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Showing posts with the label International news

Arsenal transfer talk

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Arsenal has made 5 signings already this summer but it looks like Unai Emery still has some more cards to pull out. We take a look at some of the rumours surrounding Arsenal's transfer season.  Andres Gomes  Arsenal is reportedly interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes. Gomes is believed to be surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou after failing to impress since his 2016 move to the Catalan giants from Valencia. He is attracting interest from Italy but Arsenal are understood to hold an interest in him too.  Petr Cech still number 1?  According to David Seaman,Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech's vast experience will help him remain the club's first choice despite the arrival of Bernd Leno.  Leno arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last week, where he made 230 appearances across seven Bundesliga seasons, and has been tipped for big things at the Emirates by his old team-mates.However, former Arsenal goalkeeper Seaman believes Leno will face fierce...

World Cup Review: France

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France took home their second World Cup trophy after beating Croatia in the final 4-2 to cap a memorable tournament.   Preferred Starting XI   Strengths There are strengths throughout this excellent football team but the word 'balance' really sums them up. Skipper Hugo Lloris is 31, while PSG superstar Kylian Mbappé is 19, but there are experienced players sprinkled all along the gap between them, notably versatile striker/playmaker and 27-year-old Atlético Madrid man Antoine Griezmann. The side has youthful exuberance and experience all bundled into one, with 25-year-old Raphael Varane already a four-time Champions League winner. All of their pedigree, experience and youthful exuberance has combined into a winning formula.  Weaknesses  22-year-old left back Lucas Hernandez was a reliable performer all tournament for Les Bleus so to isolate him as a 'weakness' in the French side seems to be clutching at straws. Such was the strength of this co...

Naby Keita honoured to wear Gerrard's number 8 jersey at Anfield

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Liverpool's new midfield man Naby Keita idolised Steven Gerrard as a kid playing in the streets of Guinea.  Keita will wear Gerrard's No. 8 this season after joining the club from RB Leipzig for £54 million. The 23-year-old was even accompanied by Gerrard at his Liverpool unveiling.  Keita said: "[My father] has spoken to me loads since I signed for Liverpool about how much he loved them. As a kid, we used to play wearing a Liverpool shirt in the streets. He had that love of Liverpool then. "Because I'm a midfielder and Gerrard was always the boss of the side, it couldn't be anyone else other than Steven Gerrard -- that's who you'd be when you were playing, wanting to be like him."  Keita called the presentation by Gerrard a "shock" but promised he won't let the weight of the No. 8 bring him down.  "It was a big shock. Steven said: 'Everyone's going to be here for you, to help you develop."

PSG midfielder would be a great addiction to Barca, says legend

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Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has said that Paris Saint Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot would be a great addition to his former side .  According to reports, Barcelona officials had met with Rabiot to agree on personal terms ahead of his proposed move to Camp Nou. The French Ligue 1 side is said to be prepared to allow the midfielder to leave for a fee in the region of €40million. And Xavi thinks the France international would make a shrewd signing but is wary of talking up prospective deals, having seeing Antoine Griezmann decide to stay at Atletico Madrid despite being linked with a switch to Camp Nou.  "He's a player of an excellent level technically. He could play perfectly as a central midfielder at Barca. He could contribute a lot, but that's already entering the realms of speculation," said Xavi.  "I've been asked a lot about Griezmann this summer and, in the end, he stayed at Atletico. But if Rabiot comes, he'd be a great signing." ...

Sane urged to use World Cup snub as motivation

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Pep Guardiola has urged Leroy Sane to use World Cup snub as a source of motivation.  Sane was not picked by Joachim Low for Germany's World Cup defending title campaign and now his club manager wants him to shift focus and impress in the upcoming season. The German youngster won the PFA Young Player of the Season award, netting 10 goals and providing 15 assists in the Premier League last term.  ''He has the chance to show the national team from Germany and first of all us, he has another season to show his quality. He's so young and in two years it is another European Championships and then in four years another World Cup. I think it's the past now. The national trainer decided what's the best for the national team." Guardiola said.

