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      Arsenal in talks to swap WSL goal machine Vivianne Miedema for Lyon star Nikita Parris

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      NIKITA PARRIS could be on her way to Arsenal in a sensational switch that would see Vivianne Miedema move to French giants Lyon. Both clubs are reported to be mulling over a swap deal with the WSL hot shot entering the final year of her Gunners contract, according to The Guardian. 
      Lyon are reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a swap deal for Vivianne MiedemaCredit: Getty
      The deal would reportedly involve Parris moving to Arsenal ahead of next seasonCredit: Rex
      Arsenal have been looking to tie Miedema down to a new contract for this year. 
      In January former boss Joe Montemurro brushed off speculation of Lyon’s interest in the forward, who has netted 60 goals in 67  appearances for the Gunners. 
      But it is thought the club, who signed Japan forward Mana Iwabuchi, are reluctant to allow the Netherlands superstar to leave on a free transfer next summer. 
      Miedema, 24, has been heavily linked with a move to Lyon, who are one of the most dominant forces in women’s football in Europe. 
      The French outfit currently hold the record for the most top-flight title wins in France with 14 Ligue One Women’s crowns. 
      And they have also won the most Champions League titles with a tally of seven trophy wins in the competition. 
      Miedema, who moved to Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017, has been on fire for the Gunners in front of goal this term.
      The Dutch ace netted 18 times in 22 top-flight appearances this term helping the North London side beat Man United to third to qualify for the Champions League.  
      And the Netherlands striker broke the record for the most number of goals scored by a player in the WSL surpassing Nikita Parris’ tally of 49. 
      However, the Gunners, who have won the WSL title once since Miedema’s move to the club, finished this season trophyless and nine points behind league winners Chelsea. 
      Parris, 27, who has 50 England international caps, left Manchester City for Lyon in 2019 after a trophy-laden five-year spell. 
      The Liverpool-born striker, won a WSL title, two league cups and two FA cups with the Citizens following her move from Everton in 2016 
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      Miedema, 24, has been in fine form for Arsenal 18 goals in 22 WSL games this termCredit: Getty

      The Lionesses forward, who moved to Lyon on a three-year deal, has enjoyed silverware success with the side.
      Her trophy wins include a Ligue One title and the Champions League in 2020. 
      Parris, whose team are currently second in France’s top tier and a point behind Paris Saint Germain, has netted 11 goals in 19 league games this term. 
      Lyon are due take on PSG next in a highly anticipated clash for the title.
      Parris and her Lyon team-mates are due to play PSG in their penultimate game of the seasonCredit: Rex
      Watch Vivianne Miedema hit her 50th WSL goal to become the league’s all-time record scorer More

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      Arsenal land Japan star Iwabuchi months after being linked with the former Aston Villa ace

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      MANA IWABUCHI has signed for Women’s Super League giants Arsenal after being heavily linked with a summer move. The former Bayern Munich and Aston Villa forward’s switch to North London ends months of speculation. 
      Mana Iwabuchi has signed for Arsenal ending months of rumours linking her with the clubCredit: Getty
      Iwabuchi had been an Arsenal target prior to her move to Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      It is thought the playmaker, who began her senior career at 16 in Japan’s top flight, had been eyed as a replacement for ex-Gunners forward Jill Roord.
      Details of the deal for Iwabuchi are yet to be disclosed by Arsenal.
      The club says the deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
      But the Japan star, 28, said: “I’m so happy to finally be able to announce that I am an Arsenal player. 
      “I know the club has wanted to sign me for a long time now, so it’s a great honour to be able to play for Arsenal.
      “There are so many amazing players and I can’t wait to get started.”
      Iwabuchi, whose playing career began at Nippon TV Beleza, has been an Arsenal transfer target over the past 18 months with former boss Joe Montemurro keen on the player.
      The forward sealed a surprise move to Villa in December 2020, netting two goals in 13 top-flight appearances before leaving the side in May. 
      And the Japan international won plaudits for her performances for the Villans, helping them to avoid relegation to the Championship before leaving the side this month.

