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Wenger: Champions League Pot Two no disadvantage to Arsenal
Arsene Wenger is confident that being in Pot Two for Thursday's Champions League draw will not harm Arsenal’s chances in the competition.
Uefa’s changes to the structure of the competition this season see the champions of the top eight European nations in Pot One, meaning the Gunners could face the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus or Paris Saint-Germain.
But despite a potentially tough group for the Gunners, Wenger believes that having certain title winners in Pot One could actually benefit his team in the long run.
“I don’t think it will change anything,” he told the club’s official website. “It will just put some weaker teams in Pot One.
“When you look at the structure of the groups, you don’t necessarily have a disadvantage by being in Pot Two because it looks as strong because of the recent history of the teams that are there.
“Ideally you want a group where you have a chance to come out in the top position, no matter how far you go. It helps sometimes mentally not to go too far.
“Before sometimes, 10 or 12 years ago, your focus was more on every Champions League game and you knew that in the Premier League you could get away with resting one or two players.
“We are now in a situation where you don’t make a difference between Champions League and Premier League, you just try to win the next game.”
Premier League champions Chelsea go into Pot One as title holders, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City in Pot Two.
Pot Three holds strong opponents with the likes of Roma, Lyon, CSKA Moscow and Europa League winners Sevilla, while Bundesliga duo Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach are dark horses in Pot Four.
The draw takes place on Thursday at 17.45 GMT. The group stage begins on September 15, with the last matchday coming on December 9.
Arsene Wenger is confident that being in Pot Two for Thursday's Champions League draw will not harm Arsenal’s chances in the competition.
Uefa’s changes to the structure of the competition this season see the champions of the top eight European nations in Pot One, meaning the Gunners could face the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus or Paris Saint-Germain.
But despite a potentially tough group for the Gunners, Wenger believes that having certain title winners in Pot One could actually benefit his team in the long run.
“I don’t think it will change anything,” he told the club’s official website. “It will just put some weaker teams in Pot One.
“When you look at the structure of the groups, you don’t necessarily have a disadvantage by being in Pot Two because it looks as strong because of the recent history of the teams that are there.
“Ideally you want a group where you have a chance to come out in the top position, no matter how far you go. It helps sometimes mentally not to go too far.
“Before sometimes, 10 or 12 years ago, your focus was more on every Champions League game and you knew that in the Premier League you could get away with resting one or two players.
“We are now in a situation where you don’t make a difference between Champions League and Premier League, you just try to win the next game.”
Premier League champions Chelsea go into Pot One as title holders, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City in Pot Two.
Pot Three holds strong opponents with the likes of Roma, Lyon, CSKA Moscow and Europa League winners Sevilla, while Bundesliga duo Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach are dark horses in Pot Four.
The draw takes place on Thursday at 17.45 GMT. The group stage begins on September 15, with the last matchday coming on December 9.
Thiago extends Bayern deal
Bayern Munich have confirmed Thiago has extended his contract with the club to run until 2019.
The midfielder joined the Bavarian side from Barcelona in 2013, where he teamed up with coach Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena.
While the 24-year-old has suffered with injury problems throughout his time in Germany, he has impressed when fit and has been rewarded with a new deal.
The Spain international was originally tied to Bayern until 2017, but has added another two years onto his deal. The club's CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, was delighted by the news.
"We are happy that Thiago has chosen to stay long term at Bayern," he said. "He is young and an important player for the future of the club."
Thiago has made only 25 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern since his move, scoring two league goals in that time.
Bayern Munich have confirmed Thiago has extended his contract with the club to run until 2019.
The midfielder joined the Bavarian side from Barcelona in 2013, where he teamed up with coach Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena.
While the 24-year-old has suffered with injury problems throughout his time in Germany, he has impressed when fit and has been rewarded with a new deal.
The Spain international was originally tied to Bayern until 2017, but has added another two years onto his deal. The club's CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, was delighted by the news.
"We are happy that Thiago has chosen to stay long term at Bayern," he said. "He is young and an important player for the future of the club."
Thiago has made only 25 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern since his move, scoring two league goals in that time.
Negredo: I've moved on from Man City nightmare
Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo says he has put his Manchester City nightmare behind him as he looks continue to revitalise his career in Spain.
The Spain international fired Valencia ahead after four minutes against Monaco, a goal the proved crucial as Nuno Espirito Santo's side qualified for the group stages with a 4-3 aggregate win – despite losing 2-1 on the night.
Negredo joined Man City in 2013 in a deal worth around £20 million but failed to maintain an impressive start to life in England and subsequently spent last season on loan at Mestalla before making his stay permanent.
The striker netted five league goals for Los Che last term and insists he is completely over his poor spell in the Premier League.
"My suffering is in the past. I have to enjoy this and continue working hard. I put in a good performance on Saturday but I was unlucky not to score. I had my reward in the Champions League," he told AS.
"The coach told me I was playing on Tuesday.
"I wasn't sure, I knew I might start, and in the end he told me and I tried to respond in the best way.
"I want to dedicate the goal to my family, my friends, the people who have been with me for better or worse."
