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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      Ainsley Maitland-Niles signs new Arsenal deal then joins Southampton on loan transfer as Oriel Romeu departs Saints

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      ARSENAL outcast Ainsley Maitland-Niles has completed a season-long loan to Southampton – after signing a contract extension at his parent club.The versatile 25-year-old was not part of Mikel Arteta’s immediate plans at the Emirates.
      Ainsley Maitland-Niles has signed contracts with Arsenal and Southampton todayCredit: Getty
      The versatile star joins Saints on a season-long loanCredit: Getty
      And after loan spells at West Brom and Roma in the last two seasons, he has gone out on another temporary deal by joining Saints.
      But first he put pen to paper on a new deal with Arsenal until 2024.
      Maitland-Niles has 132 Gunners appearances but just three goals.
      He was part of the England Under-20 World Cup-winning side in 2017 and lifted the FA Cup in 2020 as well as the Europa Conference League under Jose Mourinho.
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      Now he will hope to kick on again with regular minutes at St Mary’s.
      Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Ainsley is at a good point in his career, with a lot of experience already, but he is also still a player with potential, and he is someone who can definitely help us.
      “I think he fits well with us and can develop his game even further during his time here.
      “He can also play in different positions, which is always a good thing.
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      “I am pleased to welcome him as part of our squad.”
      The signing of Maitland-Niles follows a busy deadline day for Saints.
      Earlier on, there was the permanent exit of Oriel Romeu.
      The defensive midfielder joined LaLiga new boys Girona after seven years and 256 appearances at Southampton.
      Jack Stephens headed to Bournemouth on loan while teenage midfielder Samuel Edozie signed from Manchester City. More

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      Arsenal’s transfer chase for Douglas Luiz is OVER after Aston Villa reject take-it-or-leave-it £23m final offer

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      LEAGUE leaders Arsenal failed with a dramatic last-gasp bid to land Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.Bids of £20million and £23million were both rejected by the struggling Midlanders before the Gunners decided they were not prepared to go any higher for a player who is in the final of his contract.
      Douglas Luiz has been attracting interest from many Premier League sides but Arsenal have pulled out of the runningCredit: Reuters
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was given the green light to make one last signing after confirmation that Mohamed Elneny is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the year by a serious hamstring injury.
      And with Thomas Partey currently ruled out by a persistent thigh injury, the Gunners are suddenly short of options in central midfield.
      But it was only after Tuesday’s 2-1 win against Villa that the possibility of a deal for Douglas Luiz was first broached between the two clubs.
      And there simply wasn’t enough time to reach an agreement for the 24-year-old Brazilian international who worked with Arteta at Manchester City before his £12.5million move to Villa in 2019.
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      Villa boss Steven Gerrard had appeared to open the door to Luiz’s departure after Tuesday’s game when he said: “Douglas only has a year to go and it’s one of those really touchy situations where we have to do what is best for the club, not necessarily what is best for me.”
      But Villa decided that they would rather keep the influential player at the club despite running the risk of losing him as a free agent next summer.
      And even though they signed a ready-made replacement in £13million Leander Dendoncker from Wolves last night, they could not be persuaded to accept Arsenal’s top offer.
      At least Arsenal were able to get Hector Bellerin off their wage bill after cancelling the Spanish international’s contract without a pay-off.
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      Now Bellerin is set to sign for Barcelona as a free agent after Arsenal secured an agreement for a potential sell-on fee.
      Meanwhile, academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Nile has secured another loan away from the club.
      The Gunners youngster has agreed a temporary deal with Southampton, who will have the option to buy the midfielder next summer. More

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      Arthur Melo confirms Juventus exit and changes Twitter location to Liverpool as Anfield transfer appears done

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      ARTHUR MELO changed his Twitter location to Liverpool as he all but confirmed his loan transfer from Juventus. The 26-year-old midfielder is understood to have already agreed terms on a move to Anfield after a fee was finalised between the two clubs.
      Arthur Melo is set to join Liverpool from JuventusCredit: Getty
      He changed his location to Liverpool, England
      And his social media activity on the evening of deadline day seemed to suggest it was all done.
      As well as putting Liverpool, England as his new base, the Brazil ace posted a ‘thank you’ video montage of highlights from his time at Juventus.
      Melo, who was previously being chased by Arsenal, will head to Liverpool on a loan deal – with no option to buy included in the package.
      Now he is due to undergo a medical before completing the surprise switch.

