Manchester United to battle Chelsea for Seamus Coleman

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Sep 30, 2014

Manchester United are keen to sign Everton full-back Seamus Coleman, according to reports in The Guardian.

The Republic of Ireland international has impressed in a starting role at Everton over the last couple of seasons, and United are set to join Chelsea in the hunt for the highly-rated defender.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly been looking at the 25 year old for several weeks now, and is preparing a bid for next summer.

But according to Tuesday’s edition of The Guardian, United will attempt to land Coleman by offering a Goodison Park return for unconvincing midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

Fellaini left Everton for Manchester United in the summer of 2013, when the Red Devils were managed by David Moyes, however he (Fellaini) has somewhat failed to make the grade at Old Trafford, and could be used in a proposed swap deal.

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal is set to overhaul his squad once again in the coming months, following a poor start for the club this season.

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Arteta in contract extension talks

By

Michael Horne

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Sep 30, 2014

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Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s Spanish captain, has been offered a new one-year deal to extend his career at the Emirates. His current contract is set to expire at the end of the season when the player will be 33.

Arsenal have a standard policy to offer no more than 120-month contracts to players over 30, but this will suit Arteta nicely, as he contemplates life after Arsenal.

The Basque midfielder inherited the Gunner’s captaincy from Thomas Vermaelen in the summer, and is still seen very much as an integral piece of the Arsenal jigsaw.

Arteta is currently sidelined through a calf injury picked up in the North London derby at the weekend.

Despite not being available for selection until after the next international break, the contract is on the table and negotiations are underway. Aaron Ramsey also pulled a hamstring in the same game and faces at least a month in the treatment room.

There was some good news however for the Arsenal faithful. Jack Wilshere has been given the ‘all-clear’ following an ankle injury at the weekend, and looks a possibility to face Galatasary in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Reports also suggest that French striker, Olivier Giroud has agreed a new four-year deal, earning him £80,000 a week.

So, all in all a mixed bag of news for the Gunners, but mostly positive. With the pressure to bring silverware to the club somewhat alleviated at Wembley in May, there is a growing optimism around North London that this could be a special year for the men in red and white.

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

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Mourinho to risk Diego Costa despite hamstring worries

By

Michael Horne

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Sep 30, 2014

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Jose Mourinho believes complete rest is needed for Diego Costa, in order to recover from a niggling hamstring problem. However, he believes Spain will ignore this fact and draft in Costa to play against Slovakia and Luxembourg next month.

Costa has scored eight goals in six Premier League up to now, but was only a substitute in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Shalke in the Champions League opener – a result which suggests the reliance of the Blues on their new star striker.

On the eve of Chelsea’s Group G match with Sporting Lisbon, Mourinho announced: ‘Diego starts. There is a risk, yes, but he plays. We assume the risk and he plays. Hopefully everything goes well and hopefully from Tuesday till Sunday he has enough period of time to be back again on track and to play against Arsenal (in the Premier League).

‘It’s an important game for us tomorrow, a difficult game and if I can play my best players and the teamI think is the best team to try to get the best result, I’m not going to make any change.

‘I don’t rest people. I make decisions. I don’t think about Arsenal – I think about Sporting and I’m going to start with the team that I think is the best team.’

The Portuguese tactician has recently gone public, saying he doesn’t want Costa, a £32million Summer signing to play in upcoming internationals, however he believes Spain will ignore his wishes.

Mourinho went on to say: ‘I have the feeling that next week he goes to the national team. I have the feeling that in the national team they will not consider the fact that he is in trouble so tomorrow he plays and hopefully he plays Sunday again against Arsenal.

‘But in this moment I don’t think about Arsenal – I think about Sporting. And Diego starts tomorrow.’

So despite Costa’s ongoing problem, and an injury to Diego Drogba, Mourinho appears to value the Spanish hitman so highly, Loic Remy may have to sit out these games on the bench.

‘Drogba’s going to be out for a couple of weeks,’ Mourinho added.

‘He had a problem in a training session in the ankle. Not possible to travel (to Lisbon) and I think not possible to recover for Sunday.’

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

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Filipe Luis lifts lid on Chelsea lifestyle

By

Alex Batt

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Sep 30, 2014

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Chelsea Summer signing, Filipe Luis, has opened up about life in England, and the Brazilian has admitted that he much prefers London to Madrid.

The 29-year-old left Atletico Madrid in the Summer in order to join Chelsea, and despite spending most of his time on the bench, Luis has admitted that he is loving life in England and is very happy in London.

