..::Football IV::..

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OFFICIAL: Manchester City seal Stones signing


Manchester City have confirmed the signing of defender John Stones from Everton on a six-year deal.Pep Guardiola had identified Stones, 22, as one of his primary targets this summer and has now got his man for an undisclosed fee.

It is being widely reported that the England international has become the most expensive British defender in history by joining City for a figure believed to be in the region of £47.5m.

UEFA jumped the gun earlier on Tuesday by revealing on their website that Stones had been named in his new side's Champions League squad, despite neither City nor Everton confirming the deal.

However, City have since announced the switch and Stones has said he is looking forward to starting the next chaper of his career.“I'm absolutely delighted to sign for City and now the deal's done I'm looking forward to the next stage in my career,” he told City's official website.

"I've obviously seen what's going on here at the Etihad, it's an ambitious Club with a great manager so I can't wait to get stuck in and help achieve the goals.

"I know it will be tough getting a place in this team but I'm determined to become the best player I can be and help us to success."I had a wonderful time with Everton and wish them and their fans all the best but now I'll give my all for City."

Manager Guardiola added: “We want to help John show his quality with us and improve on what he has already achieved."I like the way he plays the game and I'm looking forward to welcoming him into the squad."

Stones has become City's eighth summer signing following the earlier arrivals of Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Aleksandar Zinchenko, Aaron Mooy, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Marlos Moreno.

 

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CITY lagen thawath pattama sign 1kakHoda future 1kak thiyana defender kenek​

 

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Athletic Club 1-0 Borussia Dortmund: Basques on top as Aubameyang misses penalty

Markel Susaeta scored decisively as Athletic Bilbao claimed a deserved 1-0 friendly win over Borussia Dortmund at AFG Arena.

Thomas Tuchel named close-season recruits Mario Gotze and Andre Schurrle in a strong line-up but his team faltered during the middle of the first half in St Gallen.
Star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a golden opportunity to equalise three minutes before the interval but saw his penalty saved.

Teenage sensation Christian Pulisic made a lively start for Dortmund and sliced wide when Aubameyang's cutback was partially cleared, but Tuchel's men fell behind after 20 minutes.

Dortmund's claims for a foul by Aritz Aduriz on Julian Weigl fell on deaf ears and, to compound their frustration, Aduriz played the final pass of the resulting slick Bilbao move for Susaeta to slot home.

The goal unsettled Dortmund considerably and Athletic winger Inaki Williams had a close-range effort deflected over before whipping a shot wide of the far post.

Javier Eraso played Aduriz through for the veteran striker to draw a fine save from Roman Weidenfeller before the Dortmund keeper's opposite number kept out Aubameyang from 12 yards.Mikel San Jose was harshly penalised when Gotze's cross ricocheted up on to his arm, but Aubameyang did not strike cleanly and Gorka Iraizoz plunged to his right to save one-handed.

Iraizoz clawed away a swerving Aubameyang attempt from long range before Pulisic hit the post to conclude an eventful first half.The anticipated raft of substitutions – Aubameyang, Gotze and Andre Schurrle made way among eight Dortmund alterations at the interval – hindered the game as a spectacle.

Athletic continued to look the most likely, with Williams again going close to the goal his endeavours deserved and boss Ernesto Valverde had plenty of cause for encouragement with his side's La Liga opener at Sporting Gijon 12 days away.

 

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Real Madrid 3-2 Sevilla (AET): Carvajal magic decides UEFA Super Cup

Dani Carvajal dramatically helped Real Madrid to their first trophy of 2016-17 as he netted in the 119th minute to settle Tuesday's UEFA Super Cup in Trondheim and send 10-man Sevilla slumping to a 3-2 defeat. The right-back robbed Yevhen Konoplyanka of the ball before going on a solo run that ended with a superb shot into the top corner.

Sergio Ramos had sensationally kept Madrid's chances alive by netting to make it 2-2 deep into stoppage time in normal time to send the game into extra time, when Timothee Kolodziejczak saw red for a second yellow card.

Goals from Franco Vazquez and Konoplyanka - who netted from the spot after Ramos conceded a penalty - saw the Santiago Bernabeu side trailing 2-1 heading into the dying minutes of regular time after Marco Asensio had opened the scoring.

