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..::Football III::..
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Gustavo joins Wolfsburg
Arsenal target Luiz Gustavo has signed for Wolfsburg from Bayern Munich for a reported fee of around €20 million.Gustavo, 26, has agreed a five-year deal with Wolfsburg as he looks to secure regular first-team football ahead of next year's World Cup.
The Brazil international had been strongly linked with Arsenal, who are in the market for signings, but he has opted to remain in the Bundesliga.Following the summer arrivals of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara,Gustavo's place in the Bayern pecking order had slipped, leading to conjecture over his future.
"I need to play, play, play," Gustavo, who was also linked with Napoli and Barcelona, had said looking ahead to the 2014 World Cup.Gustavo signed for Bayern from Hoffenheim in 2011 and helped the club claim a historic Treble last season.
Wolfsburg general manager Klaus Allofs said in kicker: "We are delighted that we have Luiz with us."Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: "In the name of FC Bayern I would like to thank Luiz Gustavo very much for his two-and-half years at FC Bayern.
"With his calm but always friendly and professional character he has won many friends at our club. You could always rely on him and he had his part in winning the Treble for FC Bayern last season.”
Arsenal target Luiz Gustavo has signed for Wolfsburg from Bayern Munich for a reported fee of around €20 million.Gustavo, 26, has agreed a five-year deal with Wolfsburg as he looks to secure regular first-team football ahead of next year's World Cup.
The Brazil international had been strongly linked with Arsenal, who are in the market for signings, but he has opted to remain in the Bundesliga.Following the summer arrivals of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara,Gustavo's place in the Bayern pecking order had slipped, leading to conjecture over his future.
"I need to play, play, play," Gustavo, who was also linked with Napoli and Barcelona, had said looking ahead to the 2014 World Cup.Gustavo signed for Bayern from Hoffenheim in 2011 and helped the club claim a historic Treble last season.
Wolfsburg general manager Klaus Allofs said in kicker: "We are delighted that we have Luiz with us."Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: "In the name of FC Bayern I would like to thank Luiz Gustavo very much for his two-and-half years at FC Bayern.
"With his calm but always friendly and professional character he has won many friends at our club. You could always rely on him and he had his part in winning the Treble for FC Bayern last season.”
Arsenal & Manchester United target karagena inna playersla wena teams walata join wena 1ka thamai wenne
Reds close in on Willian & Cissokho
Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle to sign Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho on a season’s loan, and have opened talks with Anzhi Makhachkala to sign Brazil international Willian.Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has been chasing a left-back all summer to provide competition for Jose Enrique.
The club have backed away from a move to sign Benfica’s Lorenzo Melgarejo on loan, while they have been unable to agree a deal with Granada for Guilherme Siqueira.Cissokho, who has been strongly linked with a move to Sunderland, is expected to travel to Merseyside next week to have a medical and discuss personal terms, sources said.
The 25-year-old France international joined Valencia from Lyon in August 2012, having previously played in Portugal for Vitoria Setubal and Porto.Rodgers declined to discuss the prospect of signing Willian when asked at a press conference on Thursday, but is keen to complete a deal for the midfielder.
Willian only joined Anzhi from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in January for £32 million.But the Russian Premier League club are understood to be looking to cut costs, having been bankrolled by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov for the last two years.The Brazil international told ESPN Brasil on Friday that he would welcome a move to Liverpool, describing them as a “great club”.However, the Reds are aware that they are likely to face competition from a number of sides for his signature.
Rodgers is keen to land a major summer signing, having lost out to Borussia Dortmund in his bid to bring in midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar. He also saw another target, striker Diego Costa, turn down a move to Anfield in order to sign a new contract with Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle to sign Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho on a season’s loan, and have opened talks with Anzhi Makhachkala to sign Brazil international Willian.Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has been chasing a left-back all summer to provide competition for Jose Enrique.
The club have backed away from a move to sign Benfica’s Lorenzo Melgarejo on loan, while they have been unable to agree a deal with Granada for Guilherme Siqueira.Cissokho, who has been strongly linked with a move to Sunderland, is expected to travel to Merseyside next week to have a medical and discuss personal terms, sources said.
The 25-year-old France international joined Valencia from Lyon in August 2012, having previously played in Portugal for Vitoria Setubal and Porto.Rodgers declined to discuss the prospect of signing Willian when asked at a press conference on Thursday, but is keen to complete a deal for the midfielder.
