Arsenal have annouced that club captain will take over as the head of
its academy from 2018 when is contract with the club expires. The 34
year old former German international would replace Andries Jonker who
left to become manager of Wolfsburg last season.
Speaking to Arsenal.com about the appointment. Manager Arsène Wenger said:
"Per is an exceptional character who is a great example for young
players. He is a deep thinker about the game and committed to helping
players fulfil their potential. He will be an inspirational figure for
everyone connected with the academy."
In response to his appointment which comes into effect in a year's
time, Per had this to say:
"This is the start of an exciting new chapter for me and I am
delighted that I will be able to stay part of the Arsenal family. This
season I will remain fully focused on my job with the team and am
looking forward to a successful last season on the pitch. After that,
I look forward to the exciting challenge of helping produce young
players good enough to play for the Arsenal first team."
on his part, the club's chief excecutive, Ivan Gazidis said:
"At Arsenal, we believe in developing young players to their full
potential and giving them an opportunity to shine. I am delighted that
Per will take on this role. He understands the club's values, he knows
what it takes to win at the top level and he will be the ideal person
to drive the academy forward when he takes on the role next year."
Per Mertesacker was appointed Arsenal's captain last season, but
injured his knee at the start of the season which caused him to miss
the entire season, apart from a couple of minutes against Everton on
the last day of the league season.
He put in a towering performance in his first start of the season in
the FA Cup final win over Chelsea in May.
He joined Arsenal from Werden Bremen in 2011 and was part of the
German squad that won the World Cup in 2014.
In the mean time, while Per sees out this last season as a player, the
academy will be led by Luke Hobbs.
Friday, 7 July 2017
Thursday, 6 July 2017
Man United agrees £75m fee for Everton's Lukaku
Manchester United have agreed a fee of £75m for Belgian and Everton
striker Romelu Lukaku. The 24 year old, the scorer of 25 league goals
last season has been repeatedly linked with a return to Chelsea, but
Jose Mourinho has moved quickly to secure one of his key targets
following failure to reach an agreement with Real Madrid over the
signing of striker Alvaro Morata.
They are now expected to drop their interest in Morata which has been
played out publicly all summer.
Jose Mourinho was reported to be growing frustrated at the club's
inability to secure their targets with just one signing confirmed to
date. With a pre-season tour of the United States on the horizon on
Sunday, he was eager to get a striker he sold to Everton while he was
manager at Chelsea. Especially as Zlatan Ibrahimovic was no longer at
the club and Wayne Rooney is poised to return to Everton, leaving
Manchester United shot of firepower.
Romelu Lukaku rejected an handsome contract extension at Everton that
would have made him the club's highest paid player in history, but
with a move to Old Trafford now firmly on, it represents a new chapter
for a player who says he doesn't want to remain at the same level with
Everton.
What does this mean for Chelsea?
The Stamford Bridge outfit where the firm favourite to secure his
signature. One that would have heralded a second spell at the West
London club for Lukaku. But it seems the inability of Chelsea to reach
an agreement with Everton has played into the hands of Manchester
United, whose difficulty in securing the signing of Alvaro Morata has
made them cast their net toward Lukaku instead.
It leaves Chelsea in a difficult situation as main striker Diego Costa
is no longer in the plans of Antonio Conte and plans are already on to
move him away from the club.
It remains to be seen how Chelsea reacts as a prime target slips
through their fingers to join a rival. As the saying goes, their loss
is Manchester United gain.
And it would seem that with Wayne Rooney getting set to swap Old
Trafford with Goodison Park, it has made reaching an agreement much
faster for both clubs, though, both deals are reported to be
completely unrelated.
striker Romelu Lukaku. The 24 year old, the scorer of 25 league goals
last season has been repeatedly linked with a return to Chelsea, but
Jose Mourinho has moved quickly to secure one of his key targets
following failure to reach an agreement with Real Madrid over the
signing of striker Alvaro Morata.
They are now expected to drop their interest in Morata which has been
played out publicly all summer.
Jose Mourinho was reported to be growing frustrated at the club's
inability to secure their targets with just one signing confirmed to
date. With a pre-season tour of the United States on the horizon on
Sunday, he was eager to get a striker he sold to Everton while he was
manager at Chelsea. Especially as Zlatan Ibrahimovic was no longer at
the club and Wayne Rooney is poised to return to Everton, leaving
Manchester United shot of firepower.
Romelu Lukaku rejected an handsome contract extension at Everton that
would have made him the club's highest paid player in history, but
with a move to Old Trafford now firmly on, it represents a new chapter
for a player who says he doesn't want to remain at the same level with
Everton.
What does this mean for Chelsea?
