‘We would bite your hand off!’ – Bukayo Saka reacts to Arsenal’s seven-point lead over champions Manchester City

Bukayo Saka scored after just 66 seconds in the win over Brighton (Picture: Getty)

Bukayo Saka admits Arsenal now have a ‘great opportunity’ to win the 2022-23 Premier League title after opening up a seven-point lead.

Saka scored as the Gunners beat Brighton 4-2 on New Year’s Eve while second-placed Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Everton.

Those results mean that Arsenal head into 2023 with a remarkable seven-point lead over the champions, who have won four of the last five top-flight titles.

Arsenal are now just the fifth side in English top-flight history to pick up as many as 43 points from the first 16 games in a season.

The Gunners also scored in the opening two minutes of both halves in a single Premier League game for the first time since December 2013 against Hull.

After just 66 seconds, Saka scored Arsenal’s earliest away goal in the Premier League since May 2013 – when Theo Walcott netted after just 20 seconds against QPR – and the 21-year-old spoke to Sky Sports following Saturday’s victory.

‘[The seven-point lead] sounds amazing,’ Saka said. ‘Of course at the start of the season if you asked us if we wanted this we would bite your hand off.

WHAT A START FOR ARSENAL! âš¡

Cool, calm and composed from Bukayo Saka! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/adXLxJmWO8

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 31, 2022

‘We are really happy. There was big emphasis [on starting games quickly]. We know how hard it is to come here and weather as well it wasn’t easy.

‘That goal nice and early set us up. I couldn’t believe it fell for me. I just had to try and show some composure.

‘It is a great opportunity we have [to win the Premier League title] – a great place we have put ourselves in.

‘We are not focussing on that now. We are focussing on the next game because we know how well Newcastle have been playing.’

The Gunners face Eddie Howe’s third-placed side on January 3 before they come up against Tottenham and Manchester United.

MORE : Pep Guardiola takes swipe at Everton after Man City drop points to extend Arsenal's lead

MORE : Tony Pulis singles out 'absolutely fantastic' Arsenal star after Brighton win

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Pep Guardiola takes swipe at Everton after Man City drop points to extend Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have won four of the last five top-flight titles (Picture: Getty)

Pep Guardiola has taken a swipe at Everton after they denied Manchester City victory to extend Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table.

The champions, who have won four of the last five top-flight titles, were held to a 1-1 draw by the Toffees at the Etihad in a shock New Year’s Eve result.

Everton, managed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, have struggled in the Premier League this season and find themselves in a relegation fight.

But they produced a superb performance in Manchester to deny City a crucial win – and following Arsenal’s 4-2 victory at Brighton – it extended the Gunners’ lead over Guardiola’s second-placed side to seven points heading into 2023.

Guardiola defended his team after the game but was not happy with Everton’s tactics and accused them of playing with eight defenders.

‘Dropping points at home is always tough,’ Guardiola told the BBC. ‘But I’m always trying to make our game good and we have continued to do it.

‘I would say they had eight in the back. In that situation it’s movement and attacking at the right moment.

‘In general we did it. We didn’t allow them transitions. They made a fantastic goal and when that happens you say congratulations but in general we did really well.’

The title race is far from over, though, and City will be hoping Arsenal drop points in January with the Gunners set for massive fixtures against top-four rivals Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United.

Arsenal and City are also still due to face each other twice in the top-flight too and John Barnes believes Mikel Arteta’s side will bottle it.

‘Yeah I would still say [Manchester City] are favourites [for the title], because of their experience,’ Barnes told BonusCodeBets.

‘Arsenal are still a young side and doing very well, a bit like Newcastle. I may be wrong but with their youth I don’t expect them to still not lose matches.

‘Whereas you can’t see Man City losing many matches.’

MORE : Troy Deeney predicts where Arsenal will finish after backing Man City for the title

MORE : Tony Pulis singles out 'absolutely fantastic' Arsenal star after Brighton win

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Newcastle United 0-0 Leeds United: Leeds manager Jesse Marsch pleased with clean sheet

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch praises his side's "mentality" in securing a clean sheet during a 0-0 draw away against Newcastle.

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‘Rashford could have sulked!’ – Morrison lauds Man Utd striker for his response after being benched for oversleeping

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score the winner against Wolves (Picture: Getty)

Clinton Morrison has lauded Marcus Rashford for his response after the Manchester United forward was benched for oversleeping.

