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Lazio interested in Chelsea flop

With Corinthians keen to offload him, former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato could be on his way back to Serie A, as Lazio look to push for a European spot next season. After the club missed out on Europe last season, incoming Lazio coach Marcelo Bielsa is keen to add new options to his attack, particularly in the wake of Miroslav Klose’s departure . The Biancocelesti are looking to build on last year’s eighth place finish in Serie A and are hoping to bring in former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato move to the Stadio Olimpico. The Aquile are readying an approach for the Corinthians-owned forward, who only has six months left on his contract with the Brazilian league champions and could be available for a cut price, according to reports. A return to … [Read more...]

Morata wants pay rise as Arsenal are set to lure him to the Emirates

Alvaro Morata’s agent will meet with Real Madrid officials and demand a pay rise after his excellent Euro 2016, according to AS. Morata has returned to the Spanish club after they exercised his buy-back clause for £25m, but they could still sell him to a Premier League club to help fund expected moves for Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante. After an impressive season for Juventus and three goals at Euro 2016, Morata’s agents want an increase on his wages of £65,000 a week after tax; reports suggest that Madrid will offer the same terms. ‘It’s understandable that Morata would want a pay rise considering the offers he has received from the Premier (Arsenal are willing to pay 9 million). But Madrid, for the moment at least, have other ideas,’ say AS. Morata is … [Read more...]

Kelechi Iheanacho risks wrath of new City gaffer Pep Guardiola

KELECHI IHEANACHO has risked the wrath of Pep Guardiola by declaring he wants to represent Nigeria at the Olympics. The striker, who netted 14 goals for City last season, is now set to miss the start of new season by going to the Games The 19 year old Nigerian was included in his country’s 35–man provisional squad early last month. But it was then made clear to him that Guardiola – presented on Sunday to the club’s fans at the City Football Academy – wanted him to remain and start work with him. But Iheanacho, who was last season’s eight – goal second top scorer in the Premier League admits he would still like to go to Rio. He says: “I don’t know if I can go because it is not up to me to decide because they have not concluded the squad. “But … [Read more...]

Guardiola: City players more important than Man United boss

Guardiola is set to resume his bitter and long-running rivalry with Mourinho, who starts his job as manager at neighbours Manchester United today. City’s new boss has been busy reshaping his squad and his backroom team at the Etihad Stadium, naming retired Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta as one of four assistant coaches yesterday – as we revealed he would in February. And Guardiola is adamant he will not be dragged into public disputes with his arch-rival across Manchester. “The most important thing in football is that people don’t come to the stadium to see how good the manager is. They come to see how good our players are,” he said. “It’s not just this year – there have been many, many good managers in the Premier League, with Jose, with Jurgen … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: Giroud nets twice as France thrash Iceland to book semi-finals ticket

It is France who will face Germany on Thursday for a place in the final of Euro 2016 after giving Iceland’s underdogs a chasing. In the process, England’s humiliation was finally complete. Just when Roy Hodgson thought an ignominious week could not get any worse, the sight of the hosts, all pizzazz and panache, ripping England’s conquerors apart provided a depressing denouement and a lesson in how to prevail. Didier Deschamps had the luxury of spending the entirety of the second half, his side already 4-0 to the good, pondering how to overcome the Germans in Marseilles’ Stade Velodrome. The world champions will not prove as obliging opponents as Iceland, but with Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann both sprinkling stardust in goalscoring cameos, and … [Read more...]

Manchester United close in on Hirving Lozano

Manchester United appear to be closing in on the signing of 20-year-old Mexico international Hirving Lozano, according to reports. The Red Devils are understood to have been scouting the player for months , and Pachuca’s vice-president claimed the club is in talks to sign Lozano. “Already there is negotiations with that team [United]? Yes,” Andre Fassi told ESPN. “There is still nothing closed though.” Now Lozano’s father-in-law has claimed the Mexico international will head to Manchester after Mexico compete to retain their Olympic gold medal. “Yes. It’s all done, just missing some details and after the Olympics, the deal will become official,” Lozano’s father-in-law told Futbol Entre Lineas. Lozano made four appearances for his country in last … [Read more...]

Batshuayi joins Chelsea from Marseille

Despite being a target for Juventus, Michy Batshuayi becomes Antonio Conte’s first signing as Chelsea coach, with the former Marseille striker signing a five-year deal with the Blues . Chelsea have won the race to sign highly rated striker Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, fending off interest from a host of European clubs. The Belgian international will link up with his new teammates once he returns from his post- Euro 2016 break, having helped the Red Devils to a quarter-final spot. A stellar season at the Stade Velodrome had seen the likes of Juventus , Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United show their interest in his services, but it is the Blues who have landed the 22-year-old. A transfer fee of €40 million has been agreed with Marseille, whilst … [Read more...]

