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      Former England star, 41, hints Arteta’s role for Kai Havertz ‘didn’t go to plan’ before Arsenal star’s transformation

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend Joleon Lescott claims Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had different plans for Kai Havertz after signing him last summer.The Gunners landed Havertz, 25, from rivals Chelsea in 2023 following a £65million deal.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a different role for Kai Havertz before his transformation as a false nineCredit: RexLescott praised Havertz’s performances at Arsenal and slammed the criticsCredit: GettyThe versatile German often led the Blues’ attack during his three-year stint at Stamford Bridge and scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against City.Lescott, 41, expected the Germany international to play in a different position at Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta appeared to have the same idea as he hinted he would use him in midfield.However, plans changed and Havertz quickly returned up front as a false nine and often led the North Londoners’ attack amid another round of injury hell for striker Gabriel Jesus.Lescott praised Havertz’s ability to successfully adjust after Arteta’s original ideas “didn’t go to plan”.Read More on ArsenalHavertz received plenty of criticism for some early performances but went on to amass an impressive tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances.Lescott dismissed all the negativity and insists Havertz deserves more credit as he compared his style to Manchester United and Tottenham’s legendary striker Dimitar Berbatov.The ex-England international is adamant the former Chelsea star deserves more respect as he has also proven himself as a false nine in Germany’s national team.Lescott told SunSport: “Yeah, I think it [the criticism] was unfair. I believe when they signed him, I didn’t think he would have or play in the role that he played for them. Most read in Football”I believed he would be important to them. I think Arteta had a different role for him at the start. It didn’t go to plan. And then he and the player, Kai Havertz, was able to adjust. “And yeah, I think because we want a profile of a striker – a number nine – to have a certain look and image, I think we’re not giving him the credit as a number nine. Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ “But if you compare him to his style, like his attributes, are they much different to a Berbatov, really? He’s able to travel with the ball long distances, he is technically very, very good. He scores. He always looks comfortable in front of goal.”So yeah, I think because he’s played in the previous positions, that hinders the appeal of him looking like a number nine. “But you have to respect, you don’t play for Arsenal being a genuine title contender, playing in the Euros for one of the top nations as a number nine, and not be able to do it adequately.”Lescott is so impressed with Havertz’s “exceptional” performances that he even questions whether the striker’s position is the most important area in which Arsenal need to strengthen this summer.Havertz was ‘exceptional’ last seasonThe former centre-back doubts there are many options available and also insists Arteta’s side didn’t lose the title to his beloved City because of a lack of goals last season.Lescott added: “I think it’s easy to suggest that [Arsenal need a striker], but are there many that are available and that guarantee you the goals they would need? “I do believe strikers get you a different type of goal, whether it gets you more goals than Havertz, who I thought was exceptional last season. “I do think strikers have a different knack of taking an opportunity that’s not really there. I think forwards in general want to see the goal and want to see a perfect position where forwards or strikers just go, ‘I’m just going to shoot’, and sometimes get lucky with the deflection.”I think a striker would bring that different element to it. But again, I think just strengthening your squad, strengthening your team is important. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[But to ] Be specific to a position is slightly harsh, because they didn’t lose the title based on just not having a striker . They did enough to win the games and scored a goal. So it’s just finding an alternative to the little bits that Arteta thinks he needs.”Joleon Lescott was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+Arsenal boss Arteta hinted he was going to use Havertz in midfieldCredit: The Times More

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      Real Madrid’s extortionate new ticket prices revealed as Kylian Mbappe transfer leads to 73 per cent increase

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      REAL MADRID’S ticket prices have exploded after Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.Real finally landed Mbappe, 25, in the summer as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain and he is expected to pocket £12.8million per year after tax as part of a five-year deal.Real Madrid’s home ticket prices have increased by 73 per centCredit: GettyReal fans will have to dig deep in their pockets to watch Kylian Mbappe in actionCredit: ReutersBut fans who want to watch the France international, and the rest of the Galacticos, live in Madrid will have to dig deep into their pockets.German publication Bild quoted Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the cheapest ticket for the first home game of the season against Valladolid on August 25 costs a staggering €95 (£81).Last year, the cheapest ticket at the Bernabeu cost €55 (£47), which means there was a whopping 73 per cent increase in prices.Even the most expensive “normal” ticket outside of business seats and VIP boxes is now significantly more pricey as it now costs €210 (£180).Read More on FootballAway fans are also affected as they will have to pay almost €100 (£86) for a seat right at the top under the stadium roof.Real are one of four La Liga clubs, along with Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol and Barcelona, that refused to sign an agreement that an away ticket cannot cost more than €30 (£26).The above prices may even seem relatively cheap at some points this upcoming season.It is expected costs will rocket even higher when Carlo Ancelotti’s play in the Champions League or against bigger sides in LaLiga.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal’s season officially kicked off on Wednesday when they beat Europa League holders Atalanta for the European Super Cup.Mbappe made his official debut and led Los Blancos to a 2-0 victory at the Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium in Warsaw.Real Madrid’s stadium looks unrecognisable as it prepares for ‘never-before-seen’ presentation of Kylian MbappeThe star striker scored on his Real bow after Federico Valverde opened the scoring for the reigning European champions.But it was England star Jude Bellingham who was man of the match as after he assisted Mbappe’s goal.Real landed Mbappe as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain More

