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    Former Arsenal star ‘ready to end retirement just FOUR WEEKS after quitting game with shock transfer’

    A FORMER Arsenal star could be tempted out of retirement just four weeks after hanging up his boots.The ex-Gunners favourite, who left the Emirates in 2017, confirmed his emotional decision in a statement last month.A former Arsenal star is being considered for a high-profile moveCredit: Action Images – ReutersHaving played at the highest level, he admitted that he’d lost the hunger for the game, despite still being physically able at 34.In his statement, he wrote: “I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life. Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…”But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. Today, though my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore.”I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust weeks after making his decision, however, Wojciech Szczesny may be tempted to return.According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona chiefs are mulling over a shock move for the Polish goalkeeper.The Catalan giants are looking to bring in a new stopper, after No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty knee injury against Villarreal last weekend.Ter Stegen, 32, underwent successful knee surgery on Monday, and is expected to be ruled out for at least seven months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWojciech Szczesny confirmed his retirement last monthCredit: GettyMarc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty injury at the weekendCredit: RexIn the short-term, La Masia graduate Inaki Pena, 25, will take the gloves.But Barca chiefs want to recruit a more experienced option.What happened to Highbury?Szczesny made 35 appearances in Serie A for Juventus last season.Barca bosses hope that the allure of playing for another huge club could tempt him out of retirement.Another factor could be talismanic Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.The forward, 36, has a long-standing relationship with Szczesny, having played with him for his national team for many years.In fact, the duo took to the field together as recently as the summer, when both featured at Euro 2024 in Germany.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Barca have approached Szczesny’s representatives CAA Stellar.Should Barca fail to sign Szczesny, they could look to former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rican, 37, is a free agent having left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.He rejected advances from Brazil and Saudi Arabia over the summer, and has remained fit by training at Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa.Navas made six appearances in total for PSG last season, including four in Ligue 1, as he backed up first choice Gianluigi Donnarumma.The 6ft 1in stopper was most recently a first choice during the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, which he spent on loan at Nottingham Forest.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite his history with Real Madrid, it’s claimed that Navas would have no qualms about joining Barcelona.He is represented by agent Jorge Mendes, who has close ties with the Catalan club.Keylor Navas left Paris Saint-Germain in the summerCredit: Getty More

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    Newcastle star Callum Wilson on transfer radar of TWO Premier League clubs as ex-England striker aims to revive career

    CALLUM WILSON is a target for TWO Premier League clubs in January, SunSport understands.The Newcastle striker has yet to feature this term due to an injury he sustained in pre-season.Callum Wilson is wanted by two Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: PABut the England forward is close to returning and both Fulham and Brentford are monitoring the player.Both are interested in adding him to their squad in January – with Brentford seeing Wilson as the ideal potential replacement for Ivan Toney.Fulham, meanwhile, are keen to add to their striking options and have money to spend.Wilson is thought to be open-minded to a switch having found himself having to play second-fiddle to Alexander Isak.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow 32, it makes sense for Newcastle to move Wilson on not least because injury problems continue to plague him.A back issue kept him out of action during pre-season, and he hasn’t been available for the beginning of the new Premier League campaign.The £46,000-a-week striker has been a great servant for Newcastle, leading the line expertly and being hailed as “incredible” by Howe last year.But only nine league starts came his way in 2024/25, and he’s keen to try and secure more game-time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilson’s current Magpies deal also expires next summer, which means now is the last opportunity to receive a fee for his signature, prior to losing him on a free in 2025 instead.Newcastle are also keen to free up funds to move for targets in January, including Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.Anthony Gordon leaves Newcastle training in never-before-seen £190,000 car as fans say ‘looks like an armoured vehicle’Wilson remains sidelined as he recovers from an injury sustained in pre-seasonCredit: Alamy More

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    Kieran Trippier ‘desperate’ to quit Newcastle with Mourinho circling after wife moves out and ditches wedding ring

