Chelsea plan £50m Barkley bid

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been dealt a serious transfer blow as reports claim Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Adrien Rabiot, has opted to join Italian side, AS Roma.

The 19-year-old has been wanted by the English trio for months now, but after failing to agree terms with PSG regarding a new contract, the teenager is now set to leave the French capital and appears to have chosen the Serie A side.

Rabiot’s contract expires next Summer and with no plans to sign an extension, Laurent Blanc is keen to sell him in January so that the club can raise some funds for him, rather than see him leave on a free.

According to reports, Rabiot has already agreed a deal in principle with Rudi Garcia’s side, and will complete the move in June, once his current deal expires in France.

Garcia has already admitted that the club are keeping track of Rabiot’s contract saga at PSG, and it’s believed that the Italian side have offered the starlet a contract worth £4million-a-year.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Mourinho: “Costa barely trains”

By

Phil Wellbrook

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Sep 28, 2014

Mourinho celebrated his 250th game in charge of Chelsea yesterday as the Blues sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Despite having a hamstring injury which limits his training with the side to “almost nothing” Diego Costa still managed to net his eighth goal of the season.

And Mourinho spoke about the Spanish international’s training involvement: “I don’t care about Diego’s goals. For me it’s important that the team score enough goals to win.

“I know a striker scoring goals is always nice for him and for his confidence, especially for a player like him who is not training as he should, because we are protecting him in certain situations.

“He cannot be on top of his game, but even so scoring a goal is good for his confidence.

“He’s doing almost nothing [in training]. He’s just resting and recovering from the tight muscle he has. Every time he accumulates fatigue.”

Mourinho then went on to say that he believes Costa will be fit if he is allowed to rest from international duty as Spain take on Slovakia and Luxembourg and also admits he has fears that Costa could return with a torn hamstring if his wishes are not met.

“If he doesn’t go to the national team and if he stays here 15 days just on treatment, he has the perfect chance to be top for Chelsea and top for the national team,” Mourinho added.

“If he doesn’t have this period, will be always, plays one game, the other is in trouble, the muscle is tight, the muscle is danger to rupture.”

By Phil Wellbrook

Arsenal monitoring Delph contract situation

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 28, 2014

Arsenal are said to be monitoring the current contract situation of Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph, reports the Daily Star.

Delph has impressed for Villa so far this season, and his fine performances in centre midfield have won him senior caps for England, with Delph playing a part in the recent games against Norway and Switzerland.

It is thought that Villa are trying to tie him down to a new deal at Villa Park, however talks have since stalled over any proposed new deal at the Birmingham club.

And it has since alerted Arsenal, who are ready to submit a bid for the 24 year old. However the North London club face competition for Delph’s services, wirh fellow Premier League side Everton also keen.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to land the player, with growing concerns over his current midfield options.

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Seamus Coleman on his way to Chelsea?

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Sep 28, 2014

Jose Mourinho is looking to add another class defender to his squad, with Seamus Coleman being top of his target list. The Evertonian right-back would appear to have the qualities the Portuguese tactician is looking for.

Although Mourinho would love to bring the Republic of Ireland international to Stamford Bridge, a lot may depend on how Manchester United fair this year, as Coleman is a boyhood fan of the Red Devils. If United make it into the Champions League it will surely trigger interest from Coleman as he has stated that he wants to play in Europe’s elite competition.

The 25-year-old defender, whose current contract at Goodison Park expires in 2019, joined The Toffees after being scouted by Mick Doherty, who now works under Mourinho at Chelsea.

Branislav Ivanovic has been playing at right-back for the Blues, but has never preferred to play in that position, and Coleman could become his natural replacement.

The boy from Donegal started his playing career at Sligo Rovers in Ireland before his move to Everton masterminded by David Moyes. He then had a brief loan spell at Blackpool under Ian Holloway, before securing a first-team slot at Goodison making 124 appearances to date.

His climb to the top of the football ladder could be completed with a dream move next summer.

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Sakho issues apology to Liverpool

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Sep 28, 2014

The French defender has a lot of apologising to do. After being spotted storming through the Anfield car park before kick-off yesterday and then driving away, Sakho will have to return to the Merseyside club with his tail between his legs.

