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Japan head coach Akira Nishino announced his 23-man provisional Japan squad for Russia 2018 at a press conference in Tokyo.

https://ift.tt/2J1PXKg Despite a fairly poor 2017/18 season, Arsenal fans have good reason to be optimistic ahead of the new campaign. The club have appointed the highly-rated Unai Emery to replace Arsene Wenger at the helm as the club looks to secure a spot back in the top four of the Premier League . One of the first things Emery will need to do is appoint a new club captain following Per Mertesacker's retirement from the game. Arsenal's Premier League club captains rated and slated They will be walking in the footsteps of some of the most influential figures in the club's history with  Frank McLintock , Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira three of the names that spring to mind. And given the mixed bag for Arsenal skippers in the Premier League era, the new Gunners boss will be determined to get this appointment right. But what options could Emery pursue? Below you can see who could become Arsenal's tenth captain in the Premier League era. Petr Cech The keeper c...

https://ift.tt/2su8weX Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini may be staying in Italy, albeit with a different club Thursday, May 31, 2018 Juventus have organised showdown talks with the agent of Arsenal target Lorenzo Pellegrini. The midfielder is in high demand this summer as he has a release clause of around £22m in his current contract. Arsenal are already working on a move for the youngster, who will turn 22 in the middle of June. But, according to Calciomercato, Juventus have now scheduled talks with Pellegrini’s agent and may win the race for him. The Italian champions are serious about signing the midfielder and want a deal thrashed out quickly. Roma , however, are still trying to persuade Pellegrini to stay by offering him a new contract on improved terms. Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 08:57PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v

https://ift.tt/2sm3nXd Thiago Alcantara in action for Bayern Munich Thursday, May 31, 2018 Manchester United are on red alert after reports emerged that Thiago Alcantara wants to leave Bayern Munich . The midfielder has been a key man for the German champions over the past few years, ever since he joined them from Barcelona in 2013. Back then there was a big scramble for the Spaniard’s signature, but Bayern beat the likes of Manchester United to land him. However, according to Bild, Thiago has now told the German club that he wants to leave this summer. The 27-year-old is said to be ready for a new challenge and a bidding war is likely to follow. Manchester United wanted Thaigo back in 2013 and are likely to lead the charge, but interest could crop up from clubs in Italy and France too. Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 08:47PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v

https://ift.tt/2IYWbKJ Matthijs de Ligt in action for the Netherlands Thursday, May 31, 2018 Tottenham will need to fight off competition from Juventus if they want to sign Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt. The 18-year-old is on Spurs’ radar this summer after impressing their scouts over the past six months. Tottenham want to sign a new centre-back and they believe the Dutchman could be the perfect signing. Juventus, however, are fans of De Light too and – according to TMW – they are ready to go toe to toe with Spurs for him. The Italian champions have been tracking the youngster over the past year and believe he could make the grade in Serie A. Ajax are trying to persuade De Ligt to stay for at least one more year, but it is reported they would accept an offer in excess of £35million. Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 08:40PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v

https://ift.tt/2sniDmt Courtois looks set to leave Stamford Bridge Thursday, May 31, 2018 Chelsea have ended contract negotiations with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and are likely to sell him this summer, according to Sky Italia. The report also suggests that the Blues will target Roma  stopper Alisson as the Belgian's replacement. Courtois has just a year left on his deal at Stamford Bridge and is now likely to see out the remainder of his contract as the club have withdrawn from protracted negotiations to renew his deal. The 26-year-old is rumoured to be a target for multiple top European clubs, including both Champions League finalists - Real Madrid and Liverpool . Alisson meanwhile is a year younger than the man he is being tipped to replace and set to enter the 2018 World Cup as Brazil's number one keeper following an impressive campaign at Roma. Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 08:32PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v

https://ift.tt/2H96MwZ Courtois could be replaced by Roma's Alisson Thursday, May 31, 2018 Chelsea's contract negotiations with Thibaut Courtois appear to have come to an end, with the goalkeeper now reportedly set to leave this summer, according to Sky Italia. However it appears the Belgian, who has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge, won't be awfully missed by Blues fans. Today's news prompted a mixed reaction comprised of disappointment, anger and acceptance from the Chelsea faithful. You can see the best Tweets below. Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 08:16PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ is drawing ever nearer – with just 14 days to go! Between now and the start of the World Cup, we will take a closer look at a different statistic from the history of the tournament each day.

