..::Football IV::..

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Liverpool's win over Man City feels like six months ago, says Klopp


After going down 1-0 to Swansea City, Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool's sensational triumph over Manchester City last time out felt "like half a year ago".Liverpool became the first team to defeat Pep Guardiola's side in the Premier League this season with a 4-3 victory at Anfield on January 14, but they were brought back down to earth by Swansea on Monday.

Alfie Mawson's first-half strike proved the difference, with a "frustrated" Klopp unhappy with the application of his players at the Liberty Stadium.

"Last weekend [against City] feels like it was half a year ago, it's not what I'm interested in," he told Sky Sports."We're frustrated, I'm frustrated, I'm angry because of what we did today. We have to get the points, we have to learn from it. The boys did better in the last few weeks but that does not help us tonight."We lost the game in the first half. Not only because we conceded the goal - It can happen like this - but because we didn't keep the positions we wanted to be in.

"We wanted to do it differently but it didn't happen on the pitch for us. At half-time we said OK, maybe we can start doing what we wanted to do at the beginning.
"But because of the first-half we weren't that secure or confident in what we were doing."

Liverpool went close to earning a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser when Roberto Firmino's header struck the upright and Mawson stopped Adam Lallana turning home the rebound.

"We had moments where we looked like we could score. The clearest chance we had was in the last second more or less, I don't know how the ball is not in," said Klopp.

"A point would've been OK but not what we wanted, so wouldn't have made the game any better to be honest."We had to play football and we had plenty of opportunities after the restart, but in the end it wasn't good enough."

The result ended Liverpool's 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions and left them fourth in the Premier League.

 

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Swansea City 1 Liverpool 0: Mawson ends Reds' unbeaten run

Alfie Mawson ended Liverpool's 18-match unbeaten run by securing a surprise 1-0 triumph for the Premier League's bottom side Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Monday.

Centre-back Mawson's first-half strike gave Carlos Carvalhal his first league win on home soil since taking over as Swansea boss in December and handed Liverpool their first loss in any competition since they went down 4-1 to Tottenham at Wembley in October.

The Swans remain bottom despite the victory, though they are now just three points adrift of safety, while the Reds were unable to build on an impressive 4-3 triumph over runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City and regain third position from Chelsea, remaining fourth.


Liverpool gave £75million signing Virgil van Dijk a Premier League debut and it was the centre-back's header that eventually fell for Mawson to sweep in the opener in the 40th minute.

Klopp's side had plenty of chances to get on the scoreboard, Sadio Mane firing wide in first-half stoppage time and Mohamed Salah seeing his free-kick tipped over magnificently by the impressive Lukasz Fabianski.

There proved to be no way through for Liverpool, who saw Roberto Firmino hit the post with a header deep into stoppage time - Adam Lallana unable to convert the rebound - as they failed to claim a sixth straight win in all competitions for the first time under Jurgen Klopp.


Carvalhal deployed a three-man defence but a lofted pass from Emre Can – who was wearing the captain's armband – quickly bypassed it in the 10th minute, though Mane's first touch enabled Fabianski to come off his line and smother.

Van Dijk went close with a header before turning creator with a chipped pass in behind for Salah, who lashed a left-footed volley high and off target as it dropped over his shoulder.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain drilled an effort straight at Fabianski and Liverpool were punished for their profligacy five minutes before half-time. Van Dijk was unable to clear a corner sufficiently and, after the ball bounced off Federico Fernandez, Mawson fired just Swansea's second shot of the half into the bottom-left corner.Mane had a chance to equalise in first-half stoppage time but he lost his footing as Salah's cross came in from the left and volleyed wide.

Liverpool found it tough to test Fabianski despite dominating possession after the restart, Salah curling outside the right-hand post before Kyle Naughton's excellent challenge denied Andrew Robertson a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.When Klopp's men did get a shot on target they found Fabianski in fine form, the Poland international leaping to his right and pushing Salah's free-kick behind on the hour.

Lallana and Danny Ings entered the fray for the visitors, in place of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Georginio Wijnaldum, and the former Burnley striker forced Fabianski to make a save low to his left with a cross-goal effort 13 minutes from time.Liverpool piled on the pressure in the closing stages but Can and Salah wasted stoppage-time opportunities before Firmino almost broke Swansea hearts.

The Brazilian had scored five goals in his last three Premier League appearances against Swansea but he was unable to add to his tally as his 94th-minute header came back off the upright and Lallana's follow-up from inside the six-yard box was blocked by Mawson.

 

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Juventus 1 Genoa 0: Douglas Costa goal closes the gap to leaders Napoli

Juventus moved back to within a point of Serie A leaders Napoli as a solitary goal from Douglas Costa proved enough to clinch a nervy 1-0 win over lowly Genoa.

