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I hope Otamendi stays at Valencia - Alcacer
Paco Alcacer says he hopes Valencia team-mate Nicolas Otamendi rejects interest from Manchester United and stays at the Liga club.
Louis van Gaal's side are looking to bolster their defence and could turn to the Argentine, who starred in the back line for his country throughout the Copa America this summer, if they fail to land Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid.
Valencia's €50 million asking price for the 27-year-old is a stumbling block, though, and Alcacer is hopeful that it will see the former Porto man remain at the Mestalla."Nico is a major player and I would love him to stay," he said. "He is a key player for Valencia. If I said I did not want to stay, I'd be lying.
"Otamendi, Shkodran Mustafi, Lucas Orban and Ruben Vezo are all important. If they are playing, they will make those who play do better."Valencia's Champions League campaign will begin at the playoff stage this season after they finished fourth in La Liga last term and Alcacer is confident of progressing.
"The most important thing is to take the qualifying games as one and not as unique fixtures. The team is prepared, we have time to improve and get well and make it a good tie."
Paco Alcacer says he hopes Valencia team-mate Nicolas Otamendi rejects interest from Manchester United and stays at the Liga club.
Louis van Gaal's side are looking to bolster their defence and could turn to the Argentine, who starred in the back line for his country throughout the Copa America this summer, if they fail to land Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid.
Valencia's €50 million asking price for the 27-year-old is a stumbling block, though, and Alcacer is hopeful that it will see the former Porto man remain at the Mestalla."Nico is a major player and I would love him to stay," he said. "He is a key player for Valencia. If I said I did not want to stay, I'd be lying.
"Otamendi, Shkodran Mustafi, Lucas Orban and Ruben Vezo are all important. If they are playing, they will make those who play do better."Valencia's Champions League campaign will begin at the playoff stage this season after they finished fourth in La Liga last term and Alcacer is confident of progressing.
"The most important thing is to take the qualifying games as one and not as unique fixtures. The team is prepared, we have time to improve and get well and make it a good tie."
'Pre-season is fake' - Mourinho hits back after New York Red Bulls loss
Jose Mourinho has reiterated his belief that Chelsea's 4-2 loss to New York Red Bulls is of no real concern, insisting "pre-season is fake".
The Premier League champions' first match of the summer did not go according to plan, with Franklin Castellanos, 16-year-old Tyler Adams and Sean Davis earning the MLS outfit a shock win over the Blues, for whom Loic Remy and Eden Hazard were on target.
Mourinho said immediately after the game that the result was far more beneficial to his team than a 10-0 win would have been as "the best team of England" needed to be tested and he has now once again dismissed concerns regarding the display.
"Pre-season is fake, for good and for bad. If you're very bad it's fake, and if you're too good it's fake," the Portuguese coach told reporters.
"The team in the second half couldn't defend. It was too easy for Red Bulls. Every chance they created was a goal.
"It's a question of concentration. In the second half we didn't have the concentration needed to play football."
Up next for Chelsea are the team who knocked them out of last season's Champions League, Ligue 1 titleholders Paris Saint-Germain, whom they face on Saturday in North Carolina.
Mourinho added: "PSG have very good players and to train against them is a very good opportunity."
Jose Mourinho has reiterated his belief that Chelsea's 4-2 loss to New York Red Bulls is of no real concern, insisting "pre-season is fake".
The Premier League champions' first match of the summer did not go according to plan, with Franklin Castellanos, 16-year-old Tyler Adams and Sean Davis earning the MLS outfit a shock win over the Blues, for whom Loic Remy and Eden Hazard were on target.
Mourinho said immediately after the game that the result was far more beneficial to his team than a 10-0 win would have been as "the best team of England" needed to be tested and he has now once again dismissed concerns regarding the display.
"Pre-season is fake, for good and for bad. If you're very bad it's fake, and if you're too good it's fake," the Portuguese coach told reporters.
"The team in the second half couldn't defend. It was too easy for Red Bulls. Every chance they created was a goal.
"It's a question of concentration. In the second half we didn't have the concentration needed to play football."
Up next for Chelsea are the team who knocked them out of last season's Champions League, Ligue 1 titleholders Paris Saint-Germain, whom they face on Saturday in North Carolina.
Mourinho added: "PSG have very good players and to train against them is a very good opportunity."
Bayern Munich 0-0 Guangzhou Evergrande (pens: 4-5): Guardiola's men lose on penalties
Luiz Felipe Scolari's Guangzhou Evergrande claimed a surprise win over Bayern Munich on penalties at the Tianhe Stadium on Thursday.
Completing their tour of China following back-to-back wins over Valencia and Inter, Bayern were unable to break down a stubborn Guangzhou side, which featured Robinho for the first time, and paid the price.As the game went to penalties, Thomas Muller failed to convert the first spot-kick of the shootout before Feng Xiaoting delivered at the crucial point.
Bayern - who face Wolfsburg in the DFL SuperCup on August 1 - offered their biggest threat through recent signing Douglas Costa but will target improvement ahead of their clash with the DFB-Pokal winners.
Pierre Hojbjerg should have scored five minutes in when he glanced a dangerous Mario Gotze cross wide from point-blank range before Manuel Neuer was forced into a series of saves.
Debutant Robinho was among the chances, although the German champions regained control prior to the half-hour mark. Had Robert Lewandowski sorted his feet in time, he may have had Bayern's first shot on target after 26 minutes.
