..::Football IV::..

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Chelsea's Loftus-Cheek joins Crystal Palace on loan

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal.

The England Under-21 international has struggled to make an impact since Antonio Conte's arrival at Stamford Bridge, with his appearances limited to just 32 minutes of Premier League action last season.

He becomes Frank De Boer's first signing since replacing Sam Allardyce as manager of the Eagles, and the 21-year-old was thrilled to move to Selhurst Park.

"I had the option of coming to Palace and I thought that it would be great for me,” he told the club's official website.

“I live not too far away, I was born in Lewisham and Palace is good club so I thought it’s a good chance to play here and be a part of the team.

"They have a very strong team and I’d like to be a part of that this season."
Loftus-Cheek has made 22 Premier League appearances to date, and will battle with the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Jason Puncheon for a place in the starting XI at Palace.

 

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Manchester United stars rub shoulders with The Rock & their Game of Thrones heroes

Manchester United had already rolled out the red carpet for star summer signing Romelu Lukaku and they were at it again on Tuesday.
The Premier League giants had a proper taste of Hollywood after rubbing shoulders with some A-list celebrities.In Los Angeles for the International Champions Cup, United – including former player Bojan Djordjic – bumped into WWE star-turned-actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

Standing almost two metres tall, The Rock would make a decent goalkeeper should David de Dea ever leave Old Trafford.

United midfielder Juan Mata was also snapped with award-winning actress Julia Roberts following training in the United States.Roberts is a keen football fan, having been spotted at Old Trafford and Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu in recent months.

The players also spent time meeting Game of Thrones actors Iain Glen, who plays Jorah Mormot, and Conleth Hill, who is the character Lord Varys in the hit TV series.Jose Mourinho's side kick-off their pre-season against MLS side LA Galaxy on July 15 before facing Real Salt Lake two days later.

United's ICC campaign gets underway with a Manchester derby on July 20, followed by fixtures against Real Madrid (July 23) and Barcelona (July 26).

 

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Atletico Madrid sign Vitolo and loan him to Las Palmas

Atletico Madrid have agreed a five-year deal to sign Vitolo from Sevilla, but the winger will play for Las Palmas in the first half of the season due to his new club's transfer ban.

Diego Simeone's side, currently serving the final window of their FIFA signing ban, will register Vitolo from January 1, before which he will play for fellow La Liga side Las Palmas.

The complex transfer comes two days after Sevilla president Jose Castro claimed the 27-year-old had in fact signed a new five-year deal with his club.

"Atletico de Madrid has reached an agreement with Victor Machin Perez, Vitolo, for the next five years after the player rescinded his contract with Sevilla," read Atletico's statement on Wednesday.

"Due to FIFA's sanction that forbids the club from registering football players during the current summer market, the player will play the first half of the season with Las Palmas and will join our team starting on January 1, 2018. "The Spain international has signed with our club until the June 30, 2022."

 

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Donnarumma apologises after AC Milan renewal: 'I'm sorry to the fans who felt betrayed'

Gianluigi Donnarumma has apologised to AC Milan supporters after signing a new contract with the club until 2021.Having previously rejected a deal to extend beyond 2018, the 18-year-old performed a U-turn on Tuesday to commit his future to the club in an agreement that will reportedly pay him €6 million per year.

It marked the end of a dramatic saga in the transfer window, in which relations with his agent Mino Raiola and Milan soured as Donnarumma was linked with a host of Europe's top clubs, including Real Madrid and Juventus.

Milan celebrated the renewal on Wednesday with a media event, where they also presented his brother Antonio as a new signing, and Donnarumma took the opportunity to say sorry to fans who had been upset by a dramatic period.

"I'm delighted and proud to be at Milan," said the goalkeeper."I was born and raised at this club and I never had any doubts about staying in my mind.

"I'm sorry to the fans who felt betrayed, but I repeat that was not my intention.
"I'm sorry to them and thank them for their affection for these two years. I am proud to be here."

In a tumultuous period after his initial contract rejection, Donnarumma deleted his Instagram account and claimed it was hacked during the European Under-21 Championship after posting a string of mixed messages on social media.He also had fake money thrown at him by angry supporters during Italy's match against Denmark in that competition.