Teammate hints at Golovin move to Chelsea

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Sergey Chepchugov a teammate of Aleksandr Golovin has hinted that the Russian international could be on his way to Chelsea on his social media account.  If the post from Sergey is anything to go back, Golovin's move looks on the cards. Golovin has been linked with a move to Chelsea after he impressed for the hosts during the World Cup tournament.  The 22-year-old has been widely tipped to join Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea, who have already moved to strengthen their midfield options with the signing of Jorginho from Napoli. It appears Golovin's switch to Stamford Bridge is on the cards, with Chepchugov having wished his team-mate good luck at his next club in an Instagram post.  The goalkeeper congratulated Golovin on joining Chelsea and wished him a "great career".  Time will tell if Chepchugov's post proves accurate, with Golovin also said to be interested in joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, while Monaco i...

Guardiola happy with new signing despite loss

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Despite losing 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund on Friday night, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said there were plenty of positives to take from his side's International Cup defeat.  The Premier League champions started their pre-season with a loss to German side on Friday. Club-record signing Riyad Mahrez made his City debut in the absence of stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Bernardo Silva, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus. Mahrez – a £60million signing from Leicester City – showed glimpses of his quality for the Premier League champions, almost equalising via a free-kick on the stroke of half-time after Dortmund's Mario Gotze converted a 28th-minute penalty.  "Of course, we prefer to win the game but we know what is going to happen in pre-season," Guardiola told reporters. "We had just one week or ten days together – most of the team played together for the first time.  "It was really good for their futures b...

Transfer Rumour Roundup: Willian, Zaha & Hazard

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Here's a quick roundup of today's transfer rumours and our Futaa Score rating how likely they are to be true! Sky Sources have reported that Barcelona has made a third bid to sign Willian from Chelsea, with an offer in excess of £55m. European champions Real Madrid are planning a £112m offer for Chelsea and Belgium superstar Eden Hazard. Cesc Fabregas says he is "speaking to Eden Hazard often" to try to keep his teammate out of Real Madrid's hands amid widespread reports that the Belgian is leaving Stamford Bridge.  Wilfried Zaha apparently wants to leave Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old Ivorian winger is valued by Palace at £70m Everton and Borussia Dortmund are reported to be interested.

Pep Guardiola wants quick resolution to Joe Hart situation

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wants to "find a solution" for Joe Hart so the formerEngland keeper does not have to sit out his last year at the club on the bench.  Hart is back at the club after loan spells at Torino and West Ham. He remains third choice behind Ederson and Claudio Bravo, and regular game time looks extremely unlikely.  "Joe is our player. I know it is not easy for him," said Guardiola.  Hart, who has been capped 75 times by England, has attracted interest but only from clubs overseas and maybe another move abroad is the best way to rekindle his career, but it probably won't help his cause when aiming to get into England's squad again.  The British transfer window will shit in 3 weeks but players moving abroad can seal moves up until 31 August. Crucially, that may sway Guardiola's decision.  "We will try and find a solution," said Guardiola, who added that he is prepared for Hart to "stay here" ...

I will always carry Roma in my heart, says Liverpool signing Alisson

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New Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson paid tribute to his former club Roma after securing a world-record transfer to the Premier League, adamant the Serie A side will always hold a special place in his heart.   Alisson had long been linked with a move away from Roma after enjoying a fine season in 2017-18, playing a big role in the side which reached the Champions League semi-finals, before being eliminated by the Reds.  Roma confirmed on Thursday that the Brazil international stands to earn the Giallorossi up to €72.5million, making him the most expensive goalkeeper of all time.  And while the deal was difficult for any party to turn down, Alisson was keen to make Roma fans aware of his affection for the club and city.  "At Roma I enjoyed two beautiful seasons; different, intense, but in the end full of achievements," Alisson wrote on his official Twitter account. Thankful   "We are heading in different directions, but I want to thank everyo...

