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    Aubameyang ‘suffered broken jaw in horror robbery and operation could scupper Chelsea transfer’

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG reportedly had his jaw broken when four armed burglars broke into his house over the weekend.The Barcelona forward was smashed on the chin with an iron bar while trying to protect his family from the robbers.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is believed to have suffered a broken jawCredit: Getty
    Aubameyang and his wife Alysha were reportedly tied up and handcuffed by burglarsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alysha_aubame
    And now The Athletic say Aubameyang, 33, is believed to have suffered a fractured jaw during the terrifying ordeal.
    He is set to be out of action for a number of weeks and could potentially undergo surgery.
    Going under the knife would see him return to action sooner than waiting for his jaw to heal naturally.
    But it has complicated his potential transfer to Chelsea.
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    Talks between Barca and the Blues over a deal for Aubameyang are set to continue today.
    With the transfer window closing tomorrow, an agreement between the two clubs on a fee is yet to be reached.
    Aubameyang has also not accepted personal terms yet, although it is claimed the matter will be resolved if the two clubs thrash out a deal.
    But the fact the former Arsenal man has suffered a reported broken jaw means he could only be available for a handful of games before the World Cup.
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    The deal is not thought to be dead in the water – but it has thrown a spanner in the works.
    The Blues though are sympathetic and still willing to continue discussions, according to Sky reporter Dharmesh Seth.
    Sky also say Aubameyang is only set to be out for three weeks and can resume non-contact training next week.
    Up to now cash-strapped Barca had been holding out for more money than the Blues wanted to pay.
    With Thomas Tuchel desperate to add a striker before the window slams shut, a loan move to Stamford Bridge is also now thought to be a possibility.
    Aubameyang and his wife, Alysha Behague, were reportedly handcuffed and tied up in front of their kids Curtys, 11, and Pierre, six, by the burglars.
    Alysha, 36, is also claimed to have been hit over the head during the break-in at their home in Castelldefels, near Barcelona.
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    Four intruders climbed into the back garden before threatening Aubameyang and his family.
    They forced Alysha to open a safe full of valuables including jewellery before fleeing in a white Audi A3, according to police sources reported by El Pais.
    Aubameyang was hit on the chin while Alysha was reportedly hit on the headCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alysha_aubame More

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    Bukayo Saka drops huge hint he WILL sign Arsenal deal despite £100m transfer interest from Man Utd, City and Liverpool

    BUKAYO SAKA has dropped his biggest hint yet that he is ready to sign a new Arsenal contract.The 20-year-old England international has less than two years left on his current deal and remains one of the lowest paid players at the club.
    Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has two years left to run on his contract at the EmiratesCredit: AFP
    England international Saka has hinted at extending his stay with the GunnersCredit: PA
    But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is convinced that Saka can be persuaded to agree to a lucrative new contract and the player said: “I share his confidence.
    “I really feel at home at Arsenal. I feel the love from my team-mates, from the coaches and from the fans.
    “The manager is always there for me and the different bits of advice he gives me are special.
    “The atmosphere at the Emirates is getting better and better and I can feel the energy boost from the crowd every time I play.
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    “We’re loving every minute of it and we feel a stronger team as a result of that support.”
    Saka, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Monday, has been voted Arsenal’s player of the year for the past two seasons and was their 12-goal top scorer last campaign.
    And although he is now valued in the £100million category by Arsenal, that has not prevented the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United from monitoring his situation.
    But Arteta is adamant there is no way Arsenal will sell the jewel in their Emirates crown and wants the contract signed as soon as possible to end all the speculation.
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    The Gunners are currently the only team in the country with a 100 per cent record this season and look to extend their stay at the top of the Premier League with a win at home to struggling Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
    Saka said: “It’s been a perfect start but now we need to come back in front of our fans and win again.
    “I’m growing as a player and going from strength to strength. I set myself a target for goals and assists every season but I’m keeping that to myself.
    “There are still aspects of the game where I need to improve.
    “Some of the tackles I take are not nice but if I’m going to dribble past opponents, I know I’m going to get kicked sometimes.”
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    Mohamed Elneny, 30, will miss the match after suffering a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 2-1 win against Fulham.
    Thomas Partey, 29, is already sidelined by a thigh strain and Arteta could be forced to sign another central midfield player before Thursday’s transfer deadline if Elneny’s injury turns out to be serious. More

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    Pep Guardiola warns Erling Haaland he WILL drop him… after being ‘surprised’ how good back-up Julian Alvarez is

