..::Football IV::..

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Higuain undergoes AC Milan medical as Allegri confirms Bonucci & Caldara switch


Leonardo Bonucci is rejoining Juventus from AC Milan and will trade places with Gonzalo Higuain and Mattia Caldara, Massimiliano Allegri confirmed.All three players underwent medical examinations on Thursday morning.

Higuain is set to finalise a one-year loan switch worth an initial €18 million (£16m/$21m), with the Rossoneri able to make the deal permanent with a €36m (£32m/$42m) payment at the end of the season.

As previously revealed by Goal, Caldara and Bonucci are both valued at €35m (£31m/$40.8m) meaning a straight swap will take place between the Serie A rivals.

With Bonucci having spent only a season with Milan, Juve boss Allegri is happy to have a defensive stalwart return to Turin.“Leonardo is back after one year. He is an important player,” the head coach told Sky Sport Italy.“In six months he has not changed at all.

“Caldara is younger and along with [Alessio] Romagnoli and [Daniele] Rugani is part of the best defending trio in Italy. I am sorry but the circumstances forced us to let him go.“As for Higuain, I thank him for these two seasons during which he gave his best.Milan have signed a great striker, for sure.”

Higuain scored 40 Serie A goals for Juve after joining from Napoli in 2016.
Caldara, who officially signed from Atalanta in January 2017, failed to make a competitive appearance having remained on loan at his boyhood club last term.

 

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Man Utd making trouble with Maguire approach – Puel


Leicester City boss Claude Puel has joked that Manchester United were simply “making trouble” as they made an approach for centre-back Harry Maguire.The 25-year-old enjoyed a terrific World Cup campaign with England, who finished fourth in Russia, and was the subject of a bid by the Old Trafford club.

The 2015-16 Premier League champions, however, rejected the approach and with a week left of the transfer window, the Red Devils are assessing other options as they do not want to meet their rivals' £75m ($99m) valuation of the player.

Puel, meanwhile, has laughed off the suggestion that Maguire might have been bound for Jose Mourinho’s side, joking that he felt that United were simply trying to disrupt his team before they meet on Friday, August 10 in the opening round of Premier League fixtures.“I think perhaps United wanted to make trouble before our game,” he told Sky Sports.“It's not the thing to try to make trouble but I think he's a better player for us.

“It's our intent to keep him and just a few days before the start of the season it would not be a good thing for the squad, for confidence and for Leicester Football Club.”Indeed, Puel believes that it is essential that his side do not lose any more of their star performers before the end of the window, having sold Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City for £60m ($78.5m) in July.

“If we keep our best players we can do something interesting,” he said. “We lost Riyad and we know the importance of this player but we cannot lose another important player for this team.”

Maguire and England team-mate Jamie Vardy will only return to training for the Foxes next week after their exploits in Russia, and as a consequence both will be unavailable for the opening match of the season against United.

Puel will take his Leicester side to his former club Lille on Saturday for their final pre-season match of the summer, having seen his men beat Notts County and lose to Udinese – a match sandwiched between draws against Akhisarspor and Valencia.

The Frenchman has completed several big signings over the summer, securing the services of Jonny Evans from WBA, Ricardo Pereira from Porto and James Maddison from Norwich.

 

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Koscielny expects to leave Arsenal


Laurent Koscielny has suggested he is in the final two years of his time at Arsenal, as he could leave when his contract expires.The centre-back joined the Gunners from Lorient eight years ago but will be part of a new chapter at the club as they prepare for their first season under new coach Unai Emery.

Arsenal have already invested in their defence this summer with centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos joining from Borussia Dortmund and right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner being signed from Juventus.

The 32-year-old Koscielny will have to wait before he gets a chance to impress his new manager as the injury he suffered towards the end of last season will likely keep him out of action until the end of 2018.

France international Koscielny still expects to play a role this season, but admits he may be coming to the end of his time in London as his contract enters its final two years."I'm under contract until June 2020. Afterwards? I'm thinking of moving on, but I do not know where," he told Nice-Matin."This is not relevant anyway! I am in England, my family too. Then there will inevitably be a lot of question marks.

"The bottom line is to have health. I learned to relativise because there are so many more serious things in life."Koscielny has made over 320 appearances for Arsenal since joining in 2010, scoring 24 goals in all competitions.

