Transfer news recap: Arsenal and Liverpool target Real Madrid superstar & latest on Fekir
PREMIER LEAGUE TV FIXTURE DATES FOR MARCH
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the day's news agenda around London for the capital's club.
It is set to be another big week for fans and their teams - Chelsea followed up their win over West Bromwich Albion with a 4-0 thrashing of Hull in the FA Cup, making it perfect preparation for the visit of Lionel Messi and Barcelona in the Champions League.
Tottenham Hotspur laid down a marker with an outstanding display in their Champions League clash with Juventus, and will surely fancy their chances of progression against Rochdale in the FA Cup.
Arsenal bounced back from their 1-0 defeat to Spurs with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ostersunds in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, West Ham supporters can look back on a positive result following their 2-0 win over Watford amid talk of changes behind the scenes to put the club on the straight-and-narrow in the future.
Owners David Gold and David Sullivan have moved to reassure fans of the Irons that lessons have been learned and reforms will be put into action. Time will tell as to whether they deliver on those promises.
Follow all the latest updates around London below.
Barcelona warm-up for Chelsea clash with win
Barcelona warmed up for Tuesday’s game against Chelsea with a 2-0 win over Eibar this afternoon. Goals from Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba sealed the victory and extended their unbeaten run in La Liga to 31 games.
Bring on the Blues.
Barca taking no chances ahead of Chelsea trip
Barcelona face Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but haven’t rested any of their key players against Eibar this afternoon.
Vermaelen: Barca's style more advanced than at former clubs
Former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen says Barcelona’s style of playing is more “advanced” than Arsenal’s and “similar” to how Manchester City play under manager Pep Guardiola.
James Rodriguez has his eye on move to Arsenal or Liverpool
James Rodriguez has his eyes on a move to Liverpool or Arsenal - according to reports. Despite the Colombian preferring to return to the Bernabeu after spending the season on loan at Bayern Munich, the attacking midfielder has fallen out of favour with Zinedine Zidane and sees his future in the Premier League if the Frenchman stays at the club.
Arsenal plan sleeve sponsor
Arsenal are planning a first-ever sleeve sponsor from next year as they try to compete with the commercial strength of Manchester United, according to The Telegraph.
Chelsea could use Batshuayi to sign Pulisic
According to reports, Chelsea have followed Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Christian Pulisic closely over the past year and could use Michy Batshuayi as leverage to seal the signature of the USA international.
Arsenal ready to beat Liverpool to Timo Werner
Arsenal are eyeing a £50m summer move for Red Bull Lepzig striker Timo Werner, according to reports. The forward is also attracting interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, and having rejected a new deal with the Bundesliga club, he could be on the move at the end of the season. Arsene Wenger reportedly sent a club official to scout Werner in their tie against Napoli on Thursday.
Michy Batshuayi opens up on time at Chelsea
Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, who joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in January, says he “did not have a good time” while with the Blues but the Belgian says he feels “trusted by everyone” at the Bundesliga club.
Speaking to Sporza, he said:
I did not have a good time at Chelsea, but I’m doing well here and I’ve been well received by my colleagues and supporters. Sitting on the bench, scoring a goal and then being back on the bench is quite difficult to deal with for an attacker. As a young player, you need a lot of playing time to evolve. It’s perfect here, and I’m trusted by everyone.
Arsenal eye £53m bid
According to everyone’s favourite outlet Diario Gol, Arsenal are eyeing a £53m bid for Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele, who is reportedly unhappy with several figures in the Barca dressing room. The report also claims Gunners new boy Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang has initiated contact between Dembele and the North London club. Hmm.
Man United interested in Seri
According to reports, Manchester United are interested in Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri, who has a release clause of £33m. The Ivorian was linked with a summer move to Arsenal or Barcelona but the player stayed in Ligue 1.
Liverpool 'monitoring' Wanyama
According to the Mail, Liverpool are eyeing Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama amid uncertainty over Emre Can’s future at Anfield. The German is reportedly ready to join Juventus, which leaves Jurgen Klopp with a sizeable hole in his midfield.
