Nolito has revealed he turned down the chance to re-join Spanish champions Barcelona because of his desire to play for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Spain winger signed for City last month after the club activated the £13.8 million release clause in his contract with Celta Vigo. Nolito played just five senior games for Barcelona under Guardiola between 2008 and 2011 before being sold to Benfica. But the 29-year-old insisted the prospect of working for the Catalan again was too good to pass up and said he was keener to do that than play with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar and company. Asked if it had been a straight choice between City and Barcelona, Nolito said: "Yes. It’s something I spoke about with my family and my management. I thought it … [Read more...]
Ranieri: Leicester City are crying over Kante departure
Claudio Ranieri has admitted that defending Premier League champions Leicester City are “crying” over the loss of N’Golo Kante to Chelsea. Kante, who was one of the standout players on their way to winning the Premier League last season, moved to the Blues for a fee believed to be in the region of £30million last Saturday. Ranieri is convinced Leicester can cope without the French international but admits the club have lost a good player. “Last season we lost Esteban Cambiasso and everybody was crying,” he told reporters after the Foxes penalty shootout victory over Celtic in the International Champions Cup. “Now we are crying because we lost Kante. But don’t worry, football in Leicester will keep going.” … [Read more...]
Michy Batshuayi happy to play for Chelsea
Chelsea's drive for success was obvious from the first training session, new signing Michy Batshuayi has said. Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi admits he has been buoyed by the winning mentality at his new club. The Belgium international joined the London club from Marseille this month on a five-year deal for a reported fee of €33.1million, and scored twice in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Atus Ferlach this week. Chelsea endured a dismal campaign in 2015-16, failing to win a major trophy and finishing 10th in the Premier League, just a year after winning the competition under Jose Mourinho. But Batshuayi is in no doubt that belief is growing over their prospects of a title tilt under new manager Antonio Conte. It ended 8-0 to the Blues, with … [Read more...]
Anthony Martial unhappy with United after shirt change decision
Anthony Martial is unhappy with Manchester United’s decision to take his No. 9 shirt and give it to new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to reports in France. The Frenchman is attempting to build an AM9 brand, with his official website, Twitter and Facebook pages adorned with that logo – but those plans appear to have suffered a huge dent after Ibrahimovic was given the No 9 shirt at Old Trafford. RMC’s Mohamed Bouhafsi – who broke the news of Martial’s Manchester United transfer last summer – claims that he was not consulted about his switch to the No. 11 shirt to pander to Ibrahimovic. Manchester United gave Zlatan Ibrahimovic the #9 shirt without informing Anthony Martial that they were taking it away from him ! 8:06 PM - 23 Jul … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho: Derby match result not important
Jose Mourinho says there is nothing to be gained from Monday’s Manchester derby in Beijing except the health of his players. The Manchester United manager held a press conference at the Bird’s Nest Stadium – where the pitch is very, very shoddy – and suggested that the result of the clash is utterly unimportant. “The condition of my players is more important than the results in pre-season. I have only one goal from tomorrow’s match, take the players home safe,” said Mourinho. “We cannot just run away and disappear and not play, so we have to play and try to be lucky. “Normally when we say lucky we say lucky because we want a good result. The result I want tomorrow is to go home without injuries. “Manchester City have all of their players, we have … [Read more...]
Liverpool accept £6m Bournemouth bid for Brad Smith
Liverpool have accepted an offer from Bournemouth for defender Brad Smith, sources from both clubs revealed. Bournemouth have tabled a £6 million bid for Australia international Smith as they look to bolster their defensive options. Smith, who is currently away with Liverpool on their tour of America, is set to return to England to hold talks with the Cherries. The 22-year-old, a Liverpool academy graduate, almost left Anfield last summer when his contract expired before he finally agreed a new deal shortly after the arrival of Jurgen Klopp last September. He went on to play a backup role to Alberto Moreno last season, making 10 appearances in total, but Klopp is willing to let him move on as he is the market for a new left-back this summer. If … [Read more...]
Andre Schurrle can replace Mkhitaryan at Dortmund- Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel is confident Andre Schurrle can fill the void left by Henrikh Mkhitaryan at Borussia Dortmund. Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel feels Andre Schurrle is the perfect replacement for Henrikh Mkhitaryan following the latter's departure to Manchester United. Mkhitaryan enjoyed an impressive 2015-16 campaign, but BVB opted to cash in on the attacking midfielder following his refusal to sign a contract renewal. They subsequently turned to Schurrle to fill the void left by the Armenia international and Tuchel has little doubt the 25-year-old will become a key figure after joining from Wolfsburg. "With Mkhitaryan's departure, we have lost a player who can play on the wings and there are not a whole lot of players like him. Schurrle is … [Read more...]