The keeper's decision to stay will further bolster Vincenzo Montella's plans for 2017-18, with the likes of Hakan Calhanoglu, Franck Kessie, Ricardo Rodriguez, Mateo Musacchio, Andre Silva and Fabio Borini having been brought in.

On the negative fan reaction to the saga, Donnarumma added: "Some things have hurt. But I'm a big fan of AC Milan forever. "We have great motivation, we want to get back into the Champions League and that is our goal."

 

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Ozil: I want to stay at Arsenal

Mesut Ozil has indicated that he wants to remain at Arsenal and plans to discuss his future with the club when the team returns from Australia.

Together with star striker Alexis Sanchez, playmaker Ozil has been tipped to leave Emirates Stadium after the Gunners failed to qualify for the Champions League.
However, it is believed there are few clubs able to meet the wage demands of the Germany international, who joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013.

And, perhaps due to a lack of realistic alternatives, the 28-year-old now appears willing to consider extending his contract, which expires at the end of the 2017-18 season.

"It is definitely my preference to stay," he said at a kit launch in Sydney."It is such a great club and I have always said that I feel very good atArsenal.Once everyone is back in London we will sit down and discuss about the future.

"For now the most important thing is our pre-season and getting through the tour, training and getting fitness. When I'm back in London, we will sit down and discuss."

 

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PSG sign Dani Alves from under noses of Man City

PSG have confirmed the signing of Dani Alves, much to the chagrin of Manchester City.

The Brazilian moves to France on a two-year deal from Juventus, having been released from his contract in Turin, but his destination has surprised many.

Alves appeared set to move to the Etihad Stadium to become City's third signing of the summer following the acquisitions of Bernardo Silva from Monaco and Ederson from Benfica.
The right-back had met with Pep Guardiola numerous times to discuss the move, but a last-minute change of heart has seen him instead move to the Ligue 1 giants.

The former Barcelona defender will earn a whopping £230,000 per week at Parc des Princes following his second free transfer in as many years.The club have also revealed he will wear the No.32 - following in the footsteps of David Beckham and David Luiz - as he battles for a place in the starting XI with Thomas Meunier and Serge Aurier.

"I am extremely pleased to join Paris Saint-Germain," he told the club's website. "In recent years, I had been able to watch from the outside the tremendous growth of this club, which has become a stronghold of European football."It is very exciting to play a part in this great project. At all the clubs where I've been, I've always given the best to help my team go as far as possible.

"Believe me, I also come to Paris to win. I know the ambitions of my new club and the expectations of its many supporters throughout the world. We're going to share great moments, I'm sure! "

 

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Juventus sign Douglas Costa from Bayern Munich

Juventus have announced the signing of Brazilian attacker Douglas Costa from Bayern Munich.

The 26-year-old wideman spent two seasons at the Allianz Arena after moving from Shakhtar Donetsk.

But after an uneven campaign in 2016-17 he has now been released on an initial one-year loan to the Serie A champions.

Juve will pay €6 million for the star at first, while the deal also includes a purchase option valued at €40m after the year is up. The option to buy becomes mandatory after Costa reaches a set number of appearances, though that figure is currently unknown.Bayern could also receive an additional €1m should certain unspecified conditions be met.

Bayern CEO Karl Heinz Rummenigge expressed the club's satisfaction over the terms agreed with Juventus, while stating his gratitude for Costa's commitment to Die Roten."We have held some serious and constructive talks with the Juventus representatives," he said.

"All the financial demands of FC Bayern have been fulfilled. I want to thank Douglas for his performances."After two successful seasons with four titles he wanted to accept a new challenge.We accepted this and wish him, together with his family, all the best in Italy."

Costa follows Rodrigo Bentancur in signing for Juve in the transfer window, while Medhi Benatia and Juan Cuadrado have agreed permanent moves to the club following loans last season.

The winger made 34 appearances in all competitions last season under Carlo Ancelotti, despite admitting in February that he was unsettled in Munich.He won two Bundesliga titles, the DFB-Pokal and the DFL-Supercup following a move from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2015 for a reported fee of €30m.

 

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Januzaj seals move from Man Utd to Real Sociedad

Adnan Januzaj has completed a move from Manchester United to Real Sociedad for a reported fee of €11 million.