Four star performance from Chelsea
Chelsea brushed aside Hull City 4-0 on Friday night to reach the quarter final of the FA Cup. Goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro and two from Willian sealed a comfortable night for the Blues. Here’s how correspondent Oliver Harbord rated the players.
Arsenal in race to sign Lemar alternative
Arsenal have named Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir as their top summer signing but could lose out on the midfielder if they fail to secure his signature before the World Cup in Russia this summer.
Arsenal and Spurs boosted over summer move for Malcom
The latest news coming out of France should have Arsenal and Spurs supporters excited.
He is said to have secured an agreement to move in the summer with both North London clubs in the running to secure his services.
Pochettino reveals all on Lucas Moura
Latest on Toby Alderweireld contract
football.london’s Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold has been talking about the latest developments at Tottenham in a special fan Q&A.
Read (and hear) what he had to say about Alderweireld and the club’s preparations to face Rochdale on Sunday.
Too soon for Maitland-Niles
He may have impressed some fans last night in the Europa League but Glenn Hoddle wants to see more from Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles before he joins in on the celebrations over the player’s talent.
Capable of lining up in midfield, out wide or at full-back, he’s got a lot to his game.
Batshuayi - a spanner in the works?
Roma director of football Monchi has revealed how close Chelsea came to disrupting Arsenal’s plans for the summer.
The Blues were keen on signing Edin Dzeko, and there was talk of Michy Batshuayi moving the other way to replace the Bosnian.
With Olivier Giroud disinterested in leaving London, that would have left Arsenal in an awkward situation.
Arsenal linked to £62m defender
He’s been one of the signings of the season in Serie A this season and now Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar is said to be a target for Arsenal.
The Gunners still look suspect at the back and the Slovakian has been pinpointed as a potential source of security.
John Terry wants to return to Chelsea in a coaching role
The former Chelsea skipper is out of contract at Aston Villa in July when his 12-month deal expires, and according to the Mirror, it appears he is already plotting his route back to Chelsea with an eye on the manager’s job
Real in for Alderweireld
Real Madrid will lead the chase for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld report the Mirror, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United also keen on the 28-year-old Belgian.
Marouane Fellaini 'agrees deal' with Besiktas
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has reportedly agreed a deal with Besiktas.
The Belgian international is out of contract in the summer and talks over a renewal have so far been unsuccessful.
Jose Mourinho had been determined to keep hold of Fellaini, who has become a valuable player since the Portuguese’s arrival.
But reports in Turkey suggest Fellaini has agreed to join Besiktas at the end of the season.
Galatasaray and Fenerbahce were both thought to be keen on Fellaini but their Super Lig rivals have pipped them to a deal, reports Fotomac.
Thorgan Hazard drops summer transfer hint
Thorgan Hazard has hinted he could return to Chelsea to team up with his elder brother Eden. The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder was a Blues player for three years but failed to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge. The 24-year-old has been linked with a summer move back to England, with Leicester City reportedly interested.
And the midfielder has admitted a return to the Premier League is appealing and he will soon assess his options with his father in the summer. Talking to Belgian magazine Sport Foot, he said:
England is appealing. But when you speak to players who play there, they also tell you that Germany seems like a great league.We have the best stadiums, the best infrastructures and the atmosphere is also ‘hotter’ than in England.I listen to what is being said about me, but it’s not something I bother myself with. My father deals with off-the-pitch stuff. Apparently a few clubs are interested but we’ll analyse all that at the end of the season.
Tottenham to offer Poch new contract
Spurs are ready to hand manager Mauricio Pochettino a lucrative new contract as a reward for his stunning work over the last few seasons. The Argentine only signed a new five-year deal in 2016 worth £5.5m a year, but has been linked to the likes of Real Madrid and PSG.
Spurs considering extending Lamela's contract
Tottenham are considering activating an option to extend Erik Lamela’s contract by a year. The 25-year-old winger’s current contract in North London expires in summer 2019.