The Stamford Bridge outfit where the firm favourite to secure his
signature. One that would have heralded a second spell at the West
London club for Lukaku. But it seems the inability of Chelsea to reach
an agreement with Everton has played into the hands of Manchester
United, whose difficulty in securing the signing of Alvaro Morata has
made them cast their net toward Lukaku instead.
It leaves Chelsea in a difficult situation as main striker Diego Costa
is no longer in the plans of Antonio Conte and plans are already on to
move him away from the club.
It remains to be seen how Chelsea reacts as a prime target slips
through their fingers to join a rival. As the saying goes, their loss
is Manchester United gain.
And it would seem that with Wayne Rooney getting set to swap Old
Trafford with Goodison Park, it has made reaching an agreement much
faster for both clubs, though, both deals are reported to be
completely unrelated.
Wednesday, 5 July 2017
Lionel Messi signs £500,000 a week Barcelona contract extension
Barcelona and Argentine maestro, Lionel Messi has agreed a new four
year contract that extends his stay at the Catalan club to 2021. The
club has announced.
"The club is very happy with the renewal and commitment of Messi, the
best player in history," it said.
Lionel Messi joined Barcelona as a 13 year old in 2000, and since he
made is competitive debut four years later, he has gone on to become
the club's highest goalscorer with 507 goals in 583 matches.
The 30 year old married his long term girlfriend and childhood friend
who is the mother of his two children last weekend with a lavish
ceremony at his hometown of Rosario in Argentina.
The Spanish media reports that the new contract has a release clause
of £263 million in it.
His time at the club has seen him eclipsed several records, including
being the Catalan's record goalscorer. With this new deal keeping him
at the club until he is 34 years, he could end up breaking more record
along the way.
For the time being though, the maestro is currently enjoying his
honeymoon with is not so brand new wife. Its a case of happy married
life and happy new contract renewal.
year contract that extends his stay at the Catalan club to 2021. The
club has announced.
"The club is very happy with the renewal and commitment of Messi, the
best player in history," it said.
Lionel Messi joined Barcelona as a 13 year old in 2000, and since he
made is competitive debut four years later, he has gone on to become
the club's highest goalscorer with 507 goals in 583 matches.
The 30 year old married his long term girlfriend and childhood friend
who is the mother of his two children last weekend with a lavish
ceremony at his hometown of Rosario in Argentina.
The Spanish media reports that the new contract has a release clause
of £263 million in it.
His time at the club has seen him eclipsed several records, including
being the Catalan's record goalscorer. With this new deal keeping him
at the club until he is 34 years, he could end up breaking more record
along the way.
For the time being though, the maestro is currently enjoying his
honeymoon with is not so brand new wife. Its a case of happy married
life and happy new contract renewal.
Tuesday, 4 July 2017
£46m Alexandre Lacazette joins Arsenal after completing medicals
Arsenal have completed the signing of French international striker,
Alexandre Lacazette today after he had his medicals and completed his
paper works at London Colney, the club's training ground. This was
after both Arsenal and Lyon agreed an initial fee of £46m that could
rise to £52m with add-ons.
The 26 years old has been repeatedly linked to Arsenal over the past
three years, and this summer, he was set to join Atletico Madrid after
they agreed a fee with Lyon, but after a FIFA transfer ban that was
rectified by the Court of Arbitration for Sports few weeks into the
summer, it scuttled the possibility of a deal happening. This left the
door open for Arsenal to pounce on a player that Arsene Wenger has
reportedly monitored for the last nine years.
The 5ft 9in striker record with Lyon ends at 129 goals in 275 games.
And he had his best season to date when he registered 37 goals with 28
coming in Ligue 1 last season.
His addition, brings pace, technique and a natural goal scoring
ability to the Arsenal forward line. With reports indicating that
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil could be set to extend their contracts
after weeks of uncertainty, it could yet turn out to be an eventful
summer for the club.
Inspite of the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal still have a
backlog of issues to sort out before the season starts, especially as
the squad returned to pre-season training this Tuesday.
The futures of Oxlade Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and the
aforementioned Ozil and Sanchez have to be resolved in the coming
weeks.
With Arsene Wenger asserting at the end of last season that he would
have to find a way to prone down the big squad at his disposal, which
has grown bigger with two signings and no key departure yet, there is
a possibility that players would have to leave before more signings
are made in the coming weeks.
Alexandre Lacazette today after he had his medicals and completed his
paper works at London Colney, the club's training ground. This was
after both Arsenal and Lyon agreed an initial fee of £46m that could
rise to £52m with add-ons.
The 26 years old has been repeatedly linked to Arsenal over the past
three years, and this summer, he was set to join Atletico Madrid after
they agreed a fee with Lyon, but after a FIFA transfer ban that was
rectified by the Court of Arbitration for Sports few weeks into the
summer, it scuttled the possibility of a deal happening. This left the
door open for Arsenal to pounce on a player that Arsene Wenger has
reportedly monitored for the last nine years.