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the La Liga club after successfully passing a medical on Wednesday.

The news was confirmed by both clubs, with United writing on their official website: "Adnan Januzaj has completed a transfer from Manchester United to Real Sociedad.

"Jose Mourinho allowed Adnan to spend last season on loan at Sunderland and now the 22-year-old forward has taken the tough decision to leave United and make the move San Sebastian."Everybody at Manchester United wishes Adnan well for the next chapter of his career."

United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly insisted that a buy-back clause be inserted into the contract, although neither club have disclosed the details of the deal.

Januzaj broke into United's first team under David Moyes and was one of the few bright points in a dismal 2013-14 season.He had a short but unsuccessful spell with Borussia Dortmund in 2015, before returning to Old Trafford for the final few months of Louis van Gaal's time as manager.

The Belgium international spent 2016-17 on loan at Sunderland but struggled to make an impact under former boss Moyes, as the club suffered relegation from the Premier League.

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Januzaj!

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Arsenal unveil new black and pink third kit ​

 

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Lassanai Arsenal Third Kit 1ka​

 

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Prince Albert II doubts Mbappe will leave Monaco amid Madrid interest

Prince Albert II dismissed the idea of Kylian Mbappe leaving Monaco, instead talking up the prospect of a new contract with the Ligue 1 champions.

Mbappe is hot property after scoring 26 goals in all competitions as Monaco dethroned Paris Saint-Germain in France and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season.

The 18-year-old forward has been linked with Spanish and European champions Real Madrid, as well as Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona.But Prince Albert II warned France international Mbappe against joining a club like Madrid.

"I don't think [that he will leave]," Prince Albert II told L'Equipe. "There are ongoing discussions that make me think he will be at Monaco nest season.

"The discussions relate to a possible wage hike. But I think that he has understand, his father too, that it is not yet in his interest to go to a huge club, where he is not assured playing time."Even if [Zinedine] Zidane has said that he would receive playing time at Real Madrid."

PSG are also keen to lure Mbappe to the French capital but when asked about their interest, Prince Albert II added: "No. It is my opinion and I think that it is also that of [Monaco vice-president] Vadim Vasilyev."

 

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Perisic to Manchester United 'is not happening', say Inter

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has shut down reports that Ivan Perisic will join Manchester United in the transfer window.The Croatia international has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, with United reportedly willing to spend upwards of £40million to sign the winger.

Head coach Luciano Spalletti stated last weekend that he was eager to speak with the player himself before any decision on a possible transfer, as speculation grew that he was pushing to leave San Siro.

However, Ausilio claims there has been no satisfactory offers from United and effectively ruled out selling one of Inter's top performers."It's not happening," he told Sky Sport Italia. "Perisic is training with us and so far we have not taken into consideration anything that Manchester United have offered us."

Ausilio also suggested that Inter's chances of signing Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan are slim, despite reports that the Belgium international would be keen to reunite with Spalletti."I follow him, as I do many other players," he said. "But as far as I'm aware. [former Roma sporting director] Monchi never considered Nainggolan on the market.

"I have my own concerns and need to find solutions to those concerns. We need to assess our team and keep an eye on everything that happens on the market."

However, he did confirm that negotiations are underway with Nice over a deal for full-back Dalbert."The situation won't be quick as we only approached the club over the last few days to open negotiations," he said."Nice are not geared towards a sale, so we need patience, a strategy and to wait for Dalbert's decision."

Ausilio added that striker Gabriel Barbosa could be allowed to leave on loan to find regular first-team football, having struggled to settle in Milan since his move from Santos last year."When a young man comes from a league like the Brazilian one, he can struggle to get used to tactics, organisation," he added.

"But he works hard and he signed a five-year contract with us. We have to assess a route with him and Spalletti, even on loan, that's in everyone's interest."

 

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Adnan Januzaj pens farewell to Manchester United fans on Twitter

Adnan Januzaj has taken to Twitter to post a farewell message to Manchester United fans Wednesday.

The midfielder was sold to Real Sociedad earlier in the day, bringing to an end an up and down tenure with the Red Devils.Januzaj burst on to the scene as a 19-year-old in David Moyes’ lone season as United boss, making him one of the top prospects in all of Europe.