Emery's team begin their Premier League campaign with a home game against reigning champions Manchester City on August 12.

 

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Willian launches legal action over 'forged' letter


Chelsea winger Willian has instructed his lawyers to take legal action over a "forged" letter purporting to authorise a change of agent.

The Brazil international shared the document on Instagram on Thursday with a statement denouncing its authenticity.The letter, which Willian says has been "circulated through the football market", claims to sanction a change in his representation until August 15.

It comes with the 29-year-old at the centre of intense transfer speculation linking him to Real Madrid and Manchester United."I would like to clarify that I never signed such letter, the content of which I completely deny," Willian wrote on Instagram.

"Finally, since there seems to be clear evidence that my signature has been forged, or anyway misused, I hereby inform that my lawyers are already instructed to proceed with all appropriate legal measures before any competent courts or authorities. "I hope I have clarified the matter and any possible misunderstanding."

Willian's future has been a point of speculation for most of the summer, as Barcelona were believed to have made multiple bids for the attacker.
Though that pursuit ended with the La Liga champions signing of Willian's Brazil countryman Malcom from Bordeaux, reports suggest both Manchester United and Real Madrid remain interested in his services.A delay in his arrival to Chelsea from his World Cup holiday prompted speculation that he had been subject to a bid, but Goal understands a passport issue was the cause.

However, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri admitted unhappiness over the situation, and promised talks with the winger in the coming days.

 

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Arturo Vidal moves closer to €20m Barcelona transfer


Arturo Vidal is close to becoming Barcelona's latest arrival in the summer transfer market, with the Blaugrana set to snap up the Bayern Munich star for less than €20 million (£17.8m/$23.2m).

The Catalans have already landed Brazilian pair Arthur, from Gremio, and Malcom, the latter coming despite first agreeing a move to Roma from Bordeaux. Clement Lenglet has also arrived at Camp Nou from Sevilla, while Barca are also bolstered by Rafinha's return after a loan spell with Inter.

And while Inter had reportedly agreed a deal with Bayern's Chile midfielder, Barca could once more jump in to hijack the move.

Goal can confirm that Vidal has been offered to the Blaugrana by his agent, Fernando Felicevich. While Inter and Milan were also offered his services, Barcelona have shown great interest in the star and have come to a preliminary agreement with Felicevich.

The club and agent are now negotiating the specific conditions over the signing of Vidal, who is keen to leave Bayern after three seasons in Germany.Prior to his time with the Bundesliga champions, Vidal spent four years with Juventus after a four-year spell with Bayer Leverkusen. He came to Leverkusen originally via a move from Chilean side Colo-Colo.

At 31, the star is considered one of the world's most potent box-to-box midfielders, a position in which Barca lack cover following the exit of Paulinho.

 

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‘Modric can leave for €750 million’ - Perez slams door on star’s exit


Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has dismissed any real chance of Luka Modric's departure by declaring that any buyer must pay his €750 million (£670m/$870m) release clause.Modric’s star rose to new heights this summer in Russia as he helped lead Croatia to the tournament final, where they ultimately fell 4-2 to France.

However, the 32-year-old performances were enough to earn him the World Cup’s Golden Ball for most outstanding performer, and left a host of admirers in his wake.

One of those admirers were Serie A side Inter, who reportedly hoped Modric was prepared to tell the European champions he was ready for a change.However, Perez appears to have dashed those hopes by sticking an exorbitant price tag on Modric that is sure to chase off any interested team."The only possibility that Modric leaves is by paying €750 million," Perez told reporters.

The midfielder, who remains on vacation following the World Cup until next week, has a contract that runs through June 2020.Perez’s response leaves Inter likely to come away empty-handed from their attempts to land two of the world’s most renown midfielders.

While reports said the Serie A side had agreed a deal with Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal, Goal understands the Chilean midfielder is close to joining Real Madrid’s La Liga rivals Barcelona.

 

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Arsenal need 'miracle' to win Premier League title – Kanu


It would require only a 'miracle' for Arsenal to win the 2018-19 English Premier League title, according to African legend Nwankwo Kanu.

