Bayern Munich ace keen on Liverpool move this summer, Klopp factor huge

Though the season ended in a rather damp squib in the Europa League final loss to Basel, there’s little doubt the arrival of Jurgen Klopp has lit the embers of optimism at Anfield. 

The German tactician had a mixed start to his tenure on Merseyside, though the nature of some of the performances of his side have seen the Reds excited for the future under him.

Even without the added allure of Champions League football, the 46-year old’s name carries weight on the continent and the club have been linked with a number of top players.

One of those in particular is World Cup winning hero Mario Gotze, who shares a good relationship with
Klopp following their successful time at Borussia Dortmund together.
While news about his potential move continues to develop, another player at the Bavarian giants is reportedly open to a switch.

According to Bundesliga expert Lee Price (via the Daily Star), midfielder Pierre Hojbjerg is keen on a move to Anfield in order to work with his countryman.

The Danish international is allowed to leave the Allianz Arena after spending the last two seasons on loan with Schalke and Augsburg.

Will Liverpool finish in the Top 4 next season? 

CREDIT TO:http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premiership/liverpool/bayern-munich-ace-keen-on-liverpool-move-this-summer-klopp-factor-huge/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TransferTavern+%28The+Transfer+Tavern+Home+Page%29 

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Liverpool star Emre Can makes Germany Euro 2016 squad

Liverpool star Emre Can has made the cut for the 23-man Germany Euro 2016 squad.
The 22-year-old has however, been listed as a defender which suggests that he will probably remain as a full-back and not play as a midfielder like he does in the Premier League.

Can has played as a central-midfielder under the stewardship of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp but Germany manager Joaquim Low continues to play him as a defender – as did former Liverpool head coach Brendan Rodgers.
Can is one of two Germany international players of Turkish origin in the squad with the other being Mesut Ozil.

Full Germany 23-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona).

Defenders: Jérôme Boateng (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Antonio Ruediger (Roma).

Midfielders: Julian Draxler (VfL Wolfsburg), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Özil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Andre Schürrle (VfL Wolfsburg), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund).

Forwards: Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Mario Götze (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Schalke 04).

CREDIT TO:http://www.turkish-football.com/liverpool-star-emre-can-makes-germany-euro-2016-squad/

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Lucas Moura called into Brazil’s Copa America squad

The 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star has been drafted in to replace injured Barcelona midfielder Rafinha while Marcelo Grohe arrives in place of Ederson

Paris Saint-German's Lucas Moura has received a late call-up to Brazil’s Copa America Centenario squad, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Tuesday.
Gremio goalkeeper Marcelo Gorhe has also been called into the squad, replacing Benfica’s Ederson.

23-year-old Lucas Moura replaces Barcelona midfielder Rafinha, who has been forced to withdraw from the squad with a muscle injury after a week in USA that saw him unable to train and miss his side’s Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour victory over Panama in Colorado on Sunday.

It was thought that Rafinha would be replaced by Palmeiras starlet Gabriel Jesus, who missed out on a call-up last week because he hadn't secured an American visa.
Kaka was instead asked to replace Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa.

"The choice to call in Kaka was a technical decision," Dunga told the media on Saturday. "Unfortunately, other players could be here but they're not here because they did not have the required documentation."

Dunga has now been forced into four changes from his original 23-man squad, having also lost veteran Santos striker Ricardo Oliveira shortly before the team gathered in last week.

Benfica’s Jonas replaced Oliveira and celebrated his late arrival with Brazil’s opening goal in the 2-0 win over Panama.

CREDIT TO:http://www.goal.com/en/news/584/brazil/2016/05/31/24138542/-

 

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Chelsea transfer ruled out despite £15m offer and buy-back clause

CHELSEA will not sell Andreas Christensen to Borussia Monchengladbach, according to reports.

 
Chelsea are reportedly not willing to sell Andreas Christensen 

Christensen is half-way through a two year loan spell with the German club and has cemented himself in the starting XI.
The centre-back made 39 appearances in all competitions last term for the Bundesliga side and scored three goals.

And according to German newspaper Bild, Gladbach want to make the deal permanent and will table an offer in the region of £15million - a record for the club.
They will also reportedly include a buy-back clause in any deal for the Denmark international to smooth things over with the Blues.

However, reports from Italy today  say the Premier League side are not willing to part company with the 20-year-old and are keen for him to return once his loan ends.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claim Gladbach have money to burn following the sale of Granit Xhaka to Arsenal and are hopeful of bringing in Christensen.

But with John Terry likely to leave the club at the end of next season, it is said Antonio Conte is looking to the future.
And the young centre-back pairing of Christensen and Kurt Zouma is something the Italian hopes to build on during his time at Stamford Bridge.