When asked about adapting to life in England, Luis revealed that he much prefers it to the life in Spain, but he admitted that the football is a lot more physical.

He said: “So far it’s been really good for me.

“The football is unbelievable here: strong, tactical and also very physical – much more physical than in Spain.

“For me it’s been a really fast adaptation and my team-mates have helped me a lot with that. I’m really happy here.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool closing in on Valdes

By

Alex Batt

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Sep 30, 2014

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Liverpool are set to ramp up their interest in free-agent goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, once the Spaniard fully returns from his knee injury.

The former-Barcelona star let his contract expire at the Nou Camp after declaring his desire to leave the club for a new challenge, but his potential moves were cancelled by a serious knee injury which has kept him out for nearly the whole calender year.

However, with Simon Mignolet not performing as well as he would like, Brendan Rodgers is now ready to ramp up his interest in the Spaniard, and is desperate to sign him to provide genuine competition for the Belgium shot-stopper.

The 32-year-old is expected to undergo medical tests at Liverpool in the next few weeks just to see whether he is fit enough.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Cristiano Ronaldo return ‘two years away’

By

Alex Batt

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Sep 30, 2014

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Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague, has revealed that Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo, will return to Manchester United, but it’s at least two years away from happening.

The Portuguese star is reportedly frustrated in Spain, due to the club selling stars; Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso, to United and Bayern Munich respectively, and the forward wants to return to England in order to end his career.

United fans are desperate to see their star return to Old Trafford and even paid for a aeroplane to fly a banner over the Bernabeu with a message saying ‘Come Home Ronaldo’, and despite the 29-year-old insisting his future is in Spain, Balague believes a move could be on in two years time.

‘People want this to happen in January, if possible. It’s not going to happen,’ Balague told Sky Sports.

‘In the summer? I don’t think it’s going to happen. Real Madrid have got no intention whatsoever of selling Cristiano Ronaldo next summer.

‘In two years’ time I would say yes, that is possibly the time when he will be 31 going on 32, for Real Madrid to say: ‘OK, if we can cash in on him, brilliant. He has done a lot for us, but that’s it, time to move on’.

‘I don’t think it’s going to happen this summer. People will have to be a little bit more patient.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Olivier Giroud to sign new deal at Arsenal

By

Alex Batt

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Sep 30, 2014

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Arsenal striker, Olivier Giroud, is set to sign a contract extension seeing him stay at the Emirates until at least 2018.

The French international, who is currently sidelined after suffering a nasty leg injury against Everton in August, is expected to be out for the rest of the year, but is hoping to secure his long-term future at the club be signing a four-year extension.

The 27-year-old still have two years left on his current deal, but after an impressive two seasons in England, Arsenal officials wanted to reward him with a further two years and it’s expected to be announced in the next couple of weeks.

It’s believed the contract will be worth £80k-a-week, and despite some fans not rating Giroud, it’s reported that this is the club’s way of backing the Frenchman as they feel he’s vital to Arsene Wenger’s plans.

Giroud joins; Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky in signing new deals this calender year.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Alan Pardew on the brink following latest defeat

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 29, 2014

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Alan Pardew looks likely to lose his job in the coming day or so, following Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat away at Stoke City on Monday evening.

Peter Crouch’s first half header gave the Potters a deserved three points, with Pardew now seemingly walking a tightrope before his presumed sacking by controversial owner Mike Ashley.

Pardew, who has already been under intense pressure at the Magpies of late, cut a lonely figure on the touchline at the Britannia Stadium, as he saw his Newcastle side squander late chances in the defeat.

Should he lose his job, Pardew would leave the Tyneside club without a League win so far this current season, with Newcastle now 19th the Premier League after six games.

Comments by Ashley in the Independent over the weekend suggest that the Stoke fixture seemed to be the final straw for the London born manager, following several amounts of supporter protests after the barrent run of results.

The Newcastle boss is actually guaranteed a huge pay out if he is relieved of his duties, with Pardew into the second year of an eight year contract.

In what has been a testing time since appointment, with off the field behavioural problems a plenty, is Ashley set to wield the axe once again at St James’ Park?

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Sanchez Dropped by Arsenal?

By

bizzlemufc

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Sep 29, 2014

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Chilean World Cup star Alexis Sanchez has been relegated to the substitutes bench amid concerns he is slowing the ball down too much, according to reports.

Arsene Wenger and his coaching staff have become increasingly concerned that Sanchez’s heavy workload over summer and his tendency to take an extra touch are having an adverse effect on the North London club’s style of play.