Benteke closer to Anfield exit as Palace remain hopeful of signing striker
Crystal Palace remain in pole position to land Christian Benteke and are still hopeful of persuading Liverpool to lower their asking price, according to reports. The Croydon Advertiser says that the Eagles are still leading the chase for the Belgium international and remain hopeful of bartering down Liverpool’s asking price. Benteke scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for the Reds in a disappointing season for the striker and now finds himself behind Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings in the pecking order, while Roberto Firmino also remains an option as a central striker following the summer signings of Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane sale The 25-year-old, who was brought in by previous manager Brendan Rodgers, doesn’t fit into Jurgen Klopp’s … [Read more...]
Bellerin dismisses Arsenal exit rumours
Hector Bellerin has appeared to distance himself from claims he could look to leave Arsenal this summer after posting a message on social media following his return to the club from a holiday. The Spain full-back has been linked with a £43million move to Manchester City , where his former Barcelona academy coach Pep Guardiola is now in charge, while quotes from the player did little to dampen reports the Spanish champions are also keen on re-signing him. However, although saying nothing about his future at the club, the player did at least tweet the following after his return to pre-season training with the Gunners. Nice to be back at home 3:51 PM - 23 Jul 2016 Héctor Bellerín @HectorBellerin Follow The Gunners are reportedly in talks with … [Read more...]
Wojciech Szczesny to finalise move to Roma
Wojciech Szczesny is at last set to finalise his move from Arsenal to Roma this week after the Gunners agreed to allow the Polish international to depart. The move was held up last week , apparently due to the Gunners unwillingness to let the Polish leave while current back-up goalkeeper David Ospina faced an uncertain future, with Besiktas rumoured to be considering a move for his services. However, both Il Tempo and Sky Sport Italia now report that any issues have been ironed out after the Pole was left out of Arsenal’s pre-season squad for their trip to California. Instead, he will fly to Rome and it is expected that the deal will be confirmed and he will be announced as a Roma player once again by Tuesday. Szczesny is set to join on another loan … [Read more...]
Romelu Lukaku set for a possible return back Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku has made a return to Chelsea his ‘number one option’ this summer, according to reports. Sources claims that Lukaku believes that a move back to Stamford Bridge is still possible and is determined to leave Goodison Park as soon as possible. And the report also states that the 23-year-old has told his mates that he feels he has ‘unfinished business in London’ and would like to explore the possibility of a return. Lukaku scored 18 Premier League goals last term with only Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero finishing ahead of him in the 2015/16 top scorers list. Ronald Koeman, who was appointed the new Everton boss in June , is already lining up replacements, with Everton believed to have raised the Belgian’s asking price to £75million … [Read more...]
Arsenal target Higuain set for Juventus medical
Arsenal appear set to miss out on Gonzalo Higuain, with the Napoli striker reportedly undergoing a medical at Juventus. Earlier this month, reports suggested Arsenal were trying to broker a part-exchange deal for the striker and had offered Olivier Giroud to Napoli in return. However, according to Sky Italia, Juventus are poised to land the Argentina international, although the two clubs remain in negotiations for a fee. Last season, the 28-year-old broke a Serie A record in scoring 36 goals and is understood to have a €94.7 million release clause in his contract. Juventus have already weakened one of their title rivals, having signed Miralem Pjanic from Roma, … [Read more...]
Antonio Conte wants Edison Cavani at the Bridge
Edison Cavani wanted by Conte who have high hopes of winning the Premier League in his first season at Chelsea and would love to acquire the striker from French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Since arriving at the English club after Euro 2016, the former Italy coach is constructing a squad to suit his style of football, and he has told Blues owner Roman Abramovich that he needs five major signings if the Blues are going to win the title in England. So far Chelsea have already bought N’Golo Kante from Leicester City and Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, but with Diego Costa reportedly linked with a return to Atletico Madrid, Conte wants to add another striker and Cavani fits the profile. The Londoners have offered €50 million for Cavani, but PSG want more … [Read more...]
Stoke and Swansea interested in Joe Allen
Swansea’s American investor Jason Levien has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen. Liverpool this week accepted a £13million bid from Stoke for the 26-year-old, but his former club could also feature prominently in the market. Levien and his fellow American Steve Kaplan head up the consortium that has taken a controlling interest in the Swans, sealing a reported £110million deal. And asked about Allen – a player sold by Swansea to Liverpool for £15million in 2012 – at the Liberty Stadium on Friday, Levien said: “He is certainly someone we have discussed. “Thinking about how additions to the club will fit in with the current structure is something we spend a lot of time on, and he is someone who obviously has a great … [Read more...]
Luke Shaw one of the best in his position- Ander Herrera
Ander Herrera believes Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw is one of the best players in the world in his position. Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera feels team-mate Luke Shaw is arguably one of the best left-backs in the game. The England international recently made his comeback in the 2-0 friendly win over Wigan after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a fractured leg, featuring for 45 minutes. He then stayed on for the full 90 minutes in the International Champions Cup defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Friday and Herrera is delighted with Shaw's return to match action. "We are very happy with him and we are very happy for him because it has been very tough for him," Herrera told the official United website. "We have one … [Read more...]
