Mesut Ozil can lead Arsenal to the title, says legend

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Jan 27, 2014

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes midfielder Mesut Ozil can fire The Gunners to the Premier League title, ahead of both Manchester City and Chelsea.

Ozil and co. currently sit top of the table going into February, but are just one point ahead of City and two points ahead of Chelsea, with a tough set of fixtures ahead which sees them face City, Chesea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all in a space of a few weeks.

However, with a collapse predicted and expected from Arsene Wenger’s men, club-legend Thierry Henry believes this season will be their season, especially with Ozil leading the midfield.

‘I can say right now that everybody is expecting Arsenal to collapse, just as they were expecting it earlier in the season. But they didn’t,’ Henry told Goal.com.

‘They are still somehow keeping up the pace in the Premier League, and every time they have been in a situation where they have to answer back to Man City and Chelsea, they have done it.

‘Hopefully, they can carry on doing that. As an Arsenal man and a fan of the club, I want them to carrying on doing that the whole way and make sure they can win the league.’

‘With his calmness, his quality on the ball, his vision, he is a great player and can give an assist at any moment.

‘He also has the quality and capacity to score goals at any moment, so it’s always great to have a player like that around in the dressing room on a daily basis, and at the weekend at the game,’ said Henry.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticle

Schalke ‘can’t exclude’ Julian Draxler transfer to Arsenal

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 27, 2014

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The Gunners are reportedly planning on sending a delegation to Germany this week in a bid to thrash out a deal for the highly-rated attacker before Friday’s January deadline.

Schalke are believed to be holding out for the £37million release fee written into Draxler current contract, but Arsenal are hoping a deal can be struck for something closer to the £25million-mark.

Before Schalke’s Bundesliga match against Hamburg on Sunday, Heldt said: ‘I can’t exclude anything, I don’t know what other clubs are planning. I only know what happens in our club – and nothing happens at the moment, so we don’t bother with this.

‘We are very calm with this thing.’

Draxler’s release fee only kicks in at the end of the current season.

Written by Steve Milne

Arsene Wenger interested in Lyon midfielder

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 27, 2014

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to sign Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff as he begins to accept defeat in race for Schalke’s Julian Draxler.

The Gunners boss has been a long-term admirer of the French midfielder but has always been put off by Lyon’s price-tag for the 27-year-old, however, the Ligue 1 outfit have come under a lot of pressure financially and could be willing to part ways with the midfielder on the cheap.

Wenger is still desperate to strengthen his squad and number-one target, Draxler, will only be leaving Schalke in the Summer rather than in this month.

It has been reported that Arsenal and Wenger have enquired about the availability of Gourfcuff and have also asked how much Lyon would want for the Frenchman, but it isn’t understood yet how much they would accept to part-ways.

Wenger is set to meet up with the Arsenal board some point this week as transfer deadline day gets ever closer.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Moyes to sign German duo

By

wayney

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Jan 27, 2014

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With record signing Juan Mata secured David Moyes will now be looking to the summer continue his rebuilding of a struggling Manchester United, with more big name signings of similiar calibre to the Spaniard promised to be made. German international Toni Kroos of Bayern Munich and fellow countryman Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund are believed to be next on the Scots wish list, having been spotted in the stands at a Dortmund game on a recent trip to Europe. One things for sure theres bound to be some interesting moves in the transfer window come summer.

Written by W.Cutmore

Manchester United prepare for £30m battle with Chelsea

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 27, 2014

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Manchester United are preparing for a £30 million battle with Chelsea over Luke Shaw after identifying the Southampton full-back as a priority summer target.

Having thwarted Chelsea’s attempts to lure Wayne Rooney from Old Trafford by moving towards a long-term contract for the England forward, United believe they have engineered another triumph over the Stamford Bridge club by completing a £37.1 million move for Spanish midfielder Juan Mata.

The contract breakthrough with Rooney, revealed by Telegraph Sport on Saturday, could result in the 28-year-old signing a £300,000-a-week deal in the coming days.

But with Mata signed and Rooney close to agreeing terms, United manager David Moyes has now charged executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward with completing a deal for Shaw at the end of the season – despite Chelsea appearing to lead the way in pursuit of the left-back because of his boyhood support of the London club.

United have explored the possibility of a move for the 18-year-old this month after ending interest in Everton’s Leighton Baines, but Southampton’s resistance to a sale has forced the champions to delay formal efforts until the summer.

Written by Steve Milne

United turn down PSG bid for Adnan Januzaj

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 27, 2014

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Manchester United have turned down a significant offer from Paris Saint-Germain for Adnan Januzaj in the current transfer window.

The French champions have refused to drop their interest in the 18-year‑old despite him signing his first major contract at Old Trafford in October.

United rejected the offer and have made it clear they do not want to negotiate about a player David Moyes has said is talented enough tobecome one of the great modern-day players.

PSG, who have also had a £14m bid for Newcastle United’s Yohan Cabaye rejected, were at the head of an extensive list of major European clubs trying to lure Januzaj away from Old Trafford earlier in the season and had been hoping to capitalise on United’s difficult first season under Moyes. They are seventh in the Premier League and out of the FA Cup and Capital One Cup.

United subsequently tied down Januzaj to a contract that recognises the extraordinary potential he has shown in his breakthrough season. The teenager could have earned more at PSG but opted to stay in Manchester, as well as turning down offers from Spain and Italy.

However, PSG have retained their interest at a time when United are not guaranteed the top-four finish that would ensure qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Written by Steve Milne

Jack Wilshere may miss Arsenal’s match at Southampton

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 27, 2014

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Wilshere suffered an ankle injury during Friday night’s 4-0 victory over Coventry in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Premier league pacesetters will have defender Thomas Vermaelen and midfield duo Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey available for the match at St Mary’s though.

“We have a doubt about Jack Wilshere, who had this ankle problem during the game against Coventry,” Wenger said.

“But we have three players back normally in the squad. The three are Vermaelen, Arteta and Ramsey should all be back and available.

“But we might from our last game lose Jack Wilshere for tomorrow’s game. ”

Arsenal’s victory over Coventry has set them up with another home tie in the FA Cup, this time against Liverpool.

“It’s an interesting draw and a difficult one. We have a little advantage by playing at home. That means we don’t travel,” Wenger added.

“But overall it’s a great difficulty, and we’ll try again to absorb it and to come out in a positive way.”

Written by Steve Milne

It was hard selling Mata, admits Mourinho

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 27, 2014

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that it was a tough decision to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United this month.

The 25-year-old became United’s most expensive signing at £37.1million when he completed his move from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford, and with the majority of fans unhappy with the sale, Mourinho has admitted that it was a tough decision to make.

“These are decisions a manager has to make, but for me it was a hard decision. I’d love to have him in my squad, absolutely,” Mourinho said.

“But to have a player in this situation is hard. He deserves that Chelsea open the door for him [to play regular first-team football].

“I like people to be happy. I’m so sorry I couldn’t make him happy in this squad – I’m so sad with that, but I build my team around Oscar playing as my number 10.”

Mourinho was then asked about how Mata will be received when he returns to The Bridge with United, and the Portuguese-man believes he will get a good reception from the fans.

“He’s very classy. I think he’s a player that stays in the fans’ hearts and also in those of his colleagues,” added the Portuguese.

“I’m just with him six months and I like him a lot. Imagine the people who have been with him for three years. He stays in the club history – he won important trophies and people loved him.

“He will come here with a Manchester United shirt on one day and the people will show him that.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Leighton Baines signs new deal at Everton

By

Alex Batt

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Jan 27, 2014

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Everton left-back Leighton Baines has signed a new four-and-a-half year deal at Goodison Park ending all speculation about his future.

The 29-year-old has been continously linked with a move to Manchester United, but when David Moyes failed in the Summer, it was clear that The Toffees were never going to sell their star-asset.

The English left-back, who was also wanted by Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford, is delighted to have penned a new deal at Goodison Park, as his the manager Roberto Martinez.

“From every angle that you look at it, it is an incredible boost,” said Everton manager Roberto Martinez.

“He is one of the best left-backs in European football. He has the World Cup around the corner and I’m looking at what Leighton can do and it is huge.”

“His best is yet to come,” added Martinez of a player who has made more than 260 appearances for the club.

“To be able to secure Leighton’s best years at Everton means a lot, especially in this January window where we are talking about having a strong squad going into the second half of the season.

“That is an important moment for us. You are talking about January signings and bringing players into the club but no-one will be bigger than having Leighton Baines focusing on being as good as he can be for Everton in the best years of his career.”

“We are all aware of the importance of the derby in itself but this one is with extra significance with two teams playing to finish as high as possible,” said Martinez of the Premier League trip to Anfield.

“We are facing one of the toughest teams in the division. At home they are very strong. They are the best team from scoring from dead ball positions and we have to be wary of that.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Moyes confirms Mata to make debut

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 27, 2014

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Mata completed his club record £37.1 million move from Chelsea on Saturday.

But he has not played since New Year’s Day, when he started Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Southampton, after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge.

However, manager Moyes believes Mata will be able to face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team and plans to give him his United bow at the first possible opportunity.

Moyes told MUTV: “Juan’s not too far away from [full] fitness. I know he has missed a few games and maybe not started quite as many games as he’d have liked, but I’d like to get him involved against Cardiff.”

Mata scored on his last appearance at Old Trafford in May when he earned Chelsea a 1-0 victory and became the last player to get a winner against Sir Alex Ferguson’s United.

He last appeared on the bench when he was an unused substitute for Chelsea as they beat United 3-1 last Sunday.

Written by Steve Milne

Remy snubs Newcastle offer

By

wayney

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Jan 27, 2014

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The french international Loic Remy 27, has turned down the chance to make the switch from QPR to Newcastle permanent. Remy who has bagged 11 goals so far this season making him Newcastles top scorer so far is believed to be hoping that he can use the World Cup later on this year to showcase his name and talent.

With a fee of £10million agreed between both clubs, the striker who Arsene Wenger is an admirer of, declined the offer to make the switch permanent and will remain under contract to QPR on loan to Newcastle for the forseeable future.

Written by W.Cutmore

West Ham ready to make a £5million bid for striker Ross McCormack

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 26, 2014

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West Ham are poised to make an improved £5million offer for Leeds United striker Ross McCormack on Monday.

Leeds have rejected an initial proposal of £3million plus and extra £1m on appearances and the Upton Park club will return with £4m plus £1m.

Leeds are willing to accept that as talks continue over a takeover from Cagliari businessman Cellino.

Scotland international McCormack is the Championship’s leading scorer this season with 17 goals, one more than Jordan Rhodes of Blackburn. The 27-year-old was also made Leeds captain just last week.

Leeds chairman Salah Nouruddin said on Twitter last week: ‘I’d like to reassure all £lufc fans that we’re working hard for the club and can confirm we’ve rejected an offer from West Ham for Ross.’

West Ham are third from bottom in the Premier League with 18 points, the same amount as the two teams below them Sunderland and Cardiff, and one behind Fulham and safety

Written by Steve Milne

Cardiff City set to sign United pair Fabio and Wilfried Zaha

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 26, 2014

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Fabio had a medical on Sunday and is likely to join the Bluebirds on a permanent deal, while Zaha is expected to join on a season loan.

Fabio joined United from Brazilian club Fluminense in July 2008, but unlike his brother Rafael has never established himself as a first-team regular at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old was loaned out to QPR last season, and fell further out of favour at United this season when he picked up a rash red card during the FA Cup defeat to Swansea.

Fabio usually plays at left back and Solskjaer will hope he can strengthen a Cardiff defence that has conceded 38 goals this season, the second most in the league.

Zaha has made just four appearances for Manchester United since his £15m move from Crystal Palace and is yet to start a Premier League.

Last season however the winger was an influential creative player for Palace, scoring eight times in 50 appearances. He has also been capped twice by England.

The Old Trafford duo will join Solskajer’s three Norwegian signings, Magnus Wolff Eikrem, Mats Moller Daehli and Jo Inge Berget.

The new Cardiff manager could also add Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones to his squad before the window closes, with a swap deal with Peter Odemwingie looking increasingly likely.

Written by Steve Milne

Liverpool Keen To Land European Starlet

By

SteveMilne

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Jan 26, 2014

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Report are that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring the 20 year old to Anfield, but that Benfica are likely to hold out for a fee in excess of £12 million.

The central midfield player has struggled for game time at Benfica this season, due to the impressive form of Nemanja Matic – now of Chelsea – but Rodgers is believed to have identified him as a target. Rodgers is said to believe that the 20 year old will fit into his preferred style of play and is readying a move as the transfer window reaches it’s climax.

However Benfica will not let Gomes leave on the cheap. Having lost Matic, they are eager to keep Gomes and are demanding a £12.4 million fee. The midfielder has made just nine appearances for Benfica since making his debut last season, but the club have high hopes for Gomes.

He has represented his country at all youth levels, and has impressed for Benfica’s B side over the past two seasons.

Liverpool boss Rodgers is keen to bolster his squad in order to sustain the side’s push for the Champions League places, and his need for midfield reinforcements has been made more acute by the injury picked up by Lucas Leiva during last weekend’s draw with Aston Villa.

Written by Steve Milne

Barclays Premier League may experience huge loss!

By

Billy Foster

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Jan 26, 2014

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Barlcays may regin as the Premier League’s sponsor as it has been revealed as little benefit to the bank. Their current deal with the league ends at the finish of the 15-16 season and as the sport becomes increasingly expensive the bank fears it will be asked for more money when the new contract will be signed. Currently the bank pays £40m to the league however that could rise if they sign a new contract.

They have been the sponsor of the league since 2001 and in recent years have had to pay out more than their £40m on two occasions with £82m in 2011 ans £120m in 2012. It is becoming increasingly expensive and advertising becomes difficult when there is a lot of opposition with Sky Sports & BT Sports.

By Billy Foster

SillySeason.com

Mesut Ozil can lead Arsenal to the title, says legend

Schalke ‘can’t exclude’ Julian Draxler transfer to Arsenal

Arsene Wenger interested in Lyon midfielder

Moyes to sign German duo

Manchester United prepare for £30m battle with Chelsea

United turn down PSG bid for Adnan Januzaj

Jack Wilshere may miss Arsenal’s match at Southampton

It was hard selling Mata, admits Mourinho

Leighton Baines signs new deal at Everton

Moyes confirms Mata to make debut

Remy snubs Newcastle offer

West Ham ready to make a £5million bid for striker Ross McCormack

Cardiff City set to sign United pair Fabio and Wilfried Zaha

Liverpool Keen To Land European Starlet

Barclays Premier League may experience huge loss!

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