Arsenal will step up their pursuit for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi after Gabriel Paulista was ruled out for up to two months. Arsene Wenger’s defensive options are threadbare for the opening stages of the season, with Per Mertesacker set to miss around five months and Laurent Koscielny given an extended break after reaching the final of Euro 2016 with France. Brazil international Gabriel was in line to start as the senior centre-back in the season opener against Liverpool, alongside either Calum Chambers or new signing Rob Holding. However, the defender injured his ankle in the friendly victory over Manchester City last week and is expected to be out for between six to eight weeks. The blow is understood to have forced Wenger to try push … [Read more...]
Arsenal defender Gabriel out for up to two months
Arsenal have been given the news that central defender Gabriel Paulista has been ruled out for up to two months with a sprained ankle. The defender was injured in the final minutes of Arsenal’s pre-season victory over Manchester City on Sunday. Initial reports suggested that the Brazilian could be our for an extended period, but the BBC’s David Ornstein (the oracle) reports that Gabriel will miss between six and eight weeks. David Ornstein ✔ @bbcsport_david Arsenal CB Gabriel out 6/8wks - ankle sprain. Not quite as bad as he 1st feared but #AFC stepping up pursuit of Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi. That leaves Arsenal requiring a centre-back as a matter of urgency. Reports have linked them with both Shkodran Mustafi and Jonny Evans. Arsene … [Read more...]
Pogba discusses United return, eyes Individual and team glory
Paul Pogba wants to “become one of the best” after completing his much-anticipated world record transfer to Manchester United. Months of speculation, negotiations and deliberation bore fruit in the early hours of Tuesday morning as the open secret of the 23-year-old’s United return was made official. Four years on from departing Old Trafford without making a first-team start, Pogba signed a five-year contract with the option of a sixth season after United agreed to pay an eye-watering 105million euros (£89million). Juventus revealed the deal could increase by a further five million euros (£4.25million) depending on targets being met – something that looks likely given by the Frenchman’s comments in his first interview since the deal’s completion. “The … [Read more...]
Manchester City sign Everton defender John Stones
Manchester City have confirmed that they have signed Everton defender John Stones on a six-year deal. City announced the transfer had been completed shortly after UEFA revealed the club had included Stones in their Champions League squad for the playoff with Steaua Bucharest, with the first leg taking place on Wednesday. City have reportedly paid around £47.5m for the England defender, who will wear the No. 24 shirt, and Everton said they had received a club-record amount. CONFIRMED: John Stones has today joined Manchester City for a record transfer fee. #EFC - Everton (@Everton) August 9, 2016 Stones could make his City debut in the Premier League opener against Sunderland on Saturday, which will be Pep Guardiola's first official game in charge, … [Read more...]
Arsenal target Icardi not for sale-De Boer
New Inter Milan boss Frank de Boer has insisted that Chelsea and Arsenal target Mauro Icardi will not leave the San Siro this summer. The former Ajax boss was appointed as new manager of the Italian giants after Roberto Mancini left the club after less than two years in charge in his second spell. “Juventus are not unbeatable, sometimes things change. They have a great team and it will be tough, but we want to fight. “We will keep the players who we do not want to sell. Icardi will remain.” The Argentine striker has been linked with a big money move to Napoli also, who sold star man Gonzalo Higuain to rivals Juventus. Icardi’s agent and wife Wanda Nara stated through her Twitter: “Changes are for the brave, cowards prefer to stay where they are, even … [Read more...]
Arsenal wiling to sign Mustafi before match against Liverpool
Arsene Wenger is willing to sign Mustafi before his side kick-off against Liverpool as he deals with a defensive crisis. Per Mertesacker is already sidelined with a knee injury while Gabriel Paulista sustained an ankle injury in Sunday's 3-2 victory against Manchester City. Wenger has already shown interest in Roma defender Kostas Manolas and Napoli Kaliduo Koulibaly, both whom are rated 45m each, but Arsene Wenger sees Mustafi as a more affordable option due to his price tag 35m. Mustafi has been heavily linked with Arsenal but the two clubs are apart due to the valuation of the German International, though Wenger sees him as a viable option. An offer is very likely to be submitted as Wenger aims to push a deal before the end of the week otherwise … [Read more...]
John Stones ‘reaction’ after joining Manchester City
With less than a month to the closing of summer transfer window, latest report claims that Chelsea long-term target John Stones has completed a move to Manchester City. This report is according to Sky Sports which claims that the highly rated Centre back signed a six-year contract with the Citizens which will keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2022. Speaking to mancity.com, the England international expresses his joy in his new challenge and promises to improve his game in order to gain ground in city's first eleven. "I'm absolutely delighted to sign for City and now the deal's done I'm looking forward to the next stage in my career. Said Stones "I've obviously seen what's going on here at the Etihad, it's an ambitious Club with a great manager so I can't … [Read more...]