..::Football III::..

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Wenger quiet on Flamini reunion


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to give anything away with regards to a possible move to re-sign Mathieu Flamini.

The Gunners, having let several players go over the summer and struggling with injuries, are pursuing several players before the end of the window, with Goal exclusively revealing that they have opened talks with Real Madrid over a potential €30 million deal for Angel Di Maria.

Flamini was released by AC Milan at the end of last season and has been training with the Gunners but a smiling Wenger told the press: "He is just here to work on his fitness and he does that very well.

"I don't say there's no chance and I don't say there is a chance [of signing him]."

France international Flamini made 153 appearances for the Gunners between 2004 and 2008.

Wenger, though silent on his interest in Di Maria and fellow Madrid striker Karim Benzema, says that he is "confident" that he will secure the right signings by September 2.

 

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Mourinho confirms Willian has chosen Chelsea over Tottenham & rules out Mata exit


Jose Mourinho claims Anzhi Makhachkala midfielder Willian has chosen to join Chelsea over Tottenham and insists Juan Mata will not be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer.

Spurs looked set to capture the signature of the Brazil international in a move that would see him become their third club-record deal of the summer, following deals for Roberto Soldado and Corinthians midfielder Paulinho.

However, a late €37 million bid (£31.6m) lodged by rivals Chelsea on Thursday added competition for his signature and Mourinho now believes the player has chosen a move to Stamford Bridge instead.
"He’s an extra target [to Rooney]. We have to do a medical," Mourinho told reporters when asked if the move for the Brazilian is complete.

"I am happy with my squad but every one of us says we are happy. We always want something more and never close the door."

The 25-year-old travelled to Tottenham’s Enfield Training Centre to complete a medical on Wednesday, despite not having signed a contract with the north London club.

Mourinho believes Spurs acted with "danger" by performing a medical before the deal was complete, but denied speculation that any move for the midfielder would force Spain international Mata to leave the club.

"That's the danger of medicals before contracts," he continued, when asked about Willian’s potential move to White Hart Lane.

"I want a 22-player squad. If somebody comes, somebody leaves. We don't need to sell. Loan probably – yes.

"He [Mata] is a player we all like, a player we all want to keep. We want more quality, not less quality."

 

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Manchester City captain Kompany out for at least a month with groin injury


Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been ruled out of action for at least four weeks with a groin injury, the club has confirmed.

The centre-back pulled up in the second half of the 4-0 victory over Newcastle United on Monday and had to be substituted.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini has hinted the club could still strengthen before the transfer window closes but will not let the injury to Kompany dictate his transfer activity.

"I prefer the doctor has the final word on this but I think he will be out for at least one month," Pellegrini told reporters..

"If we do strengthen [at centre back] it will not just be because of Vincent Kompany’s injury. We have a very good squad and we see what happens.

"Today or tomorrow we will know exactly how long Vincent will be out for."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Get well soon Kompany!

 

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Uefa bans refereeing pair over match-fixing

Uefa has banned Armenian referee Andranik Arsenyan and his assistant Hovhannes Avagyan for life for attempting to fix a Europa League match.

Arsenyan and Avagyan admitted they attempted to manipulate the outcome of the fixture between Inter Turku and Vikingur on July 11 this year.

An initial investigation had been sparked after the governing body's betting fraud detection system uncovered suspicious betting patterns around the fixture.

"Referee Andranik Arsenyan and assistant Hovhannes Avagyan, who officiated at a Europa League match last month between Inter Turku and Vikingur, have been suspended for life by the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body (CDB) for their attempt to manipulate the outcome of this game," a Uefa statement reads.

"In a hearing at the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA), referee Arsenyan and assistant referee Avagyan admitted having tried to manipulate the outcome of the second-leg fixture, which ended 1-0 in favour of Vikingur.

"The Uefa betting fraud detection system (BFDS) – which monitors over 32,000 matches across Europe, including all first and second division games, cup ties and Uefa competition fixtures – had detected suspicious betting patterns around this encounter, and this prompted the start of an investigation by Uefa, to which the FFA contributed closely.

"Uefa is pleased with the excellent cooperation of the FFA, the local authorities and the betting operators during the investigation process."