David Alaba - a late swap for Mehdi Benatia due to a calf problem - was required to block Ricardo Goulart's goalbound effort soon after as the sides went in goalless at the break.
Pep Guardiola introduced Costa and Thiago Alcantara at the break and the pair offered a second-half threat - the former squaring for Lewandowski only for Feng to clear in time.Costa again went close before the hour - his shot squeezing through Zeng Cheng's legs - before the Guangzhou goalkeeper pulled off an impressive save to deny the former Shakhtar man.
Guangzhou forward Gao Lin then spurned a one-on-one with Ivan Lucic, prior to Lewandowski and Costa both going close late on.Ultimately, Muller's missed penalty proved costly as Bayern were also punished for their lack of cutting edge against the Chinese champions.
Luiz Felipe Scolari's Guangzhou Evergrande claimed a surprise win over Bayern Munich on penalties at the Tianhe Stadium on Thursday.
Completing their tour of China following back-to-back wins over Valencia and Inter, Bayern were unable to break down a stubborn Guangzhou side, which featured Robinho for the first time, and paid the price.As the game went to penalties, Thomas Muller failed to convert the first spot-kick of the shootout before Feng Xiaoting delivered at the crucial point.
Bayern - who face Wolfsburg in the DFL SuperCup on August 1 - offered their biggest threat through recent signing Douglas Costa but will target improvement ahead of their clash with the DFB-Pokal winners.
Pierre Hojbjerg should have scored five minutes in when he glanced a dangerous Mario Gotze cross wide from point-blank range before Manuel Neuer was forced into a series of saves.
Debutant Robinho was among the chances, although the German champions regained control prior to the half-hour mark. Had Robert Lewandowski sorted his feet in time, he may have had Bayern's first shot on target after 26 minutes.
David Alaba - a late swap for Mehdi Benatia due to a calf problem - was required to block Ricardo Goulart's goalbound effort soon after as the sides went in goalless at the break.
Pep Guardiola introduced Costa and Thiago Alcantara at the break and the pair offered a second-half threat - the former squaring for Lewandowski only for Feng to clear in time.Costa again went close before the hour - his shot squeezing through Zeng Cheng's legs - before the Guangzhou goalkeeper pulled off an impressive save to deny the former Shakhtar man.
Guangzhou forward Gao Lin then spurned a one-on-one with Ivan Lucic, prior to Lewandowski and Costa both going close late on.Ultimately, Muller's missed penalty proved costly as Bayern were also punished for their lack of cutting edge against the Chinese champions.
Rooney: Barcelona back to their brilliant best
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes that the current Barcelona side are as good as anything to have come out of Catalunya during the last decade.
The Blaugrana had been crowned champions of Europe on just one previous occasion, in 1992, before beating Arsenal in the Champions League final in 2006.
Pep Guardiola replaced Frank Rijkaard at the helm two years later, heralding an unprecedented era of success at Camp Nou, with the then-rookie Catalan coach leading Barca to two European titles in his four seasons in charge.
Guardiola's side have been lauded as one of the finest the game has ever seen but Rooney feels that the team that won the treble last season, under new boss Luis Enrique, are just as good."Barcelona are a fantastic team," the Manchester United striker told ESPN. "After Real Madrid winning the Champions League [in 2014], [Barca] wouldn't have liked that and they've come out again and been incredible really.
"I believe they've probably been as good as they ever have been over the last 10 years.
"It's a different way of playing [under Luis Enrique]. They're defending a little bit deeper and not going and closing down teams the way they did and they're hurting teams on the counter-attack.
"You can see there's a change in the way they play but, with the players they have got, obviously [Lionel] Messi, Neymar and [Luis] Suarez, they are a massive threat to anyone."Rooney, of course, is only too familiar with Barca's brilliance, having been part of the United sides beaten by the Blaugrana in the Champions League finals of 2009 and 2011.
"You're so close to winning it and to lose twice to Barcelona is hard to take really.
"I think you sometimes have to hold your hands up and say they were the better team - the best team in Europe - and it was going to be difficult for us to win the game.
"I'd say probably the game at Wembley [in 2011], being there, it would have been nice to have won the Champions League there."Manchester United take on Barcelona in California in a friendly clash on Saturday at 22:00CET.
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes that the current Barcelona side are as good as anything to have come out of Catalunya during the last decade.
The Blaugrana had been crowned champions of Europe on just one previous occasion, in 1992, before beating Arsenal in the Champions League final in 2006.
Pep Guardiola replaced Frank Rijkaard at the helm two years later, heralding an unprecedented era of success at Camp Nou, with the then-rookie Catalan coach leading Barca to two European titles in his four seasons in charge.
Guardiola's side have been lauded as one of the finest the game has ever seen but Rooney feels that the team that won the treble last season, under new boss Luis Enrique, are just as good."Barcelona are a fantastic team," the Manchester United striker told ESPN. "After Real Madrid winning the Champions League [in 2014], [Barca] wouldn't have liked that and they've come out again and been incredible really.
"I believe they've probably been as good as they ever have been over the last 10 years.
"It's a different way of playing [under Luis Enrique]. They're defending a little bit deeper and not going and closing down teams the way they did and they're hurting teams on the counter-attack.