After Napoli overcame Atalanta by the same scoreline on Sunday, Massimiliano Allegri’s side kept pace with their table-topping rivals thanks to Costa's 16th-minute strike.

The Brazilian's burst in behind Genoa's defence allowed him to poke home Mario Mandzukic's perfectly weighted pass from close range and give the Bianconeri a deserved lead.


However, returning to domestic duties following the mid-season break, the hosts struggled to create too many clear-cut chances in a game that saw them once again without the services of injured top-scorer Paulo Dybala.They had to instead rely on a rock-solid defence to retain their advantage through to the final whistle, as a sixth straight clean sheet at the Allianz Stadium secured three precious points in a two-horse race for the title.


Genoa had arrived in Turin on a four-game unbeaten run in the league under Davide Ballardini, the experienced coach having engineered an upturn in fortunes since being appointed for a third spell in charge of the club last November.

They had stunned the champions by taking an early two-goal lead at the start of the season in a game they eventually lost 4-2, but it was Juventus who were quickest out of the blocks in the return fixture.Playing towards a closed Curva Sud, the hosts saw their early dominance rewarded with Costa's opener.

The Brazilian came out on top in a 50-50 challenge with Andrea Bertolacci before spreading the ball out to Mandzukic, who picked out his team-mate's advancing run with a well-weighted pass into the penalty area from the left flank.

Mattia Perin was unable to beat Costa to the ball for the goal, yet Genoa's goalkeeper was alert enough to stop two attempts from Miralem Pjanic increasing Juventus' advantage in a one-sided opening half.The game followed a familiar pattern after the break, yet Juventus' superiority failed to lead to a second goal that would have given them breathing space.

Alex Sandro and Pjanic both failed to hit the target with shots from the edge of the area, while Armando Izzo's desperate clearance close to his own line prevented Gonzalo Higuain from converting Stephan Lichtsteiner's driven cross from the right flank.The crucial interception kept Genoa alive, and they understandably sensed an opportunity to pick up an unlikely point as the home crowd became anxious during the closing minutes.



However, despite the tension in the stands, Juventus held firm to record their third triumph of the season over Genoa, having also knocked them out of the Coppa Italia last December.

 

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Chelsea reach agreement with Roma for Dzeko and Emerson


Chelsea and Roma have come to an agreement over the transfer of Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri, Goal understands.

The deal, which will see Roma reportedly land €50 million for the two players plus another €10m in incentives, will be finalized upon the Blues' completion of personal terms with Dzeko.Back-up Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi will not be included in the deal as it currently stands. Batshuayi has reportedly drawn interest from Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund during the January window.

Despite advancing to the Champions League knockout stages and finding themselves within three points of a top-four place in Serie A, Roma are now poised to cash in on two important players.

"Whatever will be will be," Roma director of football Monchi said on Sunday. "I work every day to have players suitable to replace our players, my job is always to strengthen my club."If [Dzeko] leaves Roma, we'll buy another player."

The former Wolfsburg and Manchester City striker has scored nine Serie A goals this season for the capital club, a year removed from a prolific 29-goal, nine-assist campaign in 2016-17. Despite the drop-off compared to last season, Dzeko still leads the club in league goals scored in 2017-18.Emerson played in 24 Serie A games last season, but recovery from a cruciate ligament injury this season has limited him to just a single 15-minute appearance in the league.

However, his likely move to Chelsea looks to have freed up Kenedy for his much-awaited loan to Newcastle United. Antonio Conte previously had stated he would not let Kenedy leave without having adequate cover at the wide positions, but with Emerson set to arrive, a six-month temporary switch to the Magpies can now go through.

A similar stance has been taken with Batshuayi, and Dzeko’s arrival may free him up to move elsewhere this month, even if Roma is not his eventual destination.The 24-year-old Batshuayi has scored two Premier League goals this season in 12 appearances and only three starts for the Blues, though he has added another two goals in four matches in the Champions League.

Batshuayi completed a €39m move to Chelsea in the 2016 summer window, but has only scored seven Premier League goals in his Blues career as he has struggled to become a fixture in Conte's plans, with the manager conceding he may leave this month.

 

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Stoger wants speedy Aubameyang resolution as Arsenal circle


Borussia Dortmund coach Peter Stoger wants Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future to be resolved as soon as possible amid interest from Arsenal, but is unsure whether it will happen "in the next few days".

Dortmund announced at the weekend they had received a bid – believed to be to the tune of €50 million – for Aubameyang from Arsenal, who on Monday announced the arrival of the Gabon international's former team-mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a trade for Alexis Sanchez with Manchester United.

BVB are thought to be holding out for a fee in excess of €60m for the the 28-year-old, who has been dropped for the club's last two Bundesliga games as questions over his future intensify.

Stoger has consistently left the door open for Aubameyang to regain his place in the line-up and the striker was involved in first-team training on Monday.The coach was unable to provide an update on Aubameyang's future, but hopes it will be sorted quickly.