      Iwabuchi plied her trade with at Japanese side INAC Kobe Leonessa before sealing a switch to the top division of the women’s game in England.
      And the forward spent three years at German giants Bayern Munich from 2014 to 2017, where she was a team-mate of Arsenal goal machine Vivianne Miedema. 
      Together the duo won back-to-back Women’s Bundesliga titles in 2015 and 2016. 
       Iwabuchi, who was part of the famous Japan side who won the World Cup in 2011, has joined an Arsenal outfit on the hunt for a new boss.
      Iwabuchi’s Arsenal move will see her reunited with former Bayern Munich team-mate Vivianne MiedemaCredit: Rex

      The forward was part of the Japan team who made history by becoming the first Asian side to beat the USA in a World Cup final.
      The signing of Iwabuchi is a big statement of intent for Arsenal who will make their return to Champions League action next season. 
      The Gunners, who finished third last term and nine points behind WSL champs Chelsea, will be pushing for the title next term.
      Iwabuchi helped Japan win the Women’s World Cup in 2011Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Watch Vivianne Miedema kick a ball over her head and perfectly into a basketball hoop More

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      Tottenham release 11 WSL players including Rianna Dean and former Chelsea ace Gemma Davison

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      TOTTENHAM have parted company with eleven players from their first-team squad with the side set for a major overhaul this summer. Striker Rianna Dean and former Chelsea star Gemma Davison are among the aces who have been released with their contracts coming to an end. 
      Rianna Dean is among the 11 players released from TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Gemma Davison left the club after two seasons after her contract came to an endCredit: Getty
      The news comes weeks after the team finished eighth in the women’s top tier six months into Rehanne Skinner’s reign as boss.  
      Other players released include Australia international defender Alanna Kennedy and Tottenham’s longest-serving player Lucy Leon who joined the side in 2013.
      Davison, 34, made a 2019 switch to Spurs following a one-season spell at Reading, and three years playing for Emma Hayes’ Chelsea. 
      The former Blues winger was part of the Tottenham team who took on her old side when the champions played their first-ever WSL game at Stamford Bridge. 
      It was a victory that saw Spurs fall to a 1-0 defeat on the opening day of the 2019-20 season.
      Prior to her two-year career at Tottenham, Davison won four WSL titles during stints with Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool between 2012 and 2018.
      The veteran forward netted once in 28 top flight appearances for Spurs between 2019 and 2021, helping the side finish seventh in their debut WSL season. 
      Davison’s former team-mate Dean, 22, was part of the Tottenham side that secured promotion to the women’s top tier from the Championship ahead of the 2019-20 season.
      The former Millwall Lioness striker scored ten goals for Spurs in 37 top-flight appearances during the club’s first two seasons in the WSL. 
      On Twitter Dean posted a touching farewell message to the club and its fans paying a warm tribute to former Spurs bosses Karen Hill and Juan Amoros. 
      In her post, Dean wrote: “I wanted to say thank you to all my team-mates and the amazing fans for all their support.
      “I want to thank Karen and Juan for giving me the opportunity to sign my first ever professional contract and their belief they had in me. 
      Tottenham finished eighth in the WSL and reached the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Rex

      “It has been a great journey especially in gaining promotion to the WSL. I wish the club all the best for next season.” 
      Goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen and Netherlands centre-back Siri Worm are among the other players departing following the expiration of their contracts. 
      And striker Lucy Quinn and midfielders Chloe Peplow, Anna Filbey and Elisha Sulola have also been released. 
      Rehanne Skinner will be looking to rebuild her squad ahead Tottenham’s third season in the WSLCredit: PA
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Montemurro reportedly set for Italy switch and Juventus Women’s top job after Arsenal exit

