Goal Zone

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Jackson Martinez issues 'come and get me' plea to Arsenal

Jackson Martinez admits he's waiting to see if Arsenal make an offer for his services.

The Colombian hitman, who is currently on international duty in Chile for the Copa America, has already revealed he will leave Porto in the summer.

Recent reports have suggested AC Milan are winning the race for his signature, but the 28-year-old is yet to make his mind up.

Martinez admits he would consider a move to Arsenal should they trigger his £25million release clause at Porto.

On the Gunners' interest, the striker said: "It's a big club in one of the best leagues in the world. We have to see if an offer will become a reality or not.

Jackson Martinez admits he's waiting to see if Arsenal trigger his £25m release clause

"The day we'll know where my future goes is near. I still haven't decided, as I'm focused on the Copa America right now.

"Every footballer dreams of enjoying football. If that's in England, Italy or Spain, the important thing is that it feels good."

Manchester United's move for Cillessen set to be blocked

Manchester United target Jasper Cillessen admits Ajax will block his move to Old Trafford.

United are keen to sign the shot-stopper to replace David De Gea who is expected to make the move to Real Madrid this summer.

However, however the 26-year-old says the club are determined to stop him from joining the Premier League giants.

“The Ajax management are going to make it really difficult when the interest becomes concrete," he told the Sunday Mirror.

If I had planned to leave, I would not have signed a new contract until 2018.

“My old contract was expiring in the summer of 2016 and in that case this summer would have been the perfect moment to leave.

“[Ajax coach] Frank de Boer has been very clear when he received questions about my transfer – he wants to block it."

Mario Balotelli set to leave Liverpool

Mario Balotelli is set to leave Liverpool on loan, according to reports.

The striker has failed to impress following his £16million switch from AC Milan last summer, scoring just one goal in 15 Premier League appearances.

Liverpool have already snapped up Burnley's Danny Ings on a free transfer, and reports today suggest Brendan Rodgers is weighing up a bid for QPR's Charlie Austin.

The Reds already have Daniel Sturridge, Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and Divock Origi on the books, and the Daily Star claims that Balotelli is set to become the fall guy.

It is added that Serie A outfit Sampdoria want to bring Balotelli back to Italy on a season-long loan, although Liverpool would have to subsidise part of his £110,000-per-week contract.

Harry Kane snubs Manchester United interest for Tottenham stay

Harry Kane has quashed rumours of a Manchester United move by admitting he's happy to stay at 'big club' Tottenham.

United are believed to be in for the England striker but Kane says he is committed to his boyhood club after penning a new deal in February.

And Kane is willing to pass up the opportunity of playing Champions League football with United next season as he believes Tottenham is the right stage for him.

“Tottenham are a big club,” Kane said, “and that is the way people have to see it.

“I am at a big club now, I am enjoying my football and that is the way I am looking forward to next season."

Kane said he is not aware of any approach from United but that he is flattered by hearing of their interest.

“Obviously I am aware,” he said. “I have been watching Sky Sports and I have seen there is interest. But that is all I know. It is flattering for other clubs to maybe be interested. But, as I say, I am happy at Spurs and I am looking forward to the future at Spurs."

Kane was unable to help England Under-21s to victory as they went down 1-0 to Portugal in their Euro 2015 opener against Portugal last night. England now play Sweden here in Olomouc on Sunday.

“We know we what we have to do,” Kane said.

Obviously it was a disappointing start but that's tournament football for you and it is how you react.

“Hopefully we can react well and keep trying to play our way, get the win on Sunday and try to move forwards."

England have not won an Under-21s Euro finals game in open play in six years but Kane believes this group are able.

"We are a very, very good team but we haven’t been doing it in tournaments,” he said.

This is a high pressure game but (how you deal with it) is what makes you a top footballer.

Harry Kane

“As a country, we have to get behind each other. It starts on Sunday. We know what we have to do. I think you could see we played well [last] night.

“It is fine margins and hopefully a few things will go our way. We will try and push on and there is a long way to go.”

Kane believes coming through the challenge of the next week – and hopefully for two games more – on the biggest stage at this level will make him a better player in the long run.

