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Friday, June 30, 2023

Manchester United interested in signing Justin Bijlow alongside Andre Onana should David de Gea not sign new deal

UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Semifinal — Feyenoord are desperate to keep hold of the Netherlands international (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are interested in signing Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow in addition to Inter Milan’s Andre Onana this summer.

There is huge uncertainty surrounding United’s goalkeepers this summer with David de Gea set to become a free agent at midnight tonight when his contract expires.

Talks will continue over extending his stay at Old Trafford while elsewhere, Dean Henderson is hoping to seal a permanent move to Nottingham Forest after last season’s loan spell at the City Ground. United have also blocked Tom Heaton’s proposed move to Luton Town amid the goalkeeper crisis at the club.

United are in talks to sign Onana from Inter Milan in a £42million deal but with Henderson desperate to leave and Heaton being offered first-team football at Luton, additional options are being sought.

Dutch outlet 1908 report their is ‘concrete interest’ from United in 25-year-old Bijlow, who served as Feyenoord’s no1 in their Eredivisie-winning campaign last season.

The report adds that should de Gea leave Manchester, United will seek to bring in both Bijlow and Onana to fight for a spot in goal next season.

Feyenoord are desperate to hold onto their shot stopper and will offer him a new contract to try and fend off interest from United.

2023 UEFA Champions League Final — United are in talks to sign Onana from Inter (Picture: Getty)

United have been in discussions with de Gea over a new contract on vastly reduced terms since the start of the year.

It emerged this week de Gea agreed to that new deal on a reduced salary, only for United to back out of the proposal.

United then submitted a new offer with an even lower salary which has not been signed.

The former Atletico Madrid starlet is getting married this weekend to long-term partner Edurne Garcia with talks set to continue next week.

A brief statement on the situation from United on Friday read: ‘David De Gea’s contract is due to run out but discussions remain open with the long-serving keeper.’

Reports suggest United have sensationally asked De Gea not to sign for another team even though they are looking for a replacement and could yet perform a U-turn over the Spaniard’s future.

MORE : Manchester United make transfer plea to David de Gea as contract expires

MORE : Mason Mount to undergo Manchester United medical on Monday as details of contract emerge

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Levi Colwill: Chelsea defender on England Roberto de Zerbi and recent praise

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill talks about his England ambitions, Roberto de Zerbi's influence and recent praise for his performances.

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Manchester United make transfer plea to David de Gea as contract expires

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League — The Spaniard is free to sign with other clubs from midnight (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United have reportedly asked David de Gea not to join another club just yet despite the goalkeeper becoming a free agent at midnight when his contract expires.

The Spaniard, who moved to Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2011, had agreed an extension on greatly reduced terms only for United to withdraw that offer at the eleventh hour.

Manager Erik ten Hag has reservations about continuing with De Gea as his number one keeper, with the 32-year-old making several high-profile errors last season and also lacking the ball-playing skills the Dutch coach requires.

However, United have a limited transfer budget this summer and there are question marks over whether they can afford to sign a new goalkeeper.

Ideally, Ten Hag would like to bring in Inter keeper Andre Onana – with the pair having worked together at Ajax – but he will cost as much as £50million.

There have also been links with Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa and Brentford’s David Raya, but right now the goalkeeper situation at United is in a state of limbo.

According to The Sun, club officials have sensationally asked De Gea not to sign for another team even though they are looking for a replacement and could yet perform a U-turn over the Spaniard’s future.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea and Erik ten Hag — United want De Gea to wait before deciding his future (Picture: Getty)

If United cannot bring in a new goalkeeper, they are prepared to return with a fresh offer for De Gea – but it will be on an even smaller salary than the reduced terms he had already reluctantly agreed to.

The Daily Mail are reporting that United bosses will hold face-to-face talks with De Gea next week but will have no contact in the coming days as he is marrying his long-term partner Edurne Garcia this weekend.

On Friday evening, United confirmed all the players who were returning to the club from loans, leaving on free transfers or returning to their parent clubs – such as Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer.

Reference was also made to De Gea, with the statement saying his contract ‘is due to run out but discussions remain open with the long-serving keeper’.