Why Paul Pogba's struggles are down to Alexis Sanchez
Former Manchester United midfielder believes Paul Pogba’s struggles at Manchester United are down to the arrival of Chile forward Alexis Sanchez. Since the Chilean’s arrival from Arsenal, Pogba has suffered a dip in form and struggled to recapture the early season promise he showed alongside Nemanja Matic.
Richarlison refuses to rule out move to Chelsea
Watford winger Richarlison has not ruled out a move to Chelsea in the summer. The Blues are reportedly considering a bid for the Brazil Under-20 international but could face competition in the shape of London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham. Speaking to the Standard, Richarlison said:
In the future you never know but I leave all things like that up to my agents. At the moment my head is completely in Watford. I am not thinking about anything else and I want to help the team get as far as possible in the League. That is my objective, that is my focus and nothing else.
Spurs may consider offers for Alderweireld
According to the Standard, Tottenham could consider offers for defender Toby Alderweireld this summer after the latest round of contract talks ended in a stalemate. But Spurs remain confident they will not lose any players they wish to retain this summer.
Malcom drops summer exit hint
Malcom, the Brazil forward targeted by Arsenal and Tottenham, has confirmed to French media that he has an agreement with current club Bordeaux to leave in the summer.
Chelsea ready to launch bid for Real Madrid star
Well it wouldn’t be a Friday without a Don Balon special would it?
According to the Spanish outlet, Chelsea are preparing to launch a £133million bid to seal the transfer of Real Madrid starlet and rumoured Manchester United and Liverpool target Marco Asensio.
Arsenal comfortable in Sweden
The Gunners bounced back from their north London derby defeat to Spurs with a rather more comfortable 90 minutes against Swedish side Ostersunds.
Arsenal won 3-0 thanks to goals from Nacho Monreal, an own goal and Mesut Ozil. Here’s how our correspondent Charles Watts rated the players.
Chelsea and United on Vidal alert
Chelsea have been given a slight glimmer of hope in their pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal.
Ajax teenager opens up on potential move to Premier League
Ajax teenager Justin Kluivert says he would consider a move to the Premier League. As reported by the Mirror, the 18-year-old Dutch striker said Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea or Manchester United were clubs he could “see myself playing at in a few years”.
Chelsea could strike deal to sell Michy Batshuayi to Dortmund
According to the Evening Standard, Borussia Dortmund will reportedly attempt to sign Belgium international forward Michy Batshuayi on a permanent basis this summer. The Belgian striker moved to BVB on loan in the January transfer window, and could command a fee of at least £20m.
United eye double deal - Arsenal favourites to sign one of them
According to TeamTalk, Manchester United are weighing up a £103m move for centre back duo Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire, as Jose Mourinho looks to sell Chris Smalling and Phil Jones this summer. Arsenal are favourites to land Smalling, according to bookmakers, while Everton are in pole position to sign Jones.
Real Madrid target Kane
Another night in Europe, another goal for Harry Kane - and that means one thing. Another summer link to Real Madrid.
According to Sports Illustrated, the European champions are planning to spend £530m on improving their squad this summer, with Kane a key target.
Jack Butland denies reports he wants to leave Stoke
Jack Butland has angrily denied reports that he has asked to leave Stoke City in the summer, amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
Manchester United monitor Toby Alderweireld
According to our friends at the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are monitoring Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld’s situation. The 28-year-old’s future is reportedly in doubt after he was not included in Spurs’ squad to face Juventus in the Champions League. With the Belgian also out of contract in 18 months, Jose Mourinho is keeping tabs.
Juventus vs Spurs reaction
Tottenham Hotspur produced one of the great performances by an English team in the Champions League after overcoming a disastrous start to their last-16 first leg against Juventus. Goals from Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen means Spurs will take a 2-2 draw into the second leg at Wembley.