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      JOE MONTEMURRO is rumoured to be close to becoming Juventus Women’s head coach following his Arsenal departure, according to reports.The 51-year-old is top of the Serie A Women’s side’s shortlist for the role according to the Italian newspaper Affari Italiani.
      Joe Montemurro has been heavily linked with Juventus following his exit from ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Montemurro led Arsenal to a third place in the WSL and qualification for the 2021-22 Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Speculation has grown following the news of Rita Guarino’s decision to leave the Italian champions after four years at the helm.
      Guarino, 50, had been in charge since the Old Lady’s women’s team was established in 2017.
      Juve, who crushed Inter Milan in their final Serie A game of the 2020-21 season, won their fourth top-flight title this year.
      And the Turin juggernauts have dominated the Italian women’s game since their creation winning one Cup and two Super Cups.
      Australian Montemurro has Italian parents and spent five years as a player in the country.
      The former midfielder enjoyed a one-year stint at Serie C side Potenza in 1989 and four years with Treviso from 1991 to 1995
      Affari Italiani believe Montemurro’s deep ties with Italy could be a factor in his decision to coach Juve.
      Montemurro, who led Arsenal to a league cup and WSL league title in 2018 and 2019, has been linked with the Old Lady in the past.
      Montemurro is reportedly a favourite to replace former Juve Women’s boss Rita GuarinoCredit: Getty
      While the former Gunners boss has previously distanced himself from the post, he did admit the club had approached his agent to express their interest.
      And the former Melbourne Women’s City boss commented on the rumours after Arsenal’s 9-0 thumping of Crystal Palace in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round.
      Montemurro said: “I haven’t seen anything about it and it’s news to me, to be honest.
      “I won’t lie, there have been some calls to my agent and some inquiries.
      “But I haven’t agreed to anything and nor do I intend to make any decisions for now.”
      In March Montemurro announced his decision to leave Arsenal at the end of the 2020-21 WSL season after three years in charge
      During his tenure, the former Gunners chief guided the North London giants to their first top-flight title in seven years in 2019.
      And he also led the side to one Champions League quarter finals in 2020 and an FA Cup final in 2018 where his team were beaten 3-1 by Chelsea.
      Juventus have won their fourth Serie A Women’s titleCredit: Getty

      And the former WSL boss oversaw the Gunners to qualification for next term’s Champions League pipping rivals Manchester United to third in the top tier.
      If Montemurro does end up at Juventus, club chiefs will hope he will bring his stylish brand of football to the club.
      The ex-Arsenal gaffer’s philosophy led Hope Powell to praise him for turning the Gunners into the “best team in the league.”
      Joe Montemurro had previously distanced himself from Juve Women’s manager’s roleCredit: PA
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      England ace Lucy Bronze opens up on fight to stop online abuse as part star-studded campaign

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      LUCY BRONZE has hit out at the sexist abuse she has received on social media as she teams up with football stars to tackle online hate.Bronze and top players from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are using this year’s Euros to push tech giants to clamp down on bigoted trolling.
      Lucy Bronze is among the football stars backing a campaign to help people to spot and tackle online hate and abuse
      The Man City and Lionesses star has joined forces with some of the biggest names from across the home nations as part of Hope United.
      The BT campaign, backed by Bronze, Demi Stokes, Man United’s Lauren James and Wales striker Helen Ward, is urging social media firms to encourage their users to be ‘better digital citizens’.
      It comes a month after YouGov research revealed that 1 in 10 people have been on the receiving end of hate speech and abusive comments online.
      Bronze, 29, said: “The crazy thing is that I don’t know anyone I have ever played with who has not been on the receiving end of online abuse.
      “It’s really sad when you think about it. For me, there has always been the whole ‘get back in the kitchen’ comment.
      “It’s the ‘go to’ of the unoriginal sexist comments I get online.
      “It’s kind of embarrassing for someone who sends that kind of message that they’ve resorted to that. 

      “But the really bad comments, I think, you try so hard to just block out. I think that’s the thing as well.
      “People ask, ‘does it affect you’ and you brush it off and say you’re fine. 
      “But I don’t think anyone is really fine with it. I think everyone is affected in some sort of way, whether it’s a small slice of abuse or it is daily, or hourly.
      “It’s not okay to normalise online abuse, whether it’s for us as footballers or people in society, work and school it’s not okay.
      “We want to use our platform to make change and make a difference.”
      Bronze says all the footballers she has played with have received abusive messages onlineCredit: Getty