Rashford has been in fine form for United but Erik ten Hag shocked fans when he announced that the England international would be on the bench for the New Year’s Eve clash against Wolves.

Prior to the game, Ten Hag said that it was due to a disciplinary issue before Rashford confirmed after the 1-0 win that he had missed a team meeting due to the fact that he overslept.

Rashford came off the bench after 45 minutes and scored the only goal of the game to move United into the top four.

The 25-year-old has now scored five match winning goals as a substitute, the joint most in Premier League history.

He has has scored 12 Premier League goals as a substitute in total – with only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (17) and Javier Hernandez (14) netting more from the bench for United in the top-flight.

Speaking about Rashford’s disciplinary issue and subsequent performance against Wolves, Morrison told Sky Sports: ‘Rashford has been Manchester United’s outstanding player, one of their top players [this season].

“Rashford could sit there and sulk, he says no I’ll come on at half time and make a difference”

Rashford ticks all the boxes â¤ï¸ï¸ pic.twitter.com/5J0OeInAe8

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 31, 2022

‘That sets the foundation now. If Erik ten Hag does it to him [dropping Rashford from the XI for oversleeping] he’ll do it to anyone.

‘Anyone can oversleep, it’s an honest mistake, my alarm nearly didn’t go off today!

‘[Sky Sports] would have given me a punishment and sent me out!

‘These things can happen. Rashford could have sat there and sulked, but no, he thought, ‘I’ll come on and make a difference’.

‘Rashford dealt with it superbly. Erik ten Hag’s man-management skills are really good and Manchester United are flying at the moment.’

Ten Hag sent a message to Rashford after the game and praised his player for his positive response.

MORE : Joe Cole hits out at Erik ten Hag's decision to drop Marcus Rashford against Wolves

MORE : Luke Shaw backs Erik ten Hag decision to drop Marcus Rashford for Man Utd

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Bournemouth 0-2 Crystal Palace: Cherries boss Gary O'Neil 'we fell well below standards'

Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil is "disappointed" with his side's performance during there 2-0 defeat by Crystal Palace, saying they "fell well below the standards set".

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Chelsea suffer setback in attempt to sign France international after warning from Monaco boss

Benoit Badiashile received his first France call-up in September (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have suffered a setback in their attempts to sign France international Benoit Badiashile after a warning from Monaco’s manager.

Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Monaco defender Badiashile despite manager Graham Potter playing coy over the Frenchman’s potential arrival.

The Blues are keen to strengthen in the January window as they push for a top-four place and have quickly identified the 21-year-old centre-back as an ideal target to bolster their back-line.

Badiashile is capable of playing in a back four or as either the central or left-sided centre-back in a back three, which is the formation Potter favours.

A fee of around £35m has been discussed with the Ligue 1 club, though there are suggestions they will hold out for considerably more than that.

Monaco boss Philippe Clement has now warned Chelsea that they are not the only club interested in signing Badiashile.

‘I don’t think there is only one club that has approached Benoit Badiashile,’ he said.

Benoit Badiashile has spent his entire career at Monaco (Picture: Getty)

‘It’s not just Chelsea. There has been a lot of interest in several of our players over the past six months. This is also the case with Benoit.’

Meanwhile, Chelsea head coach Potter gave a coy response when asked about the Blues’ attempts to bring Badiashile to Stamford Bridge.

‘My answer is I don’t speak about anyone that isn’t a Chelsea player,’ Potter said.

‘There are lots of people who get linked to this club and I’d be wasting your time and mine if I responded to every one.

‘I always say the club’s responsibility is to try to improve the team but my job is to try to improve the players we have here, and the team. That’s what I’ll be focused on.’

Chelsea are back in action on New Year’s Day when they travel to face Nottingham Forest.

MORE : Chelsea plan move for another World Cup star if Enzo Fernandez deal falls through

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Shakhtar Donetsk set Mykhailo Mudryk asking price as Chelsea attempt to hijack Arsenal transfer

Chelsea are looking to hijack Arsenal’s move for Mykhailo Mudryk (Picture: Getty)

Shakhtar Donetsk have set an ambitious asking price for Mykhailo Mudryk as Chelsea attempt to hijack Arsenal’s move for the highly-rated winger.

Mudryk is enjoying a breakthrough season for Ukrainian side Shakhtar, scoring 10 goals in 18 appearances.

