‘Compete for titles or I’m off’

Gaston Ramirez is ready to leave Southampton, in favour of a summer move to Italian Serie A side AC Milan.

The Uruguay international has failed to live up to expectations since a £12 million deal from Serie A side Bologna in the summer of 2012.

Ramirez has made just 17 League appearances this season, having been a regular under Nigel Adkins last season.

The midfielder could link up with Manager Seedorf, who is set to overhaul his squad.

The players agent stated….

“It would be a weighty inheritance to replace Kaka, but an honour for Gaston. How could you say no to Milan, who are one of the best clubs in Europe?

“It would be an important opportunity for him. We are trying to understand which team can make the right offer to Saints.

“Ramirez played very well in Italy and many Serie A clubs remember him positively.

“Ramirez was very happy in Serie A and would be content to come back to Italy, but first any club needs to reach an agreement with Southampton.

“Has it been a season to forget? Absolutely yes. He hardly ever plays, yet two summers ago the club made an important investment to buy him.

Juventus, Lazio and Roma have also expressed an interest in the player.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Cazorla lays into his own team-mates!

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Apr 9, 2014

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazola believes his team-mates lack the winning mentality to win the Premier League.

The Gunners have been top of the league for the majority of the season, but over the last month, they have gone from title contenders to scrapping for a top-four finish, and Cazorla believes it’s down to a poor mentality within the camp.

Humiliating defeats to Stoke City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton have all seen Arsene Wenger’s men fall down to fourth and just one point ahead of fifth placed Everton, who also have a game in hand.

The FA Cup is now Arsenal’s only realistic chance of winning silverware this season, and Cazorla has laid into his team-mates ahead of their Semi-Final by claiming they don’t have the winning mentality anymore.

‘We’ve been unlucky in several games. We had a lot of chances to win against Manchester United and there was Ozil’s penalty (against Bayern),’ he said.

‘We couldn’t recover after going out against Bayern in the Champions League.

‘And the defeat against Stoke finished us. You can’t lose against Stoke if you aspire to be the next champion.

‘We haven’t got a winning mentality and we have to believe in ourselves (more). Sometimes you can get used to not fighting, but we can’t do that. Arsenal is and will always be a historic football club, we have to look forward.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Borussia Dortmund sign Adrian Ramos

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Apr 9, 2014

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of Hertha Berlin striker Adrian Ramos for an undisclosed fee.

The German outfit have been on the look out for a potential Robert Lewandowski replacement, since he agreed to join rivals Bayern Munich in the Summer, and today they have announced that Ramos will be the man to come in.

The Colombian international has been in superb form for Hertha this season, scoring 16 goals this season, and he was once closely monitored by Premier League duo Chelsea and Arsenal.

Ramos will sign a four-year deal at Dortmund, and their sporting director Michael Zorc, is delighted to have him on board for the new season.

“Adrian Ramos is an excellent footballer and one of the top scorers in Germany.

“It fits perfectly in Borussia Dortmund’s requirements.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsene Wenger to Sell four players After Dismal Display Against Everton

By

SteveMilne

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Apr 9, 2014

Arsene Wenger is said to be ready to offload four of his first team stars after being angered by their poor displays in Arsenal’s recent defeat to Everton

Wenger is said to have ran out of patience with 28 year old German forward Lukas Podolski, who has scored just four Premier League goals this season, and is said to be an Inter Milan target.

Spaniard Nacho Monreal had a shocking performance against the Toffees and wasted his chance to impress having stepped in to replace usual first choice left-back Kieran Gibbs and is also said to be frustrated at the lack of first team action he has received this season.

Thomas Vermaelen has been frozen out of first team action for the best part of 18 months but when brought in to replace Laurent Koscielny he was exposed on a number of occasions and is now likely to be sold in the summer.

It is understood Wenger feels let down by the Frenchman Olivier Giroud amid allegations of an extra-marital affair and with the Gunners boss looking to sign two strikers this summer it is thought that the forward could also be on his way out.

Sources say Wenger has had enough of players just being a name in the game and not showing they deserve their superstardom or a place at Emirates Stadium

Written by Steve Milne

Ba takes sly dig at Mourinho

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Apr 9, 2014

Chelsea hero Demba Ba fired Chelsea into the Champions League semi finals last night, but couldn’t resist taking a dig at manager Jose Mourinho after the game.

The rare goal for Ba came in the dying minutes of the game as Chelsea were trying to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the 2nd leg of their quarter final against PSG after he came off the bench, something he has become used to doing this season.

