..::Football IV::..

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Lacazette travels to London to complete club record £46m Arsenal move on five-year contract

Alexandre Lacazette has travelled to London to finalise a club record move to Arsenal for an initial fee in the region of £46 million, Goal understands.The Lyon striker is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners increased their opening bid.

Lacazette, 26, has scored over 20 Ligue 1 goals in each of his last three seasons for Lyon and will join Arsenal for a club record fee, eclipsing the £42.5m paid to Real Madrid to sign Mesut Ozil in 2013.

With hopes of signing Monaco's Kylian Mbappe - a Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain target - fading, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger managed to convince another of Ligue 1's star forwards to play at the Emirates Stadium.

Lyon club president Jean Michel-Aulas, who sanctioned the transfer on Sunday, has previously said the Premier League side must part with €65million to prise Lacazette away from Parc Olympique Lyonnais and the newly agreed deal includes bonuses worth £6m.

France international Lacazette was close to joining Atletico Madrid before the Spanish club's transfer ban was upheld and Aulas confirmed via French news outlet Le Progres that Wenger's side did not want to pay over the odds for the forward.

The Gunners still hope to keep Olivier Giroud, although they are prepared to let Lucas Perez, who joined last August but scored only once in 11 Premier League matches, leave the north London club this summer.

Arsenal also remain hopeful of a deal for Monaco's Thomas Lemar as well, but the youngster does not appear ready to force a move to the Gunners.Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez also remains a target of Wenger's after personally speaking to the 67-year-old over a fortnight ago.

 

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Lacazette close to Arsenal move, confirms Lyon chief

Alexandre Lacazette could complete a €50 million move to Arsenal in the coming days, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said.

Aulas had earlier denied reports the star forward was in London to undergo a medical, indicating the Premier League club were yet to meet Lyon's asking price. Goal reported Sunday that Lacazette was expected to sign a five-year contract with the Gunners.

The club chief later confirmed a deal for Lacazette was almost complete, with Arsenal to pay up to €50m for the France international."The figure reported by the English media of around €67m [including €12m in add-ons] is impossible and not realistic," Aulas told Le Progres.

"Arsenal's first offer was around €45m, the transfer will be concluded in the range of €45m to €50m."The deal would signal a club record for Arsenal, who paid Real Madrid €44m to sign Mesut Ozil in 2013.

Aulas talked up the fee, saying: "Being close to €50m is something unique and will probably be a record for Arsenal and Lyon as well."Knowing that, traditionally, a club like Arsenal — and this is the case for Bayern Munich also — don't invest so much on a player."

Lacazette, who came through the youth system at Lyon, was heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid before the La Liga club's transfer ban was upheld.
He has 11 France caps and has made more than 250 appearances in all competitions for Lyon.

 

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John Terry signs for Aston Villa

John Terry has joined Aston Villa on a free transfer, the club have confirmed.The former Chelsea defender called time on his 21-year association with the Stamford Bridge club this summer when his contract expired.

Terry made 690 appearances in total for Chelsea, scoring 65 goals, as he won five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.

However, he has now moved down a division in search of even more silverware, and he is relishing the challenge.“I am delighted to join Aston Villa," he told the club's official website.

“It’s a club I have admired from afar for many years – there are fantastic facilities at Bodymoor Heath, Villa Park is one of the finest stadiums in the country and there’s a good group of players here, with an experienced and successful manager in Steve Bruce.“I can’t wait to get started now and look to help the squad achieve something special this season.”

Reports suggest that Terry will sign a one-year deal at Villa Park, with a bonus of around £4 million if they are promoted to the Premier League.Terry is said to have rejected proposals from Galatasaray, West Brom, Swansea and a number of other clubs from across the globe.

Thus, his signing for Villa will represent something of a coup for Villa boss Steve Bruce.

 

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Alexis Sanchez must leave Arsenal to win the Champions League, says Zamorano

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez will not win the Champions League at Arsenal and would “be more useful in a bigger team”, says Ivan Zamorano.

The Chile international continues to see his future called into question as he enters the final 12 months of his contract at Emirates Stadium.He recently admitted while on Confederations Cup duty that he is “clear” on what his next move will be, but has refused to divulge whether that will be signing a new deal or making a move.

Zamorano believes his countryman should be looking to take on a new challenge, amid talk of interest from the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich, with Arsenal unable to match his ambition.The legendary former striker told SFR Sport: "I think Alexis knows very well what he has to do.

