More stories

  • in

    Nice confirm season-long loan transfer of Arsenal outcast Nicolas Pepe with NO option to buy in bizarre unveiling tweet

    NICE confirmed the season-long loan of Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe in a bizarre unveiling tweet.And the deal does NOT include an option for the French side to buy the winger next summer.
    Nice unveiled the signing of Nicolas Pepe with a strange Twitter videoCredit: Twitter @ogcnice
    Pepe has completed a season-long loan transfer from ArsenalCredit: AFP
    He was given a hero’s reception by his new supportersCredit: AFP

    Pepe, 27, has struggled to live up to his £72million transfer fee since joining the Gunners from Lille in 2019.
    And following the arrivals of attacking players Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira this summer, Mikel Arteta deemed the Ivorian surplus to requirements.
    So the record-signing will now spend the 2022-23 campaign back in Ligue 1 trying to rediscover his best form.
    Pepe banged in 22 goals in his final season with Lille but has managed just 16 in his 80 Premier League appearances for Arsenal.
    READ MORE ARSENAL STORIES
    The announcement video from Nice – posted just before kick-off in their crunch Europa Conference League play-off – was truly strange.
    It featured a comic-strip-style ‘WANTED’ video which showed the club’s Allianz Riviera stadium, fans and then “new player” Pepe in the red-and-black home shirt.
    Nice captioned the post: “Before getting behind our Aiglons, a short manga?”
    Pepe was presented at the stadium in front of the fans wearing his new No29 jersey and received a huge ovation from the Aiglons supporters.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He becomes the latest big-name player to join Nice this summer.
    Aaron Ramsey completed a free transfer following his release by Juventus and Kasper Schmeichel ended his 11-year stint as Leicester’s No1 goalkeeper for another shot at European football.
    Both players, as well as defenders Jean-Clair Todibo and Dante, started against Maccabi Tel Aviv tonight.
    The bizarre video featured a comic strip with a pic of Nice fansCredit: Twitter @ogcnice
    It finished with the club confirming Pepe as their new playerCredit: Twitter @ogcnice More

  • in

    Chelsea flop Hakim Ziyech’s transfer return to Ajax on verge of COLLAPSE with talks at risk of breaking down

    HAKIM ZIYECH’S Ajax return is reportedly on the verge of collapse.That’s with the Dutch side refusing to meet Chelsea’s asking price.
    Hakim Ziyech’s return to Ajax from Chelsea risks collapsingCredit: Getty
    Ziyech, 29, is not in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for this season.
    And he is desperate to secure a transfer exit before next week’s deadline.
    Italian champions AC Milan were leading the race earlier this summer.
    And Chelsea’s fierce rivals Spurs have also been linked.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    But former club Ajax emerged as frontrunners after star winger Antony was targeted by Manchester United.
    Dutch chiefs reportedly made Ziyech their top option should the Brazilian depart.
    And talks were opened with Chelsea this week over a stunning return for the Moroccan.
    However, the Mail claims negotiations have ground to a halt over Ziyech’s price-tag.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    It’s believed Ajax only want to pay around £15million to £20m.
    But Chelsea want to recoup the £33m they paid to sign Ziyech from Amsterdam in 2020,
    Ajax have no intention of handing the full amount back over.
    And they are now thought to be looking elsewhere for Antony’s replacement.
    It means Ziyech is now at risk of stagnating at Stamford Bridge with other exiles who are yet to receive offers.
    Read More on The Sun
    The likes of Marcos Alonso, Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley are all out of favour.
    Yet they are becoming increasingly likely to stay, leaving Chelsea to pay their wages until at least January. More

  • in

    West Ham bump up Lucas Paqueta transfer offer to £48MILLION including massive up front payment as Lyon hold firm