It is no secret that Mourinho is looking to revamp his strikeforce this summer, with Ba set to be one of the casualties of the anitcipated shake up.

And Ba, who was raised in Paris, said,

“I’m not out for revenge, maybe he (Mourinho) doesn’t have strikers to his liking but I know that we have three great strikers (in Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and myself) and I think that a lot of clubs would like to have them. I’m happy to have liberated us. I haven’t been given my chance much this season and I’ve taken it.”

“It’s the first time I’ve wished PSG to lose, and it’s me who scores the goal, luckily for Chelsea. I’m happy for Chelsea but it’s hard to see them lose.”

When asked about Ba’s performance, Mourinho said: ‘I’m happy for him, he’s a good guy, a good professional, a good group man.”

“The fact I played him from the bench before Nando (Torres) made him feel that he isn’t the No 3 striker.”

“His enthusiasm was fantastic and he started giving Paris problems that, normally, they don’t have in their league where it’s a different style of approach.”

By Ben Kelly

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https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

We’ve matured since Capital One Cup defeat, says Szczesny

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Apr 9, 2014

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes the players have matured a lot since their last visit to Wembley, which ended in a shock 2-1 defeat in the Capital One Cup final against Birmingham City.

After The Gunners saw off Ipswich Town in the Semi-Finals, they had to beat Premier League strugglers Birmingham, who beat West Ham United in their semi, but after a Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny mix-up in the 90th minute, Arsenal lost 2-1 and received a lot of stick for their shortcomings.

Much like this year in the FA Cup, Arsene Wenger’s men were strong favourites to lift the trophy, and with Wigan Athletic, Hull City and Sheffield United the only teams left in their way, The Gunners are strong favourites to end their trophy drought.

Szczesny, who was part of the costly mix-up in 2011, has been speaking to the club’s official website about their chances in the FA Cup, and he believes the players have matured a lot since that heartbreaking defeat.

“It’s huge – we know that we’re in a very strong position to win the FA Cup this year, and we’re two games away from doing so,” he told Arsenal Player.

“We’re at Wembley so we know how important it is for the fans and all the players. I hope it’s going to be a very positive day for the club.

“We had a bad experience recently at Wembley in the League Cup final. But [we’ve matured] a lot and we’ve got a lot more experienced players. Also I think that the likes of Jack and Aaron Ramsey and myself were only 18 or 19 at the time.

“We’re three years older now, we’ve got three years of experience under our belt and we’re more prepared for it.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

West Ham owner hits back at Steven Gerrard

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Apr 9, 2014

West Ham United co-owner David Gold has hit back at Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard after the Englishman claimed that The Hammers played ‘dirty tricks’ before the game got underway.

Gerrard, who scored both Liverpool’s goals in a 2-1 victory, claimed that the pitch was too dry, the dressing room was too hot and that they had to park a mile away from Upton Park, meaning they had to walk much further than usual.

However, Gold took to his official Twitter account to rubbish those claims and also added a picture of the Liverpool team bus which is clearly seen right outside of the stadium.

Gold tweeted: ‘Mr Gerrard nobody force your bus driver to park a mile away from the ground, it was his choice. If the heating is too warm, turn it down.’

West Ham then released a formal statement on their website regarding the complaints from Gerrard.

‘The unusual parking location is estimated to have added around 20metres to the usual walk from the coach door to the Players’ entrance.

‘Another suggestion was that the visitors were housed in a ‘hot’ dressing room, which caused some bemusement as West Ham staff received no complaint about the temperature from the visitors. Of course, West Ham staff would have been happy to turn up the air conditioning at our opponents’ request.

‘Finally, the consistent overnight rain that fell on the Boleyn Ground on Saturday meant that the ‘dry’ playing surface might have been a little wetter than was suggested.

‘West Ham United make every provision for visiting staff, players and supporters at the Boleyn Ground and are proud of the East End welcome the Club provides.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Santi Cazorla want Casillas at Arsenal

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Apr 9, 2014

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla wants his Spanish team mate and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas to move to Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal have been often linked with a summer approach for Casillas after he has slipped behind Diego Lopez in the pecking order at The Santiago Bernabeu. They are one of several clubs reportedly interested, with Casillas still considered one of the best goalkeepers in world football. He has, however, spent his whole life in Madrid, meaning it would be difficult to lure him away.

Casillas has been asking questions about life in England though, and Cazorla has made it clear that he would be welcome in North London should he decide to move when the transfer window reopens.

He told Sport360: “I’ve told Iker I would like him to join Arsenal. But so far he has just been curious about my experience in England.

