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Didier Drogba has built and inaugurated a new primary school in the village of Onahio Pokou-Kouamekro in Cote d’Ivoire.The 39-year-old described his feeling as priceless after building a school that will help no fewer than 350 children to get access to quality education in the rural community.
The Phoenix Rising forward who scored 64 goals in 104 games for the Elephants disclosed that the project was funded by the Didier Drogba Foundation, with the support from two corporate bodies.
Dortmund leave Aubameyang out amid Arsenal links
Borussia Dortmund have left Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of the squad for their trip to Hertha Berlin, with sporting director Michael Zorc questioning the striker's mentality amid reports he is close to joining Arsenal.
Dortmund hit out at Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman suggested the Gabon international would be a good fit at Emirates Stadium during his media conference on Thursday.Aubameyang has been strongly linked with a switch to Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, but he is also reportedly a target for the Gunners as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who appears set to join Manchester United.
Zorc labelled Wenger "disrespectful" for speaking about Aubameyang and confirmed ahead of Dortmund's match against Hertha on Friday that the 28-year-old would not be included in Peter Stoger's squad.
"Auba trains in Dortmund," Zorc told reporters. "We have the impression that Aubameyang is not 100 per cent mentally focused. It's a difficult situation."
Stoger stated earlier on Thursday that Aubameyang was in contention to feature against Hertha despite ongoing rumours about his future."It's clear that it [transfer speculation] is exciting for everyone, but it was really not an issue for us," he said."If he goes with us [to Berlin], of course he could play as well, but there is no guarantee for anyone.
"Basically, he decides whether he qualifies for this team. I currently have the impression that everything is OK."Aubameyang was left out of Stoger's squad for a 0-0 home draw with Wolfsburg last weekend after missing a team meeting.
He was also temporarily suspended by the club earlier in the campaign due to disciplinary issues, his poor time-keeping reportedly the problem.Zorc previously said he does not feel that Aubameyang's behaviour is an attempt to force a move away from Dortmund in the same vein as Ousmane Dembele, who went on strike ahead of his club-record switch to Barcelona.
Despite an unsettled season, Aubameyang is BVB's top goalscorer in the Bundesliga with 13 goals in 15 appearances.
Borussia Dortmund have left Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of the squad for their trip to Hertha Berlin, with sporting director Michael Zorc questioning the striker's mentality amid reports he is close to joining Arsenal.
Dortmund hit out at Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman suggested the Gabon international would be a good fit at Emirates Stadium during his media conference on Thursday.Aubameyang has been strongly linked with a switch to Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, but he is also reportedly a target for the Gunners as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who appears set to join Manchester United.
Zorc labelled Wenger "disrespectful" for speaking about Aubameyang and confirmed ahead of Dortmund's match against Hertha on Friday that the 28-year-old would not be included in Peter Stoger's squad.
"Auba trains in Dortmund," Zorc told reporters. "We have the impression that Aubameyang is not 100 per cent mentally focused. It's a difficult situation."
Stoger stated earlier on Thursday that Aubameyang was in contention to feature against Hertha despite ongoing rumours about his future."It's clear that it [transfer speculation] is exciting for everyone, but it was really not an issue for us," he said."If he goes with us [to Berlin], of course he could play as well, but there is no guarantee for anyone.
"Basically, he decides whether he qualifies for this team. I currently have the impression that everything is OK."Aubameyang was left out of Stoger's squad for a 0-0 home draw with Wolfsburg last weekend after missing a team meeting.
He was also temporarily suspended by the club earlier in the campaign due to disciplinary issues, his poor time-keeping reportedly the problem.Zorc previously said he does not feel that Aubameyang's behaviour is an attempt to force a move away from Dortmund in the same vein as Ousmane Dembele, who went on strike ahead of his club-record switch to Barcelona.
Despite an unsettled season, Aubameyang is BVB's top goalscorer in the Bundesliga with 13 goals in 15 appearances.
'Alexis is the kind of player Man United fans want to see' - Meulensteen backs Sanchez dealFormer Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes Alexis Sanchez's arrival would be a great move for club and player alike. Alexis is widely expected to complete a switch from Arsenal in the current transfer window, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to move the other way.
United muscled out rivals Man City to take pole position in the race for the Chilean, until their neighbours eventually called off their pursuit.
And speaking to Goal, Meulensteen said he is convinced Alexis can do great things at Old Trafford.
"If they have managed to come to terms, I think it is a really good move for Manchester United," the coach, who was sacked as manager of Indian side Kerala Blasters earlier this month, explained.
"And it is a really good move for Alexis Sanchez. Because he is in the mould, he is the type of player that Manchester United fans would like to see - high energy, high work rate, he creates, he scores goals.
"He is an exciting player to watch. If it happens, it will be good for both parties."
Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, looks likely to draw the curtain on his United career after 18 months at the club, in which he has endured mixed fortunes."It is business. That is sometimes how people at clubs, how they come to some sort of situation with a deal," Meulensteen added.
"I think Mourinho made it very clear that he wants to work with a 22-man squad. So they have probably come up with an idea that they are prepared to let Mkhitarayan go and make it part of the deal with Sanchez.
"It all comes down to whether the individual wants to cooperate or not. Mkhitaryan has two years left on his contract. Alexis Sanchez, as far as I understand, agreed to terms with Manchester United.
"There will still be discussions about this. We have got plenty of time before the window shuts, so I think they will come to a sort of a solution."
Wenger admits admiration for Mkhitaryan as Alexis nears Arsenal exit
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes a swap deal involving Alexis Sanchez and Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan could happen in the next 48 hours.United have emerged as favourites to sign the Chile international after Manchester City reportedly ended their interest due to the demands of the player and his agent.
Mkhitaryan, who has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, is expected to be part of the transfer and agent Mino Raiola claimed this week that Sanchez's move would not go ahead unless the Armenian agreed to join the Gunners.
Wenger says the deal could become finalised before Arsenal's clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday but admits there are still factors to be agreed.
"It's a story well documented so there's not a lot to add to that," he told a news conference."It could happen, it could not happen. It's at that stage. If it doesn't happen, he [Alexis] will play on Saturday.
"I've worked on transfers for 30 years. It's likely to happen but things can break down at any minute. As long as it's not over the line, these kinds of things are never guaranteed."United have reportedly offered Sanchez a contract worth more than £400,000 a week but Wenger refused to criticise the proposed sums on offer at Old Trafford.
"It's up to Man United if they want to come out on the numbers," he said. "I respect Man United, they pay for their players by their own resources and it's up to them to decide how much to give to the players."They are very well managed financially and on the pitch and I don't have any problem with the money they are paying."
Wenger admitted he is a fan of Mkhitaryan and also suggested Arsenal will remain active in the transfer window regardless of the outcome of the Sanchez deal.
"I like the player," he said of Mkhitaryan. "We've played against him many times. He appreciates the quality of our games and the way we play football."Wages will not be a problem."This will be an exchange of players. Are we still on the transfer market after that? Yes."
