Contrary to speculation, a deal to take the highly-rated centre-back to Stamford Bridge is far from complete, with the Campania club determined not to sell. Despite reports suggesting a move to Chelsea is imminent, Napoli have insisted that Kalidou Koulibaly is not for sale. Sources in England over the weekend had claimed that the 25-year-old was on course to become Antonio Conte’s first major defensive signing at Stamford Bridge , with a fee of around €35.75 million being mooted for the imposing centre-back. However, with three years … [Read more...]
Chelsea want Higuain as replacement for Diego Costa
With the Neapolitans standing firm on their talisman’s €94m release clause, their resolve it set to be tested by the Blues, who are seeking a Diego Costa replacement. A return to Atletico Madrid for Diego Costa will reportedly see Chelsea replace the Spaniard with Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain. The Rojiblancos have been chasing a new striker for the season ahead, with the Argentine himself strongly linked, but it appears that Diego Simeone will seek to return Costa to the Spanish capital, where he spent a number of years before moving … [Read more...]
Arsenal goalkeeper Szcsesny set to remain on loan with Roma
Wojciech Szczesny could join the Lupi side on loan for another campaign after Luciano Spalletti made his capture a top priority. After spending last season on loan with Roma , Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szcsesny is set for another spell with the capital club. Lupi coach Luciano Spalletti made it clear to directors that he wants the Polish international at his disposal next campaign, and it appears they are ready to satisfy his demands. Although Roma locked up a deal for promising Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson from Internacional for €7.5 … [Read more...]
Liverpool to do battle with Everton for Belgian midfielder
Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel seemed poised to make a switch to Everton, but Liverpool have reportedly lined up an eleventh hour move. Liverpool are attempting to gain ground on Napoli and rivals Everton in the race to sign Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel. The Anfield outfit are eager to bolster the centre of the pitch by pursuing the sought-after Belgian now that one of their former transfer targets, Gregorz Krychowiak, has signed for Paris Saint-Germain. That said, the Toffees, who placed a €36 million bid on the … [Read more...]
Liverpool target Piotr Zielinski set to join Napoli
Liverpool target Piotr Zielinski is closing in on a move to Napoli, according to reports in Italy. The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for the Poland international and last month his intention was to reject all overtures from Napoli and hold out for a move to Liverpool. However, that now appears to have changed with Tele Club Italia reporting that Zielinski will sign for the Serie A club by tomorrow at the latest. Liverpool and Napoli are believed to lodged a €12million bids for the player, but according to reports Liverpool’s … [Read more...]
Ballack hails Giroud after netting a brace against Iceland
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack says Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is becoming his favourite player at Euro 2016. Giroud was named man of the match after scoring twice in France’s 5-2 victory over Iceland in the quarter-finals, a victory which sets up a clash with Germany in the final four. And former Germany captain Ballack has heaped praise on the 29-year-old, who has been much maligned by Arsenal supporters throughout his three years in north London. “Maybe he doesn’t get a lot of praise sometimes because he is not that … [Read more...]
Lucas Leiva unsure of Liverpool future amid Besiktas interest
Lucas Leiva has admitted he is unsure what the future holds for him at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp amid talk Besiktas are set to swoop for his services. The 29-year-old midfielder will return to Melwood this week to start pre-season training, but his long-term future is far from assured and reports suggest Besiktas are back on the trail of the holding midfielder. Lucas told Radio Joven Pan in Brazil: “There have been some changes last season, with the coaching change. “I still do not know exactly what will be my role within the group, … [Read more...]
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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]