Home Blog Page 1751

Edinson Cavani open to Arsenal move

0

Paris Saint-Germain star, Edinson Cavani, is interested in a Summer switch to Premier League side, Arsenal, but wouldn’t consider Manchester United, according to reports.

The Uruguayan international is currently unhappy in Paris due to his role in the first-team under Laurent Blanc, and after months of speculation, it appears that Cavani is finally ready to leave the club and join the Premier League.

Cavani has had to settle with life on the left-wing due to Blanc using a lone-striker formation, but with a January move ruled out, a move next Summer is on the cards if nothing changes.

In recent weeks, United have been strongly linked with the striker as they eye a replacement for Radamel Falcao, who hasn’t done enough to impress Louis Van Gaal to make the loan-move a permanent one, but according to reports, Cavani would prefer to live in London if he does move to England.

As for Arsenal, their main focus is at the back, with a centre-back and a defensive-midfielder high on their transfer list, but if the chance to sign Cavani arises, then Arsene Wenger may make a move.

It’s believed PSG value Cavani at around £50million.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal want Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches in shock loan deal

0

Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches will be allowed to leave White Hart Lane in the upcoming transfer window, according to reports from Italy.

The 24-year-old is being chased by five clubs, with Arsenal believed to be leading the race for the Romanian’s signature.

Wenger is still in need of defensive reinforcements, and it is understood that the Gunners are willing to offer Chiriches the oppurtunity to remain in London.

However, Roma boss Rudi Garcia has been reported as desperate to acquire Chiriches to his Roma side. The Serie A club have already reportedly made contact with the player’s agent.

It is also unsure whether or not Tottenham will allow Chiriches to move to their great North London rivals Arsenal. 

By Ollie Carroll

Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll_

 

Wilfried Bony price set to upset Arsenal and Liverpool!

0

Garry Monk is standing firm. He knows he has to pull out all the stops to keep Wilfried Bony at Swansea, and the City boss has slapped a ‘hands-off’ tag on his Ivorian hitman.

Bony has been in superb form all the way through 2014, and has struck 6 times for the Swans already this season, which has naturally generated further interest. Liverpool and Arsenal are widely reported to be keeping tabs on the 6-foot international, but Monk has insisted he is going nowhere:

‘It’s not a concern for me, I’m not focused on that at all. I’ve mentioned it many times, and when he signed his new contract, that this would still be the case.

‘It’s not my focus. He’s our player, a Swansea City player, and I have said many times before in football money does dictate things, but it would take an astronomical, astronomical fee for him to ever go anywhere.

‘We’re not a selling club. We don’t need to sell. We are very much committed with our players, they are committed to us and that’s how we move on.’

25-year-old Bony signed a new four-year deal with the Swans just a few weeks ago, but if he keeps banging them in against the elite of English football, surely that big money, life changing offer from a superclub is only around the corner. We’ll be watching.

 

Written by Michael Horne

Follow me on Twitter @MichaelHorne777

Diego Simeone hints at future plans

0

Diego Simeone has hinted that he could leave Atletico Madrid. 

The Argentine manager has put English Premier League sides on alert, with a proposed role at Tottenham Hotspur rumoured. 

Simeone helped Atletico to their first La Liga title for 18 years, and oversaw them finishing runners up in the European Cup Final. 

But the controversial boss has had to move with the times in the Spanish capital, following a summer of change at the Liga title holders, with the likes of Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois, Toby Alderweireld and David Villa all leaving the club in the summer. 

And Simeone admitted that he could leave, in a recent televised interview.

“I’m a spontaneous guy, and spontaneous people are notoriously impatient. I can’t stay for 10 years at the same club,” he said on French TV.

“I feel very good at Atletico. I always want to continue improving, I’m never satisfied. I don’t know what the limit of this team is, I will continue looking.”

by Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Mourinho set to be offered lucrative new contract

0

Jose Mourinho returned to Chelsea on a four-year contract in 2013, and has lead his side to the top of the league throughout this season.

The Portuguese has had highly successful spells in charge of Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, and was able to lure Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa to his current club during the summer and is now wanting to lead Chelsea to their first league title since 2010.

He has recently been linked to a move to the Nou Camp, and subsequently, Chelsea are keen to tie Mourinho down by giving him a new contract.

Jose has previously said: “I’m not here thinking about my next move becasue I dont want to have a next move.”

“I will have a next move if and when Chelsea decides it’s time for that. I’m here to stay. I belong to Chelsea, Chelsea belong to me.”

Tottenham join Jackson Martinez race

0

The Colombian has quickly become one of the most wanted players around Europe and has himself admitted that he expects to move on from current club Porto during next summer.