While Alexis is set to depart the Emirates Stadium in January, the same cannot be said of Mesut Ozil.Like the Chile international, Ozil's contract is up at the end of the season, but Wenger insists he will not be sold during the winter window.
When asked whether Ozil - who has also been linked with Manchester United - would still be with the club in February, Wenger answered: "Yes."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes a swap deal involving Alexis Sanchez and Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan could happen in the next 48 hours.United have emerged as favourites to sign the Chile international after Manchester City reportedly ended their interest due to the demands of the player and his agent.
Mkhitaryan, who has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, is expected to be part of the transfer and agent Mino Raiola claimed this week that Sanchez's move would not go ahead unless the Armenian agreed to join the Gunners.
Wenger says the deal could become finalised before Arsenal's clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday but admits there are still factors to be agreed.
"It's a story well documented so there's not a lot to add to that," he told a news conference."It could happen, it could not happen. It's at that stage. If it doesn't happen, he [Alexis] will play on Saturday.
"I've worked on transfers for 30 years. It's likely to happen but things can break down at any minute. As long as it's not over the line, these kinds of things are never guaranteed."United have reportedly offered Sanchez a contract worth more than £400,000 a week but Wenger refused to criticise the proposed sums on offer at Old Trafford.
"It's up to Man United if they want to come out on the numbers," he said. "I respect Man United, they pay for their players by their own resources and it's up to them to decide how much to give to the players."They are very well managed financially and on the pitch and I don't have any problem with the money they are paying."
Wenger admitted he is a fan of Mkhitaryan and also suggested Arsenal will remain active in the transfer window regardless of the outcome of the Sanchez deal.
"I like the player," he said of Mkhitaryan. "We've played against him many times. He appreciates the quality of our games and the way we play football."Wages will not be a problem."This will be an exchange of players. Are we still on the transfer market after that? Yes."
While Alexis is set to depart the Emirates Stadium in January, the same cannot be said of Mesut Ozil.Like the Chile international, Ozil's contract is up at the end of the season, but Wenger insists he will not be sold during the winter window.
When asked whether Ozil - who has also been linked with Manchester United - would still be with the club in February, Wenger answered: "Yes."
'He will be a sensation' - Merson excited to see Mkhitaryan join up with Wenger
Paul Merson believes Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be a "sensation" at Arsenal as the out-of-favour Manchester United playmaker closes in on a move to London.Premier League rivals Arsenal and United are reportedly close to completing a deal which will see Alexis Sanchez and Mkhitaryan swap places.
Mkhitaryan has fallen out of favour with United manager Jose Mourinho this season but former Arsenal attacker Merson is confident the 28-year-old Armenia star can flourish under Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium.
"I watched him at Dortmund, where he was voted player of the season and scored plenty of goals. He has lost his way at Manchester United but if Arsenal get him, with the way they play and the way Arsene Wenger is going forward with attacking players, I think he will be a sensation.
"He is a great signing for Arsenal if they get him."Sanchez is top drawer, but to get that kind of quality in January is very rare.Mkhitaryan is one of the best in the Premier League. Any offensive player going to Arsenal under Arsene Wenger is a good move."
Merson is not alone in his line of thinking. Phil Neville also believes that a move to Arsenal adds up for the Armenian, who he believes will be a "a fantastic signing" for the Gunners .
Arsene Wenger also believes that the addition of Mkhitaryan will soften the blow of losing Sanchez for both Arsenal and the club's fans and has expressed his admiration for the Man United playmaker .
And while Arsenal landing Mkhitaryan has brought about plenty of excitement, former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is thrilled to see the deal made because he thinks Sanchez will be a great fit for Jose Mourinho's side.
He told Goal: "It is a really good move for Alexis Sanchez. Because he is in the mould, he is the type of player that Manchester United fans would like to see - high energy, high work rate, he creates, he scores goals."Both clubs will be in action on Saturday, with Manchester United taking on Burnley and Arsenal set to face Crystal Palace.If the deal will be completed by then remains to be seen.
Paul Merson believes Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be a "sensation" at Arsenal as the out-of-favour Manchester United playmaker closes in on a move to London.Premier League rivals Arsenal and United are reportedly close to completing a deal which will see Alexis Sanchez and Mkhitaryan swap places.
Mkhitaryan has fallen out of favour with United manager Jose Mourinho this season but former Arsenal attacker Merson is confident the 28-year-old Armenia star can flourish under Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium.
"I watched him at Dortmund, where he was voted player of the season and scored plenty of goals. He has lost his way at Manchester United but if Arsenal get him, with the way they play and the way Arsene Wenger is going forward with attacking players, I think he will be a sensation.
"He is a great signing for Arsenal if they get him."Sanchez is top drawer, but to get that kind of quality in January is very rare.Mkhitaryan is one of the best in the Premier League. Any offensive player going to Arsenal under Arsene Wenger is a good move."
Merson is not alone in his line of thinking. Phil Neville also believes that a move to Arsenal adds up for the Armenian, who he believes will be a "a fantastic signing" for the Gunners .
Arsene Wenger also believes that the addition of Mkhitaryan will soften the blow of losing Sanchez for both Arsenal and the club's fans and has expressed his admiration for the Man United playmaker .
And while Arsenal landing Mkhitaryan has brought about plenty of excitement, former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is thrilled to see the deal made because he thinks Sanchez will be a great fit for Jose Mourinho's side.
He told Goal: "It is a really good move for Alexis Sanchez. Because he is in the mould, he is the type of player that Manchester United fans would like to see - high energy, high work rate, he creates, he scores goals."Both clubs will be in action on Saturday, with Manchester United taking on Burnley and Arsenal set to face Crystal Palace.If the deal will be completed by then remains to be seen.
Leganes 0 Real Madrid 1: Asensio's late goal lifts pressure on Zidane in Copa quarter-final
Marco Asensio struck a last-gasp winner as Real Madrid edged to a 1-0 win at Leganes in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Thursday.
Zinedine Zidane's men, 19 points behind Barcelona in LaLiga, had won one of their last five games in all competitions, amid reports the Frenchman could leave the club at the end of the season, and they looked set to be held at Butarque.
But after Leganes had shone on their first appearance at this stage of the competition, Asensio came up with a cute near-post finish from Theo Hernandez's cross to put Madrid in firm control of the tie.
Madrid were held at home by lower-tier clubs Numancia and Fuenlabrada in previous rounds after first-leg away wins and they struggled to respond to Saturday's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Villarreal, with Mateo Kovacic missing a golden first-half chance.Jose Naranjo and Claudio Beauvue forced smart stops from Kiko Casilla and Marcos Llorente headed against his own crossbar, adding to the sense of injustice at Leganes' defeat.