But the youngster struggled in subsequent seasons under Louis van Gaal, and ended up on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

He was not in Jose Mourinho’s plans last season and spent the year on loan at Sunderland where, reunited with Moyes, he made 25 appearances and 18 starts for the now-relegated Black Cats. He did not score a goal.

The result was Januzaj’s sale to Sociedad on Wednesday for a reported fee of €11 million.With his time at United now done, the now-22-year-old midfielder took to Twitter to say goodbye.

 

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Alves urges Verratti to snub Barcelona for PSG stay

New Paris Saint-Germain signing Dani Alves has urged Marco Verratti to ignore interest from Barcelona and help the Ligue 1 side achieve their "dream".Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed last week that they and Verratti were keen on a transfer, although PSG have been unwilling to hold talks.

Verratti's agent suggested that his client was trapped at Parc des Princes, prompting the midfielder to issue an apology and reaffirm his commitment to the capital outfit.

Alves, who completed a free transfer to the club on Wednesday, wants the Italy international to stay at Parc des Princes to help them realise their ambition of adding the Champions League to domestic silverware.

When asked about Verratti, he told a news conference: "I came here to play with him so, if he leaves, what would I do?"This is my message to him: I hope he helps us achieve our dream. The more good players we have, the more chances we'll have to achieve it."

Alves turned down the chance to join Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in favour of Unai Emery's side.The 34-year-old says he was encouraged to move to the French capital both by the beauty of the city and the ambition shown by the club."It's not just this magnificent city that has drawn me here; this great club's ambitions are also very attractive," he told PSG's official website.

"I really like the manner in which Paris Saint-Germain have marked footballing history and continue to want the same thing, signing big players and showing a lot of desire out on the pitch. It's the sporting side of things that really made up my mind to come here.

"I have experienced a lot of different things in my life, and I think that the sum of all these experiences will help me bring something to Paris Saint-Germain. There is a lot of talent in this team, be it the youngsters who want to keep growing or more senior figures."There is a good balance that, I'm sure, will take us a long way and allow us to achieve our objectives."

 

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AC Milan bid for Juventus centre-back Bonucci

The reports that began circulating on Wednesday are true. Well, almost. AC Milan have spoken with Juventus regarding the availability of Leonardo Bonucci, no doubt with hopes that the centre-back's publicised bust-up with Massimiliano Allegri last season would make a deal possible.

The Rossoneri took the first steps through the player's agent, Alessandro Lucci, who also represents Milan's Andrea Bertolacci, with several visits to Casa Milan largely revolving around finding ways to bring the 30-year-old to San Siro.

The general consensus is that Juventus will not sell Bonucci, but there may be hope in that Allegri is a big fan of full-back Mattia De Sciglio. Even so, Milan's proposal falls well short of the Bianconeri's valuation of one of their prized centre-backs, even with De Sciglio offered as a make-weight.


Reports had suggested that Bonucci is open to the move and that Milan starlet Alessio Romagnoli would also be offered as a part-exchange, but Goal can confirm that the San Siro side have no intention of parting ways with the latter, while reported big-money offers from Chelsea and Manchester City are sure to have the former questioning whether the grass is greener outside of Italy.

 

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Tiemoue Bakayoko set for £40 million Chelsea transfer

The Monaco midfielder has agreed terms with the Premier League champions after delays over his fitness and intermediaries

Tiemoue Bakayoko's protracted transfer saga with Chelsea appears close to an end after all three parties come to a final agreement on Wednesday ahead of a £40 million exit from Monaco.

Chelsea also faced difficulty dealing with a large group of intermediaries who slowed down a deal. The brother of Bakayoko, who was one of the parties involved in the negotiations, publicly celebrated the deal with a post saying "CFC" on Wednesday night.

 

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'The door to Real Madrid is still open' - James welcomes return to La Liga despite Bayern Munich transfer

James Rodriguez claims the door is not closed on his Real Madrid career despite being presented as a Bayern Munich player on Wednesday.

The Colombia international has agreed a two-year loan move to the Allianz Arena, where he will hope to recapture top form after finding himself on the fringes of the Madrid first team.The 26-year-old earned a big-money transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2014 following his impressive performances at the World Cup in Brazil.

