..::Football IV::..

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Modric appears to tell Neymar Real Madrid are 'waiting for you'


Luka Modric appeared to encourage Neymar to join him at Real Madrid following Sunday's friendly between Brazil and Croatia.

Neymar has been heavily linked with a return to La Liga with the European champions, less than a year on from his world-record €222 million (£194m/$259m) move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona.The 26-year-old played a starring role at Anfield in his first appearance since February, coming off the bench to score a brilliant opening goal in Brazil's 2-0 win.

Afterwards, he was filmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) swapping signed shirts with Madrid midfielder Modric, and it seemed he could not resist a cheeky hint at a transfer in the coming weeks.

As they wrote messages and exchanged jerseys in the tunnel after the match, Modric could be heard saying, "We're waiting for you," prompting a smile from Neymar.

Modric was later asked about the transfer rumours and, according to Globo, replied: "Let's see what happens!"Neymar has also refused to be drawn on the Madrid speculation of late, with his focus locked on international matters ahead of World Cup 2018.

He told reporters when quizzed on the latest reports: "The focus is now on the Brazilian team."They are talking nonsense. It's not worth answering."

Despite Neymar's reluctance to be drawn on his links to the Blancos, Goal has revealed that the Brazilian is eager to find a way out of Paris this summer.That suggests Modric may get his wish of playing alongside the former Barca man in the near future, with the Croatian doing his best to act as an agent in a mooted big-money deal.

 

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Man City star Sane dropped by Germany in stunning World Cup 2018 selection call


Reigning champions Germany have made the stunning decision to leave Manchester City winger Leroy Sane out of their squad for World Cup 2018.

The 22-year-old is coming off the back of an impressive season at club level which saw him collect a Premier League and Carabao Cup double.Sane contributed 14 goals to the City cause during a record-breaking campaign, while also providing 17 assists across England's top-flight and the Champions League.

He will, however, play no part for his country in Russia this summer after being cut from Joachim Low’s 27-man preliminary party.
With that selection narrowed down to 23 ahead of the defence of their global crown, Germany have opted to favour the likes of Julian Draxler and Sebastian Rudy.Alongside Sane, Bayer Leverkusen duo Bernd Leno and Jonathan also miss out, as does Freiburg striker Nils Petersen.

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil was among those to receive good news, though, while Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will be another Premier League performer within the ranks.Sane’s team-mate at City, Ilkay Gundogan, is also included, as is reported Manchester United and Real Madrid target Timo Werner of RB Leipzig.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer gets the nod despite his recent injury struggles, while Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus will get the chance to put his previous fitness issues behind him – with the 29-year-old having missed out on the successful World Cup campaign in 2014.Germany open their 2018 campaign against Mexico on June 17, before going on to face Sweden and South Korea in their other Group F fixtures.

Germany's 2018 World Cup squad in full

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (PSG)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Monchengladbach), Jonas Hector (Koln), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin)

Midfielders: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Leon Goretzka (Schalke), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (PSG), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)

Forwards: Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)

 

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Italy 1 Netherlands 1: Ake hits back for Oranje

Nathan Ake's late goal punished a wasteful 10-man Italy as Netherlands rescued a scarcely deserved 1-1 draw in Turin on Monday.

Roberto Mancini's side, beaten 3-1 by France on Friday, spurned a plethora of chances before substitute Simone Zaza finally struck in a clash between two nations who will assume the unfamiliar role of distant spectators during the World Cup.But it was Ake who had the last say following Domenico Criscito's red card, the Bournemouth defender's header representing Netherlands' first goal in Italy since 1928.




With both countries looking to rebuild under new management following their respective failures to seal a spot in Russia, it appears as though Oranje boss Ronald Koeman has the more daunting task.His men produced a largely underwhelming display, salvaged two minutes from time by a goal against numerically disadvantaged opponents.Despite Ake's late heroics, the result extends Netherlands' winless run in friendlies against the Azzurri to 15 matches.


Italy - for whom Mario Balotelli started on the bench - thought they had the lead inside three minutes, but Andrea Belotti's effort was ruled out for offside after he swept home from Giacomo Bonaventura's set-piece assist.The visitors struggled to find their rhythm early and even when Ryan Babel and Georginio Wijnaldum combined well to create a crossing opportunity on the left, the former's delivery failed to threaten.