Tom Heaton was not included in the list of players who are leaving Old Trafford this summer, with United having triggered a one-year extension clause in the veteran’s contract due to the chaos surrounding De Gea and the goalkeeper situation.

The 37-year-old had an offer from newly promoted Luton Town and was keen to join but, incredibly, he may end up being United’s No.1 when the season starts if De Gea does not renew and there are no funds to sign a new keeper.

MORE : Roma boss Jose Mourinho eager to sign Manchester United midfielder Fred this summer

MORE : Mason Mount to undergo Manchester United medical on Monday as details of contract emerge

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Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea sign Senegal forward from Villarreal on eight-year contract

Chelsea complete the signing of Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson on an eight-year contract from Villarreal.

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Quiz: Can you name the England internationals to have played in Serie A?

Can you name the 16 England internationals to have played in Serie A? You have four minutes to get them all in our quiz.

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Thursday, June 29, 2023

Man Utd Chelsea and Liverpool target Victor Osimhen only willing to join two clubs claims Napoli hero

Victor Osimhen has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool target Victor Osimhen is only willing to join one of two clubs this summer, according to former Napoli midfielder Salvatore Bagni.

Osimhen has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe following a sensational season in which he scored 31 goals in 39 games.

The Nigerian’s performances helped Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years and reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Manchester United are expected to sign a new striker this summer after releasing Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of last year and relying on Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst for much of the 2022-23 campaign.

Chelsea will also spend big on a goalscorer for new manager Mauricio Pochettino as they prepare to sell Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following miserable spells at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Osimhen but the 24-year-old would only be interested in a summer move to two clubs, according to Bagni.

‘Victor Osimhen won’t return to France because he already played there,’ ex-Italy midfielder Bagni, who won the Scudetto-Coppa Italia double with Napoli, said. ‘The same thing with Germany.

Osimhen starred in Napoli's Serie A title win last season — Osimhen starred in Napoli’s Serie A title win last season (Picture: Getty)

‘He doesn’t go to Liverpool or Chelsea because they do not play the Champions League.

‘Of all the teams associated with him, for me, he would only go to Manchester United and Real Madrid. He’s not interested in the other teams.’

Napoli have insisted they plan to keep hold of Osimhen this summer but the club’s president has offered hope to clubs hoping to secure his signature.

‘We already talked to Osimhen before the Scudetto celebration, so we already have a basic agreement on a two-year extension of his contract,’ Aurelio de Laurentiis said earlier in the month.

‘I have said for a while that Osimhen has to stay. Then, if an offer came in that I could not refuse for the good of Napoli, then we would consider it, as is only natural.’

Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has highlighted the ‘only risk’ facing Premier League clubs if they sign Osimhen this summer.

‘We need to get a No. 9 in the building,’ he said on his YouTube channel. ‘There are two names that keep coming up – Osimhen and Kane.

‘Ultimately, it is down to Kane and (Tottenham chairman) Daniel Levy. If they both say yes and want to make it happen, I think United will get it done. The numbers can’t be ridiculous.

‘They can get blood, sweat, tears, goals and records out of Kane. Let the guy do what he needs to do now, man. Let the guy compete for titles and trophies They’re closer than where Spurs are, that’s the point.

The Nigerian has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe (Picture: Getty)

‘Osimhen is a different kettle of fish. He’s 24-years-old, scored goals in France and Italy. Won the league and knows how to win leagues.

‘He’s been a No. 9 at a dominant team. Is that transferable to the Premier League? No-one knows that. That’s the chance United would have to take on him.

‘That’s the only risk I see. He doesn’t know the league. Ability-wise and profile, he ticks every box, but there is an unknown factor. Can he adapt?

‘I’d take either of those two and I’d be happy but Kane guarantees you 25 goals a season, there’s no doubt he would get that.’

MORE : Rio Ferdinand reveals the ‘only way’ David de Gea will stay at Man Utd

MORE : Chelsea star Reece James responds to fan asking him to join Arsenal

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Chelsea star Reece James responds to fan asking him to join Arsenal

Reece James gave a brutal response to the Arsenal fan (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea defender Reece James has offered a brutal response to a fan asking him to join Arsenal.

