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    Chelsea ‘failed with last-minute £39m bid to land Ibrahim Sangare in transfer from PSV Eindhoven on deadline day’

    CHELSEA’S hectic summer of transfers lasted right up until the last moments of the window.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria were both announced last night, and the Blues are also claimed to have failed in a late approach for PSV Eindhoven star Ibrahim Sangare.
    Chelsea reportedly failed in a bid to sign Ibrahim SangareCredit: Getty
    Chelsea contacted the Dutch club this week about potentially signing the midfielder, according to to Eindhovens Dagblad.
    The Blues were claimed to have been willing to pay £39million to sign the 24-year-old.
    But PSV rejected the approach as the Dutch transfer window closed the day before the UK deadline and they could not replace the Ivory Coast international.
    Had Chelsea expressed their desire to sign Sangare earlier, the Blues could have got themselves a cheaper deal.
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    Sangare had a reported £32m release clause, but signed a new five-year contract in August that removed the clause.
    The midfielder has also been the subject of reported interest from Manchester United and Leicester in recent months.
    In the end Chelsea signed Zakaria from Juventus on a one-year loan deal to provide cover in the middle of the park.
    The Blues have the option to sign the 25-year-old for £30million next summer.
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    But despite Todd Boehly splashing the cash in his first window as owner, signing a midfielder proved difficult.
    As well as Sangare, Chelsea also failed to sign Edson Alvarez from Ajax in a £43m move.
    The Dutch champions blocked his exit – despite Alvarez going on strike to try and force through a transfer.
    And elsewhere British sanctions meant a deadline day swoop for Russian midfielder Arsen Zakharyan fell through.
    A £12.6m deal with Dynamo Moscow had been agreed but fell through due to the sanctions the UK has placed on Russia amid the war in Ukraine. More

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    Everton outcast Andre Gomes joins Lille on loan transfer after failing to play a single minute for Lampard this season

    EVERTON have shipped out Andre Gomes on loan to Lille.The Portuguese midfielder has not played a single minute of football under Frank Lampard this season, and only featured in the squad for The Toffees 1-1 draw with Leeds.
    Andre Gomes suffered a number of injuries throughout his time at EvertonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    And following deadline day acquisitions for James Garner and Idrissa Gueye, the Everton engine room was looking cramped.
    A statement on Everton’s website confirmed the deal.
    They said: “Everton midfielder André Gomes has joined LOSC Lille on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
    “The 29-year-old, who made a permanent move to Goodison Park in the summer of 2019 having impressed during a season-long loan from Barcelona in 2018/19, joins the Ligue 1 outfit after making 100 First-Team appearances for the Blues.
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    “Portugal international Gomes, who was part of his nation’s European Championship win in 2016, has previously won league titles in his homeland and Spain.”
    In his 100 appearances for Everton, Gomes registered two goals and seven assists.
    Last season the 29-year-old played 14 times in the Premier League, with most of these coming either from the bench or when the squad suffered a shortage.
    Everton were also bolstered in midfield earlier in the window when they brought in Amodou Onana for £32.4million.
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    It means the deal for Gomes to join the Ligue 1 side sees the two teams effectively swap players for the season.
    Everton have brought in a total of eight players during the transfer window, adding quality all over the pitch while also removing a number of players considered deadwood, including ex-Tottenham star Dele Alli. More

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    Chelsea sell wonderkid Billy Gilmour to Brighton for £9m as midfielder agrees four-year contract at the Amex

    BRIGHTON have completed the £9million signing of Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour.Gilmour, 21, has agreed a four-year deal at the Amex.
    Brighton are closing in on a move for Chelsea’s Billy GilmourCredit: Getty
    The Seagulls have been on the hunt for a midfielder following the departure of Yves Bissouma to Tottenham earlier this summer.
    Gilmour made a stunning start to his Chelsea career under Frank Lampard but fell out of favour under Thomas Tuchel and endured a difficult loan with Norwich City last season.
    The ace has only appeared 11 times in the Premier League for the West London club but continues to be a regular for his country.
    He was included in the Blues’ party for their pre-season tour to the USA but was then among a group of players that were allowed to leave and link-up with their development squad part way through.
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    The midfielder was initially left without a squad number at the start of the season.
    But he was named on the bench as No35 for Chelsea’s defeat at Southampton on Tuesday but remained unused.
    Head coach Graham Potter said, “Billy arrives with a fantastic pedigree, having played in the Premier League and Champions League as well as for Scotland at last year’s Euros.
    “He will complement our existing midfield options.
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    “That experience at quite a young age shows the strength of character he has and we’re really excited by his potential.
    “Now it’s about allowing him the time to get used to a new environment and settling in to our club.
    “We can’t wait to work with him.”
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    Any move for the Scotland international had to be permanent.
    That is because Brighton already have defender Levi Colwill on loan from Chelsea and are unable to borrow another player from the club. More

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    Chelsea confirm £10m transfer of Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with Marcos Alonso heading to Nou Camp

