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Taylor Swift could have some influence on Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid, with the France international closing in on a switch to Spain.

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• Pop superstar heading to Spanish capital
• French forward treading a similar path
• Lavish presentation ceremony is planned

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As things stand, the World Cup winner is running down his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappe is due to hit free agency in the summer, at which point he is expected to embrace a new challenge with La Liga heavyweights.

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  THE GOSSIP

  With another ‘Galactico’ on the way, Real are understandably keen to put on a lavish presentation ceremony for Mbappe. That is where pop superstar Swift comes into the equation, with two dates on her Eras Tour set to take place at Santiago Bernabeu on May 29 and 30.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The infrastructure being put in place for those gigs could also be used to showcase Mbappe as a Real Madrid player. The 25-year-old has made it clear that he wants any outstanding issues regarding his future to have been ironed out by the time that Euro 2024 gets underway on June 14.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  According to , Real are ready to take advantage of Swift’s presence in the Spanish capital as a couple of iconic figures pass through their doors. Following that plan would work in the Blancos’ favour even if they, and/or PSG, reach the Champions League final – which will take place at Wembley on June 1.

Mikel Arteta's side were in superb form as they brushed Brighton aside to return to the top of the Premier League table

Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League in emphatic fashion as they thumped Brighton 3-0 at the Amex on Saturday night.

Having seen Manchester City move above them earlier in the day following their 4-2 win at Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta's side knew they needed to respond on the south coast. And they did that in style, cruising past a Brighton side who hadn't lost at home in the league since September.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half before the excellent Kai Havertz doubled the visitors' advantage after the interval. Leandro Trossard then wrapped things up late on, finishing well from Havertz's pass to seal a dominant win.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Amex Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (8/10):

  Made one stunning save to deny Enciso in the first half. Couple of misplaced passes early on, but a really strong performance all round.

  Ben White (7/10):

  Great battle with Julio Enciso. Enjoyed some good moments going forward, including one superb pass to set up a chance for Saka, but was given problems by the lively Brighton winger.

  William Saliba (8/10):

  Strong showing once again. Really calm in his own box as he looked to play away from danger.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10):

  Should have scored early on with a header. Took a knock to his ankle, but still had a strong night against Danny Welbeck. Superb block late on to protect the clean sheet.

  Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

  Struggled in the early stages, but grew into the game as it wore on. Linked up well with Gabriel Jesus at times.

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  Midfield

  Jorginho (7/10):

  Struggled at times when Brighton isolated him after playing through the press in the first half, but used his experience well. Superb play to set up the second goal for Havertz.

  Declan Rice (8/10):

  Good battle in midfield. Had to chase back a lot when Brighton found a way through the press. Covered a lot of distance. Almost scored right at the end.

  Martin Odegaard (8/10):

  Class once again. His quick feet and vision make him a joy to watch. Brilliant ball for Jorginho to help set up the second goal.

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  Attack

  Bukayo Saka (6/10):

  Stayed calm to score from the spot in the first half. Had put a golden chance wide before that.

  Kai Havertz (9/10):

  Was a handful for the Brighton defence all evening. Ran tirelessly and was rewarded with the second goal, which he finished well after a good run across the defender. Lovely assist for Trossard's late strike as well. Excellent performance.

  Gabriel Jesus (7/10):

  Did a good job out on the left. Won the penalty with a superb touch and drop of the shoulder. Unlucky with one good effort in the first half which was well saved, but should have done better with a couple of headers.

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  Subs & Manager

  Leandro Trossard (7/10):

  Marked his return to his former club with a lovely goal to make it 3-0 late on.

  Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

  Never really got into the game as Arsenal sat back and protected their lead.

  Takehiro Tomiyasu (5/10):

  Helped Arsenal see the game out.

  Fabio Vieira (N/A):

  On for the final few minutes.

  Eddie Nketiah (N/A):

  Got the last few minutes having replaced Havertz.

  Mikel Arteta (8/10):

  A near perfect night for the Arsenal manager. His subs made a difference at the right time in the second half and the win sets things up perfectly ahead of the huge Champions League first-leg clash with Bayern Munich on April 9.