"Of course, we'd like there to be a resolution tomorrow, whatever it was," said Stoger. "Everything that is clarified does everyone good in their lives. But if it takes longer then it will take longer."I cannot say if anything will happen in the next few days."

 

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PSG rule out 'traumatic' injury for Mbappe


Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed Kylian Mbappe suffered no "traumatic injuries" in the 2-1 defeat against Lyon on Sunday, but neither he nor Neymar will feature against Guingamp on Wednesday.

Mbappe clashed heads with Houssem Aouar before being carried off on a stretcher following a heavy collision with Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes prior to half-time.The 19-year-old underwent extensive tests and visited a neurologist, with head coach Unai Emery stating on Tuesday that the attacker wanted to take part in the Coupe de France clash at Stade de Roudourou.

However, despite avoiding a serious injury, Mbappe will not be risked against Guingamp, a match Neymar will also miss with a thigh strain.
"After 48 hours, [Mbappe] is still suffering from bruising. However, additional tests have found no evidence of traumatic injuries," PSG tweeted."[Neymar] did not train today [Tuesday]. He remains sidelined with a right thigh injury."

Mbappe has scored 15 goals in all competitions in 2017-18, his first season with PSG after a summer move from Monaco.

 

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Everton winger Lennon completes Burnley move


Burnley have completed the signing of Everton winger Aaron Lennon for an undisclosed fee.

The Clarets announced the deal on their official website, bringing an end to Lennon's three-year stay at Goodison Park.Lennon, who becomes Burnley's first permanent signing of the transfer window following the arrival of Georges-Kevin N'Koudou on loan from Tottenham, believes he is joining a club on the up.

"The club is moving forward and I want to hopefully play a part in that to keep it going in that direction," he told Clarets Player."I think I've still got a lot to offer. I am only 30 and I still want to play at the highest level.

"I have missed a bit of football in the last year or so and I just want to get back and play as much as possible." Lennon, whose length of contract was not disclosed by Burnley, came through the ranks at Leeds United before moving to Tottenham in June 2005, where he made 364 appearances in a 10-year stay and won the League Cup in 2008.

The 30-year-old, who represented England at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and has 21 caps, added that Everton's former Burnley defender Michael Keane gave the club a glowing endorsement.

"I spoke to Keano a few times. He had nothing but good words to say about the club and he wished me well," he added. "He's a great lad and a top player. I played with him for a little while and he’s a top player who's going to go a long way in the game."

Lennon was already on the periphery of the first-team picture at Everton, and his chances of first-team football were further diminished by the arrival of Theo Walcott from Arsenal.

 

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'I’ve told Lucas to find a new club' – Emery puts Arsenal and Tottenham on alert


Unai Emery has declared that Lucas Moura’s time at Paris Saint-Germain is up.
The Brazil international winger has struggled for game time this season – playing only 79 minutes of competitive football – and has been told by his coach that he is no longer in his plans.

Arsenal and Tottenham will have taken particular not of the Spaniard’s words, as they are both reputedly interested in making a move for him.“I’ve told Lucas that he will no longer have the chance to play with PSG and that he needs to find another club,” Emery told the media.

Even Neymar’s absence due to a thigh issue did not allow the 25-year-old an opening to play during the 2-1 defeat at Lyon on Sunday, and Emery is not convinced the world’s most expensive player will return in time to face Guingamp in Wednesday’s Coupe de France match.“Neymar trained yesterday but at the end of the session he didn't feel good,” Emery explained. “He has a strain. We'll see today's training if he's better, but I don't think he will be ready for tomorrow.”

Emery also offered an update on Kylian Mbappe’s condition after PSG criticised the Spanish press for spreading erroneous rumours about his health prior to the Real Madrid Champions League tie next month.

“Mbappe felt fine yesterday but the doctor asked to make more tests,” the coach revealed of the attacker, who was the victim of a heavy collision with Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. “The player wants to play but we'll see if it's dangerous for him to train today and to play tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, PSG are seeking reinforcements to their squad ahead of the end of the window.Lassana Diarra is expected to arrive at Parc des Princes imminently, but Emery was tight-lipped over that deal.“I talked to sporting director Antero Henrique this morning and he didn't talk about him, only the players who are still here,” he said.

 

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Mkhitaryan's Arsenal shirt number revealed - but he can't wear it in the Europa League!


New Arsenal signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan will wear the No.7 shirt for his new club, the Gunners have revealed.The Armenia international traded Manchester United for the Gunners on Monday, with Alexis Sanchez going the other way, after the 29-year-old successfully obtained appropriate documentation from the visa office in Liverpool.