Leicester sign Nampalys Mendy as N’Golo Kante nears Chelsea switch

Claudio Ranieri has splashed out £13million to sign the highly-rated midfielder – beating the Foxes previous record of £9million for Croatian striker Andrej Kramaric. Mendy’s arrival will be viewed by many as Leicester doing their business to clear the way for star midfielder N’Golo Kante to leave the club. The French ace, currently starring for his country at Euro 2016, is wanted by a string of Europe’s top clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG. Kante – who cost Leicester £5.6million from Caen last summer – is seen as one of the biggest bargains in Europe at the moment because he has a £20million buy-out clause which can be triggered at any moment. However sources close to Ranieri insist the Italian wants Mendy to pair … [Read more...]

Mikel Arteta confirms retirement set to join Man City as assistant coach

MIKEL ARTETA has confirmed his retirement to join Manchester City as assistant coach. In a statement on his Twitter account, the Spaniard admitted the chance to link up with Guardiola was 'amazing' He said: "I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal and retiring from playing to take up a coaching position at Manchester City. "I’ve enjoyed an amazing five years at Arsenal and it’s been an honour and a privilege to captain such a great club. I would like to personally thank the manager, board, all of my teammates and, of course, the fans for the fantastic support I’ve received during my time there. Hi all, here a statement from me on the next chapter in my football career... pic.twitter.com/2Xb9VifCog — Mikel Arteta (@m8arteta) July 3, 2016 "I … [Read more...]

Arsenal sign Japanese striker Asano

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Japanese striker Takumo Asano, with Arsene Wenger calling the 21-year-old a promising prospect for the future. Arsenal announced the deal on their official website, saying the agreement with Japanese club Sanfrecce Hiroshima is still subject to the completion of a medical and "regulatory processes." However, Asano is unlikely to play a major role at the Emirates next season, with Wenger saying he still needs time to develop. "Takuma is a talented young striker and very much one for the future," Wenger said. "He has had an impressive start to his career in Japan and we look forward to him developing over the next couple of years." The club did not disclose financial terms of the deal. Asano becomes Arsenal's second … [Read more...]

Radamel Falcao: Expensive mistake for Chelsea

Radamel Falcao’s woeful campaign at Chelsea has become even more difficult to swallow for the Blues, after stats revealed just how costly a failure the Colombian was at Stamford Bridge. The Blues confirmed on Friday that Falcao, Alexandre Pato and squad goalkeeper Marco Amelia will all leave Stamford after failing to make an impact at the club. Colombian Falcao – once regarded as one of the world’s top strikers – struggled during a spell with Manchester United in 2014/15 – but his stats at Old Trafford were nothing compared to the expensive failure he became at Stamford Bridge. Falcao, who cost Chelsea a reported £140,000 a week during his 10-month stay at Stamford Bridge, made 12 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring just once – in the … [Read more...]

Mourinho: Zlatan needs no introduction

Jose Mourinho has spoken for the first time about Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival at Manchester United. Ibrahimovic has signed a one-year contract at United, which also contains an option to extend it for a further year. Aged 34, there are doubts as to whether the striker will be able to adapt to the pace of the Premier League. Mourinho believes those fears will prove unfounded. The new Manchester United manager also feels that part of Ibrahimovic’s role is to assist the club’s younger players, with Marcus Rashford the obvious example. “Zlatan needs no introduction. The statistics speak for themselves,” said Mourinho. “Ibra is one of the best strikers in the world and a player who always gives 100 per cent. “He has won the most important league … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: Conte proud despite defeat to the Germans

With Antonio Conte's time as Azzuri boss now over, the tactian will look to change Chelsea's fortunes in the new season. Following his side’s penalty shootout defeat to world champions Germany , Italy coach Antonio Conte has praised his Azzurri outfit despite their exit from Euro 2016. Leonardo Bonucci levelled things up in Bordeaux in the second half after Mesut Ozil had opened the scoring in the tense quarter-final. However it was enough as Italy were ultimately defeated on penalties, and Conte was saddened to end his spell as Italy coach on such a low. “The lads have put everything into this shirt,” Conte told Rai Sport after the game. “I could not have asked for anything more from them. “Although it has ended in defeat, I am still proud of this … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: Courtois and Wilmots in heated argument after loss to Wales

The Red Devils were stunned by Wales, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did not hold back his disappointment after the game, blaming tactician Marc Wilmots for their elimination . After Friday night’s shock 3-1 defeat to Wales , Belgium coach Marc Wilmots was involved in a heated dispute with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois The Red Devils got off to a horrific start at Euro 2016 as they were fell to a 2-0 defeat to Italy , with Wilmots being confronted by his shot-stopper in the aftermath of that defeat as well. Although his contract runs until 2018, it appears to be increasingly unlikely that Wilmots will see it through. In the aftermath of Friday’s defeat, there was a tense atmosphere in the dressing room in Lille, according to Belgian … [Read more...]

Euro 2016: Germany beat Italy on penalties to end Italian hoodoo

Manuel Neuer was Germany’s hero as Joachim Low’s side reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 by beating Italy 6-5 on penalties in a dramatic shoot-out in Bordeaux. The Bayern Munich keeper made two crucial saves in the shoot-out after the game had ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. A nervy 30 minutes of extra time brought no more goals, so it went to penalties and Neuer saved brilliantly from Matteo Darmian and Leonardo Bonucci, who had earlier equalised for Italy from the penalty spot in the 78th minute. That goal came after Mesut Ozil had put the Germans ahead, but the Arsenal star was one of seven players to miss during the shoot- out. It was a night of high drama and meant Germany have finally beaten Italy in tournament football for the first time in … [Read more...]