The supporter raised the possibility of Arsenal signing James on social media and, surprisingly, the 23-year-old responded.

Arsenal confirmed they had signed James’ Chelsea team-mate Kai Havertz in a £65m deal on Wednesday.

But any Arsenal fans hoping James will follow the German to north London will be disappointed after he gave a blunt response to the suggestion on Twitter.

‘I say no,’ James said in response to a fan who tweeted: ‘Reece James to Arsenal who says no?’

Chelsea then responded to James’ tweet by saying: ‘One of our own’, with a blue heart emoji.

One of our own. ðŸ’™ https://t.co/XFLQWZU3UN
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 29, 2023

James joined Chelsea at the age of eight and has gone on to make 147 appearances for the Blues, helping his boyhood club win the Champions League in 2021.

Havertz scored the winner in that Champions League final win over Manchester City but will be playing for Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal next season following a £65m switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Upon signing for Arsenal, Havertz said: ‘It’s super exciting for me to be joining this amazing club and to be part of the Arsenal family. This club has such a big history, and I hope we can achieve lots of things.

‘The mentality in the Arsenal squad is very high and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons why it has been so hard to play against Arsenal recently.

‘The aim is to win trophies and I’m going to give everything to do that for the supporters and everyone at the club. I’m now looking forward to meeting all the players and the staff when we come back for pre-season.’

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, said: ‘Kai is a player of top quality. He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.

‘We welcome Kai and his family to Arsenal Football Club and we are all excited to start working with him when we start pre-season training soon.’

MORE : Arsenal agree £40m deal for Jurrien Timber with Ajax defender set for medical

MORE : Rio Ferdinand issues warning to Mauricio Pochettino over Chelsea’s squad

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Rio Ferdinand issues warning to Mauricio Pochettino over Chelseas squad

Rio Ferdinand has issued a warning to new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino (Pictures: Getty)

Rio Ferdinand has warned Mauricio Pochettino that Chelsea’s squad ‘lacks balance’ and is ‘crying out for some midfielders’ as he prepares to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino starts his tenure in west London next week after agreeing to become the club’s sixth permanent manager in five years at the end of last season.

The former Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham and Southampton boss takes charge of a team that finished just 12th in the Premier League last term, closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.

Despite the fact Pochettino is yet to arrive at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market, unveiling Christopher Nkunku as their latest big-money signing.

Chelsea’s hierarchy have also started trimming a bloated first-team squad, selling Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.

But Ferdinand believes the outgoings have left Chelsea with an unbalanced squad and says the Blues need to bring in some new midfielders to compensate for the departures.

Chelsea have expressed interest in signing Moises Caicedo from Brighton, having admitted defeat in the race to sign Declan Rice, who is set to join Arsenal in a deal worth more than £100m.

Chelsea have agreed to sell Mason Mount to Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Ex-Manchester United defender Ferdinand told the FIVE YouTube channel: ‘You look at Chelsea’s midfield – Jorginho went last season, Kante and Kovacic have gone, Mount and Loftus-Cheek are on their way out.

‘That’s five midfielders, two or three of them start. There’s no midfield at that club at the moment.

‘They’ve got about eight or nine attacking players in the wide areas but the squad lacks balance, they’re crying out for some midfielders.

‘It’s going to be interesting to see where they go because they need someone alongside Enzo, who they spent £100m on.’

Discussing Chelsea’s transfer strategy over the past 12 months, Ferdinand added: ‘Are these players Chelsea are buying for the future?

‘Because they’ve sold a lot of experience and are bringing in players that look like development players to me.

‘They look like they will need time. They’ve got huge potential but Chelsea need players for now as well.

‘Is it a change in tact in their recruitment? It’s going to be really interesting to see how Chelsea shape up after the transfer window. Chelsea fans might need to be patient.’

MORE : Chelsea make Cesar Azpilicueta decision as Mauricio Pochettino takes over

MORE : Patrick Vieira ‘favourite’ to become manager at club owned by Chelsea

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Seamus Coleman: Everton captain signs new one-year deal

Seamus Coleman signs a new one-year deal with Everton until the end of June 2024.