“He's a guy who has goals and ambitions, they're fundamental to making a choice. I think he likes to win."What he wants, above all, is to win the Champions League, and I don't think he'll have that possibility at Arsenal.

"He must know that he will be more useful in a bigger team. But it's his decision, his personal choice. Whatever happens, Alexis will be at the level he deserves to be and which he must achieve."Sanchez has spent three seasons at Arsenal, having completed a £31.7 million move from Barcelona in 2014, and has made 145 appearances for the club.


He has found the target 72 times in those outings, with the 2016-17 campaign seeing him reach the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career.

 

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'Ronaldo can't go' - Navas calls on Real Madrid to keep superstar forward

Keylor Navas is looking for Real Madrid to do all they can to keep Cristiano Ronaldo, saying players like him “can’t go”.

The Portuguese superstar sparked a flurry of transfer speculation when it was reported that he had informed Madrid of his desire to move on this summer amid accusations of tax fraud in Spain.He has since remained quiet on the issue, with his focus switched between the Confederations Cup and the arrival of newborn twins.

Ronaldo is yet to address the issue of his future in public, as talk of potential moves to Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain rages, but Madrid have sought to play down the exit rumours on a regular basis, with club president Florentino Perez planning talks.

Navas hopes those discussions will reach a positive conclusion, telling Marca on the future of his illustrious team-mate: "No, I haven't called him. I don't get involved in these things.

“Obviously I always want him to be my team-mate as a player who does what he does can't go. I hope he doesn't go and that he's with us for many years."Navas’ own future at Santiago Bernabeu has been called into question, with the La Liga and Champions League double winners once again being linked with several goalkeeping alternatives.

The likes of David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois continue to register on the transfer radar, but the current first choice in the Spanish capital says he is ready to “fight” any competition and admits he would like to see out his career in Madrid.The 30-year-old added: "It would be difficult, but nothing is impossible.“My wish is to keep enjoying all of this and I hope I could retire at Real Madrid. That would be a dream for me."

 

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Everton complete signing of Sandro from Malaga

Everton have completed the signing of Spain Under-21 international Sandro Ramirez from Malaga.

The 21-year-old forward, who scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for La Liga outfit Malaga last season, has inked a four-year deal to become the Toffees' fourth summer signing.

Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen and Henry Onyekuru completed moves from Sunderland, Ajax and KAS Eupen respectively earlier in the transfer window.

Speaking to Everton's club website, Sandro said: “I’m very happy, this is a big step in my career. I know I’m signing for a massive club in England.“Everton is the ideal place for me, I’ve got the ideal manager who is going to keep giving me the confidence to improve my game.“I cannot wait to wear the blue shirt in front of the Everton fans at Goodison Park. It’s a big jump in my career coming to the Premier League and for a club like Everton which is really on the up.

“They have got big plans and want to succeed and keep developing. I’m hoping I can get to know my teammates as soon as possible, and want to adapt to the football and the way of life in the city.”

He added: “Everton have made some big signings and we’re hoping we can put in a great season and hopefully then we can achieve that aim of getting in the Champions League. It will be a big season for us.“I was lucky enough to play with some of the best players in the world and managed to win the odd trophy but the important thing now is that I’m very happy to be signing for Everton.

“We’ve got a fantastic squad and I’m excited about being able to compete at Everton and win plenty of silverware.”Everton are also believed to be close to landing Burnley and England centre-back Michael Keane in what is proving to be an extremely busy transfer window for the club.

The Merseysiders are also keen on Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud as star man Romelu Lukaku continues to be linked with a big-money switch to Chelsea.

 

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Everton sign Michael Keane for club-record £30m

Everton have completed the signing of Burnley defender Michael Keane for a fee that could rise to a club-record £30 million.The England international has signed a five-year deal at Goodison Park after an impressive season at Turf Moor.

His performances saw him linked with a move back to Manchester United as well as earning him his first cap for the Three Lions, and the Toffees have moved quickly to secure the signing of the 24-year-old.Keane becomes Ronald Koeman's fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaasen, Henry Onyekuru and Sandro Ramirez.

The Premier League outfit have now spent over £90m, with Keane's potential fee set to equal that paid for Pickford last month.

"I’m absolutely delighted to be at Everton, a fantastic football club with passionate fans and a great tradition and I can’t wait to come into training tomorrow to meet all the lads,” Keane told Everton's official website..

“First and foremost, the manager was a big factor in me coming to the club. He played in my position when he was a world-class player for a great Barcelona side and a great Dutch side and the style of football he likes to play will suit me.