Martinez was already being targeted from Spanish, Italian and German clubs, but preferred a move to the Premier League when Arsenal and Liverpool came looking.

Porto let the Premier League pair know that they would have to cough up £40million for his services, and now it seems Pochettino is ready to join the race.

Spur’s main forwards, Soldado and Adebayor has so far failed to impress this season and Pochettino is determined to land another forward.

Premier League move on for Marco Reus after agent denies Bayern Munich negotiations

0

Marco Reus’ agent has said Bayern Munich haven’t made contact about signing the German international, increasing the likelihood of a move to the Premier League.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all interested in Reus, and have all been notified of his availability.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are also eyeing up a move for the 25 year old playmaker, whose release clause will drop to just £20 million at the end of the season.

Reus’ agent, Dirk Hebel denies reports that Bayern have opened talks on a long term contract.

“There are no negotiations between Marco and Bayern,” Hebel said to Kicker. “There has never been any contact.” 

Chelsea were linked with the Dortmund attacker, before Jose Mourinho said he wouldn’t bid for the player.

With Dortmund incredibly propping up the Bundesliga, it looks increasingly likely that Reus will be on his way out of the Westfalenstadion, come the end of the season.

By Joseph Richardson

@Jj147Joseph

No enquiry made by Liverpool or Tottenham for Charlie Austin- Harry Redknapp

0

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has played down speculation linking Charlie Austin with a move to Liverpool, or Redknapp’s former club Tottenham.

Austin is currently the joint top English goal scorer in the Premier League, with seven goals alongside Saido Berahino.

The striker’s great form has attracted interest from bigger clubs, but his manager denies any enquiry over a potential transfer, has been made.

“We’ve not had any enquiries from anyone else as far as I know”, Redknapp told ITV Football.

“He’s come into the Premier League and only played a dozen games. He’s got a long, long way to go still- he knows that. He’s full of confidence, playing well, he’s happy here and he’s just got to keep going.”

Redknapp, as expected is keen for Austin to sign a new contract at Loftus Road.

“I’m sure the club would [like him to sign a contract extension]. I don’t get involved in that, it’s up to the chairman and [chief executive] Phil Beard. I’m sure everyone wants to keep Charlie here and I’m sure they’ll be sitting down and talking to him.”

The striker’s meteoric rise up the leagues has been nothing short of remarkable.

Just five years ago, he was plying his trade in the ninth tier of English football with Poole Town, before getting his big break at Swindon.

By Joseph Richardson

@Jj147Joseph

 

 

Manchester United want Atletico defender

0

It is reported that Manchester United have stepped up their interest in signing Atletico Madrid defender, Diego Godin.

It is no secret that United have been scouting potentially targets to cover all the injuries this season especially in defence, with the likes of Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), who is currently stalling on a new contract and Matt Hummel’s (Dortmund) being heavily linked with the club.

It is thought that Gaal’s preferred choice would be Uruguay internationa, Godin.

Atletico Madrid reportedly refused to sell him last summer but it is thought there is a £28.5million pound release clause in his contract that Van Gaal would be happy to activate.

United Chairman, Edward Woodward, did say that the Red Devils would not spend a vast amount of cash in the winter window but there are many claims that would suggest United would not see £28million as big money.

Godin has already been scouted by Chelsea and Liverpool who are also both looking for defensive reinforcements.

 

Written by Kayleigh Neild – @KayleigN11

Mourinho hits out at UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations

0

Jose Mourinho has hit out at UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, claiming that their Premier League rivals have it easier thasn his Chelsea side. 

Chelsea balanced the books this summer by selling Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba, having signed the likes of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis. 

And Mourinho, whose side sit top of the Premier League, has hit out at UEFA’s regulations.

“I think Financial Fair Play is a contradiction.

“When football decided to go for Financial Fair Play it was exactly to put teams in equal conditions to compete.

“But what happened really with the Financial Fair Play is a big protection to the historical, old, big clubs, which have a financial structure, a commercial structure, everything in place based on historical success for years and years and years.”

“The ‘new’ clubs – I call them ‘new’ clubs, those with new investment – they cannot put themselves quickly at the same level,” he added.

“Clubs with new owners cannot immediately attack the control and the domination of these big clubs.

“Chelsea is not an old, historical, huge club – but it’s also not a club with a new owner. It’s a club with the same owner for more than 10 years.

by Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Steven Gerrard’s contract offer REVEALED

0

Liverpool have offered captain, Steven Gerrard, a new two-year deal, but if he is to accept it, the midfielder will have to take a £60k pay-cut.

