Category: Football

Juventus still between Dzeko and Suarez

Juventus are still linked with both Edin Dzeko and Luis Suarez but reports suggest the Bianconeri are none the closer to having a deal with either.

The striker dilemma continues in Turin, with reports from different parts of the Italian media suggesting that Juve are still linked with both players.

Much seems to hinge on Gonzalo Higuain’s future at the club, but by all indications, he is set to terminate his contract this week and then choose a destination of his own choosing, rather than Juve recoup any value from a potential sale.

Juventus transfer journalist Luca Momoli reports that Pipita currently has an offer from David Beckham’s Inter Miami which he is giving serious consideration to.

 

Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di … Read the rest

Arsecast Extra Episode 370 – 31.08.2020

Welcome to another Arsecast Extra, the Arsenal podcast, with myself and James from @gunnerblog.

On this week’s show we look back on our Community Shield win over Liverpool, the latest ‘big game’ win for Mikel Arteta’s side. We chat about the team selection, highlight some good individual performances and look at some of the positive aspects of the team’s play, before we round out part one with player ratings. After that we answer listener questions about the futures of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Emi Martinez who were so impressive at Wembley, as well as Matteo Guendouzi, the prospect of Lionel Messi playing in the Premier League, hopes for the upcoming season, and lots more besides.

Remember, you can send us questions via which we’ll try and get to each week. Send them to either @arseblog or @Gunnerblog (or both) using the hashtag #arsecastextra. Best to send them Monday morning so … Read the rest

Man United target turned down clubs to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ajax star Donny van de Beek’s father has spoken out on his son’s expected transfer to Manchester United, insisting it’s “a dream come true”.

The versatile midfielder is yet to be announced officially at the time of writing but it’s understood the transfer fee was agreed, the medical went well and the personal terms were agreed.

Fans have been waiting patiently to hear from United directly over the move but no one is concerned that it will no longer happen.

Van de Beek is recognised as a brilliant signing and supporters are excited to see him play and it’s understood the feeling is mutual.

The fee is said to be at €40m with €5m more in bonuses, making it a smart move and a financially responsible one.

According to Metro, Andre van de Beek said: “This is a dream come true. Our local village is very proud.

“It’s the … Read the rest

Liverpool could get significant financial boost as Leeds register interest in former player – report

Liverpool could be about to get a considerable windfall as Premier League newcomers Leeds United have reportedly registered their interest in Luis Alberto.

The Spaniard left Merseyside a number of years ago to sign for Serie A outfit Lazio, and the attacking midfielder has gone from strength to strength ever since.

According to Il Messaggero, as cited by the Liverpool Chronicle, Leeds have made an enquiry about the 27-year-old former Red.

The reason the Premier League champions could be in line to benefit from this is the 30{3851c0879557ceb6c70cddb6630c7df9a9750acfd53fffec21979e603af26faa} sell-on clause inserted into the deal which took Alberto to Italy.

MORE: Barcelona have ‘free hand’ to sign Wijnaldum once Thiago joins Liverpool – report

According to the Liverpool Echo, Michael Edwards believed the player signed for £6.8million had real potential and made sure the Reds didn’t lose out.

Before fans get too excited over this rumour, though – … Read the rest

One out, one in: Liverpool linked with reshuffle to land £27m transfer target

Liverpool could reportedly look to sell Georginio Wijnaldum in order to make space and raise funds to land Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara.

The Merseyside giants will be hoping to build on their success over the past two years and continue to win major trophies under Jurgen Klopp.

SEE MORE: Liverpool transfer news: Reds ready to pay star’s £40m asking price, Thiago Alcantara ultimatum, LFC duo pleased with Barcelona links

A Champions League triumph was followed by a Premier League title last season, and with a world-class squad already at his disposal, Klopp will no doubt hope that he can continue to improve it where possible in order to sustain their level of recent success.

According to The Sun, that could come through an initial sale, with Wijnaldum potentially being sold to Barcelona in order to help raise the funds needed to swoop for Thiago.

However, it’s added that talks … Read the rest

Juventus Mercato Mutterings

I seem to have developed a sporadic case of hysteria. With any serious rumours of tactics and transfers sending me quickly towards wild joy or plummeting deep into a well of woe. Its taking some effort to strike the middle ground! Which I think it due to the fairytale I have created of Il Maestro and this sensation of a magical new adventure contrasted by the still potent cynicism born of the last 2-3 years of enduring our steady decline.

The transfer window is not yet fully open, and its likely we will have to wait to sell players or reach agreement on mutual termination, before any major incoming moves will be made public or pushed over the line. Which is a fine and logical strategy, for if clubs know we are even more desperate to sell, potential savings and income will fall. I am hopeful this is the case … Read the rest

Community Shield Champions! Some thoughts and observations

Morning all, some  Community Shield thoughts for you this morning, after our penalty shoot-out win over Liverpool yesterday.

First, it’s obviously really nice to win. My interest in this game beforehand was peripheral. I felt it was almost too soon to be playing a fixture like this, and I was worried that we’d struggle physically given how short the break from the end of the previous season was. Once it starts though, it’s Arsenal playing the Mugsmashers and it’s impossible not to get into it.

Especially when you score a goal as good as the one we did after 12 minutes.

One of the most obvious things about the way we played yesterday was the way we tried to keep possession, regardless of the pressure we were under and how much … Read the rest

Here we go: Romano confirms what every Man United fan wanted to hear

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Manchester United have signed Ajax’s Donny van de Beek with his signature catchphrase- “here we go!”.

The reliable journalist never uses it without being sure of any potential deals and so far has the best success rate out there.

United’s interest in Van de Beek escalated quickly and publicly it seems it was wrapped up in a short space of time.

However, reports have claimed negotiations have been going on for weeks and that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have held interest since January.

Either way, it seems Van de Beek will be the Red Devils’ first signing of the summer and fans can be happy there’s finally some action.

… Read the rest

Liverpool could be forced into action as journalist provides update on Thiago

Liverpool could be forced to finally act on their apparent interest in Bayern Munich star Thiago Alcantara, with Manchester United said to be lurking.

Fredrik Filtvedt, a journalist from Norway, tweeted an update on the Mancs’ pursuit of Donny van de Beek, and signed it off with a link to Thiago.

United are said to be interested in the Spain international in addition to the Ajax star, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seemingly wanting to revamp his midfield.

Now, we’re not going to pretend we know anything about Filtvedt or his credibility, but our friend Jan Aage Fjortoft seemingly knows a bit about him.

MORE: (Video) New Liverpool signing scores on debut with determined finish in 5-0 rout

In the following tweet, Fjortoft throws his weight … Read the rest

Medical set: Star will have medical with Man United next week ahead of transfer worth €40m +

The transfer market is so warped that you can never truly tell what represents value anymore, but this actually looks like it could be a cracking bit of business for Man United.

Donny van de Beek has been the driving force in Ajax’s midfield for a couple of years now and he looks like he has the quality to improve the Man United midfield.

He’s at his best in a box-to-box role and it will be interesting to see if anyone has to leave as a result, but his move to Man United now appears to be inevitable after their offer was formally accepted and the medical has been arranged:

… Read the rest