Arsenal drop interest in Vidal, club looking at £35m Portuguese star
Arsenal drop interest in Vidal, club looking at £35m Portuguese star - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
According to the Telegraph, Arsenal are have ended their pursuit of Chile international, Arturo Vidal.
Arsene Wenger was thought to be a keen admirer of the Juventus midfielder, but the Frenchman is now exploring alternatives.
While there is no concrete reason as to why Arsenal have dropped their interest, Vidal’s age and wage demands could be a factor. Earlier this summer, Real Madrid also dropped their interest in the Chilean following the reports of his accident in Santiago.
It is believed that Vidal leads a very straight edge life outside of football, one that is not suitable for a professional. Spanish publications suggested that his lifestyle was the main reason behind Madrid not choosing to pursue him.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have turned their attentions to William Carvalho.
Arsene Wenger has been linked with the Portuguese midfielder for two seasons now. The Sporting midfielder is rated as one of the best young defensive midfielders in the world right now and could leave Portugal this summer.
Earlier last season, Mirror claimed that Carvalho is valued at £35m and that the price put off a couple of Premier League clubs including Arsenal.
Following a mixed season with Sporting this year, the price for Carvalho is expected to come down and Wenger is keen to make the most of it.
Arsenal midfield are in need of a combative and intelligent defensive midfielder like Carvalho and although Coquelin has a done a brilliant job in the second half of last season, Arsenal are lacking specialist depth in the position.
Whether Arsenal manage to pull it off, remains to be seen but Carvalho coming in after Cech means that Wenger has already boxed off two of the most important requirements in his squad and would represent an outstanding window for the Gunners.
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/1LFbceO
Chelsea ‘will have to pay £13m’ for Bundesliga defender – Agent
Chelsea ‘will have to pay £13m’ for Bundesliga defender – Agent - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
According to the player’s agent, Chelsea will have to pay £13m to land the Augsburg full back, Abdul Rahman Baba.
The 20 year old Ghana international is considered as one of the best young full backs in Europe and Chelsea are keen to strike a deal.
Chelsea left back Filipe Luis has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge and it seems Mourinho is keen to plug the gap immediately.
Baba has put together a string of excellent performances for Augsburg this season and has attracted a lot of interest from the Premier League. The likes of Manchester City and Arsenal are also keen to sign the Ghanian and are in desperate need of full backs.
Baba’s agent Sascha Empacher confirmed to LaRoma24 that the interested parties will have to part with £13m to land his client this summer.
“Many big European clubs are interested in Baba, but they do not want to be named,” he said.
“Do Augsburg want €18-20m? Yes, that can be correct.
“There is a lot of competition for the player. If a side is interested, then they have to make an offer to the club.
“Are Roma about to make an imminent offer? I don’t know anything about that at the moment.”
It is believed that Filipe Luis is keen on a move back to Atleti this summer and Baba could be the man to replace him at Stamford Bridge. Signing a quality young full back in Baba would also allow Mourinho to use the ever reliable Cesar Azpilicueta in his natural right back position.
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/1IIGTxB
Chelsea’s stunning swap deal offer for £43m forward
Chelsea’s stunning swap deal offer for £43m forward - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is interested in signing Radamel Falcao. The former Real Madrid boss revealed publicly that he would try to help Falcao getting back to his old best. And from those remarks it is quite clear that West London is the most likely destination for the Colombian striker this summer.
Falcao divides opinion among the critics. Had Chelsea been interested in signing him 2-4 years back, one could have said with utmost conviction that Falcao will definitely going to be a huge signing for the club. But can one say such things now with full confidence? Rather it gives the notion that Mourinho is taking a huge gamble on Falcao. The transfer move can turn out to be a huge hit, or a massive disaster.
Only few years back, Falcao was considered as one of the best players in the world. There was very few no 9, poacher type striker in the world better than him. He was simply outstanding. A goal machine in truest sense. He scored 72 goals for Porto in 87 matches and further added 70 odd goals for Atletico Madrid in just two seasons.
However, after Falcao suffered his ACL tear before the 2014 World Cup, he didn’t look like the same player anymore. He scored only four goals for Manchester United last season. For a player of his calibre, who has a proven track record of scoring goals, such return was simply unacceptable.
Many would say that Falcao wasn’t used properly by Louis van Gaal. He didn’t fit into the system at Old Trafford. But what the critics would say now in his defence after a miserable Copa America campaign? In four matches for Colombia, he has failed to find the target once, didn’t register any assist and had only six shots in the entire competition. Kieran Gill writing for Daily Mail has asked this question – What does Jose Mourinho sees in the striker that no one else can?
The interesting part about Falcao is his high price tag and his massive weekly wages. His face value is around £40-43m. Some of the big European clubs probably can afford to pay that money but who would be willing to gamble on him especially after his miserable performance last season?
