Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has joined Juventus on a season long loan after being told he was surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium.
The Danish international spent last season on loan at Sunderland where he couldn’t convince the North East side to make the move permanent. Bendtner’s Arsenal career has never really taken off, with boastful comments in the press and underwhelming performances on the pitch causing him to be out of favour with Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners have signed two strikers already this summer and the move abroad may be the injection that the tall forwards career needs.
Juventus missed out on Dimitar Berbatov earlier today and so immediately turned their attention to Bendtner who will see out the season in Turin.
Juventus sporting director, Beppe Marotta told Sky Sport Italia: “He has talent and ability. Potentially a great player, one that has almost never been able to prove it.”
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Newcastle fans are all saying the same thing about the latest report on Kenedy, pleading with the club to sign the star Brazilian.
According to a report in Wednesday’s Daily Mail (via Chronicle Live), Chelsea are willing to part ways with the 22 year-old, but only for more than £20million.
Kenedy has been a big hit on Tyneside since his January loan move, and fans are so desperate to keep him they were even happy to simply extend the loan for another year.
The Brazilian reportedly loves Newcastle, and would be happy to stay if the two clubs can agree terms.
Since his January move up north, the 20 year-old has grabbed two goals and two assists, but it’s his tireless work rate and passion for the shirt that has really endeared him to the fans on Tyneside.
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Add in the Brazilian’s silky skill and fantastic delivery into the box, something which has been sorely lacking for the Magpies in the past, and it’s no surprise fans are practically begging the club to pull the trigger.
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With an asking price of more than £20m, things could be difficult for Newcastle, especially with Liverpool sniffing around.
While some fans are already assuming Mike Ashley won’t splash the cash, others are just hoping for the best. Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Bojan Krkic made his return to the Stoke City first team last Saturday as he featured in their 2-0 friendly defeat against Brentford.
The 24-year-old former Barcelona playmaker has not featured for the Potters after he suffered a serious knee injury in January against Rochdale in the FA Cup.
The road to recovery and first team football at that point seemed a long, long away for the attacking midfielder. However, after successfully coming through rehabilitation he is back well ahead of schedule, which is a huge positive for Stoke ahead of the new season.
The diminutive Spaniard showed why he played for Barcelona on occasions last term, and upon his pre-season return he netted a classy, dipping volley. The youngster oozed quality and settled well to life in the Premier League, quickly establishing himself as a vital member of Mark Hughes’ team quicker than most would of expected.
Bojan proved a former Barca player could well do it on a cold, wet night in Stoke. However, the injury curtailed his first season in England, and what an impressive debut season it could’ve been for the midfielder. But now he will be like a new signing for Hughes ahead of the upcoming season.
When he played last season he made a real difference for Stoke. His guile, class and graceful style allowed him to drop into pockets of space in front of the opposition defences, where he could affect the game by creating chances with his vision and passing ability, or score goals through his good accurate shooting and his ability to dribble at opposing defenders and ghost past players.
That is what he will give Hughes’ men, which is a vital attribute to have in the Premier League and a player who can do such things is a vital commodity for any team lucky enought to find them. And in Bojan, Stoke certainly have their man.
He has the ability and quality to be one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League, and now that he is fit after months of injury he will have the chance to show that. He has the quality and ability of a luxury player, however Bojan is no luxury.
I would expect to see the attacker to build on his good first half of last season and get even better over the course of the season, scoring goals and getting assists for Stoke as they look to improve under Hughes.
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He will quickly become the vital cog and member of Hughes’ side as the season progresses.
Wigan striker Arouna Kone has set his sights on a summer move to Everton, according to reports from Sky Sports.
The Ivorian has been linked with the Toffees, as well as both Liverpool and Swansea, over the course of the last few weeks, following the Latics’ relegation to the Championship.
And even though he only arrived at the DW Stadium a year ago, Kone is already keen to move on to avoid a season in the second tier.
Everton are said to be his first choice, with former chief Roberto Martinez now in charge at Goodison Park.
The Spaniard brought the 29-year-old to England and made him a key part of Wigan’s FA Cup winning squad.
As a result of their good relationship the front-man is keen for a reunion.
