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Arsenal ramp up interest in Premier League duo

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Arsenal are set to ramp up their interest in Premier League duo Danny Welbeck and Loic Remy, amid fears that Olivier Giroud could be sidelined for several weeks.

The Frenchman picked up an ankle injury at the end of the 2-2 draw against Everton at the weekend, and with Lukas Podolski reportedly leaving for either Juventus or Wolfsburg, Arsene Wenger is having to search for a new striker.

According to reports, Giroud could be out for several weeks, but the club won’t know anything official until scans come back, but fearing the worst, Wenger is now on the market for a new striker, with Welbeck from Manchester United, and Remy from Queens Park Rangers high on the list.

Both strikers are expected to leave their respective clubs this Summer, and Wenger believes he can get either of them for cheap due to the club wanting to sell.

Remy was set to leave QPR earlier this Summer for Liverpool, but the Frenchman failed his medical, and since then, Harry Redknapp has confirmed he will only sell the striker to a top-four club.

As for Welbeck, he has been told by Louis Van Gaal that he can leave Old Trafford as he isn’t in his plans, and it’s reported that the Englishman could go for as little as £10million.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Fellaini likely to stay at United

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Marouane Fellaini looks likely to stay at Man United after picking up an ankle injury last week. The midfielder was wanted by Napoli, but the Italians have decided to terminate their interest due to the doubt caused by his injury.

The Belgian earns around £100,000 a week and they have decided not to sign him, due to the fact that he would be an expensive loanee for the club and that he wouldn’t be able to play for an indefinite amount of time because of this new injury.

Louis Van Gaal has been planning on moves for new midfielders such as Daley Blind and Arturo Vidal but Fellaini hasn’t actually been told he is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford yet. The 26-year old has himself claimed he would like to stay with the Red Devils.

It now looks as if he may get his wish, with this injury now putting off any potential suitors.

By Charlie Gregory

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@CharlieGLFC

Arsene Wenger may do striker U-turn amid Giroud fears

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could be forced into signing a new striker amid fears that Olivier Giroud has suffered a serious ankle injury.

The Frenchman sustained the knock on Saturday during their draw with Everton at Goodison Park, which saw Giroud score a last minute equaliser after coming from 2-0 down, but the striker picked up an ankle injury which will be scanned and accessed by Arsenal’s medical team.

According to reports, The Gunners are confident it’s not a break, but they believe the 27-year-old could be out for ‘several weeks’, which would leave the North London outfit short up front.

Earlier today, Wenger confirmed that he wasn’t in the market for a striker due to having; Giroud, Joel Campbell, Yaya Sanogo, Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez, but with the latter three used mainly as wingers, Wenger may reconsider and may dip in the market for a new striker after all.

It’s also being reported that Podolski could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium, with Juventus and Wolfsburg interested.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Agent confirms Chelsea want £20m striker

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AS Roma striker Mattia Destro is wanted by AC Milan and Chelsea, according to the player’s agent.

The 23-year-old finished as the club’s top goalscorer last season, with 13 goals, and he has been strongly linked with a Summer switch, with Chelsea monitoring his situation.

There were reports suggesting the two clubs coule begin talks over a potential swap-deal involving Destro and Fernando Torres, but the agent of Destro dismissed those reports claiming there was no chance Torres would agree to the move.

However, Claudio Vigorelli, Destro’s agent, has confirmed that both Chelsea and Milan have enquired about the £20million-rated striker.

“I cannot deny he is at the centre of some important situations that could develop,” he said.

“More Milan or Chelsea? The market is unpredictable. These are two interested clubs.

“Jose Mourinho admires him, while Milan could make some important steps forward very soon.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Klopp determined to keep Marco Reus at Dortmund

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Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp believes Marco Reus will remain at the club this summer, amid rumours of interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

Dortmund have already lost star forwards Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze over the last couple of transfer windows, and Klopp is determind to keep his current star Reus beyond this summer.

It’s reported that the 25 year-old has a release clause in his contract of £28 million which came into effect this summer, but Klopp is still confident of retaining his man:

‘I have a very good feeling about the Marco Reus situation,’ he told German newspaper Bild.

‘He will continue to play for Dortmund for a long time.’

Dortmund will now try to keep Reus by offering him a bigger contract, which is also likley to increase his buy-out clause in a bid to keep hold of the German international for the longer term.

Written by Matthew Derrig

Arsenal handed boost in the chase for Carvalho

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Sportling Lisbon have reportedly lowered their asking price for midfielder William Carvalho, which has alerted Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The Portuguese club were originally thought to be holding out for a fee of £35 million for the player, although that figure could now be around the £25 million mark.