It was Mancini's team who looked the more dangerous, though, and Jorginho's searching pass almost set captain Lorenzo Insigne through on goal.The deadlock came close to being broken when Simone Verdi's cross narrowly eluded the outstretched leg of Belotti, before goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen deflected Bryan Cristante's cutback behind for a corner.

Belotti then missed a gilt-edged chance to underline Italy's superiority, shooting straight at Cillessen from just 10 yards out.There was still time for Verdi to see a shot cleared off the line as the Dutch somehow reached the break goalless.

Having been on the back foot for most of the first half, Netherlands very nearly delivered a textbook sucker-punch seven minutes after the interval.A miscued cross from Daryl Janmaat forced a back-pedalling Mattia Perin to tip the ball over his crossbar.

It seemed as though the visitors were beginning to get a foothold in the game when Memphis Depay connected with Janmaat's cross, but the Lyon forward's header was straight at Perin.Italy finally forged ahead in the 67th minute, Virgil van Dijk hitting Federico Chiesa's low cross into the sliding Zaza - fresh from the bench - sending the ball into the net.

Criscito's mistimed challenge on Babel, which halted the Besiktas winger's progress towards goal, saw him dismissed two minutes later.The resulting free-kick from Depay forced a finger-tip save from Perin, who went full-length to thwart Steven Berghuis.But he was beaten at the death, Ake rising highest to nod in Berghuis' assist.

 

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Falcao and James join injured duo in Colombia's World Cup squad


Colombia have named stars James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao in a World Cup squad that includes injured pair Abel Aguilar and Cristian Zapata.

Deportivo Cali midfielder Aguilar, 33, and AC Milan defender Zapata, 31, both received the nod from head coach Jose Pekerman on Monday despite facing fitness problems.They missed the 0-0 friendly draw with Egypt on Friday, but the Colombian Football Federation confirmed the experienced duo had "intensified" their rehabilitation in an attempt to be ready for Russia.

Zapata's availability means there is no place for Santa Fe youngster William Tesillo, while long-serving forward Teofilo Gutierrez also misses out.Falcao's inclusion will be particularly pleasing for Pekerman after the Monaco striker missed Brazil 2014 due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Instead, he heads to his first World Cup looking to help improve on a quarter-final exit last time out, and with the likes of James, Juan Cuadrado and Davinson Sanchez also involved, Colombia are considered a threat to the favourites.Their Group H opponents are Japan, Poland and Senegal.

Colombia's final 23-man World Cup squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Jose Cuadrado (Once Caldas), David Ospina (Arsenal), Camilo Vargas (Deportivo Cali);

Defenders: Santiago Arias (PSV), Frank Fabra (Boca Juniors), Yerry Mina (Barcelona), Johan Mojica (Girona), Oscar Murillo (Pachuca), Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Abel Aguilar (Deportivo Cali), Wilmar Barrios (Boca Juniors), Juan Cuadrado (Juventus), Jefferson Lerma (Levante), Juan Quintero (River Plate), James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich), Carlos Sanchez (Espanyol), Mateus Uribe (Club America);

Forwards: Miguel Borja (Palmeiras), Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Jose Izquierdo (Brighton and Hove Albion), Luis Muriel (Sevilla).

 

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Salah can match Ronaldo & Messi, says Liverpool teammate Robertson


Mohamed Salah can build on his fantastic debut campaign at Liverpool to match superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, according to teammate Andy Robertson.

The 25-year-old broke a lot of records on his way to tally a staggering 44 goals, and his feat has drawn questions - as well as comparisons - as to whether he can maintain the level of consistency of the Real Madrid and Barcelona stars.However, the left-back is confident the Egypt international can replicate his fantastic 2017-18 campaign in seasons to come.

“The amount of goals he scores is incredible, but the amount of chances he has…” Robertson told the Mirror.“I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago about his goals and stuff, and he said to me ‘it should have been a lot more’.“He’s had some unbelievable chances so credit to him for getting in the positions, and that’s why he’s confident of scoring all the time, because he’s getting in the positions.”

“[Ronaldo and Messi] have done it for six or seven seasons and he’s just done it one. But I’ve got no doubt Salah can build on it and do it over that period of time.“It’s the way the gaffer wants him to play, so hopefully he can continue and really build on it and become one of the names alongside Messi and Ronaldo.”Despite suffering a serious shoulder injury days ago, Salah has been named by Hector Cuper in Egypt's final squad for the 2018 World Cup.