Madrid were poor for large parts of the contest, but Asensio's dramatic impact may serve to ease the growing pressure on Zidane ahead of Wednesday's return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid were forced into an early change, introducing birthday boy Nacho at the back for the injured Jesus Vallejo, but Zidane's men made a flat start to the game and had to wait until the 23rd minute for a sight of goal, which Raphael Varane headed over the crossbar.Javier Eraso rifled a long-range drive off-target as Leganes, on a four-game winning streak at home, found a foothold in midfield midway through the first half.
But Madrid should have taken the lead when Kovacic picked Ruben Perez's pocket 25 yards from goal, only for the Croatian to slide his shot tamely wide of the near post.Gerard Gumbau got a vital touch to deflect Dani Carvajal's drive wide before Lucas Vazquez just missed Asensio's cross on the stroke of half-time.
Casilla had to react sharply to block a close-range Naranjo effort after 56 minutes, Diego Rico nutmegging Carvajal with a superb backheel to send the winger clear. And Leganes came even closer to breaking the deadlock when Llorente could only direct a free-kick against the woodwork, with Casilla stranded.
Zidane brought on Luka Modric and Isco for more midfield control but Leganes substitute Nordin Amrabat had a more immediate impact, hooking a volley wide moments after his introduction.With the game becoming stretched, Modric played Vazquez through but Nereo Champagne made a fine block, denying the Spain winger his fourth goal in the competition.
Casilla sharply palmed away a Beauvue volley destined to fly inside his left-hand post with 15 minutes to go and when Kovacic again finished meekly, Leganes looked to have held on.It was not to be.
Clumsy for the most part, Theo had endured a poor game at left-back but his whipped delivery was perfect for Asensio to get in front of his man to flick home a vital goal for Zidane's Madrid.
Marco Asensio struck a last-gasp winner as Real Madrid edged to a 1-0 win at Leganes in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Thursday.
Zinedine Zidane's men, 19 points behind Barcelona in LaLiga, had won one of their last five games in all competitions, amid reports the Frenchman could leave the club at the end of the season, and they looked set to be held at Butarque.
But after Leganes had shone on their first appearance at this stage of the competition, Asensio came up with a cute near-post finish from Theo Hernandez's cross to put Madrid in firm control of the tie.
Madrid were held at home by lower-tier clubs Numancia and Fuenlabrada in previous rounds after first-leg away wins and they struggled to respond to Saturday's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Villarreal, with Mateo Kovacic missing a golden first-half chance.Jose Naranjo and Claudio Beauvue forced smart stops from Kiko Casilla and Marcos Llorente headed against his own crossbar, adding to the sense of injustice at Leganes' defeat.
Madrid were poor for large parts of the contest, but Asensio's dramatic impact may serve to ease the growing pressure on Zidane ahead of Wednesday's return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid were forced into an early change, introducing birthday boy Nacho at the back for the injured Jesus Vallejo, but Zidane's men made a flat start to the game and had to wait until the 23rd minute for a sight of goal, which Raphael Varane headed over the crossbar.Javier Eraso rifled a long-range drive off-target as Leganes, on a four-game winning streak at home, found a foothold in midfield midway through the first half.
But Madrid should have taken the lead when Kovacic picked Ruben Perez's pocket 25 yards from goal, only for the Croatian to slide his shot tamely wide of the near post.Gerard Gumbau got a vital touch to deflect Dani Carvajal's drive wide before Lucas Vazquez just missed Asensio's cross on the stroke of half-time.
Casilla had to react sharply to block a close-range Naranjo effort after 56 minutes, Diego Rico nutmegging Carvajal with a superb backheel to send the winger clear. And Leganes came even closer to breaking the deadlock when Llorente could only direct a free-kick against the woodwork, with Casilla stranded.
Zidane brought on Luka Modric and Isco for more midfield control but Leganes substitute Nordin Amrabat had a more immediate impact, hooking a volley wide moments after his introduction.With the game becoming stretched, Modric played Vazquez through but Nereo Champagne made a fine block, denying the Spain winger his fourth goal in the competition.
Casilla sharply palmed away a Beauvue volley destined to fly inside his left-hand post with 15 minutes to go and when Kovacic again finished meekly, Leganes looked to have held on.It was not to be.
Clumsy for the most part, Theo had endured a poor game at left-back but his whipped delivery was perfect for Asensio to get in front of his man to flick home a vital goal for Zidane's Madrid.
Zidane hopes late Leganes win is turning point for Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane believes a last-gasp victory at Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals could prove to be a turning point for Real Madrid, who broke a three-game winless streak thanks to a 1-0 success.
Leganes had impressed in their maiden appearance at this stage of the competition, Jose Naranjo and Claudio Beauvue forcing good saves from Kiko Casilla, with Madrid appearing toothless in the absence of star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.
But Marco Asensio's first goal in 10 appearances, breaking his longest drought for Madrid by flicking in a terrific first-time finish from a Theo Hernandez cross in the 89th minute, ensured Zidane's men take a narrow advantage into Wednesday's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After a poor spell of form - taking five points from five LaLiga games since the start of December - Madrid sit 19 points behind leaders Barcelona, prompting speculation double Champions League-winning coach Zidane could leave the club at the end of the season.
Zidane, though, is aiming to be positive after a battling Butarque performance put Madrid in control of the quarter-final tie, the Frenchman seeking a first Copa crown as either a player or a coach.
"The result is very good for us, keeping a clean sheet and scoring an away goal," Zidane told reporters. "We were committed, defended well, had a lot of balance in our play. "We found it difficult to play with more adventure. But that is normal, as many of these players do not play often. And the second half was much better.
"We have to get back to winning games, keeping clean sheets. Today was a step that way. We cannot say we played a great game, but we got an important result in the tie. That is positive."We hope this is a turning point. We wanted to win today, at a difficult place to play. We are happy with the result."
Victory came at a cost for Madrid - who are already without captain Sergio Ramos - as centre-back Jesus Vallejo was substituted with a suspected torn hamstring, while Dani Ceballos also limped off.
"Ceballos was hurt - I think just a heavy blow," Zidane said. "He could not continue as he wanted, that is why he was taken off."We do not know how bad [Vallejo's injury] is, we will have to see exactly what he has, but he has been injured."
Of Asensio's match-winning impact, Zidane said: "He has done well but he can improve, like everyone else. But he has scored the winning goal."
Zinedine Zidane believes a last-gasp victory at Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals could prove to be a turning point for Real Madrid, who broke a three-game winless streak thanks to a 1-0 success.
Leganes had impressed in their maiden appearance at this stage of the competition, Jose Naranjo and Claudio Beauvue forcing good saves from Kiko Casilla, with Madrid appearing toothless in the absence of star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.
But Marco Asensio's first goal in 10 appearances, breaking his longest drought for Madrid by flicking in a terrific first-time finish from a Theo Hernandez cross in the 89th minute, ensured Zidane's men take a narrow advantage into Wednesday's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After a poor spell of form - taking five points from five LaLiga games since the start of December - Madrid sit 19 points behind leaders Barcelona, prompting speculation double Champions League-winning coach Zidane could leave the club at the end of the season.