    CHELSEA have confirmed the £10million signing of former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona.The striker, 33, has penned a two-year deal at Stamford Bridge with the option for a third season.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has completed his £10million move from Barcelona to ChelseaCredit: https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC
    Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso is expected to be announced as a Barcelona player imminentlyCredit: Getty
    And Aubameyang’s arrival is expected to see Marcos Alonso leave Chelsea in the opposite direction after six years of service.
    Neither club have revealed whether Alonso has formed part of the deal or has ended his contract at Chelsea to move to the Nou Camp.
    Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said: “Pierre-Emerick is an elite striker with a proven track record in the Premier League and his arrival strengthens our squad, giving us new attacking options.
    “We are thrilled to have Pierre-Emerick on board with us in the new era at Chelsea and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”
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    And Barca paid a glowing tribute to the man they signed from Arsenal on a free transfer.
    Their statement read: “FC Barcelona publicly expresses its gratitude to Aubameyang for his professionalism, commitment, dedication and ever-present positive and warm approach regarding every aspect involving the Club.
    “We wish him the best of fortune and every success in the future.
    “Your smile radiated happiness both on and off the pitch, thank you. Barça will always be your home.”
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    Thomas Tuchel was desperate to land a proven goalscorer before Thursday’s deadline.
    Aubameyang worked with Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund between 2015 and 2017, scoring an incredible 79 goals.
    And Chelsea fans will be hoping the pair can work their magic together again after a dire start to the new season.
    Aubameyang, who scored 92 goals in four years at Arsenal, only joined Barca in February.
    He netted 13 strikes in 23 games, but jumped at the chance to return to England following Barcelona’s capture of Robert Lewandowski.
    Meanwhile, Alonso is expected to pen a three-year contract at Barcelona.
    The left-back, 31, made 212 appearances at Chelsea following a £24m move from Fiorentina in 2016, scoring an impressive 29 goals.
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    Alonso won the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League during his time at the Bridge.
    And he will now battle Jordi Alba for a place in Xavi Hernandez’s side after Barca’s No18 rejected a loan switch to Inter Milan. More

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    Fulham confirm season-long loan transfer from Leeds star Dan James on busy day for Marco Silva’s side

    FULHAM have completed the loan signing of Leeds United forward Dan James after failing in a bid for Ben Brereton Diaz.Blackburn Rovers have rejected the Premier League club’s offer to sign the Chile international as they hold out for around £15million.
    Daniel James has swapped Leeds for FulhamCredit: Rex
    Ben Brereton Diaz, who scored Blackburn’s winner against Blackpool last night, was a late target for FulhamCredit: Getty
    The Cottagers, who saw Justin Kluivert’s move from Roma collapse over a work permit have moved in the nick of time to complete a deal for James.
    The former Manchester United winger was also a target for Tottenham.
    The interest from Antonio Conte’s side came as Spurs want to add another attacking option to their squad ahead of the hectic schedule this autumn.
    Games will now be coming thick and fast as the season goes into overdrive to accommodate the winter World Cup in Qatar.
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    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag referred to this as part of the reasoning behind their signing of Antony.
    And despite not having European football, Fulham will also feel the pressure of the congested fixture list.
    With the deal for Kluivert collapsing and a move for Brereton Diaz failing, James appears to be a Premier League proven player who can come in as a quick fix.
    The Cottagers were busy on transfer deadline day as Marco Silva gets his squad ready for a hectic few months.
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    They also brought in former Chelsea and Arsenal star Willian after the Brazilian had his Corinthians contract terminated.
    PSG full-back Layvin Kurzawa and former Tottenham striker Carlos Vinicius have all moved to the Prem new-boys. More

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    ‘Not always easy’ – Hector Bellerin posts emotional message to Arsenal fans after joining Barcelona on free transfer

    HECTOR BELLERIN has posted an emotional farewell message to Arsenal fans after rejoining childhood club Barcelona on a free transfer.Bellerin, 27, made a late switch back to the Nou Camp on transfer deadline day – 11 years after leaving Barca for Arsenal in 2011.