A European club already have an agreement in place with Leeds United to sign one player next year, according to a new report.

Leeds exit news

It was a chaotic summer at Elland Road following relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, with new owners, a new manager and a number of outgoings and incomings in the playing squad. Plenty of Leeds players exercised clauses in their contracts to leave on loan after dropping down a division, with Luis Sinisterra the last to leave on a temporary basis, joining Bournemouth on deadline day.

One of the first to go was Marc Roca, who joined Real Betis back in his native Spain. There have been rumours on Roca's future, suggesting he may not return to the Whites next year regardless of what league Leeds are playing in, and a development has now emerged.

Estadio Deportivo shared an in-depth piece on the midfielder’s time at Real Betis so far, with an update on his future. They claim that Real Betis have a €12m option to sign Roca on a permanent deal next summer even if Leeds win promotion to the Premier League, and if the Whites remain in the Championship, there is a verbal agreement in place over another loan move.

So, whatever happens at Elland Road between now and the end of the season, it looks as if Roca will remain in Spain with the player, Real Betis and Leeds “happy” with the agreement.

Marc Roca at Real Betis

Roca, labelled as “impressive” by former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, has been a regular under Manuel Pellegrini in all competitions this season, even showing his versatility by playing as a centre-back on two occasions. In total, the 26-year-old has turned out on 16 occasions, scoring three times and providing one assist. (Marc Roca stats – Transfermarkt)

He seems to have benefitted from a move away from Leeds, as his average WhoScored match rating shows, going from 6.50/10 to 6.64/10 in the league while also recording a 6.94/10 score in the Europa League. Roca also previously admitted he was happy when it came to returning to Spain, saying:

“Obviously it’s always positive to return home. I came through in La Liga. I started my career here and after three years abroad, between Germany and England, I really wanted to come to Betis. I’m very happy and very comfortable on the pitch.”

By the looks of things, Leeds fans won’t be seeing Roca in a Whites shirt next season, and some may well be hoping that a permanent move goes through, which will allow the 49ers to receive a fee, as his current Leeds contract doesn’t expire until 2026.

Neymar has escaped a $3 million fine following a court ruling after being accused of environmental damage for building a lake at his mansion.

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• Neymar investigated for building lake
• Judge issues ruling in Brazil this week
• Star avoids fine for damaging environment

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The controversy arose when an initial complaint regarding an environmental crime was reported to Mangaratiba City Hall. This complaint stemmed from a video Neymar posted on his Instagram account, which allegedly showcased the artificial lake being built on his property situated in Mangaratiba, a town on the southern coast of Rio.

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  Multiple agencies, including the local attorney general's office, the state civil police, and environmental protection bodies, investigated Neymar's case. However, a ruling from Judge Adriana Ramos de Mello quashed the fine and charges as a report from the state environmental authority INEA mentioned that the construction project did not require special environmental permits.

• WHAT THE JUDGE SAID

  Judge Adriana Ramos de Mello stated: "As the applied fines were in the millions of dollars, continuing to demand (payment)… will inflict substantial, disproportionate and even illegal prejudice”.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The town council in Mangaratiba had issued four fines totalling 16 million reais ($3.3m/£2.6m) for environmental violations related to the construction of the artificial lake at Neymar's mansion. These violations included unauthorised construction work, diversion of river water, and removal of land and vegetation. However, the judge sided with the findings of the INEA, which concluded that no environmental license was necessary for the activities undertaken by Neymar. Consequently, the alleged infractions were deemed nonexistent.

Aston Villa are closely monitoring a vastly decorated player ahead of January, though a fresh report has revealed that there are other clubs who are also looking to bring him to the Premier League.

Aston Villa transfer news

Football Insider have reported that NSWE, Monchi and Unai Emery are open to offers for Leander Dendoncker at the start of next year, and are looking to replace him with an upgrade in the centre of the park. Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has emerged as a potential replacement with his deal being set to expire at the end of the season (Leicester contracts), but should the manager fail to secure his services, he’s set his sights on an alternative option overseas.

