Arsene Wenger believes Paul Pogba’s proposed £100million move to Manchester United represents the “complete madness” of the modern transfer market. France midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly set to join United for a nine-figure sum and Arsenal manager Wenger, who is currently in Los Angeles with the Gunners ahead of a pre-season friendly meeting with Chivas, suggested he would not pay over the odds for any player. Quoted in Tuttosport, he said: “It’s complete madness when measured against real life, but we live in a world in which everything that happens is geared towards moving money around. “It’s complete madness – but it seems that if you can afford to do it, you can justify it. Football has become a global competition and that is why clubs are chucking … [Read more...]
Willian flattered by Mourinho interest but had no intentions joining former boss
Willian has insisted he was never interested in joining Jose Mourinho at Manchester United but admits Chelsea must improve if they're to challenge them for the title. The Brazil international, who was voted the club's Player of the Year last season, was targeted by the former Chelsea boss following his own arrival at Old Trafford this summer. But Willian opted to commit his long-term future to Chelsea instead, signing a new four-year deal. "I have a great relationship with Jose, but I am Chelsea,” said Willian, when asked if the prospect of joining Mourinho, who signed him as Chelsea boss in 2013, ever tempted him. "Of course, when someone like him [Mourinho] is interested in you then you are happy. But I signed the contract because I like being a … [Read more...]
Ranieri: Arsenal link is ‘distracting’ Mahrez
Rihad Mahrez constant rumors linking him away from Leicester City to Arsenal is affecting the star winger manager Claudio Ranieri revealed. The Algerian has been strongly linked with Arsenal and the admission from Ranieri contradicts earlier claims made by fellow winger Demarai Gray who said that the PFA Players’ Player of the Year “wasn’t bothered” about the reports. Ranieri has been adamant that Mahrez will not follow in the footsteps of N’Golo and seal a big-money transfer to a Premier League rival, but admits the speculation could be having an impact on his approach to the game. “Maybe Riyad is distracted a bit by all of these rumors and speculation,” Ranieri said at a news conference following the 4-0 defeat to PSG . “But that is also an … [Read more...]
Rob Holding shines as Arsenal put three pass Chivas Guadalajara
Rob Holding, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chuba Akpom were all on target for Arsenal at the Stubhub Centre. Arsenal showed their quality in patches during a 3-1 win over Guadalajara in Sunday's pre-season friendly in Carson, California. After leaving it late against the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday, Arsenal continued their winning tour of the United States as big-money recruit Granit Xhaka made his first start for the Premier League giants. But it was new defender Rob Holding who grabbed the early headlines, the unlikely source of Arsenal's opening goal just past the half-hour mark at Stubhub Centre, after combining with centre-back partner Calum Chambers. Arsenal stepped it up a gear in the second half, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain staking his claim … [Read more...]
Rashford: United players can learn from Ibrahimovic
Marcus Rashford expects he and his teammates can learn a lot from Zlatan Ibrahimovic even if the Swede’s arrival might limit his own first-team opportunities at Manchester United. Rashford burst onto the scene last season, with the 18-year-old emerging from the youth ranks to earn a place in the first XI and an unexpected trip to Euro 2016. But new United boss Jose Mourinho has strengthened his hand with the signing of Ibrahimovic, who scored with a bicycle kick four minutes into his first appearance against Galatasaray on Saturday, leaving Rashford to scrap for game time. Time will tell how that works out, and the teenager believes simply sharing a dressing room with someone of Ibrahimovic’s stature will help him advance. “We can definitely all learn … [Read more...]
Milner considers quitting international football
Milner says his place at Euro 2016 could have gone to a young player who would have benefitted more after he played just five minutes. James Milner is considering international retirement to clear the way for England's young talent. The 30-year-old Liverpool midfielder was part of England's squad at Euro 2016, his fourth major tournament, but barely featured as England slipped out in the second round under Roy Hodgson. Leicester's Danny Drinkwater was controversially overlooked while the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have impressed with England Under-21s, and Milner is now thinking about calling time on his international career after 61 caps. "Over the last couple of years with the England team I have not really played too much," … [Read more...]
Bailly reveals Manchester City snub in favour of United
New Manchester United signing Eric Bailly has revealed he could have easily been playing in blue in the Premier League this season. The 22-year-old centre-back signed for the Red Devils back in June and has been compared by Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane . However, the £25m capture from Villarreal has said that he did have another offer to consider from arch-rivals Manchester City, but a conversation with a Chelsea legend helped sway his decision. “I signed for United because I like Mourinho, as simple as that,” Bailly told the Sunday Times. “I wanted to play for someone who works very hard. I didn’t speak to Pep Guardiola but the ‘second’ manager called me and Mourinho called me as well. “He said come and play for me. I prefer … [Read more...]