Zidane, though, is aiming to be positive after a battling Butarque performance put Madrid in control of the quarter-final tie, the Frenchman seeking a first Copa crown as either a player or a coach.
"The result is very good for us, keeping a clean sheet and scoring an away goal," Zidane told reporters. "We were committed, defended well, had a lot of balance in our play. "We found it difficult to play with more adventure. But that is normal, as many of these players do not play often. And the second half was much better.
"We have to get back to winning games, keeping clean sheets. Today was a step that way. We cannot say we played a great game, but we got an important result in the tie. That is positive."We hope this is a turning point. We wanted to win today, at a difficult place to play. We are happy with the result."
Victory came at a cost for Madrid - who are already without captain Sergio Ramos - as centre-back Jesus Vallejo was substituted with a suspected torn hamstring, while Dani Ceballos also limped off.
"Ceballos was hurt - I think just a heavy blow," Zidane said. "He could not continue as he wanted, that is why he was taken off."We do not know how bad [Vallejo's injury] is, we will have to see exactly what he has, but he has been injured."
Of Asensio's match-winning impact, Zidane said: "He has done well but he can improve, like everyone else. But he has scored the winning goal."
Wenger: Alexis loss won't hurt Arsenal as much as Van Persie exit
Arsene Wenger is resigned to losing Alexis Sanchez and believes that Arsenal fans have made their peace with him leaving as well, claiming that the loss of former forward Robin van Persie to the same Manchester United side in 2012 was much more painful.
Arsenal and Manchester United are thought to be nearing a conclusion on negotiations of a swap deal that will see Henrikh Mkhitaryan heading to London as Sanchez moves the other way.The move is a blow to the Gunners, with Wenger having already admitted that a deal was close to completion.
Still, the French boss does not think Arsenal fans will feel the same anger over the move that they felt when Van Persie left for the Red Devils.
“We took Van Persie when he played in the reserve team at Feyenoord," said Wenger in quotes reported by The Telegraph."We made a long work with him. When you get them there and, after they leave, that is the most painful.”
The Arsenal manager also expects the arrival of Mkhitaryan to offset the impact of losing his Chilean star, and believes the Gunners faithful will be fine with the deal the clubs have struck. “Our fans know Alexis will not extend - they have accepted that idea and the fact it will not be one-way traffic,” he said.
“It will be other-way traffic as well and that makes the whole thing a bit smoother, maybe a bit less disappointing. We lose a player, yes, but we could gain another player. I think one would replace the other.”
The deal being offered to Sanchez by Manchester United will reportedly make him the highest-paid player in Premier League history, with the contract reported to be just under £27 million a year with a £20m signing-on fee.
And Wenger believes that, with the way things are headed, it's impossible to rule out seeing a player on a £1m-a-week deal in the future. "You cannot rule anything out,” he said. “We arrive to a level where the money for players who are free is so big, and the transfers so big, that the players think, ‘It’s better I go to the end of my contract.'"
Wenger and Arsenal will be in action on Saturday against Crystal Palace, while Manchester United face Burnley on the same day.
Arsene Wenger is resigned to losing Alexis Sanchez and believes that Arsenal fans have made their peace with him leaving as well, claiming that the loss of former forward Robin van Persie to the same Manchester United side in 2012 was much more painful.
Arsenal and Manchester United are thought to be nearing a conclusion on negotiations of a swap deal that will see Henrikh Mkhitaryan heading to London as Sanchez moves the other way.The move is a blow to the Gunners, with Wenger having already admitted that a deal was close to completion.
Still, the French boss does not think Arsenal fans will feel the same anger over the move that they felt when Van Persie left for the Red Devils.
“We took Van Persie when he played in the reserve team at Feyenoord," said Wenger in quotes reported by The Telegraph."We made a long work with him. When you get them there and, after they leave, that is the most painful.”
The Arsenal manager also expects the arrival of Mkhitaryan to offset the impact of losing his Chilean star, and believes the Gunners faithful will be fine with the deal the clubs have struck. “Our fans know Alexis will not extend - they have accepted that idea and the fact it will not be one-way traffic,” he said.
“It will be other-way traffic as well and that makes the whole thing a bit smoother, maybe a bit less disappointing. We lose a player, yes, but we could gain another player. I think one would replace the other.”
The deal being offered to Sanchez by Manchester United will reportedly make him the highest-paid player in Premier League history, with the contract reported to be just under £27 million a year with a £20m signing-on fee.
And Wenger believes that, with the way things are headed, it's impossible to rule out seeing a player on a £1m-a-week deal in the future. "You cannot rule anything out,” he said. “We arrive to a level where the money for players who are free is so big, and the transfers so big, that the players think, ‘It’s better I go to the end of my contract.'"
Wenger and Arsenal will be in action on Saturday against Crystal Palace, while Manchester United face Burnley on the same day.
Chelsea in talks over deal for Roma full-back Emerson, confirms agent
Chelsea are in talks over a potential move for Roma full-back Emerson Palmieri, the defender's agent has claimed.
The Premier League side have been linked with several left-backs in recent months, with coach Antonio Conte reportedly eager to give Marcos Alonso more competition.Goal revealed on Tuesday that Emerson had replaced Juventus' Alex Sandro as the Blues' top candidate for the current window.
The Brazil international was reported to be Chelsea's primary target before the start of the season, but the Serie A champions' asking price is said to have put the Blues off a move.
Emerson has only played twice for Roma since returning from a serious knee injury at the start of December, but he did make 25 appearances in Serie A last term.And the 23-year-old's agent, Fernando Garcia, believes a move to Chelsea is a "concrete possibility".
"There's nothing certain yet," he told Calciomercato. "We are in a phase of discussion and evaluation."Chelsea are a concrete possibility, absolutely. Now the two clubs are talking, so we will see if they reach a positive conclusion. I have no planned trips to Italy, at least for the moment, as we are waiting for developments.
"Obviously, Emerson would love to play in the Premier League and it would be a dream to work with Conte, as he is among the best coaches in the world."
Chelsea are in talks over a potential move for Roma full-back Emerson Palmieri, the defender's agent has claimed.
The Premier League side have been linked with several left-backs in recent months, with coach Antonio Conte reportedly eager to give Marcos Alonso more competition.Goal revealed on Tuesday that Emerson had replaced Juventus' Alex Sandro as the Blues' top candidate for the current window.
The Brazil international was reported to be Chelsea's primary target before the start of the season, but the Serie A champions' asking price is said to have put the Blues off a move.
Emerson has only played twice for Roma since returning from a serious knee injury at the start of December, but he did make 25 appearances in Serie A last term.And the 23-year-old's agent, Fernando Garcia, believes a move to Chelsea is a "concrete possibility".
"There's nothing certain yet," he told Calciomercato. "We are in a phase of discussion and evaluation."Chelsea are a concrete possibility, absolutely. Now the two clubs are talking, so we will see if they reach a positive conclusion. I have no planned trips to Italy, at least for the moment, as we are waiting for developments.