    KIERAN Trippier is “desperate” to move on from Newcastle United – and three top European clubs are racing to sign the defender.His marriage is in trouble after his wife Charlotte moved 200 miles across the country to start a new life with their kids.Kieran Trippier is desperate to quit Newcastle for a new club in JanuaryCredit: GettyHis wife Charlotte has moved 200 miles across the country with their childrenCredit: GettyBoth Charlotte and Trippier have been spotted without their wedding ringsCredit: SplashThe mum-of-three has also ditched her wedding ring after Trippier was spotted without his.It comes after the full-back was spotted wrapping his arms round a mystery woman at a karaoke bar before scooping her up by the bottom during a night out with team-mates.However, the couple have not commented publicly on the rumours they have split.The retired England full-back almost left St James Park in the summer, but was unable to secure a deal before the transfer window slammed shut.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaudi giants Al Ittihad tried to secure his signature, and Everton also tried to land him on a season long loan.But both deals collapsed and Trippier is now a frustrated figure at Newcastle having started the season on the bench.SunSport understands Eddie Howe would like to keep the ex-Atletico Madrid and Spurs star, but Trippier has told the club he’s desperate for game-time, and wants to move on in January.And he’s indicated he wants a fresh start outside the Premier League and overseas.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThree clubs are now vying for his signature.Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce are believed to be in the driving seat, having shown an interest in the player over the summer.Stunning party girl caught up in Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier’s marriage riddle revealed as tattooed call centre workerKieran Trippier’s career statsManchester City, 2009-11 – 0 appearancesBarnsley, 2010-11 (Loan) – 44 apps, two goalsBurnley, 2011-15 – 185 apps, six goalsTottenham, 2015-19 – 114 apps, two goalsAtletico Madrid, 2019-22 – 86 appsNewcastle, 2022-Present – 96 apps, four goalsEngland, 2017-24 – 54 caps, one goalTrophies – LaLigaItalian clubs AC Milan and Atalanta are also monitoring developments, though.All three clubs are believed to be keen to explore the option of loaning Trippier with a view to signing him permanently next summer.However, Newcastle are believed to be keen to tie up a permanent deal.Newcastle turned down a bid of £15million from Bayern Munich for Trippier last January.At 34, it is thought Trippier is desperate to play regular first-team football and he has retired from international football to focus on getting the most out of his club career.Jose Mourinho is leading the race to sign the former England defenderCredit: ReutersFenerbahce, AC Milan and Atalanta are all keen on signing TrippierCredit: Reuters More

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    Forgotten Premier League star, 41, offers to come out of retirement to save Barcelona after horror Ter Stegen injury

    A FORGOTTEN Premier League goalkeeper has offered to come out of retirement to play for Barcelona.The LaLiga giants have been rocked by the season-ending injury to star stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Barcelona are considering signing a free agent goalkeeper after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injuryCredit: RexClaudio Bravo has offered to come out of retirement to play for the clubCredit: GettyThe German international ruptured his patella tendon in his right knee during Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Villareal. This means that manager Hansi Flick has been left with just Inaki Pena as his sole option between the sticks.Ter Stegen, 32, is expected to be out for at least eight months and was pictured in a wheelchair in hospital after the injury.Barcelona have now been linked with a move to bring a new goalkeeper in to cover during his absence.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the club would have to dip into the free agent market to sign a stopper due to the transfer window being closed.Former Manchester City ace Claudio Bravo, 41, has offered his services to Barcelona.He told WinWin: “If Barcelona want me, I will be ready to come out of retirement.”The Chilean starred for Barcelona during his playing career in a two-year spell between 2014 and 2016.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBravo won the LaLiga title in both seasons at the club as well as the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2015.After playing 75 times in all competitions, he left the club in 2016 and joined Manchester City.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsKeylor Navas could be an option as he is without a clubCredit: GettyBravo retired from playing earlier this year after four seasons with Real Betis.Barcelona could also turn to other free agents, such as former Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rica ace has been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.Reports have also claimed that Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski could try to tempt ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement.The Polish star hung up his gloves in the summer after Juventus released him.Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius could also be an option as he available after he left Newcastle.Loris Karius is a free agentCredit: AlamyWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Unemployed ex-Premier League star offered surprise route back to top flight five years after he burst on to the scene