It took Manchester United £6m and £228,000 weekly wages to sign him on a season-long loan last summer from Monaco. He turned out to be a huge flop, as a result, United didn’t risk of paying over £40m and sign him permanently.
Chelsea, however, are willing to take this gamble. The Blues have had a bad history of signing high profile strikers, who may have passed his prime like Fernando Torres or Andriy Shevchenko, and therefore an element of doubt remains over how the transfer will pan out even with Mourinho in charge. In Chelsea’s case, it is more of a calculated risk. The club have asked Falcao to take a significant pay-cut. Secondly, Chelsea are willing to send three of their highly talented academy youngsters on loan (Nathan Ake, Andreas Christensen and Ruben Loftus-Cheek) in the form of a swap deal. It’s a stunning piece of business that suits all parties involved here.
If Falcao turns out to be a hit, that is if he scores 15-20 goal next season, the deal will be hailed as a master stroke from Mourinho. The Special One will be praised heavily in the media for turning the player around. However, if he turns out to be a flop, people will point out that Falcao is not good enough to play at the highest level anymore. Chelsea will not be affected financially and they can send him back to Monaco.
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/1IFKFba
Arsenal will more competitive for title and not Manchester United says former PL forward
Arsenal will more competitive for title and not Manchester United says former PL forward - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has ruled out Manchester United to challenge for the title, but has backed Arsenal and Manchester City to be up there to provide competition for the Blues.
Jose Mourinho guided his side to a comfortable league victory for the West London club during the 2014-15 season. The same campaign, which saw Louis van Gaal guide the Red Devils back to top four as they finished the season in fourth spot.
Manchester City were the runners-up, while Arsenal managed to finish third in the league table. Manuel Pellegrini is likely to bolster the Citizens’ squad for the next season, while the Gunners are closing to strengthen their defence as they are close to securing the services of Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.
The former Blues forward believes United may struggle to improve their performance as the Italian has backed Arsene Wenger’s side and United’s derby rivals to provide competition to Chelsea for the title.
“I know Chelsea are going to be strong – I have no doubt about. I think the question is not what Chelsea can do, it’s what can the others do to challenge them?” Zola told Sky Sports.
“Chelsea will be there. It will be very important that teams like City, Arsenal and United improve their performances.
“City will be stronger next season but I’m expecting Arsenal to be more competitive as well. I thought in the second part of the season Arsenal were outstanding. They impressed with the way they were defending, something that was not their best point.
“If they manage to keep the standard throughout the season, for a little bit longer than they did last year, they will be very, very competitive.
“Regarding Manchester United, we know the potential of the club. The point is I don’t know if they will be able to step up and improve the level of performance. They will be a good challenge for Chelsea as well but I think City and Arsenal will be more competitive.”
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/1BVcPCc
Barcelona keen to sign £29m Manchester United target
Barcelona keen to sign £29m Manchester United target - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen to sign Atletico Madrid playmaker Arda Turan.
The Turkish attacking midfielder has spent four successful seasons at the Vicente Calderon and is looking for another adventure now. The former Galatasray man has been linked with a move to the Premier League with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United interested.
According to the English media, Manchester United are considering making a bid for the Atletico midfielder as an alternative to Roberto Firmino, who just signed for Liverpool.
The Turkish international is valued at £29m and Barcelona are keen to get him in order to take off some creative duties from Andres Iniesta.
With two quality wingers in their side now (Depay and Di Maria), Manchester United are now looking to add a bit of quality centrally and Turan seems like the ideal candidate. The Atletico man is technically gifted and possesses outstanding flair, vision and passing abilities.
Turan has always been interested in a move to the Premier League, mainly with Liverpool, the club he has always supported as a child.
It is believed that Simeone is ready to let go of Turan if a suitable offer comes in. Atleti are blessed with some fantastic young talent and the likes of Angel Correa and Oliver Torres are set to come in, should Turan decide to leave.
Barcelona going for Turan might be dependent on a number of factors including the re-election of Bartomeu and the situation with Pedro. The Spaniard has signed a new deal at Barcelona, but is believed to be edging closer to an exit.
To sum it up, Turan is an outstanding player with loads of experience and proven pedigree at the highest level. Whoever signs him will get a fantastic athlete playing at his peak. Although the price quoted is quite steep, Manchester United and Barcelona certainly do not lack the funds.
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/1FFGOJ2
Liverpool Transfer: £29m Bundesliga star can be a massive hit
Liverpool Transfer: £29m Bundesliga star can be a massive hit - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Liverpool completed the £29m signing of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim earlier this week. The 23 year old Brazilian is set to undergo his medical after Copa America and finalise his move to Merseyside.
The charismatic Brazilian has been turning heads around Europe for the last two years and has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Hoffenheim attacker has had two outstanding seasons back to back and is now ready to take the next step and win trophies in England.