Everton have already made an enquiry, but it is thought that his employers are holding out for £6million, a sum which would activate a release clause in his contract.
Kone netted an impressive 11 Premier League goals in his debut campaign, but could not do enough to drag Wigan clear of the drop zone.
The striker has a wealth of experience, having played for clubs in Belgium, Holland, Spain and Germany.
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Is Arouna Kone to Everton a good deal for everybody involved?
But in Sean O’Driscoll’s first week of league games in charge of Nottingham Forest, he’s managed to retain the belief and posotivity of the fans. Emotions of football fans fluctuate at the best of times, but the thousands following Forest at the moment remain quietly optimistic.
It’s tradition for Forest to get off to a slow start. This is a new era, though. New owners, new manager, new team.
As they headed into the opening game against Bristol City at the City Ground, there was a different feel to the game, as if times were about to change, and so they did. Forest ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a goal from Adlene Guedioura on his 2nd debut for the club.
Tapping the shirt as he runs away in elation, Guedioura showed more passion in his celebration than many that represented the club last year did when they played.
Forest had got their first goal on an opening day for so many years, and coupled with that, their first win. A great start to the Al-Hasawi reign, leaving the supporters going home satisfied, and many staying behind to queue at the ticket office, buying for future games. The taste of a convincing victory, the positive atmosphere, and people were left wanting more.
What was the message from O’Driscoll and Fawaz Al-Hasawi?
“Forest will do better in future games”, says Fawaz Al-Hasawi.
“It’s a beginning”, remarks Sean O’Driscoll.
Nobody is getting carried away, and that will be the story for every game. Everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet, with the intention of striving for improvement in the next match. Anything beyond the next game is quickly dismissed in a calm but stern manner.
In the second game of the season, 2,200 Forest fans followed their team to Huddersfield, ready for a testing game from the team that had just gained promotion from League One and were bound to have momentum on their side.
Huddersfield Town were outplayed, and were taught a footballing lesson by a Forest side yet to gel. The much talked about Jordan Rhodes barely got a kick, as the away team left them chasing shadows for long periods. Simon Cox finished brilliantly to put Forest into the lead, and the game was there to be killed off.
It wasn’t, and Dan Harding’s silly mistake in the final minute meant Huddersfield had a penalty, which was put away by Rhodes.
Negativity from Forest fans perhaps, for chucking away 2 points?
Far from it. Despite the obvious initial disappointment, the Reds contingent were in a positive frame of mind. They had witnessed a Forest side who had yet to gel, dominate a Huddersfield team full of very capable Championship players. The new front line of Blackstock and Cox were showing promise, as was Simon Gillett, the free transfer who was receiving plenty of plaudits.
It was always going to be a tougher test against recently relegated Bolton. Their style of play and quality of players meant the Forest players had to be on their game.
They did not disappoint.
It finished 2-2, and it was a fair result at the Reebok. Not many teams will go to Bolton and pick up any points, but Forest did, and were well worthy. They went there and in the first half especially, proved to Bolton and the division they are to be taken seriously.
How did the respective managers of both teams react?
“Give credit to Bolton”, O’Driscoll kindly commented.
“That’s a game we should have won”, Owen Coyle sharply said.
Two totally different reactions. The unassuming Sean O’Driscoll showing respect to the opposition, whilst Owen Coyle’s reaction is one of a man under intense pressure, wanting to convince himself more than anyone his side did enough.
O’Driscoll is under no pressure, which will work in his sides favour this season. The only factor that has worked against O’Driscoll and Forest so far is that two of the games have been chosen for television coverage.
‘SOD’ is known for playing things down, but televised games get neutrals talking. Televised games get the media talking.
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Whilst outside appreciation is nice, it’s not needed.
Nottingham Forest fans are all smiling. That in itself is a very good achievement.
Nobody is sniping unnecessarily. Nobody is expecting. Everyone is just sitting back and watching, as it all takes shape.
Sky Sports, BBC, and any other media outlet: There’s one message… Everything is going just fine, and there’s nothing to see here. Turn around and televise the headline makers.
Who cares if The Football League Show only show 30 seconds of highlights, and it largely gets portrayed as the opposition dominating, when every Forest fan knows different.
