Thierry Henry insists he 'respects, Arsene Wenger's decision to make him choose between punditry or coachimg Arsenal's under-18. The former Gunners striker had been involved with Arsenal’s academy players last season during his course to gain his UEFA A Licence. The 38-year-old, who works on Sky’s Premier League coverage and also appeared on the BBC’s Euro 2016 output, was offered a role within the Arsenal set-up by manager Wenger – but was told he would have to step down as a pundit. Henry, one of the top-earners at Sky since signing for the network in December, clarified the situation with Arsenal in a series of posts on his official Twitter account. “I would like to thank Andries Jonker for offering me the chance to coach the U18’s @arsenal, which … [Read more...]
Middlesbrough in talks to sign former Man City striker
Middlesbrough are trying to finalise a deal to bring back Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo to the Premier League on loan. The newly-promoted Teessiders are understood to have opened talks over the 30-year-old former Manchester City frontman as head coach Aitor Karanka looks to boost the firepower at his disposal in the Premier League. However, the negotiations are proving painstaking with Boro seeking an initial loan agreement without taking on full responsibility for the player’s existing financial package. Discussions are understood to have been ongoing for some time and, while progress has been made, any deal remains distant. Madrid-born Negredo scored 23 goals in his one season at City before returning to Spain to join Valencia, initially on loan … [Read more...]
Willian signs new four-year deal at Chelsea
Chelsea have announced that Manchester United target Willian has signed a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho was understood to be keen on being reunited with Willian, and the winger was reportedly interested in a move to Old Trafford. But the Blues have managed to tie down the 27-year-old Brazilian, who was voted the club’s player of the year last season, until 2020. “I’m very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea. It’s a dream to continue with this club and over the next four years I will try to help the team win more trophies,” Willian said on the club’s official website. Chelsea bought Willian from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala three years ago in a £32million deal, clinching his signature ahead of London rivals … [Read more...]
Juventus rejects Arsenal bid for Rugani
Arsenal have reportedly had a £25million bid rejected for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani. The Italy Under-21 international impressed in Italy last season, but he is behind Massimiliano Allegri's first-choice centre-backs Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini in the pecking order and made just 17 Serie A appearances. He has been linked with a move away from Turin this summer, with Arsenal and Italian sides Napoli and Sampdoria all reportedly interested in his signature. Reports from Italy claim the Gunners have had a £25m bid rejected for the defender. The report claims the north London club made the proposal after Everton moved for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly. The Toffees will apparently begin negotiations with the Italian club … [Read more...]
Arsenal lacking fit strikers as search continues
Arsenal are struggling with injuries up top and have so far failed to sign a new leading man. Danny Welbeck is out long-term after suffering another knee injury near the end of last season and isn't expected back until around February at the earliest. Elsewhere, Olivier Giroud has now gone on his summer holidays after Euro 2016 . As France reached the final of the tournament, Giroud now begins his three week break and won't be match fit when the campaign gets underway at home to Liverpool. Arsenal face two crucial fixtures: hosting Jurgen Klopp's side on August 14 before travelling to champions Leicester the following weekend. Jamie Vardy could have been in red but rejected a move to Arsenal in favour of staying at the King Power … [Read more...]
Swansea signs Tyler Reid from Man United
Swansea have announced the signing of defender Tyler Reid from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee. Reid, 18, has agreed a three-year deal and is set to link up with the club’s development squad ahead of their pre-season tour to Scotland later this month. Right-back Reid joined United from Arsenal’s youth ranks in 2012, but did not feature for the first team. “I am really looking forward to a fresh challenge and getting started,” he told Swansea’s official website. “I see a good opportunity to play first-team football with the development squad here. Swansea play good attractive football, and I think that suits my style of play.” … [Read more...]
Liverpool defender set for Turkey move
The defender’s time in Liverpool looks to have come to an end after eight and a half years. Skrtel has been deemed surplus to requirements by Jurgen Klopp as the German boss sets about building a team capable of challenging for the title. And according to website Turkish Football , Skrtel will fly to Istanbul to complete his move, before joining up with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp later this week. Both clubs have been in negotiations over his transfer for a number of weeks with a fee of £5.5million now reportedly agreed. The 31-year-old has been on holiday since Slovakia’s Euro 2016 campaign came to an end with a 3-0 defeat to Germany in the last-16. But the Slovakian will finally have his future sorted this week as he … [Read more...]