Sakho had been tweeting recently about how much he was looking forward to the derby game, comparing it to the French derby between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille:

‘I was unfortunately injured in the second derby of last season, but to watch it was incredibly exciting. The fans at that type of match are really bubbling with excitement and energy, and the atmosphere is always really different to other matches throughout the season,’ he said.

‘Le Classique is really all about the pride of the player and the supporters. It’s all about competition of the cities. The atmosphere’s always completely different – people are bubbling with energy, pride and hunger to win the match.

‘Both [Le Classique and the Merseyside derby] have the same importance, the same atmosphere. The only difference is that the stadiums are obviously a lot further apart in France than in Liverpool with Anfield and Goodison Park.’

Brendan Rodgers will certainly want a meeting with the player to establish the reasons for his actions, and we would expect some sort of public announcement early next week. Rodgers will be only too aware that Liverpool fans do not take too lightly to being snubbed or disrepected. The whole club is built around an ethos of pride and respect. At best, Sakho can expect a hefty fine for his actions.

The 24-year-old French star was left out of the squad for the crunch match with Everton yesterday.

Rodgers decided to start Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren together at the back with Kolo Toure on the bench following a reasonable display in mid-week against Middlesbrough. This meant there was no room for Sakho. It would appear this left the defender furious.

Sakho tweeted an apology to Liverpool fans last night:

‘I really want to apologise to the club, the supporters and every person who felt offended when I left the stadium this afternoon’

‘I’m aware that it was a bad choice from my part to go isolating to watch the game!’

We will watch with interest to see what comes of this situation at Anfield, as the Reds heirarchy deal with yet another moment of controversy at the club. Sakho has yet to convince most Liverpool fans of his right to start in a newly formed defensive unit, and with Lovren and Skrtel doing a pretty good job in the 1-1 draw with their arch rivals, it would seem he has done himself no favours. It may be a while before he makes the starting XI, but his saving grace may be the amount of games heading Liverpool’s way. When he gets his chance, he is going to have to play his socks off!

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Chelsea ready to make Messi bid

By

olliebrowner

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Sep 28, 2014

Chelsea will reportedly make an offer to sign Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi at the end of the season.

It emerged yesterday that the Blues had failed to lure Messi to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, but have not given up on striking a deal with Barcelona.

It is understood that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will offer an astonishing £130 million pounds to Barcelona to sign their superstar after failing with a £118 million pound bid previously.

Growing reports suggest that Messi has said to the club that he is currently ‘unhappy’, fueling speculation that one of the world’s best could finally seek a move elsewhere.

By Ollie Brown

Arsenal seek Antunes deal in January

By

olliebrowner

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Sep 28, 2014

Arsenal are ready to add to their defensive options in January by signing Malaga left-back Vitorino Antunes.

The Portugese international has been targeted by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in a deal worth £2.5 million pounds.

Antunes has earned eight caps at international level and is seen by Wenger as someone who is able to provide capable cover for the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal during the later parts of the season.

The former Roma defender’s contract is due to expire in the summer of 2016, allowing Arsenal to capatilise on the confusion surrounding the player’s future.

By Ollie Brown

Manager reaction: Martinez hails Jagielka’s fine strike

By

Ben Reardon

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Sep 27, 2014

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised his defender Phil Jagielka following Saturday’s 1-1 Merseyside derby draw away at Liverpool on Saturday.

The Toffees trailed at Anfield thanks to Steven Gerrard’s free-kick, however a sublime long range effort from Jagielka preserved a point for Martinez’ side.

And Martinez was full of praise for his centre defender, following a fine individual performance from the England centre back.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a better strike in live football,” Martinez stated to Everton’s official website. “It had to be incredible to go in the top corner and it was.

“The way he adjusted his body is very impressive. And to get that power almost off the outside of his laces – it’s some strike.

“Phil has had a lot of unfair criticism from the outside recently and there is no better way to respond to adversity than that, because defensively he also played an important role for us today.”

The Everton manager also praised his sides stature following the point at Anfield, after a tough start to the Premier League season for the Goodison Park outfit.

Martinez continued his interview by stating: “We had two choices; accept it wasn’t our day or keep fighting.

“We showed incredible belief and character and we got our rewards.

