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Arsenal target Icardi not for sale-De Boer

New Inter Milan boss Frank de Boer has insisted that Chelsea and Arsenal target Mauro Icardi will not leave the San Siro this summer. The former Ajax boss was appointed as new manager of the Italian giants after Roberto Mancini left the club after less than two years in charge in his second spell. “Juventus are not unbeatable, sometimes things change. They have a great team and it will be tough, but we want to fight. “We will keep the players who we do not want to sell. Icardi will remain.” The Argentine striker has been linked with a big money move to Napoli also, who sold star man Gonzalo Higuain to rivals Juventus. Icardi’s agent and wife Wanda Nara stated through her Twitter: “Changes are for the brave, cowards prefer to stay where they are, even … [Read more...]

Arsenal wiling to sign Mustafi before match against Liverpool

Arsene Wenger is willing to sign Mustafi before his side kick-off against Liverpool as he deals with  a defensive crisis. Per Mertesacker is already sidelined with a knee injury while Gabriel Paulista sustained an ankle injury in Sunday's 3-2 victory against Manchester City. Wenger has already shown interest  in Roma defender Kostas Manolas and Napoli Kaliduo Koulibaly, both whom are rated 45m each, but Arsene Wenger sees Mustafi as a more affordable option due to his price tag 35m. Mustafi has been heavily linked with Arsenal but the two clubs are apart due to the valuation of the German International, though Wenger sees him as a viable option. An offer is very likely to be submitted as Wenger  aims to push a deal before the end of the week otherwise … [Read more...]

John Stones ‘reaction’ after joining Manchester City

With less than a month to the closing of summer transfer window, latest report claims that Chelsea long-term target John Stones has completed a move to Manchester City. This report is according to Sky Sports which claims that the highly rated Centre back signed a six-year contract with the Citizens which will keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2022. Speaking to mancity.com, the England international expresses his joy in his new challenge and promises to improve his game in order to gain ground in city's  first eleven. "I'm absolutely delighted to sign for City and now the deal's done I'm looking forward to the next stage in my career. Said Stones "I've obviously seen what's going on here at the Etihad, it's an ambitious Club with a great manager so I can't … [Read more...]

Manchester United re-sign Pogba for world-record £89m

With just few days to the closing of summer transfer market, the Red Devils have finally secured the services of long term target Paul Pogba. This is according to Sky Sport which claims that the French star has sign a world record deal of 89 million pounds from Italian giants Juventus, beating previous world records set by Christiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale of Real Madrid. The powerful box-box midfielder has been a major target for most European clubs in recent years, with the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Bayern Munich all interested in the services of the 23-year old star. Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho has been a big fan of the French star and wanted to sign him during his days as Chelsea boss in Stamford … [Read more...]

How Arsenal will line up with Riyad Mahrez, Ramsey Now a Fringe player

Arsenal will go into the upcoming season as contenders that have failed to conquer the prestigious Premier League Title for over a decade and any other European Title – however, the quality of players or manager in the ranks of Arsenal has consistently been of notable quality over these EPL drought years. Arsene Wenger anchored his football ideology on a fluid style of play that sees Arsenal play with a midfield pivot that can retain ball possession and offer threats in attack with mesmerizing creativity. Uniquely known as the “Barcelona” of England, Arsenal have retained this philosophy over the years as orchestrated by Arsene Wenger. Accused of being frugal in the transfer market despite a heavy transfer war-chest, Arsene Wenger seems to be in tune with the … [Read more...]

Klopp reveals reasons why he will no longer speak to The Sun

Jurgen Klopp says he will no longer speak to The Sun because of a “private” story the newspaper ran about one of his players. Klopp refused to answer a question from a Sun journalist on Saturday evening after Liverpool thrashed Barcelona 4-0 at Wembley . Merseyside has a tumultuous relationship with the publication since its despicable coverage of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, and the newspaper has been boycotted ever since by the city. “I don’t talk with The Sun anymore,” Klopp said. “I don’t speak with The Sun anymore. You can listen. “It’s not because I’m with Liverpool now. It’s because of a few things that will happen in the next few days or few weeks, I don’t know.” Follow Oddschecker ✔ @Oddschecker Klopp refusing to talk to the … [Read more...]