Valencia's progression means Spain have a record five teams in the Champions League group stage.
They join Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Europa League champions Sevilla in Thursday's draw.
Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo says he has put his Manchester City nightmare behind him as he looks continue to revitalise his career in Spain.
The Spain international fired Valencia ahead after four minutes against Monaco, a goal the proved crucial as Nuno Espirito Santo's side qualified for the group stages with a 4-3 aggregate win – despite losing 2-1 on the night.
Negredo joined Man City in 2013 in a deal worth around £20 million but failed to maintain an impressive start to life in England and subsequently spent last season on loan at Mestalla before making his stay permanent.
The striker netted five league goals for Los Che last term and insists he is completely over his poor spell in the Premier League.
"My suffering is in the past. I have to enjoy this and continue working hard. I put in a good performance on Saturday but I was unlucky not to score. I had my reward in the Champions League," he told AS.
"The coach told me I was playing on Tuesday.
"I wasn't sure, I knew I might start, and in the end he told me and I tried to respond in the best way.
"I want to dedicate the goal to my family, my friends, the people who have been with me for better or worse."
Valencia's progression means Spain have a record five teams in the Champions League group stage.
They join Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Europa League champions Sevilla in Thursday's draw.
Expensive flop Illarra a symbol of Madrid's flawed transfer policy
e will go down as one of the worst signings in the history of Real Madrid. Asier Illarramendi arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu as a supposed long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso and a future star of Spain's midfield. In the end, however, he was neither.
Illarra was bought for almost €40 million when taxes were applied to his transfer in the summer of 2013 - a lot of money for a 23-year-old who many believed was not even the best player in the Sociedad squad at the time.
Fresh from helping Spain's Under-21 side to the European Championship crown in Israel in 2013, the defensive midfielder joined Madrid but took time to settle in the capital due to homesickness and something of a culture shock after moving from a small town with 5,000 inhabitants (Mutriku) to Spain's largest city.
On the pitch, he struggled to make an impact as well. Limited in terms of technique and barely venturing forward at all, the Basque did not seem to offer much in the way of protection for his defence either and was woeful when Madrid needed him most - the night they lost 2-0 at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in 2013-14 and almost saw their Decima dream go up in smoke.
After his poor performance in that match, in which he was substituted at the break, coach Carlo Ancelotti appeared to lose faith in the Basque and when Alonso left, not only did he fail to emerge as his successor, but he featured even less than before.
In his second season, Illarra played 41 games but only 15 as a starter. And as he returns to Real Sociedad for a cut-price €16m, there is a sense that he never really came out of his shell in Madrid.
At €39m, the transfer cost Los Blancos €19.5m per season, €433,333 per game (for 90 in total) and €9,213 per minute (4,233 played). It is far from the return Real had expected on their significant investment - and is also a blow to their plans of recruiting the best young Spanish players around.
The two-tier policy of president Florentino Perez is designed to bring in the finest footballers from around the world and complement those with Spanish stars. But for 14 minutes late in the game against Sporting Gijon on Sunday, there was only one Spaniard on the pitch for Madrid: captain Sergio Ramos.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas left earlier this summer, while David De Gea's proposed move from Manchester United remains in limbo. Jese and Isco, meanwhile, had been substituted and Dani Carvajal came off the bench later on.
Although not really up to standard, Illarramendi is the latest casualty in a chaotic transfer policy which saw Lucas Silva brought in last season but now seemingly surplus to requirements as he is close to a move on loan to Marseille and Inter's Mateo Kovacic bought recently and likely to be used in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role.
"I was told that I was in the club's plans," Illarra said on Wednesday. "Then they signed another player."
Nevertheless, it was probably the right time to let the player leave. Never really good enough and certainly not worth anywhere near the enormous outlay, the 25-year-old departs on the same day as another overpriced player, left-back Fabio Coentrao, who moves on loan to Monaco.
Coentrao has been a useful player these past few seasons, but never lived up his hefty price tag after he was brought in by Jose Mourinho in a €30 million deal from Benfica in 2011, making him the world's most expensive full-back.
With constant coaching changes in recent seasons and a president who wants a big-name forward to arrive each summer, Madrid's policy in the transfer market is still something of a scattergun approach. Whereas Barcelona strengthened key positions last season and went on to win the treble, los Blancos still seem to be placing square pegs in round holes, with players like Isco, James, Gareth Bale, Jese, Toni Kroos and now Kovacic all playing out of position or operating in less familiar roles.
And while Illarramendi was good enough in his two-year spell at the Bernabeu, his growth was also stunted by the club's stockpiling of midfielders in recent seasons which means there is no place in the starting line-up at times for players like James Rodriguez or Isco.
As he returned to Anoeta after two years away, Illarra was welcomed by fans and former team-mates alike. "We do love you here," defender Inigo Martinez wrote on Twitter, implying that was not the case at Madrid.
Given time to find his feet and confidence with a starting spot, Illarra will now probably produce his best football again in the Basque Country. Madrid, meanwhile, will reflect on a €23m loss on a player they should never really have bought in the first place. But they would also be advised to ponder their many mistakes made in the transfer market over the past few years.