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Rio Ferdinand reveals the only way David de Gea will stay at Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand has discussed the chaos surrounding David de Gea (Pictures: Getty)

Rio Ferdinand has revealed the ‘only way’ David de Gea will stay at Old Trafford and criticised Manchester United for their handling of the goalkeeper.

The Spaniard, who has been at United since 2011, will become a free agent on Saturday as his contract with the club expires.

De Gea has been in talks with Manchester United over a new deal for several months, with Erik ten Hag keen for the 32-year-old to stay for at least one more season.

In a revelation that does not reflect well on the Premier League giants, De Gea reportedly signed a new deal – agreeing to take a significant pay-cut to extend his spell in Manchester – only for the club to then withdraw the offer.

Ferdinand says he is ‘gutted’ by how the situation involving his former team-mate has played out and hopes it is ‘sorted’ one way or another soon.

The Manchester United legend also says the ‘only way’ De Gea will still be at Old Trafford next season is if the club fail in their bid to sign Andre Onana or another goalkeeper they have been linked with this summer.

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: ‘It’s a funny situation. Whether you think David de Gea is good enough for Manchester United anymore is up for debate.

Erik ten Hag has a dilemma at Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

‘But he’s been an unreal servant to this football club. He’s been there for 12 years and been Player for the Year multiple times. In the main he’s served the club remarkably well, he’s an outstanding professional.

‘There’s a lot of people calling for him to leave and that’s understandable and fair. I’m just a little bit gutted with how the club have handled this.

‘It comes down to communication. I’m seeing more and more players leave with a sour taste and it’s not right. I don’t think it’s fair on the player.

‘David must be sitting there and thinking, “I never dreamed that I would leave the club in this way, in this manner.” I look at it now and how does David de Gea stay?

‘The only way he stays is if United can’t get Onana or whichever goalkeeper they go for. It would be difficult for him though because he’ll be looking at the club in a different light.

‘It was love before, maybe it’s business now. It’s disappointing and I hope it gets sorted out, for David and the club’s sake.’

United have expressed interest in signing Andre Onana (Picture: Getty)

De Gea has been a mainstay in Manchester United’s team for more than a decade, making 545 appearances for the Red Devils and winning four Player of the Year awards.

However, if some of the mistakes he made last season are anything to go by, the 32-year-old appears to be past his best and is not a natural ball-playing goalkeeper, something important in the football Ten Hag wants to play.

In Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford, Manchester United finished third in the Premier League and lifted their first trophy since 2017.

MORE : Erik ten Hag blocks Man Utd departure as David de Gea saga changes plans

MORE : Manchester United finally reach agreement with Chelsea to sign Mason Mount

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James Maddison reveals details of first chat with new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur Unveil New Signing James Maddison — The midfielder completed a £40m switch to Spurs on Wednesday (Picture: Getty)

James Maddison has revealed how Ange Postecoglou’s promise of a ‘completely different Spurs team’ convinced him to move to Tottenham.

The north Londoners moved quickly to wrap up a £40million deal for the England international this week, with Harry Winks heading in the other direction to Leicester City in a separate £10m deal.

Maddison had interest from Newcastle United and other Premier League clubs but picked a move to Spurs despite the absence of European football on offer.

The 26-year-old has now spoken about the role new manager Postecoglou played in his decision, with the Australian leaving a lasting impression on the midfielder when they spoke.

‘Being a Spurs player now is something I’m very excited about. I feel a hunger about the place,’ Maddison told the club’s official website.

‘You come here and get a feel for the club, for the people.

‘Speaking to the manager is very important. To have a decent chat with him and get his thoughts on how he sees Spurs going this season.

‘He said, “Whether you come or not, you’ll see a completely different Spurs team under me” and it kind of stuck with me that he said that.

‘It made me think that is the self-belief I have in myself.

‘I spoke to Daniel [Levy, the chairman] as well and they both spoke very highly of everything about the club, about me and things like that are so important. Building a good relationship with him, with Daniel, speaking to other players.’

Tottenham have had three successive managers over the past four years who have all played more pragmatic, counter-attacking football in the shape of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.