It was soon announced that Alexis would take up the historic No.7 shirt at Old Trafford, following in the footsteps of such players as Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, before it was confirmed that Mkhitaryan would don the same jersey at the Emirates Stadium.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk star follows the likes of Robert Pires, Kevin Campbell and David Rocastle in wearing the No.7 for the north London club.Mkhitaryan made 11 Premier League starts this season under Jose Mourinho before leaving for Arsenal, failing to establish himself as a regular first choice under the Portuguese during his time at the club.

He made an additional four outings in the Champions League, one in the FA Cup and made a substitute appearance during the club's Carabao Cup game against Bristol City in December. On the whole, though, Mkhitaryan found his playing time limited at Old Trafford and saw an opportunity to revive his career under a manager, in Arsene Wenger, who had previously made his interest public.

"I’m very happy that we could finish this deal and I’m very happy to be here," the attacker told Arsenal's official website upon the completion of the move.

Mkhitaryan has taken Alexis's No.7 shirt at Arsenal but he will not be able to wear that jersey in the Europa League, the Premier League club have confirmed.
That is because the Chilean, who will also wear the No.7 shirt for Manchester United, played for the Gunners in the current Europa League campaign - their 3-1 win over Cologne back in September - wearing that same squad number.UEFA ruling states that if a player has played in the competition, another player is not then able to also appear at a later date with the same number.

Therefore Mkhitaryan must choose an alternative number for the remainder of the club's Europa League campaign this season, with the Gunners stating that it will be "confirmed soon".

 

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'It's a great club, with a great contract!' - Wenger on Alexis's move to Man Utd


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has pointed out Alexis Sanchez's "great contract" at Manchester United when asked about the Chilean's exit from the Gunners.Alexis became the best-paid player in Premier League history when he joined the Red Devils on Monday and Wenger admitted that it was going to be difficult for the 29-year-old to rebuff big-money offers - especially in the latter part of his career.

"Sanchez goes to a great club and has a great contract," Wenger told reporters. "You can understand it when a professional player can combine both aspects.

"He's 29, so it could be his last contract. Financially, it's important."Despite the loss of the player many considered to be Arsenal's star man, Wenger rejected criticism that he has not been at his best this season due to a lack of effort."Sanchez is a great guy and has always been committed," the Frenchman said. “He is a guy who loves football. “When he’s on the football pitch he gives his all."Meanwhile, the other part of that deal saw Armenia international Henrikh Mkhitaryan move in the opposite direction.

United legend Ryan Giggs admitted that the Gunners may yet get the better of that swap, and Wenger seems hopeful the ex-Dortmund playmaker can make a hugely positive impact."Henrikh can bring quality of creativity, technical stability and experience," he said."I believe we lose a world-class player and gain a world-class player.

"Overall I think Mkhitaryan has the qualities to integrate into our game. He has a good team attitude as well. I’m confident it will work."He can play in all kinds of positions. He is very versatile and it should help us going forward."

Alexis could make his United debut on Friday against Yeovil in the FA Cup, while Mkhitaryan will have to wait until the Premier League clash against Swansea next Tuesday for his chance of a first appearance.

 

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'I'm not sure who got the best deal' - Giggs on Sanchez-Mykhitaryan swap

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has admitted that he doesn't know who has got the better of the deal that saw Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan trade clubs on Monday.Chile international Sanchez finalised his move to Old Trafford on Monday in a swap deal that sees Mkhitaryan join Arsenal.

Although the Wales boss believes Alexis is "a ready-made superstar", he has warned that the Armenia international could prove a valuable weapon for the Gunners.

"Maybe it will work out for him at Arsenal and he'll set the place on fire, so I'm not sure who has got the best part of the deal, but Sanchez has scored and assisted more goals in the Premier League," Giggs told Sky Sports."I think as well as every United fan I was excited to see Henrikh Mkhitaryan join the club and he looked on the outset like a United player, scoring and creating goals.

"I played with Juan Sebastian Veron, who was one of the most talented players on the planet, but sometimes it happens where it doesn't work out, maybe because of injuries or maybe being played out of position."

With regards Alexis, questions have been asked about where the 29-year-old, who is reportedly set to earn in the region of £350,000 a week, will play in Jose Mourinho's side, with competition in attacking areas coming from Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata.

But United great Giggs believes Sanchez's versatility will alleviate any such concerns and expects the arrival of the former Barcelona star to force his new team-mates to step up their efforts.

"Manchester United signing Alexis Sanchez is similar to Robin van Persie [in 2012] in the sense that they're getting a ready-made superstar and you're seeing the contribution already with Anthony Martial upping his performances," Giggs said.

"That can happen when top players come in, those around them lift their levels, and there will be some difficult selection decisions for Jose Mourinho."It is an extra bonus that he can play in the Champions League. To have somebody like that, who won't be fazed by playing in the big games, makes the squad look really strong.