Zabaleta to Stay at Manchester City

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta says he will be staying at the club, with boss Pep Guardiola having told him he is part of his plans for this season. Zabaleta, who has one year left on his contract, has been linked with a move to Italy this summer. But the 31-year-old Argentina full-back told the Manchester Evening News: “There was a lot of speculation – that came from the media. “I don’t know how many times I was away to Italy. It was incredible. Every day there was a new club. “I’ve always been away from that because I knew from the first day it was my decision (to stay). “I had been told by the new manager that I was part of this squad for this season, so I am more than pleased for this because City was my priority. “I know I only … [Read more...]

Klopp explains Liverpool’s mauling

Jurgen Klopp has explained how Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 by Mainz shortly after beating Barcelona. The Reds slipped to a heavy defeat in Germany on Sunday, with the game kicking off mere hours after the 4-0 victory over Barcelona at Wembley had ended. Klopp had planned to use two different line-ups for the friendlies, but injuries to Daniel Sturridge, Sheyi Ojo and James Milner forced alterations. Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Alberto Moreno, Marko Grujic, Kevin Stewart, Gini Wijnaldum, Danny Ings, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino all featured in both friendlies, and the manager believes fatigue was a factor “It wasn’t all that great for us,” Klopp admitted. “We were all aware this was going to be hard. Playing Barcelona the night before … [Read more...]

Hazard dazzles in Chelsea defeat of Werder Bremen

Eden Hazard's renaissance continued as Chelsea secured a hard fought 4-2 victory over Werder Bremen in their final pre-season friendly on saturday afternoon. Eden Hazard Antonio Conte named a strong side and they needed just a matter of minutes to open the scoring when Hazard worked a short corner well before cutting inside and lashing an effort into the bottom corner of the net. The Bundesliga side were all at sea at the back and Oscar exchanged passes with Diego Costa to create a yard of space before slotting home to double the Blues' advantage with just 10 minutes on the clock. But the hosts soon came back into the game as Zlatko Junuzovic rattled the crossbar courtesy of a long-range strike and Sambou Yatabare fired wide after Willian's loose … [Read more...]

Man United confirm Pogba to have medical

Paul Pogba may finally be moving close to securing a world-record transfer from Juventus to Manchester United as the Red Devils confirm an imminent medical. A statement on the United website – under the hashtag ‘Pogback’ – read: “Paul Pogba has been granted permission to have a medical in order to finalise his transfer from Juventus to Manchester United.” The Juve star has been the centre of speculation all summer, with the Red Devils looking to confirm the world record £92million move back to Old Trafford, where he played as a youngster. Club statement on Paul Pogba: bit.ly/2awA7S0 #MUFC 3:00 PM - 7 Aug 2016 Manchester United @ManUtd This comes after new boss Jose Mourinho confirmed that United would be making another signing before the … [Read more...]

Jose Mourinho explains Mata’s substitution

Juan Mata was replaced half an hour after coming on for Manchester United in the Community Shield, but Jose Mourinho has explained things. Jose Mourinho says he took off Juan Mata just half an hour after his introduction in order to defend against high balls in the final minutes of Manchester United's 2-1 Community Shield win over Leicester City. Mata was introduced on 63 minutes for opening goalscorer Jesse Lingard, who had taken a knock to his foot, but was hauled off in injury time for Henrik Mkhitaryan as the Premier League champions pushed for an equaliser. The 28-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks, was visibly frustrated as he made his way back to the dugout for the final seconds of United's triumph at … [Read more...]