Juventus’ central midfielder Adrien Rabiot first put pen to paper at the Allianz Stadium from Paris Saint-Germain back in 2019, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 227 appearances for Massimiliano Allegri’s side to date (Transfermarkt – Rabiot statistics).

The France international has emerged as his team’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.43 (WhoScored – Juventus statistics), and the 28-year-old’s form has caught the eye of Villa chiefs, who are aware that his terms also run out upon the conclusion of the current campaign (Juventus contracts).

Aston Villa keeping tabs on Adrien Rabiot

According to 90min, Aston Villa are casting an eye over Adrien Rabiot, but they are set to face stiff competition from three other admirers.

"Juventus are confident that they will agree a new long-term contract with midfielder Adrien Rabiot, sources have confirmed to 90min. Man Utd still retain an interest in the player, thanks in part to Erik ten Hag being a noted fan of Rabiot's skillset.

"Along with Man Utd, Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Aston Villa and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on Rabiot's situation at Juventus."

Adrien Rabiot's style of play

A box to box central midfielder, Rabiot is capable of having a positive impact at both ends of the pitch, with the defensive aspect being what he’s shown so far this season having won 15 out of his 27 tackles, which is the highest success rate throughout his squad (FBRef – Juventus statistics).

Standing at 6 foot 2, the left-footed ace also loves to get involved with the action in the final third having posted 74 contributions (43 goals and 31 assists) since the start of his career, with his all-round game having seen him dubbed a “monster” by reliable journalist Robin Bairner.

Allegri’s £150k-per-week earner (Juventus salaries), certainly knows exactly what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured 23 pieces of silverware for both club and country since bursting onto the professional scene, so he would be able to upgrade the winning mentality of the current squad at Aston Villa, who are certainly a young group on the up.

Aston Villa are now believed to be keeping close tabs on a player after it emerged that he is likely to leave his current employers in January, according to reports.

Aston Villa's impressive season so far…

Following a meteoric rise from relegation contention to securing Europa Conference League football last term, many wondered how Unai Emery would go about improving on an exceptional debut campaign in charge at Villa Park. Youri Tielemans, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pau Torres, Clement Lenglet and Moussa Diaby were brought in with the help of NSWE and their ambition in the market looks to have paid off on the field, as Aston Villa sit fifth in the Premier League table with 25 points from their opening 12 matches.

Depending on certain factors, the English top flight could be awarded an extra Champions League place this term as the competition transitions towards an expanded "Swiss league" format, which will allocate an additional position to two nations who collectively performed the best in comparison to other countries in the season previous, which is a carrot Emery and company will have an eye on at Villa Park.

Nevertheless, consistent performances will be needed on a weekly basis to achieve this dream, which may be complicated further if Aston Villa embark on an extended run in the Europa Conference League, which they are one of the favourites to win.

Despite fanfare and excitement surrounding Aston Villa's potential league finish in 2023/24, former Villans midfielder Lee Hendrie isn't getting carried away when forecasting where his old side may end up, as he stated via BBC Sport when asked about their hopes of finishing in the top six: "I'd take a top-half finish. I don't think we'll finish in the top six. I really think that's a big ask. Again, if they finished seventh, eighth, I think it'd be a really good season."

With the January window fast approaching, it looks as if NSWE and Emery have set their sights on another highly-rated player that could help Aston Villa's push for continental qualification.

Aston Villa plotting Samuel Iling-Junior bid

According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are "primed" to make an approach for Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior in the January window as Emery looks to add some variety in the final third, with the Turin outfit open to selling.

Nevertheless, they will have to fend off competition from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Fulham to sign the England Under-21 international, who is under contract at Serie A giants Juventus until the summer of 2025. His interested suitors will send scouts to watch Iling-Junior in action for the young Three Lions in their upcoming double-header against Serbia and Northern Ireland.

