Lille boss Frederic Paquet is adamant there is no chance of Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard joining Arsenal during August.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already seen Cesc Fabregas leave the club this month, and now Samir Nasri is on the brink of a move to Manchester City.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Wenger coy on reports of Nasri stay
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger failed to clarify speculation that Samir Nasri's proposed move to Manchester City has collapsed.
A report from CANAL+ emerged during Arsenal's 2-0 defeat against Liverpool that talks between Nasri and City have broken down, as the Frenchman was selected in the Gunners' starting line-up at Emirates Stadium.
A report from CANAL+ emerged during Arsenal's 2-0 defeat against Liverpool that talks between Nasri and City have broken down, as the Frenchman was selected in the Gunners' starting line-up at Emirates Stadium.
Villas-Boas coy on Mata reports
Andre Villas-Boas praised the attitude of his Chelsea players after they came from behind to defeat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Anelka and substitute Florent Malouda got the goals for the home side, which proved enough to overcome Shane Long's early effort for the visitors. After initially appearing frustrated with his side's workrate during the game, Villas-Boas had praise for them all at the conclusion.
Nicolas Anelka and substitute Florent Malouda got the goals for the home side, which proved enough to overcome Shane Long's early effort for the visitors. After initially appearing frustrated with his side's workrate during the game, Villas-Boas had praise for them all at the conclusion.
Friday, 19 August 2011
Moyes admits top ten fears
Everton manager David Moyes has lowered expectations this season and feels his side will struggle to finish in the top ten.
Financial restraints at Goodison Park have meant the Toffees have been unable to bring in any new players, and Moyes has had to watch the clubs who finished below them last season make considerable investment.
Financial restraints at Goodison Park have meant the Toffees have been unable to bring in any new players, and Moyes has had to watch the clubs who finished below them last season make considerable investment.
Brown on brink of fresh Celtic deal
Scott Brown has revealed he is "very close" to signing a new deal at Celtic.
Celtic captain Brown has a year left on his current deal but expects to extend it after talks with the club.
Ahead of Sunday's clash with St Johnstone at Parkhead, the Scotland midfielder said: "We are getting very close. Hopefully it's just a matter of time, maybe a couple of weeks or so.
"I hope to sign, yes. I want to stay at this club, I enjoy this club. The manager wants me to stay and I want to stay for the manager as well.
"Since he came in I have improved as a player and hopefully I can improve even more. I want to win the league and cups - that's why I came to this club. I have had a taste of it before and I want more."
Celtic captain Brown has a year left on his current deal but expects to extend it after talks with the club.
Ahead of Sunday's clash with St Johnstone at Parkhead, the Scotland midfielder said: "We are getting very close. Hopefully it's just a matter of time, maybe a couple of weeks or so.
"I hope to sign, yes. I want to stay at this club, I enjoy this club. The manager wants me to stay and I want to stay for the manager as well.
"Since he came in I have improved as a player and hopefully I can improve even more. I want to win the league and cups - that's why I came to this club. I have had a taste of it before and I want more."
Monday, 15 August 2011
Keane completes switch to LA Galaxy
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has made a reported £3.5 million move to Los Angeles Galaxy on a two-year deal worth about $9.75 million.
A statement on Spurs' website read: ''The Club can announce that it has reached agreement with Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy for the permanent transfer of Robbie Keane... We wish him all the best for the future''
A statement on Spurs' website read: ''The Club can announce that it has reached agreement with Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy for the permanent transfer of Robbie Keane... We wish him all the best for the future''
Sunday, 14 August 2011
United right-back Rafael sidelined for 10 weeks
Manchester United suffered a blow before they had even kicked a ball in the new Premier League season, with fullback Rafael da Silva ruled out for 10 weeks.
The Brazilian defender was tipped to cement his place as United's first choice right-back this year, following the retirement of Gary Neville and departures of John O'Shea and Wes Brown to Sunderland.
The Brazilian defender was tipped to cement his place as United's first choice right-back this year, following the retirement of Gary Neville and departures of John O'Shea and Wes Brown to Sunderland.
