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Arsenal to sign 15-year-old Spanish sensation!

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Gorka Zabarte Moreno. Heard of him? Thought not. Moreno is a Spanish youth defender playing at Real Madrid currently, but he looks likely to come to Arsenal. 

Because Moreno doesn’t turn 16 until January, under Spanish employment laws, he can’t sign a professional contract for Real…..but he can for the Gunners. 

Seen as a future star by Spanish journalists, Arsenal may well be snapping up a bargain. The Daily Star has reported that the transfer is on the ‘cusp’ of going through, and talks are in an advanced stage.

There is not a lot of information on him, but we can tell you that he is currently playing in Real Madrid’s youth team and has represented his country at Under-16 level….no mean feat, we think. 

Of course the Spanish youngster isn’t the answer to Arsenal’s current injury problems…..but one for the future? It would seem so.

 

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter @MichaelHorne777

 

Liverpool recieve transfer target blow

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Liverpool have been dealt a blow after it has been reported that Ezequiel Lavezzi would prefer a move back to Napoli rather than over to Anfield. 

The Argentine has been unable to get hold of a regular starting place since moving to Paris Saint-Germain, from Napoli for a fee of £20m in 2012.

The winger has previously spent 5 seasons with Napoli in Serie A, scoring 48 goals in that time. 

Lavezzi has 18 months left on his contract at PSG at the minute, who are considering still offering the winger a new deal.

By Connor Billington

Arsenal will be active in January but won’t sign Petr Cech says Arsene Wenger

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Arsene Wenger has revealed that Arsenal will be active in the January transfer window, but rules out a bid for Chelsea’s Petr Cech.

Cech has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks having played in just one Premier League game this season.

Wenger is keen to add defensive reinforcements to his squad, but is confident that with players returning, their fortunes will change.

“January might be a month when we have nearly everybody back because Laurent Koscielny is back in the squad, Mathieu Debuchy will be back I think in two weeks.

In January we of course [will] try to get at least one body in.” 

German forward Lukas Podolski is rumoured to be on the verge of leaving Arsenal, frustrated at his lack of game time.

But Wenger denies the unhappy Podolski is about to move. “I have had no enquiry about Podolski from anybody.”

The Arsenal manager added that Jack Wilshere is extremely disheartened after his latest injury setback.

“He is very down,” said Wenger. “He is a football man who loves the game.

On the other hand he is very strong as well and has learnt to deal with adversity from a very young age.

He always comes out stronger and when I spoke with him he is already determined, it is already in his mind the final sprint to the season. He is a very strong boy.”

By Joseph Richardson

@Jj147Joseph

 

Kolo Toure: Rodgers reminds me of Wenger

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Former Arsenal and Manchester City man has said that his current manager Brendan Rodgers reminds him of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and has the ability to turn fortunes around at Liverpool,

Toure said;

‘‘I do see Wenger in him – because they’re so intelligent,’ he said.

‘Like Arsene, he’s always there at training, trying to improve things. His style of player is also similar. He always wants us to pass the ball and keep playing.

‘He also knows how to speak to players and how to get the best out of them. He will prove that, because he will come out of this hard time.’

Rodgers has been facing heavy criticism recently after a string of losses this season and rumours are circulating that he will be replaced at the end of the season. Liverpool also have a must win match against Basel in December but Toure has insisted that Liverpool must remain patient with him because he just needs time to adjust to the Champions League.

Written by Kayleigh Neild – @KayleighN11

 

Arsenal set to sign ‘new Aguero’ from Palmero

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The Gunners are reportedly in the latter stages of talks to sign Palermo striker Paulo Dybala.

The 21 year old Argentinian currently earns his trade at Italian club Palermo where he has been nicknamed the ‘new Aguero’ after scoring five goals in 12 appearances.

He is thought to be one of the most talented strikers in Europe and is being watched by clubs all across the globe.

Spanish website Fichajes have reported that Arsenal are close to securing his signature in a £31million pound deal which would see him at the Emirates at the end of the season.

 

Written by Kayleigh Neild – @KayleighN11

‘Didier Drogba is the greatest I’ve played with’, reveals Lampard

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Didier Drogba in his prime was a better striker than Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, according to Frank Lampard.

The former-Chelsea midfielder is currently on-loan at City and he is currently playing alongside Aguero, who is in the form of his life after netting an impressive hat-trick against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night in the Champions League.

