Barcelona have announced the signing of striker Paco Alcacer from Valencia on a five-year contract. Alcacer, 23, joins for an initial €30 million with a further €2m in potential bonuses, and his buyout clause has been set at €100m. Alcacer told Valencia's official website: "When I found out about the offer from FC Barcelona I asked the club to listen to it, as it was my decision to take a step forward in my career." He added: "I want to thank Valencia CF and the fans. Despite the fact that I am leaving Valencia CF, I will always be a Valencianista at heart." [OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT] Barça sign @paco_alcacer on a five year deal https://t.co/JDTWMmdCCO #AlcacerFCB pic.twitter.com/kysRVRDnqB - FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 30, 2016 He becomes … [Read more...]
Former Arsenal midfielder Rosicky rejoins Sparta Prague
Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has returned to his home town to join Sparta Prague. The 35-year-old left the Gunners in July after a ten-year spell in the Premier League and, despite making only one appearance last season, was included in the Czech Republic squad at Euro 2016. He retired from international football following the tournament and has now agreed a two-year contract with Sparta, the club with whom he began his senior career in 1998. A statement published on the Czech side's website said Rosicky had trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Tuesday afternoon. He won the FA Cup during his time with Arsenal and clinched the 2001-02 Bundesliga title with Dortmund. He is set to return to England when Sparta, who finished … [Read more...]
Sergio Aguero lands FA charge following elbow
Sergio Aguero faces a three-match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the Football Association for elbowing Winston Reid in Manchester City's 3-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday. The incident, which happened in the 76th minute as Aguero challenged the West Ham defender from a long clearance, was not punished at the time by referee Andre Marriner, who put in his match report that he had not seen what had happened. Aguero has until Wednesday at 6 p.m. BST to answer to the charge, but if he does not contest it then he would automatically receive a three-game ban. That means he would be suspended for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sept. 10. He would also miss the Premier League home clash with Bournemouth on Sept. 17 and the EFL … [Read more...]
Arsenal complete signing of Deportivo La Coruna striker Lucas Perez
Arsenal have completed the £17.1million signing of striker Lucas Perez from Deportivo La Coruna, with Shkodran Mustafi set to follow. The 27-year-old enjoyed a prolific season in La Liga in 2015/16 where he scored 19 goals in all competitions, including 17 in the league. This included a spell when he scored seven goals in seven successive games, matching the record of former Brazilian striker Bebeto. He also scored in the opening game of this La Liga campaign, against Eibar. Lucas began his career in Spain with Atletico Madrid C and then Rayo Vallecano. Spells with Karpaty Lviv in Ukraine and PAOK in Greece followed, before he returned to his home region of Galicia with Deportivo La Coruna in 2014. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger told the club’s official … [Read more...]
Arsenal willing to loan out Jack Wilshere
Arsenal are willing to loan out Jack Wilshere in a bid to kickstart the midfielder's career, according to reports. The Gunners academy graduate has played just 37 mintues of action this season, and there is no clear route to the Arsenal first-team for the England international. With a number of injury problems behind him, head coach Arsene Wenger is keen to send the midfielder out on loan, so he can prove his fitness and kickstart a stuttering career. Considered one of the brightest talents of his generation, Wilshere spent the majoriry of last season injured, and his lack of game time resulted in the 24-year-old missing out on a call up to Sam Allardyce's first England squad. Wenger believes Wilshere still has a future at the Emirates, but feels he … [Read more...]
Sterling reveals how Guardiola helped revived his City career
Raheem Sterling has revealed the impact of Pep Guardiola in helping him turn his fortunes around at Manchester City. Manchester City star Raheem Sterling lauded manager Pep Guardiola for his "massive help" in turning his form around. The England international has been instrumental in helping City win their opening three Premier League games, including netting a brace in Sunday's 3-1 victory over West Ham. While Guardiola has played down the influence he has had on the 21-year-old, Sterling revealed the former Barcelona coach was key. "The manager's been in the game a long time, won stuff, worked with young players, worked with great players, and he knows how to get the best out of his players," he said. "He's been a massive help. Not just for me, … [Read more...]
Barcelona confirm Messi hamstring
Lionel Messi may be a doubt for Argentina's World Cup qualifiers next week after Barcelona confirmed on Monday that their star has a sore left hamstring. The 29-year-old underwent tests at Barca's training ground on Monday after he ended Sunday's 1-0 La Liga win against Athletic Bilbao in discomfort. However, the Blaugrana remain happy for the player to travel to South America and link up with Edgardo Bauza's squad. Argentina, currently third in the CONMEBOL qualification group, host Uruguay on Sept. 2 before facing Venezuela away on Sept. 7 and Messi is to make his much-anticipated return for these matches. Barcelona said in a statement: "Tests conducted today have confirmed that Lionel Messi has a sore left adductor muscle. Both the Medical Services … [Read more...]