The 21-year-old’s form in the Ukrainian top-flight and Champions League has attracted attention from a number of top clubs.

Arsenal were seemingly at the front of the queue to secure Mudryk’s signature and tabled an opening offer for the winger earlier this week.

Shakhtar Donetsk rejected Arsenal’s opening bid – believed to be worth £55m – but the Gunners are expected to return with an improved offer.

Arsenal could now be set for a transfer tussle with London rivals Chelsea, however, as The Guardian say Blues owner Todd Boehly is planning to hijack the move and bring Mudryk to Stamford Bridge.

Boehly spent more than £250m on new signings last summer and is ready to back Graham Potter with several more additions in January, with Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Benoit Badiashile and David Datro Fofana also the subject of interest.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal will have to dig deep to sign Mudryk, though, with The Guardian claiming Shakhtar Donetsk are holding out for £85m.

One Premier League manager has already worked with Mudryk, with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi spending over a year at Shakhtar before his move to England.

Asked about his former player’s attributes, De Zerbi said: ‘I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future. Really. I know the value of Mudryk, he is a potential to win the Ballon d’Or.’

If Mudryk signs for Arsenal, he will be joining a team currently sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea are eighth, six points outside the top-four.

MORE : Graeme Souness slams Todd Boehly and rules Chelsea out of the top-four race

MORE : Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes blown away by Chelsea star

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Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr until 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on a deal that runs until 2025.

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‘What is going on there?’ – Graeme Souness slams Todd Boehly and rules Chelsea out of the top-four race

Graham Potter’s Chelsea are eighth in the table (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)

Graeme Souness believes that Chelsea will miss out on the top-four this season and are set for a ‘difficult period’ under Todd Boehly.

It’s been a turbulent first season for the Blues under the ownership of Boehly who quickly removed much of Roman Abramovich’s backroom staff at Stamford Bridge before sacking manager Thomas Tuchel early into the campaign.

The club spent a staggering £278million over the summer, but under new boss Graham Potter the club are struggling, currently eighth in the table, six points off the top-four and 16 behind leaders Arsenal.

Performances haven’t looked encouraging, and the stats don’t help matters either with just 19 goals from 15 matches so far, ranking them 12th in the league.

While much can change between now and the end of the season, the battle for the Champions League places is set to be a very tight one.

Arsenal and Manchester City seem certain to make it, while Newcastle, Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and even Brighton are in contention for the final two spots.

But many, Souness included, feel that Chelsea are already out of the running, and the Liverpool legend believes the blame lies with Boehly.

Is Todd Boehly to blame for Chelsea’s problems? (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Assessing the top-four race for The Mail, he wrote: ‘Finally, Chelsea. What is going on there?

‘They won’t make the top four. Alarm bells started ringing for me when Todd Boehly came in and took control of football decisions.

‘They went from having an executive team of Bruce Buck, Petr Cech and Marina Granovskaia and a serial winner in Thomas Tuchel as manager to an American owner who knows nothing about football, or even soccer.

‘Everything I see and hear tells me this is going to be a difficult period for Chelsea. Still, it will be interesting to see how it plays out, and that is another reason to enjoy this brilliant league of ours in 2023.’

Chelsea face a difficult start to the new year, with back-to-back clashes against City in the Premier League and FA Cup, as well as trips to Liverpool and local-rivals Fulham.

Before all of that though, Potter’s team travel to Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day.

MORE : ‘He’s a monster!’ – Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes blown away by Chelsea star

MORE : Frank Lampard confirms he tried to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland for Chelsea

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‘He’s a monster!’ – Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes blown away by Chelsea star

Bruno Guimaraes plays with the Chelsea star for Brazil (Picture: YouTube)

Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has heaped praise on Thiago Silva and described the Chelsea defender as a ‘monster’.

Guimaraes, who has quickly developed into one of the best players in the Premier League following his £40m move from Lyon 12 months ago, shares a dressing room with Silva for Brazil.

Silva and Guimaraes were both part of the Brazil World Cup squad that impressed in Qatar before a quarter-final defeat to Croatia.

Despite turning 38 in September, Silva remains a key player for both Brazil and Chelsea, having made his 100th appearance for the Blues in the recent win over Bournemouth.