CREDIT TO:http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/675549/Chelsea-Transfer-News-Andreas-Christensen-No-Sale-Borussia-Monchengladbach

 

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Foxes chase Dortmund Forward

Leicester City have been linked with Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile reports Italian press outlet La Stampa. Immobile is currently out on loan at Torino, following a spell at Sevilla.
The 26-year-old striker started his career at Juventus and is a naturally talented goalscorer, with career stats of 67 in 170 at club level. Leicester City are currently the only English team linked with the striker, however Lazio, Torino and Sevilla could all look to make a move for him.
Immobile is unfortunately surplus to requirements at Dortmund following a £7.5m move from Torino in 2014.

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Reus snub 'unbelievably difficult' - Howedes

Marco Reus was omitted from Germany's Euro 2016 squad and Benedikt Howedes says the news was tough for everyone to take.

Leaving Marco Reus out of Euro 2016 was an "unbelievably difficult decision" for him and the squad, according to Germany defender Benedikt Howedes.

The Borussia Dortmund forward, who turned 27 on Tuesday, was left out of Joachim Low's final 23-man squad due to injury concerns.

Reus was also forced to sit out Germany's victorious campaign at the World Cup due to injury, and Howedes acknowledged the latest news was tough for everyone concerned.

"He's obviously really disappointed," said the Schalke defender. "Things like that hurt a lot. It is an unbelievably difficult decision for him and also for us as his team-mates. However, I hope that Marco can turn his emotions into a positive energy."

Fellow youngsters Julian Weigl and Joshua Kimmich were included in Low's squad, along with rising Schalke star Leroy Sane, and Howedes is excited to see what his team-mate can produce in France.

Everyone knows the qualities Leroy has," he said. "He has pace to burn and can always do something special."

Germany suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat to Slovakia in a rain-soaked friendly in Augsburg on Sunday, but Howedes insisted their confidence has not been shaken by the defeat.

"We are in good shape and looking forward to a good 90-minute test against Hungary after the water-polo match against Slovakia," he said. "I am convinced that we can improve and move forwards.

"The meaning of the friendly result - it was a good test in which we were made aware of things that we can improve on. The Slovakia match was a dampener but we are not unsettled by the result. We are still full of confidence."

CREDIT TO:http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/news/reus-snub-unbelievably-difficult-howedes#:HpXP8OoXzXn3uA

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Ron-Robert Zieler: Is the German A Threat to Schmeichel’s Number One Spot?

After their miraculous Premier League triumph, Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri faces something of a dilemma this summer as he gears up for the club’s title defence and debut Champions League campaign.

He has to decide whether to totally keep faith with the players who delivered the Premier League title or whether to use this window of opportunity to sign a host of players who the club ordinarily would struggle to attract.

His first signing looks like being Hannover goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler, whose imminent departure for the King Power Stadium has been confirmed by his club. It’s an intriguing, some might say odd signing given the form of Kasper Schmeichel this season and one that might offer some indication as to Ranieri’s future business over the next few months.

Zieler is of a high enough standing in the game that he almost certainly wouldn’t move somewhere on the premise of being merely a back-up goalkeeper. He has excelled in the Bundesliga over the past five seasons for Hannover, in which he has been a figure of consistency and hasn’t missed a single minute of league football.

A top performer
He was one of the club’s top performers in an otherwise miserable season this term as Hannover suffered relegation from the top flight and although his departure was almost inevitable, the likely destination is a curious one.

To put Zieler’s qualities in perspective, he was back-up to Manuel Neuer in Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning squad and earned his sixth cap for the national team this season in a friendly against the Netherlands.

He could have easily joined another Bundesliga club or a host of other Premier League clubs and been first choice goalkeeper, so we can only assume that he is being given some assurances that he will be doing more that sitting on the bench in the East Midlands.

It would be extremely tough on Schmeichel if he was to immediately lose his place to Zieler, given the Dane barely put a foot wrong this season, but he is not without his weaknesses and will now at the very least be faced with stiff competition for the Foxes number one jersey.

Cup competitions
One possibility might be that Zieler has been guaranteed by Ranieri to be the club’s goalkeeper in the cup competitions, allowing Schmeichel to keep his place, initially at least, in the Premier League. That would allow Zieler to test himself in the Champions League, where he is yet to feature.

It would allow him the opportunity to showcase his talents at the highest level and potentially win back his place in the German squad, whilst highlighting his potential to be Leicester’s number one goalkeeper in all competitions in the long-run.

An indication of ambition
His arrival would certainly be a blow to Schmeichel but might be an indication that deep down the mild-mannered, humble Ranieri is in no mood to let this campaign be a one-off.

He could easily have opted to sign a younger goalkeeper, who would be content to play second fiddle to the Dane for a few seasons at least, but he hasn’t done that and looks set to add several players who will provide provide fierce competition for his title winning troops.

CREDIT TO:http://www.o-posts.com/teams/uk/ron-robert-zieler-is-the-german-a-threat-to-schmeichels-number-one-spot/

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Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Henrikh Mkhitaryan reportedly won't extend his contract with Borussia Dortmund, meaning he could potentially leave the Bundesliga club on a free transfer in 2017. Mkhitaryan is said to be "looking at his options for the future."

