Theo Walcott could begin the new Premier League season as Arsenal’s only fit striker as manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Olivier Giroud has been given a month off after his Euro 2016 exploits. Both Giroud and France teammate Laurent Koscielny will holiday for four weeks before returning to Gunners training just before the start of the new league season on August 13. Danny Welbeck is a long-term absentee and the Gunners have so far failed to add to their striker ranks; Welbeck, Giroud and Walcott were the only three players to start Premier League games up front for Arsenal last season. Jamie Vardy publicly rejected Arsenal’s overtures and talk of a move for Alexandre Lacazette seem to have gone quiet. Arsenal’s only other current option is … [Read more...]
Ex-United coach linked with vacant Belgium job
Louis van Gaal will be considered to replace Marc Wilmots as Belgium manager if he applies for the role, according to Francois De Keersemacker, the president of the Belgian FA. Former Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Ajax boss Van Gaal has taken charge of the Netherlands' national team on two separate occasions and is currently available after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season. Francois De Keersemacker, the president of the Belgian FA, told reporters on Friday: "Van Gaal might be a potential candidate. We will see if he puts himself forward as a candidate. If he does then we will evaluate his candidacy." Van Gaal's candidacy will be helped by his success with Netherlands, whom he led to the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup, according to the … [Read more...]
James Rodriguez wanted by Premier League clubs
James Rodriguez fancies a switch to the Premier League if a club matches his £67m release clause, according to Spanish reports. Marca have gone big on the front page with the headline ‘LA PREMIER TIENTA A JAMES’, which basically means that the Colombian has the horn for English football. Rodriguez started only 17 La Liga games last season and did not even make it off the bench for the Champions League final, with first Isco and then Lucas Vazquez preferred as substitutes. His preference is reportedly to stay at Real but he obviously wants Premier League clubs to know that he would be open to a switch. Manchester United are understandably is preference but Chelsea and West Ham are also mentioned as potential suitors. … [Read more...]
Guardiola eyeing a new goalkeeper at Man City
A new goalkeeper has popped up on Manchester City’s radar with Pep Guardiola reportedly unconvinced that Joe Hart can be his reliable No.1. Hart, who featured in our six stars with the most to prove this season , is under intense scrutiny after his dismal showing with England at Euro 2016 and the new Citizens chief is thought to be weighing up other options to rival him as first-choice goalkeeper at the Etihad. According to the Daily Mail, PSV’s £7m-rated stopper Jeroen Zoet has been added to Guardiola’s wishlist alongside Barcelona pair Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen after a great season in Holland. Zoet was named in the Eredivisie team of the year after 13 clean sheets last term and was already being monitored regularly by Manchester City … [Read more...]
Mkhitaryan delighted with debut performance
Henrikh Mkhitaryan made his Manchester United debut on Saturday and is happy to play in any position for Jose Mourinho. Manchester United attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan insists he is happy with any role given to him by Jose Mourinho after making his debut at Wigan Athletic. Mkhitaryan lined up in the number 10 role behind James Wilson during the first half at the DW Stadium, before being replaced at the interval with the game scoreless. The former Borussia Dortmund man set up a golden chance which was wasted by Memphis Depay, before missing a presentable opportunity of his own. United went on to win 2-0 in Mourinho's first game in charge thanks to second-half goals from Will Keane and Andreas Pereira, and Mkhitaryan was encouraged by the start made by … [Read more...]
Conte suffers defeat as Rapid Vienna beat Chelsea 2-0
Antonio Conte's reign as Chelsea head coach got off to an underwhelming start in front of Roman Abramovich, who was in the stands, as his team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Rapid Vienna. An early goal from teenage Brazilian striker Joelinton gave Rapid a lead they never relinquished as the Austrian giants marked the opening of their brand new 28,000-seater Allianz Stadion with a famous victory. Spanish substitute Tomi added a second late on. Chelsea announced the signing of Leicester City midfielder N'Golo Kante for a reported £30 million shortly before kick-off and Rapid were also in the mood to celebrate, staging a spectacular prematch show that included a group of classical musicians, a rock band, Harley Davidson bikers who rode around the stadium and a … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho happy with friendly result against Wigan
Jose Mourinho has vowed he will give everything to deliver success to Manchester United's fans after kicking off his reign with a comfortable friendly win over Wigan. With the Euro 2016 contingent -- including the likes of David De Gea, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Anthony Martial -- resting, Mourinho's Red Devils bow was always likely to be a soft start, though second-half strikes from Will Keane and Andreas Pereira guaranteed a 2-0 win at the DW Stadium. Everything about the 90 minutes was low key -- from Mourinho's comfort-first leisure wear to his use of 22 different players -- but the Portuguese admitted to being taken aback by the level of support he and his side received. Around 7,000 United fans turned out for the gentle workout, unanimously … [Read more...]