The Gunners are yet to lift the English top-flight title since their triumph in the 2003-04 campaign when they went a whole season without losing a game; a feat the former Nigeria international was part of.Arsenal finished sixth last campaign, in what was Arsene Wenger’s last season at the helm after 22 years.

Following the appointment of Unai Emery in May, the north London club have bolstered their ranks with the addition of Stephan Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno, Sokratis Papostoupolos, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi this summer.

But Kanu expects them to stage a challenge and win a silverware, though a league title looks elusive."We have to give him time to bring his own style and the way he wants to play,” Kanu told SkySports.

"It takes time for the newcomers, the new signings, to adapt but if it happens and they win the league it's a miracle - I wish that would happen."For the new manager it's going to be a very big challenge; the fans want them to perform in the league in his first year, which is always difficult for a new coach.

"Coming into a big club you need a trophy, so if you don't win the league you have to win the others. It's hard but it's what you expect of a coach of that stature and a big club.”Aubameyang has impressed in the Gunners’ fold since his club-record arrival from Borussia Dortmund in January.

The Gabon international scored 10 goals in 13 Premier League appearances last season.And the two-time African Footballer of the Year who turned 42 on Wednesday feels the 29-year-old’s form in front of goal can be crucial for the Gunners’ success next term.

"If he can perform, if it's a good season for him they have a chance to win the league,” he continued."Aubameyang is very, very good. Last season was his first season; now he has adjusted to the Premier League. He's been playing well with the new coach and his team-mates; this season is going to be his season if he works for it."Arsenal begin their 2018-19 season with a game against Manchester City on August 12.

 

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Crystal Palace confirm signing of Max Meyer

Crystal Palace have confirmed the arrival of Schalke youngster Max Meyer, who joins the Premier League team on a three-year deal.

Meyer, 22, became a free agent in the summer after making almost 200 appearances for Schalke. The playmaker had been linked with moves to both Liverpool and Arsenal prior to his contract expiry, but moves from the two giants failed to materialise in the summer.

And Selhurst Park will be his new home from 2018-19 onwards after the Eagles announced the completion of a free transfer.

"Crystal Palace have completed the signing of German international midfielder Max Meyer, who has agreed a three-year deal at Selhurst Park," Palace signalled on the club's official website."The 22-year-old becomes the Eagles' third summer arrival following Vicente Guaita’s capture last month and Cheikhou Kouyate’s switch from West Ham United, and Meyer will wear the number 7 shirt in south London."

Speaking to the official website, Meyer admitted that the Premier League was a big factor in his decision to join the south London club."I feel really good and I'm happy to be here. I can't wait to start training with the team and I hope I'll have a good season," he said.

"I'm proud to be here and I hope I can make the next step in my career. I want to give my best and I think we can have a good season - maybe better than the last."I played at Selhurst Park last season for Schalke and the atmosphere was perfect, and I can't wait to experience the atmosphere for a Premier League game."

Meyer has played four times for Germany, and was a part of the Under-23 team that lost out to Brazil in 2016's Olympic Games gold medal match.

 

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Man Utd turn to Mina with Alderweireld and Maguire too expensive


Manchester United have turned their attention to Yerry Mina after deeming Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire too expensive, Goal understands.

The Red Devils have been looking to upgrade the centre-back position this summer, and identified the Tottenham and Leicester City defenders as their top two options.But, as Goal reported last week, United were put off the chase for Maguire after Leicester demanded a sum in excess of £75 million ($99m) for the 25-year-old.

Spurs are also asking for at least £75m for Alderweireld, a figure United are similarly unwilling to pay.With time and their available funds both presenting issues, Jose Mourinho's side have been forced to look toward the 23-year-old Barcelona defender instead of their preferred duo.

Mina has been offered to United and with the clock ticking ahead of the August 9 transfer deadline, the Colombia international may represent the most realistic option for the Red Devils.Barcelona will demand €40m (£36m/$46m) for Mina, a figure that is more in line with United's budget.

Mourinho has been sufficiently impressed with Mina to make a bid, though the former Palmeiras man quickly fell out of Barcelona's plans after only joining in January. The main difference between Barcelona and United now appears to be a buy-back clause for Mina, with the Blaugrana insisting on including one and United hoping to land the defender with no strings attached.

