Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that he has some regrets about not bringing former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie to Turin in the summer, the Daily Mail report.
Despite missing out on the Dutchman, Marotta believes his club have done well in the summer transfer window and claims that Manchester
United overpaid for van Persie who was in the final year of his contract at Arsenal.
“I have regrets about Van Persie, but it would have been a bad choice for the club if we had paid €30million for a player who would have seen his contract expire next year,’ Marotta told Tuttosport.
“We are happy with the business we were able to carry out.”
“We hit our targets with the acquisition of good, young players with reasonable salaries – (Kwadwo) Asamoah, (Mauricio) Isla and (Sebastian) Giovinco.”
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Juventus did however sign one Arsenal player in the transfer window as Nicklas Bendtner joined them on a season long loan from the Gunners with a view to a permanent deal if the loan is a success.
West Ham United play host to Manchester United at the London Stadium on Thursday night in the penultimate match of their Premier League season, after they preserved their top flight status for at least another 12 months by beating Leicester City 2-0 at the weekend.
The Irons came into their trip to the east Midlands three points above the relegation zone following successive 4-1 defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City, but a straightforward win against an out-of-form Foxes side – coupled with other results – meant that they will be a Premier League team again next term.
That result would have come as a massive relief to the board and manager David Moyes following a tough few weeks, with the Scottish boss coming under heavy criticism from Hammers supporters on Twitter, with them wanting him to go this summer.
The 54-year-old will know that he needs to end the campaign on a high if he is to try and get the London Stadium faithful back on side – as well as convincing co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan that they should extend his contract beyond the climax of the season – although he may also want to give some fringe players an opportunity to impress.
Moyes made two changes to the XI that was beaten by Pep Guardiola’s men for the trip to the King Power Stadium as Arthur Masuaku and Joao Mario came in for Patrice Evra and Edimilson Fernandes respectively, and he may well be considering further alterations against the Red Devils.
Here is how West Ham must line up against Man United, ahead of Adrian in goal…
With a match to come against Everton at the London Stadium on Sunday, David Moyes should be thinking about reshuffling his team against the Red Devils despite the 2-0 win against Leicester last weekend.
The three-man defence of Declan Rice, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell looked much better at the King Power Stadium having conceded eight goals in two Premier League matches previously, and they picked up a much-needed clean sheet.
Hammers fans’ favourite James Collins was pictured in training on Wednesday having returned from injury last week, and Moyes should start the 34-year-old – in what could be his penultimate game for the club – in place of teenager Rice.
Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble were much improved against Leicester following a disappointing season for the duo, and the latter even got on the score-sheet with a brilliant volley.
However, with a match against Everton to come less than three days after this Moyes should look to bring some fresh legs into the middle of the mark against Jose Mourinho’s men, and Pedro Obiang – who was on the bench at the King Power Stadium after three months out through injury – should partner Edimilson Fernandes.
Those two should be flanked by Pablo Zabaleta and Arthur Masuaku as wing-backs, with Patrice Evra not doing enough in his starts to suggest that he should make the XI right now.
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Marko Arnautovic may be a slight doubt for the visit of the Red Devils after picking up a knock against Leicester, and even if the Austrian is almost fit he doesn’t need to be risked now the club has little to play for.
The Austria international can be saved for a start against Everton on Sunday, and Moyes should look to bring in Andy Carroll – who could cause the Man United plenty of problems with his strength and aerial ability – into the line-up as a striker, with Joao Mario and Manuel Lanzini behind him after an impressive showing from the duo at the King Power Stadium.
Liverpool forward Danny Ings is a talent player, albeit an incredibly unlucky one. After netting eleven times in the Premier League for Burnley, the England international showed promise in his early appearances for the Reds – until suffering an injury during Jurgen Klopp’s first training session.
Ings has spent much of the period since on the sidelines, also suffering a serious injury last season. But at the age of 25, he’s still got a chance of reviving his career and in terms of style of play, he certainly suits what Klopp tends to look for from his attacking cast.
Accordingly, a loan move in January could be exactly what Ings needs to revive his Liverpool career. So amid news that West Brom could make an offer when the transfer window reopens, we asked Reds supporters whether their club should sanction a loan deal.
