Chelsea linked to United States and Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic

by Fotbulnary

Chelsea have been linked to the signing of United States international winger, Christian Pulisic. The 20 year old is reported to be available for a fee close in the region of 50 million pounds. The Borussia Dortmund winger has become dispensable following the emergence and consistent display of England U21 international Jadon Sancho, 18 who has become one of the revelations of the Bundesliga season, helping the Signal Iduma side to the summit of the German top flight as winter champions.

As a result, Pulisic has seen is playing time limited to just a handful of appearances this season. A situation that was a complete contrast to his standing at the club, pror to the arrival of his younger English team mate from Manchester City in the summer of 2017.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would push through the signing  in the January transfer window of a player who is essentially a long term prospect for the club as Willian and Pedro continue to struggle with consistent output in front of goal

Chelsea sign Napoli midfielder Jorginho

Chelsea have signed Brazilian born Italian international midfielder Jorginho from Napoli for a fee of around £57m.

The 26 year old becomes Chelsea's first signing of the summer, and he joins ex Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri in swapping Naples for London.

Deployed as a deep lying midfielder at Napoli by Chelsea's new manager, he was odds on to join Manchester City as a replacement for the departed Yaya Toure, but following Manchester City's decision to pull out of the deal and the player's decision to move to London rather than Manchester, Chelsea eventually edged it.

Speaking of his move to Stamford Bridge, he said;

"I am absolutely ecstatic to be here at Chelsea,"

"It is not easy to become part of such a big team so I am very, very happy. I am excited to play in such an intense league for a team that gives everything to play and win."

He joined Napoli in January 2014 for a fee of £9m, and won the Italian Cup and Super Cup during four and half year stay in Seria A.

The 5ft 11in midfielder has eight caps for the Italian national team.

Photo Credit: Chelseafc

Chelsea announce Maurizio Sarri as new Head Coach

Chelsea have announced Maurizio Sarri as it's new Head Coach. He replaces fellow Italian, Antonio Conte who was relieved of his appointment on Friday after two years in West London.

The 59 year old ex Napoli manager has signed a three year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Without a trophy as a manager, his appointment continues the conveyor belt of managerial changes at Stamford Bridge since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. Since that time, it has had 13 permanent managers and two interim coaches.

During his three year stay at Naples, he guided Napoli to two second place finishes and a three place position, including a record points haul for a team that failed to win the league last season.

He was still on the books of Napoli, in spite of Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as his replacement. Which meant Chelsea had to reach an agreement with Napoli over the two years that was left of his contract.

Chelsea sack manager Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte has left Chelsea, bringing his two year stint at Stamford Bridge to an end. The future of the 48 year old has been the subject of constant speculation over the last couple of months, and after the club reached an agreement with Napoli for the appointment of fellow Italian Maurizio Sarri, they have decided to part ways with Conte. The ex-Napoli manager is now set to be the replacement of the former Juventus manager.

In his first season in West London, he took Chelsea from 10th place to the Premier League title. In spite of an indifferent second season which ended in a fifth place finish, he still guided the club to an FA Cup triumph in May.

His combustive style led to disagree ment with Diego Costa, who subsequently left for Atletico Madrid after series of exchanges between the pair. While Nemanja Matic joined Manchester United. The departure of both players denied Chelsea two stalwarts of their title winning side in the Italian's first season.

Antonio Conte is expected to be paid £9m for the last year of his contract.

Maurizio Sarri, 59, was manager of Napoli until May, when Carlo Ancelotti was appointed as his replacement. He was still contracted to the Naples club, which meant Chelsea had to reach an agreement with them before he could swap Naples for London.

Arsenal complete signing of midfielder Matteo Guendouzi

Arsenal have announced the signing of France u-20 midfielder Matteo Guendouzi from Lorient for an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of £7m.

The former PSG youth product becomes Arsenal's fifth signing of the summer transfer window after Uruguayan international Lucas Torreira's signing was confirmed on Tuesday.

Speaking of his move to the North London club, the 19 year old told the club's website thus;

"I want to become part of the club's history and to achieve great things here,"

"Arsenal have always been the team closest to my heart and a side I've wanted to join since I was a child."

The club's manager welcomed to the club with these words:

"[Guendouzi] has big potential and gained good first team experience last season with Lorient,"

"He wants to learn and improve and will be an important part of our first-team squad."

