..::Football III::..

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Signing €20m Chambers is a gamble for Arsenal, admits Wenger

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are set to sign Southampton youngster Calum Chambers, thought admits the deal is a “gamble”.

The Gunners are set to announce the 19-year-old’s transfer imminently after he agreed terms on a €20 million move to the Emirates Stadium.

And while Wenger lauded his soon-to-be-announced recruit’s versatility, he was keen to play down expectations and stressed that he had the long-term in mind when signing the England Under-19 international.

“He can play at centre-back, right-back and central midfield,” the French boss told reporters. “I hope he will give us competition for the players in these three positions.

“He hasn't played many games, no, but the English players on the market in England are very expensive and at the end of the day I was ready to take a gamble because he is a player for the future.”

Chambers is likely to act as cover and competition for Mathieu Debuchy, who joined the FA Cup winners from Newcastle earlier this summer, and his arrival could allow Carl Jenkinson to leave the club.

The Southampton youth product will follow in the footsteps of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain by moving to Arsenal, and he could yet be joined in north London by Saints team-mate Morgan Schneiderlin.

The Gunners have redoubled their efforts to sign the France international in a bid to beat off stiff competition for the midfielder’s signature from Tottenham.

 

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Inzaghi: Milan must improve in all areas


AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi feels the San Siro side must improve in all areas if they are to be competitive in the 2014-15 campaign.

The Serie A outfit were beaten 5-1 by Manchester City in a friendly on Sunday after previously losing 3-0 to Olympiakos and Inzaghi realises they still have a lot of work to do before the start of the new league season.

"It’s in front of everybody’s eyes that we have to improve in lots of areas. We’ve not been working long and we're coming off the back of an eighth place finish. We have to work a great deal," Inzaghi told the official Milan website.

"We didn’t do too badly in the first 10 minutes. We did well in terms of possession and less so without the ball which we’ve focused less on. I’m disappointed because we conceded those two goals after creating chances.

"Without the ball we’re not nasty enough, we need to react more when we lose the ball. I expect more when we don’t have possession.

"Work is the only thing that will allow us to be competitive soon. It’s down to me to watch the match again and ask for more from everybody. I think that once we’re a complete group we can be competitive in the league.

"I’m angry with myself because if this is the performance then the blame is mine and, together with my staff, we’ll come through it. We’ll get back on track. We have to concede fewer goals. We must improve on this aspect."

Inzaghi was recently named new Milan coach after Clarence Seedorf was sacked at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

 

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Official: Atletico strike Griezmann deal

Atletico Madrid have announced that they will sign Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad pending a medical after an agreement over a transfer fee in the region of €25 million was reached with their Primera Division rivals.

Goal had revealed that the Spanish sides have held extensive talks over the France international and, on Monday, a deal was reached with La Liga four weeks away from recommencing.

"Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad have reached an agreement for the transfer of Antoine Griezmann," a statement on the official Rojiblancos website reads.

"The young French player will undergo a medical before signing a contract with our club."

The 23-year-old came through the ranks of the Sociedad youth academy and had developed into a key player at the Basque side since breaking into the first team in 2009-10.

Griezmann, who was part of the France squad that made it to the quarter-finals at the World Cup in Brazil, has made over 200 official appearances for Real Sociedad.

The gifted attacker had also caught the attention of Arsenal, Tottenham and Monaco, but will continue his career at the Vicente Calderon side instead.

He will become Atletico's fourth summer signing after the previous arrivals of Miguel Moya, Jan Oblak and Mario Mandzukic.

 

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Congratulations Griezmann!

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Report wena widiyata Stefan De Vrij Lazio join wela.Anemanda mama hithuwe De Vrij wath gani kiyalaDan eyath naha

Ai mechchara parakku wenne players lawa ganna....mehema giyoth ganna wenne kawada kiyala thamai hithaganna bari
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Man United monitor Di Maria situation

Manchester United are continuing to monitor the possibility of a move for Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria -- but sources have told ESPN FC the player would favour a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Di Maria's preference is believed to be down to his desire to keep playing Champions League football, although UEFA's financial fair play rules could yet open the way for United.Given that PSG are still attempting to strike a financial balance in order to conform to the regulations, they may have to sell big in order to fund a move for the Argentina international.


Di Maria, 26, knows his chances at Real will be limited this season and is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming days.


A year-long loan move to Paris Germain has been mooted, but United are keeping tabs on the situation. One of new manager Louis van Gaal's main targets is a tactically versatile attacking wide player, and Di Maria fits that bill.