And our poll has revealed that a whopping 81% of Liverpool fans think their club should loan Ings out to the Baggies in January. But can you see a long-term future for Ings on Merseyside? Let us know by commenting below…
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has his sights set on three more big name summer signings as he attempts to build a squad capable of challenging for the top four, reports the Sunday Mirror.
The club are hoping to clinch a £22million double signing from Dutch giants Ajax, with Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld and Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen emerging as the clubs prime transfer targets.
Rodgers is also eyeing a move for Chelsea full back Ryan Bertrand, who he believes he can tempt to Anfield having previously worked with the player at both Chelsea and Reading.
However the Eriksen deal currently looks the most likely, with Ajax manager Ronald De Boer admitting the club will not stand in the midfielder’s way should they receive a satisfactory offer for the £15million rated midfielder.
De Boer said: “I would want nothing more than having Christian with us for a few more years.
“But we realise that the interest in this kind of player is huge. And I can also understand that he wants to make another step in his career. I can’t stop him.”
“If Liverpool go back to really good possession play, it can be a success for Christian. But it does mean that their entire way of playing has to change. It is up to Christian what he wants. If he feels good going to Liverpool anyway, then it is up to him.”
Alderweireld meanwhile has rejected the chance to discuss personal terms with Norwich City after the club had a £7million offer accepted – leaving the door open for a move to Liverpool.
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“I am keeping all my options open,” said Alderweireld. “I am not rushing out the door. The whole picture of my next club has to be perfect. With every offer I am receiving this summer, I look at the pros and cons. The total package of my next club has to be right for me.”
Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes looks set to join Blackburn Rovers after the clubs agreed a deal that could be worth up to £8 million, according to the BBC.
The Scot is due for a medical at Ewood Park today, having already agreed a four-year deal with the Championship new boys. The move is expected to be completed within the next 24 hours.
Steve Kean has been chasing the 22-year-old all summer, and will be delighted to have finally made a breakthrough with the deal for a striker who scored 40 goals for Huddersfield last season.
It is understood the fee will be paid across the duration of the contract, with add-ons expected should Rhodes help Blackburn to promotion.
Kean is desperate to add to his squad before the transfer window slams shut on Friday, having lost new signing Leon Best to a long-term injury.
Rhodes has already bagged three goals for club and country this season, including a first international goal during Scotland’s 3-1 friendly victory over Australia.
Huddersfield have released a statement explaining they are expect to lose Rhodes for a club record fee, with their previous highest being £2.5 million from Ipswich for Marcus Stewart in 2000.
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Rhodes will be hoping to be available for Blackburn as soon as this weekend. Steve Kean’s side have made a decent start to life in the Championship and are unbeaten after their first three games.
Departing PSG manager Unai Emery, 46, is the leading candidate to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, according to the Express.
However, the highly-rated coach has endured a chastening experience in France this season and his confidence could have been affected to the extent that he cannot take on a job under such scrutiny right now.
What’s the story, then?
The report states that Luis Enrique and Max Allegri were both ahead of the Spaniard in the pecking order among the hierarchy at the Emirates but have expressed concern over the management structure, which has allowed Emery into the mix.
It goes on to say that one potential stumbling block could be the fact that Emery will demand £8.5m per year to manage in North London and Arsenal may be unwilling to part with that kind of cash.
The report also recalls some support from Wenger for Emery during some of his tougher times at PSG, in which the Frenchman reaffirms his belief in the Spaniard’s competence.
The job is too big for Emery
He showed at Sevilla that he is a good coach and adept at getting slick, adaptable performances from a lesser group of players but Emery has struggled to manage the expectations and egos in Paris.
The task of following Wenger and sating fans who are expecting a brave new era to emerge in the immediate aftermath of the Frenchman’s departure is sure to be as taxing and his confidence may well have been knocked.
Further, Emery lacks experience of English football and the level of scrutiny on these shores are not ideal for someone who is coming off the back of a high-profile failure.
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1. Thou shalt always be the first to say ‘Have you seen this?’
Arsene Wenger is famed for saying ‘I did not see it’ when his side are the beneficiaries of a generous decision. But you don’t miss a thing, you see it all. And your mates respect you for it. Wenger could learn a thing or too from you.
