More stories

  • in

    Bayer Leverkusen lead Arsenal in transfer chase to sign Germany star Julian Draxler on free this summer from PSG

    BAYER LEVERKUSEN lead Arsenal in the transfer race to sign Julian Draxler, according to reports.
    The Paris Saint-Germain playmaker, 27, is out of contract in the summer and will therefore become a free agent at the end of the season.

    Julian Draxler is expected to head back to Germany this summer and join Bayer Leverkusen for freeCredit: Reuters

    And Todofichajes state the Bundesliga side are the likeliest to land the German because he wants to return to his homeland.
    He came through the youth ranks at Schalke to make his first-team debut aged 17 then had a spell at Wolfsburg before joining PSG in 2017, winning three Ligue 1 titles.
    The 56-cap Germany international also has seven goals for Die Mannschaft and lifted the World Cup in 2014 under Joachim Low.
    Draxler also has reservations about making the switch to Arsenal.

    He would be concerned about how much playing time he would get under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.
    The Gunners have youngsters Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka in form, Martin Odegaard could join permanently while Willian and Nicolas Pepe have hit purple patches.
    The report adds Bayer have tracked Draxler for a while and now appear close to landing their target.
    Due to the lack of transfer fee, Leverkusen will also make him one of their top earners.

    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

    Draxler was linked with Leeds during the January transfer window but ended up staying put at the Parc des Princes.
    In a season hit with injury woes and up against some of the world’s best players in competition for places, he has managed 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring three.
    But he was given a rare start in the 1-1 draw with Barcelona on Wednesday night as PSG booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
    He was replaced just before the hour mark by fit-again Angel Di Maria.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Julian Draxler shows off his goal scoring talents on the PSG training pitch More

  • in

    Chelsea and Man City ‘have already made a move’ for Haaland as they look to steal march in £150m summer transfer race

    CHELSEA and Manchester City have reportedly ‘made a move’ to sign Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland in the summer.
    Valued at around £150million by the Bundesliga outfit, the 20-year-old has no shortage of admirers following another stunning season.

    Erling Haaland has starred for Borussia Dortmund this season, with clubs queuing up to sign himCredit: AP:Associated Press

    The Norway international has banged in 31 goals in 29 games in all competitions this term, and is the Champions League’s top scorer with ten strikes.
    Despite boasting a release clause of £65m in his contract that becomes active in 2022, clubs are queuing up to sign him in the upcoming transfer window.
    And according to Mundo Deportivo, Premier League giants Chelsea as well as Manchester City have already begun the task of trying to secure his services.
    It was reported earlier this month that the Blues were increasingly confident of nabbing Haaland.

    Though German news outlet Sport BILD have declared that the West Londoners have ‘no chance’ of being able to capture him.
    But they are understood to face stiff competition in the race to snap him up with Real Madrid and Barcelona both eyeing up a possible move.
    Manchester United are also claimed to be an interested party, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer identifying Haaland as well as Harry Kane as possible targets.
    Haaland could even end up staying in Germany, with Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick failing to rule out a move for the striker.

    CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER – GET THE FIRST RACE FAVOURITE AT HUGE 50/1 PRICE

    Asked about the possibility of Haaland replacing Robert Lewandowski, he told Sky Germany: “Very, very much is possible in life.
    “Nothing can be ruled out, but that is a long way off.
    “He has a long-term contract in Dortmund and is an option for many top clubs.”
    Haaland earlier this week became the youngest player to rack up 20 goals in the Champions League, as he hit the landmark in just 14 matches.

    Erling Haaland screams ‘UNLUCKY’ in Sevilla keeper’s face after penalty drama before Dortmund star is chased down More

  • in

    Forgotten Arsenal man Mavropanos ‘rules out permanent Stuttgart transfer after loan spell’ to fight for Gunners future

    FORGOTTEN Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos doesn’t want to leave Arsenal permanently in the summer, according to reports.
    But the Greek could return to Stuttgart on another loan deal.

    Mavropanos, right, has made 14 appearances for StuttgartCredit: AFP or licensors

    The 23-year-old made the most recent of his eight Gunners appearances under Freddie Ljungberg in December 2019.
    According to Bild, however, he is not ready to give up on his Arsenal career just yet.
    They claim that he is perfectly happy with the terms of his current contract, which is set to run until 2023.
    And a potential permanent transfer falls down over Stuttgart’s inability to match it.

