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    Mykhailo Mudryk hints at £52.5m Arsenal transfer as he watches Gunners in action against West Ham

    MYKHAILO MUDRYK gave Arsenal fans another reason to cheer on Boxing Day – as he revealed he was watching the Gunners in action.Mikel Arteta’s side came from 1-0 down to complete a 3-1 comeback win over West Ham at the Emirates.
    Mykhailo Mudryk watched Arsenal take on West Ham on his iPadCredit: Instagram @mmudryk10
    The Ukrainian winger was the subject of a £52.5m bid on Boxing DayCredit: Instagram @mmudryk10
    During the game, news broke that the North Londoners had launched an initial £52.5million bid for Mudryk.
    The Gunners offered £35m up front with a further £17.5m in add-ons.
    However, it’s understood Shakhtar Donetsk want at least £60m for their exciting winger.
    But it seems Mudryk already has his eyes on Arsenal as he watched his potential new team-mates in action, much to the excitment of Arsenal fans.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    The Ukrainian star took to Instagram yesterday evening to post a video of Eddie Nketiah’s goal to make it 3-1.
    Mudryk was watching the game on his iPad and unsurprisingly Arsenal fans were delighted by his determination to watch them in action.
    One wrote: “Mudryk not even watching it on TV. He’s watching on his iPad. The boy is committed.”
    Another said: “Obviously Mudryk was watching on his iPad because he’s waiting to board his flight to London.”
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    And a final user commented: “Mykhailo Mudryk on Instagram watching Arsenal win against West Ham.
    “Never seen a player this eager to join another club considering the transfer window isn’t even open yet.”
    Boss Arteta – who singled out Nketiah for praise – was asked directly about Mudryk watching the game and what that could mean regarding a transfer.
    The Spaniard replied: “The good thing in England is that we’re the only ones playing through Christmas, so hopefully a lot of people are watching our game and we’ve given them a good show.”
    Mudryk looks set to sign for the Gunners in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
    Eddie Nketiah celebrated making it 3-1 at the EmiratesCredit: EPA More

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    ‘This board is a joke’ – Man Utd fans FUME as Liverpool pull off shock hijacking of Cody Gakpo transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left fuming after it emerged that Liverpool had agreed a fee for the transfer of Cody Gakpo. Gakpo had been tipped to join the Red Devils since a move initially fell through in the summer.
    Cody Gakpo is on his way to Liverpool despite being extensively linked to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag pushed for a move in the summerCredit: PA
    And progress towards a transfer in January was said to be advancing after United lost the services of Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the World Cup.
    However, PSV have now confirmed that Liverpool agreed a fee to sign the Dutchman after submitting an official bid to PSV worth £37million.
    They said in a statement: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
    “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
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    “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV,’ said general manager Marcel Brands.
    “The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.”
    The news has not gone down with the Man Utd faithful, who already have a less-than ideal relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
    Taking to Twitter, one user wrote: “Missing out on Gakpo will be the biggest mistake, this board is a joke. Can’t wait for the day when this club is sold.”
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    A second user said: “United is a big joke if they should lose Gakpo,” while a third echoed this by saying: “Gakpo lol. Joke of a club.”
    Another user felt sorry for United boss Erik ten Hag, who has extensively pushed for the club to sign Gakpo in January.
    They said: “The fact Ten Hag really wanted Gakpo and the owners have f***ed him over again is a joke though.”
    “How are United fumbling with Gakpo, our board is a joke 🤣,” said another.
    Popular United fan Mark Goldbridge criticised the logic of the move, before reinforcing the point of Ten Hag wanting the move since the summer.
    He wrote: “Gakpo to Liverpool for (£)37m defies Logic.
    “Remember this is a player Ten Hag has wanted since the summer.” More

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    Liverpool AGREE shock £37m Cody Gakpo transfer from PSV Eindhoven as they hijack deal for Man Utd’s top target

    LIVERPOOL have hijacked Manchester United’s move for Cody Gakpo. The PSV Eindhoven forward will travel to England for a medical “immediately” after the Reds agreed a £37million deal.
    Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Cody GakpoCredit: Getty
    PSV said in a statement: “PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo.
    “The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
    “Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. ‘But this is a record transfer for PSV,’ said general manager Marcel Brands.
    The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Gakpo will cost an initial £37m and the forward could complete a medical in the next 48 hours.
    Liverpool have now won the race for Gakpo, who had offers from Leeds and Southampton in the previous transfer window.
    Chelsea and Arsenal were also believed to be considering a move for the Dutch hitman, who has scored nine goals and set up 12 in 14 league goals this season.
    But United were favourites for his signature after taking an interest in Gakpo following Erik ten Hag’s arrival.
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    The Red Devils were believed to be preparing a January swoop for the 23-year-old after opening talks with his representatives last month.
    Gakpo was also said to be keen on joining United and expressed disappointment at the collapse of his proposed summer transfer to Old Trafford.
    He said: “That was a tough period.
    “I learned from that. I’m going to do it differently. What comes, that comes.
    “I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?
    “Now I wait for everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions.”
    Jurgen Klopp hinted at January business when recalling the impact Luis Diaz made after signing in the last winter window.
    He said: “We have two long-term injuries up front.
    “Last January, Luis Díaz came in which was very helpful for that part of the season. Doing something similar this time? If it was a positive move, why not?” More