Labelled "superb" by Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig, the 20-year-old winger has excellent positional awareness and ranks favourably in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues in the art of progressive passes received in the opposition's penalty area, taking in around 8.38 per 90 minutes, putting him in the 97th percentile for this metric, as per FBRef.

Showing an impressive ability to pop up in dangerous attacking areas and just needing to sharpen up his end product, he is seemingly primed for a move, and Villa Park could be an ideal environment for Iling-Junior to continue his development as his stock continues to rise.

Julian Nagelsmann has reportedly decided to snub Harry Kane's Bayern Munich and sign an extension with the German national team.

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• Nagelsmann set to turn down Bayern
• Will continue with the German team
• Set to sign an extension until 2026

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Last March, he was unceremoniously sacked by Bayern Munich, paving the way for Thomas Tuchel to take over as his replacement at the Allianz Arena. And just over a year on the tables have turned, with the Bavarian giants back knocking at his door once again after an underwhelming campaign under the guidance of Tuchel.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Nagelsmann has made up his mind to continue with the German national team and sign an extension until 2026, which means that he would be drawing up their tactical blueprint for the World Cup that year. Under Nagelsmann's guidance, the German national team has shown promising signs of resurgence, hinting at a return to their former glory days. As preparations intensify for Euro 2024, Nagelsmann's decision to stay provides stability and continuity for the team, boosting morale and fostering optimism among players and fans alike.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Along with Bayern, Liverpool also eyed Nagelsmann as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp, who will depart the club this summer. However, the Reds are believed to be in advanced talks with Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim and have reduced their interest in Nagelsmann.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN MUNICH?

  With Nagelsmann no longer available, Bayern Munich face the challenge of finding a suitable successor to Tuchel. Several names have emerged as potential candidates, including Hans-Dieter Flick, who previously achieved success with the club by winning the treble in 2020. Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Ralf Rangnick and Sebastian Hoeness are among the other contenders, each bringing their own unique strengths and experiences to the table. Additionally, Jose Mourinho, known for his tactical acumen, has emerged as a dark horse for the coveted role since he remains a free agent after leaving Roma earlier this year.

GOAL takes a looks at the worst instances English clubs faced point deductions.

Sheffield United could have become the third Premier League side to be axed points in 2023-24, but for their punishment to be postponed until transfer back to the Championship.

The English Football League (EFL) hit Sheffield United with a two-point deduction, with a further two-point deduction that will take effect at the end of said season.

Everton were handed a six-point deduction by the Premier League, and have received another two-point penalty, while Nottingham Forest have decided to appeal in an attempt to overturn the four-point deduction.

As Chelsea reportedly face the threat of a “more severe” points deduction than Everton and Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City have been warned they could face "expulsion" from the English top flight, GOAL takes a look at the worst punishments in English football…

• Leeds United | 15 points | 2007-08

  Leeds United were forced to begin their 2007-08 League One campaign with -15 points as a result of failing to comply with the EFL's rules on insolvency.

  The club's appeal didn't bear any fruit either, with a majority voting against a reduction of the imposed penalty on the Whites.

  Incredibly, however, Leeds would go on to survive the season in the Football League and end up losing the play-off final.

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• Bournemouth | 17 points | 2008-09

  A little worse than Leeds, on account of leaving administration without a Company Voluntary Agreement, Bournemouth were 17 points shy of zero at the beginning of their run in the 2008-09 League Two season.

  Besides the 10-point deduction from the previous season in League One which resulted in their demotion, the club had to accept the punishment and agree not to appeal in order to play in League Two.

  However, then Cherries manager Eddie Howe took over the reins from Jimmy Quinn midway through the season and successfully lived up to the challenge – helping the side finish 21st on the table, nine points clear of the drop zone.

• Rotherham United | 17 points | 2008-09

  Just like Bournemouth, Rotherham United also accepted their fate in the form of a 17-point deduction after being unable to satisfy the normal conditions of Football League rules for exiting administration.

  It was in the same season and in the same competition – the 2008-09 League Two campaign – and the Millers incredibly finished 14th on the table with 58 points on the board.