“I watched a lot of Everton last season and I believe I really suit how the team likes to play. I feel like this is a great place to come and continue my development as a player.

“He’s convinced me that he can still improve me in certain areas of my game. I’m only 24 which, for a centre-half in the Premier League, is relatively young. I’ve still got a long way to go and I know this and hopefully under his guidance I’ll keep improving.

“You always want to play for a manager who believes in you. I wanted to come somewhere I was wanted by the staff, players and fans as well. I feel like Everton is the perfect match."

Keane will likely form a partnership at the heart of the Everton defence with Ashley Williams, though he will face competition from Phil Jagielka, Ramiro Funes Mori and Mason Holgate.

 

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Everton la meh window 1ke godak hoda signs set 1kak karagattha​

 

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Roma land Lyon midfielder Gonalons for €5m

Roma have completed a €5million move for Lyon midfielder Maxime Gonalons.The 28-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Eusebio Di Francesco's side, bringing an end to his long association with Lyon, where he came through the youth ranks and made his first-team debut in 2009.

"After speaking with [sporting director] Monchi and the coach about their ambitions, I did not hesitate for a moment," said Gonalons, who has won seven France caps."For this reason there were no issues and everything was agreed very quickly.
"I cannot wait for this new adventure."

Gonalons' arrival adds to the signings of Rick Karsdorp, Hector Moreno and Lorenzo Pellegrini under new sporting director Monchi.The club have, however, seen Mohamed Salah depart for Liverpool, while Leandro Paredes has joined Zenit.

 

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AC Milan complete €25m Calhanoglu signing

AC Milan have completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu for a reported fee of €25 million.

The Turkey international has signed a four-year deal at San Siro and becomes the sixth signing of what is turning into a busy summer for Vincenzo Montella's side.

He joins Mateo Mussachio, Franck Kessie, Ricardo Rodriguez, Andre Silva and Fabio Borini in moving to the Serie A giants, with the spending for the off-season now standing at around €130m.

Calhanoglu leaves Leverkusen having scored 17 goals in 79 appearances during three years representing the Bundesliga outfit, and has a reputation as an expert from set-pieces.

He has not played since February, however, after being handed a four-month ban for breaking the terms of his contract when joining Trabzonspor in 2011.Speaking to Leverkusen's offficial website, he said: "I would like to thank the club, my colleagues and above all the fans.

"The support was sensational, even during my four-month ban."The 23-year-old arrived in Milan on Sunday before completing a medical on Monday and finalising the terms of his move.

 

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AC Milan lagen godak hoda signing 1kak​

 

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Real Madrid unhappy over Ronaldo silence

Real Madrid are unhappy that Cristiano Ronaldo has stayed silent following recent revelations that he wants to leave the Spanish side.

The Portuguese forward was accused of tax evasion by the authorities in Spain last month and reacted by posting a picture on Instagram with his finger over his lips and a caption that read: "Sometimes the best answer it's to be quiet".

The very next day, however, he set the alarm bells ringing in Madrid as Portuguese paper A Bola printed a bombshell on their front page. "Ronaldo wants to leave Spain," it announced. And the decision was described as "irreversible".

Away at the Confederations Cup with Portugal, Ronaldo was named Man of the Match in all three group games - against Mexico, Russia and New Zealand - but would only answer questions about the matches and the tournament when presented with those awards.

Back in Spain, Madrid president Florentino Perez gave several interviews after re-election for four more years and said: "Everybody knows I want Cristiano to stay here for life. He is one of the pillars of this team and also a big part of the history of this club."

It was subsequently reported by some sectors of the Spanish media that Ronaldo had been made to feel more calm by the words of his club chief, yet still there was no reaction from the 32-year-old out in Russia.

Portugal lost on penalties to Chile in the semi-finals and Ronaldo was given permission by his national team to miss the third and fourth place match against Mexico on Sunday as he flew back to Spain to meet his new-born baby twins.

However, he has now been back in the Spanish capital for several days and there has been no contact with Madrid and no public comment from the four-time Ballon d'Or winner either.

That posture has upset the board at Real and also the Madrid fans, many of whom would like to hear an explanation from the club's all-time top goalscorer, apparently so happy as Los Blancos won La Liga in late May and retained the Champions League early last month.

The club are keen to respect the player's privacy during his holidays and especially as he adapts to life with two new family members, but there is expected to be some contact this week to discuss his situation and also the plans for next season.