"You can see there's a change in the way they play but, with the players they have got, obviously [Lionel] Messi, Neymar and [Luis] Suarez, they are a massive threat to anyone."Rooney, of course, is only too familiar with Barca's brilliance, having been part of the United sides beaten by the Blaugrana in the Champions League finals of 2009 and 2011.
"You're so close to winning it and to lose twice to Barcelona is hard to take really.
"I think you sometimes have to hold your hands up and say they were the better team - the best team in Europe - and it was going to be difficult for us to win the game.
"I'd say probably the game at Wembley [in 2011], being there, it would have been nice to have won the Champions League there."Manchester United take on Barcelona in California in a friendly clash on Saturday at 22:00CET.
'Benzema is 1,000% staying at Real Madrid,' says agent
Arsenal target Karim Benzema has no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer according to the striker's agent.
Goal understands that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was happy to wait until later in the summer window to launch a bid for the 27-year-old, with the France international happy at the Santiago Bernabeu and his employers not looking to sell.
Wenger refused to rule out a bid last week, adding that he will attempt to sign an "exceptional player" if one becomes available, but Benzema's representative, Karim Djaziri, insists that his client is going nowhere.
"Karim is very happy at Real Madrid and he will be a Real Madrid player by the end of this transfer window, 1,000 per cent," the agent is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
"Karim is not looking to move anywhere this summer."
Manchester United are understood to have expressed an interest in the Frenchman earlier in the transfer window, but Benzema is a favourite of Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Arsenal were prepared to spend around £35 million (€50m) on Benzema as they look to land another marquee summer signing following the arrivals of Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the last two years.
Goal understands Wenger is prepared to continue with Olivier Giroud as the club’s main striker next season if a pursuit of Benzema failed to bear fruit, with Sanchez and Theo Walcott also able to play as central strikers.
Arsenal target Karim Benzema has no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer according to the striker's agent.
Goal understands that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was happy to wait until later in the summer window to launch a bid for the 27-year-old, with the France international happy at the Santiago Bernabeu and his employers not looking to sell.
Wenger refused to rule out a bid last week, adding that he will attempt to sign an "exceptional player" if one becomes available, but Benzema's representative, Karim Djaziri, insists that his client is going nowhere.
"Karim is very happy at Real Madrid and he will be a Real Madrid player by the end of this transfer window, 1,000 per cent," the agent is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
"Karim is not looking to move anywhere this summer."
Manchester United are understood to have expressed an interest in the Frenchman earlier in the transfer window, but Benzema is a favourite of Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Arsenal were prepared to spend around £35 million (€50m) on Benzema as they look to land another marquee summer signing following the arrivals of Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the last two years.
Goal understands Wenger is prepared to continue with Olivier Giroud as the club’s main striker next season if a pursuit of Benzema failed to bear fruit, with Sanchez and Theo Walcott also able to play as central strikers.
Manchester United & Arsenal striker hunt 1ka lesi wena patak naha wage
Target karana godak playersla not for sale
Target karana godak playersla not for sale
Modric: Sergio Ramos wants to stay at Real Madrid
Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric says that Manchester United transfer target Sergio Ramos wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ramos appeared bound for Old Trafford after reports that the centre-half's relationship with Blancos president Florentino Perez has completely broken down.
However, the Spain international has since been named as Madrid's new captain, after Iker Casillas' move to Porto, and Modric is now confident that Ramos will lead Real into the 2015-16 season.
"I hope that Sergio stays as he’s so important for us," the midfielder is quoted as saying by SPORT. "[He's] our captain and our leader, on and off the pitch.
"He seems happy and I feel that he will stay. I’m sure he wants to stay, too."Meanwhile, on a personal level, Modric is hoping for an injury-free campaign after spending two lengthy spells on the sidelines last term.
"Last season was difficult," the Croatia international added. "I suffered two serious injuries and it’s best forgotten."But I’m working well now and pain-free. I want to be able to help the coach and team as much as I can."
Modric has established himself as a key player at Madrid since arriving from Tottenham in 2012 and his absences last season coincided with the Blancos' damaging dips in form.
Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric says that Manchester United transfer target Sergio Ramos wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ramos appeared bound for Old Trafford after reports that the centre-half's relationship with Blancos president Florentino Perez has completely broken down.
However, the Spain international has since been named as Madrid's new captain, after Iker Casillas' move to Porto, and Modric is now confident that Ramos will lead Real into the 2015-16 season.
"I hope that Sergio stays as he’s so important for us," the midfielder is quoted as saying by SPORT. "[He's] our captain and our leader, on and off the pitch.
"He seems happy and I feel that he will stay. I’m sure he wants to stay, too."Meanwhile, on a personal level, Modric is hoping for an injury-free campaign after spending two lengthy spells on the sidelines last term.
"Last season was difficult," the Croatia international added. "I suffered two serious injuries and it’s best forgotten."But I’m working well now and pain-free. I want to be able to help the coach and team as much as I can."
Modric has established himself as a key player at Madrid since arriving from Tottenham in 2012 and his absences last season coincided with the Blancos' damaging dips in form.
Inter win race to sign Man City outcast Jovetic
Inter are on the verge of completing a deal for Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetic.
Goal understands a payment package has been agreed between the two clubs, with Jovetic initially joining the Serie A side on a 12-month loan deal for a €3 million fee.
Inter will then be legally obligated to purchase Jovetic in a permanent transfer for €13m in July 2016, with City receiving a further €2.8m if Roberto Mancini's side qualify for the Champions League.