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    Arsenal launch £55m transfer bid for Mudryk as they make first move in attempt to land Shakhtar Donetsk winger

    ARSENAL have stepped up their pursuit of Ukrainian superstar Mykhaylo Mudryk with an opening bid of £35million plus a further £17.5m in add-ons.That offer is likely to be rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk, who are looking for as much as £60m for the exciting 21-year-old.
    Arsenal have submitted a bid to sign Mykhaylo MudrykCredit: Getty
    But the Premier League leaders are optimistic that a deal can be struck and believe the player is eager to move to the Emirates in the January transfer window.
    And they hope that offering more of the fee up front could be enough to persuade Shakhtar to cash in on their ten-goal star.
    Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has already given the green light for a New Year spending spree to boost his team’s shock title bid.
    And with striker Gabriel Jesus likely to be sidelined for the next two months following knee surgery, Mikel Arteta is keen to add more fire power to his squad as soon as the transfer window opens on Sunday.
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    But they are not going to have things all their own way and with Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid all having been linked with the player in the past, Shakhtar are hoping that Arsenal’s bid will start an auction.
    Back in November Shakhtar goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin openly admitted a move for Mudryk to Arsenal was in the works.
    He said: “I like that he is focused only on himself, his and the team’s game. Fans don’t really see that much. No one sees what he is doing away from the football field.
    “All these transfer rumours affect him only in a positive way, because he enjoys what he does. 
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    “And, in the team, we can tell him; ‘well, you’re already at Arsenal, let’s all go!”
    That expectation has finally morphed into something tangible for the winger.
    Shakhtar director Carlo Nicolini admitted Arsenal’s interest in a recent interview, but also warned other clubs had expressed an interest in him.
    Mudryk has proven his worth in the Champions League this season, with Celtic and RB Leipzig being on the end of receiving of some particularly dazzling displays. More

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    Chelsea ‘want Joao Felix in stunning January loan transfer’ as Todd Boehly targets three players

    CHELSEA are considering a stunning move to sign Joao Felix on loan in the January transfer window, according to reports.The Atletico Madrid forward, 23, has started just five of the Spanish giants’ 13 league matches so far this season.
    Joao Felix impressed for Portugal at the World CupCredit: Getty
    He has contributed four goals and three assists in 18 games in all competitions.
    But he has struggled to live up to the £113million price tag he joined for from Benfica in 2019.
    And according to The Telegraph, Chelsea could now be set to try to prise him away from the Wanda Metropolitano.
    Atletico Madrid are thought to be “braced” for an offer from Graham Potter’s men as owner Todd Boehly bids to improve his squad in the mid-season window.
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    Chelsea are keen for the design of the deal to be a short-term loan with an option or obligation to buy in the summer.
    Felix, who has also been linked with a move to Man Utd, would come in as a left-sided forward that can also play on the right – with Kai Havertz believed to be the preferred option through the middle.
    Despite a lack of game time at club level, Felix started four of Portugal’s five matches at the World Cup before they were knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals.
    He scored in their opener as they secured a 3-2 win over Ghana, before producing a stunning display in their 6-1 demolition of Switzerland.
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    Boehly is also considering moves for a pair of centre-backs.
    RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who was sensational for Croatia at the World Cup, is on their radar as a £45m option but is set to attract interest from a host of top clubs.
    Should the Gvardiol deal not come off, Chelsea are also looking at Monaco man Benoit Badiashile who would cost in excess of £30m.
    Chelsea lost four games in a row before the World Cup break, dropping to ninth in the Premier League table.
    They are also the lowest scorers in the top half after netting just 17 times in 14 games.
    Josko Gvardiol was one of the standout defenders at the World CupCredit: Getty
    Benoit Badiashile is now thought to be on Chelsea’s radarCredit: AFP More

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    Portsmouth and Forest Green target Ethan Erhahon transfer as St Mirren accept £350,000 bids for 21-year-old midfielder