Wenger fears Arsenal are a feeder club for their rivals
Arsene Wenger has openly expressed his fear that Arsenal are becoming a club that nurtures top class talent for their rivals to cherry-pick when the Gunners' star players reach their prime.
Wenger has carved out a superb reputation for spotting teenage footballing talent, moulding them into some of the best players in Europe. The Arsenal boss did it with the likes of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, and now more recently with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Wenger has carved out a superb reputation for spotting teenage footballing talent, moulding them into some of the best players in Europe. The Arsenal boss did it with the likes of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, and now more recently with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Mancini wary of City starting slowly
Mancini complained last week that his squad was not yet complete just days out from the start of the season as City continue their pursuit of Arsenal star Samir Nasri. The Italian followed this rant by suggesting the unfinished squad could get out of the blocks in shaky fashion, as they did last campaign, making their dream of a Premier League title that much more difficult to attain.
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Dalglish angry at referee after Suarez penalty decision
The new Premier League season may be less than a day old but Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has already called for clarity on rules after his side's 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland.
Just five minutes into the match at Anfield Kieran Richardson brought down Luis Suarez as he rounded goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot but only booked the defender and Suarez subsequently missed the penalty.
Just five minutes into the match at Anfield Kieran Richardson brought down Luis Suarez as he rounded goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot but only booked the defender and Suarez subsequently missed the penalty.
Barton should have seen red instead - Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton should have joined Gervinho in being shown a red card after the pair were involved in an unseemly second-half incident in the sides' goalless draw at St James' Park.
Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, making his competitive debut following his summer move from Lille, went down under a challenge in the box and Barton hauled him to his feet. Gervinho slapped Barton in response, and was sent off by referee Peter Walton, who booked Barton.
Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, making his competitive debut following his summer move from Lille, went down under a challenge in the box and Barton hauled him to his feet. Gervinho slapped Barton in response, and was sent off by referee Peter Walton, who booked Barton.
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Wenger rules out Mata, says Jadson is 'nowhere near'
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are "nowhere near" a deal to sign Jadson from Shakhtar Donetsk and ruled out a move for Valencia's Juan Mata.
Reports have claimed Arsenal are close to a deal for Brazilian playmaker Jadson, with the player having fuelled speculation when he recently claimed there should be "some news for everyone at the start of next week".
Reports have claimed Arsenal are close to a deal for Brazilian playmaker Jadson, with the player having fuelled speculation when he recently claimed there should be "some news for everyone at the start of next week".
Wigan snap up former Strasbourg man Dicko
Wigan have signed 19-year-old winger Nouha Dicko on a three-year deal after a successful trial.
Dicko impressed manager Roberto Martinez in the Latics' pre-season matches against Preston and Villarreal. He was a free agent after being released by French club Strasbourg because of their financial problems.
Martinez said: "Nouah is a young prospect who came to our attention through our scouting network and he has impressed us whilst on trial.
Dicko impressed manager Roberto Martinez in the Latics' pre-season matches against Preston and Villarreal. He was a free agent after being released by French club Strasbourg because of their financial problems.
Martinez said: "Nouah is a young prospect who came to our attention through our scouting network and he has impressed us whilst on trial.
'Worried' Mancini says Manchester City 'need' Nasri
Roberto Mancini believes Manchester City will be capable of winning the title if they "complete" their squad, but has been frustrated by the long wait for Samir Nasri.
Nasri, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Arsenal, has long been tipped to complete a move to Eastlands and The Times even reported it as a done deal over a month ago.
Mancini has been left frustrated at the board's frustration to conclude their transfer business as he prepares for the opening game of the season against Swansea on Monday.
Nasri, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Arsenal, has long been tipped to complete a move to Eastlands and The Times even reported it as a done deal over a month ago.
Mancini has been left frustrated at the board's frustration to conclude their transfer business as he prepares for the opening game of the season against Swansea on Monday.
Friday, 12 August 2011
Arsenal agree deal for striker Campbell
Arsenal have agreed an undisclosed fee with Deportivo Saprissa to sign Costa Rica international striker Joel Campbell.
The 19-year-old has scored twice in six appearances for his country, and was a part of their squads for the Under-20 World Cup and the Copa America.