His reported decision has increased the likelihood of Arsenal signing the Armenian playmaker this summer.

The player's agent, Mino Raiola, told Bild (h/t James Benge of the London Evening Standard), "Why would we sign a contract renewal now? Micki has a contract until June 2017, and we are looking at his options for the future."

Benge also put Mkhitaryan "among the long list of attackers Arsenal have monitored over recent months and could represent an ideal replacement for Alexis Sanchez in the event that the Chilean chose not to extend his contract at the Emirates."


BEN STANSALL/Getty Images                
Mkhitaryan could be a replacement for Alexis Sanchez. 

Mkhitaryan has been heavily linked to the Gunners in recent months, with the Guardian's David Hytner and Fabrizio Romano identifying him as a target in late March.

Earlier this month, Sportfakt (h/t ArmenPress) indicated that "Arsenal have already negotiated with Mkhitaryan's agent."

Yet Bleacher Report's Clark Whitney does not believe the latest developments to be a guarantee that Mkhitaryan will move this summer:

Bild: Mkhitaryan rejects Dortmund extension amid CFC & AFC interest, but most likely will see out his BVB contract (which expires in 2017)

— Clark Whitney (@Mr_Bundesliga) May 31, 2016

Dortmund certainly have a history of not minding if contracts expire and star players leave for free. Robert Lewandowski trod that same path to Bayern Munich in 2014.
Still, Arsenal have plenty of reason to encourage Dortmund into parting ways with their classy No. 10 a year early. He has the naturally creative temperament Gunners boss Arsene Wenger craves in the final third.

Yet it's his eye for goal that may really appeal to Arsenal after Mkhitaryan found the net 18 times in all competitions at club level this season, per WhoScored.com. The Gunners need more goals after failing to score in eight Premier League matches during the 2015/16 season, according to the club's official site.

Wenger's current squad is far from short of creative talents, including Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Alex Iwobi. But the Arsenal manager has always produced his best teams by combining multiple flair players.
Mkhitaryan's combination with Ozil and Co. would restore the free-flowing, attacking football most associate with the Gunners.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Linked with Real Madrid

Mkhitaryan's Dortmund team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been heavily linked with Real Madrid a day after it'd been suggested that he should move to Arsenal.

Bundesliga author Lee Price told the Daily Star's Jack Wilson: "Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is one of the Bundesliga's biggest stars, is incredibly likely to join Madrid."

VI-Images/Getty Images                    
Aubameyang could be Real Madrid-bound.

That would be a blow for an Arsenal forward line needing a prolific finisher with Aubameyang's smart movement and lightning pace.

His Gabon team-mate Daniel Cousins recently told the BBC World Service (h/t Samuel Stevens of the Independent) that Aubameyang should move to the Gunners: “Arsenal, because the team play very well but the team need another striker to win the title. And I think if he plays with Mesut Özil, he will give good assists. I think he can play very well with this team.”

Arsenal could use a striker who scored 36 times for Dortmund last season, according to WhoScored.

There's been some confusion recently about Aubameyang's club future. Gabon manager Jorge Costa told RF1 (h/t Vaishali Bhardwaj of the London Evening Standard), “Aubameyang has asked not to be selected [for the national team] because he is changing clubs."

But Bhardwaj also cited Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke as refuting that idea to German publication Sport Bild: "Is Aubameyang set to leave? That is nonsense."

The Gunners had been reportedly prepared to offer as much as £63.2 million for Aubameyang back in March, per French source Le10 Sport (h/t the Daily Mirror's James Whaling). Wenger was credited with heavy interest in Aubameyang as far back as 2013, when the jet-heeled striker was playing for St Etienne, according to Dan Silver of the Daily Mirror.


AFP/Getty Images
Aubameyang has been on Wenger's radar since his days with St Etienne. 


Fixing an inconsistent forward line with a pair of attackers who scored 54 club goals would be a major coup for Wenger this summer. Landing both Mkhitrayan and Aubameyang would make Arsenal legitimate title contenders.
Signing even one would ensure plenty of dynamic, eye-pleasing football next season.

CREDIT TO:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2643411-arsenal-transfer-news-latest-on-henrikh-mkhitaryan-top-rumours
 

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Sunderland join the race for Borussia Dortmund defender

Sunderland fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are desperate for Sam Allardyce to sort out their defence for next season and they are looking forward to see who he brings in.

According to the Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats are eyeing a move for Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic.

The 27-year-old’s time at the Westfalenstadion seems to be winding down as he only managed to make just 11 appearances under Thomas Tuchel last season.

This has given Sam Allardyce the incentive to pursue his signature as it has become apparent that Subotic is keen on playing Premier League football.

His future at the German giants still hangs in the balance as he is yet to make a final decision as he is set to have talks with Dortmund, which could see him stay at the club.