 

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'No one shouts at Messi for walking' - Pogba hits back at style critics


Paul Pogba has hit back at critics who have questioned his style of play and off the field actions, arguing it would be no different than slamming Lionel Messi for “walking” on the pitch.The Manchester United midfielder has starred for club and country in the past, starting both the 2015 Champions League final for Juventus the Euro 2016 final for France, though both matches ended in defeat for Pogba.

However since his record move to the Red Devils in the summer of 2016, Pogba has come under fire for everything from his social media accounts to his choice of hair colour , while also appearing to clash with manager Jose Mourinho.

Now ahead of the 2018 World Cup, where France are one of the pre-tournament favourites, Pogba has defended his style and flair, arguing not only has he done the same things during his periods of success, but also likening it to someone criticising Messi for not appearing to run enough on the field."I've always been like that,” Pogba told France Football . “When I've won, I've won being like that. That's my style of play.

“You're not going to criticise Messi when he walks on the park. If he scores three goals are you going to say: 'Ah but he's walking on the pitch?' No. You can't tell me how to play.“If I'm here today, it's as I am. No one has told me how I must behave. That's my football, that's all.“People can like it or not. Do I need this to be loved? Do I need people to judge me differently? Or do they talk better about me?"

Pogba also dismissed concerns over his perception, saying he chooses not to focus on the opinions of others, so long as he is doing what he enjoys and has the support of those close to him."I'm not going to live on what people think, for them to say that I'm nice, good, the best, perfect. Everyone has their opinion. And I respect that.“I play football, I do what I like. My relatives support me, they're more important.

“We can't love everyone and be loved by everyone. That would be perfection and nothing is perfect in this world.“I'm not going to be offended if someone says: 'I don't love you.' That's your right. You don't have to love me."

Pogba and France kick off their World Cup play June 16 against Australia in Group C. They then face off against Peru on June 21 and close out group stage play on June 26 against Denmark.

 

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Messi: I'm just another player


Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi insisted he was "just another player" despite being considered among the all-time greats.

Messi, 30, is a record five-time Ballon d'Or winner, having enjoyed an incredible career at the La Liga giants.But the superstar forward, who is preparing for the World Cup in Russia, said he was just like other players.

"I don't consider myself the best, I think I am just another player," Messi told Paper Magazine, in which he posed with a goat for a photoshoot."On the field, we are all the same when the game begins."While he has starred for Barca by claiming nine La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns among numerous other honours, Messi is yet to win a senior trophy with Argentina.

Jorge Sampaoli's men will face Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D in Russia and while Messi admitted Argentina – runners-up in 2014 – were below the level of the favourites, he hopes they can deliver at the showpiece tournament."It will be important to prepare well, because in the qualifiers we were fighting up to the end and we didn't have time to prepare ourselves," he said.

"We still have to make ourselves stronger as a team to be in the running to win and be at the same level as other teams like France, Germany, Brazil or Spain.

"But we have a good group of players and the Argentine team is always going to be a candidate to win, it doesn't matter how we get there."We always aim to win and we will try to go slowly but strongly to advance in the competition."Messi and Argentina kick off against Iceland on June 16.

 

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Umtiti: It would be fantastic if Griezmann came to Barca


Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann would be a fantastic addition for Barcelona, according to defender Samuel Umtiti.

Griezmann, 27, continues to be linked with a move to the La Liga champions, with the France international expected to announce his future before the World Cup.His international team-mate Umtiti – who signed a five-year deal with Barca on Monday – said Griezmann would be a welcome recruit at Camp Nou.

However, the 24-year-old said he had no discussions with Griezmann about his future."I talk a lot with Griezmann but not about this topic. We talk about Playstation, food, everything, but not about this," Umtiti told a news conference.

"He is a great player and could help any team in the world. If he wants to come here, it would be fantastic." Another player linked to Barca is Sevilla's French defender Clement Lenglet.

Umtiti said he liked what he saw from the 22-year-old, who has spent the past season and a half at Sevilla."I watch every game because football is my life and I think Lenglet is a great player," he said.

"I like how he plays and, in terms of if Barcelona will sign him or not, you have to talk to the managers, but I really like how he plays."

 

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Karius suffered concussion during Champions League final

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius suffered a concussion during his side's defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

The German was roundly criticised for his performance during the 3-1 loss in Kiev after two calamitous errors led to the Blancos securing a third successive European title.But tests carried out by the Massachusetts General Hospital have now found that Karius was suffering from a head injury at the time.