But Postecoglou has an attacking, possession-based philosophy that is far more in tandem with what Tottenham fans want to see – and which they played under managers like Mauricio Pochettino and Harry Redknapp.

Maddison, who Spurs have been interested in for the best part of a decade, will provide a much-needed creative spark, while the north Londoners have already moved quickly to secure a new starting goalkeeper in the form of Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario.

MORE : Tottenham confirm £17m arrival of Guglielmo Vicario as details of Ange Postecoglou conversation emerge

MORE : James Maddison deletes old tweets saying he ‘hates’ Gareth Bale ahead of £40million Tottenham move

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Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Kai Havertz pens emotional farewell message to Chelsea fans after joining Arsenal

Kai Havertz confirms Chelsea exit — The German has left Stamford Bridge after three years at the club (Picture: Getty)

Kai Havertz has apologised to Chelsea supporters after his Arsenal unveiling video was leaked early, penning a heartfelt farewell message to the west London club.

The 24-year-old’s £65million transfer was finally confirmed on Wednesday evening but, earlier in the day, his unveiling video – in which he was wearing an Arsenal kit – leaked on social media before the deal had been announced.

Havertz says he is ‘upset’ with the manner in which the transfer announcement has played out and did not want to hurt Chelsea fans, thanking them for all their support over his three years at the club – which included a Champions League win.

Writing on Instagram, he said: ‘Dear Chelsea, I would have preferred for you to hear my thoughts on leaving Chelsea first from myself before my thoughts on me joining my new team.

‘This isn’t my style and it upsets me that you had to hear of it in this way.

‘Today, I find myself at a crossroads, where words can’t describe the emotions I’m feeling.

‘It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter, saying goodbye to the club that has become my second home, and to the incredible fans who have supported me throughout this amazing journey.

New Arsenal signing Kai Havertz playing for Chelsea — Havertz in action against his new club last season (Picture: Getty)

‘Together, we have experienced the highs and lows, the joys and heartaches.

‘Today I want to thank each and every Chelsea supporter, member of staff, coaches and my team-mates for the last years.

‘Joining Chelsea three years ago was a big moment in my life and I’m looking back on these years with nothing but pride, gratefulness and loads of sporting success.

‘From winning the Champions League in my first season to winning the Super Cup and the Club World Cup and now saying goodbye has been quite a journey that I will never forget.

‘Every second of my time at Chelsea I identified with what it means to represent the club on and off the pitch and I hope that everyone remembers me for this.

‘I’m looking back at memories that last a lifetime. The club will be forever in my heart and I made friends for life. It was an honour to be part of Chelsea history. Thank you.’

MORE : Arsenal finally agree £105million deal with West Ham for Declan Rice but still working on structure

MORE : Manchester United reignite Mason Mount bid and will hold talks with Chelsea this week

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Kai Havertz: Arsenal sign Chelsea forward in deal worth about 65m

Arsenal complete the £65m signing of Germany forward Kai Havertz on a five-year deal from Chelsea.

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Uefa changes rules on long-term contracts with transfer fee spread across a maximum of five years

Uefa has confirmed a transfer fee can only be spread across a maximum of five years of a player's initial contract.

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Arsenal finally agree 105million deal with West Ham for Declan Rice but still working on structure

Arsenal have finally agreed a fee with West Ham to sign Declan Rice, with the midfielder now set to move to north London imminently in a £105million deal.

After two previous offers were rejected, a third bid comprising of £100m in guaranteed cash plus a further £5m in bonuses has now been accepted by the Hammers.

The deal is not complete just yet, however, with the clubs still ironing out the finer details of the deal’s structure though that is unlikely to cause any issues.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal’s current proposal would see the guaranteed portion of the fee paid over the course of four years – though originally they had tried to pay over the course of six.

West Ham, who have some Financial Fair Play issues to contend with, want the bulk of the £100m fixed fee to be paid much sooner than that and are asking for two instalments paid before the start of 2025.

The issue is only described as ‘minor’ and both clubs are now working on a compromise over the structure, but an agreement on the total outlay is – at last – firmly in place.