Goal reported on July 2 that Inter were battling with City rivals AC Milan in the race to sign Jovetic, with the Nerazzurri being the Montenegro star's preferred choice.
Mancini, meanwhile, confirmed to Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday that Jovetic is a transfer target as the Serie A club look to add to their attacking options for the 2015-16 season.
He said: "We really need an attacker because we only have two players up front at the moment.
"I already tried to sign Jovetic in my last season with Manchester City but he arrived when I was gone. He can play as a focal point or as a support striker but could also feature on the wings."
And now the Inter boss has got his man, with the Italian giants willing to match Jovetic's £90,000-a-week (€127,000) wages in a move that will see him return to Serie A.
Liverpool had previously been interested in signing Jovetic but the arrivals of Divock Origi, Danny Ings and Christian Benteke have lessened the need for more attacking reinforcements at Anifled.
Jovetic joined City from Fiorentina in 2013 for £22m (€31m) but has struggled to become a regular fixture in the first team under Manuel Pellegrini, making only nine Premier League starts last season.
Inter are on the verge of completing a deal for Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetic.
Goal understands a payment package has been agreed between the two clubs, with Jovetic initially joining the Serie A side on a 12-month loan deal for a €3 million fee.
Inter will then be legally obligated to purchase Jovetic in a permanent transfer for €13m in July 2016, with City receiving a further €2.8m if Roberto Mancini's side qualify for the Champions League.
Goal reported on July 2 that Inter were battling with City rivals AC Milan in the race to sign Jovetic, with the Nerazzurri being the Montenegro star's preferred choice.
Mancini, meanwhile, confirmed to Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday that Jovetic is a transfer target as the Serie A club look to add to their attacking options for the 2015-16 season.
He said: "We really need an attacker because we only have two players up front at the moment.
"I already tried to sign Jovetic in my last season with Manchester City but he arrived when I was gone. He can play as a focal point or as a support striker but could also feature on the wings."
And now the Inter boss has got his man, with the Italian giants willing to match Jovetic's £90,000-a-week (€127,000) wages in a move that will see him return to Serie A.
Liverpool had previously been interested in signing Jovetic but the arrivals of Divock Origi, Danny Ings and Christian Benteke have lessened the need for more attacking reinforcements at Anifled.
Jovetic joined City from Fiorentina in 2013 for £22m (€31m) but has struggled to become a regular fixture in the first team under Manuel Pellegrini, making only nine Premier League starts last season.
Barcelona could challenge Uefa fine over Catalan flags
Barcelona are considering challenging Uefa's decision to fine them €30,000 for their fans displaying Catalan flags during last month's Champions League final win over Juventus in Berlin.
The sanction was announced on Thursday, with the European game's governing body punishing the Blaugrana for "the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature".
"FC Barcelona respects Uefa’s decision that was relayed to the Club on Thursday in relation to the Champions League final in Berlin," read a statement released on the Catalans' official website.
"However, it does not agree with that decision, especially in the light of the Uefa delegate’s description of the Barca members and fans’ behaviour as excellent, both before, during and after the game, as stated in their report.
"With the aim of defending the rights of the Club and its members and while respecting current legislation, the Club’s legal services will consider the possibility of questioning the fine announced today, Thursday."Our conviction is that the rights of the Club and members are not incompatible with current legislation."
While Barcelona play in Spain's Primera Division, the club is fully supportive of the pro-independence movement within Catalunya and has long been a key component in the region's cultural identity.
Barcelona are considering challenging Uefa's decision to fine them €30,000 for their fans displaying Catalan flags during last month's Champions League final win over Juventus in Berlin.
The sanction was announced on Thursday, with the European game's governing body punishing the Blaugrana for "the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature".
"FC Barcelona respects Uefa’s decision that was relayed to the Club on Thursday in relation to the Champions League final in Berlin," read a statement released on the Catalans' official website.
"However, it does not agree with that decision, especially in the light of the Uefa delegate’s description of the Barca members and fans’ behaviour as excellent, both before, during and after the game, as stated in their report.
"With the aim of defending the rights of the Club and its members and while respecting current legislation, the Club’s legal services will consider the possibility of questioning the fine announced today, Thursday."Our conviction is that the rights of the Club and members are not incompatible with current legislation."
While Barcelona play in Spain's Primera Division, the club is fully supportive of the pro-independence movement within Catalunya and has long been a key component in the region's cultural identity.
Mourinho: De Bruyne's too mentally weak for Chelsea
Jose Mourinho says he sold Kevin De Bruyne because the midfielder's mentality was not strong enough to play for Chelsea.
The Belgian, who is a target for Manchester City and could be the subject of a £50 million bid from Manuel Pellegrini, left for Wolfsburg in January 2014 in an £18m deal after struggling for game time.
De Bruyne has gone on to excel in the Bundesliga, notching a record-equalling 20 assists last season to attract the interest of City - a potential move Mourinho insists he would hold no regret over.
"I am happy for him, because he is a good kid," he told reporters. "I wanted to keep him. But he couldn't handle fighting for his place in such a competitive squad.
"He told me it was not in his personality to be competing for a position in the team. He needed a team where he knows he can play every game."
Mourinho says the increased competition for places at Chelsea was not to De Bruyne's liking despite City boasting similar strength in depth with the likes of David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas.
He continued: "I told him, 'This is Chelsea. You are very young, you have Eden Hazard, you have Mata, you have Willian, you have Schurrle, and I cannot promise you that.'