#Pandi, the official mascot of Buenos Aires 2018

The Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games now has an official mascot. Its name is #Pandi and it represents a jaguar, the biggest cat in the Americas, which has its habitat in the northeastern Argentina.

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https://ift.tt/2J20Bww Marco Silva has been appointed Everton’s new manager, the Premier League club have confirmed. Silva succeeds Sam Allardyce , who was sacked by the Toffees following the end of the Premier League season. Everton’s new director of football Marcel Brands, hired earlier this month, is said to have been involved in the decision to hire Silva, while the club’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has been keen on the Portuguese, 40, since last year. Moshiri originally wanted Silva to replace Ronaldo Koeman before the appointment of Allardyce, but Watford rejected an approach from the Goodison Park club for their recently-appointed head coach. A few weeks later Watford sacked Silva, but he is now back in the Premier League. “I’m really proud to be the new Everton manager,” Silva told the official club website. “I’m excited and I’m really happy to take this big challenge for us as a club and for me as a manager. “I want to express my thanks to Farhad, to th...

https://ift.tt/2smeC1O Pochettino has been linked to the vacant manager position at Real Madrid Thursday, May 31, 2018 Tottenham Hotspur boss Maurcio Pochettino's new contract does not include a release clause, contrary to reports in Spain. Despite signing a five-year deal last week, the Argentine's future at Spurs has still been questioned due to the departure of Zinedine Zidane from Real Madrid  earlier today.  Reports in Spain claimed Pochettino has a get-out clause in the contract, meaning he could negotiate freely with Madrid if they come calling. But, as revealed in The Times , there is no such clause in his new deal.  Tottenham deliberately convinced the 46-year-old to sign without one so the club would be in a strong position in the case of any external interest, with Madrid and Chelsea known admirers.  The deal, which runs until 2023, made Pochettino the highest-paid employee at the north-London club with a we...

https://ift.tt/2snO3co This is a time of huge change for  Arsenal .  The Gunners have appointed Unai Emery as their new manager after saying goodbye to Arsene Wenger - who was in charge of the club for almost 22 years.  But sentiment must be put to one side as the three-time Premier League winners have a lot of work to do this summer.  Arsenal failed to finish in the top four for a second season running and this will be a matter of priority for Emery.  However, before a ball is even kicked in the 2018/19 season, the Spaniard will have to appoint a new club captain following Per Mertesacker's retirement from the game.  Ex-Arsenal forward Kevin Campbell has claimed Aaron Ramsey should be the next captain but it still remains unclear who will be given the armband.  The club has had nine club captains in the Premier League era but how have they managed to perform in their role?  Below you can see talkSPORT's assessment of the men w...

https://ift.tt/2L7H8v0 Liverpool fans have been inspired by the surprise signing of Fabinho and are already plotting their path to glory next season. The Brazil star joins for £44million and is set to be a core part of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield along with fellow new signing Naby Keita. How will his arrival alter how the Reds can line up tactically this season? Able to play as defensive midfielder, as a box-to-box operator, or at right-back, he could really alter what they are able to do as group and offers great fluidity. But how will the front six now look going forward into the 2018/19 Premier League season? Check out the possible tactics below… Option one: 1-2-3 - the same as last season It can’t be doubted Fabinho’s arrival will threaten the playing time of Jordan Henderson . The Brazil midfielder is likely to nab his starting spot and play the defensive midfield role allowing Naby Keita to his left and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to his right to get forward and interact wit...