But it appears the two sides are still close to a deal, and Mina could be making a move to Old Trafford in the coming days.

 

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Willian & Courtois to stick with Chelsea? Sarri only ‘very confident’ on one star turn


Maurizio Sarri is "very confident" Willian will remain at Chelsea and insists there is no problem with the Brazilian after he returned late from his holiday.

Although Chelsea endured a disappointing campaign last term, Willian was regularly a standout performer and was named Players' Player of the Year for a second time by his team-mates.He has been a constant subject of speculation since, however, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United all credited with an interest in him.

Reports even suggested Chelsea were open to selling him given he turns 30 next week, his late return from a post-World Cup holiday doing little to ease the tension.

Sarri made it abundantly clear earlier in the week that he was unimpressed by Willian's late arrival, though after having a discussion with the Brazilian, the air has been cleared and the coach expects his attacker to stay.When asked in Friday's news conference ahead of the Community Shield if he thinks Willian will remain, Sarri said: "Yes, I do. I'm very confident."I spoke yesterday with him about him being late, not his future. It was a very positive conversation and I am very happy about it. There is no Willian problem."

But Sarri seemed less certain about the future of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who reportedly wants out with just a year left on his contract.Courtois is said to be angling for a move to Real Madrid to be closer to his children, who live in the Spanish capital following his spell with Atletico Madrid, but Sarri could not offer supporters much certainty.

"Courtois is the goalkeeper of the club, I don't know in the future," Sarri said. "It depends on the club, and especially on him I think. I hope Courtois will be our goalkeeper."

 

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Guardiola looking for another Jorginho but Man City only want ‘special’ signings


Pep Guardiola admits to still being on the lookout for another midfielder after missing out on Jorginho, but insists Manchester City will only spend again if a “special player” becomes available.

The reigning Premier League champions have been relatively quiet during the summer transfer window, with Riyad Mahrez their only addition to date.He did arrive in a club-record £60 million ($78m) deal, but other additions have proved elusive.

City had been hoping to land Italy international Jorginho from Napoli, but with Chelsea having won that battle Guardiola is now reassessing his options and is prepared to shelve any further recruitment plans.He told reporters, ahead of a Community Shield clash with Chelsea at Wembley, when asked if further arrivals can be expected at the Etihad Stadium: “We will see.“If at the end we decide to bring another in, it will be because he’s a special player for the future, not just to add one more player for the number.

“I’m so satisfied with the squad. Now from Monday we’ll be all together we have to see what we can do to maintain the level of last season.”City will be lining up against Jorginho at Wembley on Sunday, but Guardiola insists he has no regrets at having missed out on a player who could have been a perfect fit for his side.

The Catalan coach said: “Yes, we were close but in the end Jorginho decided to stay with [Maurizio] Sarri. I said before, I want players who want to come here. He didn’t want that.

“Maybe it was a bit late to announce that but if you decide you don’t come, don’t come. Good luck at Chelsea. English football has an exceptional holding midfielder.“The blow would be to come here when he prefers Chelsea. Nobody put a gun to his head and said you have to come.

“We tried, we believed we were so close, we believed it was done, but at the last turn he decided on Chelsea. There is nothing to say. It’s quite similar to Alexis [Sanchez] with United. Nothing to say.”Guardiola added on his chances of finding a suitable alternative before the summer deadline: “Every player has his own abilities, Jorginho is a special player for the way we want to play. But it’s the same, we’ll try to find one.

“There are other players but the transfer window is nearly done and we’ll decide in five or six days and if not we stay with the players we have.”

 

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Sane: Man City closer to winning Champions League


Leroy Sane is confident Manchester City are getting close to winning the Champions League.

Although City set a new Premier League points record, they were knocked out at the quarter-finals of the European competition by Liverpool last term.Riyad Mahrez is the only big-name signing added to Pep Guardiola's team in the close season as they missed out on top target Jorginho, who followed Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea from Napoli.