CREDIT TO:http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premiership/sunderland-join-the-race-for-borussia-dortmund-defender/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TransferTavern+%28The+Transfer+Tavern+Home+Page%29

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Real Madrid targets a Bayern de Múnich player

After conquering the 11th Champions League trophy, Real Madrid is thinking in the next season and how to have a competitive squad. The left back position needs some reinforcement because Marcelo is the only player who can play in this position.

David Alaba, the Bayern de Múnich player, is one of the targets of Real Madrid, according to Diario As. The 23 year-old-born player is one of the best fotoballers in this position and Los Blancos have been interested for a long time.

José Ángel Sánchez, Managing Director of Real Madrid, travelled several times to Múnich to have a meeting with Alaba’s father although he renovated his contract last March until 2021.

Real Madrid bid 50M€ for the defender but Bayern has already rejected the offer. The German club wants, at least, 80M€, a really high number for a defender.

CREDIT TO:http://www.realmadridnews.com/real-madrid-targets-bayern-de-munich-player-17728?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+realmadridnewscom+%28Realmadridnews.com%29

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Transfer News: 39-Goal Hitman Wants PL Move, Backed To Join Arsenal or Man Utd

The opening of the summer transfer window is fast approaching so we’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around the globe. Today, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is being backed to move to the Premier League….

 

One of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s international team mates claims the Borussia Dortmund striker wants to move to the Premier League this summer and has backed him to join Arsenal, Manchester United or Manchester City, according to the Mirror.

Aubameyang has become one of the most feared strikers in world football in recent years and scored an incredible 39 goals in 49 games in all competitions for Dortmund last season.

Understandably, that sort of form has attracted interest from clubs throughout Europe and speculation that the 26-year-old was set for a move intensified after the Gabon coach Jorge Costa left the striker out of a recent friendly claiming he was in the middle of negotiating a transfer.

Real Madrid have been widely tipped to sign Aubameyang and he fuelled rumours of a move to the Bernabeu after being spotted in the stands during Madrid’s Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday night.

However, according to Daniel Cousin – a fellow Gabon international – Aubameyang is keen on moving to the Premier League and the Lens forward has backed his compatriot to join a big club like Arsenal, United or City.

Cousin believes Aubameyang would be the perfect partner for Mesut Ozil at the Emirates but also suggests that the striker would thrive at one of the Manchester clubs now that Mourinho and Guardiola are in charge.

“I think he wants to move to England,”  Cousin is quoted as saying by the Mirror
“The Premier League is a different style to Germany; it’s more physical and, for me, it’s a good moment for Pierre to move to a big club like Manchester United or Manchester City.
“Yes [he would be a success]. I think he can score more goals and get more experience with a big team.
“With Mourinho at Man United, and Guardiola [at City], I think this kind of coach can help Pierre-Emerick to progress.
“[If I was choosing his club it would be] Arsenal because the team play very well.
“Arsenal need another striker if they are to win the title. And I think if he played with Ozil and his assists, he would play very well.”

Arsene Wenger has admitted he’ll need to bring in another striker this summer after losing Danny Welbeck for nine months and there is no doubt Aubameyang would be a sensational signing for the Gunners if they could pull it off.

However, Mourinho is also expected to be in the market for another front-man to lead the line in his new-look United side next season while Guardiola is going to want to put his own stamp on the City squad, and Aubameyang would be the type of marquee signing both clubs will be looking for.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out if Aubameyang is heading for the Premier League, but I’m sure there won’t be any shortage of interest in his services and I think the striker would be a huge hit here in England.

CREDIT TO:http://football-talk.co.uk/113303/transfer-news-39-goal-hitman-wants-pl-move-backed-to-join-arsenal-or-man-utd/

 

 

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Benzema a realistic Red Devils target…

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema joining Manchester United this summer is a “genuine possibility”, according to Bundesliga expert, Lee Price.

The Red Devils have been aligned with the France international on multiple occasions over the course of the past few years, and reports have recently emerged suggesting that the striker is once again on the club’s radar.

However, with Real being European champions and guaranteed to be challenging for silverware on a seasonal basis, many have scoffed at suggestions Benzema would consider a switch to Old Trafford.

However, Price, who wrote the book The Bundesliga Blueprint and is known to be an expert on all things German football, believes that there’s a good chance the 28-year-old could be heading to Man United, but only if Dortmund sanction the sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Los Blancos:

“Benzema moving to United is a genuine possibility – and so much rests on Dortmund.” He told the Daily Star.
“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is one of the Bundesliga’s biggest stars, is incredibly likely to join Madrid.

“Originally he was set to commit another season to Dortmund in payback for the platform they’ve granted him, but Real’s urgency this summer means such loyalty will have to be scrapped for his dream move.

“Auba’s made little effort to conceal the fact that he dreams of Barcelona and Real.

“Of course, the money in the Premier League means you can’t rule out an English switch but Real – with a transfer ban looming and an ageing Ronaldo – are ready to break the bank.