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      Arsenal step up efforts to seal Mikel Merino transfer as Edu flies to Spain… but ‘may need to sell to buy’

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      ARSENAL sporting director Edu has been in Spain hoping to wrap up a deal for Mikel Merino.Real Sociedad ace Merino, 28, wants to join the Gunners with the clubs locked in talks over the Spain midfielder.Arsenal are in talks over a move for Mikel MerinoCredit: GettyThe midfielder helped Spain win the Euros this summerCredit: GettyHe was missing from their pre-season friendly squad against Union Berlin on Friday amid rumours he is heading to the Emirates.Merino was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 and he scored the winner against Germany in the quarter-final.Mikel Arteta is said to have wanted the midfielder for some time with Arsenal in talks over his signing.It is believed agreeing personal terms with Merino would be straightforward once a bid is accepted.READ MORE ON ARSENALReal Sociedad are keen to keep Merino and have offered him a new deal with his contract set to expire next year.However the player’s representatives have reportedly informed the club that Merino intends to sign for the Gunners.But Arsenal may not be able to complete a transfer until they sell players, with Eddie Nketiah tipped to leave.Marseille were in talks to sign the striker but refused to match Arsenal’s £27million asking price.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBournemouth are interested in Nketiah as a potential replacement for Dominic Solanke.Arsenal also had to let go Emile Smith Rowe this summer to fund a move for Riccardo Califiori.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ More

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      How Man Utd could line up with Marcos Alonso and Ivan Toney as target shock new transfers

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could bring in two more signings before the transfer window closes later this month.Erik ten Hag has already splashed out nearly £140million on Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.Manchester United are understood to be interested in Marcos AlonsoCredit: GettyIvan Toney has also been linked with a switch to Old TraffordCredit: RexBut they could yet welcome more arrivals in the next fortnight, with the deadline of August 30 looming large.Former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, 33, who is now a free agent, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.Man Utd remain short on left-back options with Luke Shaw out until the international break and Tyrell Malacia still absent after knee surgery.Brentford striker Ivan Toney, 28, has also been mooted as a potential target for Man Utd.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA £60m price tag and a possible fight with Chelsea could put the Red Devils off, but they may feel they need extra firepower up top to go with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.If Alonso and Toney are to come in, Man Utd could line up against Liverpool on August 31 with nearly half their team as new signings.Andre Onana will remain the keeper, but three of the back four may be fresh faces.Alonso, De Ligt and Mazraoui could all slot in alongside Lisandro Martinez.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Man Utd could line up with Alonso and ToneyCasemiro and Kobbie Mainoo will likely remain at the base of the midfield.But the shake-up in the forward line could see Marcus Rashford drop to the bench.Man Utd fans gush ‘Adidas are absolutely killing it’ as ‘genius’ video showing off 2024-25 third kit is releasedThe most likely option off the left is Alejandro Garnacho, with Zirkzee on the other flank and Bruno Fernandes behind Toney.Man Utd kick off the Premier League season on Friday night when they host Fulham.They then travel to Brighton on August 24, before taking on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the final match before the international break. More

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      Man Utd hold shock transfer talks over Marcos Alonso with former Chelsea and Barcelona star now a free agent

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a swoop for former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, according to reports.Erik ten Hag’s defensive injury woes have continued into the new season, with Luke Shaw ruled out until the international break with a fresh calf problem.United have considered a move for free agent Marcos AlonsoCredit: GettyAlonso was out injured for most of last season as Barcelona finished second in La LigaUnited remain short on left-back options with Tyrell Malacia still out after his knee surgery caused him to miss the whole of last season.And according to The Athletic, ex-Chelsea star Alonso has been discussed as a potential option by Old Trafford chiefs.The 33-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired at the end of last season and he would be open to returning to the Premier League.The former Champions League winner with Chelsea was limited to eight appearances last season owing to a back injury.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAlonso joined Stamford Bridge in 2016 in a deal worth £24m from Fiorentina and made 212 appearances for the Blues, scoring 29 goals.Ten Hag was forced to rely on centre-back Victor Lindelof and defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to fill the void at left-back last term.Meanwhile, star centre-half Lisandro Martinez was forced to play on the left-side of defence during the Community Shield on Sunday.The Red Devils suffered a 7-6 defeat on penalties to Manchester City following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Man Utd have had a welcome boost with the signing of right-back Noussair Mazraoui, 26, from Bayern Munich.The Dutchman’s ability to play on the left was a factor in United picking him to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka who joined West Ham for an undisclosed fee this week.Paul Scholes says ‘that is a massive concern for me’ as Man Utd legend opens up on ‘second-rate’ De Ligt transfer Meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt, 25, also joined United in a combined deal with Mazaroui worth £60m, including add-ons.The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose agent Jorge Mendes arrived in England to broker a deal on Tuesday. More