Standing at over 6ft 2in, he made a total of 30 appearances for the Lorient first team.

Photo credit: Arsenal.com

Algeria's Riyad Mahrez joins Man City for £60m

Man City have signed Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez for a club record £60m on a five year deal.

The departure of the 26 year old from the King Power Stadium to the Etihad Stadium marks the end of a transfer saga that dates back to the January transfer window, after a bid of £50m was rejected by Leicester City. It prompted the Algeria international to hand in a transfer request.

He leaves the 2016 Premier league champions after a stellar four and a half years, where he scored 48 goals in 179 appearances.

Speaking of his move he said;“I am so pleased to have joined City, a side playing great football under Pep Guardiola."

"Watching them from afar has been a pleasure,"

"Pep Guardiola is committed to playing attacking football, and City's performances last season were outstanding.

"I think we can be successful over the coming years and I believe my own game can develop under Pep's management."

He becomes Man City's first signing of the transfer window after they strolled to the Premier league title last season. They also broke their transfer record just six months after they paid £53m for French defender A. Laporte.

Arsenal seal deal for defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira

Arsenal have completed the deal for Uruguayan international midfielder Lucas Torreira. The 22 year old arrives on a fee of £26m on a five year deal.

He featured at this summer's World Cup in Russia for Uruguay. With three starts and two substitute appearances.

Speaking of his latest signing, Arsenal manager, Unai Emery said "In Lucas Torreira we have signed a young player who is a very bright talent in the game. A midfielder with great quality."

Standing at just 5ft 5in, he spent four years in Italy, two of which where with Sampdoria, where he made a total of 71 appearances.

He becomes Arsenal's fourth signing of the transfer window.

The club is expected to take that number to five when they confirm the capture of 19 year old France under-20 international Matteo Guendouzi who is expected to join from French side, Lorient. He reportedly underwent a medical at the club on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo's open letter to Real Madrid fans

Real Madrid confirmed the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus for a fee of £99.2m on Tuesday, for which he penned an open letter to the club's fans. It is reproduced below;

These years in Real Madrid, and in this city of Madrid, have been possibly the happiest of my life.

I only have feelings of enormous gratitude for this club, for its fans and for this city. I can only thank all of them for the love and affection I have received.

However, I believe that the time has come to open a new stage in my life and that is why I have asked the club to accept transferring me. I feel that way and I ask everyone, and especially our fans, to please understand me.

They have been absolutely wonderful for nine years. They have been nine unique years. It has been an emotional time for me, full of consideration but also hard because Real Madrid is of the highest demands, but I know very well that I will never forget that I have enjoyed football here in a unique way.

I have had fabulous team-mates on the field and in the dressing room, I have felt the warmth of an incredible crowd and together we have won three Championships in a row and four Championships in five years.

And with them also, on an individual level, I have the satisfaction of having won four Gold Balls and three Gold Boots. All during my time in this immense and extraordinary club.

Real Madrid has conquered my heart, and that of my family, and that is why more than ever I want to say thank you: thanks to the club, the President, the directors, my colleagues, all the technical staff, doctors, physios and incredible workers that make everything work, that tirelessly pursue every minute detail.

Thank you infinitely once more to our fans and thanks also to Spanish Football. During these nine exciting years I have played against great players. My respect and my recognition for all of them.

I have reflected a lot and I know that the time has come for a new cycle. I'm leaving but this shirt, this badge and the Santiago Bernabeu but they will continue to always feel part of me wherever I am.

Thanks to all and, of course, as I said that first time in our stadium nine years ago: Go Madrid!

Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Real Madrid to Juventus for £99m

Portugal international, Cristano Ronaldo has joined Juventus for a fee of £99.2m. The 33 year old would now play his football in the Italian Seria A after nine years with European champions Real Madrid. He is reported to have signed a four year contract worth around £500,000 a week.

He leaves behind a wave of record, which includes his goal count of 451 goals in 438 games for the club. A goal haul that fetched 16 - major trophies with the club, including two La Ligas, four Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups and three European Super Cups.

Speaking of his move to Italy in an open letter to the fans, he emphasised that the time was right for him to seek a new challenge. "The time has come to open a new stage in my life, that's why I asked the club to accept transferring me," He said.