Willian only joined Anzhi from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in January for £32 million.But the Russian Premier League club are understood to be looking to cut costs, having been bankrolled by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov for the last two years.The Brazil international told ESPN Brasil on Friday that he would welcome a move to Liverpool, describing them as a “great club”.However, the Reds are aware that they are likely to face competition from a number of sides for his signature.
Rodgers is keen to land a major summer signing, having lost out to Borussia Dortmund in his bid to bring in midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar. He also saw another target, striker Diego Costa, turn down a move to Anfield in order to sign a new contract with Atletico Madrid.
Luis Suarez Wenger won't rule out new Suarez bid
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he is “not scared to spend money” in the final days of this summer’s transfer window, while also hinting at a fresh bid for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and a move to sign Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.
Wenger suggested the media were “well informed” when asked whether he would make a new bid for Suarez and an opening offer for Rooney, in comments that will encourage supporters to believe a big-name signing will arrive at the Emirates after two months of frustration.
Arsenal have had two bids for Suarez rejected by Liverpool in recent weeks, yet it does not seem that the unequivocal comments from Reds principal owner John W. Henry, that the striker will not be sold to the Gunners, has ended Wenger’s interest in the player.
“I don’t want to come out on specific names as that would not be right, but the first request we have is do they have the quality to play for Arsenal Football Club,” Wenger said, when quizzed on his targets ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener at home to Aston Villa.
“We are not scared to spend money, but only on the right players. We would like two or three players, possibly more, but we will not compromise on the quality. I understand every frustration [of the fans]. What is important is the quality we put on the football pitch, but let’s not create a crisis from nothing.
“We played a good game last week [to beat Manchester City in Finland], so let’s try to take that on. The quality of the team that plays tomorrow [on Saturday] will not be linked about who we sign.”
The Arsenal boss stressed his desire to add “two or three” new faces to his squad before the September 2 transfer deadline, as he hit back at suggestions that his reluctance to pay inflated transfer fees is blocking his hopes of landing a marquee signing.“We are not afraid to spend money, but only on the right players and there is a shortage of top, top talent,” Wenger said.
“Ideally you would want it to be quicker, but to finalise a transfer you need the agreement of three parties and if you look at our main rivals as well, it is not easy. And if you look at our main rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, it is difficult to find players to strengthen squad.
“I don’t disagree that we are a bit light [in our squad] at the moment. There are 18 days to go and we are of course looking to strengthen our squad. I am optimistic [Arsenal will sign players], of course.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he is “not scared to spend money” in the final days of this summer’s transfer window, while also hinting at a fresh bid for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and a move to sign Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.
Wenger suggested the media were “well informed” when asked whether he would make a new bid for Suarez and an opening offer for Rooney, in comments that will encourage supporters to believe a big-name signing will arrive at the Emirates after two months of frustration.
Arsenal have had two bids for Suarez rejected by Liverpool in recent weeks, yet it does not seem that the unequivocal comments from Reds principal owner John W. Henry, that the striker will not be sold to the Gunners, has ended Wenger’s interest in the player.
“I don’t want to come out on specific names as that would not be right, but the first request we have is do they have the quality to play for Arsenal Football Club,” Wenger said, when quizzed on his targets ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener at home to Aston Villa.
“We are not scared to spend money, but only on the right players. We would like two or three players, possibly more, but we will not compromise on the quality. I understand every frustration [of the fans]. What is important is the quality we put on the football pitch, but let’s not create a crisis from nothing.
“We played a good game last week [to beat Manchester City in Finland], so let’s try to take that on. The quality of the team that plays tomorrow [on Saturday] will not be linked about who we sign.”
The Arsenal boss stressed his desire to add “two or three” new faces to his squad before the September 2 transfer deadline, as he hit back at suggestions that his reluctance to pay inflated transfer fees is blocking his hopes of landing a marquee signing.“We are not afraid to spend money, but only on the right players and there is a shortage of top, top talent,” Wenger said.
“Ideally you would want it to be quicker, but to finalise a transfer you need the agreement of three parties and if you look at our main rivals as well, it is not easy. And if you look at our main rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, it is difficult to find players to strengthen squad.
“I don’t disagree that we are a bit light [in our squad] at the moment. There are 18 days to go and we are of course looking to strengthen our squad. I am optimistic [Arsenal will sign players], of course.”
Ronaldo still coy on Real deal
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again denied that he has agreed a new contract at Real Madrid, saying that he remains unconcerned about his future even with less than two years left on his current deal.
