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    Brentford ‘ready to hijack Arsenal’s Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer and smash their club record with £26m bid’

    ARSENAL have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk with Brentford ready to launch a club-record offer for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger.The 21-year-old is understood to be on Mikel Arteta’s radar ahead of a possible late swoop before Thursday’s deadline.
    Shkahtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk has been linked with moves to Arsenal and BrentfordCredit: Getty
    Personal terms are claimed to have already been agreed with the Ukraine international over a switch to the Emirates.
    Mudryk himself fuelled speculation of a move to North London after “liking” a picture on Instagram which discussed a potential transfer to Arsenal.
    But according to The Athletic, Brentford have renewed their interest in the forward having had a bid rejected last year to sign him in January.
    Mudryk confirmed he had turned down a move to the Bees as he pledged his loyalty to Shakhtar.
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    But it is believed he would now welcome a move to England having expressed his desire to play in the Premier League at some point.
    And it has been said that Brentford are ready to offer a club-record £26million for the exciting youngster.

    Their current record transfer stands at £16m rising to £20m when they brought in forward Keane Lewis-Potter from Hull earlier this summer.
    Though The Athletic have stated that despite Brentford and Shakhtar being in talks, a deal will be difficult to complete.
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    The news outlet declared that Arsenal are keen on Mudryk, but they are now pursuing a central midfielder instead.
    That is due to the injuries picked up by Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
    Brazilian starlet Danilo has been touted as an option, with reports claiming Arsenal had offered Palmeiras £20m.
    Meanwhile it remains to be seen whether Arsenal turn their interest in Leicester’s Youri Tielemans into a formal bid. More

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    Chelsea in talks to sign AC Milan winger Leao and Dinamo Moscow midfielder Zakharyan in stunning double transfer swoop

    CHELSEA are pushing to sign Rafael Leao and Arsen Zakharyan before tomorrow’s transfer deadline, according to reports.The Blues have already introduced a number of new additions this summer including Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and most recently Wesley Fofana, who joined in a £70million move earlier today.
    Leao is valued at £126mCredit: AFP
    Chelsea are plotting to trigger Zakharyan’s release clauseCredit: Getty
    However, following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Tuesday Thomas Tuchel is eager to recruit some new faces before the 11pm transfer curfew.
    According to The Times, Chelsea are in talks to sign AC Milan winger Leao AND Dinamo Moscow midfielder Zakharyan.
    Tuchel wants to add a forward and a midfielder to his ranks within the next 24 hours.
    Zakharyan, 19, is available for just £12.6m so Blues chief Todd Boehly should have no problem with splashing the cash to trigger his release clause.
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    However, Leao, 23, is currently valued at £126m which puts Chelsea in a difficult position in terms of negotiations with other deals still in the pipeline.
    The Blues are also in talks with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig over the potential transfer of Josko Gvardiol.

    The centre-back could set Chelsea back £77m if a deal were to be completed.
    Tuchel is eager to strengthen his defensive set-up after the lacklustre display against Southampton.
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    If Chelsea can secure deals for Leao, Zakharyan and Gvardiol it will take the club’s total summer spend up to an eyewatering £480m, smashing the record of the highest amount spent by any club in a single transfer window.
    Real Madrid are the current record holders having spent £272m on signing Eden Hazard, Ferland Mendy, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao and Rodrygo in 2019. More

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    Newcastle join Arsenal in Youri Tielemans transfer race as Eddie Howe targets two midfield signings before deadline

    NEWCASTLE are rivalling Arsenal for the signature of Youri Tielemans, according to reports. The Leicester midfielder’s contract at the King Power expires next summer.
    Youri Tielemans is wanted by Newcastle and Arsenal ahead of deadline dayCredit: Getty
    And with the Foxes open to selling the 52-cap Belgian star, the Toon are now in the race.
    According to the Daily Mail, Eddie Howe wants to land two new midfielders before Thursday’s 11pm deadline.
    As well as a holding midfielder, it is thought the Magpies boss wants to make a last-ditch swoop for Tielemans.
    Tielemans, 25, is understood to be ready to move on because he wants to play in Europe again after Leicester missed out for this season.
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    But the project underway at St James’ Park – bankrolled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund – could be an appealing option.
    According to Sky Sports, the Foxes would accept around £25million for the FA Cup-winning hero and club-record signing.
    Leicester play Manchester United tomorrow night, with the full-time whistle blowing just an hour before the transfer window closes.
    However, it is understood Newcastle and Arsenal have not submitted an official bid yet.
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    The Gunners were tipped to go all out for Tielemans earlier in the window – with Manchester United and Liverpool also linked.
    Mikel Arteta might be tempted to make a move, though, following injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
    Magpies chief Howe has already spent more than £100m of the Saudi money so far this summer.
    Of that, £60m was on record-buy Alexander Isak who has got his work permit sorted in time to face Liverpool.
    Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope also arrived to bolster the Newcastle defence.
    It is reported Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa could be the ideal No6 Howe is looking for.
    Like Tielemans, the Brazilian, 24, is into the final year of his deal but is also a target for Atletico Madrid. More