Eden Hazard: Belgium can take positives after Euro 2016 exit

Eden Hazard says Belgium can be "positive" about their future despite being eliminated from Euro 2016 by Wales. Belgium crashed out of the tournament in France on Friday after being beaten 3-1 by Wales in the quarterfinals in Lille. But while the Red Devils players will be hurting following a game that they were expected to win, Hazard, 25, says his teammates have reason to be cheerful going forward. "We're going to keep working with the aim of winning things in future," the Belgium captain told reporters. "In two years there is a World Cup. That's another objective, so we'll think about that, about qualification, then there's a Euro in 2020. We have a young team so we can be positive about the future." Belgium took an early lead through Radja … [Read more...]

Ramsey backs Wales to reach Euro 2016 final without him

Aaron Ramsey has backed Wales to get to the Euro 2016 final without him – and says his display against Belgium was “one of the best” of his career. Ramsey and defender Ben Davies will both miss Wednesday’s historic semi-final against Portugal after picking up their second bookings of the tournament against Belgium. Wales produced a magnificent performance to win 3-1 in Lille on Friday night, with Ramsey setting up two of the goals to take his number of assists at Euro 2016 to four and thus becoming the top-ranked player in our ratings . However, a handball in the quarter-final means the Arsenal midfielder will play no part against the Portuguese in Lyon. “It was a sort of natural reaction and I knew straight away it was a yellow,” Ramsey said of the … [Read more...]

Mesut Ozil: I am as ambitious as Ronaldo

Mesut Ozil has rejected claims that he is the opposite type of player to Cristiano Ronaldo. Ozil was speaking to L’Equipe ahead of Germany’s match against Italy in Euro 2016. The playmaker says that, although he is not as hungry for goals as Ronaldo, that does not lower his desire to achieve. “Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously very ambitious, but so am I,” Ozil told L’Equipe. “I am a perfectionist on the pitch as well. I want to be successful with everything I do. “During the time I played alongside Ronaldo [at Real Madrid], I saw that he always wanted to win everything, even on the training pitch. He is never satisfied and always wants more. He always wants more titles and there are not a lot of players with that attitude. “Personally, I am not as … [Read more...]

Balotelli vows to win Ballon D’Or

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli still believes that he can win the Ballon D’Or, despite enduring a tough two seasons. Balotelli has returned to Liverpool training for the first time under Jurgen Klopp, but faces a tough battle to establish himself at Anfield. The Italian striker was loaned out by Brendan Rodgers at the start of last season, but scored only one league goals in his 20 Serie A matches for Milan. It’s fair to say that that hasn’t dampened his ambitions for individual success. “In my view there weren’t enough [expectations placed upon him], as I can do so much more than what I said. But it takes time,” Balotelli told the Corriere della Sera newspaer. “On the scale of 0 to 10, I stopped at five, but I’ll get to 10 eventually. I want to … [Read more...]

Conte assures Spanish duo about their future

Antonio Conte has reportedly held talks with Cesar Azpilicueta and Pedro to stress that they are both in his first-team plans at Chelsea. According to reports, the Italian sought out the Spanish duo following the last-16 clash at Euro 2016 as he tries to build a Chelsea squad capable of mounting a title challenge this season. Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United have been linked with Azpilicueta, while Pedro revealed recently that he has held talks with Barcelona. However, it is thought that Conte wants to keep both at Stamford Bridge for the upcoming campaign and will not entertain any offers for the two right-sided players. … [Read more...]

Ander Herrera confirms Giggs exit by paying tribute to the United legend

It's not been easy to keep secrets at United this summer and Giggs' story has been one of those. It started with Louis van Gaal and the constant story that he would be relieved of his duties as his team struggled through last season. That eventually happened, with the shadow of the available Jose Mourinho looming large over the Dutchman. The former Chelsea gaffer was heavily linked with taking over from van Gaal and that ended up happening at the end of May. And it's been followed up by constant talk of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Mhitaryan both moving to Old Trafford - and those came to be a reality this week. Since Mourinho's appointment, it's been widely reported that Giggs wouldn't stay as part of his coaching team and would instead leave to chase his … [Read more...]

Borussia Dortmund confirm Mkhitaryan sale to Man United

Henrikh Mkhitaryan will join Manchester United after Borussia Dortmund reluctantly confirmed the two clubs had agreed a fee – believed to £26.3m – for the player. Dortmund released a statement reading: “After intensive discussions BVB have complied with the wishes of the Armenian national team player to join Manchester United.” . @HenrikhMkh wechselt zu @ManUtd // Henrikh Mkhitaryan moves to Manchester United. Details to follow. pic.twitter.com/mFxTgZoS3J — Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) July 2, 2016 “This transfer was for us a difficult one to agree, but we had to assess the fact the player just had a year left on his deal and Manchester made us a tremendous offer. “Had we knocked it back, the player would be able to leave for free in 2017. It was a … [Read more...]