Still, even more is expected of City heading into the new campaign, and Sane is confident they can impress on the continental stage.“I think step by step we’re getting closer," he told ESPN when asked if the Champions League is their top priority in 208-19."It’s still hard that we couldn’t achieve more than we did last season. Like always this will be our target to be better in this competition.“

But the 22-year-old winger admits his side will find it difficult to improve on such a dominant season which saw them win the Premier League and EFL Cup."It’s really hard because you see the other teams and everyone is trying to get better to win the season," he said. "The big teams and even the smaller teams too.Everyone’s trying to get better and work harder to stop us too and the way we play, our tactics. We have to work hard to get more perfect in some situations."

Sane was left out of the Germany squad by coach Joachim Low for the 2018 World Cup and has returned from the summer break to find more competition for his place at City in the shape of Mahrez.However, he is happy to fight for a starting spot after impressing with 10 goals and 15 assists in the league last season.

"Yes I’m totally happy for [the competition]. I like competition especially because he’s a really good person," he added. "He’s really nice, open, and a really class player. I think everyone’s seen it before in Leicester that’s why I’m really happy that he’s here."

Guardiola's men face Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday before their first Premier League game against Arsenal on August 12.

 

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Morata number swap leaves Chelsea without a No. 9


Alvaro Morata has left Chelsea without a No. 9, with the Spanish striker opting to switch his squad number to 29 for the 2018-19 campaign.

Having moved to Stamford Bridge in a club-record £70 million ($91.9m) deal last summer, the 25-year-old was offered the chance to follow in some illustrious footsteps.Morata happily snapped up a jersey usually offered to leading frontmen, with the Blues expecting big things of a big-money addition.

He was able to contribute 15 goals in his debut campaign, but was more Fernando Torres than Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Morata will be hoping to offer more to the cause in the upcoming season, despite Chelsea’s links to more high-profile additions and uncertainty surrounding his own future, and will take on that challenge free of the pressure No. 9 brings.

Explaining the logic behind his decision to swap numbers, with his wife Alice having given birth to twins on July 29, the Blues new No. 29 told the club’s official website: “It is a day I will never forget, to welcome my twin sons into the world.

“My family is so important to me and I want to honour them and my wife, Alice, when I am on the pitch which is why I have decided to take a different number for the new season and remember this special day by adding the number 2 to my shirt.

“I am sorry to the fans who may have bought a number 9 with my name already, but I hope you understand my tribute and that it will not be a problem and we can make you a new one with the 29.“Thank you for your support and I hope this year there will be lots more to celebrate.”

Chelsea have vowed to offer free exchanges to any supporters who have already purchased a Morata jersey with No. 9 on the back, with all returned shirts will be donated to the Chelsea Foundation.Morata, meanwhile, will get the chance to try and open his account in a new number when last season’s FA Cup winners face reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield.

That contest, which will be held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, will provide both sides with another opportunity to fine tune their plans for the return of competitive action in the English top-flight.

 

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'I'm looking forward to learning from him!' - Guardiola talks Sarri ahead of Man City's Community Shield clash with Chelsea


Manchester City and Chelsea's meeting in the Community Shield brings together two coaches who hold a deep mutual admiration for one another.

Pep Guardiola labelled Maurizio Sarri's Napoli one of the best sides in Europe last season as City shared a pair of thrilling Champions League group matches against the Serie A side, winning 2-1 in Manchester and 4-2 in Naples.

Napoli's swashbuckling attempts to unseat Juventus domestically persuaded Chelsea to make Sarri their sixth Italian boss when Antonio Conte's inevitable departure arrived at the start of pre-season.

The FA Cup holders face Premier League champions City in English football's traditional season curtain-raiser at Wembley on Sunday, but Guardiola and Sarri have already found time to acquaint themselves over a dinner date with ex-Italy boss Arrigo Sacchi during their vacations.

"Arrigo Sacchi invited him and myself and we were together for dinner in Italy," Guardiola told a news conference on Friday. "And Arrigo Sacchi paid the bill!"
It was Guardiola left paying the price when Sarri's arrival at Stamford Bridge proved a factor in Italy international Jorginho choosing to join Chelsea, despite City's own lengthy pursuit of the holding midfielder.Jorginho is expected to line up at England's national stadium this weekend, where City's record signing Riyad Mahrez will be available after shaking off an ankle injury.