"On May 31, 2018 Mr. Karius underwent a comprehensive examination by Dr. Ross Zafonte and Dr. Lenore Herget in Boston at Massachusetts General Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital," a statement read.

"After carefully reviewing game film and integrating a detailed history – including his reported present and immediate post-contact subjective symptoms – physical examination and objective metrics, we have concluded that Mr. Karius sustained a concussion during the match May 26, 2018.

"At the time of our evaluation, Mr. Karius’s principal residual symptoms and objective signs suggested that visual spatial dysfunction existed and likely occurred immediately following the event. Additional symptomatic and objectively noted areas of dysfunction also persisted. It could be possible that such deficits would affect performance.

"We also note that Mr. Karius has reported significant and steady improvement since the concussive event, and we expect him to make a full recovery based on the results of the examination. We expect that with treatment and by following prescribed activity protocols he will continue to improve. We have encouraged vigilance and an emphasis on safety in his eventual return to full activity."

Though not confirmed by the statement, there is a suggestion that the injury that Karius suffered came due to challenge from Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who had earlier instigated the first-half challenge that saw Mohamed Salah suffer a dislocated shoulder.Early in the second period the pair were involved a coming together inside the penalty area, with replays showing Karius was caught by the elbow of the Spain international defender.

Though clearly shaken by the incident, Karius was able to continue without treatment, with the referee also opting not to award a foul.Moments later the ball was in the back of the Liverpool net as Karius looked to roll the ball out to a team-mate, only for Karim Benzema to block the ball and divert it into the bottom corner.

Though Karius had no chance of stopping Gareth Bale's stunning overhead kick to make it 2-1 following Sadio Mane's equaliser, his night to forget continued in the closing stages as he spilled a speculative drive from the Welshman into his own net.

Though Karius apologised to his team-mates and supporters after full-time, many have questioned whether he should play for the club again, with Roma's Alisson a reported target to replace him next season.But these latest results may soften those views as he looks to rebuild his career at the age of 24.

Karius himself asked for the results of the tests to be revealed, with Liverpool themselves offering no objections having not being involved in the process.

 

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Get well soon Karius!
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Russia 1 Turkey 1: World Cup hosts held in Moscow


Host nation Russia will head into the World Cup on a seven-match winless run after letting a first-half lead slip away in a 1-1 draw with Turkey.

Stanislav Cherchesov's side have struggled in recent months as they prepare to take on Saudi Arabia in the tournament opener on June 14 and, in Tuesday's final warm-up match, they were again denied victory in Moscow.

Aleksandr Samedov lit up a dull game as he broke the deadlock, but Russia could not build on their advantage and were frustrated when half-time substitute Yunus Malli steered in an equaliser.Caglar Soyuncu squandered Turkey's best chance of the first half, stooping to head wide, before gifting the hosts the opener 10 minutes before the break.



The defender's stray pass prompted a ruthless Russian move as Alan Dzagoev slipped in Samedov to lift a delightful finish over Serkan Kirintili from a tight angle.But Turkey, who failed to qualify for the World Cup, drew level just before the hour-mark when Malli picked out the bottom-left corner from 25 yards.

Russia pushed for a late winner, with Fedor Smolov slicing wide of the target when well-placed in the penalty area, but the hosts were forced to settle for a morale-sapping stalemate.

 

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Buffon stung with three-match UEFA ban as Juventus legend considers future options


Gianluigi Buffon has been hit with a three-match UEFA ban following his red card against Real Madrid and subsequent outburst at referee Michael Oliver.The Juventus goalkeeper was furious after the English official awarded a last-gasp penalty in April's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.

Juve had been primed for extra time after wiping out a 3-0 first-leg deficit, but Medhi Benatia fouled Lucas Vazquez in the closing stages and Oliver pointed to the spot.

Buffon immediately launched into an aggressive and prolonged protest, earning a red card before making further disparaging remarks after the match.He described Oliver as having "a trash can" in his chest instead of a heart.The three-game suspension - which applies to UEFA competitions only - follows two charges against the 40-year-old relating to his dismissal and a contravention of the European governing body's "general principles of conduct.

Buffon has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, having called time on his long and distinguished Juve career, which saw the Italy legend win nine Serie A titles.

