Arsenal will reportedly turn to Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi should they fail in their pursuit of Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette.

That’s according to Tony Stenson of the Daily Star Sunday, who has reported Icardi would be available for around £50 million. It’s noted the Gunners have already had a bid turned down for Lacazette, and should they decide not to go back in for the French international, they will look to sign the Inter man.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri president Erick Thohir suggested on Saturday Icardi could leave the club for the right price. “All of us and Inter are hoping that figure goes above €60 million,” he said, per Stenson. “Inter will be here for hundreds of years, but it is made of individuals who change each year.”

Icardi is rated as one of the best strikers in Serie A, having impressed with Inter and beforehand with Sampdoria. This is what the 23-year-old can do in front of goal:

As a player with good movement in the area, a sharp footballing intelligence and fine finishing skills, Icardi would be ideal to add the finishing touches to Arsenal’s creative approach play. Here’s a look at how he compared with new Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain in 2015-16, with the Argentina international netting an incredible 36 goals last term for Napoli:

Last term didn’t start off particularly well for Icardi, as manager Roberto Mancini left him out of the team for some big games, prompting questions about a possible poor attitude. But he finished the campaign strongly and grew into his role as club captain.

Even so, Spanish football journalist Rafael Hernandez is unsure whether or not the Inter man is worth the kind of money that’s being mentioned:

A fee of £50 million would be a lot for a player who doesn’t particularly relish physical battles and still has a lot to learn at the highest level. Icardi would certainly push Olivier Giroud for a starting spot at the Emirates Stadium, but at this juncture it’s debatable whether he’s a significant upgrade on the Frenchman.

Gunners Linked with Jonny Evans

According to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, Arsenal are considering a £16 million bid for West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans.

As noted in the piece, Wenger is seeking defensive reinforcements following Per Mertesacker’s injury. Evans is said to have previously been a target for the Gunners during his time at Manchester United, and it’s suggested they may look to lure the player to the Emirates Stadium again.

“Arsenal have been considering the likes of Shkodran Mustafi at Valencia and Federico Fernandez at Swansea City in their search for a new defender, and a deal for Evans will come as a shock to many observers, but Wenger has confidence he can strengthen their squad,” the piece continued.

As Mertesacker noted himself recently on Twitter, he’s set for a spell on the sidelines:

Evans may not be the most glamorous name, but he could potentially do a solid job deputising for the German. He’s a player that’s experienced in the Premier League, won trophies with the Red Devils and someone who performed brilliantly in his debut season at the Hawthorns.

Here is a look at how the West Brom man compared with Mertesacker and other Gunners centre-back Laurent Koscielny in the Premier League in 2015-16:

Arsenal fans will likely do a double take at the prospect of Evans being linked and a potential fee of £16 million. But he’d be dependable cover.

What would be a concern to plenty tied to the Gunners is that the Northern Ireland man wouldn’t necessarily be an upgrade in the position. While there’s been plenty of talk about the possible impact a new forward would have at Arsenal, a world-class partner for Koscielny would be just as big a boost to the team’s title chances.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2alEtB0
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Paris Saint-Germain continued its stellar run at the International Champions Cup with a 4-0 win over Premier League champions Leicester City on Saturday night from Carson, California. 

It capped off a three-game stretch that also saw a pair of 3-1 wins over Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Regardless of the result, it’s been quite a turnaround for Leicester, who just last year were playing preseason friendlies against lower-league English sides Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Burton Albion, Rotherham United and Birmingham City.

But after pulling off one of the most improbable runs to a title in sporting history, they had a chance to line up against the French champions on Saturday.

PSG got on the board first after Jonathan Ikone was taken down by Daniel Amartey at the right edge of the box for a penalty. Edinson Cavani stepped up in the 26th minute and cannoned a low shot to the right of Kasper Schmeichel’s goal as the keeper guessed the wrong way.

For a player that scored 25 goals in all competitions for PSG, Cavani scoring early in the preseason is a good sign of things to come. 