The transfer fee is a record for a 33 year old. And it marks a shift for both clubs as they pursue new chapters.
For Real Madrid, the post Cristiano Ronaldo era would be closely watched as he has been the undisputed star that has rescued them from difficult situations during his time there.

Following the unexpected resignation of Zinedine Zidane as manager and the appointment of Julen Lopetegui , the club is seeking a new direction after the poor defence of their domestic title last season.

For Juventus, the aim is to win the Champions League after it's total dominance of the Seria A in the last seven years, the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo is to them a means to achieve that.

Arsenal confirm signing of Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Arsenal have confirmed that signing of Greek international, Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund. The 30 year old has signed a long term contract for a undisclosed fee reported to be around £16m.

He becomes Unai Emery's third signing after the arrivals of goalkeeper, Benard Leno from Bayer Leverkusen and Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner from Juventus on a free transfer.

Speaking to the Arsenal website on his signing, he said;

"I feel very good, everything is special,"

"It is a beautiful moment and I am very happy that for the next years I will be here. Arsenal are one of the three biggest teams in the Premier League.

"I'm a normal defender. I like to defend. I like that my team doesn't take goals. I like a zero in the defence and I will do everything to help to achieve this goal."

He becomes the third straight Borussia Dortmund player to join Arsenal in seven months after the arrivals of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January.

Mohamed Salah extends Liverpool contract

Mohamed Salah has extended his contract with Liverpool by signing a new five year deal, which would see him remain at the Anfield club until at least 2023.

The 26 year old Premier league top scorer last season with 32 goals had a stellar first season with Liverpool at Anfield where he scored 44 goals in all competitions after he joined from Roma.

The Egypt international took that tally to 46 goals, with two goals for his country at the World Cup in Russia.

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp was over the moon regarding the contract extension asserting that;

"It demonstrates two things very clearly- his belief in Liverpool and our belief in him."

He reiterated, that the renewed contract was reward for the Egyptian's glorious season at Anfield.

"I think this news can be seen for what it is, rewarding a person who performed and contributed greatly for the team and the club last season." Klopp said.

Mo Salah won the PFA player of the season award and the Football Writer's Association award last season.

His goals helped Liverpool to a fourth place finish last season and the Champions league final.

Jack Wilshere confirm Arsenal departure

Jack Wilshere has released a statement confirming that he would be leaving Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of June. His departure brings to an end a 17 year association with the club having being signed as nine year old in 2001.

His time at the club has been plagued by injuries, which has affected his ability to reproduce the early form that endeared him to the club's fans and other football lovers when he made his full debut as a 16 year old.

In spite of his largely injury free season for Arsenal which earned him a new contract on reduced terms; one he indicated he was willing to sign, the club's new manager Unai Emery wasn't enamoured by what he could offer, and ultimately decided to cut him loose, having been made known that he wasn't part of his plans following discussions with the Spaniard, which was the basis of Jack Wilshere's decision to leave.

During his time at the club, he made a total of 197 appearances in all competitions and won four trophies at the club, (two FA Cups and two Community shields).

Arsenal confirm signing of goalkeeper Bernd Leno

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of German goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The 26 year old arrives from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen, where he spent seven years for a fee of £19.3m.

Arsenal manager had this to say about his second signing;

"We are very pleased that Bernd Leno will be joining us. Bernd is a goalkeeper of high quality and experience. He has been a top performer & regular number one goalkeeper with Leverkusen in the
Bundesliga for the past 7 years"

His arrival throws into question the futures of Petr Cech and David Ospina. Both are now expected to seek new pastures before the new season commences.

Arsenal agree fee for German goalkeeper

Arsenal have agreed a fee of £19.3m for Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The 26 year old has been at the Bundesliga club since 2011 and he's not part of the German team at the ongoing World Cup.

The 6ft 3in Leno, who has made close to 300 appearances for Leverkusen would become the first choice at Arsenal when the transfer is completed. With the futures of Petr Cech and David Ospina still unclear. Both goalkeepers have just a year left in their respective contracts.

He would become Arsenal's second signing this summer after the capture of 34 year old Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer from Juventus.

The club is reportedly still close to signing Uruguayan international midfielder Lucas Torreira for a fee in the region of £23m.

Arsenal agree £26m deal for midfielder Lucas Torreira

Accoding to report, Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira. The 22 year old, who is in the Uruguayan squad at the World Cup is reportedly available for a fee of £26.4m.