The 5ft 9in striker record with Lyon ends at 129 goals in 275 games.
And he had his best season to date when he registered 37 goals with 28
coming in Ligue 1 last season.
His addition, brings pace, technique and a natural goal scoring
ability to the Arsenal forward line. With reports indicating that
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil could be set to extend their contracts
after weeks of uncertainty, it could yet turn out to be an eventful
summer for the club.
Inspite of the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal still have a
backlog of issues to sort out before the season starts, especially as
the squad returned to pre-season training this Tuesday.
The futures of Oxlade Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and the
aforementioned Ozil and Sanchez have to be resolved in the coming
weeks.
With Arsene Wenger asserting at the end of last season that he would
have to find a way to prone down the big squad at his disposal, which
has grown bigger with two signings and no key departure yet, there is
a possibility that players would have to leave before more signings
are made in the coming weeks.
Thursday, 15 June 2017
Defender Victor Lindelof Joins Manchester United for £31m
Manchester United have completed the signing of Swedish international
defender, Victor Lindelof from Benfica on a four year deal with an
option for a fifth year. The 22 year old joins the Old Trafford club
for a fee of £31m. The pricely sum makes him the most expensive
defender in the club's history. That accolade was previously held by
Rio Ferdinard when he was signed from Leeds United for £29m in 2002.
The 22 year old Lindelof arrives on the back of playing an
instrumental role in helping Benfica win a domestic league and cup
double last season. He played 47 games across all competitions for the
Portuguese champions.
Standing at 6ft 2in he is expected to add some montrosity to
Manchester United backline alongside Eric Bailly who excelled in his
first season at Old Trafford.
With this signing, the future of Chris Smalling is now clearly
uncertain as the England international has been linked with a move
away from the club. However, other there are reports that the club is
looking to add more defensive cover. But, the futures of Phil Jones
and Daley Blind remains unclear.
Jose Mourinho had this to say about his first signing of the summer.
"Victor is a very talented young player, who has a great future ahead
of him at United. Our season last year showed us that we need options
and quality to add depth to the squad and Victor is the first to join
us this summer,"
While the player had his say about his move:
"I'm thrilled," he said.
"I have enjoyed my time at Benfica enormously and I have learned a lot
there. But I'm looking forward to playing in the Premier League at Old
Trafford and for Jose Mourinho. I'm keen to get started and make my
contribution to the team's efforts to win more trophies,"
Old Trafford is expected to see more high profile arrivals this
summer. With Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata reported close to
joining the club for another huge outlay.
defender, Victor Lindelof from Benfica on a four year deal with an
option for a fifth year. The 22 year old joins the Old Trafford club
for a fee of £31m. The pricely sum makes him the most expensive
defender in the club's history. That accolade was previously held by
Rio Ferdinard when he was signed from Leeds United for £29m in 2002.
The 22 year old Lindelof arrives on the back of playing an
instrumental role in helping Benfica win a domestic league and cup
double last season. He played 47 games across all competitions for the
Portuguese champions.
Standing at 6ft 2in he is expected to add some montrosity to
Manchester United backline alongside Eric Bailly who excelled in his
first season at Old Trafford.
With this signing, the future of Chris Smalling is now clearly
uncertain as the England international has been linked with a move
away from the club. However, other there are reports that the club is
looking to add more defensive cover. But, the futures of Phil Jones
and Daley Blind remains unclear.
Jose Mourinho had this to say about his first signing of the summer.
"Victor is a very talented young player, who has a great future ahead
of him at United. Our season last year showed us that we need options
and quality to add depth to the squad and Victor is the first to join
us this summer,"
While the player had his say about his move:
"I'm thrilled," he said.
"I have enjoyed my time at Benfica enormously and I have learned a lot
there. But I'm looking forward to playing in the Premier League at Old
Trafford and for Jose Mourinho. I'm keen to get started and make my
contribution to the team's efforts to win more trophies,"
Old Trafford is expected to see more high profile arrivals this
summer. With Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata reported close to
joining the club for another huge outlay.
Tuesday, 6 June 2017
Arsenal Confirms Signing of Defender Sead Kolasinac
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Bosnia international Sead
Kolasinac on a free transfer from Bundesliga side Schalke where he has
been for the last five years.
The 23 year old who plays as both a left back and a wing back is
reported to have signed a five year deal until 2022.
The 6ft defender was part of the Bundesliga eleven of the just concluded season.
His arrival is expected to put more pressure on Kieran Gibbs who has
been linked with a move out of the club. With Newcastle United
reported to be interested in the English left back.