Marca reported in early August that a new £15 million-a-year after tax salary had already been agreed with Madrid, and Blancos president Florentino Perez has been assuring everyone for months that Ronaldo’s wish was to finish his career at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.But Ronaldo himself has been much more coy about any ongoing negotiations between the Bernabeu club and his agent Jorge Mendes, repeatedly claiming he does not to want to discuss his future in public.
Meanwhile, speculation has continued about a potential move to Manchester United, or big spending Ligue 1 sides Monaco and Paris Saint Germain, either in 12 months' time or when his current Madrid deal ends in 2015.The Portugal captain, 28, told AS that there was still no rush to get anything finalised.
“I have more years to come,” Ronaldo said. “The contract renewal is not something that worries me now. Things take place naturally and sooner or later people will know about it. The situation does not worry me. Things are going well. I am happy and do not think that the world is ending.”
The attacker was clearer when asked if he hoped the new season at Madrid under new coach Carlo Ancelotti would turn out better than a 2012-13 which ended disappointingly with previous boss Jose Mourinho in charge.“Obviously yes, because we only won the Supercopa [last term],” Ronaldo said. “We are going to try and win La Liga and the Champions League. It will be difficult but it is a good team, we have a great coach and we are going to try and make this happen.”
Ronaldo, who scored six goals in six pre-season appearances this summer, said he was looking to improve on his figures from from the last campaign - when he managed 53 goals in 53 games for his club.“Year after year I manage to improve my marks,” he said. “I do not focus on the number of goals, but I am going to give my best to try and surpass everything. I am ambitious.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again denied that he has agreed a new contract at Real Madrid, saying that he remains unconcerned about his future even with less than two years left on his current deal.
Marca reported in early August that a new £15 million-a-year after tax salary had already been agreed with Madrid, and Blancos president Florentino Perez has been assuring everyone for months that Ronaldo’s wish was to finish his career at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.But Ronaldo himself has been much more coy about any ongoing negotiations between the Bernabeu club and his agent Jorge Mendes, repeatedly claiming he does not to want to discuss his future in public.
Meanwhile, speculation has continued about a potential move to Manchester United, or big spending Ligue 1 sides Monaco and Paris Saint Germain, either in 12 months' time or when his current Madrid deal ends in 2015.The Portugal captain, 28, told AS that there was still no rush to get anything finalised.
“I have more years to come,” Ronaldo said. “The contract renewal is not something that worries me now. Things take place naturally and sooner or later people will know about it. The situation does not worry me. Things are going well. I am happy and do not think that the world is ending.”
The attacker was clearer when asked if he hoped the new season at Madrid under new coach Carlo Ancelotti would turn out better than a 2012-13 which ended disappointingly with previous boss Jose Mourinho in charge.“Obviously yes, because we only won the Supercopa [last term],” Ronaldo said. “We are going to try and win La Liga and the Champions League. It will be difficult but it is a good team, we have a great coach and we are going to try and make this happen.”
Ronaldo, who scored six goals in six pre-season appearances this summer, said he was looking to improve on his figures from from the last campaign - when he managed 53 goals in 53 games for his club.“Year after year I manage to improve my marks,” he said. “I do not focus on the number of goals, but I am going to give my best to try and surpass everything. I am ambitious.”
Manchester United manager David Moyes will consider a move for Real Madrid midfielder Kaka, after being unsuccessful in his pursuit of Cesc Fabregas, according to Sports Direct News.
The new United boss has been keen to recruit a new midfielder all summer, but has so far failed in his attempts to sign the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Kevin Strootman and now former Arsenal captain Fabregas.
The former Everton manager has prioritised this position above all others due to the retirement of Paul Scholes and the poor form of the likes of Anderson and other attacking midfielders in his squad, and may see Kaka as a decent alternative to his other targets.
Via: http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/0...rise-move-to-sign-real-madrid-playmaker-kaka/
The new United boss has been keen to recruit a new midfielder all summer, but has so far failed in his attempts to sign the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Kevin Strootman and now former Arsenal captain Fabregas.
The former Everton manager has prioritised this position above all others due to the retirement of Paul Scholes and the poor form of the likes of Anderson and other attacking midfielders in his squad, and may see Kaka as a decent alternative to his other targets.
Via: http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/0...rise-move-to-sign-real-madrid-playmaker-kaka/
Real Madrid could consider a move for Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero after talks to sign Tottenham star Gareth Bale broke down, CaughtOffside understands.