The decision follows the recent banning of Ukrainian outfit Metalist Kharkiv from all Uefa competitions after a match-fixing inquiry.

 

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Lukaku would welcome Rooney at Chelsea

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku would welcome Wayne Rooney at the club, insisting that he is not scared of competition for places.

The Blues have failed with two bids for the Manchester United forward, who is determined to leave, with Jose Mourinho promising a third attempt to come after the two teams meet at Old Trafford on Monday.

And although Lukaku – who impressed on a season-long loan at West Brom last term, netting 17 league goals – is desperate for first-team football this season, the 20-year-old would be happy to see the squad strengthened with new arrivals.

"Every player wants to be in the best team there is," the Belgian told reporters. "If a player can improve us, why not? Samuel Eto'o, Wayne Rooney, I have heard everyone. I am not scared. Let them come.

"I'm getting closer to where I need to be and hopefully also closer to the starting line-up, my main ambition.

"If I keep working hard, like I'm doing now, showing the talent that I have, hopefully I get to start in the next game.

"Compared to the first year, when I arrived here it was all about learning and taking a bit off all the players, now it's about starting games."

The Belgium international has been used as a substitute in Chelsea's two Premier League wins against Hull City Tigers and Aston Villa.

 

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AC Milan will always prevail, says Abate

Ignazio Abate has stressed that AC Milan will always overcome any difficulties they encounter as long they remain united.

The Rossoneri struggled in the opening half of the 2012-13 campaign, but eventually bounced back to secure third spot in the table and the right-back has made it clear they are aiming for the top spots again this term.

"It will be a long season and there will be difficult moments where we will suffer, but Milan will always prevail if we act as a team," Abate told Milan Channel.

"We are an amazing group. We are very united and we get on well. Since last year the group has cemented itself a lot and Massimiliano Allegri has squared the circle.

"Our objectives are to remain close to the top teams and then we'll see what happens in the last two months."

Milan kick off their Serie A campaign at the weekend away against Hellas Verona.

 

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Wenger: Champions League key to signings

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that his efforts in the transfer market will be given a boost by his side's 3-0 win over Fenerbahce.

The Gunners are yet to make a major signing this summer, but took a huge step towards the Champions League group stages with a convincing win over the Turkish giants in Istanbul in midweek.

And the Frenchman feels that the near-guarantee of top-level European football will help attract players to the club.

"I'm confident," Wenger said at a press conference when asked if he would secure the signings that he needed. "We have some funds available.

"Every player's first question is: 'Do you play in the Champions League or not?' That is the first requirement."

Wenger has identified Angel Di Maria and Karim Benzema as potential transfer targets, but remained tight-lipped about the Real Madrid duo.

"I don't want to speak about names, you [the media] do that very well," he added.

Arsenal have also bid £10m for Yohan Cabaye since their 3-1 opening-day Premier League loss to Aston Villa, though Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says that the north Londoners will have to make a much better offer.

 

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Higuain keen to emulate Maradona

Gonzalo Higuain is keen to follow in the footsteps of Diego Maradona at Napoli and help the Serie A side to silverware.

The Argentina international joined Napoli from Real Madrid for a fee in the region of €40 million to fill the void left by Edinson Cavani's departure to Paris Saint-Germain, but is not too concerned with the Uruguayan's legacy and would rather emulate his compatriot.

"Cavani has gone away and will be remembered for all the goals he scored," Higuain told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I don't want to be remembered here just for scoring goals, though,but I want to get into the history of the just like Maradona. My only goal is to win."

The prolific striker then went on to discuss Napoli's title credentials and is confident they can challenge Juventus for the Scudetto.

"We must believe in the Scudetto. We are competitive and we can dream despite the league being very difficult.

"Juve have made clear their intentions clear by winning the Super Cup, while Milan are also in good shape. Overall, though, I am convinced that if we do things right, we can win."

Rafael Benitez's men get their Serie A campaign under way on Sunday when they host Bologna.

 

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Leonardo hints at Inter return

Former Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has admitted that he would be open to a return to Inter at some point in the future.

The Brazilian previously worked at the Nerazzurri as head coach from December 2010 until the summer of 2011, only to leave the club for a position at PSG.

He recently quit his role with the Ligue 1 champions, though, because of a 14-month ban for pushing a referee and would be keen to return to his previous employers.