      Bronze, who won Fifa’s Best Women’s Player award in 2020, says she is “100 per cent” behind efforts to push tech firms to educate users on how to recognise and counter hate online.
      A squad of players – led by Rio Ferdinand, Karen Carney, Eni Aluko and Robbie Savage – have been drawing on their distressing experiences to raise awareness of the effect of social media abuse.
      A day before the campaign’s launch Man United legend Ferdinand was on the receiving end of monkey chants from a Wolves fan at Molineux.
      The former England star also received an abusive post featuring banana emojis in response to his reflections on the incident which he shared on Twitter.
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      Jordan Henderson, Gareth Bale and Marcus Rashford are among the other figures involved in Hope United campaign along with para footballers Rebecca Sellar and Charlie Fogarty.
      There are people from different backgrounds, both men and women, from different teams who have all suffered online abuse or witnessed online abuseLucy Bronze
      The sports stars are featured in video guides offering people pointers on how to protect themselves from abuse on digital platforms.  
      Rio Ferdinand received a racially abusive tweet one day of ahead of the launch of Hope United
      Bronze added: “I have a huge platform in women’s football to get this message out and to be part of this team.
      “The whole point of being a part of this team is that we’re all together, it’s not just Lucy Bronze and Demi Stokes of women’s football.
      “It’s not just men’s football, it’s all of us coming together.
      “There are people from different backgrounds, both men and women, from different teams who have all suffered online abuse or witnessed online abuse.
      “We’ve come together and said enough is enough. This is a message we’ve said all year, whether it’s been about racism, homophobia.
      “As players we’ve said with online abuse, we know that there is something that can be done about it. 
      “Platforms can be held accountable to make changes.
      “People putting out abuse should be held accountable for the actions that they’re taking because online hate is a hate crime. 
      “We know that these platforms can make a difference and change can be made
      “And we want change now because we’re not accepting this anymore.”
      Hope United is rallying the UK to tackle online abuse as part of BT’s commitment to boost the nation’s digital skills. To find out more visit bt.com/hopeunited
      Helen Ward is among the Wales internationals backing BT’s campaign against online abuse during the Euros
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      Bardsley and Weir set to make Team GB squad for Tokyo Olympics according to reports

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      KAREN BARDSLEY is reportedly due to be included in Great Britain’s women’s football squad for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.  Scotland aces Kim Little and Caroline Weir are also thought to be among the players who have made the group of 18 according to The Athletic. 
      Karen Bardsley is among the players reported to have made Hege Riise’s 18-strong Team GB squadCredit: Reuters
      Caroline Weir is also thought to be included the Team GB women’s football squad for the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: The Sun
      The squad who will be led by head coach Hege Riise is due to be confirmed this week.
      Man City star Bardsley, 36, who moved to the WSL giants from Lincoln in 2014 is currently on loan at OL Reign. 
      The Lionesses keeper, who has made 52 appearances across all competitions, for City endured an injury-plagued 2019-20 season. 
      A torn hamstring during England’s quarter-final win against Norway in the 2019 Women’s World Cup, would see the Lionesses keeper spend nine months in rehab before returning to training in March 2020.
      And Bardsley’s battle with injuries saw her lose her place as City’s No1 stopper to rising star Ellie Roebuck, who is also thought to have made Hege Riise’s Team GB squad.
      However, a loan switch in February to OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League has given the Santa Monica-born stopper’s selection chances a lift. 
      Bardsley, who has 82 caps for the Lionesses, represented Great Britain in London 2012 making five appearances for the side who lost to Canada in the Games’ quarter-finals. 
      And should the veteran stopper be included in Riise’s squad she will be one of a small group of players to have represented Team GB at London 2012 and in Tokyo. 
      Other players expected to be included in the squad who will have competed in both Olympic games include Man City captain Steph Houghton and Jill Scott who spent five months on loan at Everton from City. 
      Bardsley’s Citizen’s team-mate Lucy Bronze is also reported to have made the team along with club colleagues Demi Stokes, Georgia Stanway and Kiera Walsh
      And The Athletic claims Arsenal’s Leah Williamson is due to be part of the squad along with Chelsea’s Sophie Ingle who is rumoured to be the only Wales player included. 
      Everton stopper Sandy MacIver, Blues playmaker Erin Cuthbert and Man United duo Ella Toone and Millie Turner are rumoured to be among the WSL stars on Riise’s standby list. 
      Reports claim Sophie Ingle has made the list of players will represent Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in JapanCredit: Getty