The 5ft 5in defensive midfielder has built a reputation has a hard working and a technical midfielder that is good with both feet.

He would become Unai Emery's second signing when the deal goes through. After the initial arrival of Swiss international captain Lichtsteiner on a free transfer from Juventus.

Arsenal are also set to confirm the signing of Greek defender Sokratis in July after they agreed a fee of £16m with Borussia Dortmund in May.

The club is reported to be interested in Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernard Leno according to a section of the German media.

Spain sack manager Lopetegui a day to World Cup appoints Fernando Hierro

The president of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales has announced the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui as coach just 48 hours before the country opens it's World Cup campaign against Portugal.

The reason for the dismissal of the 51 year old former Porto coach was down to the manner of his appointment as Real Madrid manager on Tuesday. A decision, the SFF president claimed, they were not aware of until five minutes before it was announced. And attempts made to delay the announcement didn't yield the desired result.

The decision to sack Lopetegui has left the Spanish national team in disarray. He leaves the job without suffering a defeat in 20 matches played over a two year period, having initially been appointed to the job after Euro 2016.

Former international and captain, Fernando Hierro would take charge of the team at the World Cup. Leaving his director of football position at the Spanish FA for the task.

Man United v Arsenal teams; Eight changes for Arsenal, United at full strength

Its Arsene Wenger's last game at Old Trafford as Arsenal manager as the club face Manchester United. The Frenchman makes eight changes with an eye on the Europa League semi final return leg in Madrid. Jose Mourinho makes one change tp his team.


Full teams:

Man United XI: De Gea, Valencia, Lindelof, Smalling, Young, Herrera, Matic, Pogba, Lingard, Lukaku, Alexis

Subs: Pereira, Rojo,Felliani, Mata, McTominay, Martial, Rashford

Arsenal XI: Ospina; Bellerin, Chambers, Mavropanos, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Iwobi, Nelson, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang

Subs: Cech, Holding, Monreal, Osei-Tutu, Willock, Welbeck, Nketiah

Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal at the end of the season

Arsene Wenger has today announced through a statement released on Arsenal's website that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. This would bring his near 22 year stay with the club to an end. The 68 year old was appointed Arsenal manager in September, 1996 when the club was still at it ancestry home of Highbury. In his time, the club moved from it old home to the 60, 000 capacity Emirates stadium in the 2006. Ten years after he initially arrived at the club.

In what has been a difficult season for the club, several fans have clamoured for him to end his stay at the club, that reached a new height last season after series of protest by fans. Despite ending last season with another FA Cup win to placate some sections of the fan base, the malaise of last season spilled over to this, and Arsenal have struggled in the league all season, as they are now prime to end in sixth place, which would be the lowest position Arsenal would end a season under the stewardship of the Frenchman. The Europa League is now an opportunity to end his time at the club on a high.

He had this to say in the statement announcing his departure from the club;

“After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me  to step down at the end of the season.

 I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years.

 I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.

 I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special.

 I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high.

 To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club.

 My love and support for ever.”

-Arsene Wenger

The club has indicated that they would make an appointment to replace Arsene Wenger as soon as possible. 

The Frenchman's time at the club has fetched Three Premier League titles (1998, 2002, 2004), Seven FA Cups, (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017) and Seven Community Shields, The Europa League could be part of that collection, if Arsenal can win it at the end of the season. 

Arsenal v Man City teams II: Welbeck, Mkhitaryan in, Wilshere out

Arsenal face Manchester City for the second time in four days after
the League Cup final defeat. Danny Welbeck, Sead Kolasinac, Petr Cech
and Mkhitaryan are given starts. While Ederson is back in goal for Man
City in place of Claudio Bravo.

Full teams.

Arsenal:

Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Ramsey, Ozil,
Mkhitaryan, Welbeck, Aubameyang

Subs: Ospina, Holding, Chambers, Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Iwobi, Nketiah

Man City:

Ederson, Walker, Danilo, Kompany, Otamendi, Gundogan, De Bruyne,
Silva, Bernardo, Sane, Aguero

Subs: Bravo, Stones, Laporte, Jesus, Zinchenko, Toure, Foden

League Cup Final: Arsenal v Man City teams: starts for Ramsey and Chambers, Kompany in for City

Its the League cup final at Wembley as Arsenal trade tackles with Man City.