“We had done well in qualifying,” he said. “This is a high pressure game but (how you deal with it) is what makes you a top footballer.

“You have got to deal with those moments. There are definitely things that we can work on. We have got to go back, regroup and stick together. We have got to look forward to Sunday.”

John Obi Mikel agrees Chelsea exit

John Obi Mikel has reportedly agreed a deal to join Al Ain.

The Chelsea midfielder found himself largely surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge this season as Jose Mourinho led his side to the title.

And while the Dubai outfit are yet to agree a fee with the Blues for the Nigerian, it seems a move to the Middle East is only a matter of time.

According to reports in Nigeria, Mikel has already agreed personal terms at his new club.

The player's agent Babawo Mohammed said: "It is now left for Chelsea and the Dubai club Al Ain to agree on a transfer fee."

Reports yesterday suggested Mikel was close to joining Turkish outfit Fenerbahce, despite having two years remaining on his current deal at Chelsea.

But it seems that the Istanbul outfit's hopes have been scuppered by interest from Al Ain.

PSG make £28.5m bid for Atletico star Griezmann

Paris Saint-Germain have made a £28.5million bid for Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, according to reports.

Griezmann was heavily linked with Chelsea earlier in the transfer window.

The French forward has a £43million release clause in his contract that Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to meet.

And reports in Italy suggest that PSG are now ready to test Atletico's resolve to keep the 24-year-old.

PSG have previously been linked with a move for Manchester United's Angel Di Maria or Juve star Paul Pogba.

But it is thought the French giants only have money for one big-name signing this summer due to Financial Fair Play rules.

And Griezmann could now be that man as long as Chelsea aren't spurred into action by PSG's move.

Ten things Liverpool fans need to know about new signing Joe Gomez

Liverpool have completed their fourth summer signing welcoming youngster Joe Gomez to Anfield.

Liverpool have completed the signing of Joe Gomez from Charlton

The 18-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Anfield in a £3.5million move.

But who exactly is the defender?

We bring you 10 things you should know about the promising young star.

1. Gomez impressed quickly after joining the Charlton Athletic academy in 2010. The youngster made his under-18s debut at the tender age of 13.

2. Has represented England at under-16s, 17s and 19s levels and in May 2014 was part of the squad that won the European Under-17 Championship in Malta and Gozo.

3. He was named in UEFA's team of the tournament after playing every minute of England's five games.

4. Gomez made 24 senior appearances for Charlton last season and won their Young Player of the Year award after some impressive performances.

5. The versatile youngster can play at both right-back and centre-back, however, he considers his long term position as a centre-back.

6. His dominant 6ft 2in imposing frame has no impact on his impressive pace that can help him play on the right.

7. Considers Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia as his role models.

8. He made is senior debut, and played the full 90 minutes, in the 4–0 League Cup victory over Colchester United at The Valley on 12 August 2014.

9. His league debut came a week later in the 3-2 home win against Derby County.

10. Gomez made more successful tackles (five) than any other player during that victory over Derby.

Liverpool weigh up move for Fernando Llorente

Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention toward Juventus striker Fernando Llorente after their pursuit of Aston Villa hitman Christian Benteke hit a snag.

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the Belgian marksman but are said to be unwilling to meet Villa's £32.5m valuation of the 24-year-old.

Consequently, manager Brendan Rodgers has begun to search elsewhere and has identified the Spain international as a plan-b option, according to the Daily Mail.

The Bianconeri's signing of Mario Mandzukic is expected to push the 30-year-old further down the pecking order in Turin, prompting Llorente to leave the club.

His contract with the Italian champions expires in 2017.

Besiktas want Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli

Besiktas have expressed an interest in Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli, according to reports.

The Italy international has scored just four goals for the Reds since joining from AC Milan for £16m last August.

According to Turkish newspaper Haberturk, Besiktas will have money to spend once the reported sale of Demba Ba to West Bromwich Albion has taken place, with Balotelli their primary replacement.

If the 24-year-old forward joins the Turkish giants, it would be the sixth club of his career.