With Nacho Monreal now 30 years, the Bosnian is expected to be his
long term replacement in that role. With Arsene Wenger deploying a
3-4-3 system to finish the recent season, and Sead Kolasinac adept at
playing as a wing back due to the system Schalke played last season,
he won't be new to the playing as wing back should Arsene Wenger
persist with three at the back next season.
This is expected to be the first of several arrivals already planned
by the club with a bid of £95 already reportedly for made and
rejected for Monaco teenage sensation Mbappe.
The players expected to leave Arsenal this summer includes Matthieu
Debuchy, Joel Campbell, the aforementioned Gibbs, David Ospina, Carl
Jenkinson, Yaya Sanogo has confirmed he is leaving at the end of his
contract this month and Lucas Perez's future is still up in the air.
It promises to be a busy summer at Arsenal.
Kolasinac on a free transfer from Bundesliga side Schalke where he has
been for the last five years.
The 23 year old who plays as both a left back and a wing back is
reported to have signed a five year deal until 2022.
The 6ft defender was part of the Bundesliga eleven of the just concluded season.
His arrival is expected to put more pressure on Kieran Gibbs who has
been linked with a move out of the club. With Newcastle United
reported to be interested in the English left back.
With Nacho Monreal now 30 years, the Bosnian is expected to be his
long term replacement in that role. With Arsene Wenger deploying a
3-4-3 system to finish the recent season, and Sead Kolasinac adept at
playing as a wing back due to the system Schalke played last season,
he won't be new to the playing as wing back should Arsene Wenger
persist with three at the back next season.
This is expected to be the first of several arrivals already planned
by the club with a bid of £95 already reportedly for made and
rejected for Monaco teenage sensation Mbappe.
The players expected to leave Arsenal this summer includes Matthieu
Debuchy, Joel Campbell, the aforementioned Gibbs, David Ospina, Carl
Jenkinson, Yaya Sanogo has confirmed he is leaving at the end of his
contract this month and Lucas Perez's future is still up in the air.
It promises to be a busy summer at Arsenal.
Saturday, 3 June 2017
Arsene Wenger's new contract: More of the same or there would be changes?
Arsene Wenger signed a two year extension to extend his stay at Arsenal to 2019 during the week.. The Frenchman faced arguably his most difficult season as manager of the North London club after a terrible run of form from the end of January to early April culminated in seven defeats from twelves matches in all competitions. Yet as it common with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal over the years, they always seem to end the season with a flourish after the usual mid season loss of form. An untypical change of formation for the first time since September. 1996 which saw the manager adopt a 3-4-3 formation meant Arsenal won nine out of its ten matches to finish the season. The high of winning the FA Cup against champions Chelsea culminated in another contract extension. The cup win at Wembley made Arsenal the most successful club in the history of the competition with its 13th win, while Arsene Wenger became the most successful manager in FA Cup history with its seventh win. Its a feat that would take some beating to overcome.
The familiar failings of Arsenal were all on display for all to see this season in the just concluded season. The usual starting a season in a flourish, which inevitably lures the fans to a sense of false security and excitement. But when push comes to shove and the pressures goes up, the team collapses. Yet, the manager attributed this year's collapse to unusual circumstances which had to do with uncertainties over his future which he claimed unsettled his players.
The way Arsenal overcome bogey teams such as Southampton and Stoke City away from homes in matches they had to win, must make its fans wonder why they can't show such enthusiasm for a title race the way they do for a top four finish. Now after the glorious failure of settling for a Europa league spot, which was rewarded with a new contract, something has to give.
The contract extension was followed by the usual official line and assertion that there would be changes in the transfer market in the off season. Such lines have been heard before, but where never backed by actions. which is why whether this contract extension would end up being more of the same or there would be genuine change would be known in the weeks and months to come.
One reason why the stasis can't continue is because there are actually questions that needs to be addressed. Since Arsenal only deploy a weapon of reactionary activity, they would do well to react to the numerous players that their contracts have been allowed to run down to just one year left. Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Oxlade Chamberlain's contracts have to be addressed. The likes of Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs would have to be sold with just a year left in their contracts. Carl Jenkinson, Matthieu Debuchy, Yaya Sanogo and Lucas Perez, who is looking for a move a way after growing frustrated at a lack of playing time.
Arsene Wenger would have to be more ruthless in his approach to dealing with players. it;s an indictment and pure negligence that a player like Yaya Sanogo was in Arsenal's books for four years, and yet the club is reluctant to meet the wage demands of the likes of Alexis and Ozil. If non performing players are removed from the wage will, it would go a long way in adequately fixing wage demands of key players.
It remains to be seen how Arsene Wenger approach the summer's business. he, more than anybody else would know that, things can't possibly continue the way they have been before. He has shown he can change with that change of formation for the first time in twenty years, and now, he has to replicate that in his transfer business this summer.
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