"Yes, we were close but in the end Jorginho decided to stay with Maurizio," said Guardiola, who has welcomed all of his World Cup stars back to training, with the exception of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling."I said before, I want players who want to come here. He didn't want to come.Maybe it was a little bit late to announce that [he didn't want to join City] but if you decide you don't come, don't come."Good luck at Chelsea and in English football we are going to discover an exceptional holding midfielder."

The real treat for English football as far as Guardiola is concerned, however, is the presence of Sarri.

Recent friendly matches have convinced the 47-year-old his opposite number has already imprinted his style on the Chelsea squad – meaning a match where the post-World Cup line-ups are set to vary in strength may provide more entertainment than anticipated."I'm happy that a manger of that level is here in the Premier League. I am going to learn a lot to see him every weekend," Guardiola added.

"Being here I feel we are going to improve a lot [because of] his ideas in England.
"I saw the games against Inter and Arsenal and immediately I saw he got it, he did it. The team already in a short time play like he wants."Of course, they need more time to work on everything but the ideas are already there. I think it will be a good game."

 

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Lopetegui 'positive' about Real Madrid as he picks up baton from Zidane


Julen Lopetegui says Real Madrid are on track for the new La Liga season, with his competitive bow against Atletico Madrid approaching fast.

Madrid continue their pre-season preparations against Juventus in the International Champions Cup on Saturday, before facing Roma in the same competition three days later.Lopetegui has been without many of Madrid's World Cup stars during pre-season with the UEFA Super Cup clash against city rivals Atleti set to be played on August 15 in Tallinn.

But the Madrid coach was able to bed in at his new club early after his shock sacking by Spain on the eve of the World Cup and is happy with the progress being made by his squad."It's been positive," Lopetegui told the Madrid website. "We're working very hard as is normal at this time of year, with real intensity and the resulting fatigue.

"We're hitting our goals both physically and tactically, assimilating new concepts and reinforcing elements of our collective game and tactical aspects which we are addressing every day.

"The main aim of pre-season is to get ready for the competitive games and go into those in the best possible fashion on group and individual levels. Players are coming back at different stages and we're trying to make sure they are all preparing in the same way."Madrid went down 2-1 against Premier League side Manchester United in their first ICC game, the maiden match Lopetegui oversaw after succeeding Zinedine Zidane.

"We were pleased the team showed good character despite the different preparation levels," Lopetegui added. "They'd played five games and it was our first."Particularly in the second half, the team showed quality and real personality. We played a good match in general terms and attempted to translate all we've been working on to the pitch."

Madrid have appointed Albert Celades as Lopetegui's assistant, the pair having worked together during their time in charge of Spain."He's a great addition," said Lopetegui. "We're all obviously very pleased."He'll really be able to help us in all our preparatory work and everything we're doing both on and off the pitch.

"We're delighted to have him as part of our coaching staff."

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 4 Monaco 0: Di Maria double sees Tuchel start with silverware

Thomas Tuchel secured his first piece of silverware in charge of Paris Saint-Germain as Angel Di Maria's double helped set an ominous tone for the new season with a 4-0 win over Monaco in the Trophee des Champions.

Di Maria scored once either side of half-time, while Neymar made a 15-minute cameo as the Ligue 1 champions prevailed in the traditional curtain-raiser, played in China, for the sixth successive season.The result also provided a competitive debut victory, a clean sheet and a valuable confidence boost for Gianluigi Buffon, who endured back-to-back defeats in two International Champions Cup appearances last month.




The Italy icon was rarely worked, with his new boss Tuchel afforded the luxury of introducing Neymar for his first PSG appearance since fracturing a metatarsal in February with a three-goal lead already established.Di Maria enjoyed the role of star man in a one-sided first half, netting a superb free-kick in the 33rd minute to open a lead that Christopher Nkunku doubled seven minutes later.

The first of what Tuchel will hope is at least a repeat of the quartet of trophies Unai Emery achieved last term was sealed by Timothy Weah in the 67th minute, before Di Maria added stoppage-time gloss ahead of next Sunday's visit from Caen.


While Neymar returned via the bench, Brazil team-mate Thiago Silva was included from the outset and deflected a Youri Tielemans shot wide in the 13th minute.Diego Benaglio, standing in for Danijel Subasic, soon produced a vital block of his own to deny Di Maria at close range, before the increasingly besieged partnership of Kamil Glik and Jemerson combined for a pair of interceptions.