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      Man Utd ‘break the internet’ as Matthijs de Ligt transfer announcement goes wrong

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S finally announced the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt and his Bayern Munich team-mate Noussair Mazraoui.The Dutch defender joined the club in a £43million transfer this week.De Ligt was announced as a Man Utd player on Tuesday eveningCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui was announced 15 minutes laterCredit: GettyHe was officially unveiled as a United player on Tuesday, much to the delight of fans.But so many people clicked on the announcement that it caused some problems on the website.Fans said they were unable to access the website link and shared screengrabs of the issue on social media.One person said: “Can’t see the De Ligt update in the app.”Read More on Man UtdWhile another joked: “We broke the internet.”De Ligt became the third player to sign for Man Utd this summer following the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.Upon his arrival at Old Trafford, he said: “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club.”In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSome fans struggled to access the Man Utd website following Matthijs de Ligt’s announcementCredit: Manchester United”Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again.”I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”New Man Utd signings Matthijs de Ligt hits Sexy Fish restaurant on first night out in Manchester Just 25 minutes after unveiling De Ligt, the Red Devils announced the signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.The Morocco international said: “It’s an incredible feeling to be a Manchester United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt.”I know that I’m joining the club at an exciting time; everyone I’ve spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together and I can feel the determination to achieve that.” More

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      Ben Chilwell’s Chelsea future ‘in doubt’ with England star, 28, assessing transfer options just days before new season

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      BEN CHILWELL is assessing his options at Chelsea ahead of the closing weeks of the transfer window.The Blues full-back’s Stamford Bridge future is reportedly in doubt just days before the start of the new season.Ben Chilwell is assessing his options ahead of a potential Chelsea exitCredit: GettyChelsea begin their campaign at home to Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.However, Chilwell could be saying goodbye to supporters after four years in West London.According to talkSPORT, the 28-year-old would not be blocked from leaving the club as he assesses his options.Instead, Chelsea are prepared to let him leave if they receive a suitable offer before the window closes on August 30.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United were previously linked with a move for the defender earlier this summer.Chilwell had to settle for limited game time during pre-season as he struggled to force himself into Enzo Maresca’s plans.The new Chelsea boss has even admitted the former Leicester man does not fit his playing style.He currently faces competition at left-back from Marc Cucurella, who starred for Spain as they won Euro 2024.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChilwell will also be hoping to force his way back into the England squad this season under new interim boss Lee Carsley.Gareth Southgate left the defender out of his side for the Euros after including him for the March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Ben Chilwell’s Unauthorized Home Renovations Spark DisputeChilwell had to settle for limited game time during Chelsea’s pre-season campaignCredit: GettyAs a result, he remains with one goal in 21 caps for the Three Lions.Chilwell has also scored nine times for Chelsea in 106 appearances since signing from the Foxes in 2020.He also penned a new deal in April 2023, with three years remaining on the contract.However, he struggled with injuries last season which limited him to just 13 league appearances.Chilwell’s woes included a lengthy hamstring injury and multiple knee issues during the campaign. More

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      Liverpool open to selling one of Jurgen Klopp’s last ever signings after slipping down Anfield pecking order

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      LIVERPOOL are still open minded to selling Wataru Endo – and Celtic are now monitoring the player.The Scottish champions are believed to be huge admirers of the midfielder who is thought to have slipped massively down the pecking order at Anfield.Wataru Endo could be set to leave Anfield after just one seasonCredit: APEndo was one of Jurgen Klopp’s final signingsCredit: PANew manager Arne Slot is believed to regard Ryan Gravenberch and Stefan Bajcetic as better options in the midfield holding role.And that’s put the future of Endo – who is thought to want to play first team football this season – in doubt.Marseille have already had a bid rejected for the player this summer.But they could go back in with a new offer before the window closes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are likely to face competition from Brendan Rogers who thinks securing Endo could help boost his side both domestically and in Europe.But the transfer fee – thought to be around £15m – may put the player out of Celtic’s reach.Earlier this month it was reported that Liverpool would be willing to sell Endo if they are able to replace him with Martin Zubimendi.But even after missing out on the Spain international they could still let Endo go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEndo played in 29 of Liverpool’s 38 Premier League games last seasonLiverpool have seemingly entered the market for a new midfielder and are ready to pounce on a target, something that was very much needed according to Jamie Carragher.Speaking on The Overlap, the former defender discussed limitations in the squad, saying: “Liverpool definitely lack legs and energy in midfield.The Sun’s Neil Custis gives his verdict as Man United blown away by Liverpool in final pre-season friendly”If you think of how they finished last season, it was Mac Allister, Endo and Harvey Elliott as the midfield three.”All got great strengths but none of them can run and when I look at that position – I say it’s a fear.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More