Riyad Mahrez was inches away from drawing Leicester back in it in the 33rd minute, but his strong free kick from just outside the box was pushed over the bar by Alphonse Areola. The ensuing corner saw a poor clearance deflect off of the head of Amartey, but the carom went just wide of PSG’s open goal.

Ikone went from creator to scorer when he put the ball in the net himself in the 45th minute. On the break, it was sent out wide to Thomas Meunier whose cross was deflected and fell to the 18-year-old’s foot. With his first touch while falling, he sent it into the bottom left corner of the goal to double PSG’s lead. 

Leicester came out strong in the second half and had another golden chance to pull one back, but substitute Ahmed Musa whiffed on a volley sent in by Leonardo Ulloa in the 48th minute with nothing but an open goal in front of him.

Instead, an unmarked Lucas Moura made it 3-0 when he headed in a cross from Maxwell in the 64th minute. 

One minute from time, another 18-year-old provided PSG with a fourth as Odsonne Edouard was sent in behind the Leicester defense and easily finished past Schmeichel.

PSG’s dominant spell at the International Champions Cup saw them outscore their opponents 10-2. Other than the injury to Thiago Silva, this trip to the United States was an overwhelming success as they continue to prepare for a Ligue 1 title defense. 

For Leicester, it their opponents don’t get much easier while they’re stateside. On Wednesday, they’ll meet a Barcelona who defeated Celtic earlier on Saturday in Ireland 3-1. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aTf1il
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

After a few years out of the United States men’s national team spotlight, it may be time for Julian Green to finally play a key role at the club and international levels—or at least that’s what his successful preseason has given us hope for. 

Green, who is trying to work his way into the Bayern Munich first team, had another strong showing in a preseason game for Carlo Ancelotti‘s side on Saturday. 

Another big USMNT player also made news during the week as he transferred back into the Premier League. 

We’ll have more on those two major stories and more below in our USMNT Watch. 

Julian Green Bags Hat-Trick in Bayern Friendly

Green made a splash on the international soccer scene on Saturday, as he recorded a first-half hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup. 

The 21-year-old, who broke onto the international stage as an 18-year-old at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, opened the scoring in the seventh minute and had two more goals to his name by the 35th minute. 

After the match, Ancelotti told reporters that Green is competing for a spot at center forward, per ESPN’s Doug McIntyre: 

Green still has a long way to go to earn consistent playing time in the Bundesliga, but he’s displayed plenty of development in his game during the preseason tour under the new boss at Bayern. 

The uptick in form might be attributed to Green being a more mature player. Fans and media put a ton of pressure on him to succeed at a European giant at a young age, and he may not have been ready to handle it. 

If he continues to fight for time at the club level, Green may be able to impress USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann enough to secure a return to the Yanks. 

Brad Guzan Inks Deal with Middlesbrough

Brad Guzan left Aston Villa for Middlesbrough on Friday after a disastrous season that saw the Villains fall out of the Premier League following a 20th-place finish. 

Guzan is one of four goalkeepers currently on the roster for the newly-promoted club. One of his new teammates is former Barcelona man Victor Valdes. 

A move back up to the Premier League can only be seen as a positive one for Guzan, as he gets to test himself against the world’s best once again.

The new season should also hand Guzan a chance to redeem himself after a 2015-16 season full of gaffes and defensive mistakes that led to an embarrassing amount of goals let in by Villa as a whole.

Guzan‘s status as the USMNT‘s No. 1 goalkeeper shouldn’t be in doubt regardless of how he fares at the Riverside Stadium. 

The 31-year-old is ahead of Tim Howard on the depth chart, and until he decides to give up the throne to a younger goalkeeper, the job is his. 

Thomas McNamara Extends Strong Form vs. Tim Howard’s Rapids 

One MLS player that should be on the radar of the USMNT in the near future is New York City FC‘s Thomas McNamara. 

The 25-year-old’s season is rightfully being overshadowed by the superstars in the NYCFC lineup like David Villa and Frank Lampard. 