    FREE AGENT Aaron Connolly is on the verge of becoming part of Sunderland’s promotion push.The 24-year-old forward has been without a club since he was released by Hull City in June.Aaron Connolly is on the verge of joining Sunderland on a free transferCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old burst onto the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyRepublic of Ireland international Connolly burst on the scene with Brighton in 2019 with a brace against Tottenham Hotspur.He played 24 times in the Premier League that season, scoring three goals, but he failed to capitalise on that bright start.Connolly had loan spells with Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian club Venezia before heading to Hull in January 2023.He scored eight goals for the Tigers in the Championship last term but that was not enough to earn him an extension.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he is set to be handed a career lifeline by Regis Le Bris’ high-flying Black Cats.Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough was their fourth in five league matches and early pace-setters West Brom are the only side ahead of them.Sunderland’s bright start has come despite 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda being their only recognised striker.Le Bris secured the signing of Ahmed Abdullahi on deadline day, but the Nigerian arrival from Gent was instantly ruled out for three months due to needing groin surgery.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSummer recruit Wilson Isidor, a left winger, can also operate as a forward but the North East side have moved to bolster their options.Talks are progressing well between them and Connolly’s representatives and both parties will hope that the ace could be involved for the weekend’s trip to Watford.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Ex-Tottenham target suffers sickening leg break and is rushed to hospital for surgery as rival fans clap him off pitch

    GENOA star Ruslan Malinovskyi was rushed to hospital for an emergency operation after suffering a horror ankle break.Malinovskyi, 31, started for Alberto Gilardino’s side in the 2-0 loss to Venezia at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium.Malinovskyi broke his ankle in a match against VeneziaCredit: RexGenoa star Ruslan Malinovskyi suffered a horror injuryCredit: RexMalinovskyi’s injury left the entire stadium in a state of shockCredit: EPAAnd the playmaker went down with a shocking leg break in the 50th minute.The Ukraine international’s team-mates and the Venezia players were left in a state of shock while the Genoa physios rushed on to the pitch.The Genoa star received a warm applause from both sets of fans as he was stretchered off on Saturday.Malinovskyi was rushed to hospital as he dislocated the joint and fractured the fibula of his right ankle.Read More on FootballThankfully the operation went very well and the attacking midfielder shared a picture of himself giving the thumbs up from his hospital bed.Genoa tweeted on Sunday: “Player Ruslan Malinovskyi underwent surgery on his right ankle this morning. “The operation, performed by Prof. Federico Santolini and his team, was a complete success. “The player is doing well and will begin rehabilitation at the Club’s facilities in the coming days.”Most read in FootballMalinovskyi used to be a top target for Tottenham as former manager Antonio Conte was keen to sign him in 2022.Spurs were said to have made contact with Atalanta, when he used to play in Bergamo.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed Nottingham Forest and West Ham were also keeping tabs on the Ukrainian.However, a Premier League move never materialised and Malinovskyi instead went to Marseille on loan in 2023.The versatile midfielder’s move to L’OM became permanent a few months later but ultimately joined Genoa.The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star has amassed a total of four goals and three assists in 36 appearances with the Serie A side.Malinovskyi received a warm ovation from both sets of fans as he was stretchered offCredit: EPA More

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    Conor Gallagher labelled ‘most Simeone player ever’ as ex-Chelsea ace gets second straight MOTM and nets stunning goal