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    Wesley Fofana fires parting shot at Brendan Rodgers in statement to Leicester fans after Chelsea transfer

    WESLEY FOFANA fired a cheeky parting shot at Brendan Rodgers after completing his £70million move to Chelsea.The French defender, 21, has become Todd Boehly’s latest sparkling signing at Stamford Bridge.
    Wesley Fofana aimed a jibe at Brendan Rodgers as he left Leicester for ChelseaCredit: AFP
    And Fofana’s big-money arrival has taken Chelsea’s spending to a record £263m for this window.
    The centre-back is seen as one for the present and the future, signing an incredible seven-year deal.
    However, Fofana has not left Leicester quietly after clashing with former boss Rodgers over the past several weeks.
    SunSport exclusively revealed the Foxes chief rejected THREE bids from Chelsea before relenting.
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    Fofana’s fury saw him demoted to Leicester’s U23s while missing games against Southampton and Stockport.
    But with his Stamford Bridge move in the bag, Fofana aimed a dig at Rodgers in a farewell post on social media.
    After thanking Leicester fans for their support, Fofana jibed: “I chose not to communicate during this transfer window despite all the criticism and all the often false and misleading comments, even when they were coming from the club.
    “I understood and I learned. I didn’t want to damage the institution and I chose to take it rather than answer.
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    “I thank Top [the owner] for his understanding, thanks to the managers, to the coach who has always appreciated me, even if he chose to expose me a lot lately… I got it coach.”
    Fofana added: “There were ups and downs but I never cheated, you can be sure of that.”
    He will now be looking to force his way into Tuchel’s starting XI against West Ham on Saturday.
    Fofana’s arrival couldn’t come sooner, with Chelsea suffering their second defeat in three games at Southampton yesterday.
    Chelsea is built to win trophies so I’m here to continue thatWesley Fofana
    After being announced by the Blues following a lengthy medical in the USA, Fofana beamed: “The last two days have been really big days for me and I’m very happy.
    “I trained this morning with the team and it’s a dream for me.
    “I’m very excited to start playing games for the fans and the club.
    “I’m here to win trophies – the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, everything.
    “I came here to win and the club is built to win trophies so I’m here to continue that.”
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    Chelsea owner Boehly added: “Wesley is a hugely promising defender who has already proven his quality in the Premier League at a young age.
    “We are delighted we were able to bring one of Europe’s most exciting talents to Chelsea and further strengthen that area of our squad, both for this season and many more to come.” More

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    Tottenham snap up ex-Arsenal youngster Will Lankshear in transfer from Sheff Utd as Conte builds for future

    TOTTENHAM are continuing to strengthen their academy as well as their first team squad after announcing the signing of forward Will Lankshear from Sheffield United.The 17-year-old was previously on the books at Spurs’ rivals Arsenal prior to his release last year.
    Teenage forward Will Lankshear has swapped Sheffield United for TottenhamCredit: Instagram
    Lankshear joined the Yorkshire outfit in January 2021 after being released by ArsenalCredit: Alamy
    He was subsequently snapped up by the Blades in January 2021, where he caught the eye of Tottenham following his standout displays for United’s Under-18 and U23 sides.
    From his 35 starts and 15 substitute appearances, Lankshear scored a whopping 40 goals, including five hat-tricks and seven braces.
    Such was his lethal prowess in front of goal, Spurs have decided to bring the teenager back to North London on a five-year deal until 2025.
    A club statement read: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Will Lankshear from Sheffield United.
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    “The 17-year-old forward has agreed a deal that will run until 2025 and will join up with the Club’s Academy.”
    According to the Metro, Spurs have forked out £2million on Lankshear.
    After his departure from Bramall Lane was announced, Lankshear tweeted: “Thank you to @sufcdevelopment for [the] past 19 months.
    “I enjoyed every bit and what a fantastic academy they are!
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    “On the other hand, delighted and blessed to announce I have signed my first professional contract.
    “@SpursOfficial time to work hard and kick on.”
    Tottenham have now brought in 11 players this window including transfers made for their academy.
    Antonio Conte has signed Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Djed Spence, Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster while also turning Cristian Romero’s temporary stay into a permanent switch.
    Meanwhile left-back Destiny Udogie was snapped up before returning to Udinese on a season-long loan deal.
    And centre-back Clement Lenglet has arrived from Barcelona on loan.
    Along with Lankshear, goalkeeper Josh Keeley and right-back Tyrell Ashcroft have been signed for Spurs’ academy. More