It's time for a rethink, perhaps.
e will go down as one of the worst signings in the history of Real Madrid. Asier Illarramendi arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu as a supposed long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso and a future star of Spain's midfield. In the end, however, he was neither.
Illarra was bought for almost €40 million when taxes were applied to his transfer in the summer of 2013 - a lot of money for a 23-year-old who many believed was not even the best player in the Sociedad squad at the time.
Fresh from helping Spain's Under-21 side to the European Championship crown in Israel in 2013, the defensive midfielder joined Madrid but took time to settle in the capital due to homesickness and something of a culture shock after moving from a small town with 5,000 inhabitants (Mutriku) to Spain's largest city.
On the pitch, he struggled to make an impact as well. Limited in terms of technique and barely venturing forward at all, the Basque did not seem to offer much in the way of protection for his defence either and was woeful when Madrid needed him most - the night they lost 2-0 at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in 2013-14 and almost saw their Decima dream go up in smoke.
After his poor performance in that match, in which he was substituted at the break, coach Carlo Ancelotti appeared to lose faith in the Basque and when Alonso left, not only did he fail to emerge as his successor, but he featured even less than before.
In his second season, Illarra played 41 games but only 15 as a starter. And as he returns to Real Sociedad for a cut-price €16m, there is a sense that he never really came out of his shell in Madrid.
At €39m, the transfer cost Los Blancos €19.5m per season, €433,333 per game (for 90 in total) and €9,213 per minute (4,233 played). It is far from the return Real had expected on their significant investment - and is also a blow to their plans of recruiting the best young Spanish players around.
The two-tier policy of president Florentino Perez is designed to bring in the finest footballers from around the world and complement those with Spanish stars. But for 14 minutes late in the game against Sporting Gijon on Sunday, there was only one Spaniard on the pitch for Madrid: captain Sergio Ramos.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas left earlier this summer, while David De Gea's proposed move from Manchester United remains in limbo. Jese and Isco, meanwhile, had been substituted and Dani Carvajal came off the bench later on.
Although not really up to standard, Illarramendi is the latest casualty in a chaotic transfer policy which saw Lucas Silva brought in last season but now seemingly surplus to requirements as he is close to a move on loan to Marseille and Inter's Mateo Kovacic bought recently and likely to be used in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role.
"I was told that I was in the club's plans," Illarra said on Wednesday. "Then they signed another player."
Nevertheless, it was probably the right time to let the player leave. Never really good enough and certainly not worth anywhere near the enormous outlay, the 25-year-old departs on the same day as another overpriced player, left-back Fabio Coentrao, who moves on loan to Monaco.
Coentrao has been a useful player these past few seasons, but never lived up his hefty price tag after he was brought in by Jose Mourinho in a €30 million deal from Benfica in 2011, making him the world's most expensive full-back.
With constant coaching changes in recent seasons and a president who wants a big-name forward to arrive each summer, Madrid's policy in the transfer market is still something of a scattergun approach. Whereas Barcelona strengthened key positions last season and went on to win the treble, los Blancos still seem to be placing square pegs in round holes, with players like Isco, James, Gareth Bale, Jese, Toni Kroos and now Kovacic all playing out of position or operating in less familiar roles.
And while Illarramendi was good enough in his two-year spell at the Bernabeu, his growth was also stunted by the club's stockpiling of midfielders in recent seasons which means there is no place in the starting line-up at times for players like James Rodriguez or Isco.
As he returned to Anoeta after two years away, Illarra was welcomed by fans and former team-mates alike. "We do love you here," defender Inigo Martinez wrote on Twitter, implying that was not the case at Madrid.
Given time to find his feet and confidence with a starting spot, Illarra will now probably produce his best football again in the Basque Country. Madrid, meanwhile, will reflect on a €23m loss on a player they should never really have bought in the first place. But they would also be advised to ponder their many mistakes made in the transfer market over the past few years.
It's time for a rethink, perhaps.
Wenger: Arsenal working round the clock on transfers
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are working “24 hours a day” on potential signings before the summer transfer window shuts.
The Gunners have only brought in Petr Cech from Chelsea this summer, with potential targets Karim Benzema and Grzegorz Krychowiak recently committing their futures to Real Madrid and Sevilla respectively.
Despite having so far failed to add any midfield or attacking reinforcement, Wenger hinted that he and his team are now looking elsewhere for deals.
“I’m available 24 hours a day and I have a whole team behind me working round the clock,” he told reporters on Thursday morning.
“You have specific targets and then another becomes available because of something else.”
The Gunners have made a disappointing start to the Premier League season after being touted as potential title favourites, picking up four points from their opening three games.
“We’ve not had the ideal start,” Wenger said. “We’ve played three games, we want to play 60 and we’ve lost a game we shouldn’t have. I said we wanted to start strong because we had two derbies and Liverpool at home.
“It’s normal after two or three games that you’re not at 100 percent. Some players are not completely there yet.”