Zinedine Zidane had to make do without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, while Karim Benzema began the match from the bench after only recently shaking off a hip injury.

Madrid started with Alvaro Morata, Lucas Vazquez and Asensio up front, with Mateo Kovacic, Isco and Casemiro forming a three-man midfield.Sevilla, meanwhile, also deployed a number of new faces as Vietto, Franco Vazquez and Hiroshi Kiyotake made their official debut.

Champions League winners Madrid dominated proceedings right from the start and Asensio in particular caused the Sevilla defence all kinds of trouble early on.

Ramos had his header after a sublime free-kick from the youngster cleared from the goalmouth, before the attacking midfielder tried his luck himself with a powerful shot from a narrow angle that was saved by Sergio Rico.

There was no denying Asensio in the 21st minute, though, as he opened the scoring in spectacular fashion. The 20-year-old picked up a loose ball in the middle of the pitch and took a touch before beating Rico with a stunning strike into the top corner.

Sevilla slowly grew into the game after the opener and threatened for the first time when Daniel Carrico nearly surprised Kiko Casilla with a long-range strike, only for the Madrid goalkeeper to recover in time and push the ball wide.

Franco Vazquez then levelled in the 41st minute from Sevilla's second chance of note. Vitolo inadvertently directed the ball into the former Palermo star's path after controlling a cross from the right and the Italy international did not hesitate as he volleyed the equaliser past Casilla.

Madrid went in search of a second goal after the break and wasted chances via Lucas Vazquez, Mateo Kovacic and Isco, while another Ramos header lacked the power to worry Rico.

Zidane's men were made to pay for their profligacy in the 73rd minute, Konoplyanka converting a spot-kick to gift Sevilla the lead. Ramos was adjudged to have brought down Vitolo inside the area and the Ukraine international had no trouble finding the net from 12 yards.

But Madrid refused to give up and Ramos hauled the sides level in the 93rd minute against his former club, heading home from close range after a superb cross from Lucas Vazquez.

That meant an additional 30 minutes were required and Sevilla were reduced to 10 men early in extra time when Kolodziejczak received his second booking following a foul on Lucas Vazquez, before Ramos had a goal disallowed for offside as the centre-back seemed to have won it.

Lucas Vazquez should have scored after a great ball from James Rodriguez, but Rico did just enough to allow Vitolo to clear the winger's attempt off the goalline.
But it was all for nothing in the end as Carvajal delivered Madrid the trophy with a stunning goal, dancing past a number of opponents before beating Rico with the outside of his right boot.

 

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Congratulations Real Madrid!

Hoda fight 1kak gihin​

 

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Mourinho: Ibrahimovic has surprised United team-mates

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United's players have been taken aback by the man behind the Zlatan Ibrahimovic myth.

The enigmatic former Paris Saint-Germain star has instantly endeared himself to the United faithful with a scissor-kick volley in the 5-2 friendly victory over Galatasaray before heading the winner in Sunday's 2-1 Community Shield triumph over Premier League champions Leicester City.

Ibrahimovic has become noted throughout his career for regular egotistical and dryly comic outbursts, but Mourinho knows all about the fierce work ethic that lies behind the 34-year-old's brilliance following their time together at Inter.

"I think probably the other players are surprised," said Mourinho, who was speaking exclusively to BT Sport. "Not me because I know him, but probably the other players are surprised.

"Not with his quality, because the quality everybody knows. Probably a bit with his commitment and motivation because we are speaking about a 34-year-old man that won so much in his career, but probably even more surprised with the person.

"He is a good guy. What he looks like, it is not what he is. The words he says, he says for fun. He is the guy capable to go to the kitman and say 'please give a towel to God' and then laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh and laugh."The image he sells is not him, he is a good guy."

Some critics voiced fears that Ibrahimovic's arrival at Old Trafford on a one-year deal would hinder the rapid progress made by teenage striker Marcus Rashford, but Mourinho is convinced the England youngster will benefit from an invaluable experience."He [Ibrahimovic] is brilliant with the young boys. I think, for Rashford, this is a gift," the former Chelsea boss explained.

"People can say he is not going to play every game from the start, like in the second part of last season, but this is a gift for the kid, too."We are so happy to have him. We couldn't find a better striker than him to give us the stability we need."