UEFA also announced financial and other sanctions against Roma for crowd disturbances in the defeat at Liverpool, while Athletic Bilbao and Spartak Moscow were punished for similar offences in their Europa League meeting in Spain.

 

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Tottenham told to consider Alderweireld sale amid Man Utd interest


Tottenham have been advised to consider parting with Manchester United target Toby Alderweireld, with Jermaine Jenas of the opinion that Davinson Sanchez is a more than capable replacement.

The Belgium international has become caught up in a transfer storm ahead of the summer window, with a 2019 release clause in his contract proving to be problematic.Spurs had been hoping to agree fresh terms with the 29-year-old, remove a £25 million breaker and tie a proven performer down in north London for the foreseeable future.

Failure to reach an agreement means Alderweireld continues to be linked with moves elsewhere, with talk of a switch to Old Trafford having been bubbling away for some time, and Jenas believes now may be the time to cash in.

The former Spurs midfielder told Yahoo Sport: “I love Toby, he is a phenomenal player and Tottenham are better when he is in the team, but he is approaching his 30th birthday and I know how Daniel Levy operates at Spurs when a player gets towards that age. The wage demands, what they can afford and where they need to prioritise and maybe Alderweireld doesn’t fit into that structure.“Also, when I said that Spurs had to do everything they could to hang on to Alderweireld, I was not thinking Davinson Sanchez would have had as good as season as he has just had.

“That Spurs defence looked pretty solid for most of the campaign and Sanchez was a key part of that, so the club may look at how much it would cost to keep Alderweireld and believe they have a better value for money option in Sanchez. In many respects, I probably agree with that.

“I would love Toby to stay because I believe he is the best defender in the world when he is right at it, but we will see where it goes from here. I’m sure there will be plenty of big clubs trying to sign him, with Manchester United believed to be among those.”While the exit door may be opened for Alderweireld this summer, Spurs are determined to retain the services of head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

They have been able to extend his deal through to 2023, but have also seen the Argentine heavily linked with a vacant managerial post at Real Madrid.Jenas does not expect a man who has already sought to distance himself from that position to head to Spain in 2018, but concedes that a move may be made at some point in the future.

The ex-England international added: “The Real Madrid job is always likely to be the one that takes Mauricio away from Spurs, but I’m not sure this is the right moment for him.

“There is no rush. He has the ability to go on and achieve something historic with this Tottenham side and that must appeal to him.“Two or three years down the line, he might feel as if there is nowhere else for him to go with Tottenham and then he can look to go to Real Madrid or the other big clubs and have a real go at winning the Champions League and major trophies.

“The new stadium looks amazing, they are back in the Champions League, he had a lot of power and influence at Tottenham and that is a lot to walk away from. There are so many factors why he signed that contract and now we see what happens.”

 

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Man Utd reach agreement for £52.5m man Fred


Manchester United have moved a step closer to completing the £52.5 million ($70m) signing of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred, with the club confirming that agreement has been reached.With a deal having been in the pipeline for some time, Goal confirmed on Monday that the Brazil international had arrived in England to undergo a medical.

Fred’s former manager at Shakhtar, Mircea Lucescu, then confirmed that a move had been made , with the 25-year-old taking a much-deserved step up onto a Premier League stage.

United have now announced that a big-money transfer is imminent, with the finishing touches being put to their first signing of the summer.A statement released on the club’s official website read: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos (Fred).”United had been in the market for midfield reinforcements after seeing Michael Carrick head into retirement.

There is also much uncertainty when it comes to the future of Marouane Fellaini, with the Belgium international seemingly set for a move elsewhere as his contract runs down .The addition of Fred will help to plug those holes, with the South American a player being acquired for both the present and future.

He should still have his best years ahead of him, but boasts enough domestic, European and international experience to slip seamlessly into a star-studded United squad.Lucescu said of his imminent arrival at Old Trafford: “I’m really pleased Fred has completed his transfer to Manchester United, I am proud of him.

“When I signed him at Shakhtar, Taison and Bernard were playing in his position.
“I transformed his position, giving him a more defensive role.”Fred has earned eight caps for Brazil to date and will form part of their ranks at this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia .

 

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Arsenal sign Lichtsteiner on free transfer

Arsenal have announced the signing of Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer after his Juventus contract expired.