The longer Forest go unnoticed this season, the better chance there is of success at the end of it.
Long time West Ham target William Carvalho is reportedly for sale this summer, but it doesn’t seem like West Ham fans are overly confident of a deal.
According to reports in Portugal, Sporting CP are ready to sell William Carvalho for €40m this summer, along with goalkeeper Rui Patricio for a further €15m.
West Ham are known to be long time admirers of Carvalho, who impressed for Portugal at the European Championships in 2016.
The towering defensive midfielder and his goalkeeper are both set to be in the shop window this summer, and West Ham could certainly benefit from investing heavily in the spine of their team.
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Adrian and Joe Hart have both shown why they can’t be trusted this season, and the Hammers are seriously short of quality options in midfield too.
Carvalho and Patricio would drastically improve the Hammers, but fans aren’t particularly confident of a deal given their recent transfer business.
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Fans have grown tired of their owners taking the cheapest possible option in the transfer market, and let’s just say they can’t see the owners spending €55m (£48m) on two top class players.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
Any football fan will claim they’re the best fan of their club in the world.
But how do you measure that sort if thing?
Arsenal’s official car and van rental partner Europcar have decided to go in search of the Gunners’ Fan of the Season and after getting over 1,000 fantastic entries, they’ve managed to whittle it down to just four die hard Gooners.
Now it’s the public’s turn to vote for you they think is Arsenal’s Fan of the Season. The winner will win tickets to Arsenal’s first home game of next season, chauffeur service to and from the match and a signed 2014/2015 home shirt.
Have a look at the entries below and then visit Europcar’s Fan of the Season site to place your vote.
Graham Parkes
Being a father was never going to stand in the way of Graham’s chance to witness Arsenal end a nine year trophy drought.
Graham missed the birth of his daughter to be at Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Hull last season. And his missus was absolutely fine about it.
Fair play.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR GRAHAM
Ernie Crouch
You always hear of fans that travel to see their club home and away, over land and sea, without fail.
But Ernie has done just that for over 80 years. And it’s not just the first team matches Ernie watches live. He also goes to the ladies, U19s and reserve matches.
He turns 90 in July. Absolute hero.
CLICK HERE TO VORE FOR ERNIE
John Williamson
You can never watch too much football, right? Well, if you’re John, you simply can’t watch enough if it.
Mr. Williamson has attended a staggering 106 Arsenal (home and away) matches this season. That includes friendlies, Premier League, cups, reserve and youth team matches. He’s on course to break his own record of watching live 117 matches in one season this term.
Now that’s dedication.
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Bev Edwards
Bev is disabled and can’t get to every game, but when she does get to the Emirates she ensure she makes the most of it. The last time Bev went to watch the Gunners (against Chelsea), she took 992 photos.
She even had the ultimate privilege of having Gunnersaurus at her wedding, where he danced the night away with her guests. Superb.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotpsur face an uphill battle to sign highly rated Benfica winger Nico Gaitan after Inter Milan opened talks with the Portuguese club, according to talkSPORT.
Gaitan has impressed United in recent seasons and the Red Devils were set to tempt the Argentina international to England in the summer to replace the departing Nani.
Spurs were also keen on the £15million rated winger with Gareth Bale taking up a more central position in recent months, but it seems the Premier League pair have missed their chance.
Inter Milan are set to offer Benfica £12million plus winger Ricky Alvarez for Gaitan and talks are set to continue this week.
Mega rich Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala are also reported to be interested in the winger and have the funds to be able to outbid the three other sides in the running for his signature.
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Given that Southampton are staring down at the Championship with just five Premier League games left to play, it is safe to say that there are a handful of players who have not been at their best level.
According to WhoScored, Dusan Tadic and Cedric Soares are the main culprits as both made the website’s ‘Worst Rated Team of the Season So Far’.
Soares, who won the European Championship with Portugal in 2016, has started 27 Premier League matches this season, creating two assists.
As for Tadic, the midfielder has played in all but two of the club’s top-flight fixtures, scoring four goals and producing three assists.
During Mauricio Pellegrino’s reign, which lasted just nine months, the team were often criticised for their negative approach and lacklustre attack.