The Spanish giants have made Bale their number one target all summer, and were reportedly willing to pay as much as £100million for the Welshman, though they have now hinted that they will not go out of their way to bring him to the Bernabeu this year.
Via: http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/0...hester-city-star-as-gareth-bale-deal-falters/
Manchester United manager David Moyes will consider a move for Real Madrid midfielder Kaka, after being unsuccessful in his pursuit of Cesc Fabregas, according to Sports Direct News.
The new United boss has been keen to recruit a new midfielder all summer, but has so far failed in his attempts to sign the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Kevin Strootman and now former Arsenal captain Fabregas.
The former Everton manager has prioritised this position above all others due to the retirement of Paul Scholes and the poor form of the likes of Anderson and other attacking midfielders in his squad, and may see Kaka as a decent alternative to his other targets.
Via: http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/0...rise-move-to-sign-real-madrid-playmaker-kaka/
Ahhhhh epara KAKA
Alderweireld longs for ‘beautiful’ Premier League
Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld has confirmed he is eager to complete a move to the Premier League this summer.
The 24-year-old has been linked with the likes of Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle of late, while Norwich were also credited with an interest earlier in the close season.
Alderweireld says he has yet to be made aware of any offers from England's top flight, but admits a potential move would be tough to turn down.
“It depends if there is a club coming [in] that I want to go to,” he told Sky Sports News. “I didn’t hear from those teams, but those are beautiful clubs and the Premier League is a beautiful competition, so we will see.
“If they [Tottenham] are very interested then I will hear what their plans are.
“[There is no offer from Everton] that I know of, maybe my manager knows. But I was focusing on the [Belgium] game and now I’m focusing on Sunday, because we have a big game against Feyenoord.
“But I’m patient and we will see in a few days."
The Belgium international has started 119 Eredivisie games in his four years with Ajax, and was rewarded with the captaincy during Siem de Jong’s absence with a collapsed lung.
Alderweireld's current contract is set to expire at the end of the coming season.
Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld has confirmed he is eager to complete a move to the Premier League this summer.
The 24-year-old has been linked with the likes of Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle of late, while Norwich were also credited with an interest earlier in the close season.
Alderweireld says he has yet to be made aware of any offers from England's top flight, but admits a potential move would be tough to turn down.
“It depends if there is a club coming [in] that I want to go to,” he told Sky Sports News. “I didn’t hear from those teams, but those are beautiful clubs and the Premier League is a beautiful competition, so we will see.
“If they [Tottenham] are very interested then I will hear what their plans are.
“[There is no offer from Everton] that I know of, maybe my manager knows. But I was focusing on the [Belgium] game and now I’m focusing on Sunday, because we have a big game against Feyenoord.
“But I’m patient and we will see in a few days."
The Belgium international has started 119 Eredivisie games in his four years with Ajax, and was rewarded with the captaincy during Siem de Jong’s absence with a collapsed lung.
Alderweireld's current contract is set to expire at the end of the coming season.
'Zaha can be like Ronaldo'
Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha could be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former Crystal Palace striker Mark Bright.
The 20-year-old picked up his first winner's medal with the Red Devils on his competitive debut as they saw off Wigan to claim a 2-0 victory in the Community Shield last Sunday.
And, speaking exclusively to Goal, Bright – who spent six years with Palace – says the former Eagles winger can provide the sort of excitement fans at Old Trafford were used to seeing with Ronaldo.
"I've seen a lot of Zaha because of my association with Palace, having done some coaching in their academy and I think he could be like Cristiano Ronaldo," he said.
"He has the ability to do everything - he's quick, strong and determined. He's Sir Alex Ferguson's last signing, a great gift to David Moyes."
The Cote d'Ivoire-born England international was a vital ingredient in seeing Palace return to the Premier League last term, earning the decisive penalty which was converted by Kevin Phillips in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
However, Bright has called on the starlet to build on last season's goal tally of eight in the coming campaign as he fully expects him to get plenty of playing time for the English champions.
"He needs to add more goals to his game but he has the ability to go past defenders like no-one [in England] since Steve McManaman.
"He's going to be a great asset to Manchester United and I think he'll play a lot more this season than most people think."
Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha could be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former Crystal Palace striker Mark Bright.
The 20-year-old picked up his first winner's medal with the Red Devils on his competitive debut as they saw off Wigan to claim a 2-0 victory in the Community Shield last Sunday.
And, speaking exclusively to Goal, Bright – who spent six years with Palace – says the former Eagles winger can provide the sort of excitement fans at Old Trafford were used to seeing with Ronaldo.
