Mikel Arteta’s men leading the Premier League after 18 games played.
    The Belgium international is out of favour on the South Coast amid a public spat with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
    Italian De Zerbi criticised Trossard, whose deal expires in the summer, for his attitude.
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    Discussions with Arsenal remain ongoing, but are at an advanced stage, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
    But how does Trossard compare to Mudryk?
    Well, since the start of the 2021 season, Trossard has played 27 more games than the 22-year-old.
    Trossard has also played 2,593 minutes more than the Chelsea new boy.
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    Mudryk’s stats are better per 90
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    The experienced Prem winger has netted 15 times in those 50 appearances, averaging 0.3 goals per 90.
    On top of his 15 strikes, Trossard registered five assists, which works out at 0.1.

    Mudryk, meanwhile, has just nine goals in the Ukrainian league, but per 90 has proved to be more productive at 0.39.
    The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk ace registered 13 assists in 23 games, working out at 0.56 per 90.
    Combined, Mudryk has 0.95 goals/assists per 90, compared to Trossard’s 0.4.
    While the stats don’t lie, it’s worth noting Trossard has been operating in a far tougher league during that time.
    But Mudryk’s stats are among the reasons why new manager Graham Potter is excited to work with him.
    Following the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, the Chelsea boss said on his new signing: “You’re never surprised in the transfer window because things happen sometimes like you don’t expect.
    “He (Mudryk) is a young player with a big future.
    “He’s exciting, one-versus-one, can threaten the goal. I think our supporters already like him.
    “I’m the head coach and as you know, I’ve had enough to worry about and what is right for the club.
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    “If I’m here for the length of his contract, I’ll be happy.”
    Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are divided over the potential arrival of Trossard. More

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    Jude Bellingham’s team ‘tell Real Madrid they are in talks with Liverpool’ over stunning transfer

    JUDE BELLINGHAM’S team have told Real Madrid that they are in talks with Liverpool, according to reports.The Borussia Dortmund star is one of the most in-demand players in Europe.
    Jude Bellingham is likely to leave Borussia Dortmund this summerCredit: Getty
    Bellingham, 19, is under contract with the Bundesliga side until 2025.
    But he is likely to leave in the summer.
    The ex-Birmingham City starlet is being chased by the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
    It’s Liverpool and Real Madrid that are at the front of queue, however.
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    The latter are reportedly in talks with Bellingham’s team over a transfer.
    But they have now been warned that conversations are also happening with Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
    Former player and football insider Jan Aage Fjortoft tweeted: “Re: Jude Bellingham
    “I understand Team Bellingham have told Real Madrid they are talking to Liverpool too.
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    “At the moment “no favourites”. As they at this stage are investigating their options.”
    Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti previously distanced his side from a move for Bellingham.
    He said: “Bellingham has shown at the World Cup that he is a great midfielder, but so have others.
    “Enzo Fernandez has played very well. Gavi and Pedri as well.
    “Bellingham is one of those very good midfielders, but I’ll stick with the ones we have.”
    The Dortmund star hasn’t played in a competitive match since England’s World Cup quarter-final elimination to France.
    Bundesliga action will finally resume this weekend, with Dortmund set to host Augsburg on Sunday. More

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    Arsenal fans split on Leandro Trossard transfer with many annoyed as Brighton outcast trends on Twitter