Walcott nets as Arsenal beat Man City in final warmup game

Theo Walcott boosted his confidence by scoring the decisive goal for Arsenal in a 3-2 victory over Manchester City on Sunday in their final preseason warmup ahead of the new season. Walcott made a perfect run into the box to meet Alexis Sanchez's pass and chipped a delicate finish over the onrushing Joe Hart to make it 2-1 in the 73rd minute as the Gunners came from a goal down in the second half. Substitute Chuba Akpom then made sure of the Gunners' fourth straight preseason win in the 85th minute before Kelechi Iheanacho pulled one back for City. Petr Cech still had to preserve the win by diving low to keep out Yaya Toure's shot in the final minutes and Jesus Navas wasted another chance for an equaliser by shooting high. However, it may have been a … [Read more...]

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wins Jose Mourinho’s first title with Manchester United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed a late debut goal to secure a 2-1 victory for Jose Mourinho's Manchester United against Premier League champions Leicester in the Community Shield at Wembley. Jesse Lingard followed up his memorable FA Cup final winner with a fine solo effort to put United ahead, only for a defensive error from Marouane Fellaini to enable Jamie Vardy to equalise. But the winner arrived seven minutes from time as Ibrahimovic, kept quiet for much of the afternoon, rose to nod in, although there were question marks over whether he was offside. Fellow debutant Eric Bailly impressed but was tested inside five minutes as Vardy skipped past him before Daley Blind's challenge put the ball behind for a corner. Leicester, with Claudio Ranieiri … [Read more...]

Community Shield: All you need to know

There will be plenty of new faces on display at Wembley as Premier League champions Leicester take on FA Cup winners Man United in the Community Shield on Sunday.   Manchester united to play Leicester City   Team news New Manchester United signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitarayan and Eric Bailly are all in line to start for the Red Devils. Chris Smalling and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are likely to be available but Bastian Schweinsteiger is set to miss out altogether as his future at Old Trafford remains unclear. Ahmed Musa, Papy Mendy and Luis Hernandez could all make their Leicester debuts, as well as Ron-Robert Zieler and the Foxes’ latest signing Bartosz Kapustka. Robert Huth is free to play despite serving a three-match ban carried … [Read more...]

Rummenigge rules out Bayern return for Schweinsteiger

Unwanted at Manchester United, Bastian Schweinsteiger will not return to Bayern Munich, the German club's chairman Karl-Heinze Rummenigge said on Saturday. "I regret that what is happening to him just now," Rummenigge said in a news conference. "But we have not entertained any thought of getting him back." Schweinsteiger left Bayern for United last summer and made 13 Premier League starts during the 2015-16 season. With Jose Mourinho taking over United this summer, the 32-year-old is reportedly training with the under-23 squad after being told he has no future at Old Trafford. But Rummenigge said he would not be offering the midfielder a lifeline after he asked to leave Bayern a year ago. "I would like to remind you that one year ago Bastian … [Read more...]

Mane shines as Liverpool dominate Barcelona at Wembley

Mane and Divock Origi eased Jurgen Klopp’s worries over Daniel Sturridge with goals as Liverpool thrashed Barcelona 4-0 at Wembley. Saido Mane Saido Mane scored for the first time in a Reds shirt and Origi grabbed an assist and a goal in the space of a minute, but Sturridge and James Milner gave Klopp a potential headache before the big Premier League kick-off. There are once again question marks over Sturridge’s fitness ahead of next week’s opener at Arsenal after the England striker missed out with what the club explained was a slight hip injury. And Klopp was dealt another blow when Milner, who was playing in Liverpool’s problem left-back position, limped off moments before half-time. Nevertheless, the Anfield boss would have been hugely … [Read more...]