Campbell, a left-footed striker, has made eight league appearances in the top level of domestic competition in Costa Rica.
According to a statement on Arsenal's official website, "the transfer is subject to the completion of formal agreements and processes."
The 19-year-old has scored twice in six appearances for his country, and was a part of their squads for the Under-20 World Cup and the Copa America.
Campbell, a left-footed striker, has made eight league appearances in the top level of domestic competition in Costa Rica.
According to a statement on Arsenal's official website, "the transfer is subject to the completion of formal agreements and processes."
Villas-Boas hints at fresh Modric bid
Manager Andre Villas-Boas has hinted that Chelsea will make a third offer for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric by confirming he is still discussing transfers with club owner Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea have brought only two players to the club so far this summer - midfielder Oriol Romeu and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has been sent on loan to Atletico Madrid - and are expected to confirm a third in the near future, with striker Romelu Lukaku poised to join.
Chelsea have brought only two players to the club so far this summer - midfielder Oriol Romeu and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has been sent on loan to Atletico Madrid - and are expected to confirm a third in the near future, with striker Romelu Lukaku poised to join.
Keane set to join Beckham at Galaxy
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane is closing on a move to David Beckham's MLS side LA Galaxy, according to reports.
Keane is unwanted by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and said last week that he expected to tie up a move before the end of the transfer window.
The Republic of Ireland international played in a friendly on Wednesday night against Croatia in Dublin, but is believed to be flying to LA to sign a contract worth a reported $9 million over next two years.
Keane is unwanted by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and said last week that he expected to tie up a move before the end of the transfer window.
The Republic of Ireland international played in a friendly on Wednesday night against Croatia in Dublin, but is believed to be flying to LA to sign a contract worth a reported $9 million over next two years.
Enrique completes Liverpool switch
The Spaniard is Kenny Dalglish's fifth major signing of the summer, joining Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and keeper Alexander Doni at Anfield.
"This is one of the happiest days of my life. I have come to one of the biggest clubs not just in England, but in the world. I am really, really happy," he told the club's official website. "They have won a lot of things including the Champions League. They have amazing players and I hope to win things here.
Torres fit to face Stoke after recovering from concussion
Chelsea have confirmed that Fernando Torres will be available for the Blues' Premier League opener against Stoke on Sunday.
The striker suffered mild concussion while on international duty for Spain in midweek, coming off after only 15 minutes of the world champions' 2-1 defeat to Italy. He was taken to a Bari hospital for a scan.
The striker suffered mild concussion while on international duty for Spain in midweek, coming off after only 15 minutes of the world champions' 2-1 defeat to Italy. He was taken to a Bari hospital for a scan.
Wilshere injury gives Wenger a 'bad surprise'
Arsene Wenger has confirmed Jack Wilshere will not be fit for the start of Arsenal's Premier League title challenge, but Robin van Persie is expected to come through a fitness test on Friday afternoon.
Wilshere had to be replaced in the England squad for the cancelled friendly with Netherlands after he picked up an ankle injury during pre-season. However, Wenger had been hopeful of having his young midfield creator back for Saturday's trip to Newcastle.
Wilshere had to be replaced in the England squad for the cancelled friendly with Netherlands after he picked up an ankle injury during pre-season. However, Wenger had been hopeful of having his young midfield creator back for Saturday's trip to Newcastle.
Liverpool can challenge for titles - Enrique
Jose Enrique insists his move to Liverpool is motivated by ambition, not money.
The Spanish left-back completed a medical at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Thursday and is expected to seal his £6m move this week.
Enrique, who is set to join Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson at Anfield, believes the club can challenge for silverware this season. He had previously been quoted as saying he wants to join a club playing Champions League football, but he clarified that it is success that he craves.
The Spanish left-back completed a medical at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Thursday and is expected to seal his £6m move this week.
Enrique, who is set to join Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson at Anfield, believes the club can challenge for silverware this season. He had previously been quoted as saying he wants to join a club playing Champions League football, but he clarified that it is success that he craves.
Ferguson is the difference in the title race - Vidic
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic believes the continuity afforded to the club by Sir Alex Ferguson's long tenure as manager has been key to the Red Devils' success.