    Mavropanos is now feeling ‘more at home’ at the Bundesliga side, however, and a return on loan next season could suit all parties.
    Former Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, now of Stuttgart, recently told The Athletic: “We’re super happy that he’s been a regular starter in recent weeks.
    “We would like to keep him on loan one more season, if possible. But that will be down to Arsenal.
    “He has all the hardware and all the software to be a great defender.

    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS: GET £40 IN FREE BETS WITH PADDY POWER

    The Greek defender has played right times for Arsenal to dateCredit: Getty – Contributor

    “He has been unfortunate, he’s got a lot of injuries. A pubic bone inflammation kept him out more or less for one-and-a-half years.
    “The moment we thought we could play him, he tore his meniscus. It’s important for us to get him fully match fit. If he can stabilise physically, he’s undoubtedly a Bundesliga-level defender.
    “He’s one of the fastest centre-backs in the league alongside Dayot Upamecano.
    “A super guy, a model professional. You have to admire his energy, all the strength it took to get over his injuries.”
    Mavropanos has missed a chunk of this season with groin and knee injuries.
    But he has now started his side’s last six Bundesliga games, taking his tally of Die Roten appearances to 14.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Sven Mislintat joined Stuttgart after leaving ArsenalCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Mikel Arteta slams Arsenal stars and warns them to stop taking unnecessary risks More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘want either Harry Kane or Erling Haaland transfer this summer as striker replacements for Anthony Martial’

    ERLING HAALAND and Harry Kane are reportedly Manchester United’s top targets if they decide to replace Anthony Martial in the summer.
    The French striker is fighting for his future as an unproductive season comes to an end.

    Erling Haaland is reportedly a Manchester United target for the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Harry Kane has also been linked with replacing Anthony MartialCredit: AP:Associated Press

    With just seven goals in all competitions, he has struggled to keep his place in the team amid Edinson Cavani’s arrival on the scene.
    And the Mirror report on a potentially huge deal being considered if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to make a change.
    Borussia Dortmund star Haaland and Tottenham’s Kane are named as being on the Red Devils’ radar.
    A fee of around £150million has been touted for the Norwegian, who became the fastest-ever player to hit 20 Champions League goals in the week.

    That record was taken off Kane and the Spurs star notched a brace of his own against Dinamo Zagreb last night.
    Whether or not Martial can find some consistency, a new striker may be needed at Old Trafford anyway with Cavani out of contract.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Solskjaer is fighting to keep the Uruguayan after the player’s dad revealed his unhappiness in England.

    But SunSport have revealed that he is still waiting on a decision from United regarding his future.
    Cavani was absent for the draw with AC Milan on Thursday, a game which saw Martial limp off with an injury concern of his own.
    The former Monaco forward had threatened to put a decent run together before the blow, given injuries to Cavani and Marcus Rashford.

    Anthony Martial is fighting for his future at Old TraffordCredit: EPA

    A strong outing in the Manchester derby led to Solskjaer remarking: “Anthony was absolutely superb today, he was the Anthony of old.
    “Today he rediscovered himself, he was really strong on the ball and positive.”
    Last month, PAOK youngster Christos Tzolis was linked with United as a cheaper alternative for the upcoming transfer market.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Erling Haaland screams ‘UNLUCKY’ in Sevilla keeper’s face after penalty drama before Dortmund star is chased down More

  • in

    Arsenal and Chelsea transfer boost with Jerome Boateng free to leave Bayern after Dayot Upamecano arrival this summer

    BAYERN MUNICH are unlikely to renew Chelsea and Arsenal target Jerome Boateng’s contract this summer, according to reports.
    Both London clubs were chasing the experienced German international in 2020.