“His situation is very complicated, but he has to make a decision.

“Lots of clubs want him, including Arsenal.

“But I think it would be very difficult to leave Real because he knows what he has at Madrid, and what he could find at another club.”

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Eden Hazard out 2 weeks

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Apr 9, 2014

Chelsea’s playmaker Eden Hazard is going to miss two weeks after picking up a calf injury during their 2-0 win over PSG at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

“It is a calf problem, but I have no idea the dimension of the injury,” said manager Jose Mourinho, “even when they are not serious you can not play for a couple of weeks.”

Even if Hazard only misses a couple of weeks, it would mean he will miss Premier League clashes with Swansea and Sunderland, in addition, it would make him a serious doubt for their Champions League semi-final first leg in a couple of weeks, and their Premier League crunch match with Liverpool at Anfield.

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

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Liverpool and Arsenal target Federico Fazio will travel to Sevilla this month to discuss his future with club

By

SteveMilne

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Apr 9, 2014

Fazio is attracting much interest from across the continent following several seasons of consistent displays in La Liga.

Liverpool and Arsenal are among his Premier League suitors, while Everton have monitored him in the past.

He has even been touted as a potential replacement for the departing Carles Puyol at Barcelona, but the Nou Camp club may be forced to shelve their interest for the time-being due to their transfer embargo.

Aware of mounting speculation over his future, his agents will meet with Sevilla’s president Jose Castro and sporting director Monchi before Easter, as it is believed that two unnamed clubs are willing to meet the centre-back’s bargain £8m release clause fee.

Written by Steve Milne

Man United enter race for Maxime Gonalons

By

CharlGLFC

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Apr 8, 2014

Man United are set to fight with Napoli and Arsenal for French midfielder Maxime Gonalons in summer. The 25-year old midfielder has spent his entire career at Lyon and made his first appearance for the senior team back in 2009.

He was close to making the move to Italy with Napoli back in January but the deal was never completed. Lyon may now have to cash in on the player in summer because they have found themselves in financial trouble. Gonalons is said to be open to a move to Naples.

But, Man United have now joined the running as they hunt for some new midfielders while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a big fan of his fellow Frenchman and has tracked him over the past few seasons. However, Wenger now faces competition for his signature from a fellow English side and Serie A club.

By Charlie Gregory

@CharlieGLFC

Liverpool to swoop for Richards

By

Kyle Farrington

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Apr 8, 2014

Manchester City defender Micah Richards looks set to move away from the Etihad at the end of the season. The English international has been at Manchester City his whole career and came through the academy, but looks set to finally leave the club.

Richards whilst at Manchester City broke into the England team and looked set for a long and successful spell at international level. However Micah Richards has struggled with injuries throughout his career and had little playing time in the last eighteen months due to injury.

Liverpool is one of the teams that have shown a long term interest in Richards and will be happy to hear that Richards will become available in the summer. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been interest in Richards for a long time and there were reports Liverpool attempted to sign Richards in January, but nothing formulated in the end.

Manchester City were rumoured to be in contract negotiations with Richards, but the defender was not given the reassurances he needed and this led to him wanted to leave in the summer. Manchester City has apparently accepted the move and are ready to cash in on the defender, with Liverpool reported to make a £7 million bid in the summer.

However there Is speculation that AC Milan are interested on acquiring his services in the summer as well, but sources suggest Richards would prefer to stay in England if the right opportunity arises.

With Richards set for a new challenge, time will tell where he ends up and whether he can find the form he had when at his peak form.

Written By Kyle Farrington

Tottenham preparing for Jan Vertonghen departure

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Apr 8, 2014

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for the departure of centre-back Jan Vertonghen in the summer, by eyeing up Manchester United target Ezequiel Garay.

Garay has been a long standing target for United, and even had a deal in place to move to Old Trafford before Sir Alex Ferguson was replaced by David Moyes. But after a move to Zenit St. Petersburg fell through in January, the Argentine is almost certain to be on the market in the summer for either United or Spurs to grab.

Vertonghen has clearly indecated that he wants to play Champions League football next season, and with the chances of that at White Hart Land becoming increasingly unlikely, the 26 year old Belgian could be reunited with ex-Tottenham boss Andre Villas Boas in the summer- at Zenit.

Such a move would rule the Russian club out of contention for a move for Garay, and it is thought that once again United would emerge as favourites to sign the Benfica player. But reports suggest that Spurs are ready to hijack the attempt to sign him with an offer of their own.

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10

https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Chelsea starlet expected to remain at the club

By

Naylgee

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Apr 8, 2014