Mesut Ozil believes the likes of Mario Gotze and Leroy Sane should consider moving to the Premier League. Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in summer 2013 in a club-record £42.5m deal, and has been a success at the Gunners thus far. He won consecutive FA Cups in his first two seasons, and has regularly been one of the club’s best performers in his first three campaigns. With Gotze linked with Liverpool, and Sane a reported target of Manchester City, Ozil has intimated that his team-mates should consider moving to England. “What’s it like at Arsenal? What distinguishes the Premier League? How are the dealings with the media and public? These are questions I am asked [by team-mates],” Ozil told German newspaper Bild. “I can only tell them of my … [Read more...]
Brexit to have effects on Premier League football
Following months of debates and campaigns, it is now official that Britain will leave the European Union, plunging the country into uncertain political, financial and social terrain, but sports too faces an unclear future. After a drawn out process, Britain will now leave the European Union after a victory for the Brexit campaign, which will impact Premier League football. The end to freedom of movement could mean that work permits are required, which means that players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitri Payet would be considered as non-British immigrants. Chief Executive of the Premier League, Richard Scudamore has already stated that a Brexit would have a negative effect on the Premier League, which has already seen the collapse on the pound to the … [Read more...]
Roma rejects United offer for Kostas Manolas
Kostas Manolas has attracted interest from Man United but the Giallorossi are prepared to offer him a new deal which will see him remain at the capital club. After spending the past two seasons in the Italian capital, Kostas Manolas is expected to extend his stay at Roma after the club turned down an offer from Manchester United. The Giallorossi are now set to extend his contract by one year, until 2020 and Manolas can expect his salary to rise to over €3 million per season, including bonuses. A bid of around €35 million was submitted by the Red Devils, according to Corierre dello Sport, which was swiftly rejected by the club’s hierarchy. The Greek international became an integral part of Giallorossi, helping the club to a runners-up place in 2015, … [Read more...]
Man United not giving up on signing Paul Pogba
Manchester United are continuing to pursue Paul Pogba as Jose Mourinho sets out his intent to secure at least four summer signings. Mourinho has prioritised signing Pogba but reports suggest the manager is doubtful whether or not the club can secure one of the most highly-sought players of the moment. Nonetheless, United remain confident that they will be able to make a statement signing as the club prepares for the new season. Sources told Manchester Evening News that Mourinho expects the club to clinch a deal that “will make everyone sit up straight”. The club has already signed Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly – who joined from Villarreal – but Mourinho continues to target a right midfielder, as well as a striker and a central midfielder. Pogba’s … [Read more...]
Wenger not interested in France Job
Arsene Wenger has ruled out the possibility of managing his native country of France. He believes his time to get into international management has passed. Earlier this month, the Arsenal coach had previously kept the option of leading France open. However, it seems the 66-year-old has no plans of engaging, despite having a year left on his Arsenal contract. “I think this time [to move into international management] has gone now,” Wenger told BeIN Sport. “I have been asked a few times to do it. I was always busy somewhere else. “I just want my country to do well and have a good tournament because at the moment this country is going through a very difficult time. We have been hit hard through terrorism, strikes and many other unrests. “The … [Read more...]
Bilboa ready to bring Azpilicueta back to Spain
Cesar Azpilicueta’s future in London remains unclear, with PSG and Barcelona also interested in landing his services Antonio Conte holds the key to Cesar Azpilicueta’s fate for both club and country in the coming weeks as the defender’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain. On Monday, the incoming Blues coach will face off against Spain in the knock-out stage of Euro 2016, a game which could be his last in charge of Italy, but could also decide whether the full-back will start the new season at Stamford Bridge. Azpilicueta threatens to be deemed surplus to requirement at Chelsea, with Conte’s preference for a formation consisting of three central defenders well-documented, but there is no shortage of potential suitors from across Europe. Athletic Club … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Courtois admits Belgium got easier opponent in Hungary
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has acknowledged that his side have been fortunate to end up with what looks like a more comfortable path through the knockout stages of Euro 2016. Marc Wilmots' side will take on Hungary in the round of 16 on Sunday after their 1-0 win over Sweden on Wednesday ensured they finished as runners-up to Italy in Group E. Though the Chelsea keeper, 24, is not planning to underestimate Hungary, who finished ahead of Iceland, Portugal and Austria in Group F. "We have to admit that we have an 'easy' half of the draw because obviously all the teams that are there deserve it but there are no big teams like Spain, France or Italy," he told RTBF. "Of course we have to do everything but Hungary had three good matches and they … [Read more...]