He played under Carlo Ancelotti during his first campaign in the Spanish capital and must now impress the Italian coach again to force his way into the Bundesliga champions' starting XI."We have some great players and I have to fight for a starting position," he told a news conference.

"I can play on the left or the right wing as well as a playmaker. I will play wherever the coach wants me to play."It is a new life for me. Everything is new, but Munich is a beautiful city. I will try to learn German.

"The door to Real Madrid is still open, but for now I only think about the next two years here. After that we'll see and make a decision.
"It is a new way but no step back. A new challenge."

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the club will be first in line to keep James, should all parties be in favour of making the switch permanent.

"We have a clear agreement with James and Real about a two-year loan," he said."After that we have the option to make the deal permanent with a specific amount for three more years."Of Bayern's other recruitment activity, he added: "The transfer market is open for another six weeks.

"I won't rule out that we sign some other players nor that some players could leave. But right now, nothing specific is planned."Ancelotti welcomed a quality addition to the squad but made it clear the new arrival should not expect any preferential treatment when it comes to selection decisions.

"I am really happy that he is here now. We already had a good time together," he said. "His quality will improve our squad. He is a calm person and will find his place within the team.

"He can play everywhere, it's important to have competition within the team. He will get some breaks as well, I have no problem to bench players."

 

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Tiemoue Bakayoko set for £40 million Chelsea transfer

Tiemoue Bakayoko's protracted transfer saga with Chelsea is at an end after all three parties came to a final agreement on Wednesday ahead of a £40 million exit from Monaco.

The Blues had long since arranged an agreement with the Ligue 1 champions, as well as a wage for Bakayoko, but had struggled to organise a medical due to concerns over the midfielder's fitness.

The club have been cautious to avoid signing a player with any long-term injury concerns, but they are satisfied that he can complete a medical even after having had minor surgery on his knee.Bakayoko will need ongoing treatment after his move but Chelsea's medical staff believe that he will make a full recovery from the injury.

Chelsea also faced difficulty dealing with a large group of intermediaries who slowed down a deal. The brother of Bakayoko, who was one of the parties involved in the negotiations, publicly celebrated the deal with a post saying "CFC" on Wednesday night.

Manchester United were reported to have tabled a bid to hijack the transfer for Bakayoko - similar to how they signed Romelu Lukaku from under Chelsea's nose - but Goal understands there's no truth in that.

However, Chelsea had agreed a £40m deal with Manchester United for Nemanja Matic to leave as Bakayoko came in but that deal is in doubt after being gazumped for Lukaku earlier this month.The deal for Bakayoko will take Chelsea's summer spend to £75m once it is formalised, as they already completed a deal to sign Antonio Rudiger from Roma for £35m.

 

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Barcelona drop Bellerin interest and set sights on Benfica's €50m-rated Semedo

Barcelona are ramping up their efforts to sign €50 million-rated Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo after dropping their interest in Arsenal's Hector Bellerin.Semedo, 23, was the focus of a €30m bid from Barcelona this week, but the Primeira Liga champions are said to be refusing to lower their €50m valuation.

In an effort to speed up the signing, Barcelona's sporting director Robert Fernandez has travelled to Lisbon to force the move through as pre-season gets under way across Europe.

Fernandez has travelled with Javier Bordas, another member of the Camp Nou board, in view of agreeing a price for Semedo and closing a deal as quickly as possible. Barcelona have failed to fill the void which was left by Dani Alves' exit last summer, with Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal failing to impress in Catalunya.

Semedo emerged as Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde's first-choice right back after the Liga giants were told Arsenal's Bellerin was not available at any price.
A product of La Masia, Bellerin left Barcelona in favour of Arsenal in 2011 but has long been linked with a return to his boyhood club.

The Spain international, 22, was seen as the long-term answer to the club's right-back problem by former manager Luis Enrique, though a deal never transpired.

Bellerin made 27 Premier League starts last season and impressed Barca scouts throughout the campaign, becoming one of the club's priority targets in the summer window.

But he's no longer a target following a stand-off with the north London side over his future and he's expected to remain at the Emirates Stadium.