    Jerome Boateng has made 351 appearances for BayernCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Dayot Upamecano will join Bayern from RB Leipzig this summerCredit: Reuters

    But the 32-year-old had something of a renaissance in the Bayern first team; regaining his starting position and featuring heavily as they lifted the Champions League in Lisbon.
    According to Bild, however, club bosses are unlikely to offer Boateng a contract extension, with his current deal expiring this summer.
    This could hand the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal the opportunity to pounce, with new Blues boss Thomas Tuchel in particular believed to be a fan.
    Both teams will have to overcome interest from Italy in seizing the 76-cap defender’s signature.

    Boateng is disappointed in Bayern’s lack of offer, and is claimed to still be hoping for one.
    The club instead, however, are prioritising negotiations with fellow defender Niklas Sule – whose contract will have a 12 months remaining come the summer, having also already secured Dayot Upamecano’s signature for next season.
    This has left Boateng feeling under-appreciated by the perennial German champions.
    Since quitting Manchester City in 2011, Boateng has been a mainstay under the likes of Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Niko Kovac and now Hansi Flick.

    Bayern bosses are believed to be prioritising Niklas Sule’s contract negotiationsCredit: Reuters
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Along the way, he has won a whole host of silverware, including eight Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues.
    Overall, Boateng has made 351 Bayern appearances.
    He has also enjoyed great success at international level, winning the World Cup under outgoing Die Mannschaft boss Joachim Low in 2014.

    Boateng, 32, tasted World Cup glory in 2014Credit: AFP or licensors
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

  • in

    Man Utd transfer boost with Bayern Munich NOT in Kalidou Koulibaly transfer race as Napoli ‘slash fee to just £39m’

    BAYERN MUNICH have cleared the way for Manchester United to sign Kalidou Koulibaly by reportedly pulling out of the transfer race.
    The Napoli star has long been linked with the two teams, as well as Manchester City and other top clubs.

    Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly not heading to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    In previous years, the Serie A outfit have demanded a fee in the region of £90million, successfully deterring a sale of the star player.
    However, earlier this month reports in Italy suggested a deal could be cut at around £39m.
    Interest could be sparked by Napoli’s apparent desire to cash in and cut their wage bill, with Bayern once again linked initially.
    Yet, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga giants are not working on a deal.

    Munich have already signed up RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano for next season.
    But Premier League side United remain on the hunt for defensive reinforcements.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Koulibaly is among those to have been linked and was recently said to favour a move to Old Trafford.

    MEN yesterday named Pau Torres as another talent being eyed, with Manchester City providing competition for the Villarreal ace.
    Raphael Varane remains a frequent fixture in gossip columns, ahead of a crucial summer of contract discussions with Real Madrid.
    And Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is reportedly wanted by the Red Devils, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, for a fee of around £60m.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Bruno Fernandes REFUSING to sign new Man Utd contract and Edinson Cavani wants to quit Old Trafford More

  • in

    Ex-Man City star Angelino targeting Trent Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool star ‘too offensive and we have to exploit it’

    RB LEIPZIG full-back Angelino revealed he will target opposite number Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is ‘too offensive’.
    The German side trail the Premier League champions 2-0 as they travel to Anfield in the Champions League last 16 second leg.

    Angelino revealed he will target opposite number Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Angelino said Trent Alexander-Arnold is ‘too offensive’Credit: Rex Features

    Angelino laid out the game plan as he lifted the lid on having to ‘exploit the weakness’ – which he believes is Alexander-Arnold’s positioning.
    He said: “It was tough because I thought we played a really good match. We were a few times behind their full-backs.
    “Alexander-Arnold on the ball is unbelievable but he is too offensive.
    “But that is his best [quality] so we have to exploit the weakness and hopefully we can get a few more chances like we did in the first game.

    “That was our mistake that we did not put them away.
    “We could have put some pressure on them [by] scoring some of the chances we got.
    “We felt we gave them two mistakes and a team like Liverpool, with the quality they have got, they kill you if you give them just a little bit.
    “But we are positive because we played a strong match. If we don’t make mistakes and we put our chances away, it can turn around, the situation.

    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    “There is still 90 minutes to go and we will be focused and ready to go again.
    “The pressure, I would say, is more on them than us. We are the underdog so we go from behind.”
    Despite being armed with two away goals, Liverpool are currently in the midst of dismal form at home.
    They have lost their last SIX home games in the league – a club record – are trail league leaders Manchester City – Angelino’s old side – by 22 points.
    RB Leipzig on the other hand are second in the Bundeliga, two points off champions Bayern Munich, and full of confidence.
    Angelino said: “We are in a good situation in the league and in the cup and we have our chance in the Champions League, so we are still alive. 
    ‘The vibes are good, we are positive and we are in a good position.”