BREAKING: AC Milan's Europa ban overturned

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AC Milan's ban from the 2018-19 Europa League for breaching Financial Fair Play and licensing regulations has been overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.   The decision is going to be made official in the coming hours but according to the latest news circulating in Italy, AC Milan will play in Europa League next season. Marco Fassone showed some optimism yesterday after the hearing in front of CAS members.  “It was a very intense day”, Fassone said. “We’ve been here since 9.30 am and there was lot of time to listen to us. I have the feeling that the members of CAS have heard well the details of our plan. "  "They have all the elements to make a good judgment.”   AC Milan's problem s   AC Milan have spent a troubled 15 months since they were bought by Chinese businessman Li Yonghong from Silvio Berlusconi in April 2017. The takeover was partly funded by a high-interest loan of 300 million euros ($348 million) from American hedge...

Sanchez cleared for Manchester United tour

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Manchester United midfielder Alexis Sanchez has been cleared to join Manchester United's pre-season tour. The Chile international had been held up by problems relating to his acceptance of a 16-month suspended jail sentence for tax fraud in Spain earlier this year. Sanchez is now poised to join his team-mates in a major boost to Jose Mourinho, who is braced for potentially damaging International Champions Cup clashes against AC Milan, Liverpool and Real Madrid. The Portuguese is still without several World Cup participants including Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini, while England quartet Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford likewise remain on holiday.  Mourinho has warned results could get ugly, although he insists the prospect of heavy defeats does not concern him.  "AC Milan come with all their players because Italy didn't go to the World Cup," the Red Devils boss told MUTV. Then Liverpool, I think everybody is here apa...

Transfer Deals & Rumours: Mbappe to Real?

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Your daily wrap of transfer deals and rumours around Europe sees Liverpool confirm a world record purchase and Man United eye up two Bundesliga stars...    Who will replace Ronaldo at Real?  As recently reported by Futaa, there are a number of candidates to replace Ronaldo this summer at Real Madrid. At the moment, Eden Hazard seems to be the most realistic option with Kylian Mbappé seemingly settled at PSG for the meantime and a deal for Neymar looking less likely. Will Real Madrid break the bank for Hazard and Courtois this summer? Either way, it's bound to be a busy transfer window at the Bernabéu.  Alisson signing confirmed  Liverpool have reached an agreement with Roma for the purchase of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson. The Roma stopper will move to Anfield for £67m, making him the most expensive goalkeeper in history and it will mean Chelsea must look elsewhere.   Courtois move depends on Chelsea securing a replacement   Chel...

Santi Cazorla still struggling with injury

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Santi Cazorla is yet to recover fully from a foot injury he suffered while at Arsenal.   The ex-Arsenal midfielder, who joined Villareal at the end of the season has admitted he is still playing through the pain after being involved during a pre-season match. The Spaniard came on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Hercules on Tuesday, making his first appearance since October 2016.  Despite getting some minutes, the 33-year-old admitted after the game that he did not enjoy his appearance and will not feel like a football until his health improves.  Speaking to Marca, Cazorla said, "I am only thinking about getting rid of the pain as soon as possible because I am not enjoying what I am doing. I want to train with my colleagues again and to feel like a footballer. It is hard to express what it feels like to be out on the pitch after so much time."  "To feel like a footballer again, to feel the love of the people and the reception they gave me," he added...

Lionel Messi urged not to retire

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Lionel Messi has been urged by Carlos Tevez not to retire from international football following Argentina's chaotic 2018 World Cup.  It was a disappointing campaign for Argentina as they started the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Iceland before getting a 3-0 thrashing by Croatia. However, they progressed to round of 16 and were knocked out by champions France. This left Messi still searching for his first senior international title. The international future of five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi is uncertain after the 31-year-old retired briefly following Argentina's Copa America final loss to Chile in 2016. Tevez urged Argentina to do more to ensure the country's all-time leading goalscorer can succeed on the world stage.  "I think Leo has to think about himself. He has to think that, if there is not a project that makes him happy and in which he feels comfortable, it is very difficult to take the responsibility of leading Argentina to become champions ...