As previously revealed by Goal, the 34-year-old right-back becomes Unai Emery's first signing as Gunners head coach, having taken over from Arsene Wenger at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.“Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad," Emery told Arsenal's official website.

"He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude.Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”

Emery’s first task as Gunners head coach was to strengthen a side which aims to close the gap on their Premier League rivals next season, with defence a clear priority having conceded 51 times in the Premier League during Arsene Wenger's final season in charge.

With Hector Bellerin the only senior right-back at the club Lichtsteiner's arrival is expected to ease the burden on Arsenal's Spain international going into next season, while his leadership qualities are also seen as a key asset.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is able to deputise at right-back but is viewed as being a more natural defensive midfielder while Carl Jenkinson appears unlikely to break into the starting line-up following a disappointing loan spell at Birmingham City last term.

Switzerland captain Lichtsteiner announced he would be leaving the Bianconeri in early May having helped the club to their seventh successive Serie A title, with the Switzerland international having ended each season since joining the club from Lazio in 2011 as a national champion.In total he scored 14 goals in 250 appearances for Juventus, though he had fallen down the pecking order in Turin last season. Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Marseille also showed an interest in signing him.

Lichtsteiner's arrival is expected to be the start of a busy transfer window for Arsenal with Greek international defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos expected to sign for the club in the next 48 hours.

 

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'Milinkovic-Savic is worth €100m' - Man Utd advised to act quickly by Lazio legend Casiraghi


Manchester United have been informed by Lazio legend Pierluigi Casiraghi that Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would be worth a €100 million (£87m/$117m) investment.The Serbia international is among those reported to be figuring on the Red Devils’ transfer radar as they prepare to make additions in the summer window.

A £52.5m ($70m) deal for Brazilian star Fred is close to completion, with Goal confirming that he is in England for a medical, but further reinforcements in the middle of the park may be sought.

That could lead Jose Mourinho to Italy and Milinkovic-Savic, with the 23-year-old considered to be ready for a big move after three impressive seasons in Serie A.

Former Lazio striker Casiraghi told RMC Sport on the mounting transfer talk: "I do not know if the valuation is right, if I had €100m I would buy him."I like him very much, not just from today, he was immediately seen as a great player. "He is unique, he is [just] 23 years old."

Casiraghi, who spent five productive years in Rome during his playing days, is not the only former Lazio star to have come out in support of Milinkovic-Savic making a big-money switch.

Stefano Fiore has also suggested that the highly-rated Serb can be a bargain for somebody, with €100m no longer an obscene asking price in an inflated market.
He said: "Given the figures that are now involved in football, he is worth the money because of the quality and characteristics he possesses.

"I also watch a lot of foreign football but players like him are not there."An auction will open and we'll see what happens, but if a defender can go for €70m [£61m] in England then Milinkovic-Savic is worth much more."That said, the market has gone crazy and should return to more normal figures."

 

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Arsenal told it will take £35m to land N'Zonzi


Arsenal have been made aware that they will need to trigger the £35 million ($47m) release clause in Steven N’Zonzi’s contract in order to sign the midfielder.

The former Blackburn and Stoke star has long been linked with a return to England, with Emirates Stadium having been mooted as a possible landing spot for some time.Speculation regarding a second stint in the Premier League has resurfaced in the wake of ex-Sevilla boss Unai Emery taking charge of the Gunners.

He is said to be plotting a raid on his former employers for a France international, but he has also been informed that there will be no relaxing of a stance which demands any suitors must meet a €40m exit clause if they intend to get a deal done.

Sevilla’s director of football Joaquin Caparros told Radio Seville of the N’Zonzi to Arsenal talk: “Is that a rumour or is it true?“Has Unai Emery called you? Well, as a successful man, Unai Emery knows what line the club keeps.“If he wants N’Zonzi, he will have to call and put the bid in. And the bid is the clause. If you put that bid in, then there are no more negotiations [over the fee].”

Sevilla have been in this position before when it comes to N’Zonzi and have no intention of sanctioning a sale at this time.They could even get the 29-year-old to commit to fresh terms, with new manager Pablo Machin currently weighing up the options available to him.

Caparros added: “We could even extend the contract, if the coach gives the green light. Everything is possible.”N’Zonzi last extended his deal in January 2017, with that agreement set to take him through to the summer of 2020.

For now, though, the midfielder’s attention is focused on a World Cup 2018 campaign with France, with Didier Deschamps having selected him in Les Bleus’ ranks ahead of the likes of Paris Saint-Germain star Adrien Rabiot.