    ARSENAL fans are divided over the potential transfer of Leandro Trossard.The Gunners are reportedly in advanced talks to sign the Brighton winger but are yet to agree a fee.
    Arsenal fans are split on the potential signing of Leandro TrossardCredit: PA
    But some Arsenal supporters feel Trossard, 28, is too old after the Gunners missed out on 22-year-old Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea.
    Frustrated fans have made their feelings known – so much so that “he’s 28” began to trend on Twitter.
    One fan said: “The key is that he’s 28, fallen out with the manager badly and has contract ending in summer with one year option. You can get a Kvara, Mitoma or Gnoto for less than £10million if scouted properly. He has no resale value and would never be a starter. We can’t let Brighton skin us on this.”
    Another added: “He’s 28 and we don’t need forward anymore.”
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    And a third said: “He’s 28, not fast, can disrupt the flow in the dressing room with disciplinary issues the only advantage is that he plays both wings comfortably. This is a panic buy.”
    But the majority fans are happy with Arsenal’s pursuit of Trossard as they feel he can make an impact in their title push with the Belgian able to play several positions.
    Trossard has scored seven goals in 16 Premier League games this season but has fallen out with Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi so could be on the move.
    One Arsenal fans dismissed worries about his age, saying: “He’s 28 he’s in his best years, got PL experience and a decent player for £20m it’s a no brainer surely.”
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    Another added: “Trossard is a baller I don’t care if he’s 28. We need readymade players for the next six months. This is probably the best chance to win the league we will get, even if we do complete again. It’s on a plate for us.”
    A third said: “He’s 28?? three to four years left in him! Why is it short-term? Can play anywhere across the front three. Premier League ready! Scores and assists, presses brilliantly.”
    And another remarked: “‘But he’s 28’ some of our fanbase are clowns.” More

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    Tottenham ‘launch Nicolo Zaniolo loan transfer offer with obligation to buy’ but face competition from Prem rivals

    TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo on loan with an obligation to buy, reports suggest.However, Spurs will be facing competition from Premier League rivals West Ham as well as Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
    Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo has been linked with a loan move to TottenhamCredit: Getty
    That is according to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, who reports that the Giallorossi are open to selling the playmaker in the January transfer window.
    The Italy international has just 18 months left in his contract and Roma chiefs have debated about whether to extend his deal.
    Tottenham have been keeping tabs on the 23-year-old since August and their interest persists.
    The North Londoners’ managing director Fabio Paratici has proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy as long as certain terms are met.
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    West Ham are also eyeing the Italian after finding themselves in a relegation battle in the Premier League.
    And Dortmund are still looking to bolster their attack after losing star striker Erling Haaland to Manchester City last summer.

    However, Roma have slapped a €40million (£35m) release clause and won’t accept any offers below €35m (£31m).
    In fact, Jose Mourinho’s side are already monitoring potential replacements in case Zaniolo leaves mid-season.
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    The versatile midfielder has amassed a total of two goals and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season.
    The ex-Inter Milan star joined Roma in 2018 and has since registered 24 goals and 18 assists in 128 matches. More

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    Newcastle interested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin transfer with £35m Everton star on list of new striker targets

    NEWCASTLE are interested in Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin – with Eddie Howe eyeing a £35million move.The Toffees striker has had a torrid season, scoring just once as he battles a number of niggling injuries.
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled to keep fit at Everton this seasonCredit: Getty
    Frank Lampard’s side – who are 19th in the Premier League – are struggling on and off the pitch amid a fan mutiny.
    And SunSport understands Everton are bracing themselves for bids for their star England striker.

    Newcastle want the 25-year-old this month but would be willing to wait until the summer if a deal can’t be reached.
    And a space in the squad for a striker could open up at St James’ Park with Chris Wood a target for Nottingham Forest.
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    A source said: “Calvert-Lewin is at right at the top of the list of targets Newcastle have.
    “They were interested in him last summer, and that interest remains.
    “They think he could be a striker that could help take them to the next level both in the league, and in Europe.”
    Calvert-Lewin has already missed nine games this season as he battles a knee injury.
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    However, he is back and trying to get Everton out of their on-field crisis as their season implodes.
    Meanwhile, Lampard is understood to have told the Toffees board he must keep his top players if they want to stay up.
    There is interest in Jordan Pickford and Anthony Gordon alongside Calvert-Lewin during this window.
    All three are expected to quit the club if they were to be relegated to the Championship.
    That moved a step closer on Saturday after a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Southampton. More

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    Three ways Leandro Trossard could fit into Arsenal’s line-up as they close in on shock transfer for Brighton outcast

