Theo Walcott could begin the new Premier League season as Arsenal’s only fit striker as manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Olivier Giroud has been given a month off after his Euro 2016 exploits. Both Giroud and France teammate Laurent Koscielny will holiday for four weeks before returning to Gunners training just before the start of the new league season on August 13. Danny Welbeck is a long-term absentee and the Gunners have so far failed to add to their striker ranks; Welbeck, Giroud and Walcott were the only three players to start … [Read more...]
Ex-United coach linked with vacant Belgium job
Louis van Gaal will be considered to replace Marc Wilmots as Belgium manager if he applies for the role, according to Francois De Keersemacker, the president of the Belgian FA. Former Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Ajax boss Van Gaal has taken charge of the Netherlands' national team on two separate occasions and is currently available after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season. Francois De Keersemacker, the president of the Belgian FA, told reporters on Friday: "Van Gaal might be a potential candidate. We will see if he puts … [Read more...]
James Rodriguez wanted by Premier League clubs
James Rodriguez fancies a switch to the Premier League if a club matches his £67m release clause, according to Spanish reports. Marca have gone big on the front page with the headline ‘LA PREMIER TIENTA A JAMES’, which basically means that the Colombian has the horn for English football. Rodriguez started only 17 La Liga games last season and did not even make it off the bench for the Champions League final, with first Isco and then Lucas Vazquez preferred as substitutes. His preference is reportedly to stay at Real but he obviously … [Read more...]
Guardiola eyeing a new goalkeeper at Man City
A new goalkeeper has popped up on Manchester City’s radar with Pep Guardiola reportedly unconvinced that Joe Hart can be his reliable No.1. Hart, who featured in our six stars with the most to prove this season , is under intense scrutiny after his dismal showing with England at Euro 2016 and the new Citizens chief is thought to be weighing up other options to rival him as first-choice goalkeeper at the Etihad. According to the Daily Mail, PSV’s £7m-rated stopper Jeroen Zoet has been added to Guardiola’s wishlist alongside Barcelona pair … [Read more...]
Mkhitaryan delighted with debut performance
Henrikh Mkhitaryan made his Manchester United debut on Saturday and is happy to play in any position for Jose Mourinho. Manchester United attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan insists he is happy with any role given to him by Jose Mourinho after making his debut at Wigan Athletic. Mkhitaryan lined up in the number 10 role behind James Wilson during the first half at the DW Stadium, before being replaced at the interval with the game scoreless. The former Borussia Dortmund man set up a golden chance which was wasted by Memphis Depay, before … [Read more...]
Conte suffers defeat as Rapid Vienna beat Chelsea 2-0
Antonio Conte's reign as Chelsea head coach got off to an underwhelming start in front of Roman Abramovich, who was in the stands, as his team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Rapid Vienna. An early goal from teenage Brazilian striker Joelinton gave Rapid a lead they never relinquished as the Austrian giants marked the opening of their brand new 28,000-seater Allianz Stadion with a famous victory. Spanish substitute Tomi added a second late on. Chelsea announced the signing of Leicester City midfielder N'Golo Kante for a reported £30 million … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho happy with friendly result against Wigan
Jose Mourinho has vowed he will give everything to deliver success to Manchester United's fans after kicking off his reign with a comfortable friendly win over Wigan. With the Euro 2016 contingent -- including the likes of David De Gea, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Anthony Martial -- resting, Mourinho's Red Devils bow was always likely to be a soft start, though second-half strikes from Will Keane and Andreas Pereira guaranteed a 2-0 win at the DW Stadium. Everything about the 90 minutes was low key -- from Mourinho's comfort-first … [Read more...]
A winning debut for Jose Mourinho as United manager
The Jose Mourinho era at Manchester United began with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wigan, with goals from Will Keane and Andreas Pereira settling a low-key pre-season friendly. Missing his Euro 2016 contingent, Mourinho still used 22 players on his touchline debut with the Red Devils and will be content with what, in truth, was little more than a glorified training exercise. United controlled a goalless first half before goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen saw his kick charged down by Juan Mata in the 48th minute and Keane nabbed the first … [Read more...]
Chelsea sign N’Golo Kante from Leicester City
Chelsea have signed N'Golo Kante from Leicester City on a five-year deal reported to be worth around £30 million, both clubs have announced. Kante, 25, becomes Chelsea's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille and arrives at Stamford Bridge just 12 months after joining Leicester from Caen. Chelsea saw off reported competition from Juventus, Arsenal and Shanghai SIPG to make Kante second signing of the summer transfer window, after the acquisition of Belgium international striker Michy Batshuayi for … [Read more...]
Klopp happy with Liverpool squad at his disposal as he hints on more signings
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool can challenge at the top of the Premier League this season regardless of whether they lure 'big name' signings to Anfield . Klopp has recruited four players so far – and at least three more are expected soon – but the most renowned target, Mario Gotze, eluded him . The German international’s refusal to commit prior to the European Championships snapped Klopp’s patience Klopp felt Liverpool were being used by Gotze as a back-up option so withdraw his offer to his former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who is now … [Read more...]
Markovic set to leave Liverpool as Klopp continues cut down
Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic is expected to be another victim of Jurgen Klopp’s squad trimming, according to a report. The 22-year-old was hoping to get a chance to impress Klopp in pre-season and the coach had hinted that would be the case, but the lack of European football at Anfield means Klopp has been told to trim his squad. Goal claim there have been enquiries from clubs in Spain and Italy for Markovic, but Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon are leading the chase for the player, who spent last season on loan at … [Read more...]