However, McNamara deserves some praise for his play as well in the middle of the park for Patrick Vieira’s side. 

In Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Colorado Rapids, McNamara dished out an assist on the first of three goals scored by Lampard. 

The assist moved McNamara’s season total up to nine. He also has four goals in 21 games played for the first-place side in the Eastern Conference. 

Tim Howard started in goal in the match at Yankee Stadium for the Rapids. The five-goal tally was the largest given up by the Rapids this season. 

Three Americans Start in MLS All-Star Game 

Two young American stars of Major League Soccer and a wily veteran of the USMNT started in the MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal on Thursday at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. 

Rookie Keegan Rosenberry of the Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas‘ Kellyn Acosta started on the defensive flanks, while Beckerman began the match in midfield. 

Darlington Nagbe, Brandon Vincent, Steve Birnbaum, Sacha Kljestan, Wil Trapp, Chris Wondolowski and Clint Dempsey all came off the bench for the MLS All-Stars. 

Gedion Zelalem played for 23 minutes in reserve action for the visiting Gunners, who won the match 2-1 by way of an 87th-minute goal by Chuba Akpom.

Joe Tansey covers U.S. Soccer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aTbssa
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

After a few years out of the United States men’s national team spotlight, it may be time for Julian Green to finally play a key role at the club and international levels—or at least that’s what his successful preseason has given us hope for. 

Green, who is trying to work his way into the Bayern Munich first team, had another strong showing in a preseason game for Carlo Ancelotti‘s side on Saturday. 

Another big USMNT player also made news during the week as he transferred back into the Premier League. 

We’ll have more on those two major stories and more below in our USMNT Watch. 

Julian Green Bags Hat-Trick in Bayern Friendly

Green made a splash on the international soccer scene on Saturday, as he recorded a first-half hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup. 

The 21-year-old, who broke onto the international stage as an 18-year-old at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, opened the scoring in the seventh minute and had two more goals to his name by the 35th minute. 

After the match, Ancelotti told reporters that Green is competing for a spot at center forward, per ESPN’s Doug McIntyre: 

Green still has a long way to go to earn consistent playing time in the Bundesliga, but he’s displayed plenty of development in his game during the preseason tour under the new boss at Bayern. 

The uptick in form might be attributed to Green being a more mature player. Fans and media put a ton of pressure on him to succeed at a European giant at a young age, and he may not have been ready to handle it. 

If he continues to fight for time at the club level, Green may be able to impress USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann enough to secure a return to the Yanks. 

Brad Guzan Inks Deal with Middlesbrough

Brad Guzan left Aston Villa for Middlesbrough on Friday after a disastrous season that saw the Villains fall out of the Premier League following a 20th-place finish. 

Guzan is one of four goalkeepers currently on the roster for the newly-promoted club. One of his new teammates is former Barcelona man Victor Valdes. 

A move back up to the Premier League can only be seen as a positive one for Guzan, as he gets to test himself against the world’s best once again.

The new season should also hand Guzan a chance to redeem himself after a 2015-16 season full of gaffes and defensive mistakes that led to an embarrassing amount of goals let in by Villa as a whole.

Guzan‘s status as the USMNT‘s No. 1 goalkeeper shouldn’t be in doubt regardless of how he fares at the Riverside Stadium. 

The 31-year-old is ahead of Tim Howard on the depth chart, and until he decides to give up the throne to a younger goalkeeper, the job is his. 

Thomas McNamara Extends Strong Form vs. Tim Howard’s Rapids 

One MLS player that should be on the radar of the USMNT in the near future is New York City FC‘s Thomas McNamara. 

The 25-year-old’s season is rightfully being overshadowed by the superstars in the NYCFC lineup like David Villa and Frank Lampard. 

However, McNamara deserves some praise for his play as well in the middle of the park for Patrick Vieira’s side. 

In Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Colorado Rapids, McNamara dished out an assist on the first of three goals scored by Lampard. 