United will compete in the Europa League once again this season after finishing fifth in the Premier League last term.

It is the second time in the previous three years that United have failed to qualify for the Champions League and they dropped down into Europe's second-tier competition following a botched group campaign last term.Nevertheless, Mourinho is unequivocal over where he feels his new employers belong.

"Man United has to be in the Champions League," he added. "I think that the Champions League is empty when Man United is not there."Imagine the Champions League without Man United, Real Madrid, Barcelona."There are a certain numbers of clubs that make it not a Champions League without these clubs. That's Man United and their natural habitat.

"I wouldn't be happy with just finishing in the top four. I don't like to go to the players and tell them 'let's try to finish in the top four' – let's try to win every game. I think a big club like we are, we need to have this mentality."

 

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Zidane: Ramos the difference in Super Cup

"He has always been the difference". Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane singled out Sergio Ramos after the influential captain helped the European champions to UEFA Super Cup glory on Tuesday.

Ramos produced a man-of-the-match display as Madrid overcame 10-man Sevilla 3-2 after extra time in Trondheim.

The experienced centre-back equalised in the 93rd minute to keep Madrid alive before full-back Dani Carvajal scored the winner in the final minute of extra time.
And Ramos, who had a goal ruled out in extra time, was praised by Zidane post-match.

"You have to congratulate Sevilla on their great performance," said Zidane, who became just the fifth coach to win the Super Cup having also hoisted the trophy aloft as a player."Sometimes to play a great game it takes two sides and today we saw just that. In the end we won, but Sevilla were very good.

"Sergio Ramos is our captain, an important player and he's always there to earn us the trophy. There were no special instructions for him. With a player like Sergio, he's always been the difference. We've seen it before. He's grown as a player, too. In this final he was there just where he needed to be."Madrid were missing star trio Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos but the Spanish giants witnessed the emergence of Marco Asensio.

Asensio opened the scoring in style in the 21st minute, though three-time defending Europa League champions Sevilla hit back via Franco Vazquez and Yevhen Konoplyanka, before Ramos restored parity at the death.

And after Timothee Kolodziejczak was sent off for a second bookable offence in extra time, Carvajal scored a sensational solo goal to sink Sevilla.

"We have a good squad. We have players who also weren't here today; four or five players in fact. It's a good squad. We've got young and experienced players," Zidane added."The group is always the most important; it's always been that way."

 

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Ronaldo celebrates Madrid's Super Cup win

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was quick to celebrate his team's UEFA Super Cup extra-time triumph after sitting out the clash in Trondheim.

Working his way back to full fitness following a knee injury sustained during Portugal's Euro 2016 victory last month, Ronaldo watched from home as Madrid overcame 10-man Sevilla 3-2 thanks to Dani Carvajal's stunning 119th-minute winner on Tuesday.With the match - pitting the Champions League winners against the Europa League victors - seemingly headed for penalties, Carvajal produced a fine solo goal to deliver yet another trophy to Madrid.

And Ronaldo took to social media shortly after the final whistle, posting a picture of his Madrid team-mates holding the Super Cup trophy, accompanied with the caption: "Champions".

Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Pepe and Keylor Navas also sat out the fixture at Lerkendal Stadion.Madrid will now turn their attention to a friendly against Reims on August 16, before the open their LaLiga campaign at Real Sociedad five days later.

 

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'I am very happy with him' - Zidane confirms Asensio will stay at Madrid

Zinedine Zidane insists Marco Asensio's future lies with Real Madrid after the attacking midfielder impressed in Tuesday's UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla.

The 20-year-old, making his first senior appearance for Madrid following stints on loan with Mallorca and Espanyol over the previous two seasons, opened the scoring with a superb long-range strike in the 21st minute.

Zidane's men needed a stoppage-time equaliser from captain Sergio Ramos and a spectacular extra-time winner from Dani Carvajal to see off their LaLiga counterparts 3-2, but the head coach was deeply impressed by Asensio, who took his chance as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale recuperated from their Euro 2016 efforts."Asensio is going to stay with us. That's my plan," Zidane said, as quoted by Marca. "When you have to play, play well, and I am very happy with the work he has done.