    ETHAN ERHAHON is wanted by League One duo Portsmouth and Forest Green Rovers.And St Mirren have accepted bids of £350,000 for the highly-rated midfielder.
    St Mirren have accepted bids for Ethan ErhahonCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    Erhahon is set to leave the Scottish Premiership side when the transfer window opens next week.
    The 21-year-old has impressed for St Mirren this season, making 16 appearances in the top-flight and already has the over 100 club games to his name.
    His contract expires at the end of the campaign and a move south of the border is expected.
    Erhahon was hailed by St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson last month, who said his rising star could shine for Glasgow giants Celtic or Rangers.
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    And the midfielder says his impressive form is thanks to his dog Coco.
    Erhahon believes Coco is helping him be more responsible — on and off the park.
    Erhahon said: “Coco is my Staffy pup. She’s a lot of fun and very loving, but she keeps me on my toes.
    “I was actually speaking to someone at the club and he said he thinks the puppy is the reason I’ve been performing well this season.
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    “I see where he’s coming from because I have that extra responsibility off the park and now I try to do the same on the park.
    “The Cowdenbeath game was my 100th for the club. Looking back, I probably should have reached that last season, if not the one before.
    “I am kicking myself. I stagnated a wee bit for some reason. It’s all about trying to come back from that and reach the standards I know that I can.
    “I want to kick on this season and show people the real me. I’m grateful to every manager who has played me, but I believe I have more gears to go to and I can get better.”
    St Mirren travel to Livingston on Wednesday. More

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    Al Nassr ‘schedule medical for Cristiano Ronaldo’ as chief confirms transfer talks of ‘enormous magnitude’

    AL-NASSR have reportedly scheduled a medical for Cristiano Ronaldo and club chief Marcelo Salazar has confirmed that they are in talks to sign him in a huge deal. There is plenty to discuss for both the club and the 37-year-old with Salazar saying it’s a “negotiation of enormous magnitude.”
    Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way to Al-NassrCredit: Reuters
    Ronaldo supposedly has a £173million-a-year offer on the table, but SunSport understands he is yet to decide whether to join the club or not.
    Al-Nassr seem confident that the transfer is going to happen, even booking a medical for Ronaldo and accommodation for his representatives, according to CBS Sports.
    They claim the club are optimistic a deal could be finalised for the opening of the January transfer window.
    The formalities have supposedly been sorted and Ronaldo would be handed a big role in terms of running Al-Nassr and in Saudi Arabia’s potential bid to host the World Cup in 2030.
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    Club chief Salazar refused to rule out a deal could be done, telling Flashscore: “I’m not allowed to say yes or no.
    “Let’s wait and see how things unfold until the end of the year. 
    “As you can see, this is a negotiation of enormous magnitude, not only for the club, but for the country and for world football, and which has to be conducted by higher authorities.
    “What I can say is that Ronaldo is one of the best in football history.
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    “He has always been an example for me as an athlete, for the will he shows to win. And then, as a Portuguese citizen, I was always rooting for him.”
    Ronaldo currently does not have a club after seeing his contract ripped up at Manchester United, following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
    CR7 has been heavily linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, but his critics have suggested the standard of football is not good enough and he should not consider going there.
    Salazar spoke about people’s judgement of the Saudi Pro League, he said: “Criticising something you ignore is very easy.
    “I’ve been here for five years and all the players I’ve spoken to were very positively surprised when they arrived here, especially because of the level of the league.
    “Living in Riyadh and with the families it has been a pleasant surprise for the players, with the schools and everything we have here.”
    Al-Nassr currently sit top of the league but have not clinched the title since the 2018/19 season. More

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    Chelsea in Youssoufa Moukoko transfer boost with Borussia Dortmund still at risk of losing 18-year-old over wages

    CHELSEA have been handed a boost in their transfer pursuit of Youssoufa Moukoko, according to reports. Moukoko, 18, has been monitored by the Blues for some time and they are expected to make a move for him imminently.
    Youssoufa Moukoko is at “risk” of a transfer away from Borussia Dormund
    And with Moukoko contracted to Borussia Dortmund until the summer, the club are under significant pressure to secure of the future of the prodigy.
    But the two parties remain a way apart in their valuations of his next contract and consequently there is a significant “risk” over a transfer next summer.
    According to Bild, a final contract offer for the teenager has been made by the club.
    The offer is said to be worth £5.3 million.
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    However, Moukoko reportedly wants an offer of £6.2m per season.
    This being said, he has previously hit back at claims he turned down a previous offer.
    Taking to Instagram, he said: “Please don’t believe everything that’s been written in the papers.
    “I won’t let myself be pressured into a decision about my future. I will never accept such a lie about me.
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    “My full focus is on the second half of the season with Borussia Dortmund. No player is bigger than the club and I will never be bigger than the club, just a small part of it.
    “It’s really sad that something like that is invented just to paint you fans a wrong picture about me. I am really shocked by this story.”
    Moukoko is the club’s top goalscorer in the Bundesliga this season with six goals.
    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is prioritising recruits on the younger end of the scale.
    The club have been busy closing in on a couple of signings like this ahead of the opening of the January window.
    They have reportedly already completed a £10.5m deal for Molde’s David Datro Fofana, while they are also said to have agreed a deal for 18-year-old Andrey Santos.
    Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile is also being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge to bolster their defensive ranks. More