"I left Paris Saint-Germain too early as a player and then came back," Leonardo told Sky Sport Italia.

"The same could happen with a return to Inter."

Leonardo then went on to insist that he has never spoken to Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir, who is rumoured to be buying a stake in Inter and is believed to be a keen admirer of the Brazilian.

"I have never spoken to Erick Thohir, but I am in constant contact with Inter."

 

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Arsenal must make much better offer for Cabaye, insists Pardew

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says that the club must come out stronger whether Yohan Cabaye departs or stays at St James's Park.

The France international was the subject of a £10 million bid from Arsenal before the Magpies' opening Premier League contest against Manchester City, while French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly interested.

After withdrawing Cabaye from the squad before the match, Newcastle rejected the Gunners' offer as "derisory and disrespectful".

"The most important thing about this whole scenario is that the club wins. The club has to win, no-one else," Pardew told the press. "That is what comes first on my shift and I am manager of this football club and will do what is best for the club.

"You cannot go on a forecourt of a car showroom and say to the dealership: 'Here is my valuation and I'm just going to drive it off'.

"We have had one bid [from Arsenal] and it was not acceptable."

Pardew believes that the good rapport that he enjoys with Cabaye will allow the 27-year-old to be welcomed back to the fold if he does not move on.

"I have a good relationship with Yohan and I think it is important that it stays a good relationship for him and for me and for this club," he observed. "I have to be very careful in these next 10 days where there is a solution and he moves on but there is also a solution that he continues to play for us.

"There has to be a way back for Yohan and, if he stays, we need to get the best out of him. Therefore I have to be seen to be fair and to be managing the whole picture."

 

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Barcelona sign Suarez

Barcelona have announced on their official website that they have secured the services of Denis Suarez from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old had long been linked with a return to Spain and has now signed a four-year deal with the Blaugrana, where he will start in the club's B team.

Suarez's buy-out clause has been set at €12 million and will rise to €35m once he gets promoted to Barcelona's first team.

The attacking midfielder, who has been capped at Under-20 level for Spain, came through the ranks of the Celta Vigo youth academy, but left his boyhood club for Manchester City in the summer of 2011.

However, Suarez failed to break into the first team at City, despite being voted the club's Young Player of the Season in 2012, and has opted to move on.

 

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Anelka could quit football - Clarke

West Brom manager Steve Clarke has admitted that Nicolas Anelka is considering retiring from football.

The striker left the club's training ground on Thursday after being given compassionate leave, granted after he learned of the sudden death of his agent.

"Nicolas lost a close friend and an agent over the weekend - he died suddenly," Clarke told the press. "Nicolas went to Richard [Garlick, technical director] on Thursday and indicated that he wasn't in a good place.

"I went in and had a very brief chat with him and he wasn't in a good place so the club have decided just to give him a bit of time to go away and think about it and get himself in a better place for the future.

"Really, that is as much as there is to tell on the situation. It is just a boy who is really quite upset.

"I'm not going to deny that he used that word [retirement] in the conversations we had with him but we've given him time to go away and think about it and I don't think we could do any more in the circumstances as they were.

"He hasn't trained this week [because of a knock]. I was preparing the team for Everton without him."

One player who Clarke will have available for the trip to Goodison Park is new loan signing Scott Sinclair. The Baggies completed a season-long deal for the 24-year-old on Thursday and the Scot is now eager to see him in action.

"We needed width in team and he can score," the West Brom boss added. "He's hungry and desperate to play this weekend. It's a big year for him.

"We would like another wide player if possible; we have been under-active compared to others [in the transfer window]. I'm hoping we will be busy."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Demichelis close to Manchester City move

Manchester City have edged closer to the signing of Atletico Madrid defender Martin Demichelis, Goal can reveal.

The Argentine, who only joined Atleti from Malaga back in July, is keen to link with his former boss at the Etihad Stadium, with City in discussions with the Liga club over a settlement fee that could rise to €4.1 million based on success.

Manuel Pellegrini is faced with something of a defensive crisis following that news that skipper Vincent Kompany is set to be unavailable for at least four weeks.