"Obviously, Emerson would love to play in the Premier League and it would be a dream to work with Conte, as he is among the best coaches in the world."
Hertha Berlin 1 Borussia Dortmund 1: Kagawa equalises in Aubameyang's absence
Borussia Dortmund felt the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Shinji Kagawa rescued a 1-1 draw at Hertha Berlin to prevent a first Bundesliga defeat of Peter Stoger's reign.
Aubameyang was left out of the squad for the trip to the Olympiastadion, with sporting director Michael Zorc questioning the striker's mentality and Andre Schurrle deputising in attack.But Zorc described reports the Gabon international is close to joining Arsenal as "rubbish" in a pre-match interview, with no "concrete" offers having been made for Dortmund's top scorer.
Davie Selke's fifth Bundesliga goal of the season gave Hertha a deserved lead in the first minute of the second half, the striker prodding home Valentino Lazaro's right-wing centre.
Dortmund lacked a cutting edge with Aubameyang missing but they salvaged a point thanks to a second-half goal from Kagawa, whose back-post header moved his side up a place to third.
Substitute Alexander Isak set Jadon Sancho up for a fine late chance to snatch all three points but the Englishman could not find the bend required to curl his shot inside the far post, leaving Dortmund with one win in their last six away league games.Without Aubameyang, the first Dortmund chance fell to Kagawa after 13 minutes, but he could only direct his header over the crossbar from a right-wing Christian Pulisic centre.
Marvin Plattenhardt scored the winner in this fixture last season with a rocket of a free-kick and the Germany left-back went close to repeating the trick, but his 25-yard effort was just too high.With Hertha well on top, Plattenhardt then delivered a dangerous left-wing corner that defender Niklas Stark headed narrowly wide.
Dortmund were struggling for rhythm on a boggy Berlin pitch and Sancho should have fired at goal when he found space, only for the youngster to try and fail to pick out a team-mate.And Hertha scored the goal their first-half performance deserved within a minute of the restart.
Selke stretched to convert a fine Lazaro cross from close-range, with Sokratis Papastathopoulos caught out of position in the Dortmund penalty area and Roman Burki unable to keep the shot out, despite getting a touch on the striker's finish.
After 55 minutes, Dortmund finally forced a save from Thomas Kraft - filling in for injured Rune Jarstein - Pulisic's powerful drive tipped over the crossbar by the goalkeeper. Ondrej Duda thought he had added a second goal for Hertha but the offside flag correctly denied the Slovakian, the decision proving key as Dortmund levelled after 70 minutes.
Sancho's persistence was key as the attacking midfielder earned his first Bundesliga assist, crossing at the second attempt for an unmarked, stooping Kagawa to nod home.
Teenagers Sancho and Isak combined to devastating effect down the left wing with eight minutes remaining, but the former Manchester City trainee skewed wide with the goal at his mercy and Andriy Yarmolenko saw last-gasp penalty appeals waved away, despite heavy-handed marking inside the penalty area, ensuring the spoils were shared.
Borussia Dortmund felt the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Shinji Kagawa rescued a 1-1 draw at Hertha Berlin to prevent a first Bundesliga defeat of Peter Stoger's reign.
Aubameyang was left out of the squad for the trip to the Olympiastadion, with sporting director Michael Zorc questioning the striker's mentality and Andre Schurrle deputising in attack.But Zorc described reports the Gabon international is close to joining Arsenal as "rubbish" in a pre-match interview, with no "concrete" offers having been made for Dortmund's top scorer.
Davie Selke's fifth Bundesliga goal of the season gave Hertha a deserved lead in the first minute of the second half, the striker prodding home Valentino Lazaro's right-wing centre.
Dortmund lacked a cutting edge with Aubameyang missing but they salvaged a point thanks to a second-half goal from Kagawa, whose back-post header moved his side up a place to third.
Substitute Alexander Isak set Jadon Sancho up for a fine late chance to snatch all three points but the Englishman could not find the bend required to curl his shot inside the far post, leaving Dortmund with one win in their last six away league games.Without Aubameyang, the first Dortmund chance fell to Kagawa after 13 minutes, but he could only direct his header over the crossbar from a right-wing Christian Pulisic centre.
Marvin Plattenhardt scored the winner in this fixture last season with a rocket of a free-kick and the Germany left-back went close to repeating the trick, but his 25-yard effort was just too high.With Hertha well on top, Plattenhardt then delivered a dangerous left-wing corner that defender Niklas Stark headed narrowly wide.
Dortmund were struggling for rhythm on a boggy Berlin pitch and Sancho should have fired at goal when he found space, only for the youngster to try and fail to pick out a team-mate.And Hertha scored the goal their first-half performance deserved within a minute of the restart.
Selke stretched to convert a fine Lazaro cross from close-range, with Sokratis Papastathopoulos caught out of position in the Dortmund penalty area and Roman Burki unable to keep the shot out, despite getting a touch on the striker's finish.
After 55 minutes, Dortmund finally forced a save from Thomas Kraft - filling in for injured Rune Jarstein - Pulisic's powerful drive tipped over the crossbar by the goalkeeper. Ondrej Duda thought he had added a second goal for Hertha but the offside flag correctly denied the Slovakian, the decision proving key as Dortmund levelled after 70 minutes.
Sancho's persistence was key as the attacking midfielder earned his first Bundesliga assist, crossing at the second attempt for an unmarked, stooping Kagawa to nod home.
Teenagers Sancho and Isak combined to devastating effect down the left wing with eight minutes remaining, but the former Manchester City trainee skewed wide with the goal at his mercy and Andriy Yarmolenko saw last-gasp penalty appeals waved away, despite heavy-handed marking inside the penalty area, ensuring the spoils were shared.
No Man Utd return for Chicharito as Besiktas close on €8.5m deal
Javier Hernandez is close to leaving West Ham for Besiktas in an €8.5 million deal, Goal understands.
The Mexico international only returned to English football in the summer of 2017, with the Hammers acquiring the former Manchester United striker from Bayer Leverkusen.They invested £16 million in a proven Premier League performer, and handed him a three-year contract.
That agreement is, however, set to be broken after just six months, with a switch to Turkey about to be made.
A return to Old Trafford had been mooted for Hernandez, with Jose Mourinho in the market for support and competition to Romelu Lukaku.The 29-year-old will not be getting that opportunity, though, as Besiktas have leapt to the front of the transfer queue.
The Turkish side’s chairman, Fikret Orman is in London and holding advanced talks with West Ham regarding Chicharito.With an agreement now close, the hard-working frontman will soon be in a position to open a new chapter in his career.
It is understood that a contract worth €3.5m-a-year will be put to Hernandez, with Besiktas prepared to spend big in order to make a high-profile addition following the sale of Cenk Tosun to Everton.