https://ift.tt/2Jff1gb Arsenal manager Unai Emery could make Paris Saint-Germain’s sought-after teenager Yacine Adli, a player described as "indispensable" by PSG reserve coach François Rodrigues, his first signing . The Gunners have been here before, specifically with PSG, when they nabbed unknown 17-year-old striker Nicolas Anelka for £500,000 in 1997. At the time he had one senior goal to his name, but proved a revelation at Highbury and effectively acted as the bridge between Arsenal's two most prolific goalscorers, helping keep the 1997/98 double winners on track when the ageing  Ian Wright  was injured, but leaving the club before  Thierry Henry  made his mark. Can Yacine Adli go on to enjoy success like Anelka? Here profiles the teenage Arsenal target... Name : Yacine Adli D.O.B: 29/07/00 Position : Midfield Clubs : Paris Saint-Germain Ligue 1 appearances : One What's the latest? PSG have seen 21-year-old Kingsley Coman, now of Bayern Munich, lea...

Two weeks before the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ kicks off, 530 vehicles have been handed over by Official Partners Hyundai and Kia to FIFA to help with logistical operations during world football's showpiece event.

https://ift.tt/2IZpbSK West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic in action against Manchester United Thursday, May 31, 2018 Manchester United fans have swarmed on social media to impart their fury over rumours linking the club with a move for Marko Arnautovic. Sky Sports reported on Wednesday the Red Devils were interested in a move for the West Ham United forward, 29, who is valued at £50million. The speculation comes as a surprise for most fans given his mixed debut campaign for the Hammers, which saw him slated in the opening months before he turned it around in a new role as an out-and-out forward. Rumours gathered pace on Wednesday night with Man United manager Jose Mourinho attending Austria’s 1-0 win over Russia in an international friendly with the winning goal assisted by Arnautovic. The Old Trafford faithful, though, appear furious with the news and some appear to be giving up hope on the 2018/19 Premier League season already, writing off their chances against...

https://ift.tt/2LLBoIk Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium Thursday, May 31, 2018 Chelsea have put plans for their new stadium on hold for the foreseeable future. The club had been working to knock down Stamford Bridge and rebuild and entirely new arena on the same ground – a project which was set to take around four years. But the Blues have now announced they are halting work on the design and planning work. A statement on their website read: “Chelsea Football Club announces today that it has put its new stadium project on hold. No further pre-construction design and planning work will occur. “The club does not have a time frame set for reconsideration of its decision. “The decision was made due to the current unfavourable investment climate.” Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 05:18PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v

https://ift.tt/2xu31Tr Manchester United are set to make their first signing of the summer as they ready a move for Porto wonderkid Diogo Dalot. The 19-yeard-old full-back is on manager Jose Mourinho’s wishlist as he looks to provide captain Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young with adequate competition. Currently, Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw are attempting to keep the duo on their toes but both could well quit Old Trafford this summer. Reports from ESPN FC suggest his display against Liverpool in the Champions League was enough to convince scouts he is worth the £17.4million release clause on his contract. It’s certainly understandable why a young versatile full-back is being considered to join the Man United ranks behind to 33-year-old starters. But what else do we know about the transfer target? Here, talkSPORT profiles the 19-year-old who could be brought into to be the heir to Antonio Valencia Full name: Jose Diogo Dalot Teixeira Date of birth: 18 March, 1999 Birthp...

https://ift.tt/2sunJMT Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium at night on May 12 Thursday, May 31, 2018 Tottenham Hotspur could still play at Wembley next stadium as fears grow over their ability to finish their new arena in north east London, according to the Daily Mail . Spurs were meant to let the Football Association know if they needed to use the 90,000 seat national stadium on Thursday but have been allowed an extra two weeks to make a decision as they attempt to get their new home ready in time for the 2018/19 Premier League season. It’s been reported the FA declined to comment on the matter, while the Lilywhites were reluctant to rule out renewing the Wembley agreement. Work is going on around the clock in N17 but it appears there are fears from some the finishing touches will not be done in time, despite Tottenham testing out their pitch trays recently, and making good progress on the roofing to the structure. It had already been expected the club would play...