2. Thou shalt always have an opinion and stick by it
You may as well be Stan Collymore in disguise. Your opinions are strong and sometimes controversial, but you’re proud of them. Don’t let anyone tell you what to think, stand by your opinions and scream them at those who disagree. Loudly.
3. Thou shalt never wait for MOTD
You’ve got better things to be doing than waiting up until 10.30pm for Match of the Day. You’ll probably be out, so it’s lucky you spent the afternoon with Jeff Stelling to get your football fix. It’s much more entertaining, too. Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer are nowhere near the same league as Jeff Stelling and Paul Merson.
4. Thou shalt always stick a Saturday acca on
And a Sunday one too. You know deep down that money would be better off in your rainy day fund, but you convince yourself you’re going to win that mega 28-fold acca from a £1 stake one day. You’ve got to be in to win it, after all. Just ask Ray Winstone, he loves it.
5. Thou shalt use Twitter, not Final Score
You don’t just want scores, you want reaction and details. Final Score will tell you Emile Heskey has scored in the 46th minute. Twitter will tell you it went in off Emile’s left arse cheek and he still doesn’t know he’s scored despite it being 20 minutes later. Good times.
6. Thou shalt waste your life away playing Football Manager
If you didn’t then you won’t know who Cherno Samba is. If you did, you’ve had his name on the back of every shirt you’ve bought since 2001. Legend.
7. Thou shalt never let the Sunday League team down
You sank 12 pints, 18 shots and half a bottle of that dodgy looking liquor from the top shelf last night, but everyone knows you’ll be ready to boss the midfield come kick-off. You’re Mr. Reliable.
8. Thou shalt always remember to change your fantasy football team
Your mates call you the tinker man because you play around with your fantasy football team each week and still get results. Research is a paramount, complacency is for amateurs.
9. Thou shall never say no to a kick about
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve had a long day at work and all you can think about is your bed. Your mates have invited you for a kickabout and you wouldn’t miss it for the world.
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Demba Ba famously admitted he plays football with his mates in his back garden almost every day after training. You’re pretty much Demba Ba, just without the strawberry syrup addiction and millions in the bank.
10. Thou shalt never miss a lads night out
You’ve got work in the morning but that won’t stop you hitting the tiles and getting yourself ‘mortal like.’ Andy Carroll does it, so why can’t you?
11. Thou shalt always put football first
Always. There’s simply not contest when it comes to anything else. You’re not changing for anyone.
Swansea’s Michael Laudrup and Cardiff boss Malky Mackay have played down being linked to the Everton job to replace David Moyes.
Both managers are thought to be in Everton’s radar to replace Moyes, who will take over as Manchester United manager from July.
Blues owner Bill Kenwright says he will take his time to find a suitable replacement for Moyes but several big names are thought to be in the frame, including Swansea boss Laudrup and Cardiff’s Mackay.
Both managers have had impressive seasons, Laudrup leading the Swans to Capital One Cup glory and Mackay securing the Championship title with the Bluebirds.
However, the pair have insisted they want to continue the good work they have each done at their respective clubs next term.
Laudrup, 48, said: “It’s always flattering when you’re being connected with clubs. After a great season with Swansea, we know have a very important next year.”
Mackay, meanwhile, admitted it was nice to be linked but is looking forward to the challenge of being in charge of Cardiff in the top flight.
“It’s certainly very flattering to be linked to such a job like that but I’ve got something that we’ve built and we’re really looking forward to coming into the Premier League,” he said.
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“I’ve got an awful lot of hard work over the summer.”
The Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern have been relatively pleased by the recent form that their team has shown signs of, but at this stage in the season – it’s all about results.
With their dream of regaining the Premier League still merely a fantasy at the moment, the attention of our resident Gunners is already beginning to turn to next season.
With Arsene Wenger leaving the club after 22 years this summer, our punters feel that his successor has to arrive with a bang and bring in an array of quality so that the Gunners can improve their luck next season.
A player in the form of Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Thomas Partey would do very nicely indeed. The 24-year-old is valued at £13.5 million on Transfermarkt, but that doesn’t tell the full story of how important he’s been for the Spanish side over the course of this season.