However, it’s also believed that Sporting will want a player alongside the money from Arsenal, as time runs out for a replacement for the Portuguese international.

The 22 year-old has also been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea this summer, but with United set to add Angel Di Maria to their squad, and Chelsea buying Cesc Fabregas, it should leave Arsenal in the clear for Carvalho.

It’s no secret that Arsenal are on the look out for a defensive midfielder, with doubts over Abou Diaby’s long term fitness, with Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini the only other options.

The transfer window closes in 7 days so Wenger will have to move quickly to secure his man in time.

Written by Matthew Derrig

John Terry unsure about Petr Cech’s future

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Chelsea captain John Terry has admitted thst he is unsure where goalkeeper Petr Cech’s future lies, following the emergance of Thibault Courtois, according to the Daily Express.

Cech has been dropped from his number one spot, as Mourinho favoured the younger Courtois, who spent last season on loan at Spanish La Liga winners Atletico Madrid.

The Belgium international Courtois proved his worth during Chelsea’s 2-0 win at home to Leicester City on Saturday, denying David Nugent with a fine sprawling save.

And Terry admits the save proved why boss Jose Mourinho favours the Belgian stopper.

“It was important Thibaut made a big save,” Terry said.

“It is the same for him as well – like Diego with the goals – (it is) important that he has a couple of good early saves in front of the fans.

“None bigger than that, a one-on-one (and we) could have gone 1-0 down but he pulls off a great save and gets a great reception from the fans. That will help him settle in.

“He is like all of us. A bit nervous, first game at the Bridge and it is nice to get settled, to get our feet under the table and he has certainly done that.”  

Terry then switched the attention to Cech, who he feels littele remorse for. 

“It is very hard to take for big Petr but he is Chelsea through-and-through has been unbelievable in the way he has responded in training – and in his attitude,” he said.

“Some players throw their toys out the pram and Petr, 100 per cent has not done that, he is fighting for his place.

“How long he can fight for his place I don’t know that.

“That is a decision for him and the club to decide but we have got two of the best keepers in the world.

“Petr has done it for many years and if Thibaut can replicate that it will take some doing.” 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Chelsea to be forced to pay £16 million to sell Torres

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Chelsea will be forced to pay Fernando Torres £16 million for the striker to leave the club, reports the Daily Mail. 

Torres signed for Chelsea in the January of 2011 in a £50 million fee from Liverpool, has demanded that he gets the rest of his pay package from the club should he depart. 

The Spaniard is becoming public enemy number one at the club, with the Blues unable to pay up the rest of his contract. 

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has opted for Diego Costa aheacf of Torres, who could leave this month, with Italian Serie A side Roma one of a number of european clubs keen. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Fabio Borini remains determined to fight for a career at Liverpool!

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Fabio spent last season on loan with the Black Cats, who want to make the deal permanent before the transfer window closes next Monday.

But despite reportedly having had a £14m bid accepted by Liverpool last month, Borini has stalled on the deal as he doesn’t want to move to the Stadium of Light on a permanent basis, according to the Mirror.

Borini is unlikely to get much playing time at Anfield this season despite the departure of Luis Suarez, with Daniel Sturridge and the incoming Mario Balotelli set to lead the line for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

However, the former Chelsea man is still determined to make the grade on Merseyside and will only join Sunderland if Gus Poyet can negotiate a loan arrangement with Liverpool.

Written by Steve Milne

Wenger has hinted he won’t be making a move for a new striker

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Arsenal have been linked with signing a new striker to assist Olivier Giroud all summer, with both Mario Balotelli and Edinson Cavani’s names being in the frame for a move to the Emirates.

But with just a week to go until the transfer window closes, and with other areas of the squad remaining a priority, Wenger has warned Arsenal fans not to expect a new forward at the club this summer.

‘We have Yaya Sanogo who will be an important asset, we have Giroud, we have Lukas Podolski, we have Joel Campbell who can play centre forward,’ he told the Gunners website.

‘We have Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott coming back. Let’s not forget that.

‘All of our opponents look for strikers as well and nobody finds a world-class striker available who is better than the strikers you have.’

Written by Steve Milne

Di Maria set to undergo United medical

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Argentina star Angel Di Maria will today fly to England to complete his £64m pound move to Manchester United. 

The winger said his final goodbyes to his Madrid team-mates yesterday and is expected to be a fully United player by the end of tommorow night. 

United and Madrid have agreed a British record transfer fee, after Di Maria told Real boss Carlo Ancelotti that he wanted a move away from Spain.  