The assist moved McNamara’s season total up to nine. He also has four goals in 21 games played for the first-place side in the Eastern Conference. 

Tim Howard started in goal in the match at Yankee Stadium for the Rapids. The five-goal tally was the largest given up by the Rapids this season. 

Three Americans Start in MLS All-Star Game 

Two young American stars of Major League Soccer and a wily veteran of the USMNT started in the MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal on Thursday at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. 

Rookie Keegan Rosenberry of the Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas‘ Kellyn Acosta started on the defensive flanks, while Beckerman began the match in midfield. 

Darlington Nagbe, Brandon Vincent, Steve Birnbaum, Sacha Kljestan, Wil Trapp, Chris Wondolowski and Clint Dempsey all came off the bench for the MLS All-Stars. 

Gedion Zelalem played for 23 minutes in reserve action for the visiting Gunners, who won the match 2-1 by way of an 87th-minute goal by Chuba Akpom.

Joe Tansey covers U.S. Soccer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aTbssa
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

After a few years out of the United States men’s national team spotlight, it may be time for Julian Green to finally play a key role at the club and international levels—or at least that’s what his successful preseason has given us hope for. 

Green, who is trying to work his way into the Bayern Munich first team, had another strong showing in a preseason game for Carlo Ancelotti‘s side on Saturday. 

Another big USMNT player also made news during the week as he transferred back into the Premier League. 

We’ll have more on those two major stories and more below in our USMNT Watch. 

Julian Green Bags Hat-Trick in Bayern Friendly

Green made a splash on the international soccer scene on Saturday, as he recorded a first-half hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup. 

The 21-year-old, who broke onto the international stage as an 18-year-old at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, opened the scoring in the seventh minute and had two more goals to his name by the 35th minute. 

After the match, Ancelotti told reporters that Green is competing for a spot at center forward, per ESPN’s Doug McIntyre: 

Green still has a long way to go to earn consistent playing time in the Bundesliga, but he’s displayed plenty of development in his game during the preseason tour under the new boss at Bayern. 

The uptick in form might be attributed to Green being a more mature player. Fans and media put a ton of pressure on him to succeed at a European giant at a young age, and he may not have been ready to handle it. 

If he continues to fight for time at the club level, Green may be able to impress USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann enough to secure a return to the Yanks. 

Brad Guzan Inks Deal with Middlesbrough

Brad Guzan left Aston Villa for Middlesbrough on Friday after a disastrous season that saw the Villains fall out of the Premier League following a 20th-place finish. 

Guzan is one of four goalkeepers currently on the roster for the newly-promoted club. One of his new teammates is former Barcelona man Victor Valdes. 

A move back up to the Premier League can only be seen as a positive one for Guzan, as he gets to test himself against the world’s best once again.

The new season should also hand Guzan a chance to redeem himself after a 2015-16 season full of gaffes and defensive mistakes that led to an embarrassing amount of goals let in by Villa as a whole.

Guzan‘s status as the USMNT‘s No. 1 goalkeeper shouldn’t be in doubt regardless of how he fares at the Riverside Stadium. 

The 31-year-old is ahead of Tim Howard on the depth chart, and until he decides to give up the throne to a younger goalkeeper, the job is his. 

Thomas McNamara Extends Strong Form vs. Tim Howard’s Rapids 

One MLS player that should be on the radar of the USMNT in the near future is New York City FC‘s Thomas McNamara. 

The 25-year-old’s season is rightfully being overshadowed by the superstars in the NYCFC lineup like David Villa and Frank Lampard. 

However, McNamara deserves some praise for his play as well in the middle of the park for Patrick Vieira’s side. 

In Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Colorado Rapids, McNamara dished out an assist on the first of three goals scored by Lampard. 

The assist moved McNamara’s season total up to nine. He also has four goals in 21 games played for the first-place side in the Eastern Conference. 

Tim Howard started in goal in the match at Yankee Stadium for the Rapids. The five-goal tally was the largest given up by the Rapids this season. 