Gary Cahill sends message to Ryan Mason
Alasdair Gold explores Turin
Our Spurs correspondent had a little explore of Turin today and captured some video of where the Tottenham fans are congregating.
Spurs 'least popular' English side in Champions League
Research from Sporting Index has shown that Tottenham are the last English side Premier League supporters want to see lift the Champions League trophy.
Spurs take on Juventus tonight in the first leg of their last-sixteen glamour tie with the Italian giants. However, only 11% of top-flight fans would like to see Mauricio Pochettino’s men go all the way to Kiev and bring the trophy back to England in May.
London rivals Chelsea are also low down on the list of English sides Premier League supporters will be backing in Europe’s elite competition. Only 14% said they would like Chelsea to win their second Champions League trophy.
Liverpool are the most backed side by other Premier League fans, with 26% saying they’ll root for Jurgen Klopp’s team for the remainder of the tournament. Manchester United were second with 24% while only 12% said they would show backing for Manchester City.
Poor Spurs are clearly not the neutral’s choice.
Man United favourites to sign Alderweireld
Rumours continue to surface that Toby Alderweireld is considering a move away from Tottenham and with Manchester United’s defence shipping goals in recent weeks, Jose Mourinho might be seeking reinforcements.
According to bookmakers Betway, United are 4/1 favourites to sign the Belgian centre half ahead of Spurs’ London rivals Chelsea.
Man United - 4/1
Chelsea - 7/1
PSG - 9/1
Bayern Munich - 9/1
Man City - 12/1
Arsenal - 16/1
Liverpool - 20/1
Moyes denies he will leave West Ham at the end of the season
West Ham manager David Moyes has denied suggestions that he will depart the London Stadium at the end of the Premier League season.
Moyes told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast:
The situation when I came in was that I said I wouldn’t make any decision until the end of the season, and I didn’t want West Ham to make a decision either.I said, ‘let’s see how it goes’, because first and foremost we have to make sure we’re a Premier League clubI was happy doing that, I came in on a short-term contract, I had no problem with that and that’s the way I want it to remain.Anything what has been said is completely wrong – we’ll decide at the end of the season.The job I want to do is to make sure West Ham are a Premier League club, and I want to see what West Ham can do in the future. This club has big expectations, they are pulling in nearly 60,000 people every game and I think it can get bigger and better.
John Terry to make decision on Villa future at end of season
Former Chelsea captain John Terry will delay making a decision on his future until the end of the season, according to The Telegraph.
The ex-England and Blues skipper is currently enjoying an impressive season at the heart of the Villa defence, but doesn’t want to rush into making a decision, despite having an option in his contract to extend for another year.
Liverpool target Jamaican star as Lemar chase falters
Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Leon Bailey after ending their pursuit of Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.
According to our friends at the Daily Mirror, Liverpool have decided to scrap their interest in Thomas Lemar who, they believe, is eager to join Barcelona. The Reds have instead turned their attention towards Bayer Leverkusen winger Bailey, who has impressed in the Bundesliga this season.
Arsenal eye Manchester United star as he 'assesses' options
With the January arrival of Alexis Sanchez, Manchester United now have an abundance of attacking talent in wide areas.
And one man who is reportedly not keen on the competition is Anthony Martial.
Reports claim the the 22-year-old is concerned and assessing his options as clubs such as Arsenal show an interest in snapping him up.
Liam Brady on why Arsenal rejected Harry Kane
Former Arsenal midfielder and academy director Liam Brady has revealed that the Gunners let Harry Kane go because he was “chubby” and “not athletic”.
In an interview with Corriere Della Sera, Brady said:
He was a bit chubby, he wasn’t very athletic but we made a mistake. But Tottenham sent him out on loan to lower-division clubs three or four times as well.But through his determination he has carved out an amazing career and he deserves it. He has a character that drives him to improve all the time.After Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski, there is Harry Kane. The statistics speak for themselves and he’s still only 24.
Spurs assistant manager pays tribute to Mason
In a post on Twitter, Tottenham assistant manager Jesus Perez wrote:
When you changed it all for us mate. We love you. Always with you .