The Gunners were held to a goalless draw at home to Liverpool on Monday night, with Gabriel and Calum Chambers playing in central defence in place of the injured Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
Wenger hinted that the pair could continue for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, saying: “Mertesacker is still ill and we will know more about Koscielny after he has a test [today.]
“It’s important that we prepare well [for Newcastle]. It’s always very tight and very committed there because the crowd is behind them. We have always done very well.”
The Gunners manager also confirmed that Danny Welbeck is on the comeback trail following his knee injury, and should return after the international break in early September.
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are working “24 hours a day” on potential signings before the summer transfer window shuts.
The Gunners have only brought in Petr Cech from Chelsea this summer, with potential targets Karim Benzema and Grzegorz Krychowiak recently committing their futures to Real Madrid and Sevilla respectively.
Despite having so far failed to add any midfield or attacking reinforcement, Wenger hinted that he and his team are now looking elsewhere for deals.
“I’m available 24 hours a day and I have a whole team behind me working round the clock,” he told reporters on Thursday morning.
“You have specific targets and then another becomes available because of something else.”
The Gunners have made a disappointing start to the Premier League season after being touted as potential title favourites, picking up four points from their opening three games.
“We’ve not had the ideal start,” Wenger said. “We’ve played three games, we want to play 60 and we’ve lost a game we shouldn’t have. I said we wanted to start strong because we had two derbies and Liverpool at home.
“It’s normal after two or three games that you’re not at 100 percent. Some players are not completely there yet.”
The Gunners were held to a goalless draw at home to Liverpool on Monday night, with Gabriel and Calum Chambers playing in central defence in place of the injured Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
Wenger hinted that the pair could continue for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, saying: “Mertesacker is still ill and we will know more about Koscielny after he has a test [today.]
“It’s important that we prepare well [for Newcastle]. It’s always very tight and very committed there because the crowd is behind them. We have always done very well.”
The Gunners manager also confirmed that Danny Welbeck is on the comeback trail following his knee injury, and should return after the international break in early September.
West Ham confirm Nolan departure
West Ham United have confirmed that captain Kevin Nolan has left the club by mutual consent.
Nolan, 33, was appointed skipper soon after his arrival from Newcastle United in 2011, but made only 19 Premier League starts last season.
A statement on the club's official website read: "West Ham United would like to thank Kevin for his considerable effort and commitment over the past four seasons and wish him all the very best for the future, on and off the football pitch."
Nolan said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham United and will take some great memories with me. I'm now looking forward to the next challenge playing for a new club."
Manager Slaven Bilic said: "I can only say a big thanks to Kevin from the club because he was a great captain and a great professional. I wish him well."
Hammers co-chairman David Gold thanked the midfielder via Twitter, saying: "Kevin Nolan helped lead us out of a difficult time at West Ham. I want to thank him for his efforts and wish him well for the future."
Nolan scored 31 goals in 157 games for the Hammers, helping the club acheive promotion back to the Premier League in 2012.
Meanwhile, Bilic insists that there is no problem between himself and Enner Valencia after the striker apologised for recent comments about the club's medical department.
Valencia was quoted by Ecuadorian radio-station La Deportiva as claiming he had been denied permission to seek an external opinion on a recent injury, but has since retracted those comments after a meeting with club staff.
Bilic was keen to draw a line under the issue, saying: "Enner has apologised for his comments and he's back in a normal routine.
"The medical department is trying very hard to get him back as soon as possible. He's apologised and for me that's sorted."
The coach is still targeting new arriving before the transfer window closes, adding: "I am spending a lot of time thinking about the players who might become my players and I have to do it.
"But I can't discuss it in public, not until they become West Ham players."
West Ham United have confirmed that captain Kevin Nolan has left the club by mutual consent.
Nolan, 33, was appointed skipper soon after his arrival from Newcastle United in 2011, but made only 19 Premier League starts last season.
A statement on the club's official website read: "West Ham United would like to thank Kevin for his considerable effort and commitment over the past four seasons and wish him all the very best for the future, on and off the football pitch."
Nolan said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham United and will take some great memories with me. I'm now looking forward to the next challenge playing for a new club."
Manager Slaven Bilic said: "I can only say a big thanks to Kevin from the club because he was a great captain and a great professional. I wish him well."
Hammers co-chairman David Gold thanked the midfielder via Twitter, saying: "Kevin Nolan helped lead us out of a difficult time at West Ham. I want to thank him for his efforts and wish him well for the future."
Nolan scored 31 goals in 157 games for the Hammers, helping the club acheive promotion back to the Premier League in 2012.
Meanwhile, Bilic insists that there is no problem between himself and Enner Valencia after the striker apologised for recent comments about the club's medical department.
Valencia was quoted by Ecuadorian radio-station La Deportiva as claiming he had been denied permission to seek an external opinion on a recent injury, but has since retracted those comments after a meeting with club staff.
Bilic was keen to draw a line under the issue, saying: "Enner has apologised for his comments and he's back in a normal routine.
"The medical department is trying very hard to get him back as soon as possible. He's apologised and for me that's sorted."