However, Lampard believes Aguero isn’t the best striker he’s ever played with, and has named Drogba as the best during his peak days at Stamford Bridge.

When asked about playing with Aguero and whether he’s the best he’s played with, Lampard replied with: “He’s one of them.

“I am fortunate enough to have played with Didier Drogba who for me was the greatest, but it is very hard to compare those two because their style is so different, but in terms of pure finishing, electric pace …

“In my first few days training here my friends and other people were asking ‘Who does this or that in training?’ and I said ‘This Aguero is just different class’. He has proved that. He can’t stop scoring.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

‘I want to help Arsenal win the Champions League’, admits Henry

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Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has dropped a massive hint regarding his future by admitting that he wants to help Arsenal win the Champions League.

The veteran’s contract is about to expire in America with New York Red Bulls, and with no contract talks in place, it looks like the striker’s playing career is coming to an end.

With retirement seemingly around the corner for Henry, Arsene Wenger has already been asked about a potential role for him at the Emirates Stadium, which he confirmed could be a possibility, and now Wenger himself has confirmed that his future will involve The Gunners.

“Nothing is clear,” the 37-year-old told L’Equipe . “I have not taken any decision or speculated, it’s not my thing.

“One thing is certain: I will stay in football, to coach, to be a consultant… we’ll see.

“The second certainty is that I would like to see Arsenal win the Champions League.

“Whether from near or far, it does not depend on me, but I’d sure like to help.

“Because this is my club and, as a player, I have not been able to give them the Champions League.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Robin Van Persie on his way to Inter?

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It is reported that Roberto Mancini is going to attempt to lure Manchester United forward Robin Van Persie to Italy.

It is well known that during Mancini’s reign at Manchester City he wanted the Dutchman and he said the reason City didn’t win the title that year was because he hadn’t signed him.

It is felt United can’t afford to keep hold of the striker and would be willing to sell him, with the likes of Rooney, Falcao and Di Maria at the helm to score for United.

Persie hasn’t hit the form he was at during his title winning debut season, only scoring 3 times this campaign which may have led to the claims he would look for a move away from Old Trafford.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Mancini is thinking about a move for Robin but he would have to wait untill summer to submit a bid.

Reports have estimated it would cost Inter £10million pound which is £14million pound short of what United paid Arsenal only 2 years ago.

 

Written by Kayleigh Neild – @KayleighN11

United to reject offer to sign Falcao

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According to French reports, United will turn their attentions to PSG striker Edinson Cavani due to the faintness concerns of Falcao.

The Colombian goal scorer has been sidelined through a calf injury since Oxtober, missing vital games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

However previous to his injury, he still managed just one goal from five Premier League games.

The Red Devils’ decision not to spend £43.5m to keep Falcao at Old Trafford has put PSG on alert, as the Ligue 1 champions are thought to be willing to offload Cavani and bring in Falcao.

United have been linked with Cavani for some time after the Uruguayan has reportedly been having fall-outs with boss Laurent Blanc over where he is being played.

Meanwhile Louis Van Gaal is thought to be readying a £50m swoop for the PSG star.

By Phil Wellbrook

Casillas linked with Arsenal and Liverpool

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Reports in Spain claim that Casillas is frustrated with boss Carlo Ancelotti at being dropped for Real’s Champions League game against Basel.

The 33 year-old is thought to be concerned about losing his place to summer signing Keylor Navas, who kept a clean sheet in the side’s 1-0 win in Switzerland.

And the reports claim that the Spain captain could look for an exit if the issue can be resolved by the end of January, putting Arsenal and Liverpool on red alert as they have been linked for some time.

This news will likely come as a blow to Manchester United as Real Madrid will step up their interest in fellow Spanish keeper David De Gea, should Casillas leave the Bernabeu.

By Phil Wellbrook

Zouma to be loaned to Besiktas

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Kurt Zouma was signed by Chelsea this January but was loaned back to St Etienne for the remainder of the season.

And the 20 year-old has struggled to cement a position in the starting line-up since his joining the squad in the summer.

Reports have now emerged in Turkey that the Frenchman has been allowed by Jose Mourinho to join Besiktas in order to gain experience and have another go at securing a place in the team.