      Team GB’s women’s football team are due to play Chile, Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches. 
      Games are due to commence on July 21 with their first fixture – against Chile – expected to take place at the Sapporo Dome. 
      And the squad will be hoping to go beyond the quarter-final stage which Team GB reached at the London 2012 games where they were defeated 2-0 by Canada.
      Man City Steph Houghton is also expected to be named in Team GB’s women’s football squadCredit: PA:Press Association
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      Mana Iwabuchi announces Aston Villa exit amid Arsenal transfer link to replace Jill Roord

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      MANA IWABUCHI has revealed that she has left Aston Villa – fuelling rumours of a move to Arsenal.The 28-year-old broke the news on her Instagram in the week.
      Iwabuchi has announced she has left Villa amid Arsenal transfer interestCredit: Getty
      After six months at Villa, the Japanese striker has decided to move on.
      She said: “Thank you for the great 6 months in the UK. I have decided to leave Aston Villa.”
      Iwabuchi spent her time at Villa stuck in a relegation battle but helped the club secure their stay in the top-flight.
      Despite the tough challenge, she said she was grateful for the experience and wished them well in the future.
      The World Cup winner added: “It was difficult to win many games, but I had gained a lot of experiences, and learnt lot.
      “I am grateful that I have met many of great people.
      “I wish all the best for future. Thank you for everything and hope to see you soon!”
      The forward’s decision to leave Banks Stadium comes just weeks after she was heavily-linked with a move to the Gunners.

      The Gunners have reportedly identified Iwabuchi as the ideal replacement for Jill Roord, who departed for Wolfsburg earlier this month.
      And the North London side have been keen on Iwabuchi for quite some time now.
      Former boss Joe Montemurro revealed he wanted to bring her to Boreham Wood whilst he was still in charge.
      He said: “Mana was a player of interest to me for around 18 months or so.
      “Firstly we had a few challenges with her national team who wanted their players in and around Japan for the World Cup and then the (2020) Olympics.
      “Initially we had planned around that but then the Olympic games were cancelled.
      “We had to look at other alternatives but Mana is a player I have always admired and feel that she suits our style.”
      The Gunners allegedly see her as the perfect replacement for RoordCredit: Getty
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      Christen Press fuels rumours of Manchester United exit with cryptic Instagram post thanking club for incredible season

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      CHRISTEN PRESS has fuelled rumours of a potential Manchester United exit with a cryptic Instagram post.The 32-year posted a pic with team-mates saying she’s “grateful” for an incredible season and for how much she’s “learned” from them.
      Press sparked fears that she’s leaving United after posting her thanks to the club for her season with themCredit: Getty
      She wrote: “Grateful for an incredible season with Man United Women.
      “I learned so much playing alongside such a humble, ambitious, and hardworking group.
      “You girls keep me young! GGMU!!”
      The post sparked panic amongst United fans who begged her not the leave the club.
      One supporter pleaded with the American to stay and wrote in bold: “PLEASE DON’T GO.”
      While another said: “PLEASE STAY IN MANCHESTER.”
      She also posted a clip in her native Los Angeles on her Instagram story with the caption “LA GIRL,” with her two dogs.
      The striker’s post comes after reports that Press and team-mate Tobin Heath are expected to return to the USA.

      The post caused panic amongst fans her begged her not leave United
      She further added to the speculation by posting a pic in LA with her dogs

      If true, it will be a huge blow for the Red Devils as the pair managed to sell more shirts than the whole of the men’s squad put together.
      The duo managed the spectacular feat after they joined the club in September 2020.
      Their impact will also be missed on the pitch as their goals helped propel United to a top-four finish last season.
      But the pairs’ futures are not entirely in their own hands as their rights are owned by National Women’s Soccer League side Racing Louisville.
      This means they could suffer the same fate as Manchester City’s Rose Lavelle, who was shipped back to the US this week.
      The American forward was sold to OL Reign when her rights were traded for £71,000 by former club Washington Spirit.
      Press could also be joined by US team-mate Heath back to their home-landCredit: Getty
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