The defence is obviously doing really well as well, with Ashley Young back, Luke Shaw fit and Chris Smalling and Phil Jones really solid, so I don't think they need to do any more business this month."

 

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Wenger confirms Arsenal interest in Aubameyang but says deal isn't close


Arsene Wenger has effectively confirmed Arsenal are interested in signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but claimed that any possible deal is not close to completion.

Goal revealed on Sunday that the Gunners' transfer chiefs Ivan Gazidis, Sven Mislintat and Huss Fahmy were in Germany to open formal negotiations with Dortmund over a transfer.No resolution was reached on the day although Goal understands that the player has agreed personal terms over a move to Emirates Stadium.

Wenger's side completed the signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan on Monday, with Alexis Sanchez heading in the opposite direction, and it appears the north Londoners' January business isn't about to stop there.

Any deal taking Aubameyang to Arsenal could see Olivier Giroud move to the Bundesliga club as part of the transfer and, while Wenger refused to go into specific details, he did effectively confirm he wanted the Gabon international.

The Frenchman told reporters: "We are not close to a deal for Aubameyang with Dortmund or anybody else. "He is one of our possible movements but there are others."Arsenal lodged their first formal offer for the 28-year-old forward on Saturday, with reports suggesting that Dortmund value Aubameyang at £53 million.

There are, however, no plans to bring in Bordeaux winger Malcom in January, with the Gunners having pulled out of the race to sign the Brazilian, at least until the summer months.Wenger was also asked about potential outgoings at Emirates Stadium, and insisted Danny Welbeck, who has been linked with Besiktas, will not be leaving the club.

When asked if he would be loaning out the England forward, he added: "I want Danny to stay here."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal lata loku aduwak wena ekak naha Sanchez miss una kiyala.Sanchez - Mkhi swap deal eken Mkhitaryan set una + Auba wa ganna puluwan unoth attacking thawath hodai

Auba,Laca,Giroud,Welbeck​

 

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Hernandez open to West Ham exit after Besiktas links


Javier Hernandez is ready to leave West Ham in the January transfer window, his agent has said.

The Mexico international has scored five goals in 18 Premier League appearances this season but has started only once in the top flight since David Moyes took charge in November.

The Hammers are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for the 29-year-old this month and his representative, Eduardo Hernandez, says a number of clubs have already expressed their interest.

"There are several clubs interested in his services. He's a player everyone knows," he told Fox Sports."Our primary focus is a club in which he can play the most games possible. That's the most important thing.

"Javier has asked personally for it. He's commented, stated and demanded that we look for a club that really needs a player with his characteristics because what he wants is to play and play and play."

It has been suggested West Ham could look to hold on to Hernandez due to injuries to Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini.The former Manchester United man came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth last Saturday.

 

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PSG announce signing of Lassana Diarra

Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of former Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.The 32-year-old French international was available on a free transfer and has signed a deal which ties him to PSG until the end of the 2018-19 season.

Diarra has been a free agent since leaving Al Jazira last month and boosts the midfield options of the Ligue 1 leaders, although PSG coach Unai Emery previously indicated he would not be looking to make signings during the January transfer window.

The Spaniard namechecked 21-year-old Argentine Giovani Lo Celso as a possible solution to the club's defensive midfield issues earlier this month, while playing down a move for Diarra.

But Diarra completed his return to Ligue 1 on Tuesday, signing a 18-month deal.
Diarra, who last featured for France in 2016, could make his PSG debut against Guingamp on Wednesday in the Coupe de France.

"I am very happy to have signed for my hometown club," Diarra told PSG's official website. "Paris Saint-Germain represents a lot to me and, with the international dimension the club has taken in recent seasons, it is every player's dream to play here.

"I am lucky enough to make this dream come true, to know what it feels like to play at the Parc des Princes wearing the Rouge et Bleu. I intend to do everything I can, bring all my experience and show all my desire to play, to prove that the club has made the right choice in showing its confidence in me."

"We are delighted to welcome Lassana Diarra, a quality footballer, to Paris Saint-Germain," PSG CEO and chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said. "His vast experience, both of foreign leagues and the international football with the France national team, gives our coaching staff another option as we enter a very exciting second half of the season.

"I know that Lassana is very ambitious, like everyone here. Our fans at the Parc des Princes really love players that hail from the Paris region. I know they will give him a warm welcome and the strength to help our team reach its objectives."Diarra's career began in Ligue 1 with Le Havre, but was soon on the move to England, where he had stints with Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth before a move to Real Madrid in 2009, where he featured until 2012.

After stints with Anzhi Makhachkala and Lokomotiv Moscow, he returned to Ligue 1 with Marseille in 2015 and remained with the club until his release in 2017. He last featured at Al Jazira, where he played until his departure in December.