Busquets - 'Barcelona can win treble every season'

Sergio Busquets believes that he and his Barcelona teammates boast enough quality to win the treble every season.

The Catalans swept all before them last term by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League in a memorable first season for coach Luis Enrique.

The average age of Enrique's squad is just 26, and Busquets feels that the 2014-15 campaign can be the start of a trophy-laden era for the Blaugrana.

"The joy of winning is permanent, you cannot take it away," he told El Pais. "All you want is more, more, more. And we have players of incredible quality, a super young team and a unique opportunity to extend this level of performances.

"In the Champions League final, if you take away Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano and Andres Iniesta, I don't think there was anyone over 30-years-old in our team.

"Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is super young and Neymar, Jordi Alba, and the rest - we are all between 23 and 28 years. We can win the treble every year, no one is invincible, but we have huge potential."

Busquets, 26, played a prominent role the last time Barcelona won the treble - in 2009 under Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City to meet Liverpool's £50m valuation of Raheem Sterling

Manchester City will reportedly meet Liverpool's asking price and splash out £50m to bring Raheem Sterling to the club.

Liverpool have not baulked over their valuation of the England international, having turned down two bids from City already.

City are keen to bring English talent to the club, according to the Express, and do not want to miss out on the 20-year-old, with Real Madrid also said to be interested.

The two-time Premier League champions will also test Arsenal's resolve as they look to make a move for Jack Wilshere.

PSV reject Zenit's £10m Wijnaldum bid

Zenit have seen a £10million offer for Georginio Wijnaldum rejected by PSV as the club seek a replacement for Premier League-bound Axel Witsel.

PSV have rejected a £10m bid for Georginio Wijnaldum

The Russian outfit are said to be desperately searching an attacking midfielder to fill the gap that will be left by Witsel's switch.

Witsel, 26, is understood to have caught the eye of Chelsea and Manchester United, with £24million bids expected for the player this summer.

John Scales: Why Chelsea NOT Man Utd or Arsenal will be the team to beat next season

Chelsea will still be the team to beat again next season.

That is according to former Kop star John Scales.

The Blues romped to the title last term and it was their first Premier League crown in five years.

Chelsea's summer signings all proved to be a hit success, most notably Diego Costa, who hit 20 goals in the league.

And Scales, who was speaking at the Twickenham Academy’s 3G pitch funded by the Football Foundation, thinks the Jose Mourinho factor will make Chelsea tough to topple next season.

"Mourinho is probably the most outstanding manager in world football at the moment," Scales told Express Sport.

Jose Mourinho savouring Chelsea's title success last season

"I will always back Chelsea as they have the best coach.

"Mourinho is the boss. You saw it with the likes of Rodgers last season. Any chinks in their armour will be exposed.

John Scales thinks Chelsea are the favourites for the title

"I think all the managers will find it tough to win the Premier League next season."

Newcastle delay £15m Charlie Austin bid

Newcastle United have delayed their £15m bid for Charlie Austin amid rumours the striker wants to stay in London, according to reports.

The 25-year-old, who made Roy Hodgson's latest England squad, is expected to leave Queens Park Rangers this summer.

Austin scored 18 Premier League goals for the club, but that was not enough to save them from relegation.

New Newcastle boss Steve McClaren is said to be interested in the Berkshire-born player, according to the Daily Mail, but Austin does not want to leave London.

West Ham United and Chelsea also have Austin on their radar, with QPR holding out on £15m for their star striker.

Has Petr Cech's move to Arsenal been confirmed?

Has former Arsenal star Lauren confirmed the signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea?

Petr Cech is set to join Arsenal in a £10million move

The ex-Gooner my have slightly jumped the gun by taking to Twitter to welcome Cech to the Emirates.

"All the best to Cech. Long time without stability in that position and another great gooner move to get the Premier League," he wrote.

The Chelsea veteran is expected to make Arsenal history by becoming the highest paid keeper in the club's history.

The 32-year-old is set to join Arsenal in a £10million move that will see him pocket £100,000-a-week.

Cech had reportedly turned down a whopping £15,000-a-week move to PSG in favour to stay in London where his family are settled.