There was an acceptance that Silva may only spend one season at Stamford Bridge when he joined the club from PSG in 2020, but the veteran has earned two contract extensions and shows no signs of slowing down.

Discussing his Brazil team-mate, Guimaraes told the Premier League’s YouTube channel: ‘Thiago Silva, he’s a monster. He helps the Brazilian team a lot.

Thiago Silva remains a key player for Chelsea at the age of 38 (Picture: Getty)

‘He’s always played at the highest level. It’s difficult to be his age and play the same way he played when he was 18 years old… but he does it. He’s an amazing player.’

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville also waxed lyrical about Silva during the Qatar World Cup.

‘I don’t know how Thiago Silva at his age is still pushing up that pitch,’ Neville said on ITV Sport.

‘I think back at my career, to get in front of your forward all the time, to try and win it, is one of the hardest that you try and do – he’s still doing that late into his thirties – it’s unbelievable.’

Chelsea lost three matches in a row before the World Cup break but stopped the rot with a routine win over Bournemouth earlier this week.

Graham Potter’s side are now six points outside the Champions League places and face Nottingham Forest on January 1.

MORE : Frank Lampard confirms he tried to sign Man City star for Chelsea

MORE : Jude Bellingham turned down Chelsea after Frank Lampard talks

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World Cup 2022: your FAQs answered

• How many goals did Lionel Messi score at Qatar 2022?

• How much will Argentina get paid in prize money?

• When does the Premier League resume?

• When is the next World Cup and where is it being held?

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Former Arsenal and Netherlands winger Marc Overmars admitted to hospital after ‘mild stroke’

Marc Overmars spent three seasons at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Former Arsenal and Netherlands winger Marc Overmars was admitted to hospital on Thursday after suffering a ‘mild stroke’.

Overmars – now 49 – won the Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal after lifting three Eredivisie titles with Ajax.

The ex-Barcelona star was a mainstay in the Netherlands side throughout the 1990s, earning 86 caps for his country.

Since retiring in 2009, Overmars has worked at Ajax and Royal Antwerp in roles as director of football.

A statement from his current club, Royal Antwerp, said: ‘Marc Overmars, director of football affairs at RAFC, became unwell last night and was admitted to hospital with a mild stroke.

‘Marc is doing well in the meantime, but will have to take it easy for a while.

‘Marc and his family focus on his recovery and do not wish to comment further. RAFC wishes Marc a speedy recovery!’

Marc Overmars, directeur voetbalzaken van RAFC, is gisterennacht onwel geworden en opgenomen in het ziekenhuis met een licht infarct. Marc stelt het intussen goed maar zal het nog een tijdje rustiger aan moeten doen. pic.twitter.com/RlBTdI5ljR

— Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) December 30, 2022

Replying to the message, Ajax said: ‘Wishing you strength and strength with your recovery, Marc.’

More to follow…

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Marc Overmars: Ex-Arsenal winger in hospital after 'mild stroke'

Royal Antwerp sporting director and former Arsenal, Barcelona and Ajax forward Marc Overmars is admitted to hospital after suffering a "mild stroke", his club says.

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Pele: Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo among those paying tribute

"King" Pele "changed everything", says Brazil forward Neymar as tributes pour in for the late footballing legend.

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Brazil legend Pele dies at 82 following cancer battle

Pele was rushed to hospital on Tuesday (Picture: Getty)

Football legend Pele has died at the age of 82.

The Brazil icon, regarded as one of the best players ever to play the game and a winner of three World Cups, had been battling cancer for a number of years.

The former striker passed away at Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, with his daughter Kely Nascimento confirming his death on Thursday evening.

The former striker had a tumour removed from his colon in September 2021 and has been in and out of hospital for regular treatment since then.

He spent his last days surrounded by his family who remained by his bedside over the Christmas period.

‘Everything we are is because of you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,’ a message from his daughter shared on Instagram read.

A message shared through Pele’s personal Twitter account said: ‘Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today.

Pele was the jewel in the crown of Brazil famous 1970 World Cup winning team (Picture: Getty)

‘On his journey, Edson enchanted the world with his genius in sport, stopped a war, carried out social works all over the world and spread what he most believed to be the cure for all our problems: love.

‘His message today becomes a legacy for future generations.

‘Love, love and love, forever.’

Pele, full name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, made his club debut for Santos at the age of 15, scoring 643 goals in 659 appearances during a golden era for the club.