Pjanic: I turned down Arsenal and Tottenham
Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic has revealed to the Telegraph that he turned down chances to join Arsenal and Tottenham in the past.
The Bosnian is set to face Spurs tonight in the Champions League, but he could have been starting for Mauricio Pochettino’s side if things went differently.
There was the opportunity but at that moment I told them I was happy where I was and that’s why we didn’t sign the deal.But I made my choice using my head and if I made that choice not to go to an England team it was for good reasons.
Dortmund to launch permanent bid for Michy Batshuayi
According to the Standard, Borussia Dortmund will try to sign Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi on a permanent basis in the summer, even though there is no clause in the loan deal.
Breaking: Ryan Mason has retired from football
Former Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason has retired from football due to the fractured skull sustained against Chelsea last season.
Mason, who signed for Hull City in 2016 after leaving Spurs, announced on his Instagram page that he had taken the decision after medical advice and said he had “no option but to retire.”
The 26-year-old has posted an emotional message on social media - read here
More on Bale
Elsewhere, however, Gareth Bale’s agent says the winger “loves” life at Real Madrid and “doesn’t want to leave” amid the links to Chelsea and Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho dreams of signing five players
Sticking with Spanish websites, Diario Gol claims Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho ‘dreams’ of bringing five Real Madrid players to Old Trafford.
Raphael Varane, Isco, Marco Asensio, Toni Kroos and Casemiro are the players who are supposedly on his wishlist.
Chelsea 'open' to negotiating swap deal to land £88m target
Fresh from their victory over West Brom on Monday night, Chelsea are in the headlines again - but regarding their transfer plans for the summer. According to everybody’s favourite Spanish outlet Don Balon, Chelsea are open to negotiating a swap deal involving Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale. Is it as far fetched as it sounds?
Good morning
How are we all?
Look out Conte!
West Brom are the manager killers according to the record of clubs who coaches have met their demise after facing during the last 10 years.
That’s based on research from the Trinity Mirror Data Unit team.
Seven managers have been dumped in the immediate aftermath of taking on the Baggies over the past decade.
Careful Conte! Chelsea take on West Brom tonight.
Careful Conte! Chelsea take on West Brom tonight.
Did Arsenal see it all coming for Sanchez?
Despite landing one of the best deals of the January transfer window, all is not well for Manchester United at present. Their 1-0 loss to Newcastle United at the weekend has opened up old arguments about the team and their manager’s tactics.
Yet Arsenal fans know all too well how difficult it can be to get a tune out of Alexis Sanchez without hurting the balance of the side.
New contract for Arturo Vidal?
He is a favourite of Antonio Conte’s and Jose Mourinho is said to covet his signature but it seems that Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal may be set to extend his stay with the German champions, much to the dismay of his Premier suitors such as Chelsea and Manchester United.
Wilshere speaks out
Jack Wilshere has been talking about Arsenal’s defeat to Spurs in the North London Derby...
“We missed an opportunity in the first half to take the lead. The game was there in the first half, they were a bit cagey and we defended well.“We got down on the counter-attack a few times in the first half and we looked like we could have really hurt them, but then we had our final ball where we rushed it and the chance was gone.”
Quotes from the Daily Star.
Chelsea fans fret over Batsman
Borussia Dortmund have been speaking about keeping Michy Batshuayi and Chelsea fans aren’t best pleased.
The Bundesliga club have admitted that they were not able to insert a clause to convert his loan into a permanent deal.
However, they appear to remain hopeful of finding a way to reach an agreement anyway, with the Belgian making a big impact in Germany.
Fernando Llorente on Juventus
He won two titles under Antonio Conte at Juventus. This week he returns to Turin with Spurs.
Clearly the Spaniard still has contacts with the Italian champions, however. He’s been speaking to them about his experiences and achievements at the club.
Hello and welcome
It’s Monday. The start of a new week. But what did you miss over the course of the weekend?
No comments