"He told me he was not happy. He was not training very well, I was asking for more and he was saying, 'I can't give you more. This is just my way'.
"So yes. I accept that if this his mentality and that if it is his choice to go, it is better for Chelsea to make a good deal.
"We sold him, made our money and it was fantastic because we bought him cheap and sold him for a fantastic price. Now Wolfsburg, if they make a fantastic deal, that is good for them."
Jose Mourinho says he sold Kevin De Bruyne because the midfielder's mentality was not strong enough to play for Chelsea.
The Belgian, who is a target for Manchester City and could be the subject of a £50 million bid from Manuel Pellegrini, left for Wolfsburg in January 2014 in an £18m deal after struggling for game time.
De Bruyne has gone on to excel in the Bundesliga, notching a record-equalling 20 assists last season to attract the interest of City - a potential move Mourinho insists he would hold no regret over.
"I am happy for him, because he is a good kid," he told reporters. "I wanted to keep him. But he couldn't handle fighting for his place in such a competitive squad.
"He told me it was not in his personality to be competing for a position in the team. He needed a team where he knows he can play every game."
Mourinho says the increased competition for places at Chelsea was not to De Bruyne's liking despite City boasting similar strength in depth with the likes of David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas.
He continued: "I told him, 'This is Chelsea. You are very young, you have Eden Hazard, you have Mata, you have Willian, you have Schurrle, and I cannot promise you that.'
"He told me he was not happy. He was not training very well, I was asking for more and he was saying, 'I can't give you more. This is just my way'.
"So yes. I accept that if this his mentality and that if it is his choice to go, it is better for Chelsea to make a good deal.
"We sold him, made our money and it was fantastic because we bought him cheap and sold him for a fantastic price. Now Wolfsburg, if they make a fantastic deal, that is good for them."
'Arsenal have £200m & Wenger can buy any player he wants'
Arsenal director Lord Harris says Arsene Wenger can "buy any player in the world", with the club boasting a £200m-plus (€280m) transfer fund.
The Gunners boss admitted on Wednesday that the club were in an "impossible" race for the Premier League title in recent years, but is confident his squad are now capable of challenging at the top.
Wenger had to contend with the financial impact of moving from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, which meant losing key players such as Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas year on year.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all spent big, but improved finances saw Mesut Ozil arrive for £42 million (€60m) in 2013 and Alexis Sanchez for £35m (€50m) last summer, and Harris has hinted at similar deals.
"Money was tight when we moved to the Emirates but it’s a lot freer now," he told the Daily Mail. "We could go into the market and probably buy any player in the world, apart from half a dozen who are un-buyable.
"In the accounts, there's over £200 million in the bank. There are no plans to sign anyone, unless he finds a real superstar like Ozil or Sanchez. He's looking for one of those but there aren't many available."
Goal understands Arsene Wenger was happy to wait until later in the summer window to launch a bid for key summer target Karim Benzema, though the striker's agent says his client will not be leaving Real Madrid.
Wenger refused to rule out a bid last week, adding that he will attempt to sign an "exceptional player" if one becomes available, and Harris insists the manager has the full financial backing required.
He added: "We get a list of the players that Wenger wants. On the list is a centre forward, but I'm not going to tell you who he is. You've got to get the other team to sell him, but I think he wants to come.
"It basically comes down to whether the other team can find a superstar to replace him, because they don’t have to sell. We would back him to break the club's transfer record.
"If he wanted the man, he could have him. Apart from [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo, he could have any player. We will probably have to break the club record to get the man he wants."
Arsenal director Lord Harris says Arsene Wenger can "buy any player in the world", with the club boasting a £200m-plus (€280m) transfer fund.
The Gunners boss admitted on Wednesday that the club were in an "impossible" race for the Premier League title in recent years, but is confident his squad are now capable of challenging at the top.
Wenger had to contend with the financial impact of moving from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, which meant losing key players such as Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas year on year.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all spent big, but improved finances saw Mesut Ozil arrive for £42 million (€60m) in 2013 and Alexis Sanchez for £35m (€50m) last summer, and Harris has hinted at similar deals.
"Money was tight when we moved to the Emirates but it’s a lot freer now," he told the Daily Mail. "We could go into the market and probably buy any player in the world, apart from half a dozen who are un-buyable.
"In the accounts, there's over £200 million in the bank. There are no plans to sign anyone, unless he finds a real superstar like Ozil or Sanchez. He's looking for one of those but there aren't many available."
Goal understands Arsene Wenger was happy to wait until later in the summer window to launch a bid for key summer target Karim Benzema, though the striker's agent says his client will not be leaving Real Madrid.
Wenger refused to rule out a bid last week, adding that he will attempt to sign an "exceptional player" if one becomes available, and Harris insists the manager has the full financial backing required.
He added: "We get a list of the players that Wenger wants. On the list is a centre forward, but I'm not going to tell you who he is. You've got to get the other team to sell him, but I think he wants to come.
"It basically comes down to whether the other team can find a superstar to replace him, because they don’t have to sell. We would back him to break the club's transfer record.
"If he wanted the man, he could have him. Apart from [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo, he could have any player. We will probably have to break the club record to get the man he wants."
Pirlo unsure over New York City debut
New York City recruit Andrea Pirlo is unsure whether he will be ready to make his debut when his new club face Orlando City on Sunday.The former Juventus star, 36, arrived in New York just days ahead of the clash and faced the media on Thursday.