    WEST HAM have sent a WHOPPING comeback bid to Lyon for midfielder Lucas Paqueta.SunSport revealed that an initial £34million bid was rejected with the Ligue 1 club keen to focus on the structuring of the deal.
    West Ham have launched a comeback bid of £48m for PaquetaCredit: Rex
    So the Hammers have submitted a fresh offer to the French top flight side for the 24-year-old Brazilian international.
    L’Equipe report that the East London club’s new offer is £48m, with £35m up front and the rest add ons.
    Lyon have yet to respond but the two sides are “close” to an agreement.
    It is said that Paqueta’s representatives are in London looking for a place.
    READ MORE TRANSFER STORIES
    Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to bolster his midfield options before the September 1 deadline.
    David Moyes’ team are yet to register a point on the board afterthree Prem games, and they’re yet to score a goal.
    Paqueta may be the creative player that Moyes is looking for.
    He joined Lyon in 2020 and has racked up 18 goals in 67 Ligue 1 matches.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    On the international stage, he has seven in 33 and looks set to be part of Brazil’s World Cup squad in Qatar later this year.
    Paqueta will add to West Ham’s summer signings Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmeiri and Thilo Kehrer this transfer window. More

  • in

    Leicester boss Rodgers confirms Wesley Fofana will NOT feature against Chelsea with defender desperate to join Blues

    BRENDAN RODGERS has confirmed that Wesley Fofana – who Chelsea are interested in – will not be travelling to Stamford Bridge this weekend.Chelsea had a third bid of £70million for the 21-year-old rejected by Leicester.
    Wesley Fofana is a transfer target for Chelsea, who have had three bids rejectedCredit: Rex
    Brendan Rodgers has left Fofana out of the squad travelling to Chelsea this weekendCredit: Getty
    The Leicester boss also revealed that that the defender is still training with the U23 squad after skipping a first-team session last week.
    Leicester are holding out for £85million for the promising centre-half.
    When asked about whether they’re expecting another bid from Chelsea, Rodgers responded that his focus is on the current players he’s got.
    He said: “He won’t be available for the weekend and has trained with the U23 squad.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    “I’m not sure, my concentration is on the players that we have, and the team, and I can’t lose energy.
    “If something will be done it will be done with the clubs.
    “Until that happens we just have to work with what we have.”
    Fofana joined Leicester from St Etienne in 2020 for £31.5m.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    In his first season at the club, he made 28 Premier League appearances.
    A fibula fracture meant he missed out on most of the 2021/22 season.
    Fofana was back fit for the start of the new season, and played the full 90 against Brentford and Arsenal.
    But he was dropped from the team that lost 2-1 to Southampton.
    He also missed out on the Carabao Cup clash against Stockport that secured Leicester’s place in the next phase. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘set to make £25m transfer offer to Real Madrid for Marco Asensio’ but Carlo Ancelotti will fight for midfielder

    MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to make an offer for Real Madrid star Marco Asensio, according to reports.The Red Devils could bid £25million for the Spaniard, claim outlet Relevo.
    Marco Asensio has won three Champions LeaguesCredit: Getty
    Carlo Ancelotti supposedly wants to keep Marco AsensioCredit: Getty
    But a deal could prove difficult to complete because Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti wants to keep Asensio at the club.
    But the 26-year-old midfielder’s contract expires next summer so Real Madrid may want to cash in now in case a new contract cannot be sorted.
    Asensio could be tempted by a move to Old Trafford with his former teammates Raphael Varane and Casemiro at the club.
    Rumours suggest Man Utd may not be the only club in for him with Liverpool previously showing interest.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Newcastle and Arsenal have also been linked with as well as an unnamed Italian club is monitoring him too.
    Real Madrid won the LaLiga title and the Champions League last season with Asensio playing a key role featuring 42 times in all competitions scoring 12 goals.
    He has been at the Spanish giants since 2014 when he joined from Real Mallorca.
    In total, he has played 236 times for the club scoring on 49 occasions and he’s contributed with a further 24 assists.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his squad in the final week of the transfer window.
    The club remain keen on Ajax winger Antony.
    Meanwhile the future of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo is still unclear. More

  • in

    Casemiro is ‘happiest man alive’ after Man Utd transfer as he vows to win trophies with the ‘biggest team in England’