    PEP GUARDIOLA  will not worry about benching strike sensation Erling Haaland — as he has an ‘exceptional’ forward to step in.Manchester City’s £51.4million Norwegian, 22, has made all the headlines with six goals in his first four Prem matches.
    Erling Haaland has been warned by Man City manager Pep Guardiola that he is not undroppableCredit: Getty
    But fellow new arrival Julian Alvarez has also caught the eye.
    The former River Plate man had a hand in two goals off the bench in the 4-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
    And the £14m ace also scored in the Community Shield loss to Liverpool, too.
    Guardiola has previously said Haaland — who netted a hat-trick on Saturday — will not start every game.
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    But Guardiola admits he and his staff did not expect Alvarez — who signed in January but did not join up with City until July — to be as talented as he is.
    The City chief said: “I’ve seen clips of him at River Plate. But I’m surprised by how good he is.
    “He’s so humble, positive and always in training he gives everything. I like these kind of players.
    “Julian is an exceptional player. All of us are impressed about many things about him.”
    Julian Alvarez has impressed Pepe Guardiola and can deputise for HaalandCredit: Getty
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    Tonight’s  clash with Nottingham Forest is the first of five games in 15 days for the champions. And Alvarez, 22, seems certain to start at least one of them.
    Guardiola said: “When Erling doesn’t play, Julian is going to play, almost for sure.
    “He is so strong, fast and has an incredible sense of goal. He reads the game really well and he has a margin to improve but he is young.
    “The most important thing is that he is open to help all the time. And when that happens, everything is  going to happen in his career.”
    Guardiola admits he has to be ruthless with rotation.
    He added: “I don’t explain  why I make my decisions, because I will not convince them.
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    “Some players understand what they are part of — and  some never will understand me.
    “Some believe they have to play because I am who I am. And they are completely wrong.” More

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    Man Utd believe Cristiano Ronaldo will STAY in transfer U-turn after being impressed by Casemiro and Antony signings

    MANCHESTER UNITED believe Cristiano Ronaldo could make a dramatic U-turn and buy into Erik ten Hag’s revolution after the club’s spending splurge.Red Devils legend Ronaldo wanted out after last season, when they finished with their lowest points total in Premier League history.
    Man Utd believe Cristiano Ronaldo could make a dramatic U-turn and buy into Erik ten Hag’s revolutionCredit: Getty
    His agent Jorge Mendes has been searching for a new club all summer — without success.
    But the mood has changed since United completed their fifth new signing with the £85.5million capture of Brazilian winger Antony from Ajax.
    And the club’s hierarchy are now hoping Ronaldo can see the ambition at United to get back to the top after a club-record window spend of £207m.
    Antony joins Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, with Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka also set to join on loan.
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    Ronaldo had been looking for a club that could add to his five Champions League medals but no deal has materialised.
    Manager Ten Hag had been happy to let the player go as there was a feeling he was affecting the mood in the camp.
    Ten Hag left Ronaldo out of the starting line-up for the last two games.
    He has always been keen to work with the Portugal superstar — but it has to be on his terms.
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    The Red Devils lost their first two games but there have now been back-to-back wins over Liverpool and Southampton.
    Yet while United have strengthened in defence, midfield and now on the wing with Antony, they still do not have an out-and-out scorer in the vein of Ronaldo.
    That is why they have been trying to hang on to him and hoping he changes his mind.
    Meanwhile, Ajax coach Alfred Schreuder slammed United for splashing out big money for Antony — and also criticised the player’s conduct.
    Schreuder said: “The amounts are crazy. United also paid more than €100m for Sancho.
    “Then you can pay that for him [Antony], too. Are the players worth it? No.”
    Antony missed Ajax’s last two games and trained alone in a bid to push through the deal.
    And Schreuder added: “It’s bad. That’s weird. He was eventually addressed about that. I’m angry about it.”
    Casemiro joined Man Utd from Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Antony has agreed to join Man Utd from AjaxCredit: Getty More

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    Watch Chelsea transfer target Anthony Gordon score with brilliant finish to show why Everton want £70m for him

    CHELSEA target Anthony Gordon showed why Everton won’t sell the winger for anything less than £70m.He shows off his superb finishing with a fine strike in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds.
    Chelsea target Anthony Gordon scored a great goal against Leeds for EvertonCredit: Reuters
    It just had to be him…With his name in the headlines over a potential transfer, Anthony Gordon scores for Everton again 🔵 pic.twitter.com/9VSqTzofcH— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 30, 2022

    Gordon, 21 has been the subject of several failed bids by Chelsea this month.
    Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly have been snapping up talented youngsters including Carney Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina with hopefully Wesley Fofana to follow.
    But they won’t rest until Gordon also winds up at Stamford Bridge.
    Chelsea are believed to be preparing a £60m bid to sign the versatile forward by deadline day.
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    However, Frank Lampard is adamant he wants Gordon to stay put.
    And the Goodison Park favourite will cost Chelsea at least £70m to sign this window.
    Lampard and Everton’s tough stance was certainly given a strong boost this evening as Gordon hit the target against Leeds.
    After starting an attacking move with a clever inside run and pass, he latched on to a fine defence-splitting touch from Alex Iwobi.
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    Gordon kept his balance as he was forced out wide while Leeds goalie Illan Mesiler rushed forwards.
    And the ace remained as cool as a cucumber by planting the ball into the net with a composed finish.
    The strike was Gordon’s second in as many games following his effort in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And it now remains to be seen if he stays an Everton player for much longer as Chelsea step up their transfer pursuit with just days remaining in the market. More