Jason Kreis' side currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference, three points adrift of sixth-placed Orlando City, and there are no guarantees Pirlo will be ready for what could be a key match.
"I do not know. It really depends on how things go day-to-day," the Italy international said at a news conference."I've been on vacation for a month, I did work during that month and I am feeling well, but we'll see what happens on Sunday.
"The only thing that is left to do is to really get to the right physical condition in order to play at my best."The midfield maestro then went on to stress that he had had moved to the United States purely to help MLS grow, before adding that he is eyeing a play-off spot all the same.
"I think that soccer is one thing and money is another thing," the two-time Champions League winner stated. "I've always been able to play for the love of the sport."I'm not one who cares for publicity. I'm here to play, not be a tourist. I want to help the MLS grow and play well.
"We have a long way to go in the season. We have a new team. We have to turn a new leaf and try our best for play-offs."
New York City recruit Andrea Pirlo is unsure whether he will be ready to make his debut when his new club face Orlando City on Sunday.The former Juventus star, 36, arrived in New York just days ahead of the clash and faced the media on Thursday.
Jason Kreis' side currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference, three points adrift of sixth-placed Orlando City, and there are no guarantees Pirlo will be ready for what could be a key match.
"I do not know. It really depends on how things go day-to-day," the Italy international said at a news conference."I've been on vacation for a month, I did work during that month and I am feeling well, but we'll see what happens on Sunday.
"The only thing that is left to do is to really get to the right physical condition in order to play at my best."The midfield maestro then went on to stress that he had had moved to the United States purely to help MLS grow, before adding that he is eyeing a play-off spot all the same.
"I think that soccer is one thing and money is another thing," the two-time Champions League winner stated. "I've always been able to play for the love of the sport."I'm not one who cares for publicity. I'm here to play, not be a tourist. I want to help the MLS grow and play well.
"We have a long way to go in the season. We have a new team. We have to turn a new leaf and try our best for play-offs."
Mourinho: New stadium is the next step for Chelsea
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that a new stadium is "the next step" for the club.
The Blues' current home at Stamford Bridge can seat 41,798 fans, making it only the eighth largest ground in the Premier League, disproportionate to the team's success in the Roman Abramovich era.
Earlier this summer, Chelsea invited supporters to look at an exhibition of plans for a new build and, though an upgrade would necessitate them playing at a different ground for up to three seasons, Mourinho says that it is an important decision for them to take.
"I've taken charge of 98 matches on my bench in Stamford Bridge and hope to have more," the Portuguese told reporters.
"I know the club needs to make the next step and that is a new Stamford Bridge, more seats.
"At a certain point of our lives as a club, we will have to leave, which is a bad thing but, if we need to play at another stadium, we will try to make it our new home while we wait."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that a new stadium is "the next step" for the club.
The Blues' current home at Stamford Bridge can seat 41,798 fans, making it only the eighth largest ground in the Premier League, disproportionate to the team's success in the Roman Abramovich era.
Earlier this summer, Chelsea invited supporters to look at an exhibition of plans for a new build and, though an upgrade would necessitate them playing at a different ground for up to three seasons, Mourinho says that it is an important decision for them to take.
"I've taken charge of 98 matches on my bench in Stamford Bridge and hope to have more," the Portuguese told reporters.
"I know the club needs to make the next step and that is a new Stamford Bridge, more seats.
"At a certain point of our lives as a club, we will have to leave, which is a bad thing but, if we need to play at another stadium, we will try to make it our new home while we wait."
Watzke: Bayern will win Bundesliga again with Vidal
Borussia Dortmund supremo Hans-Joachim Watze believes it inevitable that Bayern Munich will win the Bundesliga title again in 2015-16 given the imminent arrival of Arturo Vidal from Juventus.
The reigning German champions announced on Thursday that the Chile international will sign a contract with FCB upon completion of his medical and Watzke now has little doubt that the Bavarians will not only win a fourth successive title - but also a fifth."For me, Vidal is one of the best players there is in midfield," Watzke told DPA.
"He is a real warrior and is great on the ball as well. Signing him is a superb transfer for Bayern and will definitely improve them."We can stop wondering who will win the Bundesliga title this season. Bayern will be the first team ever to win the title four seasons in a row. And then next year a fifth time..."
Dortmund were the last team to pip Bayern to Bundesliga glory, in 2012, but Watzke has conceded that BVB need time before they can challenge the Bavarians once more.
"Over a period of 10 years, Dortmund have always won silverware and we will win trophies again in the future," he added. "But, at the moment, we have other objectives."
Borussia Dortmund supremo Hans-Joachim Watze believes it inevitable that Bayern Munich will win the Bundesliga title again in 2015-16 given the imminent arrival of Arturo Vidal from Juventus.
The reigning German champions announced on Thursday that the Chile international will sign a contract with FCB upon completion of his medical and Watzke now has little doubt that the Bavarians will not only win a fourth successive title - but also a fifth."For me, Vidal is one of the best players there is in midfield," Watzke told DPA.
"He is a real warrior and is great on the ball as well. Signing him is a superb transfer for Bayern and will definitely improve them."We can stop wondering who will win the Bundesliga title this season. Bayern will be the first team ever to win the title four seasons in a row. And then next year a fifth time..."