There was little either defender could do about the opener, though, as Di Maria made full use of a free-kick in a central area, stroking it over the wall and beyond Benaglio from 25 yards.Monaco should have been level two minutes later when Samuel Grandsir escaped into space on the right, but his low cross to the near post was bundled wide by Rony Lopes.

And they were made to pay for the miss five minutes from half-time, as the overlapping Stanley N'Soki got in behind and squared for Nkunku to tap home PSG's second.

Stevan Jovetic drew a comfortable first save from Buffon within two minutes of the restart, although hopes of a Monaco fightback dissipated as Tuchel's men reasserted their dominance.Adrien Rabiot curled a cross just beyond Weah's reach and Di Maria sliced the wrong side of the left post without a tangible response.There were consequently few surprises when 18-year-old Weah, whose Ballon d'Or-winning father George won Ligue 1 with PSG in 1994, got on the end of a clever N'Soki cutback in the 67th minute.

There was still time for Di Maria to strike a further blow ahead of the start of the Ligue 1 campaign, the Argentina international finishing off a Rabiot pass on the counter-attack in the 92nd minute to leave Monaco on a dispiriting low ahead of their trip to Nantes next weekend.

 

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Everton winger Mirallas completes €7.5m Fiorentina move


Everton attacker Kevin Mirallas has completed his move to Fiorentina, both clubs have confirmed.The Serie A outfit will have the option to make a deal permanent for the Belgium international winger should he impress during his time in Florence.

They will pay a reported €500,000 (£445,000, $579,000) - subject to a medical - to take him on loan for the duration of the 2018-19 season, and should they wish to retain his services, he will cost a further €7 million (£6.2m/$8m).

“Fiorentina wish to announce that we have acquired, on a temporary basis with the right to retention, the rights to the sporting performances of footballer Kevin Mirallas from Everton,” a statement from the Italian side read.“Mirallas was born on October 5, 1987 in Liege, Belgium, and will sign a contract that will tie him to Fiorentina for the next four seasons.“The player will be in Florence in the next few days for a medical.”

Having signed for Everton from Olympiacos in 2012, the 30-year-old had rather fallen out of favour last season at Goodison Park, where he made only five Premier League appearances. In January, he was moved on loan back to Olympiacos, where he scored two league goals in 13 outings.

The arrival of Richarlison over the summer has seen him fall further down the pecking order under Marco Silva, and he now looks set to end his time on Merseyside.

Previously, the 60-time capped Belgium international has turned out for Saint-Etienne and Lille in Ligue 1, though it was during his previous two-year spell in Greece that he really flourished, netting 34 times in only 52 outings. His best goalscoring season for Everton saw him find the target eight times in 32 appearances during the 2013-14 campaign.

 

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Chelsea must let Courtois join Real Madrid, says agent


Thibaut Courtois’ representative has urged Chelsea to allow the goalkeeper to join Real Madrid.

The Belgium international shot-stopper holds a desire to move back to Spain, where he spent two years on loan at Atletico Madrid, in order to be closer to his family.Los Blancos have been keen to make a move, but thus far the Blues have refused to budge on their £40 million (€45m/$52m) valuation of the player.

While no deal is in place, manager Maurizio Sarri did not appear confident on Friday that the Stamford Bridge will be able to retain their No.1, while former Belgium coach Graeme Jones says that a move is "definitely" on the cards.

“I have been reading everywhere that Chelsea are saying it is up to Thibaut, but he has made it clear to the club that the best option for him is to move to Madrid,” Christophe Henrotay said, according to The Sun.“For him this is a big decision because he wants to be near his family, and there is an offer in place for Chelsea to accept.”

Some supporters have criticised the 26-year-old as they feel that his desire to move to the Bernabeu is being financially driven, but Henrotay has dismissed those claims out of hand.“We have seen suggestions that it is about money, and it is true he could get an increase with a move.

“But he has turned down a better offer elsewhere because this is more than a financial decision.“Throughout this it has important for everyone to be reasonable, and the buying club has come up with a reasonable offer for a player who has one year left on his contract when they know they could sign him without a fee in 12 months.