“Dortmund won’t make it easy, having already lost Mats Hummels, but know the huge fee for Aubameyang could help reinforce their entire squad.

“Auba signing for Madrid will then push Benzema closer to United. He knows he would have to spend plenty of time on the bench – something he won’t be happy with.

“Jose Mourinho will be keeping a close watch, for sure.”

Benzema is widely hailed as one of the finest strikers in European football and has shone for both Real and Lyon through his career.

CREDIT TO:http://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/manchester-united/transfer-merry-go-round-makes-real-madrid-ace-to-man-united-a-genuine-possibility-expert

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TWO NEW AWAY FRIENDLIES FOR CITY INCL EXTRA GERMANY GAME

Cardiff City will play VfL Bochum while on tour in Germany and Forest Green away on Wednesday 13th July 2016

Cardiff City will play Bundesliga second division side VfL Bochum on Tuesday July 26th, ko 7pm (local time) while on tour in Germany.

The match will be played at a neutral venue of Stadion am Schloss Strünkede, home of SC Westfalia Hern.

The game comes on the final night of the tour with the squad returning to Cardiff the following day.
Full pre season fixtures:

Wed 13th July – Forest Green v Cardiff City – The New Lawn, 7:45pm.

Sat 16th July – Shrewsbury Town vs Cardiff City – Greenhous Meadow, 3pm

Tues 19th July – First Team to depart for Germany

Sat 23rd July – Cardiff City vs FC St. Pauli – Osnabrück Tournament, 3:30pm (2:30pm UK time)

Sat 23rd July – VfL Osnabrück vs Cardiff City – Osnabrück Tournament, 6pm (5pm UK time)

Tues 26th July – VfL Bochum v Cardiff City – Stadion am Schloss Strünkede, 7:00pm (6pm UK time).

Wed 27th July – First Team to return from Germany

Thurs 28th July – Exeter City vs Cardiff City XI – St James Park, 7:30pm

Sat 30th July – AFC Bournemouth vs Cardiff City – Dean Court, 3pm.

CREDIT TO:http://www.annisabraham.co.uk/2016/05/31/two-new-away-friendlies-for-city-incl-extra-germany-game/

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World class striker tipped to join Man United, but Arsenal could pounce

Karim Benzema to Manchester United is a “genuine possibility” this summer according to German football expert Lee Price, but if the French forward really is available then there’s no reason Arsene Wenger shouldn’t be able to bring him to Arsenal.


Price insists that the move all hinges on Borussia Dortmund and their willingness to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but claims that the Gabon international is “incredibly likely” to join Real Madrid.
If Aubameyang really does make the switch to La Liga then Benzema will almost certainly be sold, so Wenger needs to be on alert to beat Man United to the punch.

Wenger has long been linked with a move for Benzema, as he’s known to be a fan of his compatriot. Up until now a move hasn’t been possible, but that looks like it may change this summer.
Benzema moving to United is a genuine possibility – and so much rests on Dortmund.

“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is one of the Bundesliga’s biggest stars, is incredibly likely to join Madrid.

“Originally he was set to commit another season to Dortmund in payback for the platform they’ve granted him, but Real’s urgency this summer means such loyalty will have to be scrapped for his dream move.

“Auba’s made little effort to conceal the fact that he dreams of Barcelona and Real.

“Of course, the money in the Premier League means you can’t rule out an English switch but Real – with a transfer ban looming and an ageing Ronaldo – are ready to break the bank.

“Dortmund won’t make it easy, having already lost Mats Hummels, but know the huge fee for Aubameyang could help reinforce their entire squad.

“Auba signing for Madrid will then push Benzema closer to United. He knows he would have to spend plenty of time on the bench – something he won’t be happy with.

“Jose Mourinho will be keeping a close watch, for sure.”

While Manchester United obviously have the ability to throw their financial weight around, we aren’t exactly poor. The fact that we can offer Champions League football is also a massive tick in the Arsenal box, so we certainly shouldn’t feel threatened by United.

New Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has also labeled Benzema lazy in the past (via the Daily Mail), so the striker may not be keen to work with him again. We badly need a new striker, so if Benzema is available we should definitely move for him.

CREDIT TO:http://www.allarsenal.com/2016/05/arsenalrumours/world-class-striker-tipped-to-join-man-united-but-arsenal-could-pounce/

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Liverpool and Arsenal Target Stalls on new Borussia Dortmund deal

The agent of Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has cooled down talks of the contract extension of his client, igniting rumors of his exit from the Signal Iduna Park in the coming months.

After the departure of Club Captain Mats Hummels to fierce rivals Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund is eager to secure the long-term future of both Ilkay Gundogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

While the former is tipped for a summer move to Manchester City, the reluctance of Mkhitaryan in agreeing on a new long-term contract poses serious problems for the Borussia Dortmund higher ups.

Mkhitaryan moved to Germany after spending 3 highly productive years with the Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

         Liverpool was after his signature that time, however, lack of Champions League football and the lure 

playing alongside the current Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp took the Armenian to Germany.