"He had a complete game, not only for the goal."Asensio's emergence is likely to heighten speculation over the futures of James Rodriguez and Isco, although Zidane suggested he is broadly happy with the make-up of his squad ahead of the domestic campaign.

"If we cannot sign [new players] we will not do," he added, having presided over a close-season where Madrid's famed transfer market muscle has not been in evidence.

"But we have a very wide and very good squad, with very experienced players and young players. The important thing is the group."

 

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Ranieri pens extended Leicester deal

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has signed a new four-year contract, the Premier League champions have confirmed.Former Chelsea, Valencia and Juventus boss Ranieri, 64, enjoyed the crowning moment of a nomadic career last season when he masterminded Leicester's improbable title triumph in England's top flight.

Leicester begin their Premier League defence against newly promoted Hull City on Saturday and the likable Italian has confirmed his intention to stay at the King Power Stadium for the foreseeable future, with the Foxes' Champions League debut next month a particularly mouth-watering prospect.

"From the moment I talked to the owners about their vision for Leicester City, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of for a long time," Ranieri told Leicester's official website after his deal was confirmed on Wednesday:

"The energy that exists at this club – from the owners and the staff, to the players and supporters – is something very special. I am very happy and proud that I will be part of it for years to come.

"Last season, that spirit and our hard work helped us to achieve something magical. If we can continue to work hard, maintain our passion and continue to fight with all our hearts, I am sure we can continue to be successful together."

Leicester were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United in the Community Shield last Sunday but have largely kept their title-winning squad intact, with N'Golo Kante's departure to Chelsea the only significant loss to a group bolstered by the signings of Ahmed Musa, Nampalys Mendy, Ron-Robert Zieler, Luis Hernandez and Bartosz Kapustka.

The Foxes' vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "Twelve months ago, we brought to Leicester City a man whose knowledge and experience, we felt, could lead us into the next phase of our long-term plan. "What he would go on to help us achieve, in the time we have achieved it, has been beyond anything we could have anticipated.

"Claudio's qualities, both as a man and as a coach, have been very clear since the moment he arrived – qualities that have helped Leicester City to progress on every level. We have strong foundations from which to keep moving our club forward and I'm delighted that Claudio will continue to be part of that journey."

 

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Wenger: Arsenal must spend big in unpredictable market

Arsene Wenger has toned down his assessment of Paul Pogba's world-record move to Manchester United but feels Arsenal and other clubs find themselves at the mercy of a wildly spiralling transfer market.

Pogba's return to Old Trafford from Juventus has marked the latest front in Wenger and Jose Mourinho's long-running verbal feud, with the Manchester United boss unhappy at the Frenchman's assessment of the deal as being "completely crazy".

United's neighbours Manchester City made John Stones the most expensive defender in Premier League history on the heels of the Pogba deal and Wenger, who has struggled in the search of significant additions to his Arsenal team following the early close-season capture of Granit Xhaka, believes the money coursing through English football is causing unpredictability.

"The value of a player is dependent on his talent, the expected strengthening of the team, his age and of course his resale value," he told Sky Sports. "When you speak about Pogba it ticks all these boxes – but we are in a system that we don't master.

"We have to follow the prices paid by other people. That has gone up because the availability of money is much higher. That’s why we've crossed the £100m bar for the first time.

"It makes the market more unpredictable. Where you could approximately value a player before, today the identity of a club that comes in for a transfer is more important than the rest.

"If you go to Spain and you're an English club – straight away the inflation comes in. So I would say, in France the clubs amongst themselves are very reasonable.
"If an English club comes in the price goes straight away up because they know there is money in England."

Wenger has been frustrated in his attempts to add a new forward to his ranks after Jamie Vardy opted to remain with champions Leicester City, but he insists he is ready to spend if the right deal presents itself.

"We want to spend the money when we have it," he explained. "But we respect the money we have – it is very difficult to find the quality of players who are available.
"Despite all the money that exists in England there is very little movement in the transfer market.

"We are in the transfer market, we are focused on concentrating on the players we have to get them ready for the season. On the other hand, with what happened with us [last season], of course we are looking outside to strengthen our squad."

Leicester surprise Premier League triumph means Arsenal have now gone 12 seasons without claiming English football's top prize and the missed opportunity was a source of guilt for Wenger.