Hernadez is best known for his time with United, but he also spent a season on loan at La Liga giants Real Madrid while with the Red Devils and has been a regular source of goals wherever he has been.If he is to leave West Ham, then he will depart having netted four times in 20 appearances.
Javier Hernandez is close to leaving West Ham for Besiktas in an €8.5 million deal, Goal understands.
The Mexico international only returned to English football in the summer of 2017, with the Hammers acquiring the former Manchester United striker from Bayer Leverkusen.They invested £16 million in a proven Premier League performer, and handed him a three-year contract.
That agreement is, however, set to be broken after just six months, with a switch to Turkey about to be made.
A return to Old Trafford had been mooted for Hernandez, with Jose Mourinho in the market for support and competition to Romelu Lukaku.The 29-year-old will not be getting that opportunity, though, as Besiktas have leapt to the front of the transfer queue.
The Turkish side’s chairman, Fikret Orman is in London and holding advanced talks with West Ham regarding Chicharito.With an agreement now close, the hard-working frontman will soon be in a position to open a new chapter in his career.
It is understood that a contract worth €3.5m-a-year will be put to Hernandez, with Besiktas prepared to spend big in order to make a high-profile addition following the sale of Cenk Tosun to Everton.
Hernadez is best known for his time with United, but he also spent a season on loan at La Liga giants Real Madrid while with the Red Devils and has been a regular source of goals wherever he has been.If he is to leave West Ham, then he will depart having netted four times in 20 appearances.
Brighton break transfer record for £16m Locadia
Brighton and Hove Albion have parted with a club-record fee reported to be in the region of £16 million to sign PSV striker Jurgen Locadia.The forward has penned a deal until 2022 at the Amex Stadium, as Chris Hughton looks to add goals in the Seagulls' attempts to retain their Premier League status.
Brighton are 16th in the table, three points above the drop zone, but only rock-bottom Swansea City have scored fewer than their 17 goals this term.
Locadia arrives on the south coast with nine goals to his name in 16 Eredivisie outings this season.Hughton told the club's official website: "We are delighted to have signed Jurgen, and pleased to welcome him to the club.
"He is a player we have been aware of for some time, and it's been no secret we have wanted to add a striker of his type. "He is a strong, powerful and quick centre-forward, with a real eye for goal and will increase our attacking options in the second half of the season."Jurgen already has a prolific goal record with PSV in the Dutch top division, and it is one we hope he can continue here with us in the Premier League."
Brighton and Hove Albion have parted with a club-record fee reported to be in the region of £16 million to sign PSV striker Jurgen Locadia.The forward has penned a deal until 2022 at the Amex Stadium, as Chris Hughton looks to add goals in the Seagulls' attempts to retain their Premier League status.
Brighton are 16th in the table, three points above the drop zone, but only rock-bottom Swansea City have scored fewer than their 17 goals this term.
Locadia arrives on the south coast with nine goals to his name in 16 Eredivisie outings this season.Hughton told the club's official website: "We are delighted to have signed Jurgen, and pleased to welcome him to the club.
"He is a player we have been aware of for some time, and it's been no secret we have wanted to add a striker of his type. "He is a strong, powerful and quick centre-forward, with a real eye for goal and will increase our attacking options in the second half of the season."Jurgen already has a prolific goal record with PSV in the Dutch top division, and it is one we hope he can continue here with us in the Premier League."
It's not easy to compete with Man City and United in the transfer market, admits Conte
Chelsea don't find it easy to compete with the likes of Manchester City and United for top players in the transfer market, Antonio Conte hinted Friday.
The Blues broke their transfer record this season by bringing in Alvaro Morata for £58 million, a move that could rise to £70m with the add-on involved in the deal, but they lag behind the two Manchester sides in terms of net spending during the transfer windows.
Chelsea made a number of high-profile sales to fund spending and are now being linked with the likes of Stoke City's Peter Crouch and West Ham's Andy Carroll. But Conte admits that it might be tricky for the Premier League champions to keep up with some clubs on transfers.
"This question is one for the club," Conte said during a press conference at Cobham Training Centre. "For sure, now there are strong, big realities and it's not simple to fight them. But I don't know. I'm not in condition to follow up with that.
"In this moment, about Ross Barkley, I think the club took a good opportunity to buy an important player, an important English player, and not spend a lot of money. Ross' evaluation is more than £15m."Chelsea go into the Brighton game on Saturday with a 15-point gap between them and Man City, who sit in first place in the Premier League table.
The Blues have slipped to fourth after playing to a 0-0 draw with Leicester last weekend, while Liverpool beat Man City. Conte thinks that the Premier League is the toughest league in world football, and understands how difficult it is to win the trophy.“In every sport you have to fight if you want to reach great achievements," Conte said. "I think in England, it's very difficult to win the title, more than in other country. Because you start the season with six top teams trying to win the title.
"This is the only country where you can find this type of situation. At the same time, it's very difficult to fight and find a place in the top four. Last season, Manchester United and Arsenal stayed out.
"Two seasons ago, Liverpool were out and Chelsea finished 10th. They were out. But we must be ready, we must be ready to fight for a place in the top four. It won't be easy because every team wants to reach this target.
"This target is very prestigious for every team because this competition, [along with] the Champions League, is the biggest in the world for clubs. We must be optimistic. There are four months to play. Good targets.
"We are in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with the possibility of reaching the final, the fourth round of the FA Cup, the Champions League, and we're fighting for a Champions League place in the league. We must be optimistic and continue to work. Our work must give us the right optimism.”
“At this moment, Manchester City are one of those in the Champions League places. I don't know if they'll win the (Premier League) or not, but they are 12 points from the second and 20 from Arsenal."Chelsea don't go into the game against Brighton in great shape having played 120 minutes in the FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday against Norwich.
Conte saw Morata and Pedro both get sent off for two yellow cards and they will miss the game, while the manager confirmed Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas are out with injuries. Conte admits he's unhappy that Pedro dived but says that he knows he has made a mistake.
“I think, during the game, the player can be tired, a bit tired, but Pedro's reaction was to stand up quickly," Conte said. "I think the player understood, at that moment, the mistake and wanted to stand up and admit it was a mistake, 'I was a bit tired'.
"But, sometimes we can make mistakes. The most important thing is to try and recognise the mistake and try and avoid repeating them next time. If you see, he didn't ask for a penalty.”
Chelsea don't find it easy to compete with the likes of Manchester City and United for top players in the transfer market, Antonio Conte hinted Friday.
The Blues broke their transfer record this season by bringing in Alvaro Morata for £58 million, a move that could rise to £70m with the add-on involved in the deal, but they lag behind the two Manchester sides in terms of net spending during the transfer windows.
Chelsea made a number of high-profile sales to fund spending and are now being linked with the likes of Stoke City's Peter Crouch and West Ham's Andy Carroll. But Conte admits that it might be tricky for the Premier League champions to keep up with some clubs on transfers.