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    Arsenal transfer target Mudryk fuels speculation deal is close as he ‘likes’ photo of himself mocked in Gunners shirt

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK ace Mykhaylo Mudryk has fuelled speculation of a switch to Arsenal after “liking” a picture of him mocked up in a Gunners shirt.The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in a new winger.

    Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Ukraine international Mykhaylo MudrykCredit: Getty
    Arsenal allowed Nicolas Pepe to depart North London to join Nice on loan after he was deemed as surplus to requirements.
    And Arsenal are now looking to sign another wide man to ease the burden on Bukayo Saka.

    Instagram account @transfers commented on Mudryk’s potential move to the English capital.
    They reported that Arsenal are hopeful of wrapping up a deal worth £30million.
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    The page also said that personal terms would not be an issue as talks between Arsenal and Shakhtar continue.
    As well as talking about the possible transfer, the account photoshopped an image of the player in Arsenal’s home kit.
    And the post was liked by Mudryk’s official account – much to the delight of Arsenal fans.
    One supporter tweeted: “Get him to the carpet.”
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    Another quipped: “Arsenal fans are the best detectives.”
    A third added: “He wants the move.”
    One wrote: “Get this guy at all costs. I can see he’s got that dawg in him.”
    Meanwhile another simply stated: “Sign him up.” More

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    Alexander Isak has until 75 MINUTES before kick-off to get work permit as Newcastle wait on £60m signing for Liverpool

    ALEXANDER ISAK could be granted a work permit to make his Newcastle debut at Liverpool tonight just 75 minutes before kick-off.Newcastle’s £60million record signing from Real Sociedad watched Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Wolves from the stands.
    Alexander Isak is still waiting on a work permit to play for NewcastleCredit: Getty
    The striker, 22, will travel to Liverpool with Toon boss Eddie Howe prepared to wait right up until the 6.45pm cut-off.
    Howe said: “It would be great to see him involved for us but we’re still in the hands of other people.
    “We’re desperately hoping that it gets done before the game but there’s no guarantee.
    “It could go down to the wire. We’ll wait and see.
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    “We’ve had minimal training with him between games but what he has done, he’s done very well. I’m excited by him.”
    Howe does not expect any more permanent arrivals, having spent £117m this summer.
    But the Magpies are on the lookout for loans, with Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles fancied.
    Howe added: “We’re very pleased with the business we’ve done.
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    “That’s not to say we’re totally closed off, we’re still looking.”
    Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin are doubtful with  hamstring problems, while Jonjo Shelvey and Callum Wilson remain sidelined.
     NEWCASTLE (likely): Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Willock, S Longstaff, Joelinton, Almiron, Wood, Fraser. More

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    Chelsea ‘in talks with RB Leipzig for £77m Gvardiol transfer’ as boss Tuchel aims to pip Man City and Tottenham

    CHELSEA are reportedly locked in talks with RB Leipzig over a stunning £77million swoop for Josko Gvardiol.Thomas Tuchel is already closing in on a £75million deal for Leicester star Wesley Fofana.
    Chelsea are in talks with RB Leipzig over a £77m deal for Josko GvardiolCredit: Willie Vass
    But Fabrizio Romano claims he also hopes to wrap up a big-money transfer for fellow centre-back Gvardiol.
    The Croatia international, 20, has plenty of admirers around Europe.
    And Chelsea want to win the race for Gvardiol amid strong interest from rivals Man City and Tottenham.
    However, the plan is not for the youngster to join the Blues immediately.
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    Tuchel wants to secure a £77m deal now before loaning Gvardiol BACK to Leipzig for the season.
    A key player at the German club, he would pick up more valuable minutes before moving to Stamford Bridge next summer.
    Should Chelsea secure a deal, Gvardiol would become their third centre-back signing after Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly.
    But it could raise questions over Thiago Silva’s future.
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    The Brazilian turns 38 next month and is still playing at the top level.
    Yet Gvardiol’s arrival could hint that Silva is considering retirement at the end of the season.

    It could also be to safeguard against a potential exit for Trevoh Chalobah.
    The Cobham product requested a move away this summer after dropping down the pecking order.
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    AC Milan, Inter Milan and Leipzig were all keen on loaning him from the Bridge.
    But a late change of heart of Tuchel means Chalobah will be staying put for the current campaign. More