Guardiola is set to resume his bitter and long-running rivalry with Mourinho, who starts his job as manager at neighbours Manchester United today. City’s new boss has been busy reshaping his squad and his backroom team at the Etihad Stadium, naming retired Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta as one of four assistant coaches yesterday – as we revealed he would in February. And Guardiola is adamant he will not be dragged into public disputes with his arch-rival across Manchester. “The most important thing in football is that people don’t come to the stadium to see how good the manager is. They come to see how good our players are,” he said. “It’s not just this year – there have been many, many good managers in the Premier League, with Jose, with Jurgen … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Giroud nets twice as France thrash Iceland to book semi-finals ticket
It is France who will face Germany on Thursday for a place in the final of Euro 2016 after giving Iceland’s underdogs a chasing. In the process, England’s humiliation was finally complete. Just when Roy Hodgson thought an ignominious week could not get any worse, the sight of the hosts, all pizzazz and panache, ripping England’s conquerors apart provided a depressing denouement and a lesson in how to prevail. Didier Deschamps had the luxury of spending the entirety of the second half, his side already 4-0 to the good, pondering how to overcome the Germans in Marseilles’ Stade Velodrome. The world champions will not prove as obliging opponents as Iceland, but with Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann both sprinkling stardust in goalscoring cameos, and … [Read more...]
Manchester United close in on Hirving Lozano
Manchester United appear to be closing in on the signing of 20-year-old Mexico international Hirving Lozano, according to reports. The Red Devils are understood to have been scouting the player for months , and Pachuca’s vice-president claimed the club is in talks to sign Lozano. “Already there is negotiations with that team [United]? Yes,” Andre Fassi told ESPN. “There is still nothing closed though.” Now Lozano’s father-in-law has claimed the Mexico international will head to Manchester after Mexico compete to retain their Olympic gold medal. “Yes. It’s all done, just missing some details and after the Olympics, the deal will become official,” Lozano’s father-in-law told Futbol Entre Lineas. Lozano made four appearances for his country in last … [Read more...]
Batshuayi joins Chelsea from Marseille
Despite being a target for Juventus, Michy Batshuayi becomes Antonio Conte’s first signing as Chelsea coach, with the former Marseille striker signing a five-year deal with the Blues . Chelsea have won the race to sign highly rated striker Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, fending off interest from a host of European clubs. The Belgian international will link up with his new teammates once he returns from his post- Euro 2016 break, having helped the Red Devils to a quarter-final spot. A stellar season at the Stade Velodrome had seen the likes of Juventus , Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United show their interest in his services, but it is the Blues who have landed the 22-year-old. A transfer fee of €40 million has been agreed with Marseille, whilst … [Read more...]
Leicester sign Nampalys Mendy as N’Golo Kante nears Chelsea switch
Claudio Ranieri has splashed out £13million to sign the highly-rated midfielder – beating the Foxes previous record of £9million for Croatian striker Andrej Kramaric. Mendy’s arrival will be viewed by many as Leicester doing their business to clear the way for star midfielder N’Golo Kante to leave the club. The French ace, currently starring for his country at Euro 2016, is wanted by a string of Europe’s top clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG. Kante – who cost Leicester £5.6million from Caen last summer – is seen as one of the biggest bargains in Europe at the moment because he has a £20million buy-out clause which can be triggered at any moment. However sources close to Ranieri insist the Italian wants Mendy to pair … [Read more...]
Mikel Arteta confirms retirement set to join Man City as assistant coach
MIKEL ARTETA has confirmed his retirement to join Manchester City as assistant coach. In a statement on his Twitter account, the Spaniard admitted the chance to link up with Guardiola was 'amazing' He said: "I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal and retiring from playing to take up a coaching position at Manchester City. "I’ve enjoyed an amazing five years at Arsenal and it’s been an honour and a privilege to captain such a great club. I would like to personally thank the manager, board, all of my teammates and, of course, the fans for the fantastic support I’ve received during my time there. Hi all, here a statement from me on the next chapter in my football career... pic.twitter.com/2Xb9VifCog — Mikel Arteta (@m8arteta) July 3, 2016 "I … [Read more...]
Arsenal sign Japanese striker Asano
Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Japanese striker Takumo Asano, with Arsene Wenger calling the 21-year-old a promising prospect for the future. Arsenal announced the deal on their official website, saying the agreement with Japanese club Sanfrecce Hiroshima is still subject to the completion of a medical and "regulatory processes." However, Asano is unlikely to play a major role at the Emirates next season, with Wenger saying he still needs time to develop. "Takuma is a talented young striker and very much one for the future," Wenger said. "He has had an impressive start to his career in Japan and we look forward to him developing over the next couple of years." The club did not disclose financial terms of the deal. Asano becomes Arsenal's second … [Read more...]