Rice had urged West Ham to accept the offer and is eager to play under Mikel Arteta, with the Spaniard selling a move to Arsenal to him during a lengthy face-to-face chat.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice to join Arsenal — Rice will become Britain’s most expensive ever footballer (Picture: Getty)

The £105m fee will make Rice the most expensive British player in history, overtaking the £100m Manchester City paid to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa two years ago.

He is £2m shy of the Premier League record, however, which is still held by Enzo Fernandez when Chelsea paid £107m to sign the World Cup winner from Benfica in January.

The price tag also sees Arsenal smash their own club-record transfer fee which previously stood at £72m – though fans will be hoping Rice fairs considerably better than Nicolas Pepe.

Arsenal’s spending will not end there, with the north London club also on the verge of sealing a £65m deal for Kai Havertz.

Arteta also wants to bring in a second midfielder – likely Southampton’s Romeo Lavia – while talks are progressing with Ajax to sign Jurrien Timber in a deal that will likely cost around £40m.

This summer’s massive spending splurge will partly be funded by outgoings, with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka both expected to leave – to Saudi Arabia and Leverkusen respectively – while a host of fringe players are also likely to be offloaded.

MORE : Manchester City identify Chelsea and Liverpool target Gabri Veiga as Declan Rice alternative

MORE : Declan Rice to urge West Ham to accept Arsenal’s latest offer after Manchester City withdraw from race

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Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Italian FA bans number 88 on players' shirts as part of anti-Semitism initiative

Italy bans players from wearing the number 88 as part of an initiative aimed at fighting anti-Semitism in football across the country.

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Carlo Ancelotti: Former Everton boss settles High Court dispute with club

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti settles a High Court dispute with Everton as the two parties reach "an amicable resolution".

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Jorginhos agent speaks out on Arsenal future and responds to Lazio rumours

The agent of Arsenal midfielder Jorginho insists he will not be leaving the north London club this summer and has dismissed reports of a potential move to Lazio.

Jorginho only moved to the Emirates from Chelsea less than five months ago, arriving in a £12million deal shortly after Mohamed Elneny picked up a season-ending knee injury.

The 31-year-old, who signed a one-and-a-half-year contract, made 14 appearances for the Gunners in the second half of the campaign – nine as a starter – and helped keep them in the hunt for the Premier League title until a late collapse.

But, with just a year left on his deal now, there had been suggestions Jorginho could be offloaded this summer and old boss Maurizio Sarri is believed to be keen on a reunion at Lazio.

The Italy international is likely to have a greatly reduced role next season, with the Gunners working to bring in Declan Rice, Romeo Lavia and Kai Havertz to bolster their midfield options.

Now Jorginho’s agent, Joao Santos, has spoken out on the speculation surrounding his client and insists the midfielder is very happy playing under Mikel Arteta and will continue at the club.

Asked about the likelihood of Jorginho leaving Arsenal this summer, Santos told Italy’s TV Play: ‘Jorginho is very happy with Arsenal who have a very important championship to play, at the beginning of August there is the Community Shield.

Jorginho of Arsenal — Jorginho quickly became a vocal part of Arsenal’s squad (Picture: Getty)

‘There is no negotiation with Lazio. I don’t know if they have the money to pay the player, but that’s not the question.’

He added: ‘He stays really well at Arsenal and in our mind, for the next season, there is only the Gunners.’

Santos continued: ‘The theme is clear: the project for next year is to stay at Arsenal which can become the most important team in England.

‘Coach Arteta is the most important in the Premier League, he understands modern football like no-one else and, obviously, someone like Jorginho goes very well with someone like him.’

Arsenal are believed to have received offers from Italian clubs and Saudi Arabia for Thomas Partey, with the Ghanaian increasingly likely to leave if the Gunners can fend off interest from Manchester City to land Rice.

Granit Xhaka has a long-standing agreement to move to Bayer Leverkusen and the imminent, £65million arrival of Havertz could see the Switzerland international finally secure his return to Germany.

MORE : Pep Guardiola met with Declan Rice to convince him to reject Arsenal transfer

MORE : Mikel Arteta plans to play Jurrien Timber as an inverted right-back for Arsenal next season

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