    NEW Manchester United signing Casemiro has revealed he’s the “happiest man alive after joining England’s biggest team”- who he vowed to win trophies with. Casemiro completed a blockbuster £70million move from Real Madrid to Old Trafford this week.
    Casemiro has shared his joy over joining England’s biggest team Man United who he vows to win trophies withCredit: Getty
    The midfielder can’t wait to link up with former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo although they’re yet to speak about his switch to Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    He arrived at the club in time to witness them crush rivals Liverpool 2-1 from the sidelines.
    And the midfielder’s set to get thrown into action when the Red Devils take on Southampton this weekend.
    But he took a moment out from getting to grips with life in Manchester to discuss his move with the club’s media.
    And the 30-year-old couldn’t contain his excitement about joining the team who’ve made him feel like a teenager once again.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    When asked how he’s feeling since swapping Real for United, Casemiro buzzed: “Well, firstly, many thanks. There’s no doubt I’m really excited.
    “I’ve been very warmly welcomed. I’ve already felt that special affection from everyone towards me and of course that’s really important. I felt that great affection from the moment I arrived and I think it’s a new challenge.
    “I’m absolutely delighted. I feel like I’m 20 or 18 years of age, I’m raring to go, I’m excited to be amongst my teammates, playing in the stadium and I think that it’s just huge excitement and I’m absolutely delighted.”
    He’s been blown away by the affection he’s been shown by those at the club – and is eager to hit the ground running at the Theatre Of Dreams.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Casemiro added: “Well, as you’ve said, the love of those around me… It was amazing when I arrived.
    “People were really friendly with me, showing me lots of affection and that’s what you like to feel as a person.
    “So, I’m really happy, really excited and I feel it’s a great challenge and a new challenge for me, so I want to work hard to make it happen.”
    Casemiro became United’s second midfield addition following Christian Eriksen’s arrival this summer, and he’s revealed it was a no-brainer to make the switch when the country’s “biggest team” came knocking.
    The Red Devils have been in steady decline over the past decade but have still won the Prem more than any other team – with 13 titles in their cabinet.
    And Casemiro claims this proves they’re still England’s top dogs.
    He mused: “Well, it’s the biggest club in England. It’s the club with the most amount of titles. So, I’m really happy and just can’t wait to get going.”
    The midfield engine will link up with ex-Real team-mates Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford this season, and he can’t wait to reunite with his old pals.
    He revealed that Varane’s already given him the lay of the land, although he’s yet to chat with Ronaldo – who he evidently still reveres despite their lack of contact thus far.
    Casemiro explained when quizzed about the pair: “Well, they are two players that I’ve had the pleasure of playing alongside.
    “We could spend all day talking about Cristiano. He’s one of the best players in the history of football. Looking back at his time at Real Madrid.
    “I think we spent seven years together, so it’s an honour to play once again with these players but not just these guys, I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, to helping them and them helping me, too.
    “Well, it’s the biggest club in England. It’s the club with the most amount of titles. ”Casemiro
    “I’m incredibly excited to be here at Manchester United.”
    “I’ve spoken to Rafa. He tells me he’s happy. His family is very happy here in Manchester and I feel Manchester United have a great centre-back in him and, as we know, Cristiano is up there as one of the best players in the history of football and I think he’ll keep achieving things.”
    But Casemiro hasn’t come to United just to rekindle the camaraderie with his old friends.
    He’s determined to make his mark at the club and bring back the glory days to the club, and that includes winning trophies.
    Casemiro rounded up by saying to the fans: “Well, I’m excited to be here, extremely happy.
    “I appreciate the affection that people have shown me, from day one, the people in the airport, everyone.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I’m delighted and I’m sure that I’ll give everything, not just in games but in training as well and you can count on me as another Manchester United player and I want to win matches and titles like all of the players.
    “I’m really looking forward to it and now it’s about working hard and showing everyone what I can do as a footballer.” More

  • in

    Patrice Evra admits it ‘may be time for Harry Maguire to go’ as Chelsea line up transfer for under-fire Man Utd defender