 

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Official: Granero leaves QPR for Real Sociedad

QPR have confirmed that midfielder Esteban Granero has joined Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee.The Spaniard moved to Loftus Road from Real Madrid in 2012 but suffered relegation from the Premier League in his first season with the London club.

Granero was then loaned to Sociedad last summer but featured only seven times during an injury-hit 2013-14 campaign in which he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

However, the 27-year-old, who secured a league winners' medal at the Santiago Bernabeu in his three-year spell with Madrid, will now return to Liga on a permanent basis with Sociedad.

Granero made a total of 28 appearances for QPR in all competitions, scoring one goal.

 

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Medical issues not behind Remy's failed Liverpool move, says Redknapp

Harry Redknapp has insisted the reasons behind Loic Remy's failed move to Liverpool cannot be for medical complications but is happy to have the striker stay at QPR.

Remy was expected to complete a €10 million move to Anfield this week, but Liverpool pulled the plug on the deal on Sunday with Brendan Rodgers vague as to the reasons behind that decision.

It is widely believed a problem was detected during Remy's medical, with Rodgers saying only that the issue has "happened before" but Redknapp refuses to believe the switch fell through due to any physical issues.

"I just can't believe it. I only know what I've seen and heard - I don't see how he failed a medical, he had a stringent medical here, one at [Olympique de] Marseille, one at Newcastle, one at France.

"It's not possible, you couldn't find a fitter lad than he is, there must be another reason. They must have changed their mind or gone in a different direction.

"It's disappointing for him, [but] from the club's point of view we've got a great striker. He's a good lad, good player [and a] good professional.

"Their loss is our gain. He's a striker capable of 20 goals in the Premier League, [and] that's we need now - for him to get 20 goals for QPR in the league."

 

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Marotta: We will not sell Vidal unless he asks to leave

Juventus CEO Guiseppe Marotta is adamant that Arturo Vidal will not be sold as long as the Chilean is happy in Turin.

The 27-year-old has been one of Manchester United's top targets this summer, with a €54 million bid being prepared, and Goal understands that Vidal met with his agent and senior officials on Sunday evening to discuss the possibility of a transfer to Old Trafford.

However, after Vidal stated that he is "not going to Manchester" on Thursday, the move looks even more unlikely following Marotta's comments.

Marotta told Sky Italia: "We have clear ideas. We renewed [Vidal's] contract a few months ago just because we knew we could count on an important element.

"We don't want to sell Vidal, there are only rumours because he is a player among the best in the world. We never activated a clause to try to sell him - if he doesn't show an intention to leave, our position won't change."

United had hoped to tempt the goalscoring midfielder into a move to the Premier League by offering a wage package of €316,000 per week and had made the Chile international one of their key targets this summer as Louis van Gaal's overhaul begins to take shape.

Despite United's interest, though, Vidal looks almost certain to remain with the Scudetto holders.

 

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Vidal...Di Maria..........Vidal...Di Maria..........Vidal...Di Maria..........

meh Transfer Window 1ka purawatama thiyenne meka thamai​

 

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Ferdinand: Giggs wanted me to stay at Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand believes he would have stayed at Manchester United with Ryan Giggs in charge - but he has no regrets over his move to QPR.

The veteran centre-back brought an end to his trophy-laden 12-year stay at Old Trafford when his contract expired last season and subsequently reunited with Harry Redknapp, who he worked under at West Ham.

The 35-year-old is thrilled to be staying in the Premier League, but admitted that the deal may not have happened if Giggs had been named permanent manager at United instead of Louis van Gaal.

"[Giggs and I] had that chat when he got the job, he had to look at it as if he would still be there and he did tell me I would have stayed and been a part of his plans," Ferdinand said at his QPR unveiling.

"But things change quickly, the new manager came in and wanted a new direction. I dusted myself down and moved on.

"I said at the time that Man United would have to tell me they didn't want me for me to leave the club. That's what happened - they said 'thank you and goodbye'.

"It has to be that way. The club is bigger than any player. I'm here now and I'm glad that Harry and [QPR chairman] Tony Fernandes gave me the chance to come here."

Ferdinand also confirmed he had other offers but the lure of moving back to London helped make the decision.

He added: "I play to win whether that's a match or in training. We have to put points on the board. That's what we did at Man United that's what we'll do here. A successful season is staying in the Premier League.