Real remain confident Cristiano will stay, but the club are unhappy that their prized player has used the media to threaten a summer exit instead of talking the matter over directly. This week, with Ronaldo back in Madrid, the two parties should at least be able to do that.

 

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Manchester United unveil new 2017-18 home kit

Manchester United have officially unveiled their kit for the upcoming 2017-18 season.

The kit launch, headed by Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and new signing Victor Lindelof, came on Monday morning, with United posting a tweet to their official account.

The new shirt features a button-up collar, three stripes - representing Adidas - on the shoulders, as well as white and black on the sleeves to pay homage to the colours of flags at Old Trafford on match days.

United boast on their website: "The latest home shirt features a minimalist, sophisticated design which pays homage to some of the classic kits from the past, at the same time as being at the forefront of technical sportswear design with technical, breathable fabrics and mesh engineering."

United will wear the kit for the first time during their pre-season tour of America, with Jose Mourinho's men set to face LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Manchester City and Real Madrid overseas.

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Lassanai HOME KIT 1ka

Nice and easy + Button-up collar

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Milan signing Calhanoglu eager to prove his worth after ban

Hakan Calhanoglu is determined to reward AC Milan for the faith they have shown in him after he joined the club following a FIFA ban.

The Turkey international was suspended for four months after it was deemed he had breached a contract with Trabzonspor, a club he had agreed to join in 2011, only to extend his stay with Karlsruher SC.

That ruled him out of Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga campaign from February onward and has fuelled the 23-year-old's desire to hit the ground running at San Siro."I want to thank you for making this transfer happen and trusting in me. I want to give a lot back," he told Milan TV.

"The last four months have been hard for me, but I am very happy to be here in Milan. I want to give my best performance for the fans, the club and the team.
"Thank you for everything, for giving me the chance to play at San Siro. I want to give my best.

"I am free and want to give everything I have. AC Milan is a very good club, the most important club for me because they have so much history and I hope we can do it again."When you see the museum and all these big players like Kaka, [Gennaro] Gattuso, [Cesare and Paolo] Maldini, Ronaldinho and David Beckham, that is a very big job for me [to live up to them] and I am happy."

Of his set-piece expertise, he added: "The trick with free kicks is 50 per cent talent, 50 per cent hard work. I train really hard every day, as I want to score the goals in the game situation so I can help my team.

"I hope to start the season well, we have an important Europa League game and hope we are in the top three at the end of the Serie A season. I hope and know we can do it."


The attacking midfielder joins Franck Kessie, Ricardo Rodriguez, Mateo Musacchio, Andre Silva and Fabio Borini in making the move to San Siro as the Rossoneri look to challenge for Champions League qualification next term.

 

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Messi will sign new Barca deal after his honeymoon

Lionel Messi will sign a new Barcelona contract when he returns from his honeymoon in the middle of this month, Goal understands.

The Argentine attacker, who married long-time partner Antonela Roccuzzo in Rosario on Friday, was set to return to the Catalan capital with his family at the weekend, but will now not be back until around July 12.

After the wedding, Messi and Antonela changed their plans and are now on their honeymoon with sons Thiago and Mateo on the Carribean islands of Antigua and Barbuda.

On July 12, Barcelona's players are expected at the training ground in Sant Joan Despi for medical examinations ahead of the club's pre-season preparations, so Messi will be back for that.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is out of contract in 2018, but a new agreement is all but finalised after months of negotiations between the player, his father Jorge and the club.

Messi will put pen to paper on a fresh agreement that will take him up until 2021 with the option of one further season and the deal should make him the world's highest-paid player with wages in excess of €22m per year after tax.

After playing at the World Cup, the Copa America and the Copa America Centenario in the last three summers, Messi has had a rare break this time and will therefore return to training along with the rest of his team-mates to prepare for a new season which kicks off with a Spanish Supercopa series against Real Madrid in August.
Messi's and Antonela's wedding was a big Barca affair as team-mates past and present were invited to the party in Rosario, with Carles Puyol, Xavi, Dani Alves, Samuel Eto'o, Gerard Pique, Neymar and Luis Suarez all in attendance.

The Argentine made his Barca debut in 2004 and has won 30 trophies during his time at the Catalan club, scoring more than 500 goals. This new contract could see him retire at Camp Nou.

 

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'He is the man they need' - Guardiola backs Valverde to succeed at Barcelona

Pep Guardiola believes Ernesto Valverde is exactly the type of coach Barcelona needed to reinstall the club as the dominant force in La Liga.