    PATRICE EVRA admitted time may be up for Harry Maguire at Manchester United.The £85million defender has endured a tough time at Old Trafford, struggling to live up to his world-record transfer fee.
    Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire could both be moved on in the next weekCredit: EPA
    Patrice Evra is not overjoyed with the £85m defenderCredit: Getty
    Despite being club captain, he was dropped for Monday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.
    SunSport revealed Erik ten Hag has told Maguire he is no longer first choice therefore plunging the armband into doubt.
    And with Chelsea sniffing around a potential transfer in their desperate pursuit for a centre-back, former Red Devils star Evra reckons his old side should cash in.
    He said: “I can say people are too harsh on Harry Maguire, but he is paying the price for his transfer fee.
    READ MORE MAN UTD STORIES
    “From that day, I said he is going to have the most difficult season for United because people only looked at the price.
    “If we bought him for £5m, people would say he’s an amazing centre-back.
    “We all have bad games but now we’ve got to a point where even if he has a good game people are not happy.
    “So there’s a negativity around him.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Uncertainty also circles around the futures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luke Shaw with a week left in the summer transfer window.
    And Evra believes it could be best to sell both now.
    He told Betfair: “The Cristiano Ronaldo saga is another issue. Is he staying? Is he leaving?
    “He’s still here, the transfer window isn’t closed but I think, personally knowing Cristiano, if he doesn’t play he would like to leave. 
    “I think this would be the best for him and for United. 
    “We’ve been playing Luke Shaw for so many years and I’m really careful when I talk about left-backs because I’ve been in this position and it’s not an easy position.
    “Luke Shaw has been here for so many years and he hasn’t matched the standard set by Denis Irwin or myself, and I think left-back is a really crucial position for United. 
    “Maybe it’s time for those players [Maguire, Ronaldo and Shaw] to go.”
    ‘WHAT A PLAYER’
    However, Evra was far more positive about the shock £70m signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid.
    The Brazilian will inject some much-needed trophy-winning experience into a team that has not lifted any silverware since 2017.
    Evra said: “I’m confident, we’re talking about a five-times Champions League winner.
    “Don’t expect too much all of a sudden, he needs to adapt to his new players.
    “But I’ve seen him many times and what a player. That’s the kind of midfielder we need. 
    “When we play Scott McTominay and Fred, even if they have a great game, after three games they lose that consistency and Casemiro will bring that to United.
    “I don’t see why he won’t perform well for Manchester United. 
    Read More on The Sun
    “People blame players at the club, but they don’t have anybody to look at, apart from Cristiano Ronaldo. The experience is really important.
    “When you have a player and they win so many trophies, young players look up to them, they see the way they train, the way they eat and their lifestyle. Casemiro’s experience will be a massive help.”
    The Cristiano Ronaldo saga is still not resolvedCredit: Getty
    Evra has high hopes for new midfielder CasemiroCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Fulham ‘in negotiations with PSG over Layvin Kurzawa transfer’ as Marco Silva eyes left-back for Prem survival bid

    FULHAM and Paris-Saint Germain are in talks over a Premier League move for Layvin Kurzawa, according to reports.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Fulham boss Marco Silva wants the French left-back at Craven Cottage.
    Layvin Kurzawa played nine minutes of football for PSG in the last 12 monthsCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The clubs are in negotiations about a permanent deal which would see Kurzawa have his first-ever Premier League run.
    Earlier in July, the left-back was also offered to Leeds and Everton, but they have decided to make look elsewhere.
    The 29-year-old’s contract runs till 2024 but he is looking for a challenge having only played nine minutes of football in 12 months.
    His last appearance for PSG came in a 1-0 win over Lille in the Trophee des Champions in August 2021 and it is understood he is no longer part of PSG’s plans.
    READ MORE ON FULHAM
    Kurzawa made a move to the Parc des Princes in 2015 for a transfer fee of £22.5million.
    He has made 153 appearance for PSG, netting 14 goals and assisting 23 while becoming a four-time Ligue 1 winner.
    In England, the Cottagers have their hands full with several potential transfers in the making as the end of the summer transfer window.
    They are trying to win the race for Neal Maupay from Brighton, with Nottingham Forest and Everton also chasing the forward.
    Most read in English Premier League
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Meanwhile, they seem to have agreed personal terms for Justin Kluivert but are yet to agree a transfer fee with Roma.
    Silva’s side are enjoying their return to the Premier League.
    They’ve so far managed draws to Liverpool and Wolves and celebrated a 3-2 victory over Brentford.
    However they suffered a shock early exit from the Carabao Cup after they were beaten 2-0 by Crawley Town. More