Three Americans Start in MLS All-Star Game 

Two young American stars of Major League Soccer and a wily veteran of the USMNT started in the MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal on Thursday at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. 

Rookie Keegan Rosenberry of the Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas‘ Kellyn Acosta started on the defensive flanks, while Beckerman began the match in midfield. 

Darlington Nagbe, Brandon Vincent, Steve Birnbaum, Sacha Kljestan, Wil Trapp, Chris Wondolowski and Clint Dempsey all came off the bench for the MLS All-Stars. 

Gedion Zelalem played for 23 minutes in reserve action for the visiting Gunners, who won the match 2-1 by way of an 87th-minute goal by Chuba Akpom.

Joe Tansey covers U.S. Soccer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aTbssa
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

After a few years out of the United States men’s national team spotlight, it may be time for Julian Green to finally play a key role at the club and international levels—or at least that’s what his successful preseason has given us hope for. 

Green, who is trying to work his way into the Bayern Munich first team, had another strong showing in a preseason game for Carlo Ancelotti‘s side on Saturday. 

Another big USMNT player also made news during the week as he transferred back into the Premier League. 

We’ll have more on those two major stories and more below in our USMNT Watch. 

Julian Green Bags Hat-Trick in Bayern Friendly

Green made a splash on the international soccer scene on Saturday, as he recorded a first-half hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup. 

The 21-year-old, who broke onto the international stage as an 18-year-old at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, opened the scoring in the seventh minute and had two more goals to his name by the 35th minute. 

After the match, Ancelotti told reporters that Green is competing for a spot at center forward, per ESPN’s Doug McIntyre: 

Green still has a long way to go to earn consistent playing time in the Bundesliga, but he’s displayed plenty of development in his game during the preseason tour under the new boss at Bayern. 

The uptick in form might be attributed to Green being a more mature player. Fans and media put a ton of pressure on him to succeed at a European giant at a young age, and he may not have been ready to handle it. 

If he continues to fight for time at the club level, Green may be able to impress USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann enough to secure a return to the Yanks. 

Brad Guzan Inks Deal with Middlesbrough

Brad Guzan left Aston Villa for Middlesbrough on Friday after a disastrous season that saw the Villains fall out of the Premier League following a 20th-place finish. 

Guzan is one of four goalkeepers currently on the roster for the newly-promoted club. One of his new teammates is former Barcelona man Victor Valdes. 

A move back up to the Premier League can only be seen as a positive one for Guzan, as he gets to test himself against the world’s best once again.

The new season should also hand Guzan a chance to redeem himself after a 2015-16 season full of gaffes and defensive mistakes that led to an embarrassing amount of goals let in by Villa as a whole.

Guzan‘s status as the USMNT‘s No. 1 goalkeeper shouldn’t be in doubt regardless of how he fares at the Riverside Stadium. 

The 31-year-old is ahead of Tim Howard on the depth chart, and until he decides to give up the throne to a younger goalkeeper, the job is his. 

Thomas McNamara Extends Strong Form vs. Tim Howard’s Rapids 

One MLS player that should be on the radar of the USMNT in the near future is New York City FC‘s Thomas McNamara. 

The 25-year-old’s season is rightfully being overshadowed by the superstars in the NYCFC lineup like David Villa and Frank Lampard. 

However, McNamara deserves some praise for his play as well in the middle of the park for Patrick Vieira’s side. 

In Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Colorado Rapids, McNamara dished out an assist on the first of three goals scored by Lampard. 

The assist moved McNamara’s season total up to nine. He also has four goals in 21 games played for the first-place side in the Eastern Conference. 

Tim Howard started in goal in the match at Yankee Stadium for the Rapids. The five-goal tally was the largest given up by the Rapids this season. 

Three Americans Start in MLS All-Star Game 

Two young American stars of Major League Soccer and a wily veteran of the USMNT started in the MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal on Thursday at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. 