The coach is still targeting new arriving before the transfer window closes, adding: "I am spending a lot of time thinking about the players who might become my players and I have to do it.
"But I can't discuss it in public, not until they become West Ham players."
Balotelli: I've played like a boy, now I must be a man
Mario Balotelli has vowed to grow up and conduct himself "like a man" following his return to AC Milan.
The 25-year-old ended his Liverpool nightmare this week by securing a loan move back to San Siro after becoming persona non grata under Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.And the Italy international says he must learn from his mistakes and grab his second chance with both hands as he looks to resurrect his career back in Serie A.
“I have played and lived as a boy,” he told Gazzetta Dello Sport.“Now I will live and play as a man. I know that many do not believe in me, but I have a duty to try and to make sure I succeed.
“The past must be remembered to avoid making the same mistakes, but the future cannot be viewed through a rear view mirror. The time has come to turn a page and look forward.“Things haven’t gone well. I have wasted several opportunities. But the game is not over... I still have a second chance."
After starting his career with city rivals Inter, Balotelli hit 26 goals in 43 league appearances for Milan following a 2013 switch from Manchester City.
However, he found the net just once in 16 Premier League outings for Liverpool last season and was forced to train alone during pre-season after Rodgers banished him from all first-team duties.He is also yet to appear for his country since last year’s World Cup, but is hoping a return to form at Milan could keep his Euro 2016 dream alive.
“I have to do well with Milan in order regain the Italy shirt,” he said.“But right now I just have to work hard and take it one step at a time. If I can get things together then maybe I can make it to France.
“I want to play the European Championships and I will do everything to achieve that. To see me play for the national team was one of my father’s wishes before he died. I owe it to him.”
Mario Balotelli has vowed to grow up and conduct himself "like a man" following his return to AC Milan.
The 25-year-old ended his Liverpool nightmare this week by securing a loan move back to San Siro after becoming persona non grata under Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.And the Italy international says he must learn from his mistakes and grab his second chance with both hands as he looks to resurrect his career back in Serie A.
“I have played and lived as a boy,” he told Gazzetta Dello Sport.“Now I will live and play as a man. I know that many do not believe in me, but I have a duty to try and to make sure I succeed.
“The past must be remembered to avoid making the same mistakes, but the future cannot be viewed through a rear view mirror. The time has come to turn a page and look forward.“Things haven’t gone well. I have wasted several opportunities. But the game is not over... I still have a second chance."
After starting his career with city rivals Inter, Balotelli hit 26 goals in 43 league appearances for Milan following a 2013 switch from Manchester City.
However, he found the net just once in 16 Premier League outings for Liverpool last season and was forced to train alone during pre-season after Rodgers banished him from all first-team duties.He is also yet to appear for his country since last year’s World Cup, but is hoping a return to form at Milan could keep his Euro 2016 dream alive.
“I have to do well with Milan in order regain the Italy shirt,” he said.“But right now I just have to work hard and take it one step at a time. If I can get things together then maybe I can make it to France.
“I want to play the European Championships and I will do everything to achieve that. To see me play for the national team was one of my father’s wishes before he died. I owe it to him.”
Villarreal youngster Garcia completes Manchester City move
Spanish youngster Aleix Garcia has confirmed he has completed a move from Villarreal to Manchester City.
Goal revealed on Tuesday that the 18-year-old winger was due to fly in to finalise the details of a move to the Etihad Stadium that could earn Villarreal up to £2 million.
And Garcia has now taken to Twitter to confirm the deal, posting a picture on his official account that shows him signing his contract alongside City's director of football Txiki Begiristain.
"A new stage begins in Manchester City, thank you to all my family at Villarreal CF, always ahead," the message accompanying the image read.
Garcia made his senior debut as a 17-year-old on the final weekend of last season, coming on for the final 12 minutes of the Yellow Submarine's 4-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao.
As a 16-year-old, and one of the youngest members of the squad, he made three appearances for Villarreal B in the Spanish second tier during the 2013-14 campaign, and a further seven last term before he was blooded in the first team.
Spanish youngster Aleix Garcia has confirmed he has completed a move from Villarreal to Manchester City.
Goal revealed on Tuesday that the 18-year-old winger was due to fly in to finalise the details of a move to the Etihad Stadium that could earn Villarreal up to £2 million.
And Garcia has now taken to Twitter to confirm the deal, posting a picture on his official account that shows him signing his contract alongside City's director of football Txiki Begiristain.
"A new stage begins in Manchester City, thank you to all my family at Villarreal CF, always ahead," the message accompanying the image read.
Garcia made his senior debut as a 17-year-old on the final weekend of last season, coming on for the final 12 minutes of the Yellow Submarine's 4-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao.
As a 16-year-old, and one of the youngest members of the squad, he made three appearances for Villarreal B in the Spanish second tier during the 2013-14 campaign, and a further seven last term before he was blooded in the first team.
De Bruyne talks still ongoing with Man City - Allofs
Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has insisted that no agreement has been reached with Manchester City for Kevin De Bruyne.