After signing from Barcelona following the World Cup, the forward became an instant fan favourite and even started a couple of games in the lone striker role in the absence of Olivier Giroud. Since the club signed Danny Welbeck, the former Manchester United striker has started all four games up front while Sanchez has had to contend with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil for a wide attacking role.

The reason behind Sanchez dropping to the bench is a mixture of things; while he is a willing runner who has undoubted quality, he has struggled so far to exert himself physically against Premier League defenders. Often when receiving the ball with his back to goal he can concede possession too cheaply and leave his team in trouble. With this in mind Wenger and his team are working with Sanchez to turn him in to an even better player by improving his decision making and increasing the speed with which he moves the ball on.

The gunners hope that with an opportunity to rest after his World Cup heroics, and a few subtle changes to his game, Sanchez can become a real force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.

By Andrew Bell

Forster hopes Southampton can focus

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 29, 2014

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Southampton goalkeeper Frser Forster has called upon his fellow team-mates to remain focused following a fine start to the Premier Leagie season.

The Saints are currently flying high in the upper reaches of the Premier League, as the South Coast side currently sit second in the top flight, with 13 points, from six games played.

Goals from Ryan Bertrand and a superb 68th minute overhead kick from new signing Graziano Pelle, either side of a Charlie Austin strike, helped the host beat Queens Park Rangers 2-1 at St Mary’s on Saturday.

But Forster, who has impressed since signing from Celtic in a £10 million deal in the summer, stated following the win that the rest of his team-mates must keep their feet on the ground, after a brilliant start to the season under recently appointed manager Ronald Koeman.

“We’re on a good run and it’s just important we keep looking one game ahead and be fully focused and keep on trying to play the football we know we can play,” Forster said, speaking to Sky Sports.

“It’s just important we don’t go too far ahead and just enjoy the moment really.

“We’ve got a fantastic squad. You look at the bench and the bench is very strong with players who can come on and make a real difference.

“The team hasn’t changed too much but it’s what we need that kind of consistency.

“It’s just important that we can keep everyone fit because that’s a benefit and as I said just take it a game at a time.”

The England goalkeeper also praised his team-mates decision to come in on their day off (Wednesday), following last Tuesday’s League Cup win at Arsenal.

“We’ve got a fantastic changing room, a great group of lads,” he said.

“The atmosphere is really good and I just think we felt on Wednesday it was important for us to come in.

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Arsenal Injury Crisis

By

bizzlemufc

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Sep 29, 2014

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Arsenal will be without three first team members for their Champions League game against Galatasaray on Wednesday.

Arsene Wenger is facing a selection headache after three players were injured against Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey came off after picking up knocks while Jack Wilshere required lengthy treatment on an ankle injury.

Ramsey could be out for up to six weeks after it was revealed that the Welshman had suffered a grade two hamstring injury, while Arteta is expected to be sidleined for at least three.

Arsenal were however handed a boost ahead of this weekend’s vital Premier League game against Chelsea with the news that Wilshere could be available for selection, with initial fears about the severity of his injury being unfounded.

Arsenal are looking to kickstart their season and move past a recent run of form that has seen them claim just three victories in the last ten games in all competitions.

By Andrew Bell

Manchester City to recall Joe Hart for Champions League clash

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 29, 2014

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Manchester City are set to recall regular first choice goalkeeper Joe Hart to the first team fold for Tuesday’s Champions League home game against AS Roma, The Guardian have reported.

Hart, aged 27 was previously dropped by Manuel Pellegrini in favour of fellow goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who replaced Hart for the League Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday, and Premier League win away at Hull City.

Tuesday’s fixture brings an all together different feel around the Etihad Stadium, as Italian Serie A side Roma visit, for what City boss Manuel Pellegrini has described as a “crucial game.”

The Premier League holders go into the game looking to avenge their previous European tie, as the Citizens succumbed to a last minute Jerome Boateng goal to lose 1-0 away at Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

England’s number one goalkeeper has bounced back from being dropped by the same manager before, with Hart encountering a somewhat similar blip under Pellegrini little under a year ago or so, however Hart then proved his worth towards the back end of the season, helping the Sky Blues to a second League title in three years.

Hart had previously said that he is willing to remain at City to fight for his place in the starting 11 squad, and was quoted as saying in his pre-match conference: “Of course I want to play every game, that is my nature, my professionalism,” said Hart.

“I am not the manager, just a player. I live by the decisions of our manager.”