Rookie Keegan Rosenberry of the Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas‘ Kellyn Acosta started on the defensive flanks, while Beckerman began the match in midfield. 

Darlington Nagbe, Brandon Vincent, Steve Birnbaum, Sacha Kljestan, Wil Trapp, Chris Wondolowski and Clint Dempsey all came off the bench for the MLS All-Stars. 

Gedion Zelalem played for 23 minutes in reserve action for the visiting Gunners, who won the match 2-1 by way of an 87th-minute goal by Chuba Akpom.

Joe Tansey covers U.S. Soccer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aTbssa
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

After a few years out of the United States men’s national team spotlight, it may be time for Julian Green to finally play a key role at the club and international levels—or at least that’s what his successful preseason has given us hope for. 

Green, who is trying to work his way into the Bayern Munich first team, had another strong showing in a preseason game for Carlo Ancelotti‘s side on Saturday. 

Another big USMNT player also made news during the week as he transferred back into the Premier League. 

We’ll have more on those two major stories and more below in our USMNT Watch. 

Julian Green Bags Hat-Trick in Bayern Friendly

Green made a splash on the international soccer scene on Saturday, as he recorded a first-half hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup. 

The 21-year-old, who broke onto the international stage as an 18-year-old at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, opened the scoring in the seventh minute and had two more goals to his name by the 35th minute. 

After the match, Ancelotti told reporters that Green is competing for a spot at center forward, per ESPN’s Doug McIntyre: 

Green still has a long way to go to earn consistent playing time in the Bundesliga, but he’s displayed plenty of development in his game during the preseason tour under the new boss at Bayern. 

The uptick in form might be attributed to Green being a more mature player. Fans and media put a ton of pressure on him to succeed at a European giant at a young age, and he may not have been ready to handle it. 

If he continues to fight for time at the club level, Green may be able to impress USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann enough to secure a return to the Yanks. 

Brad Guzan Inks Deal with Middlesbrough

Brad Guzan left Aston Villa for Middlesbrough on Friday after a disastrous season that saw the Villains fall out of the Premier League following a 20th-place finish. 

Guzan is one of four goalkeepers currently on the roster for the newly-promoted club. One of his new teammates is former Barcelona man Victor Valdes. 

A move back up to the Premier League can only be seen as a positive one for Guzan, as he gets to test himself against the world’s best once again.

The new season should also hand Guzan a chance to redeem himself after a 2015-16 season full of gaffes and defensive mistakes that led to an embarrassing amount of goals let in by Villa as a whole.

Guzan‘s status as the USMNT‘s No. 1 goalkeeper shouldn’t be in doubt regardless of how he fares at the Riverside Stadium. 

The 31-year-old is ahead of Tim Howard on the depth chart, and until he decides to give up the throne to a younger goalkeeper, the job is his. 

Thomas McNamara Extends Strong Form vs. Tim Howard’s Rapids 

One MLS player that should be on the radar of the USMNT in the near future is New York City FC‘s Thomas McNamara. 

The 25-year-old’s season is rightfully being overshadowed by the superstars in the NYCFC lineup like David Villa and Frank Lampard. 

However, McNamara deserves some praise for his play as well in the middle of the park for Patrick Vieira’s side. 

In Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Colorado Rapids, McNamara dished out an assist on the first of three goals scored by Lampard. 

The assist moved McNamara’s season total up to nine. He also has four goals in 21 games played for the first-place side in the Eastern Conference. 

Tim Howard started in goal in the match at Yankee Stadium for the Rapids. The five-goal tally was the largest given up by the Rapids this season. 

Three Americans Start in MLS All-Star Game 

Two young American stars of Major League Soccer and a wily veteran of the USMNT started in the MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal on Thursday at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. 

Rookie Keegan Rosenberry of the Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas‘ Kellyn Acosta started on the defensive flanks, while Beckerman began the match in midfield. 

Darlington Nagbe, Brandon Vincent, Steve Birnbaum, Sacha Kljestan, Wil Trapp, Chris Wondolowski and Clint Dempsey all came off the bench for the MLS All-Stars. 