 

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Man City to trigger €65m clause as Laporte decides to leave Athletic


Aymeric Laporte has decided to leave Athletic Club and join Manchester City this month, Goal understands.

Goal reported on Tuesday morning that City intend to sign the 23-year-old centre-back in January by triggering his €65 million release clause.It can now be revealed that Laporte has agreed a deal in principle to join City and has informed Athletic of his decision to leave before the end of the winter transfer window.

Further developments are expected on Wednesday and it is believed that the transfer will develop quickly now that the France international has informed his boyhood club that it is his desire to join City.

He had reached the same conclusion in the summer of 2016 but eventually pulled out of the deal at the last moment, a move which angered the Blues.That anger has subsided over the past 18 months and the club are now satisfied that he is committed enough to a move to the Etihad Stadium to pursue him once again.

It is believed Athletic will not negotiate any fee lower than Laporte's buy-out clause, and City are willing to pay that amount in the coming days.The Blues also want to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred this month and are in negotiations with the Ukrainian side.

 

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Chelsea couldn't compete with Manchester clubs over Alexis - Conte


Antonio Conte admitted that Chelsea are no longer among the world's richest clubs after losing out to the Manchester clubs for Alexis Sanchez in the January transfer window.

Goal understands that Chelsea did try to sign Sanchez in the summer but dropped their interest ahead of the January transfer window, despite reports on the contrary after Manchester City gave United a free run to bring him in by dropping out fo the race.

Sanchez now earns more than double Chelsea's highest paid player Eden Hazard with his £500,000-a-week salary, far above Hazard's current £220,000-a-week contract.

Manchester United's financial might currently far exceeds Chelsea's, while Manchester City are seeing on pitch success with Pep Guardiola at the helm and have outspent Chelsea every year since 2012-13. Conte wanted to make it clear that Chelsea have to find a cheaper way to win trophies at the moment.

“What happened three years, 10 years or eight years ago was totally different," Conte told reporters at Cobham Training Centre. "Now I think that we have to fight. We have to fight with our work. I think last season we won the league and finished with £50m [profit, helped by player sales]. No one says this.

"We won the league and reached the FA Cup final, and we finished with a profit of £50m in the transfer market. In the past, this had never happened. For this reason, the situation changed. When the situation changes, you have to fight to try to give all of yourself for Chelsea."Now, for sure, United and Manchester City stay there, stay there [at the top, financially]. The first thing is I trust in my work. And I think that, if I stay here, for this reason, it'll be because the club trusts in my work. And not only the money.

"You can do two types of football: only with money and you pay a lot of money and take the best players; the other way is to try and put a bit of money in and then hard work. We are in the middle. We are working and trying to do our best during the transfer market.“Last season I think we did a fantastic job and did a little miracle. I repeat, this season is showing this. For me, this is already a good season. Because we are doing 120 per cent.

"I'm doing a fantastic job, the same as my players. It's not important if you reach the final or win a trophy or win the league. The most important thing is to see if the coach and players are working very hard and very well. This, for me, is a successful season.“I think, for sure, in this moment there are two teams in this league who are 'top'.They stay there. The others have to fight. To fight for a place in the Champions League.”

Chelsea have roughly broken even in their past three transfer windows after announcing at the start of the month that they made a £69.2m profit on player trading ahead of last summer's transfer window.The club are now looking to spend around £50 million before the end of the current winter market with Roma pair Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri lined up.

However, some fans have complained about their club not being in the running for Sanchez, who was unveiled by United in a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Conte says that Chelsea weren't able to battle it out over financial terms with the clubs in Manchester and opted to stay away, despite his admiration for him.

“We never were in this race. Ever. Especially because, I repeat, one of the reasons was this amount of salary. I think, as you know very well, you go in the transfer market you have to know that, if you want the best, you have to spend a lot of money.

"Otherwise you have to go in the middle and spend £20-30m. If you want to reach the best targets, you must be prepared to spend a lot of money. This is the truth. Sometimes I'm surprised with this kind of question because I don't understand why sometimes someone doesn't want to see the truth. See the reality.

"This is the market. This is the market. It's normal that, if you want to buy Neymar, you must be ready to give him €25m. If you want to buy [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, now Sanchez the same, you must be ready to pay his salary.It depends upon the targets, the players you want to buy.

"Now, it's not negative. It's the truth. If you have money you can spend it and have the best players. Otherwise you find other ways to stand up and fight. I must be honest, if a player earns a lot of money, it's because he is the best.

"Ronaldo scores 50 goals every season, Messi scores 50 goals every season, Neymar does the same. Every player has to understand his level. Not say: 'Hold on, he takes €30m.' Yes, because he scores 50 goals. If you score 10 or 15 goals, you're in the middle. Stop.

"But it's the same for the coach. If you don't win or never win the league, or a trophy, you can say you are the best. But the best win. If you win, ask. If you don't win, don't ask [for a pay rise].