Questions have been raised regarding Hart’s future, with several other key players at City all earning new long term contracts, but the keeper remains happy at the club, and wants to win more trophies.

“Right now I am happy with what is going on at this club,” said Hart. “We are fighting on all fronts.

“While I am welcome here, I am more than happy to stay and see where that takes me.”

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Hazard: Costa needs to be careful

By

CharlGLFC

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Sep 29, 2014

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Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has warned his team-mate, Diego Costa, to keep his cool against Arsenal at the weekend and to ignore any defenders that are trying to get him booked. The Blues forward has received three yellow cards in just six games so far, two of which were down to incidents with opposition players.

Managers are quickly learning that Costa has a short temper and can be easily angered and they will make efforts to try and rile up the Spaniard and get him booked. However, the striker’s goals have helped Chelsea to the top of the Premier League table and Eden Hazard knows just how important his goals are. He has urged the striker not to lash out, in fear of him getting a red card and, therefore, missing games.

He said: “We all know how he will react, he needs to be careful that he doesn’t get too many yellow cards. This is part of the game [opponents targeting him], everyone knows that. He needs to focus. He is a very good striker, one of the top three in the world right now.

“When he is confident, he scores and right now he is confident and in form.”

Costa will likely face Arsenal next weekend, but it is unlikely he will be risked by Jose Mourinho against Sporting Lisbon in mid-week.

By Charlie Gregory

Follow me on Twitter – @CharlieGLFC

Chelsea eye Talisca as Drogba replacement

By

CharlGLFC

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Sep 29, 2014

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Chelsea will try to sign Benfica’s Anderson Talisca at the end of the season, as a replacement for the ageing Didier Drogba. The Brazilian is mainly used as an attacking midfielder, but Blues boss Jose Mourinho believes he could be transfromed into an out-and-out forward, due to the youngster’s composure and technique.

Mourinho has spoken about the 20-year old on several previous occasions and The Special One thinks that a move to England could happen, but only if he gains a work permit. He has said: “Some say he’s unknown. He’s so unknown the only thing stopping him from playing in England is a work permit.”

Talisca does have international experience, having played for the Under 20 Brazil side, but his performances have caught the eye of first-team coach Dunga, who could bring him up to the senior squad soon.

If Talisca did make the move to Stamford Bridge, it could be in the place of Didier Drogba, who will be 37 come next summer. He’s found himself behind Remy and Costa in the pecking order for Chelsea and it could mean that at the end of the season he hangs up his boots. Mourinho himself is known not to be afraid of getting rid of popular players, with the Portuguese coach letting the likes of Lampard, Cole and Mata leave the club over the past few seasons.

If the Ivorian striker does decide to retire, then Talisca could very well end up his replacement and Chelsea fans would certainly hope that he could emulate Drogba’s goal-scoring ability for the club if he was to join them.

By Charlie Gregory

Follow me on Twitter – @CharlieGLFC

Chamberlain: ‘Arsenal will attack’

By

olliebrowner

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Sep 29, 2014

0

Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has promised to attack Chelsea’s defence on Sunday.

Despite injuries to many attackers, Chamberlain has vowed to attempt to beat the league leaders during Arsene Wenger’s 1000th game in charge at Arsenal.

“We do understand what happened there last season,” said Oxlade-Chamberlain. “Maybe we have got a point to prove there, we know this year we have got to step up in the big games and get some results in them this year.

“We’re really looking forward to that game. We definitely give Chelsea the respect they deserve but, at the same time, I have belief in my team-mates and we do in ourselves to be able to go to a place like Chelsea and set the tempo and hopefully take control of the game. There will be times in the game I’m sure when they have a spell, because they are a top team.

“It’s two good sides. They are going to have their time, we are going to have ours, we just have to make sure that when we do have our chances we make them count.”

By Ollie Brown

SillySeason.com

Manchester United to battle Chelsea for Seamus Coleman

Arteta in contract extension talks

Mourinho to risk Diego Costa despite hamstring worries

Filipe Luis lifts lid on Chelsea lifestyle

Liverpool closing in on Valdes

Cristiano Ronaldo return ‘two years away’

Olivier Giroud to sign new deal at Arsenal

Alan Pardew on the brink following latest defeat

Sanchez Dropped by Arsenal?

Forster hopes Southampton can focus

Arsenal Injury Crisis

Manchester City to recall Joe Hart for Champions League clash

Hazard: Costa needs to be careful

Chelsea eye Talisca as Drogba replacement

Chamberlain: ‘Arsenal will attack’

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