Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly planning to ditch a handful of players ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with the likes of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado, Loic Remy, Pedro and Asmir Begovic all uncertain whether they’ll make the cut.

As reported by the London Evening Standard‘s Simon Johnson, Conte admitted he has a decision to make on his final selection with just one friendly remaining, and with several signings still expected to be made, some big names could miss out:

We have 30 players and four goalkeepers. Now we have one game against Werder Bremen (on Sunday) and then we must take a decision – and I hope to take the best decision for the club.

My ideas are very clear now, but first I must talk about these ideas with the club.

It is normal when we go back to London that I will talk with the club. We will talk about these two weeks and what I have learned and I will also speak to all the players.

My ideas are more clear than they were two weeks ago. It is normal when you have 30 players and in just 10 days we start our League. We have to get the right squad and the right numbers.

Per Johnson, Chelsea are still looking at Everton‘s Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Santos’ Thiago Maia as possible reinforcements, creating even more of a logjam. And while several youngsters will likely go out on loan or return to the youth teams, there’s a good chance some veterans will be moved as well.

The report also highlights Oscar and Cuadrado as two difficult cases, as Inter Milan are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million for the former and rivals AC Milan are still watching the latter.

Oscar has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in London and put together a poor outing in the friendly loss against Real Madrid, where he was substituted at half-time. He bounced back nicely with two goals in the win over Milan, however, and took to Twitter to show off his man of the match award:

The 24-year-old’s talent has never been questioned, but consistency has been a major issue since he first suited up for the Blues in 2012. The Blues could opt to cash in now while he’s still young, but Conte doesn’t seem willing to give up on the Brazil international just yet:

Oscar is an important player and the season when Chelsea won the title he was fantastic.

Last season was bad for all the players – not just for Oscar. He is a good player with a great talent but he can improve a lot.

I see a good attitude and a good will and these 14 days have been important to me because I am judging the players during the training sessions so I can try to find the right solution.

Cuadrado finds himself in a similar position. The Colombian was a huge disappointment for the Blues in the half season he spent in London, but he rediscovered his form on loan with Juventus, putting together a fine 2015-16 campaign.

That leaves his value at an all-time high, and if Chelsea want to cash in, the time would be now. But Conte has yet to truly find out what the former Fiorentina man can offer, and he won’t be keen to part with Cuadrado before he does.

The player might not be too keen to stay in England after his first difficult spell and the subsequent success he found on his return to Italy. Some people thought this photo from Johnson was telling:

Cuadrado seems more likely to stay at Chelsea for now, with the likes of Remy expected to make room for the Colombia international. Oscar’s future is a little murkier, but given the Blues’ strong financial position, it will likely take a huge offer to convince Conte to sell at this time.

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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly planning to ditch a handful of players ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with the likes of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado, Loic Remy, Pedro and Asmir Begovic all uncertain whether they’ll make the cut.

As reported by the London Evening Standard‘s Simon Johnson, Conte admitted he has a decision to make on his final selection with just one friendly remaining, and with several signings still expected to be made, some big names could miss out:

We have 30 players and four goalkeepers. Now we have one game against Werder Bremen (on Sunday) and then we must take a decision – and I hope to take the best decision for the club.

My ideas are very clear now, but first I must talk about these ideas with the club.

It is normal when we go back to London that I will talk with the club. We will talk about these two weeks and what I have learned and I will also speak to all the players.

My ideas are more clear than they were two weeks ago. It is normal when you have 30 players and in just 10 days we start our League. We have to get the right squad and the right numbers.

Per Johnson, Chelsea are still looking at Everton‘s Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Santos’ Thiago Maia as possible reinforcements, creating even more of a logjam. And while several youngsters will likely go out on loan or return to the youth teams, there’s a good chance some veterans will be moved as well.

The report also highlights Oscar and Cuadrado as two difficult cases, as Inter Milan are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million for the former and rivals AC Milan are still watching the latter.

Oscar has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in London and put together a poor outing in the friendly loss against Real Madrid, where he was substituted at half-time. He bounced back nicely with two goals in the win over Milan, however, and took to Twitter to show off his man of the match award:

The 24-year-old’s talent has never been questioned, but consistency has been a major issue since he first suited up for the Blues in 2012. The Blues could opt to cash in now while he’s still young, but Conte doesn’t seem willing to give up on the Brazil international just yet:

Oscar is an important player and the season when Chelsea won the title he was fantastic.

Last season was bad for all the players – not just for Oscar. He is a good player with a great talent but he can improve a lot.

I see a good attitude and a good will and these 14 days have been important to me because I am judging the players during the training sessions so I can try to find the right solution.

Cuadrado finds himself in a similar position. The Colombian was a huge disappointment for the Blues in the half season he spent in London, but he rediscovered his form on loan with Juventus, putting together a fine 2015-16 campaign.

That leaves his value at an all-time high, and if Chelsea want to cash in, the time would be now. But Conte has yet to truly find out what the former Fiorentina man can offer, and he won’t be keen to part with Cuadrado before he does.

The player might not be too keen to stay in England after his first difficult spell and the subsequent success he found on his return to Italy. Some people thought this photo from Johnson was telling:

Cuadrado seems more likely to stay at Chelsea for now, with the likes of Remy expected to make room for the Colombia international. Oscar’s future is a little murkier, but given the Blues’ strong financial position, it will likely take a huge offer to convince Conte to sell at this time.