Having played in over 45 games so far this season, the defensive rock has been exceptional and a big part in providing a shield for the already tight-knit Madrid defence.
Arsenal’s need for a defensive midfielder stretches back over a number of years with the Gunners never really finding an adequate replacement for Patrick Viera all those years ago. Thomas Partey isn’t quite at the level of the French legend yet, but he certainly has the potential to be one day.
A brilliant tackler with decent agility and mobility, he’d be right at home in what is becoming quite an exciting midfield at the Emirates alongside the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, if the latter renews his contract.
Landlords verdict:
Arsenal are in desperate need of summer recruitments following a mostly disappointing season.
Both quality and quantity is needed at the Emirates, and Thomas Partey is a player very capable of helping Arsenal move up the table.
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Significantly, Arsenal have been needing a defensive midfielder for a while, with a number of signings over the last few years not quite going to plan. Bringing Partey in wouldn’t necessarily solve Arsenal’s problems, but he’d be a great choice to plug the gaps in their midfield.
Tonight’s Premier League affair between Arsenal and Sunderland may have lacked the vital ingredient of any classic football match, goals, but it was an intoxicating, exciting, gripping and dramatic scoreless draw which guaranteed the Black Cats’ Premier League status for at least another season.
Indeed, it was a backs-to-the-wall, one-moment-will-decide-it affair, and possibly the most entertaining nil-nil of the season.
But just in case you missed it – perhaps you were busy watching Corrie with the missus – we’ve listed the three biggest talking points, so your mates don’t have to find out!
Pantilimon wins this season’s Underrated Glove award
With the likes of David De Gea, Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Lloris all enjoying superlative form this season, the pivotal performances of Costel Pantilimon have gone unfairly unnoticed.
Despite starting just 22 Premier League fixtures this term, the 6 foot 8 Sunderland No.1 ranks joint-fifth in the division for clean sheets, leaving him on equal terms with Chelsea’s Courtois, and fourth for number of saves.
And the Romanian international was absolutely intrinsic in Sunderland claiming another clean sheet this evening. He began with a sensational close-down of Jack Wilshere as the Arsenal midfielder careered into the box, and ended with a string of saves from point blank range as the Gunners peppered Sunderland’s goal. Overall, he finished up with seven saves.
Needless to say, Sunderland fans on twitter were very impressed:
Arsenal lack killer instinct
Over the last few weeks, many have come to the opinion that Arsenal are just a few signings away from a title-winning side. That may be true – and in terms of using the ball, they were absolutely fantastic once again this evening.
Yet, they lacked the killer instinct of a Chelsea or Manchester City, failing to convert 28 shots and 74% possession into a goal – despite the fact Sunderland didn’t get out of their own box until the hour mark. This now makes it three games without a goal for Arsenal – and 270 minutes since they’ve netted at the Emirates.
Although blame can’t be placed on a single individual, one has to question Olivier Giroud. In terms of hold-up play and occupying defenders, the France international did his job tonight, but he lacked that poacher-esque ability to turn up in the box at the right time and turn a half-chance into a goal, ending the match with only three efforts – equating to just 11% of all Arsenal’s chances. Entering the summer, the Gunners should be looking for a world-class upgrade on the 28 year-old.
Offer Dick Advocaat anything he wants
Since arriving at the Stadium of Light at the expense of Gus Poyet in March, Dick Advocaat has transformed a Sunderland side that at one point looked destined for relegation.
Under his leadership, the Black Cats have lost two, drawn three and won four, making him directly responsible for over half of the club’s victories in the Premier League this season – and of course, their great escape from relegation via a draw this evening.
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The former Netherlands, PSV, Rangers, Russia and Serbia manager has continually insisted he won’t stay on at Sunderland after the end of the season, apparently due to his wife not liking Wearside too much.
Well, you can hardly blame her – but the Black Cats need to throw the kitchen sink at Advocaat to retain him this summer, because they’re much stronger with him. Overwhelmed with emotion, the 67 year-old struggled to hold back tears after the final whistle, so he’s clearly enjoying his Sunderland tenure too.
For the club’s sake, let’s hope they’re not farewell tears.