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    ‘I love Arsenal’ – Chelsea transfer blow as Rafael Leao reveals Gunners fandom as he confesses Premier League dream

    CHELSEA transfer target Rafael Leao has revealed his admiration for Arsenal.Leao, 23, is one of the most sought-after young players in Europe right now, with seven goals and nine assists for AC Milan so far this season.
    Leao has expressed his admiration for ArsenalCredit: Alamy
    His impressive form has attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
    However, he recently expressed his love for Arsenal.
    In an interview with RDP Africa, Leao said: “I’ve seen a lot of games this year.
    “I like Arsenal, I think they play very well.”
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    The winger currently has 18 months remaining on his AC Milan contract, but he is yet to agree terms for a new deal.
    Chelsea are expected to submit a lucrative offer in the next few weeks worth upwards of £86million.
    Blues boss Graham Potter is understood to be eager to bolster his squad in January, with Leao the priority target.
    But, Man Utd are also interested in signing the Portuguese superstar.
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    United boss Erik ten Hag had been plotting a move for Cody Gakpo, however the Dutch winger has since agreed to join Liverpool in a shock £37m transfer.
    A statement from PSV read: “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.” More

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    Five players Man Utd could sign in January including Ramos and Felix after Liverpool hijack Cody Gakpo move

    MANCHESTER UNITED were dealt a savage blow when Liverpool hijacked their transfer plan for Cody Gakpo.The Dutch World Cup star looked on course to join the Red Devils from PSV in January.
    Erik ten Hag is looking to add a forward to his Man Utd squadCredit: PA
    Cody Gakpo looked on course to join but is going to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    But their rivals at Anfield swooped to agree a £37million deal for the Holland forward and steal him away from Erik ten Hag’s grasp.
    So SunSport rounds up five potential transfer targets United could land instead when the market reopens…
    Goncalo Ramos, 21, Benfica
    The Portugal striker proved he can be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne in the national team with his World Cup heroics, in particular that hat-trick against Switzerland.
    And he may well be the heir to the throne at club level, too, as United consider another move for the Benfica man.
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    Ramos has 15 goals and six assists in 22 games for his club this season and those kind of figures could propel United into the top four.
    Goncalo Ramos proved he can fill Cristiano Ronaldo’s bootsCredit: Getty
    Joao Felix, 23, Atletico Madrid
    Another option could be Ramos’ Portugal pal Felix, who is expected to be on his way out of Atletico Madrid.
    The flexible forward has struggled to kick on under Diego Simeone and the LaLiga side could decide to cash in early in the New Year.
    However, the Red Devils face plenty of competition for Felix who has also been linked with Arsenal and now Chelsea.
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    Joao Felix is a target for a host of Premier League clubsCredit: Getty
    Youssoufa Moukoko, 18, Borussia Dortmund
    The Borussia Dortmund star burst on to the scene in 2020 and made his debut a day after his 16th birthday.
    He now has kicked on in the absence of Erling Haaland and Sebastien Haller with 11 goals in 44 Bundesliga appearances.
    Moukoko is out of contract at Dortmund at the end of the season but is also wanted by Chelsea.
    Youssoufa Moukoko’s contract at Borussia Dortmund expires in the summerCredit: Getty

    Dusan Vlahovic, 22, Juventus
    United need to sign a genuine No9 with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial more effective playing off the flanks.
    And Vlahovic would certainly fit the bill – he is a goalscorer and a good one at that.
    His £70m move to Juventus from Fiorentina 12 months ago has not quite worked out as planned so United could pounce by giving the Serbian the chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
    Dusan Vlahovic may be ready to test himself in EnglandCredit: Getty
    Memphis Depay, 28, Barcelona
    United may have missed out on Gakpo but could make a shock return for fellow Holland ace Depay to Old Trafford be on the cards?
    Few would have envisaged his dramatic upturn when he left United in 2017 but Depay thrived at Lyon and earned his move to Barcelona.
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    But the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha this summer have limited his game time.
    So with a host of English clubs circling, Ten Hag may want to work with his Dutch compatriot who has unfinished business and a point to prove.
    Memphis Depay left United in 2017 but could a comeback be on the cards?Credit: Getty More

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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.
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    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.
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    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