https://ift.tt/2sko9GA Liverpool target Nabil Fekir in action for France Thursday, May 31, 2018 Liverpool want to tie up a deal for Lyon captain Nabil Fekir before the start of the World Cup. The Reds have made the attacking midfielder one of their top targets after tracking him throughout this season. It is reported a deal could be on the cards for around £60m, but as of yet no agreement has been found. Liverpool are well aware of this summer’s shortened transfer window and, according to Canal+, they want a deal done before the World Cup starts. Negotiations are underway over a move for Fekir, but Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas is so far playing hardball. Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 04:28PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v

https://ift.tt/2LOssC3 Arsenal are tracking Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele Thursday, May 31, 2018 Arsenal’s head of recruitment Sven Mislintat is keeping tabs on wing wizard Ousmane Dembele this summer, according to reports in France. The Frenchman only moved to Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund last summer as part of a deal that could eventually be worth £135.5million. Injuries, however, hindered the 21-year-old’s first season in Spain and he is now considering his future. And, according to L’Equipe, if Dembele does decide it is time to move on then Arsenal are ready to pounce. Gunners chief Mislintat has reportedly been in constant touch with the French youngster to see if he would be tempted by a move to London. Barcelona, for their part, still have faith that Dembele could come good but they may consider allowing him to leave on loan for a season.   Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 05:22PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v

https://ift.tt/2J2LVgw Lazio superstar Sergej Milinkovic-Savic Thursday, May 31, 2018 Juventus are refusing to concede defeat to Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The midfielder was arguably Lazio’s standout player this season and he is not short of offers at the moment. Indeed Arsenal and Manchester United are both tracking the Serbian, who has a price tag of £105million. It had originally been thought that hefty valuation would mean only Premier League clubs could afford Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. But, according to Tuttosport, Juventus are still in the race to sign the 23-year-old this summer. The Italian champions are considering selling star striker Gonzalo Higuian, with both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain interested in him . Cash from that would sale would leave Juve with money to spend and it is reported Milinkovic-Savic is the player they will target. Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 04:15PM Premie...

https://ift.tt/2skSyEO Ajax wonderkid Justin Kluivert is wanted by Tottenham and Roma Thursday, May 31, 2018 Roma have leapfrogged Tottenham in the race for Ajax star Justin Kluivert after agreeing personal terms with the teenager. The winger, who is the son of former Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert, has just one year remaining on his current contract. Ajax have been in talks with the 19-year-old about extending his stay, but his relationship with them has broken down. Kluivert is said to have fallen out with the club last summer when they tried to broker his sale to Tottenham without informing him. Spurs remain interested in the youngster, who is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Dutch football . However it is Roma, according to Gazzetta dello Sport , who are now leading the charge for Kluivert. The Italian club have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Dutchman after meeting his agent, Mino Raiola , in Monte Carlo. Now all that is left is for Rom...

https://ift.tt/2LKYRJP RB Leipzig star Timo Werner Thursday, May 31, 2018 AC Milan are ready to rival Liverpool for RB Leipzig hot shot Timo Werner. The forward finished up with 13 goals in the Bundesliga this season, while he also contributed seven assists. Liverpool are now exploring the possibility of bringing the Germany international to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of his talents. But, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan will rival Liverpool in any approach for Werner. The San Siro club are looking to bolster their attacking options this summer and they would love to land the 22-year-old. RB Leipzig, however, are reluctant to sell Werner during the current transfer window after already losing Naby Keita to Liverpool. Let's block ads! (Why?) May 31, 2018 at 03:43PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v

https://ift.tt/2L9o7s5 Zaha is widely regarded as the best player outside the top six Thursday, May 31, 2018 Wilfried Zaha’s importance to Crystal Palace has been outlined by the club’s assistant manager Ray Lewington , who also downplayed suggestions the forward could leave Selhurst Park this summer. Zaha, 25, ended the Premier League season with nine goals and three assists to his name, further strengthening his claim to be called the best player outside the top six. The Eagles are an unfocused mess without Zaha on the pitch - which was too frequent an occurrence in 2017/18 due to injury - but they turn into a fearsome outfit when selected. Lewington, who has been assistant since Roy Hodgson succeeded Frank de Boer as Palace manager, joined talkSPORT to heap praise on Zaha. “Wilf is so important to Crystal Palace,” Lewington told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast . “He’s the darling of the crowd. “He is, possibly, the best player I’ve ever seen running with the...