The two sides are already close to agreeing a fee with the midfielder, with City prepared to offer £54 million to land the Belgium international.
The Premier League side's pursuit of the 24-year-old has stretched out into an exhaustive saga that De Bruyne is desperate to see resolved soon.
Allofs says no deal has been struck so far but he says it is unlikely he will be playing anywhere other than City next season.
"There's no agreement with Manchester City," he told reporters. "Right now, Kevin is a Wolfsburg player.
"If they do not meet our expectations, Kevin will remain a Wolfsburg player for this season.
"We are negotiating and we know that Kevin wants to join Manchester City."
Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has insisted that no agreement has been reached with Manchester City for Kevin De Bruyne.
The two sides are already close to agreeing a fee with the midfielder, with City prepared to offer £54 million to land the Belgium international.
The Premier League side's pursuit of the 24-year-old has stretched out into an exhaustive saga that De Bruyne is desperate to see resolved soon.
Allofs says no deal has been struck so far but he says it is unlikely he will be playing anywhere other than City next season.
"There's no agreement with Manchester City," he told reporters. "Right now, Kevin is a Wolfsburg player.
"If they do not meet our expectations, Kevin will remain a Wolfsburg player for this season.
"We are negotiating and we know that Kevin wants to join Manchester City."
Kranevitter edges closer to Atletico Madrid move
River Plate midfielder Matias Kranevitter has moved a step closer to Atletico Madrid after travelling to Italy to claim his EC passport.
The Argentinian midfielder has just helped River to the club’s first Copa Libertadores in almost 20 years and was expected to join Atleti in the winter transfer window after leading his current club into December’s Club World Cup.
However, the 22-year-old could now join Diego Simeone’s side before the end of the current transfer window, with some reports in Spain suggesting the club could yet face a transfer ban for signing players under the age of 18.“I’ve come to Madrid and I’m very happy and grateful for this opportunity,” Kranevitter told Marca.
“I have no idea what's happening with the contract just now. I expect the two clubs to come to an agreement and I’ve already been told what I must do.
“I’ve not really spoken to Diego Simeone, but Atletico is a great club."
Kranevitter is set to make his international debut next month after Argentina coach Gerardo Martino included him in the squad for the games against Bolivia and Mexico.
River Plate midfielder Matias Kranevitter has moved a step closer to Atletico Madrid after travelling to Italy to claim his EC passport.
The Argentinian midfielder has just helped River to the club’s first Copa Libertadores in almost 20 years and was expected to join Atleti in the winter transfer window after leading his current club into December’s Club World Cup.
However, the 22-year-old could now join Diego Simeone’s side before the end of the current transfer window, with some reports in Spain suggesting the club could yet face a transfer ban for signing players under the age of 18.“I’ve come to Madrid and I’m very happy and grateful for this opportunity,” Kranevitter told Marca.
“I have no idea what's happening with the contract just now. I expect the two clubs to come to an agreement and I’ve already been told what I must do.
“I’ve not really spoken to Diego Simeone, but Atletico is a great club."
Kranevitter is set to make his international debut next month after Argentina coach Gerardo Martino included him in the squad for the games against Bolivia and Mexico.
Deschamps: You don’t replace Ribery overnight
France coach Didier Deschamps has said that it will take some time for them to replace a player of Franck Ribery’s class.
The Bayern Munich winger retired from international football after missing last year’s World Cup with a back injury.
Deschamps concedes that Les Bleus have missed the 32-year-old as they prepare to host Euro 2016, but said he supports his decision to call time on his France career.“There are not 10 other Franck Riberys out there,” Deschamps told L’Equipe.
“This is someone who is a potential Ballon d'Or, a world class player who was already a finalist in the World Cup in 2006. We cannot replace that kind of player overnight.”Ribery has not appeared for Bayern since March as injury problems continue to dog him and he is now awaiting tests on an ankle problem.
“He has accumulated lots of injuries and, today, the most important thing is for him to rediscover the pleasures of playing football,” Deschamps added, before refuting any suggestions Ribery may have exaggerated his previous back problem in order to sit out of the World Cup in Brazil.“It was said that his injury before the World Cup was diplomatic, but he didn’t play again before the end of September. So I do not ask myself about that.”
Next month will see France continue their preparations for Euro 2016 with clashes against Portugal and Serbia.
France coach Didier Deschamps has said that it will take some time for them to replace a player of Franck Ribery’s class.
The Bayern Munich winger retired from international football after missing last year’s World Cup with a back injury.
Deschamps concedes that Les Bleus have missed the 32-year-old as they prepare to host Euro 2016, but said he supports his decision to call time on his France career.“There are not 10 other Franck Riberys out there,” Deschamps told L’Equipe.
“This is someone who is a potential Ballon d'Or, a world class player who was already a finalist in the World Cup in 2006. We cannot replace that kind of player overnight.”Ribery has not appeared for Bayern since March as injury problems continue to dog him and he is now awaiting tests on an ankle problem.