In fact, before the manager’s sacking on March 12, the team had scored just 29 goals in the Premier League.
Mark Hughes has since taken over, but the Saints have lost all three of their top-flight matches under his stewardship, leaving the club five points from safety with as many games left to play.
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The coastal club have a big week as they take on Leicester City this evening and then Chelsea in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
After learning that two of their players had been made a ‘worst’ team list, Saints fans posted their thoughts on Reddit.
Comment from discussion Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic make it in WhoScored.Com’s “Worst Rated Team” this season.Comment from discussion Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic make it in WhoScored.Com’s “Worst Rated Team” this season.Comment from discussion Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic make it in WhoScored.Com’s “Worst Rated Team” this season.Comment from discussion Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic make it in WhoScored.Com’s “Worst Rated Team” this season.Comment from discussion Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic make it in WhoScored.Com’s “Worst Rated Team” this season.Comment from discussion Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic make it in WhoScored.Com’s “Worst Rated Team” this season.Comment from discussion Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic make it in WhoScored.Com’s “Worst Rated Team” this season.Comment from discussion Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic make it in WhoScored.Com’s “Worst Rated Team” this season.Comment from discussion Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic make it in WhoScored.Com’s “Worst Rated Team” this season.
It’s already looking like a busy summer is in store at Old Trafford after it was announced that PSV star Memphis Depay will be on his way to the club having agreed a move this week.
The news comes just a fortnight after claims that Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is also set for a move to Manchester United as the Red Devils continue their preparation for next season and their impending return to the Champions League.
But alongside these new arrivals, there are sure to be some high profile departures from United this summer and a few of the big names could well be on their way out of the club if reports are to be believed.
Three defeats on the bounce has highlighted the fact there is still plenty of work to be done before Louis van Gaal’s side can realistically challenge for the league title, and the sale of some of his superstars could well be part of the plan.
With this in mind, here a five United stars who may be set to leave the club this summer.
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Angel Di Maria
Perhaps the biggest disappointment for United this year has been the performances of their record signing Angel Di Maria, who has failed to justify his £59.7m price tag.
It’s hard to think this is the same player who picked up the Man of the Match award in last year’s Champions League final, but the Argentine has really struggled to adapt to the English game, and has found himself limited to substitute appearances in recent months.
The arrival of Depay has only increased speculation that his United future could be under threat, and with PSG keen on signing the midfielder; his time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end.
Javier Hernandez
Even with the recent goal drought that has seen the Red Devils go three games in succession without scoring, the future of Javier Hernandez looks like it will be away from Old Trafford.
The Mexican has endured a frustrating campaign on loan at Real Madrid, but has finally been given a run in the side thanks to injury to Karim Benzema, a period where he has struck some vital goals including the winner against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.
This might not be enough to save his United career, however, and having been linked to a number of clubs it seems like he will be playing his football elsewhere come next season.
Radamel Falcao
Another striker who looks set to leave Old Trafford is on-loan Monaco man Radamel Falcao. The Colombian has endured a difficult season to say the least since arriving in England and has only managed four goals in a lacklustre campaign.
He looks a shadow of his former self after struggling for form and fitness, and having failed to gain a consistent run in the side it’s hard to see United making his move a permanent one in the summer.
Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie was an integral part of the United team not so long ago, but having performed so well without him when he was injured, they may have come to the conclusion that they can do without the Dutch star.
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Van Persie endured a torrid afternoon on his return from injury last weekend, missing a penalty that proved costly in the 1-0 defeat to West Brom.
He is another who has struggled at times this season, and with Wayne Rooney undermining his credentials as the best forward in United’s ranks, selling the former Arsenal man has now become a realistic possibility.
David de Gea
One man the club will certainly not want to lose is their goalkeeper David de Gea who has once again been terrific this season.
The Spanish shot stopper has saved his team on numerous occasions this term, and is a big reason why his side are still on course to qualify for the Champions League.
But amid huge interest from Real Madrid, the club could be set to lose him in the near future and will hope to wrap up negotiations on a new contract sooner rather than later to ensure they don’t lose another star to the Spanish giants.