“We had to show a great defensive intensity and we did that, though we weren’t ourselves going forward.

“As a result, I’d say it’s our best of the season so far because of what it could give us. It could lift us and change the dynamic of our season.

by Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

United defender expected to follow Welbeck to Arsenal in January

By

benwaterhouse95

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Sep 27, 2014

Arsenal looks set to finally land Chris Smalling after missing out on the defender twice in recent years. The Gunners tried to sign the central defender before he signed for Manchester United, they also tried to agree a deal with United over the summer, however, a fee couldn’t be agreed.

It is claimed that Arsenal are going to offer £10 million for the defender, with Van Gaal happy to let Smalling move on.

Wenger has made no secret of Arsenal’s lack of defenders, Smallings ability to play centre back, right back and defensive midfield make him an attractive option for the Arsenal boss.

If Smalling does move to Arsenal, will he be a hit at The Emirates?

Written by Ben Waterhouse – @BenWaterhouse_

Liverpool player storms out after of Anfield being left out against Everton

By

benwaterhouse95

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Sep 27, 2014

Pictures have emerged on Twitter of Mamadou Sakho approaching his car allegedly just after the defender was left out of Brendan Rodgers’ starting eleven for the Merseyside derby.

Twitter user @RS51DHU tweeted saying, ‘SAKHO just left car park not looking happy at all’ The picture above is the photo tweeted by the twitter user. It shows the defender approaching his car in the Anfield car park.

No one knows why Sakho left, however, the central defender was quoted as saying he was looking forward to comparing the Merseyside Derby to Le Classique, which is the French derby between Marseille and Paris Saint Germain.

What action will be taken against Sakho is yet to be seen, however, don’t be surprised if the defender is emposed with a hefty fine.

Written by Ben Waterhouse – @BenWaterhouse_

Mikel Arteta thought Wenger was to quit!

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Sep 27, 2014

Mikel Arteta has recently revealed that he thought his club manager, Arsene Wenger was going to leave Arsenal at the end of last season.

Arteta has admitted he was concerned for Wenger’s future during the FA Cup Final in May. Arsenal were without a trophy in nine years and were two goals down to Hull City, and with his French manager’s unsigned contract still on the table, he was beginning to think about Arsenal without Wenger. Thankfully for the North London outfit, they went on to win the trophy.

‘He wasn’t clear with his future,’ said Arteta. ‘He always said he wanted to stay but he didn’t sign. In the semi-final — or even in the final — we never knew what was going to happen. If we lost the Hull game we’d be talking about a different story. That would have started a period of reflection and decision. It was a big game in Arsenal’s history. We won the first trophy in nine years.’

Arteta has since gone on to praise Wenger and ‘the Arsenal way’.

‘I’ve played in lots of different teams,’ said Arteta. ‘I’ve played long balls and short balls and, believe me, if you love football you want to play the Arsenal way’

‘When I joined Everton and we had big Duncan Ferguson, Alan Stubbs and David Weir, the football was very direct because of the players we had. David Moyes started to buy more quality players and tactics progressed, but at the start we were very physical’

‘We were the best in the league at doing that, so why would we not play long ball? That’s why he put me on the wing, so I could cross the ball, as I didn’t get it in midfield.’

‘Arsenal don’t have to change. The manager believes in this style 100 per cent but we have to find our defensive solidity. It’s one thing to be cautious and another to be careless.’

The newly appointed Emirates captain is protective of the Wenger style and philosophy. The 32-year-old Spaniard shares the same ideas, not just in style of football, but also believes in loyalty in the dressing room.

‘He defends his players 100 per cent and that’s something that matters,’ said Arteta.

Arteta was also very vocal in praising Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

On Ozil: ‘The opposition always try and stop you, so sometimes you don’t shine. And then people ask: “Why don’t you shine? You didn’t do anything in the game.” When that happens you get criticised, especially when it happens in big games. But you cannot deny Ozil is a special player: his movement, his calmness, his final ball is superb.’

And on Oxlade-Chamberlain: ‘He has the speed and skill to become an unbelievable winger, but he has the vision of a midfielder, and that’s very difficult to find. Defensively, he needs to improve, but he has time and people to help him.’