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• Derby County | 21 points | 2021-22

  in the most recent case, before Everton, a 21-point deduction for Wayne Rooney's Derby County in 2021 was a hard pill to swallow.

  The Rams entered administration and were deducted 12 points by the EFL at the start of the 2021-22 Championship season, with another nine points docked by November on account of financial irregularities.

  Despite throwing in a tough fight, the team would finish 23 points short of safety and were relegated to League One.

Manchester United have been busy over the international break putting their transfer plans for January into motion and have reportedly sent scouts to watch one of their targets, according to a new report.

Manchester United's tough run of fixtures…

Surprisingly to some, Manchester United are the Premier League's form team over the last five matches as the end of the international break approaches, having won four and lost one. However, there is no doubt that Erik ten Hag faces a tough run over the next few weeks as he looks to continue his side's momentum.

Everton, Galatasaray and Newcastle United all lay in wait for Manchester United in what will be a trio of fiery away trips, which isn't an ideal scenario given the level of injuries that the Red Devils are currently having to contend with at present.

As cited by The Evening Standard, Manchester United are missing the likes of Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia as they continue to fight this unwanted current, although Shaw is nearing a return.

Andre Onana and Marcus Rashford have also picked up issues on international duty with their respective nations and it is unclear if they will be affected long-term and forced to miss a portion of action over the festive period.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Stretty News' Dale O'Donnell reckons that any side would struggle with the amount of pile-up Manchester United have due to injuries, particularly to their backline, as he stated: "Most squads would struggle with this number of injuries, let alone so many in the defensive department, and it is no wonder our form has been below par.

"There has been a slight upturn in results, though. Ten Hag now has a league-best run of form to rebut the line of questioning about his future as United manager."

Nevertheless, some exciting transfer news has emerged as the Red Devils cast an eye towards the January transfer window.

Man Utd send scouts to watch Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

According to 90min, Manchester United sent scouts to watch Napoli sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in action for Georgia against Spain in EURO 2024 qualifying, where the winger managed to get himself on the scoresheet.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United also had officials in attendance, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also been keeping an eye on his situation recently. Premier League clubs have been monitoring his progress since he joined Napoli last year.

Kvaratskhelia, who was labelled a "great player" by Carlo Ancelotti earlier this year, has made 15 appearances in all competitions this term, registering three goals and five assists (Kvaratskhelia statistics – Transfermarkt).

Although you wouldn't imagine Manchester United are at the front of the queue for his signature, the Old Trafford faithful will be glad to know that Ten Hag is eyeing some high-profile reinforcements in the North West, especially a player who helped carry his side to a league title earlier this year.

Emma Hayes assumed legendary status at Chelsea as she became the first woman to feature on the iconic Shed Wall ahead of her departure to the USWNT.

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• Hayes immortalised at Chelsea
• Carves out a place on the Shed Wall
• Special tribute ahead of her move to the USA

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A special installation was unveiled at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday during the CFC awards to honour Hayes' contributions and incredible achievements at Chelsea. For over a decade, Hayes has been synonymous with Chelsea Women's football, guiding the team to unprecedented success and securing an impressive tally of 15 trophies. Her departure marks the end of an era but also highlights the indelible mark she has left on the club's history.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hayes' inclusion on the Shed Wall places her among an illustrious group of Chelsea legends, including the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ray Wilkins, and Peter Osgood. This symbolic gesture underscores her status as a trailblazer and role model for aspiring women footballers and coaches.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Hayes has guided Chelsea to four successive WSL titles and could potentially win a fifth on the trot if they can end the season on a perfect note. However, the Champions League remains elusive in her 12-year stint at the club with the latest heartbreak coming against Barcelona in the last four stage earlier in April.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Fans and visitors to Stamford Bridge now have the opportunity to witness Hayes' legacy firsthand, as her place on the Shed Wall stands as a permanent reminder of her extraordinary accomplishments. She will return to the pitchside on Wednesday evening in a London derby against Tottenham at Brisbane Road, while USWNT fans continue to await her arrival across the pond in the summer.