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      Transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio reported earlier that the Brazilian international was preparing to fly from Turin’s Caselle airport to Merseyside in order to finalise the transfer, with footage now emerging of him boarding a flight.
      The former Barcelona ace left the Nou Camp for Juventus back in 2020 and helped them to Coppa Italia success. 
      But he only scored once and produced one assist during his two campaigns in Serie A.
      However, that has not appeared to have deterred Jurgen Klopp from making a swoop for the South American.
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      The Reds suffered a fresh injury blow in last night’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle as skipper Jordan Henderson limped off with a hamstring injury.
      Despite the season being just five games old, Klopp’s squad is already looking depleted after several stars suffered knocks.
      Fellow midfielders Curtis Jones, Naby Keita, Thiago and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all spent time on the treatment table.
      But now Melo’s arrival will at least help soften the fresh blow of Henderson being sidelined.
      Klopp will now be anxiously waiting to see if Melo is granted a work permit in time to be available for Saturday’s derby clash at Everton. More

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      Chelsea ‘reach agreement with Juventus for transfer of Denis Zakaria’ with boss Tuchel desperate for midfield cover

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      CHELSEA have reportedly reached an agreement with Juventus to sign Denis Zakaria on loan.The Athletic claims the Switzerland midfielder, 25, is undergoing a medical in Turin after the Blues made a late move on deadline day.
      Denis Zakaria is nearing a loan move to Chelsea from JuventusCredit: Rex
      Thomas Tuchel has been desperate to land an anchorman after Chelsea’s dire start to the season.
      And Zakaria is now expected to join the Blues on loan, with his wages being covered entirely.
      Chelsea will then have the option to sign Zakaria for £30million next summer on a five-year contract.
      Chelsea started the morning targeting a £43m deal for Ajax ace Edson Alvarez.
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      The Mexico star refused to train on Thursday as he pushed for a transfer.
      But Ajax sensationally blocked a deal, having already surrendered Antony to Manchester United this week.
      Reports claim Chelsea also made an enquiry for PSV Eindhoven’s Ibrahim Sangare, a target earlier this season.
      However, Zakaria is the midfielder making his way to Stamford Bridge tonight.
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      The former Borussia Monchengladbach ace only joined Juventus in January.
      He played 13 times last term and had featured twice in the new campaign under Max Allegri.
      But the arrivals of Paul Pogba and Leandro Paredes threatened to block Zakaria’s path to the first team.
      And he will now be hoping for more minutes under Tuchel in London.
      Chelsea are also looking to round off deadline day with a £12m move for Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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      Marcos Alonso is expected to go in the opposite direction.
      And the Blues are also set to bid farewell to Billy Gilmour as he closes in on a £9m Brighton switch. More

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      Frenkie de Jong saga finally over with Man Utd and Chelsea snubbed by Barcelona midfielder who ‘never wavered’ on choice

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      THE Frenkie de Jong transfer saga is finally over – with the Barcelona midfielder staying put. The Dutchman, 25, was a high priority on the transfer wish lists for Manchester United and Chelsea throughout the summer.
      Frenkie de Jong will be staying put at Barcelona after a transfer sagaCredit: Getty
      Barcelona were open to selling the ex-Ajax man with a fee of around £73million agreed with the Red Devils and a £350,000-a-week contract on the table.
      However, De Jong snubbed United because he did not want to sign for the Europa League club while Chelsea, despite being able to offer Champions League football, were also unable to secure a deal.
      As reported by Fabrizio Romano, De Jong “never changed his mind” on his desire to stay at the Nou Camp.
      The 44-cap Netherlands international joined Barca in 2019 for £65m and expressed his delight at playing for his dream club.
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      However, the LaLiga giants – who already owe him millions in deferred wages – slapped him with an ultimatum to either leave or take a major pay cut.
      But despite the financial problems, Barcelona and De Jong appear to have repaired the damage to the relationship.
      The star, under contract until 2026, has featured in all three league games so far this season – albeit starting just once.
      Barca face Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen in a brutal Champions League group.
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      After it became clear he would miss out on De Jong, new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag turned his attention to Barca’s rival Real Madrid and splashed up to £70m on Casemiro to bolster his midfield instead.
      Christian Eriksen has also arrived at Old Trafford and Chelsea signed Carney Chukwuemeka.
      Ross Barkley was released while Billy Gilmour is poised for a £9m transfer to Brighton, leaving Thomas Tuchel short on midfield options.
      But reports suggest Denis Zakaria is having a medical in Turin over a loan move from Juventus. More