Klopp confident of Liverpool title chances

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is confident that his team are on track for a Premier League title challenge after their summer signings.   Klopp has already strengthened his squad with the signings of Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri, while Roma goalkeeper Alisson is reportedly close to making a move to Anfield. Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have re-signed with the club, seeing speculation over their futures – particularly the former's – ease. Klopp, whose team open their Premier League campaign against West Ham on August 12, said he was glad to see players being added, rather than leaving.  "I am not 100 per cent sure but maybe it is the first year we don't sell a key player," the German told UK newspapers.There was always a lot of change, but in both directions. Now it is more in one direction. That is clear. Big teams, successful teams, if you don't buy it you have to build it. That means stay together, bring additions in and make the next ste...

Luke Shaw keen to prove himself

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Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is keen to prove himself this coming season and wants to be the first name on the teamsheet. Shaw wants to win over manager Jose Mourinho.   Shaw has definitely not liked the idea of having to prove himself at Old Trafford, where he has struggled to earn the trust of Mourinho since the Portuguese boss replaced Louis van Gaal in 2016. The 23-year-old only started eight Premier League matches last season, while Shaw was publicly criticised by Mourinho during the 2017-18 campaign with Ashley Young preferred in the left-back role. In the United States for the club's pre-season tour, Shaw is determined to turn around his fortunes in Manchester.  "The next five games are all about fitness, but I want to try and prove to the manager that I can be in his team, not just in these games," Shaw told reporters ahead of Thursday's friendly against Mexican giants America. When everyone comes back and everyone is fit and ready, I still wan...

Perez promises 'incredible' signings at Real Madrid

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Real Madrid will look to make a splash in the transfer market following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.  Madrid's all-time record goalscorer completed a stunning €112million move to Juventus earlier this month, marking the end of an era at the Santiago Bernabeu.  Hazard, Mbappe   Eden Hazard and Kylian Mbappe are among the names to have been linked with Madrid as they prepare to begin 2018-19 under new head coach Julen Lopetegui and president Florentino Perez did nothing to dampen expectations of a statement signing   "We are aware of the expectations this team faces every season," Perez said following right-back Alvaro Odriozola's introduction as a Madrid player.  "We're Real Madrid and we always want more. This is a winning team with amazing players.  "We have an amazing squad that will be reinforced with new, incredible players."

5 players who could leave Chelsea this summer

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With Maurizio Sarri in charge of Chelsea now, things are going to drastically change at Stamford Bridge. We have already seen the arrival of Jorginho from Napoli along with the arrival of Sarri and we may see some more new faces at the London club before the transfer window ends.  Sarri is an experienced manager and he had an impressive 65.99% win rate at Napoli but with the Italian not being able to win any trophy so far in his career, it will be difficult for him to convince the players to believe in him. Sarri would love to keep all of the Chelsea players but with the Blues out of the Champions League for this season and with some discontent already present in the dressing room with some of the events happening last season with Antonio Conte, it doesn't get any easy for Sarri.   Here are five players who could be affected :   #1 Alvaro Morata  Morata will struggle to get a start at Chelsea if he decides to stay  The former Real Madrid striker d...

BREAKING: Liverpool agrees deal for Roma goalkeeper

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English side Liverpool has agreed to a world record £66m fee for Roma goalkeeper Alisson.   In the last 12 months, the Reds has been heavily linked with the Brazilian and now has stepped up their pursuit since the end of last season. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made signing a new first-choice goalkeeper a priority following Loris Karius’ woes in last season’s Champions League final which was also evident during the pre-season friendly.  Liverpool had a £60m bid knocked back for Alisson earlier this week but have now made a breakthrough in talks, agreeing to make the Roma ace the most expensive goalkeeper of all-time.  Alisson, who has attracted interests from Chelsea and Real Madrid is now free to discuss personal terms with Liverpool.