    ARSENAL are in talks to sign wantaway Brighton star Leandro Trossard with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his attacking options.The Gunners had hoped to sign Ukraine wonderkid Mykhailo Mudryk.
    Arsenal are in talks over Leandro TrossardCredit: Getty
    Trossard could operate on the left
    However, rivals Chelsea pipped them to the winger’s signature in an £88million transfer on an eight-and-a-half year deal.
    And so attention has turned towards Trossard, who is in the final six months of his contract with the Seagulls.
    The 28-year-old is also out of favour at Brighton following a public fallout with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
    Italian De Zerbi criticised Trossard for his attitude.
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    Discussions with Arsenal remain ongoing, but are at an advanced stage, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
    Chelsea could attempt to gazump Arsenal again, though, with Graham Potter said to be keen on a reunion with his former player.
    But should the Gunners sign the Belgium star, he can provide competition and cover in a number of positions.
    With his seven goals and three assists in the league this term, Trossard could start out wide on the left in place of Gabriel Martinelli.
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    Alternatively, Trossard could play as a No10
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    Trossard can also play as an attacking midfielder, or as a striker.
    Summer signing Fabio Vieira is finding game time hard to come by behind captain fantastic Martin Odegaard.
    Mikel Arteta may prefer Premier League proven Trossard to step in if need be, with his team sat top.
    Trossard would also be tasked with supplying the likes of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah, with main man Gabriel Jesus not expected to return from injury for a number of months.
    And should Nketiah pick up a knock, Trossard can also operate up front.
    Should disaster striker and Nketiah gets injured, Trossard can fill in up front More

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    Chelsea ‘bid £65m for Moises Caicedo but Brighton hold out on huge £75m transfer fee’

    CHELSEA have submitted an offer for Brighton star Moises Caicedo worth £65million, according to reports.The Blues have continued to spend heavily this month but are still on the lookout for a midfielder.
    Chelsea have bid £65million for Brighton’s Moises CaicedoCredit: Getty
    They were heavily linked with a move for World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez but have turned their attention to Caicedo after Benfica played hardball over a deal.
    But it appears Brighton are doing likewise amid Chelsea’s alleged £65m bid for the midfielder, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
    The Seagulls reportedly want £75m for the Ecuador international.
    And they will not sell until that price is met – even if Caicedo wants to move this month.
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    Chelsea could continue to negotiate as they reportedly have a good relationship with Brighton.
    Graham Potter is keen to reunite with the 21-year-old, who joined the Seagulls in February 2021.
    Caicedo could become Chelsea’s sixth January signing.
    Joao Felix, David Fofana, Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile and Mykhailo Mudryk have all joined Potter’s project totalling £152m.
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    Chelsea’s spending could be set to continue after they entered the race to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
    But they could recoup some funds by selling Conor Gallagher who is wanted by five Premier League teams. More

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    Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest ‘monitoring Keylor Navas’ as they consider shock transfer for PSG star

    BOURNEMOUTH and Nottingham Forest are reportedly monitoring Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas.The French club are open to selling the 36-year-old veteran this month.
    Keylor Navas is rumoured to be on the radar of Bournemouth and Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
    He has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
    The pair were good friends during their time together at Real Madrid.
    But there are also Premier League sides sniffing around the Costa Rican stopper, according to L’Equipe.
    Both Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest are rumoured to be interested in Navas.
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    Dean Henderson is current No1 at Forest but his loan from Manchester United expires at the end of the season.
    The 25-year-old is also facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the 2-0 win over Leicester at the weekend.
    Meanwhile, Bournemouth have not been able to settle on a first-choice this season, switching between Mark Travers and Neto.
    Navas has played second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma this season, making just one appearance in all competitions.
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    And PSG are keen to cash in on the keeper after failing to get rid of him last summer.
    Al-Nassr could also be on the lookout for a new stopper after current No1 David Ospina, formerly of Arsenal, fractured his elbow at the weekend.
    Navas has played 107 times in all competitions from PSG since signing from Real Madrid in 2019.
    But Donnarumma’s arrival in 2021 has limited his game time at the Parc des Princes.
    Navas is under contract in the French capital until the end of next season. More