"Guilt because you want to predict who would win the league and you would not have included Leicester, so everybody else would say we should have come in front of Leicester," he added. "But if you look at the numbers they are worthy champions, what they have done is exceptional."

 

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Mahrez told me he is staying at Leicester - Ranieri

Riyad Mahrez will be part of Leicester City's Premier League title defence, according to boss Claudio Ranieri.Mahrez scooped the PFA Player of the Year award last season after a succession of dazzling performances inspired Leicester to an improbable triumph.

Heavyweight clubs from home and abroad have been linked to Ranieri's heroes during the close season but N'Golo Kante stands as the only major departure from the King Power Stadium after Chelsea met the France midfielder's buyout clause.

Jamie Vardy spurned Arsenal's advances by signing a contract extension and, after Ranieri penned his own four-year renewal on Wednesday, he expects Mahrez to be at his disposal for the foreseeable future despite numerous reported suitors for the Algeria winger."He stays with us," Ranieri told Sky Sports. "We wanted to keep all our players. Of course, Kante had the clause and Chelsea paid the clause.

"But Riyad does not have the clause and he will stay with us. Yes, he told me he will stay with us."

Ranieri conceded Kante's loss was a blow but praised Vardy's decision to stay.
"With N'Golo I always said we played with 12 men," he joked. "When the referee counts it is 11 but N'Golo was two midfielders and plus [Danny] Drinkwater it meant I always played three midfielders."Jamie is our strength, our point of reference and with him on the field you can score at any time."

Vardy could be joined in attack by new signing Ahmed Musa in Saturday's Premier League opener against newly promoted Hull City and the Nigeria international, signed from CSKA Moscow, made a favourable early impression with Leicester fans by scoring an impressive double in the 4-2 friendly defeat to Barcelona.

"I expect first of all he must understand the Premier League speed because in Russia It is different football and now it is important he understands our football in the Premier League," Ranieri explained."Also he can permit me to change positions because he is not only a first striker. He can play behind the strikers, he can play in the wide position and he can permit me to change something."

Midfielder Nampalys Mendy is another new signing saddled with considerable expectations but Ranieri played down any comparisons between the ex-Nice midfielder and former crowd favourite Kante.“No, he is a different type of player and we bought Mendy before Kante went away," the 64-year-old Italian added.

"They are not similar, they are different. We bought him to have another midfielder and it is important now to look at what we need and see."

 

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Ronaldo & Pepe return to Real Madrid after Euro 2016 glory

Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe have returned to training with Real Madrid following their success with Portugal at Euro 2016.

The two stars were crucial for the Seleccao as they made it all the way to the final of the competition before beating hosts France after an extra-time goal from Eder.
However, the pair returned to the club on Wednesday, meeting up with coach Zinedine Zidane before starting work in training.

Ronaldo picked up an injury in the first half of the Euros final and has been recovering over the course of the summer, but is still expected to miss Los Blancos' first game of the season, in which they face Real Sociedad.

The 31-year-old, alongside Gareth Bale, missed his side's UEFA Super Cup win over Sevilla on Tuesday, but congratulated his team-mates on social media afterwards.

 

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OFFICIAL: Monaco release former Chelsea defender Carvalho

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has confirmed that Ricardo Carvalho's contract has not been renewed and the veteran defender is now a free agent.

Carvalho made 43 appearances for Monaco last season, helping the club achieve a third-place finish in Ligue 1 before playing in three of Portugal's games during their triumphant Euro 2016 campaign.

The principality club signed Carvalho after his Real Madrid contract expired in 2013, and the former Chelsea defender made 95 league appearances in Ligue 1, playing all but one game as they finished second in 2013-14.

But Vasilyev confirmed Carvalho was surplus to Leonardo Jardim's squad, telling a news conference: "We discussed it and we have decided not to renew his contract. But I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for what he has done for AS Monaco.

"He brought a lot. He was indispensable in our defence. But the moment had come to make the change."

 

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Man Utd ready to loan Januzaj to Sunderland, but won't consider permanent deal

Manchester United are only willing to loan Adnan Januzaj to Sunderland despite David Moyes' attempts to secure a permanent move, Goal has learned.

The Belgium international has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford since his breakthrough 2013-14 season under new Sunderland boss Moyes, with a season-long loan spell at Borussia Dortmund last season cut short in January.