15 Facts you are addicted to the EPL

We love the English Premier League; the quality of football that’s witnessed in England is thrilling and sensational. However, there is wide berth when you consider the difference between genuine love for the game and over the top emotional involvement in the EPL. That wide berth is what we call addiction and believe me, EPL addiction is real. Here’s how I know 1. Match day is your Sabbath day and you keep it wholly; as in wholly games. Nothing else can be scheduled on match day… Absolutely Nothing! 2. If any crisis happens while you are watching a game, you wait until it is half time to attend to it and when you do attend to it, you pull moves so fast that even Flash would have a hard time keeping up 3. Which brings us to the next; living in a different … [Read more...]

8 Things Chelsea supporters want

It is never too early to make a wish list and I imagine that there are plenty that Chelsea fans wish for. Who knows, the bearded man at North Pole might surprise them with a treat! 1. For Juan Mata to come back home; home as in Stamford Bridge. The man is a Chelsea legend. The equivalent of the ex you wish you never let go 2. A trophy; last season the blues finished empty handed. With new upgrades like Michy Batshuayi and N’golo Kante, Chelsea fans want to win anything and everything 3. A chance to get back at Frank Lampard; he broke many hearts when by a twist of fate, he was signed to MCFC and also scored the equalizer against Chelsea in the game between the two clubs 4. To see more classic goals from Diego Costa, he’s a scoring machine with all the … [Read more...]

10 Signs that you are a Manchester United fan

What’s not to love about MUFC? They are strong, they have great history and they are currently sitting at the number 3 spot on the list of the world’s richest football club worth a whopping 2.3 billion pounds. But if that doesn’t confirm your allegiance to the club, here are a few things that might. 1. You think Sir Alex Ferguson is the greatest coach…ever! He gave the club more than 2 decades of service par excellence that raked in more trophies in that time span than Arsenal has ever had in their entire years of existence. 2. You still scour the net for post-match comments from Sir Alex Ferguson No matter how great or poor the team’s performance was, true Man United fans love to hear post-match updates by Fergie. 3. You take pride in the United … [Read more...]

Arsenal put eight pass Viking

Two goals each for Joel Campbell and Alex Iwobi helped Arsenal to an 8-0 friendly win over Viking on Friday. Seven second-half goals helped Arsenal to an 8-0 thrashing of Viking in Friday's friendly in Norway. Santi Cazorla saw a penalty saved by goalkeeper Iven Austbo after just four minutes, but Arsene Wenger's side responded emphatically to record a third pre-season win in a row. Joel Campbell opened the scoring on 33 minutes, but the Gunners had to wait until five minutes after the break to take control of proceedings, when Cazorla blasted home from distance. Theo Walcott and Campbell both struck from close range before the hour mark before substitute Alex Iwobi got in on the act, burying Cazorla's pass before drilling a low effort in off the post … [Read more...]

Manchester City draw Steaua Bucharest in Champions League play-offs

Manchester City have been drawn against Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League play-offs.   Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola City finished fourth in the Premier League and so must earn their place in the lucrative group stage, as new boss Pep Guardiola looks to go one better than last season’s semi-final run under Manuel Pellegrini. In the other side of Friday’s draw, Celtic were handed a tie against Israeli side Hapoel Beer-Sheva. Brendan Rodgers’ side beat Kazakh team Astana in the third qualifying round. Dundalk are aiming to become the first team from the Republic of Ireland to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League and will face Legia Warsaw of Poland. The Lilywhites produced a shock victory over BATE Borisov to secure … [Read more...]

Mourinho on Schweinsteiger: The coach decides his squad

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has defended his handling of Bastian Schweinsteiger in the wake of criticism of his methods. Schweinsteiger, 32, does not look to be part of Mourinho's plans at Old Trafford, with reports that he has been training with the reserves. A member of world players' union FifPro said Mourinho should be sent to prison over his treatment of Schweinsteiger, while Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also hit out at the Premier League club. Mourinho said at a news conference on Friday: "What is happening is what is happening in every club in the world. Which is that the manager decides his squad and chooses a certain number of players to face the season, and that's it. "I normally like to work with 20 players plus the … [Read more...]