“He has accumulated lots of injuries and, today, the most important thing is for him to rediscover the pleasures of playing football,” Deschamps added, before refuting any suggestions Ribery may have exaggerated his previous back problem in order to sit out of the World Cup in Brazil.“It was said that his injury before the World Cup was diplomatic, but he didn’t play again before the end of September. So I do not ask myself about that.”
Next month will see France continue their preparations for Euro 2016 with clashes against Portugal and Serbia.
OFFICIAL: Sevilla sign Llorente
Sevilla have confirmed the signing of Fernando Llorente from Juventus on a free transfer.
The striker has signed a three-year contract with the Europa League holders, while his release clause has been set at €20 million.
Juventus had been holding out for a fee, but have reached an agreement with Llorente to terminate his contract.
The 30-year-old has spent the last two seasons in Turin, scoring 27 goals in 92 matches, but was surplus to requirements following the summer signings of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza.
Llorente will hope to be Sevilla's first choice centre forward after they sold Carlos Bacca to AC Milan earlier this summer.
The former Athletic Bilbao man will also be keen to replicate his form from his first spell in Spain. He enjoyed nine seasons at San Mames, where he scored 111 goals in 327 games before leaving for Juve.
Sevilla have confirmed the signing of Fernando Llorente from Juventus on a free transfer.
The striker has signed a three-year contract with the Europa League holders, while his release clause has been set at €20 million.
Juventus had been holding out for a fee, but have reached an agreement with Llorente to terminate his contract.
The 30-year-old has spent the last two seasons in Turin, scoring 27 goals in 92 matches, but was surplus to requirements following the summer signings of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza.
Llorente will hope to be Sevilla's first choice centre forward after they sold Carlos Bacca to AC Milan earlier this summer.
The former Athletic Bilbao man will also be keen to replicate his form from his first spell in Spain. He enjoyed nine seasons at San Mames, where he scored 111 goals in 327 games before leaving for Juve.
Wenger: Video technology? The sooner the better
Arsene Wenger has called for the use of video technology to ensure correct decisions are made on tight offside calls following Aaron Ramsey's disallowed goal against Liverpool.
Ramsey was flagged offside at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, although replays suggested he had been played onside by Martin Skrtel, while officials had failed to spot Philippe Coutinho's stray run in the build-up to Liverpool's goal against Bournemouth a week previous.
And Wenger has urged the footballing authorities to consider incorporating video technology - to be used at the discretion of the referee - for such situations.
"Do you think that we will play football in 50 years without [video technology]? I don't believe so," he told reporters.
"I am convinced that it will come in and that the next step will be the offside rule because it's maybe the easiest one to bring in.
"How will it happen? I believe on the demand of the referee. The sooner the better. Tomorrow morning you would have my signature.
"Not because we have been punished... you want justice and the right decisions to be made."
Arsene Wenger has called for the use of video technology to ensure correct decisions are made on tight offside calls following Aaron Ramsey's disallowed goal against Liverpool.
Ramsey was flagged offside at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, although replays suggested he had been played onside by Martin Skrtel, while officials had failed to spot Philippe Coutinho's stray run in the build-up to Liverpool's goal against Bournemouth a week previous.
And Wenger has urged the footballing authorities to consider incorporating video technology - to be used at the discretion of the referee - for such situations.
"Do you think that we will play football in 50 years without [video technology]? I don't believe so," he told reporters.
"I am convinced that it will come in and that the next step will be the offside rule because it's maybe the easiest one to bring in.
"How will it happen? I believe on the demand of the referee. The sooner the better. Tomorrow morning you would have my signature.
"Not because we have been punished... you want justice and the right decisions to be made."
Official: Lucas Silva joins Marseille
Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva has joined Marseille on a one-year loan deal.
The 22-year-old only joined Madrid from Cruzeiro in January but made just eight appearances last season as he failed to break the midfield partnership of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
A statement on the Spanish club's official website said: "Real Madrid and Marseille have agreed the transfer of the player Lucas Silva until June 30, 2016.
Silva is the third high-profile midfield acquisition Marseille have made this summer, following the arrivals of Lassana Diarra and Abou Diaby.
Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva has joined Marseille on a one-year loan deal.
The 22-year-old only joined Madrid from Cruzeiro in January but made just eight appearances last season as he failed to break the midfield partnership of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
A statement on the Spanish club's official website said: "Real Madrid and Marseille have agreed the transfer of the player Lucas Silva until June 30, 2016.
Silva is the third high-profile midfield acquisition Marseille have made this summer, following the arrivals of Lassana Diarra and Abou Diaby.
Official: PSG confirm Kurzawa signing
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of defender Layvin Kurzawa from Monaco for a fee believed to be in the region of €22 million.
On Wednesday, PSG boss Laurent Blanc revealed a deal was close for the left-back and he has now put pen to paper on a five-year deal, which ties him to the club until 2022.
The 22-year-old shone last season as Monaco reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, prompting reports of interest from Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City.
PSG have ultimately won the battle for his signature, though, and he will now battle it out with Maxwell for a place on the left side of their back four.