 

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Cazorla returns to Villarreal following Arsenal exit


Santi Cazorla has returned to Villarreal as he continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury.

The midfielder was released by Arsenal at the end of the 2017-18 season, and has not played a competitive game since October 2016.Arsenal decided against offering the midfielder a new deal, due to his fitness issues, having been forced to endure 11 operations on his Achilles.

The 33-year-old's injury was so horrific he nearly lost his foot, but he did return to first-team training in the latter stages of the campaign.

And the Yellow Submarine, with whom he spent four years of his career between 2007 and 2011, making over 240 appearances, has offered him an opportunity to prove his fitness.It has been suggested that Cazorla could even earn a permanent contract at the club, should he be able to show his worth. Cazorla also spent time at Alaves earlier this week, and expressed his gratitude to the club for their time.

“I am grateful to Alaves for the facilities they have offered to me,” Cazorla said.“The facilities here are very good and they're even doing work to improve them further.“[The youth sides and I] have had a nice experience. I tried to make sure they enjoyed the experience.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sane breaks silence over shock Germany World Cup snub


Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has expressed his disappointment after being dropped from Germany's World Cup squad, but insists he will bounce back.

The 22-year-old was named in Germany's 27-man preliminary squad for the tournament, but was one of four players cut when head coach Joachim Low announced his final panel on Monday.After a season where he helped City to the Premier League title with 15 Premier League assists, Sane was expected to compete for a starting position in Russia, but Low had other ideas as he chose Marco Reus, Julian Brandt and Julian Draxler ahead of him in his squad.

The winger has played 12 times for his country, but failed to impress Low, providing just one assist and no goals in his international career so far. Despite this, many people were surprised by his absence, including Man City team-mate Kyle Walker and former Germany international Michael Ballack.

Sane posted in both English and German on his Twitter account, thanking all the people who had sent him messages following the shock announcement, while also vowing to continue to develop as a player and return to the national side.

"Thank you so much everyone for your encouraging messages yesterday and today," Sane wrote. "I'm obviously very disappointed I won't participate in the World Cup, but I have to accept this decision and I'll give it my all to bounce back stronger! "Nothing but the best of success to the DFB Team in Russia. Go get that title!"

As well as Sane, Low also cut goalkeeper Bernd Leno, defender Jonathan Tah and forward Nils Petersen from his initial 27-man list. Leno also posted a message on his social media accounts, wishing the national team well at the World Cup whle also revealing his frustrations after being left out of the final selection.

"Of course I am disappointed," the Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper wrote."I gave everything in the training camp for the big dream, but this is part of the sport - take setbacks, accept decisions and continue to give everything. Germany, I wish you every success in Russia."Germany, without Sane, will open their World Cup 2018 campaign against Mexico on June 17.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd star De Gea hailed as a 'complete goalkeeper' by Del Bosque


David de Gea may have made a rare mistake in Spain's friendly with Switzerland on Sunday but Vicente del Bosque believes the Manchester United stopper is a "complete goalkeeper".

De Gea's strong club form included 18 clean sheets during the 2017-18 Premier League season, earning him the Golden Glove for the first time.He was unable to keep Switzerland at bay in Villarreal on Sunday, though, spilling a shot from Stephan Lichtsteiner that allowed Ricardo Rodriguez to earn a 1-1 draw.

Despite that error the 27-year-old will travel to the World Cup as Spain's undisputed number one, and Del Bosque remains a big fan."David is a really complete keeper," the World Cup and European Championship-winning coach told Omnisport.

"He plays well with his feet, which is important. He is improving and will be better.
"He's been playing for five or six years in Manchester, that's a huge learning experience, same with the national squad."De Gea and his international team-mates are third favourites to lift a second world title in Russia, something Del Bosque believes is warranted after their unbeaten qualifying campaign.

"Let's see. Spain has done well recently, they did a really good job in the qualifying games with great results, almost a perfect qualification," added the former Real Madrid boss.

"And then we have faced big teams like Germany, France, England, Argentina, Belgium… and we have been better than them. So, that makes me be positive thinking about the future."There is not any recipe to play the World Cup. The most important thing is to keep doing what we already have done in the last two years.

"I think he [coach Julen Lopetegui] has done a really good job making a really good group. And apart from that, he has done a really good job developing his own style."