Full Teams

Arsenal:

Ospina; Bellerin, Mustafi, Chambers, Koscielny, Monreal; Xhaka,
Wilshere, Ramsey; Özil; Aubameyang

Subs: Cech, Kolasinac, Mertesacker, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Iwobi, Welbeck

Man City:

Bravo, Walker, Kompany (c), Otamendi, Danilo, Fernandinho, Silva,
Gundogan, De Bruyne, Sane, Aguero

Subs: Ederson, Stones, Laporte, Bernardo, Zinchenko, Foden, Jesus

Man United v Chelsea teams: Pogba and McTominay starts, Morata and Drinkwater in

Its second against fourth in the Premier League as Manchester United
host Chelsea at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho brings in McTominay and
Paul Pogba in midfield. While Antonio Conte brings in Danny
Drinkwater in place of Fabregas, while Alvaro Morata starts for the
first time in weeks.

Full Teams:

Man United:

De Gea, Valencia, Lindelof, Smalling, Young, McTominay, Matic, Pogba,
Alexis, Lukaku, Martial

Subs: Eric Bailly, Juan Mata,
Jesse Lingard, Michael Carrick, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Joel Pereira

Chelsea:

Courtois, Azpilicueta Christensen, Rudiger, Moses, Drinkwater, Kante,
Alonso, Willian, Morata, Hazard Alvaro Morata

Subs: Wilfredo Caballero
Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas, Pedro Rodriguez, Olivier Giroud Davide
Zappacosta, Gary Cahill. Emerson

Chelsea v Barcelona line up: Morata on the bench

Chelsea host Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League round 16 clash at Stamford Bridge. Alvaro Morata, Oliver Giroud starts on the bench. Hazard Leads the line. Kante returns after being rested last weekend. Lionel Messi spear
heads Barcelona's starting line-up.

Full Line up:

Chelsea:

Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Ruediger, Moses, Fabregas, Kante,
Alonso, Pedro, Hazard, Willian

Barcelona:

Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Paulinho,
Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suárez

Chelsea signs Arsenal striker Oliver Giroud

Chelsea have signed Arsenal striker Oliver Giroud for a fee of £18m
The 31 year old has signed an 18 months contract at Stamford Bridge.

He leaves the Emirates after five and half years at the club, scoring
105 goals from 253 appearances, having initially arrived from then
Ligue 1 Champions Montpellier for a fee of £12m.

During his time at the Emirates, Oliver Giroud won three FA Cups and
three Community Shields duing his five and half years at the club.

Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi to join Dortmund on loan

Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi is to join Borussia Dortmund on loan
for the rest of the season.

The 23 year old move to the Bundesliga is part of a transfer merry go
round that includes Aubameyang's record move to Arsenal. The Belgian
striker would serve as a replacement for the former.

Oliver Giroud is expected to join Chelsea from Arsenal as Michy
Batshuayi's replacement.

Michy Batshuayi joined Chelsea in July, 2016 for a fee of over £30m.
He has largely been a bit part player under Antonio Conte, but he got
the goal that sealed the Premier League title for Chelsea last season.

In total, he made 32 league appearances for Chelsea with seven goals

Mesut Ozil signs new Arsenal contract

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has signed a new contract that ties him
to the club until 2021.

The German international's new deal is a three and half year contract
worth a reported £350,000 a week before tax.

The 29 year old was the club's record signing when he arrived from
Real Madrid on September 1, 2013 for a fee of £42m.

His time at the club has fetched three FA cups, the last of which was
last season's triumph over Chelsea at Wembley.

Ozil has made 21 appearances this season with four goals and six assists.

The new contract makes him Arsenal's highest earner. And it comes at
time that Arsene Wenger's side could do with a boost after the
departure of Alexis Sanchez, who was in the same contract situation
with the German international, as they had just under six months left
on their contract.

With the German's future now settled, the club would be looking to
sort out the contract situation of Jack Wilshere, who has been
impactful since he regained his place in Arsenal's league campaign.

Aubameyang joins Arsenal in club record fee

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from
Bundesliga side Borrussia Dortmund for a club record fee of £56m.

The 28 year old's fee eclipses the £46m Arsenal paid last summer for
France international Alexandre Lacazette.

The 6ft 2in Gabonese international arrives with a prolific record in
the Bundesliga having scored 21 goals in 24 matches this season for
Dortmund and a total of 141 goals in 214 matches after he joined from
La Liga side Saint Etienne in 2013.