Since signing for them, Mkhitaryan has been an integral part of the Borussia Dortmund attack.

Last season was undoubtedly his best at Dortmund as Mkhitaryan finished the season with a record 15-assists to his name.

“Why should we extend now? Micki (Mkhitaryan) still has a contract until 2017 and we’ll continue thinking about his future after that,” Mkhitaryan’s agent told German dailyBild.

While Arsenal are the clear favorites to land the Armenian due to Champions League football, the presence of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool could motivate the 27-year-old to decide in favor of the Reds.

credit to:http://futnsoccer.com/2016/05/31/liverpool-and-arsenal-target-stalls-on-new-borussia-dortmund-deal-ppp/

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German star: This is why I want to play for Jurgen Klopp

LORIS KARIUS has hailed Jurgen Klopp as one of the greatest coaches in world football.

ARRIVAL: Loris Karius will challenge Simon Mignolet for a starting role

Karius, 22, will officially arrive from German outfit Mainz on July 1 after signing a five-year contract with the Reds.
The German has already taken the No.1 shirt at Anfield and has made no secret of his desire to displace Simon Mignolet from the starting XI.

Karius spoke with newspaper SportBild about his recent switch and revealed Klopp was a major factor in his decision.
He said: "He was a big factor, because he is one of the best coaches in the world and has shown how well he brings young players forward.
"But there is also the tradition of the club, the atmosphere, which is not so common in the world.

"And of course, such a transfer leaves you financially improved. All in all, it was the perfect total package."
The goalkeeper is Klopp's third signing since taking over in October, having secured deals in January for Schalke centre-back Joel Matip and Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic to join this summer.

CREDIT TO:http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/519641/Loris-Karius-Liverpool-Transfer-News-Medical-Signing-Rumour-Gossip-Latest

 

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Ozil in German squad for Euros as he reveals why he didn’t play v Slovakia

 Germany manager Joachim Low surprised no-one with the inclusion of Mesut Ozil in his squad for the Euros but he did offer a few other surprises.

In a decision that not many can fathom, he has included Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the squad that will travel to France.

Marco Reus will no doubt be devastated to miss out on yet another tournament after injury rules him out.

In total, four players dropped out of the provisional 27-man squad: Karim Bellarabi, Julian Brandt (both Bayer Leverkusen), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund) and Sebastian Rudy (TSG Hoffenheim).

Mesut Ozil did not feature for the Germans when they played (and lost) against Slovakia but speaking to the German national team website, Ozil revealed he was simply rested after a long season for Arsenal.
“I played a lot of games for Arsenal,” Ozil said. “Consequently, the head coach allowed me to use the first few days for regenerative purposes, although I’m still taking part in team training.”

credit tohttp://dailycannon.com/2016/05/ozil-in-german-squad-for-euros-as-he-reveals-why-he-didnt-play-v-slovakia/

 

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Roma sign Germany international

Roma have announced they have exercised the right to sign the Antonio Rudiger on a permanent deal from Stuttgart.

Rudiger, 23, spent the campaign on loan from the Bundesliga outfit and was a mainstay alongside Kostas Manolas at the heart of their defence.

The Germany international’s performances convinced Roma to activate the €9m (£6.8m) clause in the loan agreement and he has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Giallorossi.

 
Of Roma players to have made at least five starts in Serie A this season only Daniele De Rossi (88.9%) finished the campaign with a better pass success rate than Rudiger (86.8%).

CREDIT TO:https://www.whoscored.com/News/5flHCEwiVk6oeXo6AtT7fw/Show/ 

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5, 17, 587 – A season in numbers

 
Zum Vergrößern aufs Symbol klicken

The season finished a few days ago and most statisticians are giving their computers and themselves a short summer break. However, the past few days have seen all sorts of rankings and diagrams crop up. And they are of interest from a Leverkusen point of view. Here are the most important ones. A season review of a different kind – for anybody who knows where to start with numbers.

5 – Hakan CalhanogluA man for all seasons. The Werkself took part in five competitions in the 2015/16 campaign and Calhanoglu played in all five: Bundesliga, DFB Cup, Champions League qualifiers and group stage, and after that came the Europa League. Hakan was always ready and able. Perhaps that is why the free-kick expert wears a number five shirt for Turkey.

10 – Stefan KießlingIncredible but true: Stefan Kießling has scored for the Werkself in the Bundesliga in all of the past ten seasons. The last player to achieve that was the now retired Simon Rolfes but Ulf Kirsten can trump that with goals in twelve consecutive league campaigns. A good job Kies has recently agreed a contract extension to 2018.