Vidic, 29, has blossomed into one of the world's best defenders under Ferguson since arriving as a relative unknown from Spartak Moscow in January 2006. The Serbian defender has won 13 trophies in six years at Old Trafford and United head into the new season as favourites to add another Premier League title to their already bulging collection.
Vidic, 29, has blossomed into one of the world's best defenders under Ferguson since arriving as a relative unknown from Spartak Moscow in January 2006. The Serbian defender has won 13 trophies in six years at Old Trafford and United head into the new season as favourites to add another Premier League title to their already bulging collection.
No Arsenal approach for Dann - Hughton
Birmingham have received no formal approach from Arsenal for defender Scott Dann, according to Blues manager Chris Hughton.
The Gunners were reported to have opened talks earlier this week over a possible £6 million move for Dann, 24, whose lengthy absence through injury last season is blamed by many Birmingham fans for their relegation from the Premier League.
The Gunners were reported to have opened talks earlier this week over a possible £6 million move for Dann, 24, whose lengthy absence through injury last season is blamed by many Birmingham fans for their relegation from the Premier League.
Fabregas not in Arsenal squad for Toon trip
The future of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been thrown further into doubt with the news that the midfielder has not been included in the squad for the Gunners' trip to Newcastle.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that Robin van Persie would captain the Gunners for the trip to St James' Park, but remained defiant on the futures of Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Fabregas and Nasri are widely reported to be on the verge of moves to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, though Wenger refused to entertain that prospect in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that Robin van Persie would captain the Gunners for the trip to St James' Park, but remained defiant on the futures of Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Fabregas and Nasri are widely reported to be on the verge of moves to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, though Wenger refused to entertain that prospect in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Villas-Boas is very 'Mourinho-esque' - Terry
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has done his level best to play down comparisons with Jose Mourinho in recent months but Blues captain John Terry says similarities between the two are impossible to ignore.
Villas-Boas, 33, took charge of Chelsea in June - a month after guiding Porto to a treble of Portuguese Liga, Europa League and Portuguese Cup triumphs. Mourinho achieved the same feat with the club in 2003, but stayed at the Stadio do Dragao for one more season to guide Porto to surprise Champions League glory, before then jumping ship to Stamford Bridge where he became the club's most successful manager to date.
Despite the similar career paths of the Portuguese pair, Villas-Boas has often distanced himself from comparisons with the 'Special One', stating earlier this year that he is "no rival to someone who will be the best manager of all time".
Villas-Boas, 33, took charge of Chelsea in June - a month after guiding Porto to a treble of Portuguese Liga, Europa League and Portuguese Cup triumphs. Mourinho achieved the same feat with the club in 2003, but stayed at the Stadio do Dragao for one more season to guide Porto to surprise Champions League glory, before then jumping ship to Stamford Bridge where he became the club's most successful manager to date.
Despite the similar career paths of the Portuguese pair, Villas-Boas has often distanced himself from comparisons with the 'Special One', stating earlier this year that he is "no rival to someone who will be the best manager of all time".
West Brom waiting on Hargreaves
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed a deal is on the table for Owen Hargreaves but admitted he is unsure whether the former Manchester United man will sign on the dotted line.
Hodgson has offered the injury-plagued midfielder a chance to resurrect his career with the Baggies after being convinced that Hargreaves has returned to full fitness.
But Hodgson admits he does not know if a move to the West Midlands will appeal to the England international, who demonstrated his fitness by releasing videos of himself in training at the start of the summer.
Hodgson has offered the injury-plagued midfielder a chance to resurrect his career with the Baggies after being convinced that Hargreaves has returned to full fitness.
But Hodgson admits he does not know if a move to the West Midlands will appeal to the England international, who demonstrated his fitness by releasing videos of himself in training at the start of the summer.
Liverpool handed Exeter trip
Liverpool have been handed a trip to League One side Exeter City in the second round of the Carling Cup.
Liverpool suffered embarrassment in the competition last season as Roy Hodgson's men went out on penalties at home to Northampton Town in the third round. The League Two club will be hoping for another giantkilling as they take on Wolves at home this time around.