Gedion Zelalem played for 23 minutes in reserve action for the visiting Gunners, who won the match 2-1 by way of an 87th-minute goal by Chuba Akpom.

Joe Tansey covers U.S. Soccer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90. 

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aTbssa
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Barcelona’s search for a new striker may be over, after the Spanish giants turned to Santos striker Gabriel Barbosa, per Marca.

Barca’s technical secretary Robert Fernandez has reportedly traveled to South America to take a closer look at a trio of talents, including Palmeiras forward Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel and his team-mate Lucas Lima.

Per Globoesporte (h/t Football Espana), with Gabriel Jesus’ move to Manchester City for a bumper fee set to be completed in the coming days, the Liga and Copa del Rey winners have now moved their attention on to the 19-year-old attacker known as “Gabigol.”

Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror confirms there is competition for his signature from Italian champions Juventus:

Per Marca, Barca’s focus on recruiting a back-up attacker from Europe to complement South American trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar has ultimately failed, with the club now turning to the continent of their key players for reinforcements.

Gabriel Barbosa, a talented striker blessed with a rare calmness in front of goal and wonderful technical ability, remains high on the list of possible signings. The teenager has steadily become a fan favourite at the Sao Paulo club after making his debut at the tender age of 16, per Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror.

Take a look at some of the highlights of Gabriel in a Santos shirt:

Per Simon Kuper of ESPN FC, Gabigol is often regarded as the heir to Neymar’s throne at Santos due to his directness and goalscoring talents.

Naturally a quick passer and shooter in comparison to the norm in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, it is his ice-cold demeanour inside the 18-yard box that allows him to stand out.

His instinctive ability to find the back of the net is an attractive trait, and the youngster appears ready to make the move away from his boyhood club.

Gabriel recently confirmed at a media conference that he is readying himself for a departure, saying: “I am not signed yet, I am a Santos and Brazil player. I am very happy to represent Santos here. Soon, things are going to be sorted. Our focus is only here. Before we came, I was in negotiations, and starting from then I left it with my father and my representatives. I think that soon a decision is going to be taken.”

OptaFranz noted his impressive goalscoring statistics ahead of any potential move:

Barcelona fans will be able to watch the prospective signing this summer at the Olympic Games in Rio, after he was named in Tite’s national squad. 

Elsewhere, Martin Montoya’s 17-year connection with Barcelona is set to be brought to an end when he signs for Valencia on a free transfer, per Marca (via Football Espana).

The 25-year-old right-back has reportedly left the Blaugrana’s pre-season training camp in order to complete the move and will not be involved when Luis Enrique’s side take on Scottish champions Celtic in the 2016 International Champions Cup on Saturday.

Instead, Montoya will return to Spain to seal a deal with Pako Ayestaran’s side. Expected to play a more inclusive role this term following the departure of Dani Alves to Juventus, Barcelona have agreed to terminate the former Spain youth international’s contract. 

He previously spent part of the 2015-16 season on loan at Serie A outfit Inter Milan, while he also had a brief spell at Liga side Real Betis during last year’s campaign.

Montoya will end his long-term relationship with the Catalan club with 52 appearances to his name in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aSaqwz
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Liverpool are reportedly still in the hunt for 2016 European Championship-winning midfielder Joao Mario.

That’s according to Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Chris Beesley of Liverpool Echo), which reported that Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is interested in bringing the Sporting Lisbon star to Anfield.

Klopp has already bolstered his attacking-midfield options this season with the acquisitions of Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum, so why exactly Mario is being targeted is a bit of a head-scratcher.

Plus, the Reds already have the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana as options just behind the strikers.

Even so, Mario can operate on either wing, and he was impressive for Portugal throughout Euro 2016.

His versatility seems to have won over several fans, too, as Rory Greenfield of Anfield Index praised Mario’s ability on Twitter:

Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are also believed to be in the hunt for Mario’s signature, although the player’s agent Kia Joorabchian said there’s “no chance” of his client heading to the San Siro.