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International Friendly Games:
Luxembourg - Nigeria
12@ 1.20
Vietnam - Syrian Arab Republic
(2:0) 1 H@ 1.23
Zimbabwe - Uganda
(0:2) 2 H@ 1.15
Serbia - Israel
1@ 1.48
Austria - Malta
(0:1) 1 H@ 1.23
Republic of Ireland - Belarus
1X@ 1.08
International Friendly Games, Women:
Hungary - Bosnia & Herzegovina
1@ 1.60
Italy Serie B, Promotion Playoffs:
Trapani - Spezia
(2:0) 1 H@ 1.07
1034 Premier League:
Enppi Club - Al Ittihad Al Sakandary
1X@ 1.13
Greece Super League, Playoffs:
Panionios Athens - AEK Athens FC
(0:2) 2 H 1.13
PAOK Saloniki - Panathinaikos
Athens
(2:0) 1 H@ 1.04
Isreal
National League, Relegation/Promotion:
Hapoel Jerusalem - SC Kfar Qasem
(2:0) 1 H@ 1.05
Russia PFL:
Strogino - FK Dolgoprudny
X2@ 1.28
FK Kolomna - Volga Tver
1@ 2.48
FC Pskov - 747 - Solaris
1X@ 1.47
Spartak Kostroma - Domodedovo
1@ 1.72
FC Torpedo Vladimir - FC
Tekstilshchik Ivanovo
1X@ 1.30
Dnepr Smolensk - Znamya Truda
1X@ 1.12
FC Chelyabinsk - FC Nosta
Novotroitsk
12@ 1.23
FC Volga Ulyanovsk - Dinamo Kirov
1X@ 1.07
Odd 122.52
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Bonus 214,414.33 ₦
Potential winning 827,026.71 ₦
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11 - Karim BellarabiNot at all greedy: Karim Bellarabi provided eleven assists in the Bundesliga last term and scored seven goals in his best season to date. Bellarabi clocked up a total of ten assists in his previous four campaigns. Jogi Löw knows why he called him up to the Germany squad.

17 – ChicharitoOr perhaps better: #Chicharitooor! Werkself fans have used that hashtag 17 times on social media in the Mexican’s first season at Leverkusen as that is how prolific the new signing has been. In his long and internationally successful career to date Hernandez has hit the target more often than at Manchester United or Real Madrid .

587 – Bernd LenoBernd Leno frustrated a lot of strikers last term. Particularly after the second leg game against Villarreal in March and April when the Germany international went 587 minutes without conceding. A record for Bayer 04.  

CREDIT TO:http://www.bayer04.de/b04-ENG/en/_md_aktuell-dt.aspx?aktuell=aktuell-6191

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Transfer and Barbecue Season – What does Arsene need to throw on the AFC Barbie to ensure a feast?

                                A feast in May 2017
As May comes to a close and June is in sight, the football world takes on a new form. No longer is it about 11 players giving there all on a football pitch to win, the football supporting masses redirect there attention to transfers. That’s right its silly season coinciding with barbecue season once more; months of twitter chat, ITKs, lazy column inches and charcoaled sausages. The Arsenal to their credit have kicked it off early by grabbing Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach, my goodness that’s fun to say. But what I’m wondering is position by position where does Arsene need to buy this summer to have us cooking up a feast next May?

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International Friendly Games:
Luxembourg - Nigeria
12@ 1.20
Vietnam - Syrian Arab Republic
(2:0) 1 H@ 1.23
Zimbabwe - Uganda
(0:2) 2 H@ 1.15
Serbia - Israel
1@ 1.48
Austria - Malta
(0:1) 1 H@ 1.23
Republic of Ireland - Belarus
1X@ 1.08
International Friendly Games, Women:
Hungary - Bosnia & Herzegovina
1@ 1.60
Italy Serie B, Promotion Playoffs:
Trapani - Spezia
(2:0) 1 H@ 1.07
1034 Premier League:
Enppi Club - Al Ittihad Al Sakandary
1X@ 1.13
Greece Super League, Playoffs:
Panionios Athens - AEK Athens FC
(0:2) 2 H 1.13
PAOK Saloniki - Panathinaikos
Athens
(2:0) 1 H@ 1.04
Isreal
National League, Relegation/Promotion:
Hapoel Jerusalem - SC Kfar Qasem
(2:0) 1 H@ 1.05
Russia PFL:
Strogino - FK Dolgoprudny
X2@ 1.28
FK Kolomna - Volga Tver
1@ 2.48
FC Pskov - 747 - Solaris
1X@ 1.47
Spartak Kostroma - Domodedovo
1@ 1.72
FC Torpedo Vladimir - FC
Tekstilshchik Ivanovo
1X@ 1.30
Dnepr Smolensk - Znamya Truda
1X@ 1.12
FC Chelyabinsk - FC Nosta
Novotroitsk
12@ 1.23
FC Volga Ulyanovsk - Dinamo Kirov
1X@ 1.07
Odd 122.52
Amount 5,000 ₦
Bonus 214,414.33 ₦
Potential winning 827,026.71 ₦
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Let’s start with the goalkeepers where everything seems to be relatively healthy for now. The imperious Petr Cech as are number one and Columbia’s number one David Ospina as our number 2. But it’s not that simple we have smoking rascal Wojcech Sczcesny possibly returning from Rome after a year on loan and young
Damian Martinez coming back from Wolverhampton. This leaves the manager with some decisions to make and with a lot of intangibles. Is Ospina happy being Number 2 for another season? Will Wojcech be happy as a number two? Does Wenger still trust the pole? Is Martinez Ready to step up? None of us know the answer to those questions yet. All I do know is that we need someone experienced behind Cech, so if our Szczes and Ospina both get shown the exit door I’d expect to see movement here because you can’t go into a season with an incompetent backup goalie, you’ll be an Arsenal soft tissue injury away from being plunged back into the Almunia years.