An international level, Pele was an iconic figure of the game in the 1950s and 1960s and remains the only player to have won three World Cups, scoring 77 goals in 91 appearances for the national team.

His record of 1279 goals in 1363 appearances in all games including friendlies is recognised as a Guinness World Record.

Pele is lifted up by his Santos team mates after scoring the 1,000th goal of his career during a game against Vasco da Gama (Picture: Getty)

Caption: Brazilian footballer Pele in training for Brazil’s match against England. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) Photographer: Keystone Provider: Getty Images Source: Hulton Archive

Caption: Edson do Nascimento (known as Pele) is a Brazilian footballer. Born 21 October 1940. regarded by many experts, football critics, players and football fans in general as the best player of all time. (Photo by: Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Photographer: Photo 12 Provider: Universal Images Group via Getty Source: Universal Images Group Editorial

MORE : Which teams did Pele play for? Football legend’s career explained

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• When is the next World Cup and where is it being held?

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Pele: Seven reminders why Brazilian is a footballing great

BBC Sport selects seven of the finest moments from Pele's stellar career to illustrate just what makes him so special.

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‘It was a lie’ – Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag slammed over Harry Maguire claim by Paul Parker

Harry Maguire has struggled for game time under boss Erik ten Hag (Picture: Getty)

Paul Parker has slammed Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag over his ‘lie’ about defender Harry Maguire.

United beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Tuesday with Dutch manager Ten Hag claiming that Maguire had been struggling with illness in the build-up to the game and that fellow centre-back Raphael Varane would not feature.

But Ten Hag handed Varane a start – alongside left-back Luke Shaw in central defence – and the Frenchman played 77 minutes before he brought on Maguire from the bench for the last 13 minutes of normal time.

‘We had some problems with illness like Harry Maguire, but he was back on the training pitch [on Monday] so I’m happy with that,’ Ten Hag said earlier this week.

‘Rapha Varane and Licha Martinez, they are not there [back at United] but we hope on their comeback [soon].’

Former United defender Parker has hit out at Ten Hag over his deception as he told BonusCodeBets: ‘First of all we have to say that Luke Shaw did very well playing as a centre half.

‘He barely made a mistake and Manchester United didn’t really miss Harry Maguire.

‘But to be honest, I don’t believe the story about Harry Maguire being ill. It was a lie and it is totally fabricated. It doesn’t make any sense at all.

‘On a cold rainy night in Manchester there is no way you would ever let an ill man sit on the bench if he wasn’t ready. He was ready but Erik ten Hag preferred to play with Luke Shaw.’

Parker also lauded Casemiro as he added: ‘Man United’s best player against Nottingham Forest by a country mile [was Casemiro].

‘Since he started to play regularly for Man United he has been an absolutely key player for this team and he is one of the best in the world in his position.

‘His interceptions, his challenges and his passes are excellent. I’m pretty sure that Erik ten Hag now knows that if Man United want to have a successful season, Casemiro has to play all the key games.’

MORE : Erik ten Hag reveals Harry Maguire has been struggling with illness

MORE : Graeme Souness names Man Utd star who is 'more than capable' of forcing his way into side

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Pele: Brazil football legend dies aged 82

Brazil legend Pele, who is regarded by many as football's greatest player, dies at the age of 82.

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Premier League predictions: Chris Sutton faces Afrobeats star and Man Utd fan Maulo

Chris Sutton takes on Afrobeats star and Manchester United fan Maulo to pick his winners and losers from this weekend's Premier League games.

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Liverpool confirm signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven after hijacking move for Man Utd target

Gakpo was also wanted by Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of forward Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.

The Reds swooped for the Netherlands international over Christmas, beating arch-rivals Manchester United to his signature in a deal reportedly worth £37million.

He will officially become a Liverpool player on 1 January, subject to a work permit, after completing his medical on Merseyside on Wednesday. The new arrival could make his debut for Jurgen Klopp’s side against Brentford on 2 January.

The Netherlands international enjoyed a sensational start to the 2022-23 season, scoring 13 times and laying on 17 assists in 24 appearances for PSV.

He further enhanced his burgeoning reputation with three goals for Netherlands at the World Cup, scoring in each of Le Orange’s group games against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar.

‘I feel really good, I’m really excited to be here. I’m looking forward to start training and start playing for this amazing club,’ Gakpo told the club’s official website.