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    Former Chelsea forgotten man Jeremie Boga set for Premier League return as Leicester open transfer talks

    FORMER Chelsea starlet Jeremie Boga is reportedly set for a Premier League return with Leicester.The Ivorian winger, 25, currently plies his trade with Italian outfit Atalanta.
    Leicester are lining up a move for ex-Chelsea winger Jeremie BogaCredit: Getty
    But Fabrizio Romano claims Boga is on the brink of a second shot at England’s top flight as Leicester prepare a bid for deadline day.
    Boga came up through Chelsea’s Cobham academy after moving to London from Marseille in 2009.
    His time at Stamford Bridge saw the versatile attacker enjoy loans at Rennes, Granada and Birmingham.
    But he only ever made one Premier League appearance for Chelsea before being sold to Sassuolo in 2018.
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    Boga found his feet with the Serie A side, sparking talk of a return to the Blues in 2020.
    Everton were also linked with a massive £35million switch.
    But Boga instead stayed put at Sassulo until securing a loan move to Atalanta in January.
    The deal was made permanent for around £20m this summer.
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    And Chelsea received a tasty chunk of the proceeds after including a sell-on fee in his move to Sassuolo.
    However, Atalanta are now open to parting ways with Boga just months after signing him.
    And Leicester are looking to pounce after pocketing £70m from Wesley Fofana’s move to Chelsea.
    Boga would bring pace and power to Leicester’s frontline.
    And he would certainly be welcomed warmly by fans, who are yet to see one single outfield signing pass through the doors at the King Power Stadium. More

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    Fans all say the same thing as forgotten Chelsea man Baba Rahman seals SEVENTH loan transfer by re-joining Reading

    BABA RAHMAN has joined Reading on a season-long loan from Chelsea.The Ghanaian left-back, 28, has returned to the Madejski Stadium following his successful 2021-22 campaign with the Royals.
    Rahman has re-joined Reading on loanCredit: PA
    He played 29 times for Paul Ince’s side last season.
    Ironically, that’s six more appearances than he’s made for Chelsea during his seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
    The move marks his SEVENTH loan spell since joining the Blues in 2015 from FC Augsburg in Germany.
    Many fans didn’t even realise that Chelsea is still Rahman’s parent club.
    Some took to Twitter to react to the news, with one writing: “How many years at all did Baba Rahman sign at Chelsea? He’s been there for ages!”
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    Another added: “Baba Rahman has been at Chelsea Football Club since 2015. He played a grand total of 23 games for the club, 4 as a substitute, and somehow managed to still be on the books until 2024. This is crazy!”
    A third said: “Chelsea defender Baba Rahman has re-signed for Reading on a season-long loan deal. Yes, he’s still on Chelsea’s books.”
    While another Chelsea fan chimed in to question why the Blues have not terminated his contract, adding: “Not sure why we didn’t just rip his contract up but at least he’s out on loan again.”
    Following Rahman’s return, Reading boss Ince admitted that he was looking forward to welcoming him back to the first team.
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    When speaking to the official club website, he said: “A natural left-back with experience at the very highest level has been a clear priority in our recruitment plans this summer and, while we have had to be patient, we are now excited to welcome Baba back to the club.
    “Our fans know all about what he can bring to this squad and what we are trying to achieve this season and I’m really looking forward to working with him again this season.” More

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    Arsenal ‘agree personal terms with Mykhaylo Mudryk’ as they close in on £21m transfer for ‘the Ukrainian Neymar’

    ARSENAL have reportedly agreed personal terms with Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.The Gunners are eager to sign the 21-year-old before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday.
    Arsenal have agreed personal terms with MudrykCredit: Getty
    Mikel Arteta has been scouting a new attacker to replace Nicholas Pepe, who joined Nice on a season-long loan last week.
    And he believes Mudryk is the perfect candidate to provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on the wings.
    According to Italian sports reporter Rudi Galetti, Arsenal chiefs are hoping to strike a £21million deal with Shakhtar Donetsk.
    The Gunners are currently optimistic that an agreement can be reached before Thursday’s 11pm curfew.
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    Football journalist Nicolo Schira claims personal terms have already been agreed with a five-year deal in place.
    While Arsenal chiefs are confident that they will have their man within the next 24 hours, Brentford are also pushing to strike a deal.

    The Bees had a bid rejected in January but they have since reignited their interest.
    Thomas Frank wants to make Mudryk – who as been dubbed “the Ukrainian Neymar” – Brentford’s club-record signing.
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    The winger scored two goals and assisted nine in 19 appearances for Shakhtar Donetsk last season.
    His impressive form has also attracted interest from Sevilla. More