    CONOR GALLAGHER continues to shine for Atletico Madrid after leaving Chelsea with yet another man-of-the-match performance.Gallagher, 24, had been with the Blues since the tender age of six years old but rolled credits on his 18-year stint with the club this summer when he moved to Atletico in a £34million deal.Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher produced another man-of-the-match performanceCredit: GettyEx-Chelsea star Gallagher scored a stunning goal for AtleticoCredit: GettyThe midfielder, though, is enjoying life in Spain as he stood out for Atleti two weeks ago at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and scored for Diego Simeone’s side during their a 3-0 win over Valencia.The England international followed it up with another impressive LaLiga display on Sunday at Rayo Vallecano where he scored a stunning equaliser during a 1-1 draw.Alexander Sorloth produced a sensational run down Rayo’s area and passed to Gallagher who fired an amazing shot from the edge of the box that hit goalkeeper Augusto Batalla’s bottom left corner.Fans were left in awe of the former Crystal Palace loan star’s performance.Read More on FootballSome even suggested Simeone has worked wonders with the midfield maestro as his style suits him much better than what he encountered at Chelsea.One fan tweeted: “Conor Gallagher is the most ‘Diego Simeone’ type of player ever, Chelsea threw this shooter and hustler away.”Another commented: “Let my boy cook. Let him enjoy football. Fantastic footballer, amazing human being. He deserves happiness.”A third said: “Terrific.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis fan wrote: “I am ssooooo happy for him.”And that one posted: “Wow Conor.”Chelsea Player Ratings vs West HamGallagher has amassed a total of two goals in five appearances across all competitions with Atletico. More

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    Sunderland boss says ‘not my decision’ on whether he keeps talented teen but new star blown away by ‘scary’ Chris Rigg

    REGIS LE BRIS has no say on keeping Chris Rigg and his other young guns – but Chris Mepham is here to help them reach the top.Sunderland’s fine start under the Frenchman continued with a fourth win from five games.The 17-year-old Chris Rigg continues to shine for SunderlandCredit: RexRegis Le Bris has made an impressive start to life on WearsideCredit: RexThe Black Cats are packed full of young talents such as Romaine Mundle, 21, Jobe Bellingham, 18, Eliezer Mayenda, 19, but the win over Middlesbrough belonged to 17-year-old matchwinner Rigg.It is all going well for Le Bris and his kids, however, he knows interest will mount if they continue like this and any decision to cash in will not be taken by him.Le Bris said: “The market is like that but it’s not my main concern at the minute.“I just want to work with them, help them to grow and to achieve their best football.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Then, after that, we will see. That’s not my decision.”Meanwhile, deadline day loan signing Chris Mepham says one of the reasons he was brought in from Bournemouth was to help nurture the talented teens.The centre-half helped Sunderland keep a clean sheet on his debut and then said: “At 26, I’ve seen a fair amount and a lot of players that have a lot of potential and all the ability in the world but struggle with the other side of the game.“So it’s important to keep your feet on the ground, working hard and not become complacent.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We can help with little stuff like timing, coming in on time, not getting sloppy with day-to-day stuff. That’s something that I think I can kind of help with.“The club made it clear it was important for me to come in and give that kind of know-how and bit experience that perhaps some lads miss.”I’m a former England star with eight caps – I’d be worth £100MILLION and have 50 caps if I was playing todayLe Bris replied “hope so” when asked whether Rigg could play for England and Welsh international Mepham believes his “scary” new team-mate can reach the very top.He said: “You see him talking to people and almost leading, which is scary I think.“He’s 17 and I think he has the respect of everyone at the football club and rightly so and that gives him that freedom to lead.“I think that and his quality on the ball is an amazing combination.”For Michael Carrick and Middlesbrough, it’s scoring goals that is their problem.Both Tommy Conway and Matt Clarke missed big chances at Sunderland to leave them with an average of just a goal-a-game six matches in.Carrick said: “What we’re finding against a lot of teams, especially if they get a lead on us, they defend very deep with a lot of numbers.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got to face that challenge and find ways to break teams down.“I’m sure if we keep doing the right things, creating the opportunities and being the better team like in pretty much every game we’ve played so far, I’m sure we will start to get the rewards.”Chris Mepham helped Sunderland keep a clean sheet on his debut for the clubCredit: Rex More