Everton will face Sheffield United at Goodison Park, while Blackburn host Sheffield Wednesday and Bolton have a home tie against Macclesfield.
Liverpool suffered embarrassment in the competition last season as Roy Hodgson's men went out on penalties at home to Northampton Town in the third round. The League Two club will be hoping for another giantkilling as they take on Wolves at home this time around.
Everton will face Sheffield United at Goodison Park, while Blackburn host Sheffield Wednesday and Bolton have a home tie against Macclesfield.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Modric still harbours hopes of Chelsea switch
Luka Modric insists he is "still waiting" to find out whether he will be allowed to leave Tottenham Hotspur.
Modric has made clear his desire to join Chelsea this summer, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has remained adamant throughout that the Croatia midfielder will be staying put.
Modric has made clear his desire to join Chelsea this summer, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has remained adamant throughout that the Croatia midfielder will be staying put.
Blackpool pay the penalty as Wednesday progress
Blackpool were made to pay for a string of missed chances as Sheffield Wednesday knocked them out of the Carling Cup with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win.
The Championship side, who had Ashley Eastham sent off, controlled the majority of the game but could not force a breakthrough in the regulation 90 minutes as Billy Clarke and Craig Sutherland missed golden chances.
The Championship side, who had Ashley Eastham sent off, controlled the majority of the game but could not force a breakthrough in the regulation 90 minutes as Billy Clarke and Craig Sutherland missed golden chances.
Liverpool handed Exeter trip
Liverpool have been handed a trip to League One side Exeter City in the second round of the Carling Cup.
Liverpool suffered embarrassment in the competition last season as Roy Hodgson's men went out on penalties at home to Northampton Town in the third round. The League Two club will be hoping for another giantkilling as they take on Wolves at home this time around.
Liverpool suffered embarrassment in the competition last season as Roy Hodgson's men went out on penalties at home to Northampton Town in the third round. The League Two club will be hoping for another giantkilling as they take on Wolves at home this time around.
Bent fit for Fulham clash
Bent is available for Villa's Premier League opener with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.The striker scored nine goals in 16 matches after his club record £18 million move from Sunderland in January and established himself as a first choice player for his country.
Terry concerned by title rivals' spending
Chelsea captain John Terry admits he is concerned by rival clubs' transfer activity this summer, and believes six or seven teams will be challenging for the Premier League this season.
Chelsea looked to have the league title firmly in their sights last term, but suffered a mid-season collapse before rallying to claim second place, nine points adrift of Manchester United. Terry believes Chelsea are strong enough to win their fourth Premier League title, but he admits the challenge will come from all sides.
Chelsea looked to have the league title firmly in their sights last term, but suffered a mid-season collapse before rallying to claim second place, nine points adrift of Manchester United. Terry believes Chelsea are strong enough to win their fourth Premier League title, but he admits the challenge will come from all sides.
Aquilani keen to make impact at Liverpool
Alberto Aquilani insists there is no desperation on his part to leave Liverpool, admitting he would "love to make a mark" at Anfield this season.
Aquilani's big-money switch from Roma to Liverpool has failed to produce rewards so far, with the Italy international making less than 10 starts in his debut season. Earmarked as the replacement for Xabi Alonso, Aquilani fell a distance short of previous standards set by the Real Madrid man.
Aquilani's big-money switch from Roma to Liverpool has failed to produce rewards so far, with the Italy international making less than 10 starts in his debut season. Earmarked as the replacement for Xabi Alonso, Aquilani fell a distance short of previous standards set by the Real Madrid man.
Neville predicts Liverpool will fall short once again
Former Manchester United skipper Gary Neville does not think Liverpool can challenge for the Premier League title this season despite spending £50 million on new players during the summer.
Dalglish, who guided Liverpool to three league titles during his first stint as manager between 1985 and 1991, has added the likes of Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson to his squad since succeeding Roy Hodgson in January. The Scot is hoping that, in time, his side can get back to competing for English football's top trophy.
Dalglish, who guided Liverpool to three league titles during his first stint as manager between 1985 and 1991, has added the likes of Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson to his squad since succeeding Roy Hodgson in January. The Scot is hoping that, in time, his side can get back to competing for English football's top trophy.
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