The 34-year-old is about to enter the final few months of his current deal and it was today confirmed by Brendan Rodgers that a new contract has been tabled by the club, but according to reports, if it’s signed, it means Gerrard will be accepting a hefty pay-cut.

Gerrard currently earns around £150k-a-week, but this new deal will see him earn £90k-a-week in the first year, which will then fall to £60k-a-week in the second year.

Despite the pay-cut, also installed in the contract is a clause that means Gerrard can take up an ambassadors role or a coaching role at the club in 2017 if he chooses to retire from football.

Rodgers revealed earlier: “He’s been offered a contract here and at the moment in time that’s where it’s at.

“In the time he’s been here he’s a man who is given the utmost respect he should be given time to consider it. He needs that time and respect to look at that.

“There are things Steven will have to think about, but it certainly won’t be money. That won’t be the case. Between now and the end of the season we will give him that time.”

Gerrard is free to talk to overseas clubs in January due to the Bosman Ruling, and he is now expected to sit down with his representatives to discuss the contract offered.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Thierry Henry releases statement

0

Thierry Henry has today released a statement confirming that he will be leaving MLS side, New York Red Bulls.

The Frenchman is entering the final month of his contract and today confirmed the news that he won’t be signing an extension and has in fact played his last game for the American side.

Henry took to his official Facebook account to post the follow statement:

“I am taking this opportunity to announce that unfortunately Saturday was my last game for the New York Red Bulls. The decision has always been that I would leave after the duration of my contract and although that was never going to change, I didn’t want it to distract from the progress of the team.

“I have immensely enjoyed my four and half years here and would like to thank everyone involved with this club who has made my time here so enjoyable.

“Thanks must go particularly to Erik Soler, Hans Backe, Gerard Houllier, Andy Roxburgh, Mike Petke, all my team mates, the technical staff, medical staff, all the personnel who work for the Red Bull organisation, the MLS and of course the owner Mr Mateschitz whose vision and passion brought me to this wonderful city.

“A special mention must go to the Red Bull fans who have supported this team through the good, the bad and the ugly times in the sun, rain and snow. You guys have really meant a lot to me and thank you for all your wonderful support.

“I will now take the next few weeks to reflect and decide on the next chapter of my career.

“Thank you all

“Thierry Henry”.

It has been speculated that Henry could be set for a return to England with his former-club Arsenal as a coach.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal set to sign £31million pound striker?

0

It seems Arsenal have agreed to match the asking price of £31million pound for the highly rated striker Paulo Dybala from Italian club Palermo.

Dybala who has scored 9 goals this campaign for his Serie A team Palermo, is thought of as one of the most exciting young players in Europe and has been nicknamed the ‘next Aguero’.

It was reported today in Italy that Arsenal are in the lead to sign the youngster, agreeing to the asking price of £31million.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini said on the interest: “Within two years, he’s going to be better than Cristiano Ronaldo, [Lionel] Messi and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic.

“It would take €40m (£31m) to take him away from us. He’s the best striker in Serie A.”

Written by Kayleigh Neild – @KayleighN11

 

Arsenal front runners for Brazilian starlet Silva

0

It is reported that the Gunners have been linked with a move for Cruziero midfielder, Lucas Silva, who is reported to be leaving Brazil for Europe in the summer.

Lucas has been linked with a possible move to Chelsea, Manchester United or Real Madrid in the past and it now looks as though Arsenal have stepped up their interest in the youngest who has been nicknamed the ‘new Kaka’.

Top European clubs such as Chelsea, United, Madrid and now Arsenal have been sending scouts to watch the youngest and it is claimed they are all very interested and impressed with his development.

Arsenal, who have an injury crisis on their hands at the moment have also been heavily linked with potential bids for James McCarthy (Everton) and Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle). 

Written by Kayleigh Neild – @KayleighN11

Gael Kakuta unsure on Chelsea future

0

Chelsea midfielder, Gael Kakuta, has admitted that he has no idea whether he will play for the club again.

The 23-year-old is currently on a season-long loan with La Liga side, Rayo Vallecano, and in a recent interview, the Frenchman admitted that he has no idea where his future lies.

Since joining The Blues, Kakuta has had SIX different loan-spells away from Stamford Bridge, and despite showing improvement during his time away, he still doesn’t think he will feature in Jose Mourinho’s plans in the future.

When asked about his future, the midfielder refused to comment on Chelsea and revealed that his intentions are to remain focused on what he’s doing now in Spain.

“My goal at the moment is to continue growing as a player here [at Rayo],” Kakuta told El Confidencial.

“Time will decide what will happen. I do not look beyond the day-to-day. It is best to keep focused on what I do, which is nothing else but helping Rayo get good results.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles