..::Football III::..

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Alexis to miss Arsenal's Premier League start, confirms Wenger

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Alexis Sanchez will miss the Community Shield and start of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign.

The Gunners’ league season begins at home to West Ham on August 9 - seven days after they face Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley.

Sanchez helped guide Chile to victory in the Copa America earlier this summer and his extended holiday means that he has not travelled with the rest of Arsenal’s squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East.

"He'll be back with us on August 3 and it takes about three weeks to get competitive," said Wenger.

"It could take him a little bit less time [to get match fit] but he'll miss our first game."

Danny Welbeck has also been ruled out the Barclays Asia Trophy which begins against a Singapore Select XI on Wednesday, but Wenger expects the striker to recover from his knee injury before the end of July.

"Danny's injury is a minor one but it look much longer to settle than we expected. But he will be part of the Emirates Cup pre-season tournament,” the Arsenal manager added.

 

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Di Maria's agent holds PSG talks

Angel Di Maria's agent Jorge Mendes has travelled to France for talks with Paris Saint-Germain, Goal can reveal.

Mendes arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport on Tuesday and met with PSG officials as he looks to finalise Di Maria's exit from Manchester United.

Goal understands that Louis van Gaal's side have also dispatched a representative to the French capital, with the club making enquiries over the possibility of a player exchange deal.

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani has long been on United's radar although the club are unsure that the forward would be keen on a switch to Old Trafford unless he was guaranteed a starting role.

Gregory van der Wiel, meanwhile, has also been mooted as a potential arrival at Old Trafford although the signing of Matteo Darmian from Torino is unlikely to see the Red Devils move for an additional right-back.

Di Maria only joined United from Real Madrid in a €75 million deal last summer but struggled to convince Van Gaal that he was worthy of a first team place.
The 27-year-old winger only made 20 league starts for the Red Devils during the 2014-15 campaign and PSG, who lost out in the battle to land the Argentine last summer, appear to be finally getting their man.

PSG boss Laurent Blanc confirmed on July 12 that the Ligue 1 champions were interested in signing the talented winger, while Goal reported back in March that Di Maria was intent on leaving United after a fall-out with Van Gaal.

Di Maria was left out of United's pre-season tour party that travelled to Seattle on Monday and although that was as a result of his Copa America exertions, talks to seal his exit away from Old Trafford are now gathering pace.

 

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Di Maria's agent holds PSG talks

Moda wadak neh karanna yanne1st season 1ke fail unata hamadama ahema wenne nahaAnith 1ka Copa America 2015 walath Di Maria elatama play kala....mekanam maha modama wadak karanna dunnoth namAduma tharame thawa season 1kak hari chance 1ka denna thiyanne.​

 

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Arsenal reveal new away kit for 2015-16

Arsenal revealed their new PUMA away kit for the 2015-16 season at an event in Singapore on Tuesday.

The Gunners are in Singapore for the Asia Trophy and kicked off their pre-season tour by revealing their second new strip, which they will wear against a Singapore Select XI on Wednesday.

New signing Petr Cech was at the event modelling the goalkeeper’s shirt while stars including Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud showed off the new gold away shirt.

Cech said: “I think my reception at the club from the players and fans has been unbelievable. I hope everybody will be happy at the end of the season.”

Giroud is keen to get Arsenal’s preparations for the new season off to the best possible start by winning the Asia Trophy.

He said: “It’s amazing to see you supporters. I’m happy to be here with my team-mates and hopefully we will win this cup.”

Arsenal released their new home kit last month at a launch event hosted by club legend Thierry Henry in London.

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Napoli angered by Higuain agent

Napoli have blasted the agent of Gonzalo Higuain in a string of tweets on their official Twitter account.

The 27-year-old has been regularly linked with a move away from the Stadio San Paolo in recent months with his agent critical of president Aurelio De Laurentiis this week.

Nicolas Higuain, who is both the brother and representative of the striker - suggested the Napoli chief was continually talking about his release clause in a bid to sell him."I wonder why De Laurentiis keeps talking about the clause," explained Nicolas.

However, Napoli responded with a string of tweets on Tuesday, stating: "On June 25 we announced that the release clause on Higuain’s contract was €94.736 million."Why did we do this? Because some important newspapers were writing that we were negotiating to sell Gonzalo for €50m.

"It is strange that some experienced journalists don’t understand such a simple concept and do not guide those who are perhaps distracted."

 

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Official: Van Persie joins Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce have completed the signing of Robin van Persie from Manchester United.

The veteran striker moves for a fee in the region of €6 million and will join former United team-mate Nani in Istanbul.

Talks had hinged on a settlement agreement between Van Persie and United, negotiating a pay-off for the final year of his £12m-a-season contract, and he now becomes Fenerbahce’s highest paid player.

The transfer, though, marks a remarkable fall from grace for the 31-year-old, who was the Premier League’s top scorer in his maiden year at Old Trafford as his £22.5m move from Arsenal quickly yielded a 20th league title.

But injury limited him to just 21 league appearances in his second season as United toiled under David Moyes, and even a stellar World Cup campaign and reunion with Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal could not halt his slump.

Overlooked for the captain’s armband by his countryman and frequently left out of the starting XI, Van Persie netted just 10 times in all competitions last season – his second lowest tally in his 11 years in England.

He has previously stressed the necessity of playing regular first-team football in the build up to next summer’s European Championship and, with his place at United under threat and scrutiny, has opted to join Fener.

Van Persie will replace a fellow Dutchman, Dirk Kuyt, at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, and joins Nani, Simon Kjaer, Josef de Souza, Fernandao and Sener Ozbayrakli in moving to Fenerbahce as the Turkish Super Lig’s impressive recruitment drive continues at pace.

Rivals Galatasaray have brought in Lukas Podolski from Arsenal, while Antalyaspor claim they are close to landing a third ex-Barcelona star to add to deals for Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho.

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck RVP!

Thanks for everythingYou will always be in our hearts

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Van Persie thanks Arsenal and Manchester United after completing Fenerbahce move

Robin van Persie has taken the time to thank former clubs Arsenal and Manchester United after completing his move to Fenerbahce.

The 31-year-old was unveiled at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Tuesday, with the €6.6 million deal seeing him link-up with former United team-mate Nani in Istanbul.

And as he reflected on 11 rollercoaster years in the Premier League, Van Persie took to Twitter to wish both Arsenal and United well for the future.

"Thank you Arsenal and thank you Manchester United," he wrote alongside images of the team and individual awards he won at both clubs. "Wish you all the best."

Van Persie is regarded warmly at United despite two injury-hit final seasons at Old Trafford, having scored 26 Premier League goals in a blistering debut campaign to help Sir Alex Ferguson bow out with one last league title.

But the Dutchman is a more divisive figure in north London after forcing through a £24m move from Arsenal to United in the summer of 2012 as he chased major silverware.

"I'm very happy, really," he said at his Fenerbahce unveiling. "Now I'm a part of the Fenerbahce family. Thanks to everybody who involves this transfer process. I always love the passion that Turkish people have. I hope to be successful in here for the next years.

"I feel very good for now but I need to train in order to reach my top level before the season. I know that I have the physical and mental capability to play football for many years. I'll do everything for this.

"I knew that I could leave Manchester United for a while. In football you can have good and bad days. I've always in good dialogue with my team-mates and the board in Manchester. I think that I gained their appreciation. It's enough for me."

 

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Sunderland to complete Lens signing

Sunderland have agreed terms with Dynamo Kiev for Jeremain Lens and expect to complete his signing in the next 24 hours, Goal understands.

Goal revealed last month that the Black Cats were in talks to sign Lens and the Netherlands international, who can play up front or on either flank, is now on his way to England to undergo a medical and finalise the details of the move.

Lens, who played under Dick Advocaat at PSV prior to joining Dynamo in the summer of 2013, was left out of their squad for the Ukrainian Super Cup clash against Shakhtar Donetsk to enable him to travel to the north east.

"Everything is agreed, it has taken longer than expected but everyone seems happy," the source told Goal.

He becomes Sunderland's third recruit of the summer following the signings of defenders Adam Matthews and Sebastian Coates.

 

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Wenger: Arsenal ALREADY have enough quality to challenge for titles

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal already have enough quality to challenge for titles without the need to sign any more players.

Goal understands that Karim Benzema is Arsenal’s top target this summer, although Wenger is prepared to wait until the closing stages of the transfer window before making a move for the Real Madrid striker.

Arsenal’s only signing so far has been Petr Cech from Chelsea and while Wenger has reiterated that he will remain open to bolstering his options, the 65-year-old insists improving his side’s cohesion could be key in their title pursuit.

“I don’t close the door if we find any player who can strengthen the squad,” said Wenger.

“We have already strengthened the squad, but I believe part of the success of the squad is also the level of cohesion. We have a good level of cohesion. I believe we have the quality, and it’s now about how much we can be stronger together.

“We felt at the end of last season that we had moved forward, but it is still not enough. In this pre-season we have to move forward again. We have to move forward together, which for me it is more important than dreaming about finding a miraculous player who wins you everything.

“It’s important we find our combination and cohesion very quickly. We have to use it as a springboard to improve, and our pre-season games can help us strengthen that feeling.

"It is an opportunity to give an opportunity to people on the fringe of the team. It can influence my decisions until the transfer market is over.”

 

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Van Persie thanks 'classy' Woodward but has no words for Van Gaal

Robin van Persie failed to acknowledge Louis van Gaal as he paid tribute to Manchester United at his Fenerbahce unveiling.

The Netherlands international was greeted by 18,000 Fener fans at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Tuesday as he finalised a €6.7 million move from United after a remarkably swift fall from prominence at Old Trafford.

Van Persie's 26 Premier League goals in his debut campaign with the Red Devils secured a farewell title for Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012-13, but fitness problems hampered his progress thereafter.

He failed to establish himself as a key first-team player under former national team boss Van Gaal and was subsequently told he would be allowed to leave the club.

And at his unveiling in Istanbul, the 31-year-old was at pains to thank his old team-mates and even executive vice chairman Ed Woodward - but stopped short of affording his former manager the same courtesy.

“I had a really good moment with the players just before I left," Van Persie told reporters. “Everyone in the squad showed me that they had appreciated my time at United. That was enough for me to leave with the right feeling.”

He then interrupted his interpreter to add: “Let me please add one more person to thank.

“I highly appreciate the work of [executive vice-chairman] Ed Woodward in this transfer. He was the man who was very classy in all this. A true gentleman.

"Ed, if you are listening or watching, thank you!"

Van Persie insists he was not surprised to find himself down the striking pecking order at Old Trafford and claims he harbours no bitterness over the experience of his final season at United - but again opted not to mention Van Gaal by name.

“I had to leave the club, and that was not a big surprise to me," he continued. "I saw the situation coming. I was getting used to the situation [of being overlooked]. I don’t make a big deal of it. It is football for you.

“Honestly, I have no hard feelings how it has all gone. I accept it. I had a good time with the players and that is important."

 

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Barcelona candidates agree to keep Arda Turan

Barcelona's four remaining presidential candidates have agreed that new signing Arda Turan will remain at the club, regardless of who wins the election.

The midfielder joined from Atletico Madrid in a €40 million deal last week, but a clause stated he the move could be cancelled if the successful candidate vetoed the transfer.

Josep Bartomeu, Joan Laporta, Toni Freixa and Agusti Benedito remain in the running for the job, with the latter pair originally suggesting they would cancel Arda's move.

However, after a live election debate on TV3, the four men have agreed that it is in the best interests of the club and player that he is allowed to remain at Camp Nou.
The quartet were not in agreement over a potential move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, though, after Laporta boasted of his relationship with the player's agent Mino Raiola.He said: "Whoever wants to sign Pogba must understand I know Mino Raiola and worked with him on the operations of Maxwell and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic."

Bartomeu responded by saying: "I remember the Ibrahimovic operation represented a loss of €54 million for the club."Furthermore, I spoke with the president of Juve and he told me that Pogba is not for sale."

 

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Sherwood: Benteke will not join Liverpool

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood does not expect Liverpool’s reported interest in Christian Benteke to prise the Belgium striker away from Villa Park.

Goal revealed in April that Villa will not settle for anything less than £30 million for Benteke, who has a £32.5m release clause in his current contract.

The completion of Raheem Sterling's £49m switch from Liverpool to Manchester City on Tuesday has further stoked speculation that Brendan Rodgers will look to the Belgian to bolster his Anfield forward line.

But Sherwood believes Liverpool already have the players to cope, making a move to match Benteke's release clause unlikely.

"I think he stays," Sherwood told Sky Sports News. "I think Liverpool – I looked the other day – have six or seven strikers at the club.

"Now I'm not sure how many they actually need. We know Christian is a very good player and we want to keep hold of him.

"If someone matches that buy-out clause there is nothing we can do about it but until that happens he is an Aston Villa player and we are all very pleased about that."

Benteke scored 13 goals in 29 Premier League appearances in 2014-15, hitting form in the final months of the season to help Sherwood's men avoid relegation.

 

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Sterling thanks Rodgers after completing £49m Manchester City move

Raheem Sterling has thanked Brendan Rodgers in his first interview since completing a £49 million move to Manchester City.

The 20-year-old has committed to a five-year contract with City that makes him the club’s record signing, while the deal has also set a British transfer record for an English player.

Rodgers was forced to deny reports that he had fallen out with Sterling in the closing stages of the winger's switch to City, and the England international admits the Liverpool manager played a key part in his rise.

“I’m just glad it’s all over and done with and I can’t wait to get on the training field," Sterling told City's official website.

The thing that excites me the most is the world class squad we have and knowing we have a team that is capable of winning things year in, year out.

"The more quality players that are around you, the more quality it brings out in you so I can’t wait to get started and play alongside them.

“It has been a long journey from QPR and I’d like to thank a few people who have helped me along the way.

“I’d like to thank Rafa Benitez for taking me to Liverpool as a 15 year-old – that was a massive step for me and a new challenge. Also to Kenny Dalglish for showing such faith in me and putting me in at such a young age.

“I want to thank Brendan Rodgers for giving me a chance and an opportunity in the first team, giving me my full debut – against City funnily enough – and giving me a real chance to cement a place in the first team and show the world my talents.

“Finally, I’d also like to thank all the people around me – my mum and sisters, my management team and Aidy Ward for helping me focus and get where I am today. I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone.”

Sterling also revealed that he spoke with England team-mate Joe Hart about City prior to his move.

“I spoke to Joe briefly on the last England trip,” said the winger.

“He just told me what a really good football club this is and how nice the fans are – nothing too serious, but it was a bit of a heads up.”

 

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Valdes agent in talks over Valencia loan deal

The agent of Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes is in talks with Valencia over a season-long loan deal which could bring an end to his spell at Old Trafford, Goal understands.

The Spanish goalkeeper is just six months into an 18-month contract with Louis van Gaal's side, but his days at the club appear to be numbered after he was excluded from the squad which travelled to the USA on Monday to take part in the pre-season International Champions Cup tournament.

Valdes has been limited to only two appearances since joining the club in January, replacing David de Gea as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in May before making his only start in the final game of the Premier League season at Hull City a week later.

And despite speculation that a potential transfer for De Gea to Real Madrid could allow Valdes to fight for a regular spot in the United first team in 2015-16, it is the former Barcelona goalkeeper who is nearing an exit.

The 33-year-old's agent, Gines Carvajal, has entered into talks with Valencia which would see Valdes return to Spain on a one-year loan agreement - a move that would effectively end his Manchester United career.

The Mestalla club's regular No.1 Diego Alves picked up a serious knee injury in the final game of 2014-15 against Almeria, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo's side on the lookout for a low-cost replacement.

The loan switch would mean Valencia do not have to cover Valdes's entire salary demands, instead coming to a compromise deal with United as the final year of his Old Trafford deal runs out.

Valdes, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury against Celta Vigo in March 2014 which cut short his final season with Barcelona, was snapped up by the 20-time English champions when he returned to fitness.

He has found himself playing second fiddle to De Gea, but recently insisted he had no interest in a move to Turkish club Antalyaspor before Valencia stepped up their pursuit.

 

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Arteta: Arsenal on verge of something special

Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta insists he never considered leaving the club this summer - because he believes they are on the verge of achieving something special.

The 33-year-old midfielder’s original contract was due to expire this year but he has signed a 12-month deal to keep him in north London for another season.

Arteta made just seven Premier League appearances last season as he struggled with injury problems and was linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

But the Spaniard, who signed from Everton in 2011, believes Arsenal are now on the verge of challenging for the title after back-to-back FA Cup triumphs - and still feels he has a significant role to play.

“It took a while for us to do a lot of things to get in the position we are in now as a group,” Arteta told Goal.

“It’s been three or four years and the rewards are coming now, so you want to be part of that as well.

“The energy here is very good, it’s positive. We can sense that something has changed in the last few seasons, so we are looking forward to getting ready and to start performing again.

“It took a while for this club to change, but I think we are moving in the right direction now. I’ve got a fresh year in front of me and I want to enjoy this moment.

“My contract situation is clear. I’m staying here one more season, that’s what I agreed with the boss and the club. We all had the same direction and thoughts so it wasn’t complicated at all.”

The emergence of Francis Coquelin means that Arteta faces even more competition to win back his place in the side next season, having finally recovered from an ankle injury he suffered in January.

Arteta admits it will be difficult to force his way back into Arsene Wenger’s starting XI but feels he has the backing of the manager.

“The manager has belief in me and he doesn’t need to use a lot of words because he has shown his belief in acts, which are more important than words,” he explained.

“He knows what I think. He knows what I thought when I was injured and how disappointed I was, and he knows what I will do to come back nice and fresh and be consistent, as I’ve always been here.

“It’s up to yourself. When I’ve been fit, I’ve always played. I just want to keep thinking like that.

“The difference now is that I’ve been injured for five or six months and it’s been a really tough time for me.

“I know that I might start from a disadvantaged position in that sense, but my ambition is still intact and I want to do my best to play because I love playing.”

 

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Giroud: I will talk to Henry man-to-man about criticism

Olivier Giroud has brushed off earlier criticism from Thierry Henry but plans to have a man-to-man talk with the Arsenal legend.

Henry said in April that the Gunners would not win the Premier League with Giroud as their principal attacking threat, prompting comments about the 37-year-old's punditry work and a defence from Arsene Wenger.

Giroud insists he was unperturbed by Henry's remarks and is only focused on performing as well as possible for Arsenal, but would nonetheless relish the opportunity to speak to Henry privately on the topic.

"To be honest, when you are a footballer you don't have to listen to people commenting about your performance," Giroud told reporters.

"The main thing is not to have any doubt when you miss a chance or miss a game. It can happen sometimes.

"The best thing is to forget about the comments straight away and to keep the head up and not let it affect your qualities.

"I know Thierry and I knew what he wanted to mean. If I see him we will have a conversation between two men.

"I'm not angry against him but it's true that I didn't understand at first. I think he reacted about his words and explained them more.

"But it's alright. I'm not going to be upset about that. I'm sleeping well and as long as my family is OK that's the main thing. It doesn't affect me too much."

Arsenal are in Singapore ahead of their friendly against a local XI on Wednesday.

 

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Perez: Casillas had reached breaking point at Real Madrid

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has been filmed admitting Iker Casillas had endured all he could stomach at the club.The iconic goalkeeper ended a 25-year stay at the Santiago Bernabeu last
week when he confirmed a move to Porto.

A five-time Liga winner who helped Madrid to three Champions League crowns, Casillas had faced heavy criticism since he was dropped by then-Madrid coach Jose Mourinho in 2012.

“He wanted to leave because he'd had a gut full,” Perez was overheard saying at Casillas’ hastily organised farewell event on Monday. The ceremony arrived just 24 hours after the club faced criticism from sections of supporters for initially leaving Casillas alone in the press room to read a brief statement confirming his exit.

Perez and Madrid have maintained that the decision to leave the club was Casillas’s alone, but Santos Marquez, one of those at the heart of the deal that took the goalkeeper to Portugal, insists that the World Cup winner was forced out of the club.“Casillas never decided to jump ship and leave Real. He was pushed,” Marquez told MARCA.

“Six years ago, when the likes of Guti and Raul were there, he was already condemned. He is the captain, he was condemned."In no moment did I hear Rafa Benítez say, 'I want or I don't want Casillas.'"

 

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Galliani: AC Milan will wait for Ibra but Witsel pursuit is over

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani says the club have not given up on their hopes to bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to San Siro.

The 33-year-old Sweden international left the club for Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 as the French side sealed a sensational double swoop for the striker and Brazil defender Thiago Silva, who has also been linked with a return to the Rossoneri in recent weeks.

However, PSG coach Laurent Blanc has dismissed any possibility of Ibrahimovic leaving the Parc des Princes this summer and Galliani is happy to put Milan’s interest on hold.

“We will wait to see what happens. Ibra is the only one with a licence to kill,” he told reporters.Meanwhile, Galliani revealed that Milan have ended their interest in Zenit ace Axel Witsel as he believes that they are now well stocked in midfield“No [we won’t sign Witsel], that’s enough now," he added. "The only objective left is a central defender.”

With Thiago Silva’s agent insisting Milan cannot afford him, the club turned their attentions to Roma’s Alessio Romagnoli but had a bid of around €25 million rebuffed by the capital club this week.Milan are restructuring their squad under new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic after last season's 10th-place finish, which cost former coach Filippo Inzaghi his job.

Strikers Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano, and midfielder Andrea Bertolacci, have already arrived at a combined cost of almost €60 million, while Stephan El Shaarawy, Giampaolo Pazzini and Adil Rami are among those to have departed.

 

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Official: Stoke sign Barcelona youngster Moha El Ouriachi

Stoke City have completed the signing of teenage forward Moha El Ouriachi from Barcelona.

The 19-year-old, who has represented Spain at youth level and is also eligable for Morroco, moves to the Britannia Stadium after opting to reject a new contract from the Spanish and European champions.

Moha, who did not make a first-team appearance at Camp Nou, has followed in the footsteps of Bojan Krkic and Marc Muniesa, who both joined Stoke from Barca after initial contact was made earlier this year.

"He's excited about joining a Premier League club, especially one that already has two former Barcelona players in their squad," chief executive Tony Scholes told Stoke's official website.

"Moha has seen the progress made by Bojan and Marc and wants to try and do likewise."

Stoke have been busy bolstering their squad during the close-season with the likes of Glen Johnson, Joselu and Marco van Ginkel all moving to the Premier League club.

Moha could feature for Stoke in their Asia Trophy pre-season fixture against Everton later on Wednesday.