The Belgium international centre-back picked up a groin injury during Monday's Premier League clash with Newcastle, with Pellegrini confirming on Friday that the 27-year-old is set to be sidelined for at least a month.

He told the club's official website: "I prefer the doctor has the final word on this but I think he will be out for at least one month.

"If we do strengthen [at centre-back] it will not just be because of Vincent Kompany’s injury. We have a very good squad and we see what happens.

"Today or tomorrow we will know exactly how long Vincent will be out for."

With Matija Nastasic only recently returning to training following an ankle injury and Micah Richards sidelined with a hamstring problem, Joleon Lescott is City's only fully fit centre-back going into Sunday's meeting with Cardiff City.

Goal reported earlier in August that Pellegrini had given the green light over a move for Real Madrid defender Pepe, although Demichelis represents a more cost-effective option with Carlo Ancelotti's side initially demanding €35m for the Portuguese.

 

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Arsenal reject Schalke's Podolski-Uchida part-exchange offer

Arsenal have told Schalke that Lukas Podolski is not for sale after he was suggested by the German club as part of an ambitious swap deal for defender Atsuto Uchida, Goal can reveal.

Talks have been held between the two clubs after the Gunners made a €7 million bid for Japanese right-back Uchida earlier this week, with Arsene Wenger sanctioning a flurry of moves for new signings.

But the straight cash offer was rejected by Schalke and a possible part-exchange deal involving Podolski has failed to get off the ground due to Wenger's reluctance to lose the Germany international.

The French boss is unwilling to sell the 28-year-old forward even though he has had a frustrating time at the Emirates Stadium since joining from Koln last year.

Podolski was omitted from the starting line-up for the Gunners’ 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend in favour of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but returned to the team for the 3-0 midweek win against Fenerbahce.

Goal revealed last week that Arsenal had targeted Uchida to provide defensive cover this season and be groomed as a long-term replacement for Bacary Sagna.

Wenger wants a right-back who can fit in with the Gunners’ playing style and challenge Carl Jenkinson for the first-team slot if Sagna leaves when his current agreement expires next summer.The Frenchman re-opened contract talks with Arsenal earlier this month but there was no breakthrough and he is still expected to leave the north London club.

 

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Messi a Ferrari going for a service, says Alves

Dani Alves has likened Lionel Messi to a "Ferrari going through the workshop" after the Barcelona star was sidelined with a thigh problem.

The Argentina star, 26, was withdrawn at half-time during the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, in the first-leg of the Spanish Super Cup.

He has since undergone further tests after complaining of discomfort in his leg, with closer examination revealing bruising of his thigh muscle.

And though a definitive period of absence has yet to be announced, Alves is confident his Barcelona team-mate will be back sooner rather than later.

"I do not have to worry about Messi. He's now being treated in order to return as soon as possible (...) Sometimes the Ferraris need to go through the workshop," the 30-year-old told reporters at a pre-match press conference.

Barca's major summer signing, Neymar, was handed an opportunity to shine in the second half of Wednesday's encounter and grasped it with both hands by scoring his first goal for the club, with Alves tipping his compatriot to make inroads into the starting XI.

He added: "I see him eager to play, happy and well integrated in the group. He can make a big contribution and he's ready to respond. He's ready to be a starter."

Barca will face another stern test of their credentials when they travel to La Rosaleda to face Malaga on Sunday evening in La Liga.

 

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Allegri: Balotelli is captain material

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says Mario Balotelli has the characteristics needed to be the club's next captain.

Balotelli, 23, is no stranger to controversy, with a number of incidents over the last few seasons highlighting his 'bad-boy' image, such as fireworks, training ground bust-ups and throwing darts at youth team members.

However, some of his Milan team-mates have noticed a difference in the striker since his move back to Italy in January, citing a maturity in his behaviour and Allegri believes that, with a little fine tuning, Balotelli can become a great leader for the club.

Speaking ahead of the Rossoneri's opening Serie A clash with Verona on Saturday, Allegri told the club's official website: "I hope he’ll score 30 goals but it’s better if the goals come from all the forwards.

"He can turn into one of the best players in the world but like all young players he still has to improve in certain aspects. He’s young to be captain but he has the quality to become one."