Monaco responded to his departure by confirming the signing of Fabio Coentrao from Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of defender Layvin Kurzawa from Monaco for a fee believed to be in the region of €22 million.
On Wednesday, PSG boss Laurent Blanc revealed a deal was close for the left-back and he has now put pen to paper on a five-year deal, which ties him to the club until 2022.
The 22-year-old shone last season as Monaco reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, prompting reports of interest from Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City.
PSG have ultimately won the battle for his signature, though, and he will now battle it out with Maxwell for a place on the left side of their back four.
Monaco responded to his departure by confirming the signing of Fabio Coentrao from Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Everton reject Stones transfer request
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has confirmed the club has rejected the transfer request handed in by Chelsea target John Stones earlier this week.
Stones has been the subject of three rejected bids from the Premier League champions, and looked to bring the saga to a close on Tuesday when he officially asked the Toffees to let him leave.
Roberto Martinez said on Wednesday that the centre-back would not be allowed to leave and now Kenwright has reiterated Everton's stance with an official club statement.
"Everton Football Club has rejected a transfer request from John Stones," it read.
"Since the start of the transfer window, we have resolutely turned down offers from another Premier League football club for our player.
"John is not for sale and he will remain a highly valued member of our first team squad."
Speaking after Wednesday's 5-3 victory against Barnsley - Stones's first club - in the League Cup, Martinez said: "We have not rejected the transfer request - yet. We will do it in the morning.
"Sometimes money can't buy everything."
Speaking to Sky Sports, he added: "I think our fans know that all we're doing is trying to become better and John is a massive part of that. We've got a clear idea that in life and football money cannot sometimes buy everything and John is a massive part of our future."
When asked whether he is for sale, the former Wigan boss replied: "Absolutely not, no."
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has confirmed the club has rejected the transfer request handed in by Chelsea target John Stones earlier this week.
Stones has been the subject of three rejected bids from the Premier League champions, and looked to bring the saga to a close on Tuesday when he officially asked the Toffees to let him leave.
Roberto Martinez said on Wednesday that the centre-back would not be allowed to leave and now Kenwright has reiterated Everton's stance with an official club statement.
"Everton Football Club has rejected a transfer request from John Stones," it read.
"Since the start of the transfer window, we have resolutely turned down offers from another Premier League football club for our player.
"John is not for sale and he will remain a highly valued member of our first team squad."
Speaking after Wednesday's 5-3 victory against Barnsley - Stones's first club - in the League Cup, Martinez said: "We have not rejected the transfer request - yet. We will do it in the morning.
"Sometimes money can't buy everything."
Speaking to Sky Sports, he added: "I think our fans know that all we're doing is trying to become better and John is a massive part of that. We've got a clear idea that in life and football money cannot sometimes buy everything and John is a massive part of our future."
When asked whether he is for sale, the former Wigan boss replied: "Absolutely not, no."
Messi wins Best Player in Europe award
Lionel Messi has won the Uefa Best Player in Europe Award for the second time after beating Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo to the prize.
The 28-year-old shone in the second half of last season as he inspired Barcelona to the treble, with the club lifting the Champions League, Copa del Rey and La Liga.
He was awarded the trophy after the group stage draw for this year's Champions League and thanked his team-mates in the aftermath of the event.
"It was an incredible year for us," he said. "I don't know if there's a secret, the dressing room was united and that made for an unforgettable year.
"Thanks to my team-mates, we are all represented. I wouldn't be here if not for them and the club."
Messi finished level on goals with Real Madrid star Ronaldo and Barcelona team-mate Neymar in Europe in 2014-15 - as all three men found the back of the net 10 times.
His Champions League haul helped him to a final tally of 62 goals in 67 games in all competitions for club and country, which means he is again likely to battle it out with Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or in January.
Messi first won the Uefa Best Player in Europe Award back in 2011 on the back of helping the Catalans win yet another European crown.
Arsenal draw Bayern Munich, Manchester United face PSV: Champions League group stage draw in full
Arsenal will face Bayern Munich in the group stages of the Champions League having been drawn together in Group F.
The Gunners will also face Olympiakos and Dinamo Zagreb as they look to plot a way through to the knockout stages for the 14th consecutive season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will take on PSV, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg while Premier League champions Chelsea face Jose Mourinho's former side Porto, Dynamo Kiev and Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
Manchester City will take on Juventus, Europa League champions Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach, while reigning champions Barcelona face Bayer Leverkusen, Roma and BATE Borisov.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have been drawn alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Shakhtar Donetsk and Malmo.
Arsenal's clash with Pep Guardiola's side will see the north London outfit again take on German opposition having faced Borussia Dortmund in three of the past four seasons.
United, meanwhile, take on Dutch champions PSV, which will see Memphis Depay return to the club that he helped to Eredivisie glory while City will be looking to win the group for the first time ahead of last season's runners-up Juventus.
Group A sees Real Madrid take on Ligue 1 champions PSG in one of the round's glamour ties while Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to boyhood club Malmo.
In the two other groups, Atletico Madrid will take on Benfica, Galatasaray and debutants Astana while Valencia face Zenit, Lyon and Gent.
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