His signing come at time when Arsenal are struggling in the league
after another away defeat last night against Swansea after series of
defensive errors cost them.

With the departure of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United, Arsenal
have brought in a player who can fill the void left by the Chilean.
But how Arsene Wenger fits him into the teams alongside former record
signing Alexandre Lacazette remains to be seen.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan joins Arsenal as Alexis Sanchez signs for Man United in swap deal

Arsenal and Manchester United have confirmed the respective signings
of Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Both players have gone the
other way in a swap deal.

Alexis Sanchez leaves to join Manchester United after three and half
years in North London with 80 goals in all competitions for the
Gunners. He was into the last six months of his contract before
joining Jose Mourinho's side in a four and half year deal.

Mkhitaryan was out of favour at Manchester United after he arrived
from the Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in the Summer of 2016.
Where he spent more time out of the team than in it.

On joining Arsenal, the Armenian had this to say:

"I'm very happy that we could finish this deal and I'm very happy to
be here. It's a dream come true because I've always dreamed of playing
for Arsenal. Now that I'm here, I'll do my best for this club to
create history."

Both players, who are 29 year olds respectively, leave after winning
several trophies with their former clubs.

Alexis Sanchez won two FA Cups and three Community Shields at Arsenal.
While Henrikh Mkhitaryan added the Europa Cup and League Cup in his
one year and six months at Old Trafford.

Arsenal's Theo Walcott joins Everton

Theo Walcott has joined Everton for a fee of £20m after 12 years at Arsenal.

Signed as a fresh face 16 year old in January 2006, he made his debut
in the opening match of the 2006/2007 season as a substitute in
Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at the Emirates.

During his time in North London, he went on to make 399 appearances,
scoring 108 goals. The last of those appearances came in the league
against Bournemouth on Sunday, which ended in a 2-1 defeat.

In his last half season at the club, he only started matches in the
Europa League and League Cup where Arsene Wenger has opted to use his
second team. He didn't start a Premier League match this season,
coming on mostly as a late substitute in the matches in featured in.

Report: Arsenal line up Brazilian Malcom as replacement for Sanchez

Arsenal are reported to be keen to sign Brazilian midfielder Malcom
from Ligue 1 side Bordeaux.
These reports claim that Arsenal have held discussions with the player's agent.

It is thought that a bid of around £45m should be enough to get the
French side to do business with Arsenal.

The 20 year old, who stands at 5ft 7ins has been one of the standout
players in the French top division this season.

He was on the radar of Borussia Dortmund in the summer as they sought
him as a replacement for Ousmane Dembele, who had moved to Barcelona.

At the time, Dortmund's chief scout Sven Mislintat was still at the
club. Now at Arsenal, the club is moving for players he seems to have
recommended.

Already Arsenal have signed a defender through the advise of Mislintat
in the person of Konstantinos Mavropanos. The 6ft 3in Greek defender
was on the bench in the League Cup semi final first league against
Chelsea.

Report: Arsenal to allow Sanchez to leave if a good bid arrives

According to reports, Arsenal would sanction a move for Alexis Sanchez
to leave the club if they get a good bid.

The 29 year old is the subject of interest from league leaders
Manchester City who are reported to be willing to part with £20m for a
player who has just six months left of his contract.

The blue side of Manchester is his preferred destination after they
failed with a £60m bid in the summer following Arsenal's failure to
get a replacement over the line on transfer deadline day.

However, there were reports of a player plus cash offer from
Manchester United on Thursday.

What is clear is that the future of the Chilean would be resolved
sooner rather than later. And a bid of around £25-£35m should do the
trick in the coming days.

Ahead Russia 2018: Nigeria to play England

Nigeria's Super Eagles would trade tackles with the Three Lions of
England in a friendly match ahead of Russia 2018.

The match would hold at the Wembley Stadium on 2 June, 2018.

It would mark the third time Nigeria would be playing England at the
senior level. The first meeting between both countries was a friendly
match in the Old Wembley in November, 1994. When Nigeria lost 1-0.

The second tie was at the group stages of the 2002 World Cup in
Japan/South Korea. Where an inspired Vincent Enyeama helped Nigeria to
earn a 0-0 draw in her only point from that tournament.

Nigeria are in the same group with Iceland, Croatia and Argentina.
While England would play Tunisia, Costa Rica and Belgium.