While there may be concerns raised about Balotelli's temperament, his strike rate in Italy cannot be questioned. Twelve goals in 13 Serie A appearances at the turn of the year helped fire Milan to third place, and Allegri is hoping the club can build on that achievement in the campaign ahead while looking for a quick start which eluded them last season.

"We’re the same team as last season. We got [Andrea] Poli but we lost [Giampaolo] Pazzini and [Riccardo] Saponara is not available," he continued.

"Juventus are favourites and Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina, Napoli and Inter are the teams we’re up against for the top three spots.

"We have the quality to improve on last season and we have to start better than we did."

 

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Conte excited over new arrivals

Antonio Conte has revealed his excitement at seeing his trio of high-profile summer signings in action ahead of Juventus' Serie A curtain raiser against Sampdoria on Saturday.

The Bianconeri won the league title at a canter last season but have bolstered their ranks significantly with the acquisitions of Fernando Llorente, Carlos Tevez and Angelo Ogbonna.

The latter two of those three players were involved in last weekend's 4-0 Italian Super Cup win over Lazio and Conte says they have all adapted well to life at Juventus.

"I'm very happy with the three new signings, they've fit in well and will help us out a great deal," he told reporters at a press conference.

However, Juve's preparations for the defence of their league title have been hampered by an injury to midfielder Claudio Marchisio - who is set to miss over a month of action with a knee injury - and Conte was quick to emphasise his disappointment at the news.

"We'll definitely miss Marchisio, he's an important player. I hope everyone else will be available so I can have more options," he added.

Juventus start the campaign as firm favourites to retain their domestic crown, but with Napoli enjoying a fruitful summer of rebuilding under new boss Rafa Benitez and Vincenzo Montella's Fiorentina doing the same, the 47-year-old is predicting a tight battle.

He said: "It will be an extremely tough campaign, certain teams have significantly bolstered their ranks.

"We can't hide from the fact that we're favourites. But the favourites don't always win, we'll need to show we're the strongest."

 

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Jese: Raul was my childhood hero

Real Madrid youngster Jese says he was inspired as a child by club legend Raul.

The 36-year-old was honoured in a friendly between los Blancos and his current club Al Sadd at the Bernabeu on Thursday, scoring once in a 5-0 rout for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Jese, who grabbed a double in the match, said it was a privilege to share a pitch with the former Spain international and vowed to work hard to have just as successful a career as the ex-Schalke star.

"It is a dream come true to be near him and I am very happy." he told the club's official website.

"From being very small I watched him score goals, and he is a legend for me. It is necessary to work hard day after day to achieve what he has - although that will be difficult."

Madrid are expected to seal the big-money signing of Tottenham star Gareth Bale in the coming days, but Jese insists that he is not fazed by the extra competition.

"If he fought like he fought, then why can't I?"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sagna ready to play centre-back for Arsenal

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna is ready to fill in at centre-back as the Gunners attempt to cope with their defensive crisis.

With Thomas Vermaelen out injured and Laurent Koscielny serving a suspension following his dismissal against Aston Villa, Per Mertesacker is the only senior central defender available for the trip to Fulham on Saturday.

But Sagna, who made the switch from the right to the middle during the Gunners' comfortable 3-0 win at Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, is happy to deputise again.

"I enjoy playing at centre-half and will play in any position for my team. Maybe in the future I will play there," the Frenchman told the Daily Mirror.

"I am not the tallest, so I try to position myself as well as I can and to stay awake. I communicate all of the time and as long as we communicate it makes it easier.

"I enjoy centre-back because, first of all, you run less but you have to stay focused mentally all the time and stay strong because it's all about winning the game. I still need to improve if I am to play there again but it was great because we didn't concede any goals and, for defenders, that is the most important thing.

"I might be playing centre-back at Fulham because we have injuries and Laurent is suspended. I will do my best and try to win three points."

Arsenal have only signed youngster Yaya Sanogo so far this summer and Sagna believes qualification for the Champions League, looking likely after the comprehensive win in Turkey, will be vital for attracting new players.

"Getting into the Champions League is so important for the club in terms of moving forward, attracting new players and also for the players and for the fans," he added. "The pressure was on us because we lost last Saturday and we still had to qualify for the Champions League. We knew we had to perform and get a result. Now we have to do the same at Fulham on Saturday."