‘I think this is a great club for me to come in and try to show what I can [do] and try to help the team to achieve more beautiful moments that they already did in the past years.

Gakpo scored three times at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

‘I think for me personally it’s also good to develop here and there’s a lot of great players here [who] I can learn a lot of things from.’

He added: ‘I’m really looking forward to [playing at Anfield]. I heard a lot of great stories about the stadium, about the atmosphere. I cannot wait.

‘Obviously [my aim is] to win as many prizes as we can as a team, to perform well, to show the world what we can do as a team and what I can do as a player. And personally, just to keep developing and become a better player every season.

‘I’m really thankful that everybody is giving me such a warm welcome and I’m really looking forward to seeing everybody in the stadium and around the city.’

United manager Erik ten Hag discussed a move to Old Trafford with Gakpo during the summer transfer window with the club eventually prioritising a move for Antony.

With United limited to loan moves in the January window, recent reports have suggested ten Hag was left frustrated with the club’s inability to bring in a player he viewed as a top target.

MORE : Liverpool star Roberto Firmino shares injury update ahead of Leicester clash

MORE : Chelsea propose club record bid to sign Enzo Fernandez ahead of Manchester United and Liverpool

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Cody Gakpo: Liverpool reach agreement with PSV Eindhoven to sign forward

Liverpool reach an agreement to sign Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.

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Liverpool star Roberto Firmino shares injury update ahead of Leicester clash

Roberto Firmino has missed Liverpool’s last two games (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Roberto Firmino has revealed he is very close to returning from injury but will still miss Liverpool’s last game of 2022.

Liverpool host Leicester on Friday as they look to build off their positive Premier League restart after defeating Aston Villa 3-1 on Boxing Day.

Firmino missed the trip to Villa Park as well as the Carabao Cup defeat at Manchester City because of a calf injury he picked up during the World Cup break.

It has left Jurgen Klopp’s side with somewhat of a forward shortage, with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota also on the sidelines.

Thankfully for the Reds, Firmino has confirmed he is on the verge of a return and while he will miss the clash against the Foxes he should be back in time for the trip to Brentford on Monday January 2nd.

‘I’m already healed, thank God. I’ll probably train tomorrow,’ the 31-year-old told talkSPORT.

‘Then all being well I’ll be ready not for the next game but the one after that. So all great.’

Cody Gakpo’s signing may threaten Firmino’s future at Anfield (Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Firmino started the season brightly, so far scoring seven goals and making three assists in just 13 league games but faces stiff competition for his place at Anfield.

As well as Diaz, Jota, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, the Brazil international will now have to contend with Cody Gakpo who is set to sign for Liverpool from PSV as soon as the January window opens.

But the forward says he is just concerned about helping his side recover from a mixed campaign, despite his contract being up at the end of the season.

‘Individually speaking, I started very well, of course we, as a team, did not start the season well, but we are coming back,’ he added.

‘Thanks to the work we are doing, and our mentality of never giving up, we’re now back and in form. It’s a tremendous pleasure to play alongside the young players. They really help us a lot.

‘When they come up to train with us they become important pieces of our team. They really help us a lot and we help them as well.’

MORE : Erik ten Hag speaks out on Manchester United’s striker search and responds to Liverpool moving for Cody Gakpo

MORE : Chelsea propose club record bid to sign Enzo Fernandez ahead of Manchester United and Liverpool

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Diego Simeone hopeful Manchester United and Arsenal target Joao Felix will stay at Atletico Madrid this month

Simeone says he wants Felix to stay (Picture: Getty)

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has played down talk of a rift with Joao Felix and insists the forward has a future at the club.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have shown interest in signing the 23-year-old during the January transfer window with reports this week claiming Atletico will allow the player to leave on loan.

Felix joined the Spanish giants in 2019 from Benfica for a €127million fee but has struggled to develop into the star many predicted he would become under Diego Simeone.

The Portugal international has started just five of Atletico’s 14 La Liga games this term with Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Martin confirming earlier this month the player wishes to leave the Wanda Metropolitano.

But in a press conference on Wednesday, Simeone insisted he still sees Felix as important to his team.

He said: ‘We have a good working relationship. Since I have been at the club I have never left, beyond some differences that exist between people, and we can’t agree on everything, and I have looked for what is best for the club until the last day.