And while that may boost the Reds’ chances of landing the attacking midfielder, it seems Sporting Lisbon are holding out for a huge transfer fee before letting their man go.

Joorabchian said in an interview with Portuguese sports publication Record (via Richard Amofa of Daily Telegraph) that Sporting have turned down big offers from several clubs, including Liverpool:

“Sporting received four offers. Inter Milan and Liverpool, certainly, with amounts between 35 and 40 million, plus bonuses. Sporting turned down all bids.”

Klopp will need to dig ever deeper in his pocket if he’s to land the Euro 2016 winner, and if he does, you get the sense that a big name could head for the exit door.

In other news, Liverpool are said to be interested in signing Lyon full-back Jordy Gaspar, per French outlet L’Equipe (via Amofa).

Although primarily deployed as a right-back, Gaspar has the ability to switch flanks and could well be the man to replace the out-of-favour Alberto Moreno on Merseyside.

However, the Reds will have to fend off competition from German giants Bayer Leverkusen if they want to bring Gaspar to Anfield, so getting a deal over the line sooner rather than later will be crucial.

Klopp’s first full season in charge at Anfield is bound to be an exciting one, but the German still has business to do in the transfer window if he wants to launch a serious title bid.

He worked wonders with a lacklustre outfit in 2015/16, and if he manages to bring in some big names ahead of the new campaign, it could well be a successful one.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aEaPqC
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon but received encouraging news regarding the potential capture of Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.

Lyon boss Bruno Genesio told the French team’s official website he believes the predatory striker will remain at Les Gones despite the Gunners’ inquiries to sign Lacazette (h/t Metro‘s Jon Harvey).

The manager said: “The squad is very calm. The players are not impacted. I have discussions with [Alexandre] Lacazette. It’s my job to ask these players to be there. They are honest discussions between a coach and a player. We will not lose Lacazette, I am confident.”

The French club initially confirmed rumours the Gunners want Lacazette. In an official statement in response to Arsenal’s interest, they said (h/t the Mirror‘s Darren Lewis and Joe Mewis):

Olympique Lyonnais categorically deny having received an offer of €48 million from Arsenal for the transfer of Alexandre Lacazette, as LeProgres report this morning.

The club is disappointed that Le Progres didn’t go to the effort of contacting us before publishing this false information, which creates confusion on the day the club is publishing its annual figures.

The reality is that Arsenal made a €35million bid, which Olympique Lyonnais turned down for one reason: l’OL will keep Alexandre Lacazette, who is irreplaceable and who is one of the main leaders in Bruno Genesio‘s squad.

As the door appears to close on a swift move for Lacazette, there is hope Icardi could force his way out of Inter to join the Gunners.

Marc Mayo of Gazzetta World (h/t Bruce Archer of the Express) reported the Argentina international is considering boycotting warm-up matches in an attempt to trigger a move to north London. Icardi has continued to train under the supervision of Inter boss Roberto Mancini but is unhappy. Club president Erick Thohir informed the skipper they’ll soon offer him a new deal worth almost €4 million per season.

Napoli also want Icardi and see him as their natural replacement for the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain. However, Inter have already turned down two firm offers for the attacker, including a €60 million bid, per Mayo.

The prodigal talent scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A matches last term, according to WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of the continent’s most exciting strikers.

Here is Icardi in action:

OptaPaolo provided further statistics proving the attacker’s worth:

Either Lacazette or Icardi would be perfect captures for Arsene Wenger, and both attackers have plenty of development left in their individual games.

According to the rumours, Icardi appears the most keen to make the switch to England, and the talisman would transform the outlook of Arsenal’s attack.

The forward has dramatically improved since leaving Sampdoria in 2013 and has outgrown his environment at the San Siro.

Icardi needs to play for a team like Arsenal to fully make the breakthrough at international level, and a starring role under Wenger will bring him the kudos he deserves.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/2aQyCPY
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J