"This question is one for the club," Conte said during a press conference at Cobham Training Centre. "For sure, now there are strong, big realities and it's not simple to fight them. But I don't know. I'm not in condition to follow up with that.
"In this moment, about Ross Barkley, I think the club took a good opportunity to buy an important player, an important English player, and not spend a lot of money. Ross' evaluation is more than £15m."Chelsea go into the Brighton game on Saturday with a 15-point gap between them and Man City, who sit in first place in the Premier League table.
The Blues have slipped to fourth after playing to a 0-0 draw with Leicester last weekend, while Liverpool beat Man City. Conte thinks that the Premier League is the toughest league in world football, and understands how difficult it is to win the trophy.“In every sport you have to fight if you want to reach great achievements," Conte said. "I think in England, it's very difficult to win the title, more than in other country. Because you start the season with six top teams trying to win the title.
"This is the only country where you can find this type of situation. At the same time, it's very difficult to fight and find a place in the top four. Last season, Manchester United and Arsenal stayed out.
"Two seasons ago, Liverpool were out and Chelsea finished 10th. They were out. But we must be ready, we must be ready to fight for a place in the top four. It won't be easy because every team wants to reach this target.
"This target is very prestigious for every team because this competition, [along with] the Champions League, is the biggest in the world for clubs. We must be optimistic. There are four months to play. Good targets.
"We are in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with the possibility of reaching the final, the fourth round of the FA Cup, the Champions League, and we're fighting for a Champions League place in the league. We must be optimistic and continue to work. Our work must give us the right optimism.”
“At this moment, Manchester City are one of those in the Champions League places. I don't know if they'll win the (Premier League) or not, but they are 12 points from the second and 20 from Arsenal."Chelsea don't go into the game against Brighton in great shape having played 120 minutes in the FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday against Norwich.
Conte saw Morata and Pedro both get sent off for two yellow cards and they will miss the game, while the manager confirmed Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas are out with injuries. Conte admits he's unhappy that Pedro dived but says that he knows he has made a mistake.
“I think, during the game, the player can be tired, a bit tired, but Pedro's reaction was to stand up quickly," Conte said. "I think the player understood, at that moment, the mistake and wanted to stand up and admit it was a mistake, 'I was a bit tired'.
"But, sometimes we can make mistakes. The most important thing is to try and recognise the mistake and try and avoid repeating them next time. If you see, he didn't ask for a penalty.”
Man Utd midfielder Carrick set to retire at the end of the season
Michael Carrick will return to first-team duty at Manchester United but is set to retire from playing and become a coach at the end of the season, Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
Carrick has yet to feature in the Premier League this season, with the former England international having undergone a procedure to resolve an irregular heart rhythm discovered in his only appearance of the campaign, against Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup in September.
But the United captain took part in the club's recent warm-weather training camp in Dubai and Mourinho believes Carrick has a part to play on the pitch before accepting a coaching role at Old Trafford.
"I think to take the decision to stop playing football at the end of the season and not last week because of being injured with some problem is a good decision for the team and a good decision for him," Mourinho told reporters Friday."So we are all happy and in the end of the season I expect him to join [the coaching staff], unless he changes his mind, but the club would be very happy for him to do that.
"I would be very happy also for him to do that. I think he will play again. After a few months without even training he is in his second week with the team. He can be a very important player for us."Carrick has made 460 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 23 goals, and has won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League and an FA Cup winners' medal.
United travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Saturday, with Mourinho's men seeking to extend a seven-match unbeaten Premier League run as they attempt to chase down rivals and runaway leaders Manchester City.
Michael Carrick will return to first-team duty at Manchester United but is set to retire from playing and become a coach at the end of the season, Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
Carrick has yet to feature in the Premier League this season, with the former England international having undergone a procedure to resolve an irregular heart rhythm discovered in his only appearance of the campaign, against Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup in September.
But the United captain took part in the club's recent warm-weather training camp in Dubai and Mourinho believes Carrick has a part to play on the pitch before accepting a coaching role at Old Trafford.
"I think to take the decision to stop playing football at the end of the season and not last week because of being injured with some problem is a good decision for the team and a good decision for him," Mourinho told reporters Friday."So we are all happy and in the end of the season I expect him to join [the coaching staff], unless he changes his mind, but the club would be very happy for him to do that.
"I would be very happy also for him to do that. I think he will play again. After a few months without even training he is in his second week with the team. He can be a very important player for us."Carrick has made 460 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 23 goals, and has won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League and an FA Cup winners' medal.
United travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Saturday, with Mourinho's men seeking to extend a seven-match unbeaten Premier League run as they attempt to chase down rivals and runaway leaders Manchester City.
Former Arsenal and Man Utd striker Van Persie returns to FeyenoordRobin van Persie is returning to his roots at Feyenoord after negotiating the termination of his contract at Fenerbahce.
Now 34 years of age, the move sees the experienced frontman head back to where it all began.Van Persie is a product of the academy system at Feyenoord, with the Rotterdam native having first linked up with the club as a 16-year-old back in 1999.
He would spend just three years as part of the senior fold at his home-town club before securing a switch to Arsenal in 2004.
Eight seasons with the Gunners delivered over 130 goals and an FA Cup triumph, but he was lured away to Manchester United in 2012 – in a move similar to that currently being mooted for Alexis Sanchez.
Van Persie helped the Red Devils to land the Premier League title in his debut campaign, along with a second Golden Boot of his career, but left for Turkey in 2015. He has remained a regular source of goals while with Fenerbahce, and has also taken his impressive haul of caps with the Netherlands to 102, but has been allowed to head home after slipping down the pecking order.
Feyenoord are delighted to have put a deal in place, with terms set to be officially signed on Monday.The reigning Eredivisie champions will be hoping that a familiar face proves to be a talismanic presence, just as Dirk Kuyt was when returning to the club from Fenerbahce.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side currently sit fifth in the Dutch top-flight, 14 points adrift of leaders PSV.
Goretzka chose Bayern over England, Spain and Italy - Heynckes
Leon Goretzka rejected interest from the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A in order to join Bayern Munich, head coach Jupp Heynckes has said.
The Bundesliga champions announced on Friday that a deal has been reached to sign the midfielder when his Schalke contract expires after the end of the season.
Goretzka had been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona and Juventus before agreeing to a four-year deal at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge described the move as good news for the Bundesliga and Heynckes is also delighted to see a young Germany international stay on home turf.
"I talked to [assistant coach] Peter Hermann, who worked with Leon Goretzka at Schalke, about him," he told a news conference. "He said Leon has a very good character. In the Bundesliga and at the Confederations Cup, he showed very good performances."I assume he will give everything for Schalke until June 30 and that he wants to be in the Champions League with his club.
"For the Bundesliga, it's very good and very important for a Germany international to stay in Germany. There were competitors from England, Italy and Spain. But, in the end, he decided to sign for Bayern.