Barca had to settle for a runners-up spot to Real Madrid last season as Luis Enrique's tenure ended in a campaign that yielded a second consecutive Champions League quarter-final exit.

The Catalan giants had won six of the previous eight league titles up for grabs, with three of them coming during Guardiola's reign, which also produced two European crowns.

Valverde, a former Camp Nou team-mate of the Manchester City manager, will be expected to bring similar success to the club and Guardiola is convinced it is a match made in heaven."I think Barcelona needed a coach like Ernesto," he told L'Esportiu of the former Athletic Bilbao boss.

"A squad like this one, which has won everything, needs a guy who wants them.
"You need someone that understands the club, and Ernesto is that person. Also, he is a coach with a lot of knowledge."It will go well, as I knew that it would with Luis Enrique."

Valverde will be blessed with an array of talent to pick from as he attempts to plot a course to glory, with no player more lauded than Argentina star Lionel Messi.Guardiola remains a staunch fan of the 30-year-old, with Messi's easy-on-the-eye approach particularly appealing to the ex-Bayern Munich coach.

"He is the best player I have ever seen," added Guardiola. "The best thing about him is not what he does, but how simple he makes everything look."He is not just the best player because he can dribble past three or four players, it is because he does it better than anyone else in the world."

 

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Lacazette passes Arsenal medical ahead of £46 million transfer

Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette has passed his Arsenal medical and is on the brink of completing a £46 million transfer to the Premier League club.

The 26-year-old underwent a medical at London Colney training ground on Tuesday and is expected to sign a five-year contract for a club-record fee, eclipsing the £42.5m paid to Real Madrid to sign Mesut Ozil in 2013.

With hopes of signing Monaco's Kylian Mbappe - a Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain target - fading, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger managed to convince another of Ligue 1's star forwards to play at the Emirates Stadium.

Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas, who sanctioned the transfer on Sunday, has previously said the Premier League side must part with €65m to prise Lacazette away from Parc Olympique Lyonnais and the newly agreed deal includes bonuses worth £6m.

France international Lacazette was close to joining Atletico Madrid before the Spanish club's transfer ban was upheld and Aulas confirmed via French news outlet Le Progres that Wenger's side that the move is closer to €50m (£44m/$57m) rather than an "unrealistic" €65m (£57m/$74m).

Lacazette scored over 20 Ligue 1 goals in each of his last three seasons for Lyon and will become one of Arsenal's highest earners alongside Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.

The Gunners still hope to keep West Ham target Olivier Giroud , although they are prepared to let Lucas Perez, who joined last August but scored only once in 11 Premier League matches, leave the north London club this summer.Arsenal also remain hopeful of a deal for Monaco's Thomas Lemar as well, but the youngster does not appear ready to force a move to the Gunners.


Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez also remains a target of Wenger's after personally speaking to the 67-year-old on the phone over a fortnight ago.

 

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Nelson Mandela signs professional Eintracht Frankfurt contract

Nelson Mandela has signed his first professional contract, agreeing a two-year deal with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Cameroonian striker – whose full name is Nelson Mandela Mbouhom – began his career in the youth ranks at Barcelona before joining Frankfurt in the 2013-14 season following a spell at Hoffenheim.

He has represented Frankfurt at Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 level and a first-team appearance could be on the horizon, having signed a deal at Commerzbank-Arena until 2019.

Mandela, who has been training with the senior side in pre-season, told Frankfurt's official website: "I am very happy to get this opportunity. I feel totally comfortable at Eintracht. I am very proud to be able to be part of the preparations."
Sporting director Bruno Hubner added: "Nelson is a great kid who has been a great success for us in the youth teams and we are very pleased for him to be able to take the next step. He has incredible potential."

 

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Leicester City agree deal to sign Sevilla captain Iborra

Leicester City have agreed a fee with Sevilla for midfielder Vicente Iborra, the LaLiga club have confirmed.

The 2015-16 Premier League champions have had an offer reportedly worth £12.5 million accepted and will now finalise personal terms with the player."Sevilla and Leicester City have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Vicente Iborra to the English side," Sevilla confirmed in a statement.

"The player will travel to Leicester to pass a medical and sign his contract. Once the process is concluded, he will return to Sevilla to bid farewell publicly to the fans."

Iborra, who was linked with Sunderland in January, is said to have impressed Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare when the sides met in the last 16 of the Champions League last season.

The 29-year-old scored eight goals in 44 appearances last season to help Sevilla reach the Champions League knockouts and finish fourth in LaLiga.