‘Everyone is giving their maximum.” Simeone added: ‘What matters to me is the team and he is important to the team.

Felix available on loan in January, according to reports (Picture: Getty)

‘If he gives us what we saw in the World Cup, he will be very important. He has the condition and the talent and the team need his qualities.’

United are desperate to add to their attacking options with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure heightening their need for more firepower.

Erik ten Hag was eager to bring Cody Gakpo to the club but the Netherlands international is now set to complete a move to Liverpool.

United have discussed a move fort Felix with his agent Jorge Mendes but are reluctant to meet Atletico’s reported demands over a loan deal.

The Spanish club are asking for an £8million loan fee with no obligation or option to purchase in the summer, also demanding for Felix’s entire salary, thought to be around £250,000-a-week, to be covered.

Reports in Spain meanwhile suggest Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed reservations over signing Felix.

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Chelsea confirm deal to sign David Datro Fofana from Molde with Andrey Santos set to travel for medical this week

The 20-year-old will officially join on 1 January (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have confirmed they have a deal in place to sign striker David Datro Fofana from Molde.

The 20-year-old will join Graham Potter’s side on 1 January after Chelsea struck a deal believed to be worth £10million with the Norwegian side.

The Ivorian could have the opportunities to immediately force his way into the side with the Blues light on options through the middle.

Kai Havertz remains Potter’s preferred option, scoring and providing an assist against Bournemouth on Tuesday, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still failing to impress since his summer arrival.

With Armando Broja out for the rest of the season, Fofana could be thrust straight into the first-team picture.

His arrival is set to be followed by that of Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos. Chelsea agreed a £17.5million deal with Vasco da Gama last week with the midfielder set to leave his homeland on Thursday to undergo a medical in London, according to journalist Venê Casagrande.

Chelsea hope to secure a work permit allowing Santos to join up with the squad immediately but could still send him back to Vasco da Gama until the summer.

Andrey Santos deve viajar nesta quinta para realizar exames médicos no Chelsea. O volante foi vendido pelo Vasco por 12,5 milhões de euros. Tudo assinado entre os clubes. Caso ele não consiga o visto para atuar no primeiro semestre fica emprestado ao Vasco até o meio de 2023.

— Venê Casagrande (@venecasagrande) December 28, 2022

The Blues could be among the busiest sides in the league in January having also opened talks with Monaco over the signing of defender Benoit Badiashile in a deal that could be worth around £35million.

Badiashile is capable of playing in a back four or as either the central or left-sided centre-back in a back three, which is the formation Potter favours.

According to The Times, the France international – who was not picked for the World Cup – is now Chelsea’s primary target for the winter window and negotiations are progressing.

Potter was asked about the possible arrival of Badiashile at his post-match press conference on Tuesday evening following Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth, but played down the transfer talk.

‘My answer is I don’t speak about anyone that isn’t a Chelsea player,’ began the Chelsea head coach. There are lots of people who get linked to this club and I’d be wasting your time and mine if I responded to every one.

‘I always say the club’s responsibility is to try to improve the team but my job is to try to improve the players we have here, and the team. That’s what I’ll be focused on.’

Chelsea have also been offered Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

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PSG boss speaks out on Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe’s ‘feud’ following World Cup final controversy

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe’s relationship has been compromised by Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has dismissed claims that there is a feud between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe following the 2022 World Cup.

Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar earlier this month, defeating Mbappe’s France on penalties in the final.

The PSG forwards were without doubt the two best players at the tournament, with Messi winning the Golden Ball and Mbappe claiming the Golden Boot after his hat-trick in the final took his tally to eight goals ahead of his club teammate.

Following the game, the 24-year-old Frenchman was understandable distraught and has been the subject of much abuse from Argentina fans, instigated by their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez whose antics have been widely condemned.

Mbappe and Messi were also pictured celebrating in each other’s faces as they scored in the final, and all this has lead to suggestions that the pair are not on good terms.

But according to Galtier this is not the case at all, as he insists his star players get on just fine.

Discussing the aftermath of the World Cup in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, the manager said: ‘I would focus on the relationship between them.

Messi and Mbappe are hoping to win PSG’s first UCL trophy this season (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

‘It wasn’t Leo Messi winding anybody else up. What I saw after the final, what I have experienced, is there is no reason to mix these things up because the goalkeeper’s behaviour is down to him.