"He is a very young player. With him, the process of rejuvenation goes on at Bayern. That's something very positive. New players bring new impulses. You know as well as I what skills he has."Bayern take on Werder Bremen on Sunday looking to at least maintain their 13-point lead at the top of the table.
Heynckes confirmed striker Robert Lewandowski is set to return from a knee injury but defenders David Alaba and Mats Hummels will miss out due to illness.
"Robert Lewandowski has made a good impression in training. He says he is hardly in any pain any more. He is available again," said Heynckes."Mats had a bad cold and then a fever. He has been back on the pitch doing light fitness work, but he will not be risked against Bremen."David Alaba has a gastrointestinal infection, so he didn't train and is being kept away from the team."
Leon Goretzka rejected interest from the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A in order to join Bayern Munich, head coach Jupp Heynckes has said.
The Bundesliga champions announced on Friday that a deal has been reached to sign the midfielder when his Schalke contract expires after the end of the season.
Goretzka had been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona and Juventus before agreeing to a four-year deal at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge described the move as good news for the Bundesliga and Heynckes is also delighted to see a young Germany international stay on home turf.
"I talked to [assistant coach] Peter Hermann, who worked with Leon Goretzka at Schalke, about him," he told a news conference. "He said Leon has a very good character. In the Bundesliga and at the Confederations Cup, he showed very good performances."I assume he will give everything for Schalke until June 30 and that he wants to be in the Champions League with his club.
"For the Bundesliga, it's very good and very important for a Germany international to stay in Germany. There were competitors from England, Italy and Spain. But, in the end, he decided to sign for Bayern.
"He is a very young player. With him, the process of rejuvenation goes on at Bayern. That's something very positive. New players bring new impulses. You know as well as I what skills he has."Bayern take on Werder Bremen on Sunday looking to at least maintain their 13-point lead at the top of the table.
Heynckes confirmed striker Robert Lewandowski is set to return from a knee injury but defenders David Alaba and Mats Hummels will miss out due to illness.
"Robert Lewandowski has made a good impression in training. He says he is hardly in any pain any more. He is available again," said Heynckes."Mats had a bad cold and then a fever. He has been back on the pitch doing light fitness work, but he will not be risked against Bremen."David Alaba has a gastrointestinal infection, so he didn't train and is being kept away from the team."
Jose Mourinho sees no left-backs “better than this Luke Shaw”, with Manchester United no longer seeking reinforcements in that area.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a number of performers who can slot into that position, including the likes of Alex Sandro, Danny Rose and Ryan Sessegnon.Finding a suitable option to fill their left-back berth has been an issue for United at times, with Ashley Young and Matteo Darmian among those to have been shunted out of position to provide assistance.
Shaw has, however, come back into favour of late, and the 22-year-old has offered enough to convince Mourinho that he can justify the £30 million fee which brought him to Old Trafford and end the search for cover.
The Red Devils boss told reporters on a man who has started five successive fixtures over recent weeks: "Luke? Played very well."He was already improving and playing well when I start playing him after that long spell without minutes.
"I remember the first time, Champions League [against CSKA Moscow], he was coming step by step and now with a good run of matches and continuity also.“Playing like he did against Everton two days after a previous match, good, solid.Physically much better, mentally much stronger, tactically understanding the game much better and what we need in the different phases and circumstances, I'm really happy.
"You like the transfer market, I can say that in this moment I don't see many left-backs better than this Luke Shaw."Shaw is among those set to see their current contracts expire at the end of the season, with Young also occupying that bracket.
Both are, however, expected to be kept on, with there 12-month options in their respective deals which can be triggered.Those decisions are likely to be taken soon, as is a call on whether or not to offer fresh terms to Mourinho.
An extension through to 2021 has been mooted for the Portuguese, but he is already tied to United for another 18 months and is in no rush to put pen to paper."My contract ends July 2019, so plenty of time to speak," Mourinho added."I know that the club is happy and the owners, the board are happy, they know I am happy and when that's the case one day we decide to do something we will do it easily, but plenty of time."
Morata backed to overcome disciplinary concerns at Chelsea
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has blamed Alvaro Morata's poor disciplinary record on the pressure of being the number one striker at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old Spain international has played bit-part roles at former clubs Real Madrid and Juventus, with his previous highest number of league starts being 16 at Serie A champions Juve in the 2015-16 season.He is already up to 18 at Chelsea and, after a positive start, his form has dipped alarmingly - Morata has not scored in six games in all competitions.
The player's frustration was evident on Wednesday against Norwich City in the FA Cup as he received two quickfire yellow cards, the first for alleged simulation and the second for protesting the decision. He will now serve his second suspension of the season at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Conte said: "For the strikers, this situation can happen. For Alvaro, this is the first season that he's been having a full season. Maybe, for him, this is the first time to face this type of problem. But he has to overcome this problem because this is a stupid problem.
"You have to work for the team and not lose confidence. The coach trusts him, his team-mates trust him, the club trusts him, the fans trust him. I don't see a problem, but this is the first time Morata has faced this situation. Before, if you stay on the bench, you don't have this type of pressure. So now he has to learn to face this type of situation, move forward and go on." Conte expressed sympathy for Morata regarding his sending-off against Norwich.
He said: "I think the player knows very well his mistake. There was frustration for the first yellow card, because the player didn't deserve it."If the referee doesn't want to give the penalty, in this situation it's still not right to book him.
"But, at the same time, you must learn to control yourself. The second yellow card was for dissent. I agree with the player for the first yellow card, but I don't agree with the player for the second yellow card. He has to check himself in future."
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has blamed Alvaro Morata's poor disciplinary record on the pressure of being the number one striker at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old Spain international has played bit-part roles at former clubs Real Madrid and Juventus, with his previous highest number of league starts being 16 at Serie A champions Juve in the 2015-16 season.He is already up to 18 at Chelsea and, after a positive start, his form has dipped alarmingly - Morata has not scored in six games in all competitions.
The player's frustration was evident on Wednesday against Norwich City in the FA Cup as he received two quickfire yellow cards, the first for alleged simulation and the second for protesting the decision. He will now serve his second suspension of the season at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Conte said: "For the strikers, this situation can happen. For Alvaro, this is the first season that he's been having a full season. Maybe, for him, this is the first time to face this type of problem. But he has to overcome this problem because this is a stupid problem.
"You have to work for the team and not lose confidence. The coach trusts him, his team-mates trust him, the club trusts him, the fans trust him. I don't see a problem, but this is the first time Morata has faced this situation. Before, if you stay on the bench, you don't have this type of pressure. So now he has to learn to face this type of situation, move forward and go on." Conte expressed sympathy for Morata regarding his sending-off against Norwich.
He said: "I think the player knows very well his mistake. There was frustration for the first yellow card, because the player didn't deserve it."If the referee doesn't want to give the penalty, in this situation it's still not right to book him.
"But, at the same time, you must learn to control yourself. The second yellow card was for dissent. I agree with the player for the first yellow card, but I don't agree with the player for the second yellow card. He has to check himself in future."