Dortmund were the last team to pip Bayern to Bundesliga glory, in 2012, but Watzke has conceded that BVB need time before they can challenge the Bavarians once more.
"Over a period of 10 years, Dortmund have always won silverware and we will win trophies again in the future," he added. "But, at the moment, we have other objectives."
Atletico Madrid confirm Thiago Motta talks
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has admitted they are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over the transfer of Thiago Motta.
The 32-year-old midfielder has a contract with PSG until the summer of 2016, but he is desperate to leave the Ligue 1 champions.
Head coach Laurent Blanc recently already revealed that Motta will not play for the Parisians again and the Iitaly international now appears to be on his way back to the Vicente Calderon."He is a player we are very much interested in," Rojiblancos supremo Cerezo was quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.
"Negotiations are taking their time, but we are in talks."I don't know when the deal will be done, but talks are ongoing."
The Italy international started his professional career with Barcelona and previously wore the Atletico jersey in 2007-08, before leaving for Genoa. He also represented Inter before joining PSG in 2012.
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has admitted they are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over the transfer of Thiago Motta.
The 32-year-old midfielder has a contract with PSG until the summer of 2016, but he is desperate to leave the Ligue 1 champions.
Head coach Laurent Blanc recently already revealed that Motta will not play for the Parisians again and the Iitaly international now appears to be on his way back to the Vicente Calderon."He is a player we are very much interested in," Rojiblancos supremo Cerezo was quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.
"Negotiations are taking their time, but we are in talks."I don't know when the deal will be done, but talks are ongoing."
The Italy international started his professional career with Barcelona and previously wore the Atletico jersey in 2007-08, before leaving for Genoa. He also represented Inter before joining PSG in 2012.
Adriano wants to leave Barcelona for Roma, says agent
Adriano's agent, Paulo Affonso Neves, has revealed that the versatile defender is keen to leave Barcelona for Roma ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
The full-back still has two years left on his contract with last season's treble-winners but has his heart set on a move after five seasons at Camp Nou.
"Roma have made a very tempting offer and Adriano feels it's time for a change," the defender's representative agent told Sport."Now is a good time to take on a new challenge and take advantage of the opportunity to play for a big Italian club like Roma.
"Adriano has a great relationship with everyone at Barcelona and they have behaved very well toward us."As professionals, the situation has to be managed with intelligence and patience in order to reach an agreement over a transfer."
The 30-year-old joined Barcelona from Sevilla in the summer of 2010 and has since made over 150 official appearances for the Catalans, winning La Liga four times and the Champions League twice in the process.
Adriano's agent, Paulo Affonso Neves, has revealed that the versatile defender is keen to leave Barcelona for Roma ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
The full-back still has two years left on his contract with last season's treble-winners but has his heart set on a move after five seasons at Camp Nou.
"Roma have made a very tempting offer and Adriano feels it's time for a change," the defender's representative agent told Sport."Now is a good time to take on a new challenge and take advantage of the opportunity to play for a big Italian club like Roma.
"Adriano has a great relationship with everyone at Barcelona and they have behaved very well toward us."As professionals, the situation has to be managed with intelligence and patience in order to reach an agreement over a transfer."
The 30-year-old joined Barcelona from Sevilla in the summer of 2010 and has since made over 150 official appearances for the Catalans, winning La Liga four times and the Champions League twice in the process.
Henderson: I can't and won't copy Gerrard as Liverpool captain
Jordan Henderson has vowed to be his own man after inheriting the Liverpool captaincy from Steven Gerrard.
The midfielder was named as Brendan Rodgers' new skipper earlier in July, after Reds legend Gerrard left for LA Galaxy following a 12-year spell with the armband that made him the club's longest-serving captain.
Henderson has no intention of trying to copy his predecessor, as he feels that doing so represents an impossible task.
"I don't think there will ever be another Steven Gerrard in terms of talent and leadership," the 25-year-old told the media, "but it was good for me to play with him and learn from him.
"He's a footballer who I had so much respect for and for a leadership aspect as well.
"I have taken as much as I could from him and I will try and use that but, going forward, I have got to do what I believe is right and what I want to do.
"I still speak to Stevie on a regular basis. He always tells me that, if I need any advice, he is always on the end of a phone.
"When he scored the other day, I got in touch with him straight away. I was delighted for him and you could see how much it meant to him from the way he celebrated.
"I can still learn from him, even when he is playing so far away. He just said he would always be there for me, really. He was over the moon for me."
Jordan Henderson has vowed to be his own man after inheriting the Liverpool captaincy from Steven Gerrard.
The midfielder was named as Brendan Rodgers' new skipper earlier in July, after Reds legend Gerrard left for LA Galaxy following a 12-year spell with the armband that made him the club's longest-serving captain.
Henderson has no intention of trying to copy his predecessor, as he feels that doing so represents an impossible task.
"I don't think there will ever be another Steven Gerrard in terms of talent and leadership," the 25-year-old told the media, "but it was good for me to play with him and learn from him.
"He's a footballer who I had so much respect for and for a leadership aspect as well.
"I have taken as much as I could from him and I will try and use that but, going forward, I have got to do what I believe is right and what I want to do.
"I still speak to Stevie on a regular basis. He always tells me that, if I need any advice, he is always on the end of a phone.
"When he scored the other day, I got in touch with him straight away. I was delighted for him and you could see how much it meant to him from the way he celebrated.