    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp rules himself out of Germany manager job to replace Joachim Low More

  • in

    World’s best youngsters ranked with Jadon Sancho, Arsenal starlet Saka and Man Utd teen Greenwood leading the way

    A NEW study has named Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka as top of their class following a fantastic breakout into senior football.
    The England pair are establishing themselves as household names and could play a big role at the upcoming Euros.

    Jadon Sancho has led a surge of youth talent emerging at Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Bukayo Saka was named top of his age category in the studyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Key to any young player’s progression is game time at an elite level and an analysis of hot prospects has revealed the pair to be head and shoulders above their contemporaries.
    Renowned football research group CIES Observatory created a formula to rank starlets born after the millennium, weighing their game time in domestic action against the quality of the team they play for.
    The players were then divided into four groups, based on the year of their birth.
    Coming out on top in the class of 2000 was Borussia Dortmund star Sancho, who has racked up almost 100 Bundesliga appearances.

    Erling Haaland was ranked third in this group with Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies separating the Dortmund team-mates on the podium.
    Wolves star Pedro Neto took fifth, ahead of Manchester City pair Phil Foden and Ferran Torres.

    WORLD’S TOP YOUNGSTERS

    CLASS OF 2000
    Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
    Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
    Erling Haaland (Dortmund)
    Sven Botman (Lille)
    Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
    Pedro Neto (Wolves)
    Phil Foden (Man City)
    Ferran Torres (Man City)
    Dejan Kulusevski (Juventus)
    Jonathan David (Lille)
    CLASS OF 2001
    Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
    Mason Greenwood (Man Utd)
    Benoit Badiashile (Monaco)
    Myron Boadu (AZ Alkmaar)
    Ersin Destanoglu (Besiktas)
    Charles De Ketelaere (Club Brugge)
    Jason Knight (Derby)
    Anatoliy Trubin (Shakhtar Donetsk)
    Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
    Michael Olise (Reading)

    The competition for places in this class was incredibly high with Barcelona’s Sergino Dest, Wesley Fofana of Leicester and Moise Kean all just outside the top ten.
    In the class of 2001, Arsenal winger Saka took first place comfortably.

    Having just made his 50th Premier League appearance, the 19-year-old beat Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood to the number one spot.
    Fellow English football prospects Jason Knight of Derby, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Reading playmaker Michael Olise also made the top ten.
    But there were no Premier League players in the class of 2002, where 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Pedri took first place.
    Ansu Fati was left in ninth, having missed much of the season through injury, with Gio Reyna and Eduardo Camavinga in the top five based on the experience formula.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Very few players born in 2003 or later have accumulated substantial game time at high levels, with this category topped by Florian Wirtz.
    The Bayer Leverkusen talent, 17, has stepped into Kai Havertz’s old position to bag four goals in 20 league games this season.
    Jude Bellingham, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, on loan at Blackburn, and Bayern Munich breakout star Jamal Musiala also featured high up in this class.
    In total, 12 players produced in English football made the four 25-man lists across the different age groups.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    WORLD’S TOP YOUNGSTERS

    CLASS OF 2002
    Pedri (Barcelona)
    Leonidas Stergiou (St Gallen)
    Jeremy Doku (Rennes)
    Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)
    Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes)
    Nuno Mendes (Sporting CP)
    Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax)
    Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
    Kaio Jorge (Santos)
    Talles Magno (Vasco da Gama)
    CLASS OF 2003 AND LATER
    Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen)
    Jude Bellingham (Dortmund)
    Isak Johannesson (Norrkoping)
    Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
    Fabricio Diaz (Liverpool Montevideo)
    Jamal Musiala (Bayern)
    Youri Regeer (Ajax)
    Wahid Faghir (Vejle BK)
    Lucas Gourna-Douath (Saint-Etienne)
    Loizos Loizou (Omonia)

    Watch Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho star in epic new Pepsi Max advert and trio show off flicks and tricks More