"I've seen a lot of Zaha because of my association with Palace, having done some coaching in their academy and I think he could be like Cristiano Ronaldo," he said.
"He has the ability to do everything - he's quick, strong and determined. He's Sir Alex Ferguson's last signing, a great gift to David Moyes."
The Cote d'Ivoire-born England international was a vital ingredient in seeing Palace return to the Premier League last term, earning the decisive penalty which was converted by Kevin Phillips in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
However, Bright has called on the starlet to build on last season's goal tally of eight in the coming campaign as he fully expects him to get plenty of playing time for the English champions.
"He needs to add more goals to his game but he has the ability to go past defenders like no-one [in England] since Steve McManaman.
"He's going to be a great asset to Manchester United and I think he'll play a lot more this season than most people think."
Mkhitaryan fit to make Dortmund debut
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan is in contention to make his competitive debut in Sunday's clash with Eintracht Braunschweig.
The Armenia international sat out last weekend's Bundesliga opener against Augsburg with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season but the summer signing from Shakhtar Donestk is available for selection.
"Henrikh is part of the squad," Klopp confirmed at a press conference on Friday. "Before yesterday, we had a 70-minute game amongst ourselves.
"He looked better and more sure of himself from minute to minute. He looked fairly decent."
Mkhitaryan, who is Dortmund's record purchase at €27.5 million, was signed to replace Mario Gotze, who departed for Bayern Munich earlier this summer, but Klopp was reluctant to compare the two players.
"He's a very good player, but a different type of player [to Gotze]."
Dortmund's meeting with the newly-promoted Eintracht Braunschweig is scheduled to get under way at 17:30CET on Sunday.
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan is in contention to make his competitive debut in Sunday's clash with Eintracht Braunschweig.
The Armenia international sat out last weekend's Bundesliga opener against Augsburg with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season but the summer signing from Shakhtar Donestk is available for selection.
"Henrikh is part of the squad," Klopp confirmed at a press conference on Friday. "Before yesterday, we had a 70-minute game amongst ourselves.
"He looked better and more sure of himself from minute to minute. He looked fairly decent."
Mkhitaryan, who is Dortmund's record purchase at €27.5 million, was signed to replace Mario Gotze, who departed for Bayern Munich earlier this summer, but Klopp was reluctant to compare the two players.
"He's a very good player, but a different type of player [to Gotze]."
Dortmund's meeting with the newly-promoted Eintracht Braunschweig is scheduled to get under way at 17:30CET on Sunday.
Guarin eager for Inter stay
Fredy Guarin has revealed that he is desperate to stay at Inter, amidst ongoing speculation that the club might yet cash in on the Colombian before the close of the transfer window.
The versatile midfielder has excelled since arriving at San Siro from Porto last year, but he has been repeatedly linked with a transfer this summer, with the club said to be considering sacrificing the 27-year-old in order to strengthen elsewhere.
Guarin, for his part, is praying that there is no truth in the rumours, as he is desperate to remain with Walter Mazzarri's side.
"I hope that Inter want to keep me," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I don't want to leave this team."
Guarin went on to say that he is looking forward to Mazzarri's reign at the club after he replaced Andrea Stramaccioni in the summer.
"What has struck me most about Mazzarri is the insistence with which he hammers every player," the Colombian said of the noted disciplinarian.
"So far, I have noted progress in our game, despite the negative results."
Inter kick off their league campaign against Genoa at the Giuseppe Meazza on August 25.
Fredy Guarin has revealed that he is desperate to stay at Inter, amidst ongoing speculation that the club might yet cash in on the Colombian before the close of the transfer window.
The versatile midfielder has excelled since arriving at San Siro from Porto last year, but he has been repeatedly linked with a transfer this summer, with the club said to be considering sacrificing the 27-year-old in order to strengthen elsewhere.
Guarin, for his part, is praying that there is no truth in the rumours, as he is desperate to remain with Walter Mazzarri's side.
"I hope that Inter want to keep me," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I don't want to leave this team."
Guarin went on to say that he is looking forward to Mazzarri's reign at the club after he replaced Andrea Stramaccioni in the summer.
"What has struck me most about Mazzarri is the insistence with which he hammers every player," the Colombian said of the noted disciplinarian.
"So far, I have noted progress in our game, despite the negative results."
Inter kick off their league campaign against Genoa at the Giuseppe Meazza on August 25.
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