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...]
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...]