‘What matters to me is the relationship between the players. Kylian Mbappe had a very good attitude, despite losing.

‘Of course he was very disappointed, but he did that in a classy way. He congratulated Leo Messi and that is a very good thing for the club and for the team.’

Mbappe came very close to leaving PSG for Real Madrid on a free over the summer only to shockingly sign a new contract, but there is speculation that he is unhappy in Paris with the club supposedly not fulfilling promises they made to him.

He has already returned to training with his club and is expected to play on Wednesday when their Ligue 1 campaign resumes against Strasbourg.

Messi meanwhile is not expected back until the new year and Galtier will be hoping that his players can put their differences aside and finally fire PSG to their first Champions League triumph at the end of the season.

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Shakhtar Donetsk reject Arsenal’s opening offer for Mykhailo Mudryk and demand £85million for winger

Mudryk has not hidden his desire to join Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Shakhtar Donetsk have rejected Arsenal’s opening offer for Mykhailo Mudryk.

The Gunners are in talks with the Ukrainian side over a January move for the winger having tabled a bid of £55million this week.

As expected, however, Shakhtar have rejected that offer and are hoping to get as much as £85million for the 21-year-old next month, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Mudryk is eager to join Mikel Arteta’s side but so far Arsenal’s offer falls way short of Shakhtar’s valuation – but there is belief a deal will still be agreed. Mudryk has not hidden his desire to join Arsenal, talking up a move to the Emirates on a number of occasions this season.

The winger also got Arsenal fans excited after sharing footage of him watching his potential new club’s Boxing Day win over West Ham.

Mikel Arteta was quizzed on the social media activity post-match but was adamant that the Shakhtar star’s actions should not be taken as clue as to his potential destination in January.

He said: ‘The good thing is that in England you don’t have many other matches in other countries. We are the only ones playing through Christmas so hopefully a lot people have watched our game and we give them a good show.’

Arteta keen n January reinforcements (Picture: Getty)

Asked for a response to speculation that Arsenal have launched an opening offer, Arteta added: ‘You know I never speak about players that are not with us and I know in this transfer market you have to ask me the question.

‘We said we will try and find ways to strengthen the team and we will try and find the right players.’

Speaking in November, Mudryk said he was ‘shocked’ and ‘upset’ by Shakhtar’s attempt to value him at €100m (£87.5m).

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‘I spoke with my agent and I know that in the summer there were several offers for me from clubs in the top European championships, but the club decided not to let me go. I took it as absolutely normal, because I fully trust Shakhtar’s management,’ Mudryk said.

He continued: ‘The amount of €100m puts a barrier for my transition to the top championship, which I so dreamed of. I can’t say that my dream was killed, but wounded, that’s for sure.

‘But I’m a professional, I’m a Shakhtar player, we have a few difficult games left in the championship, in which we must win, and I’ll do my best for that.’

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Erik ten Hag provides key team news update ahead of Man Utd’s clash against Nottingham Forest

Harry Maguire is back in training after struggling with illness (Picture: Getty)

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will not feature for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest, while Harry Maguire has been struggling with illness.

United’s Premier League season resumes on Tuesday following the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup as they welcome Steve Cooper’s side at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have somewhat of a defensive dilemma with centre-backs Martinez and Varane having not yet returned to the club after deep runs in Qatar with their international sides, as Argentina beat France in the World Cup final.

It is also unclear if fellow centre-back Maguire will feature after Ten Hag revealed he had been hit with an illness, although the Dutchman did confirm that the England international was back in training and that he was ‘happy’ with him.

United beat Championship side Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday – with midfielder Casemiro partnering Victor Lindelof in central defence.

Ten Hag spoke to United’s website on Monday to provide a team news update ahead of the clash against 18th-placed Forest and said: ‘The feeling is good.

‘[Most] players from the World Cup are back, are integrated again and you feel they are excited.

‘[They had] massive impressions there [in Qatar], but now they are back, and you feel their energy.

‘They are looking forward to the restart [of the Premier League]. We had some problems with illness like Harry Maguire, but he was back on the training pitch today so I’m happy with that.

‘Returning from Rapha Varane and Licha Martinez, they are not there [back at United] but we hope on their comeback [soon].’

United are fifth in the Premier League table ahead of the restart and are three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

Following their clash with Forest, United will face Wolves and Bournemouth before the derby against Manchester City on January 14.

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