                                                           Decisions to be made

Defence is an area that needs attention and where we’ll be expected to see ins and outs. Arsene’s juggling of combinations in central defence at the back end of last season would suggest he’d like a new centre back to partner Koscielny and so would I. Chambers needs a loan for a season or two if he’s going to grow into the centre half we crave, Gabriel is a little too chaotic for a 50+ game campaign at the minute and Per is Per. As much as I admire him for his astute positional nous meaning he’s not exposed for his lack of pace more often than he is. But it has to be the time for him to be improved on. He’s the back four’s weak link who every decent team would plan to exploit. He always does get a raw deal but if were a club with real so called ambition he can’t be in our starting 11.



                                    Now the weak link god teams will exploit
I’d love to get someone in the British mould with real athleticism and a love for defending. Who that is I have no idea. We have to be living through footballs worst generation of defenders ever; you think ten years ago the world had Ferdinand, Nesta, Cannavaro, Campbell, Lucio, Terry, Samuel, and Puyol. Who’s replaced these players? So I’m certainly not enviable of Arsene’s task to try and find a way to improve that back four.

The Full back areas less dramatic and doesn’t need the surgery the centre half birth needs. That whiny French bloke should leave the club. Leaving Jenkinson as adequate cover for Bellerin and Gibbs will stay in Monreals shadow again unless he’d like a move to somewhere warmer in which case we’ll need a new understudy beneath Nacho or even someone to challenge the Spaniard properly.

Despite the midfield being a problem area during the 15/16 campaign I now believe its set and doesn’t need any more additions. Last year’s problems in central positions weren’t for a lack of numbers, more a lack of quality and fitness. I’m of the opinion that Arteta, Rosicky and Flamini (maybe) have already been replaced by the signings of Xhaka and Elneny and also the emergence of Alex Iwobi. With Wilshere (fitness depending), Xhaka, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Elneny, Ozil and possibly Toral and Zelelam coming in to first team contention we certainly have enough central options for next season. There has been a lot of clamour for a new 1rst team wide player but I think that edition would be a little excessive at present and more of a want than a need. With already Alexis, Iwobi, Campbell, Chamberlain and dare I say Walcott in the wide areas we are well stocked. That’s also not considering Wilshere and Ramsey have played wide right in recent seasons. Plus I’d probably think Arsene is starting to plan Willocks and the Jeff’s introduction to the 1rst team as well as still having Gnabry at the club. So I’d certainly say there’s no urgent need for business here and if there were to be any done I’d certainly expect some out goings which would be unfortunate given the age and potential of a lot of them.

                                                  Adding to packed midfield options

The striker situation at Arsenal is maddening, it’s been like a rough end of town lacking in investment and just being run into the ground. And surely the mayor can’t ignore the mess it’s become anymore, it’s time to renovate. For the last three seasons Giruud’s been our only true out and out centre forward, with Welbeck’s injury he’d definitely be a lone gunner if next season started tomorrow. The fact that the clubs got to this stage in the striker department is damning but also quite the achievement to maintain our level of consistency without the required additions. So Arsene has to finally blow the cob webs off the wallet and get a new number nine as a bare minimum. I would feel safer with two coming in but that won’t happen. My worry is he might miss the boat again because he doesn’t deem anyone of sufficient quality. 

 
                                                Just need a goal scorer 

With strikers forget every other stat there’s only one that counts for them and that’s goals. So take gamble on a Hernandez esque player if you can’t get a Lewandowski Mr Wenger because you can’t go into a season with an undercooked squad again. The Mexican scored 26 goals in Germany in 2015/15 and only Lewandowski, PEA and Muller scored more. For years now every season there’s been gaping holes in the squad staring us in the face. Last season was only one DM in Coquelin, the season before only three centre backs. I don’t think him or the club can afford to do it again given the new competition coming into the league with all that money. So let the moths fly free Arsene and let us enjoy our under cooked sausage baps with peace of mind knowing you’ve seen to the squads needs before its wants.

CREDIT TO:http://www.gunnerstown.com/arsenal/2016/05/31/transfer-and-barbecue-season-what-does-arsene-need-to-throw-on-the-afc-barbi-to-ensure-a-feast/

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