Set to lead FIFA's Technical Study Group at Russia 2018, we spoke to former Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Perreira about guiding a team to FIFA World Cup glory and what he hopes to see this time around.

https://ift.tt/2LKEIUd Emery reportedly wants to build his team around Ramsey Thursday, May 31, 2018 Aaron Ramsey has been offered a new contract by Arsenal as Unai Emery wants to build his team around the Wales midfielder. Ramsey, 27, has one year left on his existing deal and has been offered a new five-year deal, according to The Times . He will be sold if he refuses to extend his contract. It is believed Emery wants to build his team around Ramsey. The wage is said to be a ‘significant increase on his existing wages of £110,000 a week’, but Arsenal’s longest-serving player could be looking to get the best deal possible as this is likely to be the last big contract of his career; Ramsey would be 32 at the end of a new five-year deal. Arsenal want to get talks with Ramsey wrapped up quickly so as to ensure they do not end up in the same situation as they did with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil , who both entered the final 12 months of their contracts last summe...

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich had every right to take Israeli citizenship, saying his choice to acquire another passport was no big deal. Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea soccer club who has found himself without a visa to Britain, took Israeli citizenship on Monday and will move to Tel Aviv where he has bought a property, the Israeli news website Ynet said. Abramovich, 51 has traditionally enjoyed good relations with the Kremlin and served as a regional governor in a remote Russian region from 2000-2008.

https://ift.tt/2LM3sLV Adli made his senior debut against Caen Thursday, May 31, 2018 Yacine Adli is set to become the first signing of the Unai Emery era at Arsenal , according to reports. Adli, the France youth international, will link up with Emery for a second time, leaving the Spanish manager’s former club Paris Saint-Germain to sign for Arsenal. The 17-year-old attacking midfield is considered one of the brightest prospects in French football , and he was voted PSG’s academy player of the year last season. However, he has only ever made a single first-team appearance for Paris, and he has rejected their latest contract offer, according to L’Equipe . Adli will instead join Arsenal on a three-year contract with the option for a further two years, and will become Emery’s first signing since succeeding Arsene Wenger at the Emirates. Arsenal are also set to complete the signings of Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer from Juventus , and Sokratis Papastathopou...

https://ift.tt/2LKp62Q Here's a round-up of all the top football headlines and transfer-related gossip from Thursday’s newspapers and online... Manchester United are keen on signing Marko Arnautovic, the West Ham forward, this summer. Jose Mourinho was spotted watching Austria’s friendly against Russia on Wednesday, which featured Arnautovic. ( Evening Standard ) Mourinho has also told United NOT to spend £200m on Gareth Bale, the Real Madrid forward, but he does want to sign him ( Sun ) Liverpool have submitted a bid worth almost £53m for Nabil Fekir, the Lyons and France attacking midfielder. ( Le Parisien ) The Reds are also continuing their search for a new goalkeeper, and they have added Jasper Cillessen of Barcelona to their shortlist. ( Mundo Deportivo ) Arsenal have offered Aaron Ramsey , the Wales midfielder, a new five-year contract as he enters the final year of his exisiting deal. ( Times ) Robert Lewandowski is a target of Chelsea’s following the announceme...

https://ift.tt/2xtfLcH Gonzalo Higuain celebrates scoring for Juventus Wednesday, May 30, 2018 Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are tracking Juventus star Gonzalo Higuain . The striker has been a revelation since he moved to Juve two years ago, scoring over 50 goals in two seasons. And now, according to Tuttosport , both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are exploring the possibility of signing the Argentina international. The pair have reportedly been alerted to the fact that Juventus could be ready to cash in on Higuain for the right amount this summer. The Italian club are aware that the striker is now 30 and they believe it could be the best time to sell him. And, if Juventus do decide to cash in, then Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are seemingly ready to pounce. Let's block ads! (Why?) May 30, 2018 at 09:01PM Premier League https://ift.tt/2DuDU4v