Since that famous FA Cup victory, and the pressure to win a trophy temporarily lifted, Arsenal fans can rightly start believing that they have entered a new and prosperous era under Wenger.

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Remy speaks out

By

Connor Breen

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Sep 27, 2014

The 27 year old was incredibly close to signing for the reds until talks broke down after the striker failed his medical.

Liverpool believed that Remy had a heart problem which prevented him from joining the club. Remy eventually travelled south to sign for Chelsea.

The Frenchman said “I came for the medical tests and everything was fine and after they wanted to be sure everything was fine with my heart. They asked for a specialist for the heart and apparently the guy said they did not 100 per cent agree if i could keep going or had to stop football”

“I didn’t understand because they knew before I came. I just told my agent if it is not happening it is because it is not for me.

Remy also mentioned how he is happy at Chelsea and how Liverpool were wrong with what they told him.

“Now I am much better here at Chelsea, I’m very happy to be here and that’s why I say everything happens for a reason. There are a lot of players with the same case as me. I don’t know why the people think it is a big thing that can stop me playing football”

“I was more confuse by Liverpool saying that I had a medical problem because it is not fair. I have seen the best specialist in London and he has told me I can still play so it was not good from them”

Remy has scored 1 goal in three appearances for Chelsea so far since arriving at Stamford Bridge for £10.5 million.

Written by Connor Breen

Follow me on twitter Connor_breen12

Loic Remy’s Chelsea move was ‘fate’

By

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Sep 27, 2014

‘I’m very happy to be here and that’s why I say everything happens for a reason’

These were the recent words of Loic Remy. the French striker whose collapsed move to Liverpool in the summer would have left most players disappointed. Not Remy though, it would seem that Liverpool’s loss was Chelsea’s gain.

Remy joined title favourites Chelsea, following the collapse of the summer move to Anfield, and the 27-year-old suggests repaying Jose Mourinho’s faith in him is his motivation rather than proving Brendan Rodgers was wrong for scapping his move.

Liverpool pulled the plug on an £8m deal to snap up Remy from Queens Park Rangers, claiming he had failed a medical due to a potentially career threatening heart defect.

But Remy insists he is far from broken hearted – in any sense of the term.

‘I came for the medical tests and everything was fine, and after that they wanted to be sure everything was fine with my heart,’ he said.

‘They asked for a specialist for the heart and apparently the guy said they did not 100 per cent agree if I could keep going or had to stop football’

‘I didn’t understand because they knew before I came. I just told my agent if it is not happening it is because it is not for me’

‘Now I am much better here at Chelsea, I’m very happyto be here and that’s why I say everything happens for a reason’

‘There are a lot of players with the same case as me. I don’t know why the people think it is a big thing that can stop me playing football’

‘I was more confused by Liverpool saying that I had medical problem because it is not fair’

‘I have seen the best specialist in London and he has told me I can still play so it was not goodfrom them’

‘Even if they don’t want to sign me, okay, but they don’t have to put that in the newspapers because, then, all the other clubs after are afraid’

Remy accepts he is not first choice striker at Stamford Bridge falling behind first choice Diego Costa, but with Jose Mourinho recently stating that the Spanish hitman will struggle to play more than once a week, the enigmatic Frenchman intends to make the most of his chances when they come.

‘I know here I am not the first striker, obviously, but I work hard to play as much as possible,” he said ahead of today’s visit of Aston Villa. “The manager was fair with me’

‘He just told me to work hard because there are a lot of games in the season and every player is going to play so I prepare myself every day at training to be fit and ready for any opportunity’

‘If you are not ambitious you get here and say ‘yeah, okay I am here in a big club, not a small team, I get my money, that’s it I am going to finish my career”

‘But for me, no. I want to be a big player and I have a chance today to do that’

‘There are a lot of players who could never play in this team so I know it’s a great, great chance’

‘That’s why I say every game I play I have to score, I have to give assists I have to show the best of me’

Chelsea fans (and Liverpool’s for that matter) will be watching with interest to see if Remy flourishes under Mourinho’s guidance and repays some of that faith the Portuguese manager has shown in him.

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter for more articles @MichaelHorne777

Manchester United and Arsenal to miss out on German star?

By

bizzlemufc

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Sep 26, 2014