Report: Leicester prepared to sell Kelechi Iheanacho

According to reports from the Sun newspaper, Leicester City are
prepared to sell Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho just six
months after he was signed from Manchester City for a fee of £25m.

He has seen limited playing time since he moved to the former Premier
League champions. His situation has been made more complicated with
new manager Claude Puel considering him as being fourth choice behind
Jamie Vardy, Okazaki and Isam Slimani.

The report claims that any deal could be difficult because of his
wages of £115,000 a week, as any potential buying club would be
reluctant to play him that. But Leicester are ready to cut their
losses for a player who had one of the best goal to games ratio in the
Premier League when he was in the books of Manchester City.

Many observers expected him to feature in the goalless draw against
Fleetwood in the FA Cup last weekend. But he only got 10 minutes.
Which showed his position in the manager's thoughts.

For a player whose talents is not in doubt especially his intelligence
in front of goal and his scoring prowess, it's clear that his move to
Leicester has not worked out well even though it is just six months
into it. An early divorce could be it as far for the 21 year old as
far this report is concerned.

Francis Coquelin close to Arsenal exit as Valencia circles

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin is close to leaving the club. This
follows a report from Spain that Valencia are in advanced negotiations
to sign him before the January transfer window closes.

Premier League sides West Ham and Crystal Palace are reported to also
be interested in taking the midfielder off the books of Arsenal.

The 26 year old, who still has three and half years in his contract
was left out of the squad that lost the FA Cup third round tie to
Nottingham Forest on Sunday which further fueled speculations about a
possible transfer before reports of a departure started to emerge on
Monday.

The combative midfielder was signed by Arsene Wenger in the summer of
2008 as a 17 year old. After several loan spells away from the club.
He was recalled early from a loan spell at Charlton in December, 2013.
Following of an injury crisis in Arsenal's midfield.

He struck up an understanding with Santi Cazorla in Arsenal's
midfield. But following the Spaniard injury, and Arsene Wenger's
change of formulation, he has found playing time hard to come by, whih
just one start all season in the league.

The story continues to develop.

Arsenal keen to sign defender Jonny Evans

Arsenal are interested in signing West Brom defender Jonny Evans. The
former Manchester United defender was the subject of £25m bid from
Arsenal that was rejected in the summer.

The 30 year old Northern Ireland international is also attracting
interest from runway league leaders, Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's
side matched Arsenal's bid last summer, which was also turned down by
the Baggies.

The West Midland side are open to a sale as Jonny Evans has just 18
months left in his contract.

It remains to be seen whether he ends up in North London or Manchester.

Barcelona sign Liverpool's Phillipe Coutinho for £142m

Liverpool have released a statement that they have reached an
agreement with Barcelona which would see midfielder Phillipe Coutinho
to join the La Liga side for a fee in the region of £142m.

The 25 year old is expected to sign a contract with the Catalans that
would tie him to the club until 2023.

The agreement between both clubs brings to an end a protracted
transfer saga that dominated most of last summer's transfer window
which saw three bids rejected by Liverpool. This was subsequently
followed by a statement reiterating that no bids would be considered.

Phillipe Coutinho ends his five year association with Liverpool having
joined the club from Inter Milan in 2013 for a fee of £8.5m.

He wouldn't be eligible to feature in Barcelona's Champions League
campaign. But he should add considerable creativity and fire power to
the forward line of the La Liga league leaders that already boast
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Chelsea sign Everton's Ross Barkley for £15m

Chelsea this Friday completed the signing of Everton midfielder Ross
Barkley for a fee of £15m. The 24 year old joins the Londoners just
few months after he rejected a move to Stamford Bridge on transfer
deadline day in August for a fee of £30m

He becomes Antonio Conte's first January signing as the club goes
about repairing the damage done to the squad in the summer transfer
window.

His signing ends a 13 year association with Everton. A club he joined
at the age of 11. He was in the last six months of his contract before
his arrival at Chelsea.

Speaking of his signing, Conte said

"He's very young and has a lot of space for improvement,"

"He's a good prospect but at the same time, it will be very important
to understand, if the player signs, we must have patience to help him
recover."

It doesn't come as a surprise that Antonio Conte mentioned his
recovery. He hasn't played all season, because of a hamstring injury
that required surgery. Its unclear when he would be fit to make his
debut.