"I can still learn from him, even when he is playing so far away. He just said he would always be there for me, really. He was over the moon for me."
Falcao 'was the best of the human players', says Crespo
Hernan Crespo says that Radamel Falcao was "the best of the human players" before his knee injury, warning him that he could continue to struggle at Chelsea.
Falcao has moved to Stamford Bridge on a one-year loan deal from Monaco, after enduring a frustrating 2014-15 campaign with Manchester United that yielded just four goals and questions about his top-level ability.
The Colombia striker damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January 2014, which ruled him out of the World Cup, and he has since struggled to recapture the form which made him one of Europe's most feared forwards during his time with Porto and Atletico Madrid.
Crespo, who himself moved to the Blues in 2003 but was loaned out to both Milan clubs by Jose Mourinho during a difficult five-year spell in England, says that Falcao is now a different proposition.
"There is a big difference between Falcao before and after his injury," Crespo, now coach of Italian Serie B side Modena, told the BBC.
"Before the injury, he was the best of the 'human players' - all players apart from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are on another level.
"After such an injury, you need time and it's not easy to recover. It won't be easy for him. Jose doesn't give presents away."
However, the former Argentina hitman insists that a little bit of belief would be enough for Falcao to convince his new manager, something which he was unable to do with Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.
"All Falcao has to do is to believe in himself and be the great player he is," Crespo added. "That will be enough to convince Mourinho to give him a chance. He was probably not the kind of player Van Gaal was looking for.
"You have to take your chances if you want to play regularly. We will see what happens at Chelsea."
Hernan Crespo says that Radamel Falcao was "the best of the human players" before his knee injury, warning him that he could continue to struggle at Chelsea.
Falcao has moved to Stamford Bridge on a one-year loan deal from Monaco, after enduring a frustrating 2014-15 campaign with Manchester United that yielded just four goals and questions about his top-level ability.
The Colombia striker damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January 2014, which ruled him out of the World Cup, and he has since struggled to recapture the form which made him one of Europe's most feared forwards during his time with Porto and Atletico Madrid.
Crespo, who himself moved to the Blues in 2003 but was loaned out to both Milan clubs by Jose Mourinho during a difficult five-year spell in England, says that Falcao is now a different proposition.
"There is a big difference between Falcao before and after his injury," Crespo, now coach of Italian Serie B side Modena, told the BBC.
"Before the injury, he was the best of the 'human players' - all players apart from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are on another level.
"After such an injury, you need time and it's not easy to recover. It won't be easy for him. Jose doesn't give presents away."
However, the former Argentina hitman insists that a little bit of belief would be enough for Falcao to convince his new manager, something which he was unable to do with Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.
"All Falcao has to do is to believe in himself and be the great player he is," Crespo added. "That will be enough to convince Mourinho to give him a chance. He was probably not the kind of player Van Gaal was looking for.
"You have to take your chances if you want to play regularly. We will see what happens at Chelsea."
Arsenal director 'very pleased' Gunners did not sign Sterling
Arsenal director Lord Harris has revealed why Arsene Wenger decided not to pursue a deal for Raheem Sterling, citing his "nonsense" behaviour in engineering a transfer.
The 20-year-old moved to Manchester City in a £49 million (€70m) deal from Liverpool earlier in July but was heavily criticised for the manner in which he and agent Aidy Ward forced through the move, snubbing contract talks, calling in sick and threatening to boycott the Reds' pre-season tour.
And Lord Harris says that Wenger took note of Sterling's conduct and was not impressed by the way in which he treated Liverpool, with the 72-year-old delighted that the club passed up the opportunity to sign the England international.
"Sterling is a very, very good player but I'm very pleased Arsenal didn’t sign him," Lord Harris told the Daily Mail.
"He's got a lot to learn. They were looking at him and the way he treated Liverpool wasn't good. Arsene does a lot of work on the players before they get to us and he doesn't take any nonsense."
Sterling scored on his first appearance for Manchester City in the International Champions Cup, firing past Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis after just three minutes.
Wenger's snubbing of the winger, meanwhile, will not be due to a lack of funds, with Lord Harris also revealing that Arsenal have £200m (€280m) sitting in the bank and can afford any player on the planet.
Arsenal director Lord Harris has revealed why Arsene Wenger decided not to pursue a deal for Raheem Sterling, citing his "nonsense" behaviour in engineering a transfer.
The 20-year-old moved to Manchester City in a £49 million (€70m) deal from Liverpool earlier in July but was heavily criticised for the manner in which he and agent Aidy Ward forced through the move, snubbing contract talks, calling in sick and threatening to boycott the Reds' pre-season tour.
And Lord Harris says that Wenger took note of Sterling's conduct and was not impressed by the way in which he treated Liverpool, with the 72-year-old delighted that the club passed up the opportunity to sign the England international.
"Sterling is a very, very good player but I'm very pleased Arsenal didn’t sign him," Lord Harris told the Daily Mail.
"He's got a lot to learn. They were looking at him and the way he treated Liverpool wasn't good. Arsene does a lot of work on the players before they get to us and he doesn't take any nonsense."
Sterling scored on his first appearance for Manchester City in the International Champions Cup, firing past Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis after just three minutes.
Wenger's snubbing of the winger, meanwhile, will not be due to a lack of funds, with Lord Harris also revealing that Arsenal have £200m (€280m) sitting in the bank and can afford any player on the planet.
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