And while new United manager Jose Mourinho does not count Januzaj among the 26 players in his first-team squad, the club have resisted Moyes’ efforts to sign the 21-year-old outright.

After agreeing to sell defenders Paddy McNair and Donald Love to the Black Cats, however, United have also given Sunderland the nod to take Januzaj on loan until the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

The transfers involving McNair and Love – thought to be worth a total of £6 million – are "all but done" according to a Goal source, with Januzaj all set to follow them to the Stadium of Light as Moyes looks to bolster his options.

Januzaj was a rare bright spot during Moyes’ troubled 10-month reign at Manchester United, netting four goals in 35 appearances including a double in his first league start in a 2-1 victory at Sunderland.But while Moyes was said to be extremely keen to close a deal with United for the longer term, the Scot has resigned himself to accepting United's refusal to entertain that kind of offer.

United are thought to be wary of allowing another promising young talent to leave after re-signing Paul Pogba for a world-record £93.8m fee. The Frenchman was allowed to leave Old Trafford for a nominal sum four years ago.Januzaj has made a total of 63 appearances for United, with five goals to his name in the red shirt.

 

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Barcelona 3-2 Sampdoria: Marvellous Messi leads Catalans to Gamper trophy

Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up another as Barcelona prevailed 3-2 over Sampdoria to lift the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Luis Enrique fielded a strong side that showed little of the defensive frailty that allowed Liverpool to hammer them 4-0 in the International Champions Cup on Saturday, and there were only 16 minutes on the clock when Messi performed an overhead kick in the box that was headed into the net from close range by Luis Suarez.

With Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza watching from the stands, Messi - who retired from international football following more Copa America heartache - made it two when he finished a move that he started himself, latching onto Ivan Rakitic's chipped pass before rounding Sampdoria goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano to leave himself with a simple finish.

Sampdoria hit back quickly when a defensive error allowed Luis Muriel to break into the box and slide the ball past Claudio Bravo, but Messi restored Barcelona's two-goal lead with a trademark free-kick that he bent past Viviano from all of 25 yards.

The second half saw Sampdoria improve at the back, but Arda Turan almost added a fourth when he hooked a dipping shot onto the crossbar with Viviano well beaten.

The Serie A side grabbed a consolation goal when Ante Budimir chested the ball down and lashed a shot past substitute Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but Sampdoria's late push for an equaliser went unrewarded as the hosts produced a strong final few minutes, with Suarez hitting the crossbar in injury time.

 

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More signings will give Arsenal fans title belief, says Parlourax

Arsenal are just one or two signings short of giving fans real confidence in a Premier League title charge, according to former midfielder Ray Parlour.

Arsene Wenger's side have so far been quiet in the transfer market, with the signing of midfielder Granit Xhaka in May for a reported £35million fee their sole major arrival to date, though youngsters Takuma Asano and Rob Holding have also joined.

Lyon claimed last month that they rejected a €35m bid from the Gunners for striker Alexandre Lacazette, however, while rumours have suggested that a bid for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi or West Brom's Jonny Evans is imminent.

And Parlour, who was encouraged by Arsenal's 3-2 friendly win over Manchester City on Sunday, feels that deals to bring in one or two new faces could well be in the works as Wenger looks to get supporters believing in a first league title since 2004.

Speaking after the launch of Virgin Media and the Football Supporters' Federation's 'Twenty's Plenty' partnership, he told Omnisport: "There's always a positive vibe [about Arsenal]. You've got to be confident and believe in yourself as a player.

"But we know how many quality sides there are in the league so it's going to be difficult for Arsenal. But they've got some good young players coming through - [Alex] Iwobi really impressed me, he scored in the first half [against City], and Theo [Walcott] looked lively. They've got a very good side."It's a long hard season, you need the luck along the way. They're still waiting for a couple more signings that would really make the fans feel more confident.

"Certainly Xhaka's a good player, he'll bring more steel to the midfield. They've relied on Francis Coquelin a lot for that. I'm sure there's things going on behind the scenes, you know how long these deals take now. John Stones was expected three or four weeks ago, Paul Pogba was very similar. They take a lot more time now."It's very difficult at times, with clubs not wanting to sell, agents fees, all this sort of stuff. It's a lot more complicated.