Besiktas vice-president Ahmet Nur Cebi said: “We are not interested in Serdar Tasci or Michael Ciani but we are trying to transfer a defender.

“We have identified what positions we need to strengthen and are in talks trying to make something happen.

“We have four players we are targeting and working hard to bring one or two of them to the club.

“We want to make Besiktas worthwhile transfers.”

These comments come after the president of the Turkish side, Fikret Orman said recently: “We are working together with Chelsea to sign a player.”

By Phil Wellbrook

Arsenal look to PSG to solve midfield crisis!

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With Jack Wilshere already sidelined, the news that Mikel Arteta could be out for up to eight weeks is not good news for Arsene Wenger. After yet another succesful qualification campaign through the divisional section of the Champions League this week, spirits should be high at the Emirates. But with Arteta’s injury against Borussia Dortmund on wednesday proving to be worse than first expected, there will be worried brows amongst the backroom staff.

According to The Telegraph, Wenger is considering reviving his interest in French international, Yohan Cabaye to fill the gap in central midfield from January. 

Since a 19million move to Paris Saint Germaine from Newcastle in January of this year, Cabaye has been unable to hold down a secure place in Laurent Blanc’s starting XI. This has naturally sparked doubt as to whether the 28-year-old will remain on French soil.

With Liverpool and Manchester United also reportedly interested, Arsenal will have to move fast. Wenger has a £20million budget in January to strengthen his depleted squad, but any more injuries this side of Christmas will surely mean that figure will have to be raised. 

 

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter @MichaelHorne777

Juventus duo could still leave Serie A

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Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has insisted that central midfield pair Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal could depart the club in the future, as Serie A is no longer a final destination for players.

 

Throughout the summer, Vidal was linked with a move abroad to Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United, but nothing materialised. But, constant speculation continues to surround the player’s future at the Old Lady.

 

He is joined in midfield by former Red Devils midfielder Pogba, who recently signed a new long-term deal at the Juventus Stadium, but despite this, the Italian is continually linked with a move back to the Premier League with his former employers and league leaders Chelsea interested in his services.

 

The Bianconeri’s president has insisted that despite the fact that both players remained at the club in the recent transfer window, there is a real possibility the duo could still depart the club.

 

Agnelli said “Last year everybody was saying that Pogba and [Arturo] Vidal were ready to leave Juventus, but they didn’t.

 

He then added, “What is true is that Serie A is a transit league.

 

“We are not a final destination anymore. The risk is for great players to come here, acquire status, and then leave to become top stars abroad.”

 

Juventus currently sit top of Serie A with 31 points, three points clear of Roma.

 

Drogba reveals Sky Sports pundit has been his toughest opponent

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Didier Drogba has revealed that the toughest opponent he has faced during his career, was former Liverpool captain and defender Jamie Carragher.

 

The 36 year-old only re-joined the Blues this summer after a two year spell away from Stamford Bridge, and has made 10 appearances in total, netting on three occasions. Known for his strength up front and his calmness in front of goal, the Ivorian has often found himself on the right side of defenders during his career, but has revealed that now Sky Sports pundit Carragher was his most difficult opponent.

 

The forward told the club’s website, “[The best I’ve played against?] It’s difficult but I would say Jamie Carragher was the most difficult one in terms of aggression, but he was always fair.”

 

Ivory Coast’s all-time top scorer has found the back of the net 295 times in total throughout his career.  

 

Van Persie was close to joining Rangers

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Manchester United striker, Robin Van Persie, could have lead a different career if he had chosen to join Rangers instead of Arsenal.

The Dutch striker has revealed that before he completed his switch from Feyenoord to Arsenal, he was scouted by the Scottish club, and Dutch manager, Dick Advocaat, was manager at the club at the time.

He told BT Sport: “Years ago I was still playing for Feyenoord and I wanted to go there.

“I spoke to Dick Advocaat, who was the manager of Glasgow Rangers and he was interested, I was interested, I was ready to go.

“But they first needed to sell one player before they could buy me, or something like that.

“I was still very young, maybe 19 or 20, but in the end I went to Arsenal.”

Van Persie scored 132 goals in 277 games for the Gunners before joining United in 2012 for an initial £22.5m.

He helped the Red Devils win the Premier League in2013, with 26 strikes, and made the shortlist for the Uefa Best Player In Europe award.

Steve Osborne       @SteveOsborne23