£29m does seem like an awful lot of money for someone who has yet to prove himself in the Champions League. However, his performances in Copa America and against the likes of Dortmund and Bayern have shown that he is ready to make his mark at every stage against the best teams.
While one could argue that an attacking midfielder was never a priority for Liverpool, it is beyond doubt that Firmino addition will improve the side massively.
Creativity in final third
Liverpool have desperately lacked some creativity in the final third last season. The departure of Luis Suarez and injury to Sturridge meant that all the attacking responsibilities were now down to Coutinho.
Despite having a great season overall, Coutinho often found himself isolated with too much to do as Liverpool struggled to create.
Firmino coming in will allow Coutinho to play further deep (just as he likes).
At Liverpool, Luis Suarez played the part of the ball carrier in final third and took over from Coutinho near the box, where he fancied his chances or went for the final pass. Firmino is set to take up that role of a secondary creator.
Firmino’s vision, flair, technique and pressing in the final third is somewhat similar to that of Luis Suarez and will help lessen the creative burden of Philippe Coutinho.
Goals
When Suarez left, Liverpool failed to bring someone in who could create as well as score. In Suarez, they not only lost a player who was the best goalscorer in England, but the second best chance creator after Eden Hazard too.
Firmino has contributed to 45 goals in his last 66 appearances (goals and assists). His instinctive movement and finishing ability adds a considerable number of goals to his games, along with all the flair and technique he possesses.
Firmino could play off the main striker in a free role and contribute as a goalscoring number 10.
Bring back the pressing
Every Liverpool fan wants Brendan Rodgers to bring back his relentless pressing game that turned the Reds into a fearsome unit in 2013-14. However, with the likes of Balotelli and Lambert leading the line last season, pressing from the front did not quite work for Liverpool.
Firmino is an excellent tactical presser and will help Liverpool press from the front and play on the counter. There is an abundance of pace and flair in the Liverpool lineup which is tailor made for counter attacking football and Firmino could be key to unlocking that.
All in all, it looks like a fantastic signing for Liverpool and a massive statement of intent from the club. Safe to say Liverpool have started the window very well with the acquisition of Milner, Ings, Firmino and Clyne.
However it is essential that Liverpool address their main priority and sign a striker before the window closes.
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/1QUa8Y8
Done Deal: Manchester United target sign long-term deal with Liverpool
Done Deal: Manchester United target sign long-term deal with Liverpool - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Liverpool have confirmed they have agreed a deal with Hoffenheim in signing their midfielder Roberto Firmino on Wednesday.
A statement on Liverpool’s official website read, ” Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim, subject to a medical which will take place immediately following the player’s participation in Copa America 2015 for Brazil. The 23-year-old has agreed a long-term contract with the club.”
#LFC are delighted to announce they have signed Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim, subject to a medical #FirminoLFC http://pic.twitter.com/rWRHhTmHuB
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 24, 2015
More to follow…
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/1FAjQTw
DONE DEAL: Liverpool agree deal for Roberto Firmino
DONE DEAL: Liverpool agree deal for Roberto Firmino - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Brazil attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino, the club has confirmed.
#LFC are delighted to announce they have signed Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim, subject to a medical #FirminoLFC http://pic.twitter.com/rWRHhTmHuB
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 24, 2015
The deal is reported to be worth £29m. The 23-year-old Hoffenheim attacking midfielder, who was also a reported target of Manchester United, will sign in the next 24 hours.
Firmino has been offered a five-year-contract and he will become one of the highest paid players at the club.
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/1GGOJcW
Chief Exe locked in negotiation, Manchester United’s big money target off to Liverpool
Chief Exe locked in negotiation, Manchester United’s big money target off to Liverpool - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Liverpool are close to sealing a deal for Hoffenheim sensation Roberto Firmino. If the Reds succeed in completing the deal, Firmino would become the second most expensive signing (Andy Carroll was signed for 35m from Newcastle United four years ago) in the club’s history.
Tony Barrett of The Times report that Liverpool will meet Hoffenheim’s 40m asking price for the 23-year-old and the finds are in place for a deal to be done.
Premier League giants Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for Firmino as well, but it seems, Liverpool are putting up a strong effort in wrapping up the deal at the earliest.
Ian Ayre, the Liverpool’s chief executive, has travelled to Chile, to conclude negotiation on the proposed transfer. Firmino is participating in the Copa America at the moment, and although talks have yet to reach a successful conclusion, Liverpool hope they would to able to reach agreement.
Ayre was locked in negotiation last night with Firmino’s representatives in Santiago. The player’s agent Roger Wittmann has stated recently that the Brazilian attacking midfielder wants to move to the Barclays Premier League in the summer.
Liverpool have offered Firmino a five-year-contract that would make him one of the highest paid players at the club. Meanwhile Firmino insisted his next move “is in the hands of God” when asked about whether he will play in England next season.
From Soccerlens.com - Football News
from Soccerlens.com http://ift.tt/1CrQ43o