"If they can get the right deal, the right player in to make them stronger, obviously they'll have more chance. The bigger squad you have, the bigger chance you have of winning the Premier League or reaching the latter stages of the Champions League."

Parlour feels that strengthening the centre-back position is key for Arsenal, especially with Gabriel having damaged a heel in the win over City, while he believes another striker at the Emirates Stadium would be beneficial.

However, the 43-year-old - a three-time league champion with the Gunners - believes using Alexis Sanchez alongside Olivier Giroud, in a similar role to that enjoyed by Antoine Griezmann for France at Euro 2016, could reap big rewards.

"It's not too difficult to look at it as a fan: they need another centre-half, particularly with Gabriel going off," he said. "Another centre-forward will be great as well. But I think Arsene Wenger might put Sanchez a little more advanced this season, he's always impressed for Chile like that. "He could maybe play Giroud and Sanchez up top - he played really well with Griezmann at the Euros."

 

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Arsenal unlikely to make Mahrez offer as club work on Mustafi deal

Arsenal have yet to lodge a bid for Riyad Mahrez and are unlikely to formalise their interest in the Leicester winger this summer, Goal understands.

Mahrez has been heavily linked with a move away from the Premier League champions after a stunning season that ended with him winning the PFA Player of the Year honour.

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri admitted on Wednesday that the Foxes have rejected an offer from Chelsea for the Algeria international, and it appears that Arsenal's interest in the 25-year-old has been diverted elsewhere, with the player's agent telling Goal that "each day there is a different story" in reference to the volume of rumours concerning the star.

"He stays with us," Ranieri told Sky Sports. "We wanted to keep all our players. Of course, [N'Golo] Kante had the release clause and Chelsea paid the clause.
"But Riyad does not have the clause and he will stay with us. Yes, he told me he will stay with us."

Amid rumours of a £35 million bid from the Gunners, it emerged that Mahrez's agent Kamel Bengougam had a meeting with Leicester's director of football John Rudkin on Wednesday afternoon, in which talks over a contract extension began.

The skilful forward is currently on a considerably lower contract than his Leicester team-mate Jamie Vardy and looks likely to commit in a similar fashion to the England man, who snubbed Arsenal to put pen to paper on a £100,000-a-week, four-year deal.

Arsene Wenger's side are currently in talks with Valencia over the signing of German defender Shkodran Mustafi, a transfer that has to be completed by 11:00 BST on Friday for the 24-year-old to be registered in time for Sunday's Premier League opener against Liverpool.

 

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Xavi: Guardiola will leave no stone unturned in hunt for City success

If Pep Guardiola attacks the job at Manchester City anything like he did at Barcelona, he will be locking himself away in his office in hours in pursuit of perfection.That is according to Xavi - one of Guardiola's most trusted midfielders during a trophy-laden three years as Barcelona coach.

Now, after enjoying success in Germany with Bayern Munich, Guardiola will look to establish City as a true Premier League powerhouse in England and a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League.

And Xavi has guaranteed City fans that Guardiola will leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of success."You really learn with Pep. He explains things very well: not just what you're doing but why you do it. He is good at synthesising information," Xavi wrote for the Guardian.

"He talked about locking himself away in his office watching endless videos to prepare games until he found the key to it all. He might have spent two or three hours, or more, on a video but when it came to showing it to the players, it wouldn't last more than 10 minutes."He doesn't weigh you down with it. He's heavy-going in the demands but not in the amount of information he gives you.

"The videos would focus on aspects of the games, precise details. We didn't change our approach as such, it was more that he analyses how you can attack your opponents.

"They would reveal where the space can be found – behind the defensive pivot, for example – and explain how we can open that up. It’s all about time and space. He would look for those details to improve the team’s chances of conserving possession, creating chances."Xavi added that he does not see any issues with Guardiola adapting to English football, hailing the Spaniard's adaptability.

"He has matured and he has the experience from Bayern. He evolves too; he learns, he’s always looking to advance, seeking new solutions. There were tactical shifts there," Xavi said.

"Those are shifts within the ideal, not a new philosophy. Pep once said if he could play with 11 midfielders he would, if he could have 100 per cent of the ball he would do that too. So, he might change … he might become even more radical. If you believe in something, you have to follow it."

 

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