Still just 24 years, Ross Barkley has his peak years ahead of him.
However, with the nature of managerial changes at Chelsea, it remains
to be seen whether Antonio Conte stays long enough to improve the grey
areas of his game.

His signing also raises question as to the exact transfer policy of
Chelsea vis-a-vis the players they sent out on loan and those they
bring in as signings. It begs the question whether Rueben Loftus-Cheek
would ever have a future at the Bridge with Ross Barkley's arrival
seeing that they are almost similar players.

Arsenal v Chelsea teams: Ozil returns, Starts for Holding, Fabregas & Bakayoko

Arsenal would look to bounce back from the controversial draw at West
Brom on Sunday, which resulted in lost ground in the chase for a top
four finish. They face a Chelsea side who remain unbeaten since a
league defeat to West Ham.

Full Teams:

Arsenal:

Petr Cech, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers, Mustafi.
Maitland-Niles, Jack Wilshere, Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil, Alexis
Sanchez, Alexandre Lacazette

Subs: Ospina, Mertesacker, Coquelin, Elneny, Iwobi, Walcott, Welbeck

Chelsea:

Courtois, Cahill, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Moses, Kante, Bakayoko,
Alonso, Fabregas, Hazard, Morata

Subs: Caballero, Zapacosta, Rudiger, Drinkwater, Willian, Pedro, Batshuyai

Strong possibility that Arsenal could finish outside the top four

Arsenal ended an inconsistent 2017 with a constroversial 1-1 at West
Brom in the last Premier League match of year just gone by.

That draw meant that Arsene Wenger's side have failed to win
back-to-back away Premier League match this season. They only have
just three away win all season. Which came against Crystal Palace,
Burnley and Everton.

Arsenal's away form this season mirrors the theme of the 2017 calender
year which was mired by bouts of inconsistencies. The club suffered
the most defeat in a calender year under Wenger's reign for the first
time.

Without the eight wins from 10 home games this season, which have help
birth a return of 38 points, the situation could be a lot worse than
it is now.

That 38 points is only good enough for fifth position at the moment,
with Liverpool in 4th place on 44 points having played a game more.
The other contender for the top four, Tottenham, are on 37 points,
having played a game or two less depending on the teams.

Now when the form of the other contenders are compared to Arsenal,
there is real likelihood that Arsenal could be in danger of finishing
outside the top four for a second season running.

Arsenal have just two wins from their last seven Premier League
matches. And from a possible 21 points, they have garnered a poor
return of 10 points, dropping aways 11 points in that time. And to
make matters worse for Wenger, those matches came against teams they
were expected to beat. The likes of West Ham, Southampton and West
Brom. Which all ended in draws.

It doesn't matter the team Arsenal are up against in the league, once
the match is outside the Emirates, the team has struggled to produce
consistently on the road this season. A return of just three wins from
eleven away matches is hugely poor return for a club the status of
Arsenal.

Besides, the inconsistent away form this season, the inability of the
team to produce any semblance of a fluent display this season on the
road is another characteristic of what has been another poor domestic
campaign for the Gunners.

If the race to finish in the top four was down to the traditional four
teams of the past, there would have been few concerns that Arsenal
wouldn't finish within that bracket at the end of the season. But with
the teams that fight for a top four finish now as strong as six,
Arsenal could potentially suffer the risk of sitting out for another
year. The position is effectively down to just three positions, as
Manchester City have effectively sealed qualification for the
Champions League next season.

After Wednesday's match against Chelsea, there would be just 16
Premier League matches left this season. What this means, is that If
Arsenal's away form doesn't improve, the club should start bracing
itself for another year without Champions League football.

There is no guarantee that the home form that has accounted for eight
wins from 10 games would continue, especially with games against
Chelsea and Manchester City still to come. They still have to visit
Old Trafford and Wembley to play Manchester United and Tottenham
respectively.

With the form Liverpool are in and having strengthened with the
signing of Virgil, there have only increased the possibility of
finishing the season with a flourish.

Arsenal have already played a direct rival for the top four race in
Liverpool twice, taking just one point from a possible six. They still
have to play Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester
City, starting with the former. Taking point off their direct rival
would boost their chances of a top four finish, but it is the
performance against the less endowed teams that would determine
Arsenal's position at the end of the season, yet the evidence of that
so far as been very poor.