“Chelsea could get a fair fee for him now and sign a replacement. Or they would still have to sign a replacement next summer, but without getting a fee for Thibaut.“It is understandable people might be upset because he wants to leave the club, we accept that.

“But this is a human decision based on someone wanting to be close to his children - and that is a reasonable thing too.”With the English transfer window set to shut next Thursday, time is running out for Chelsea to find a replacement should they decide to sell.Meanwhile, Courtois is expected to report back to training on Monday, just five days before Maurizio Sarri’s side begin their Premier League campaign with a fixture against Huddersfield Town.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vidal joins Barcelona from Bayern in €20m switch

Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Arturo Vidal from Bayern Munich on a three-year contract.

The 31-year-old is set to complete his move following a medical over the coming days, in a deal understood to be worth in the region of €20 million (£18m/$23m).
While Inter and Milan were also offered his services, Barcelona have now closed the deal for Chilean star.

"FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Arturo Vidal," read a statement on Barca's official website."The agreement with Arturo Vidal is for the next three seasons and is pending medical review that the player will pass in the coming days.

"FC Barcelona will soon inform of the arrival of the player and the agenda of the presentation."Vidal had reportedly already agreed to return to Serie A with Inter but Goal reported this week that his agent, Fernando Felicevich, offered him to Barca as well.

The Blaugrana swooped to land the Chile international to replace Paulinho, who returned to Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande on loan after a single season at Camp Nou.

Ernesto Valverde signalled his intention to add to his midfield options after the Brazilian's departure, with club great Andres Iniesta having also departed for Asia by signing for Japanese side Vissel Kobe.

Arthur's move from Gremio was fast-tracked and Barca were reportedly interested in signing Adrien Rabiot from Paris Saint-Germain.But they turned to Vidal after being unable to prise the France international away from the Ligue 1 champions.

Injuries restricted Vidal to 17 Bundesliga starts in the 2017-18 season and he was linked with a January move to Chelsea, despite indicating he was willing to extend a Bayern contract that was set to expire at the end of this season."Thanks to Bayern and all the fans. I really enjoyed my time in Munich," Vidal told Bayern's website as his departure was announced. "I would like to thank the club for giving me another chance to take on a new challenge in Barcelona."

He becomes Barca's fourth major signing of the transfer window, following Arthur, Bordeaux winger Malcom and Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet to Catalonia.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sarri eyes new midfield signing before transfer deadline


Maurizio Sarri hopes Chelsea sign at least one midfielder before the transfer window closes, but the coach does not expect the club to be busy ahead of Thursday's deadline.

The former Napoli boss has previously said he isn't interested in the transfer market and is hoping to keep a number of first team stars such as Eden Hazard, Willian and Thibaut Courtois, who were linked with moves away.

Chelsea have only signed Jorginho for their first team so far this summer after securing him for £57m (€65m/$86m) from Napoli on the same day Sarri was unveiled as head coach.

Although the 59-year-old has told the club what type of player he wants, he has no names in mind as the transfer period nears its end.

"I talk with the club about the market but only one or maybe two times, not more. I spoke about positions and characteristics but no names," Sarri told reporters. "So, I don’t know. I think we need something, but maybe only a player."We have very good midfielders, but maybe a midfielder with different characteristics [would be a good fit]."

Sarri has met both Roman Abramovich and the club's director Marina Granovskaia, but his approach to transfers is much more hands off than predecessor Antonio Conte's was.

The Italian's first game in charge of the Blues sees them take on Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, pitting Sarri against the coach he sees as "the best in the world".Sarri hopes to remain at Stamford Bridge for a long time and knows he will have to beat Guardiola's dominant side to silverware if he is to make his goal a reality.

"I want to stay here for 10 years, then I have to win. Then it depends on the club, but I want to stay here for a long time," Sarri said. "It is very difficult in this moment. It is a very difficult match.

"Of course, we can try to reduce the gap in the Premier League with work. My job is to try to improve my players and so we will have to work towards this target, to reduce the gap. Guardiola told me that here in England it is very difficult.

"The level is very high, so he had some problems in his first season but he said that football is football everywhere. I think it is very important to start with a trophy. At this moment of the season it is no more important. It is important also to step forward. For me, clearly, it is important to win something."