"There were teams in the Premier League and teams abroad but when Harry gave me the call and the chance to return to London [I could not turn it down]."

 

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Galliani confirms Robinho offers from Olympiakos and Brazil

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has confirmed the club have received offers from Greek champions Olympiakos and clubs in Brazil for Robinho.

The 30-year-old is expected to leave San Siro this summer, with MLS outfit Orlando City long linked with a move for the player, having already tied up a deal for compatriot Kaka.

Robinho's former club Santos have also admitted they would be keen to bring the player back to Brazil, though they stressed the ex-Real Madrid forward would need to lower his wage demands.

Galliani has since revealed that offers from Brazil and Olympiakos have been received for the player and indicated Milan are already pursuing replacements, with Alessio Cerci a reported option.

"There's no offer from Besiktas, there is something from Brazil and Olympiakos. We just finished a meeting, we will update tomorrow," he told Sky Italia.

"The market at the moment is geared towards a wide player if we part with Robinho. [Head coach] Pippo Inzaghi wants left-footed players on the right side."

Galliani also underlined his determination to keep Mario Balotelli at the club and insisted the team's defenders need time to adjust following the 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City.

"I'll update the chances of him staying to 99.999 per cent," he said of Balotelli. "I liked the way he played when he came on last night. He is our centre-forward and will stay.

"Defeats are certainly not something to be pleased with. In defence the centre-backs need time to get into shape, but Alex and [Adil] Rami are a great pair, as are [Daniele] Bonera and [Philippe] Mexes."

Galliani also insisted Italian Football Federation (FIGC) presidential candidate Carlo Tavecchio is not a racist following his remarks on the influx of foreign players in Serie A.

"Tavecchio? It was certainly an unhappy joke, but it ends there. Tavecchio's life has always been devoted to institutions, it's certain he is no racist and it was just a little joke," he added.

 

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Official: Everton sign Besic on five-year deal

Everton have confirmed the signing of Ferencvaros midfielder Muhamed Besic on a five-year deal.

The 21-year-old, who featured for Bosnia at the World Cup, linked up with his new squad for their summer trip to Thailand last week and has now completed the move which Goal understands is worth €5 millon.

Besic watched from the sidelines as Everton lost to newly promoted side Leicester City in Bangkok at the weekend and Martinez is delighted to be able to finalise the deal.

"Muhamed is a young footballer who has developed massively in the last two seasons. He has been playing as a centre-half and as a defensive midfielder at an incredible level," Martinez told the club's official website.

"What he did with Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup, he showed that he is a really mature footballer, that he covers the ground really well, that he is very dynamic and technically very gifted.

"He is bringing us really good strength in an important part of the side."

Besic becomes Everton's second summer signing after fellow defensive-minded midfielder Gareth Barry penned a permanent contract earlier this month.

 

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Dunga: Brazil must toughen up

Brazil coach Dunga has called on his team to toughen up as they seek to move on from the disappointment of World Cup 2014.

The 50-year-old returned for his second spell as national team coach after Luiz Felipe Scolari left the Selecao following a 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany, with some critics suggesting that the tearful renditions of the national anthem were a sign that Felipao's side let their emotions get the better of them.

And the new boss says the players will have to display greater mental strength if they are to be a part of his new-look Brazil side that will go in search of the Copa America next year.

"We are men and men do not cry," Dunga told Fantastico.

"The trend of the fans continuing to sing the national anthem after [the music] ended, which started at the Confederations Cup, was good, but the [players] who are there cannot be moved too much. They have to create a barrier."

Dunga will name his first Brazil squad next month for the Gillette Brasil Global Tour friendlies with Colombia and Ecuador, during which he says he will begin to find the personnel and style with which he plans to take the team forward.

"The training will happen over the friendlies, in those games we will try to find a formation," he continued.

"They are lots of young players in Europe who are showing excellent development. We're following them along with the players here in Brazil.

"We cannot, at any time, risk players losing that feeling of butterflies in their stomach [when squads are announced]. They have wait until the last moment, hoping their name will be called."

 

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'They're one of Europe's best sides' - Chambers delights in Arsenal move

New Arsenal signing Calum Chambers has expressed his delight at joining "one of the top sides in Europe" after his €20 million move from Southampton was made official.

The 19-year-old right-back, who can also play in midfield, made 21 league appearances for the Saints last season having progressed through the club's youth academy.

He becomes Arsenal's fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina and has penned a "long-term" contract with the Gunners.