“It's the same now as the Sanchez buy. Now I think Manchester United and Manchester City stay at the top. We have to try and build something important to create a base, and then make success with our work. Not with money. With work.

"For sure United have paid it. But I don't know [about] the other teams. But, I repeat, the most important thing is we're not worried. If you trust in your work and have the patience, and you can understand the right moment, you can improve through work to try and fight these big teams.

“I think we have to do a big work, and we need to improve with this team. To improve the squad. To create this basis. Don't forget, in the last couple of years, we lost a lot of old players who wrote the history of this club. There is... I don't like this word, 'transition', but sometimes you have to stop yourself and see the truth.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sevilla 3 Atletico Madrid 1 (5-2 agg): Griezmann stunner not enough for semi spot

Sevilla advanced to the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 3-1 second-leg victory over Atletico Madrid at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Tuesday, despite a stunning goal from Antoine Griezmann.

Griezmann fired in a beautiful 25-yard strike after Sergio Escudero opened the scoring in Andalusia, but Ever Banega's second-half penalty following Saul Niguez's foul on Joaquin Correa and Pablo Sarabia's goal completed a 5-2 aggregate win.

Escudero netted after just 24 seconds – the quickest goal scored against Atletico in any competition under Diego Simeone – but Griezmann's exquisite effort got the visitors back on level terms on the day.




One more goal for Atletico would have forced extra time, but those hopes were wiped out when Saul clattered into Joaquin Correa – scorer of an 88th-minute winner in the first leg – and Banega coolly beat Miguel Angel Moya from the spot.

The match became increasingly heated and Simeone used all three of his substitutes by the 64th minute as he attempted to engineer a comeback, but Sarabia punished them on the counter-attack to put the match to bed.


Simeone was sent to the stands in the aftermath of the goal and will now focus on ending his side's three-match winless run against LaLiga's second-bottom side Las Palmas on Sunday.

An incredible start saw Sevilla take the lead in the opening minute, Escudero getting in front of Sime Vrsaljko to volley Sarabia's right-wing cross into the bottom-left corner.

Atletico responded by forcing a corner from which Jose Gimenez headed straight at Sergio Rico, but the Sevilla goalkeeper could do nothing to keep out Griezmann's equaliser.France international Griezmann generated sensational power and dip as he fired a bouncing ball over Rico from 25 yards after Kevin Gameiro's knockdown.

Sevilla proved susceptible to Atletico's direct attacking, Angel Correa firing off target rather than squaring for Gameiro following a brilliant throughball from Koke.

Franco Vazquez spurned a glorious chance to restore the hosts' lead when he headed wide before half-time, but Saul's foul on Joaquin Correa enabled Banega to slot home from the penalty spot within three minutes of the restart.Angel Correa would have levelled it had Rico not got a strong arm in the way of his shot after Saul found him alone on the right side of the box.



Tempers began to flare and Gabi and Vazquez were booked for a clash in midfield, while Angel Correa saw yellow for a late challenge on Escudero before making way for Yannick Carrasco on the hour mark.Simeone had already replaced Gabi with Fernando Torres and his third substitution sent Thomas Partey into the fray at the expense of Gimenez, but their aspirations of a comeback were dashed 11 minutes from time.

Vazquez released Sarabia and the winger showed great composure to guide a left-footed effort beyond the idle Moya and into the bottom-left corner, completing a rousing win for Vincenzo Montella's men.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bristol City 2 Manchester City 3 (3-5 agg): Guardiola through to first English final

Manchester City reached their first final under Pep Guardiola after beating Bristol City 3-2 in the second leg of the EFL Cup last-four meeting on Tuesday.Guardiola went trophy-less in his first season in charge, having amassed 21 from his spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

But the first silverware of a possible quadruple is now within his grasp after his side extinguished any hope the Championship club had of springing a surprise after Guardiola's men won the first leg 2-1.There was a stroke of fortune about the opening goal as Leroy Sane's 43rd-minute strike was deflected in, the hosts punished for some overly casual defending.

Yet there was nothing lucky about the second goal as Sergio Aguero, scorer of a hat-trick against Newcastle United at the weekend and first-leg matchwinner, fired home from a magnificent Kevin De Bruyne pass.Marlon Pack pulled one back for Lee Johnson's men, who knocked out Manchester United in the previous round, and appeared set to claim a draw on the night when Aden Flint levelled in stoppage time.

But De Bruyne, having received a new contract to keep him at the Etihad Stadium on Monday, quickly restored the lead, setting up a final with Chelsea or Arsenal at Wembley on February 25.


The visitors were in control from the start and almost took the lead in fortuitous fashion as Aguero's cross from the left-hand side of the box clipped the crossbar.