It is understood that the Argentine will become United’s new number 7 following in the shadows of the likes of David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Di Maria will becomes United’s third summer signing and more players are expected to be arriving at Old Trafford.  

Ajax defender Daley Blind could soon be joining up with Louis Van Gaal, as the versatile left-back is still on the manager’s wishlist, along with Arturo Vidal. 

By Ollie Brown

Arsenal weigh up stunning triple raid

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Arsene Wenger could be the busiest manager in the final week of the summer transfer window with three big names all linked with the club and bids could be made this week.

Sami Khedira has been linked with joining the gunners all summer, after being told he’s no longer required by Real Madrid they’ve seemingly made a dramatic u-turn and Ancelotti insists he’s going nowhere.

Arsenal have been trying to add a world class player to their holding midfield spot and Khedira is their number 1 target and sources suggest a bid will be made for the unhappy German World Cup winner.

£12million is the reported fee and would be a tempting offer with Khedira’s contract up in 12 months time.

Arsenal have also eyes on PSG’s 21 year old French starlet Adrien Rabiot, the asking price of £24million was too much the first time round but Wenger is insistent in adding the Frenchman to his already impressive squad.

This week Rabiot has hinted at a likely exit from the club and a cut price deal could be sorted out before the end of transfer deadline day.

Lastly, Arsenal have targeted Atletico’s Toby Alderweireld to sure up their back line having seen Thomas Varmalen leave the club for Barcelona, Alderweireld is wanting a way out of Spain and seems likely to join the Londoners if they reach the new asking price of £6million.

The Belgium international, 25, would be a major coup for Arsene Wenger’s side and at £6million also represents good business.

Certainly if Arsene Wenger can pull off some or if not all these summer transfers then the gunners must be seen as title favourites up there with Chelsea & Man City.

By Alastair Cook

Arsenal set to be snubbed by Manolas

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Arsenal target Kostas Manolas has reportedly decided on a move against Arsenal and has agreed personal terms with Roma. 

The Gunner’s are desperate for a back-up central defender after allowing Thomas Vermaelen leave for Spanish Giants Barcelona. 

Manolas has been linked with the Emirates throughout the duration of the summer window, and it was expected that a deal between Arsenal and Olympiakos would of been agreed soon. 

However, it appears as if the defender has done a U-turn and opted for a move to Serie A instead. 

With Medhi Benatia on his way out of Roma, the Italian side have stepped up their efforts to sign Manolas as the Moroccan’s replacement. 

Now, it is understood that all Roma have to do is agree a fee with the Greek side and they will be able to snatch Manolas away from Arsenal’s clutches. 

By Ollie Brown

Arsenal to bid for £28 million rated Chelsea target William Carvalho after Khedira snub

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Arsenal are set to bid for Chelsea and Manchester United target William Carvalho after a deal for Sami Khedira proved a failiure, with the German deciding to stay with Real Madrid. The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has a massive £37 million release clause in his contract, but it is understood that the Premiera Liga club are willing to accept an offer for a slightly lower price. According to reports, Sporting are happy to negotiate with a deal worth £28 million and the Gunners are readying to launch a bid in the coming days. Goal.com has reported that the Emirates outfit had a £20 million bid rejected last week by the Portuguese side, but it is believed that a new bid could easily match Sporting’s valuation of the player. Wenger has targeted both Carvalho and Khedria throughout this summer as he feels there is a lack of numbers in that position. But with Khedria recently revealing his new desire to stay with current club Real Madrid, a deal for Carvalho is looking much more likely to be agreed to. 

By Ollie Carroll

Twitter: @Ollie_Carroll

Lucas Leiva to Napoli is ON – But not just yet

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Liverpool are looking to offload their holding midfielder Lucas Leiva with Napoli poised to pounce, talks between the sides have seen Napoli tell Liverpool to wait for a bid until after they’ve qualified for the Champions League.

 

Napoli face Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of their champions League qualifier after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, a tie that can obviously go either way and Napoli don’t want to invest too heavily until they’ve secured a place in Europe’s top competition.

 

The loan fee seems to have been agreed at £1.6 million and if the move turns out successful then a permanent transfer will take place next summer around the £8million mark.

 

Liverpool are happy to let Lucas, 27, go after 7 years at the club after failing to secure a starting position in the recent seasons with Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson first picks for the central midfield places. 

 

The move of course all hinges on the result of Napoli’s crucial qualifier but the move in principal is said to suit both clubs and the Brazilian.

 

By Alastair Cook