    Hector Bellerin has rejoined Barcelona on a free transfer after leaving ArsenalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fcbarcelona/
    The Gunners agreed to terminate the right-back’s contract so he could complete his dream move.
    And the three-time FA Cup winner can now start afresh in his hometown after spending last season on loan with Copa del Rey winners Real Betis.
    Bellerin became a firm favourite at the Emirates after playing 239 times for Arsenal.
    And the four-time Spain international posted a tearful farewell message to supporters on social media after his Barcelona return was confirmed.
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    Bellerin, who is on a one-year contract at the Nou Camp, said: “Hello Gunners. Feels like it was only a couple of years ago when I touched down in London for the very first time.
    “From day one I truly felt at home and I’ve said time and time again how this city has shaped me into who I am, and how much I owe it.
    “It’s with a lot of sadness that today I say goodbye to this club, the fans, the staff, the players and our family all together.
    “There’s been highs, so high, and lows, so low, but I’ve enjoyed thoroughly every single experience I’ve lived with you Gunners.
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    Bellerin spent 11 years at Arsenal after joining them from Barcelona in 2011Credit: Getty
    “It’s not always been easy being an Arsenal player these past 11 years, but it’s always been an honour to carry the weight of this badge and defend it almost 250 times in front of you all.
    “I want to thank Arsene, Francis, the late Steve Rowley, Steve Bould, Neil Banfield, Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and Mikel. 
    “Thank you to the staff who work tirelessly for us to have it all ready when we step onto the pitch.
    “Physios, conditioning coaches, doctors, chefs, kit men, cleaners, security, and everyone else who is a part of this family.
    “Thank you to the players who have made my time here unforgettable.
    Thank you for your continued support throughout all these yearsHector Bellerin
    “And most importantly, thank you Gunners, thank you for your continued support throughout all these years, for how supportive you were in the good and the bad, for how enjoyable it’s been to play in this beautiful stadium and for sharing together every single step of this journey of mine.
    “With the sadness of a goodbye, but the excitement of a new beginning, I say to you all THANK YOU. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta paid tribute to Bellerin in a statement on Arsenal’s official website.
    He said: “We today say goodbye to Hector and we thank him so much for his loyalty and commitment to Arsenal Football Club. 
    “During his 11 years with Arsenal, Hector won three FA Cups and made nearly 250 appearances – such a huge contribution to the club. 
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    “I’m privileged to have played in the same squad as Hector for three seasons, wearing the Arsenal shirt and sharing many great moments on and off the football pitch together. 
    “We thank you Hector and wish you and your family all the best for your return to Barcelona.” More

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    Fulham complete transfers of ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace Willian and former Tottenham striker Carlos Vinicius

    FULHAM have signed former Chelsea and Arsenal star Willian alongside ex-Tottenham ace Carlos Vinicius.Willian, 34, was a free agent after leaving Brazilian side Corinthians when his deal expired at the end of last season and has signed a one-year contracy.
    Willian has signed a one year dealCredit: Rex
    Carlos Vinicius has signed a three-year dealCredit: Rex
    He has been training with the Cottagers prior to signing for the club.
    Willian said: “I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be back in the Premier League.
    “Fulham is a special club, a club that wants to improve, that wants to fight for something bigger, so I’m here to help, and I cant wait to get started.”
    The veteran will add some much needed Premier League experience to the squad having won two titles during his seven year stay at Chelsea.
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    Willian featured 339 times for the club scoring 63 goals.
    He followed up his spell at the Blues making the move across London to join Arsenal, where he spent one season.
    Marcos Silva’s side have also completed the signing of Carlos Vinicius, the former Tottenham striker, in a £9.5million deal from Benfica.
    The 27-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the option for an extra year.
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    Upon his arrival he said: “I’m really happy to be here. I think it’s a big club with good people, so I’m really, really happy.
    “I’m happy to be back in the Premier League again. I’m more experienced now and I think I can help the Club.”
    They have also signed PSG left-back Layvin Kurzawa after Nice signed Joe Bryan on loan.
    Leeds winger Dan James also remains a target as they look to secure a loan deal for the Welshman.
    Fulham also saw an opening bid of £6million rejected by Blackburn Rovers for Ben Brereton Diaz and they could return with an improved offer.
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    Silva has been crying out for more players previously hinting at the fact he thought he did not have a big enough squad to compete in the Premier League.
    But the West Londoners have started the season fantastically and currently sit 7th with eight points from five games. More

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    Memphis Depay announces he will STAY at Barcelona after being linked with Chelsea and Man Utd transfers

    MEMPHIS DEPAY has confirmed he will stay at Barcelona after being linked with a deadline day move to England.Chelsea and Manchester United were both keen on landing the Dutch forward.
    Memphis Depay has snubbed Chelsea and Man Utd to stay at BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
    I have decided to stay at Barça ! Fully committed to contribute to the club’s sporting success. 💙❤️ #ViscaBarca— Memphis Depay (@Memphis) September 1, 2022

    And reports from Spain claimed Depay received lucrative offers to leave the Nou Camp on Thursday.
    But the versatile attacker has now posted a statement on social media declaring he will be a Barcelona player this season.
    Depay declared: “I have decided to stay at Barca!
    “Fully committed to contribute to the club’s sporting success.”
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    It marks a stunning U-turn from both Depay and Barcelona, with the Spanish club prepared to rip up his contract earlier on Thursday.
    Depay had reportedly submitted a transfer request on Wednesday, a week after his free move to Juventus fell through over personal terms.
    United were thought to be monitoring the situation of their former player despite spending £84million on Ajax winger Antony.
    But it was Chelsea who apparently came forward with a deadline day offer as they also closed in on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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    However, Depay has now brought his transfer saga to a close.
    It means Barcelona will have six star forwards competing for just three positions in Xavi Hernandez’s team.
    Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were both added to the mix for large transfer fees.
    Meanwhile, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele are also still starring at the Nou Camp. More