John Stones then headed wide and Oleksandr Zinchenko missed the target with an errant long-range drive before Luke Steele was finally forced into action to deny David Silva with a strong save down low to his left after the Spaniard exchanged passes with Sane.De Bruyne dragged wide and Bernardo Silva cut in from the right to force Steele into further action before the break.

But just as looked as if the promotion hopefuls would reach the interval on level terms, they were undone by a disappointing piece of defending as Hordur Magnusson was dispossessed by Bernardo Silva as he attempted to shepherd the ball behind, with the Portuguese then finding Sane, whose effort was inadvertently turned into the net by Flint.

And the tie was put to bed in fine fashion four minutes into the second half.David Silva and Sane combined to start a counter that was finished off as De Bruyne artfully turned and switched the play with a pinpoint cross-field pass for Aguero, who took it in stride and rifled across Steele and into the bottom-left corner.

De Bruyne would have made it 3-0 three minutes later if not for the impressive reflexes of Steele, but the scoreline was made to look less comfortable in the 64th minute when Pack rose magnificently and powered an excellent header back across goal and beyond the dive of Claudio Bravo.

Hope of a miraculous turnaround was bolstered when Flint stabbed home from Bobby Reid's header in the fourth minute of added time, but it came too late and De Bruyne restored order in the dying embers as the tapped in following good work down from the left from Sane.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Conte: Batshuayi will leave on loan if Chelsea sign a striker


Antonio Conte has publicly admitted that Michy Batshuayi will go on loan in January should Chelsea sign a striker this month.The Blues have been linked with multiple names during the winter window with their prime target being Roma's Edin Dzeko.

Chelsea have also been targeting Emerson Palmieri as they look to add personnel at left-wing back. They are thought to have completed the Emerson deal but are waiting for the Dzeko situation to unfold.

Conte had previously said that he wouldn't allow players to leave unless he signed a replacement and Kenedy was formally announced as a Newcastle United player Tuesday with Emerson likely coming in for his spot. The Chelsea head coach admits that the same situation applies to Batshuayi.

“It's the same as for Kenedy," Conte told reporters at Cobham Training Centre. "If another striker arrives, then Batshuayi will go on loan. I think he wants to have the opportunity to play with regularity. I think this is right.

"If we stay with the same players from the start, it doesn't change. One player goes out, one player comes in. One player comes in, one player goes out. It's part of our job [to move players on]. I think we have to try in every moment to be honest with our players.

"I repeat, I don't know if another striker will arrive for Chelsea. But, in this case, I don't want to send away any player. But a lot of times it's the player saying he prefers to go away to have the possibility to play regularly. Then you have to show you deserve to play every game.”However, Chelsea have started Batshuayi for two consecutive games with Alvaro Morata initially rested and then getting a red card.

The 24-year-old Belgian was praised by Conte after his recent display in the 4-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion but says it doesn't mean he will start again on Wednesday night at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. "I don't know if this is the right time [to play him versus Arsenal]," Conte said. "I think that every player had their chance to play and to show me their value.

"Now I think I have to make the best decision for the team. Every game is different. The quality of your opponent is different. I have to make the best decision to try and exploit my players in the best way. I repeat, our job is not simple, not easy. We have to try to make the best decision every time for the team. And to try to improve our players."Sometimes we are able, sometimes we are not able. But you have to do your best to reach your target.”

Morata is not set to return against Arsenal due to a lingering back injury that has already seen him sit out the Huddersfield Town game in December. The £58 million striker is also out of form with no goals in six games for Chelsea.

Conte was asked whether his back is getting in the way of his main striker reaching his previous high levels of performance. "If you remember, in the past, he stopped himself for a problem in his back. A pain in the back," Conte said. "Now this pain has come back. I hope not serious.Nothing serious. But this is the second game that he stopped. He wasn't available against Brighton because this problem was there the day before as well [regardless of his suspension].”

“I don't know but, for sure, he's having this problem now. Now it's with the medical department to try and solve this problem and give him the opportunity to have a training session without pain. But this is the real problem now. Not that he's not scoring or that his confidence is down. For every striker, you can pass this type of moment.

"But the real problem now is he has to overcome this problem in his back. I hope to solve this problem very quickly because we need Alvaro. We need Alvaro's commitment.”
Chelsea have completed one signing in January as they have brought in Ross Barkley on a £15 million deal from Everton. The 24-year-old has yet to make his debut after being ineligible against Norwich and being an unused substitute against Brighton.

Conte won't start Barkley against Arsenal as he eases him back in from a seven month hamstring lay-off that required surgery. He did say that he is ready to use the England international from the bench against Arsenal on Wednesday in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

“He's in the squad. I'm very happy because he's showing he's into our idea of football. It's not easy because he's only been working with us for a week, but now we're going into the idea. For sure he's on the bench. If there's the opportunity and I need to consider him and give him the chance to play, he's ready to play.”