"I am so happy to be signing for Arsenal," Chambers told the club's official website. "They are a team I have much admired for their playing style, and a team who have been one of the top sides in Europe for many years.

"I'm looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates today and beginning preparation for the season ahead.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone at Southampton FC for everything they have done for me and for making this move possible."

Southampton have already sold Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Luke Shaw to rival Premier League clubs this summer, with Morgan Schneiderlin also the subject of speculation linking him with Arsenal and Tottenham.

 

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Official: Arsenal sign Calum Chambers from Southampton

Arsenal have completed the signing of defender Calum Chambers from Southampton in a deal worth €20 million.

The Gunners have been chasing the 19-year-old over the past month and, after agreeing personal terms over the weekend, the England Under-19 international becomes the fifth player to leave St. Mary's this summer as the south-coast outfit's firesale continues.

The teenager, who will cost an initial €12m, becomes the latest Southampton academy product to move to Emirates Stadium, following in the footsteps of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had also been keen on bringing Chambers to Anfield, but the youngster opted instead to sign for the north Londoners and is excited about the prospect of working under Arsene Wenger.

Chambers is expected to provide competition and cover for Mathieu Debuchy, who joined the FA Cup winners from Newcastle earlier this summer, and his arrival could pave the way for Carl Jenkinson to join Hull City.

Wenger has previously hailed Chambers's versatility, being able to play across the back-line and in midfield, though admits the signing does represent a gamble for Arsenal.

"He can play at centre-back, right-back and central midfield," said the French boss. "I hope he will give us competition for the players in these three positions.

"He hasn't played many games, no, but the English players on the market in England are very expensive and at the end of the day I was ready to take a gamble because he is a player for the future."

Chambers could be joined at the Emirates by former Saints team-mate Morgan Schneiderlin, with Arsenal redoubling their efforts to sign the French midfielder to beat off competition from Tottenham.

 

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Congratulations Chambers!​

 

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Messi still under investigation for tax fraud

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is still under investigation for tax fraud, a judge in Catalunya revealed on Monday.

The Argentine has already appeared in court to answer claims of alleged tax evasion to the tune of €4.1 million between 2006 and 2009 and has long declared his innocence.

Nevertheless, the player and his father Jorge Messi paid just over €5m to authorities last year and it had looked as if the case would be closed.

But the judge in Gava, a seaside town just outside Barcelona where Messi owns a property, has decided to proceed with the case against the four-time Ballon d'Or winner and his father.

Messi has claimed he left all his business interests to his father and his management team. "Lionel A. Messi was not involved in the decision-making on the management and channelling of his income and did not really know the scope, size, purpose or effects of the corporate network," said a statement for the prosecution earlier this year.

But a new written statement by the judge said on Monday that "there is sufficient evidence" that Messi "could have known about and consented to the creation and maintaining of a fictitious financial structure".

The judge also added that because the player's signature is on all of the documents being investigated, the 26-year-old "could have warned about the intervention of others in these cases or read some of these contracts, even if it was only the headers".

It is alleged that Messi's image rights were sold by Jorge - who assumed full responsibility when the case began - using companies in countries like Belize and Uruguay to avoid Spanish tax obligations.

 

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I'm not looking to leave Benfica - Perez

Benfica midfielder Enzo Perez claims he is not looking to leave the club amid rumours of a potential transfer this summer.

The Argentina international enjoyed a superb campaign for the Portuguese treble-winners last season, earning the title of Portugal's player of the season as well as a place in the Goal 50.

His club form caught the eye of Alejandro Sabella and secured him a spot at the World Cup, where he made three appearances, including a start in the final that Argentina eventually lost 1-0 to Germany.

Perez has reportedly become a target for Manchester United and Valencia this summer, but the player himself maintains he is happy to continue his career with the Primeira Liga champions.

"I am very calm, comfortable and happy at Benfica," he told O Jogo. "On Monday, I travel to Portugal and if the opportunity arises to leave, it must be a mutual decision.

"I personally am not looking to leave."

Perez is also hoping international team-mate Sergio Romero moves to Estadio da Luz after his loan spell with Monaco came to an end.

The goalkeeper returned to parent club Sampdoria, but is believed to be close to completing a switch to the Portuguese capital to replace new Jan Oblak, who has joined Atletico Madrid.

"During the World Cup I told him about the club," Perez added. "He is a great person and a better professional.

"Benfica need people with experience in the squad."