Alexis Sanchez set to miss Arsenal tour due to injury
Chile international Alexis Sanchez heads the list of players not involved in Arsenal's tour of the United States. Alexis Sanchez will miss Arsenal's tour of California due to the ankle injury he sustained in the Copa America final. Sanchez was taken off in extra-time of Chile's penalty shoot-out win against Argentina after a heavy challenge from Gabriel Mercado. He will miss the games against MLS All-Stars and Chivas but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is confident it will not jeopardise his chances of being fit for the start of the new Premier League season with Arsenal's opening game coming against Liverpool on August 14. Cuarto día de mis vacaciones, encerrado en el hotel aburrido jajaja .. Pero ya estoy mucho mejor. pic.twitter.com/i0KN0JBsnE — … [Read more...]
Arsenal close in on Riyad Mahrez signing- reports
Riyad Mahrez is set to be on his way out of Leicester City to join Arsenal in a deal worth €50million, according to reports. The transfer will be yet another massive blow to Leicester and Claudio Ranieri, who have already seen N’Golo Kante join Chelsea. Earlier this week, Ranieri appeared confident that Algeria international Mahrez would remain at the King Power Stadium, despite reported interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona. However, according to Eurosport, the Gunners have managed to prise the 25-year-old away from the Foxes and the move could be announced over the next few days. Mahrez will compete with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott for a place in Arsenal’s forward line. Walcott had been linked with … [Read more...]
Liverpool sign Newcastle’s Georginio Wijnaldum for £25m
Liverpool have signed midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United in a £25million deal. The Netherlands international has signed a five-year contract, with Liverpool paying an initial £23m, with a further £2m in conditional add-ons. Wijnaldum will travel to California to join his new team-mates on their tour of the United States this weekend. The 25-year-old is manager Jurgen Klopp's seventh signing of the summer, following Loris Karius, Joel Matip, Marko Grujic, Sadio Mane, Ragnar Klavan and Alex Manninger to Anfield. He scored 11 goals in 38 league appearances in his maiden season in England, however Newcastle could not avoid relegation to the Championship. On the prospect of working with Klopp, Wijnaldum said: “[He seems] a … [Read more...]
Man United defender joins Eintracht Frankfurt on loan
Guillermo Varela has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a season's loan with his first-team opportunities at Manchester United set to be limited. Manchester United full-back Guillermo Varela has joined Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old Uruguayan made his first-team breakthrough last season, starting 10 matches in all competitions. But the next stage of his career development will once again take place away from Old Trafford, with having previously enjoyed a temporary spell with Real Madrid's Castilla side after moving to United from Penarol in 2013. Realistically the defender has Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia and Timothy Fosu-Mensah ahead of him in the pecking order at right-back in Jose Mourinho's squad. … [Read more...]
Dortmund sign fomer Chelsea player Andre Schurrle
Dortmund have captured a second German international in two days as they have confirmed the signing of Andre Schürrle from Wolfsburg. The 25-year-old joins on a deal until 2021, and the club stated he will begin training with the rest of Thomas Tüchel’s men at the beginning of August. This comes after BVB announced they had re-signed Mario Götze from Bayern Munich on Thursday. Schürrle has scored 48 goals and set up a further 29 in 174 Bundesliga matches. He has even scored 20 times in 55 appearances for the German national team. “Borussia Dortmund is one of Europe’s top clubs and they have a strong and extremely exciting squad” Schürrle said. “I know from my own experience how much strength BVB can harness through its interaction with its fans and … [Read more...]
Arsenal are making progress in transfer market- Ivan Gazidis
Arsenal “are making progress” in a “fiercely competitive” market despite fan unrest, according to chief executive Ivan Gazidis. The Gunners started the summer transfer window proactively, signing Granit Xhaka for £33m from Borussia Monchengladbach. Arsene Wenger has made only one further signing however, with Takuma Asano joining for an undisclosed fee. Only five clubs have made fewer signings than Arsenal, but Gazidis points to the business champions Leicester – who the club finished runners-up to last season – made last season. “Leicester identified players from the French second division, so maybe there’s talent that we’ve been overlooking,” he told ESPN. “They did their talent identification well, they had great unity within the group, as well … [Read more...]
Liverpool target Ben Chilwell to stay at Leicester- Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri has stated that defender Ben Chilwell is expected to sign a contract extension with Leicester City despite being linked with Liverpool. Liverpool have been chasing the England Under-21 international for some time now according to reports, but the 19-year-old has made a decision to stay with the Foxes. “He is very close [to signing a new deal] and he will stay with us,” Ranieri revealed at a news conference when asked about Chilwell’s future.” Chilwell was loaned out to Huddersfield in November 2015, and he impressed with the Yorkshire club, making eight Championship appearances. The Italian boss was asked about the future of striker Leonardo Ulloa, who has been linked today with Swansea City, but the manager insisted that there are no … [Read more...]
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