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

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly planning to ditch a handful of players ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with the likes of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado, Loic Remy, Pedro and Asmir Begovic all uncertain whether they’ll make the cut.

As reported by the London Evening Standard‘s Simon Johnson, Conte admitted he has a decision to make on his final selection with just one friendly remaining, and with several signings still expected to be made, some big names could miss out:

We have 30 players and four goalkeepers. Now we have one game against Werder Bremen (on Sunday) and then we must take a decision – and I hope to take the best decision for the club.

My ideas are very clear now, but first I must talk about these ideas with the club.

It is normal when we go back to London that I will talk with the club. We will talk about these two weeks and what I have learned and I will also speak to all the players.

My ideas are more clear than they were two weeks ago. It is normal when you have 30 players and in just 10 days we start our League. We have to get the right squad and the right numbers.

Per Johnson, Chelsea are still looking at Everton‘s Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Santos’ Thiago Maia as possible reinforcements, creating even more of a logjam. And while several youngsters will likely go out on loan or return to the youth teams, there’s a good chance some veterans will be moved as well.

The report also highlights Oscar and Cuadrado as two difficult cases, as Inter Milan are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million for the former and rivals AC Milan are still watching the latter.

Oscar has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in London and put together a poor outing in the friendly loss against Real Madrid, where he was substituted at half-time. He bounced back nicely with two goals in the win over Milan, however, and took to Twitter to show off his man of the match award:

The 24-year-old’s talent has never been questioned, but consistency has been a major issue since he first suited up for the Blues in 2012. The Blues could opt to cash in now while he’s still young, but Conte doesn’t seem willing to give up on the Brazil international just yet:

Oscar is an important player and the season when Chelsea won the title he was fantastic.

Last season was bad for all the players – not just for Oscar. He is a good player with a great talent but he can improve a lot.

I see a good attitude and a good will and these 14 days have been important to me because I am judging the players during the training sessions so I can try to find the right solution.

Cuadrado finds himself in a similar position. The Colombian was a huge disappointment for the Blues in the half season he spent in London, but he rediscovered his form on loan with Juventus, putting together a fine 2015-16 campaign.

That leaves his value at an all-time high, and if Chelsea want to cash in, the time would be now. But Conte has yet to truly find out what the former Fiorentina man can offer, and he won’t be keen to part with Cuadrado before he does.

The player might not be too keen to stay in England after his first difficult spell and the subsequent success he found on his return to Italy. Some people thought this photo from Johnson was telling:

Cuadrado seems more likely to stay at Chelsea for now, with the likes of Remy expected to make room for the Colombia international. Oscar’s future is a little murkier, but given the Blues’ strong financial position, it will likely take a huge offer to convince Conte to sell at this time.

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via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With an incredible array of summer signings already completed, it seems Juventus have not finished their work on the transfer market quite yet. Indeed, after adding Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca to their squad, the Bianconeri could be forgiven for not making any further work for themselves.

Yet rather than preparing for the 2016/17 campaign with the group they have, the Turin giants have instead continued to look for further reinforcements. Aside from a number of midfielders identified as potential replacements for Paul Pogba, it appears that Gabriel Barbosa has become their next major target.

Writing on his own website—and translated here by David Amoyal—Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus have an agreement with the man known as “Gabigol” on terms for a four- or five-year contract.

However, the transfer expert notes that “this is an important step but not a decisive one” due to the complicated ownership of the player’s registration, with current club Santos possessing just a 40 percent share. His family own that same proportion, while the remaining 20 percent was sold to Doyen Sports, making any move extremely difficult to finalise.

The Bianconeri are expected to receive heavy competition for Barbosa’s signature, with Spanish newspaper Marca noting interest from Barcelona, while La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) add Inter Milan to the list of potential suitors.

Yet Juve appear to have the upper hand, with Santos president Modesto Roma telling Lance (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC) last month that his club have accepted a bid of €20 million for their stake in the player.

“We sent a letter to Wagner [Ribeiro, Gabigol’s agent], Valdemir and Lindalva [his parents] with the terms,” Roma confirmed to Globoesporte (h/t Football Italia). “If they think it’s interesting, then we’ll go to the next steps, including consulting Barcelona.”

That final point is an interesting one, as the Catalan club have first refusal on the 19-year-old and could match Juve’s bid. Why all the interest? Simply put, Gabigol is viewed as the next Brazilian who could use the fact his homeland is hosting this summer’s Olympics as a catapult to superstardom.

He has already scored twice in four appearances for the Selecao, including the well-taken Copa America Centenario strike shown above. That came in Brazil’s 7-1 rout of Haiti, and back in May, the man himself told a press conference just what it meant to him to be part of Dunga’s squad for that competition:

It’s a dream that’s being realized. I’ve always worked for this and thank God I made it. I’m speechless. It’s something really wonderful and unforgettable. To represent my country, and in such an important tournament is an achievement in my life.

I just have to thank everyone who taught me a lot for all this time, and gave me a lot of advice. If I reached where I am now, I owe a lot to them. My family also stood by my side always, giving unconditional support at all times.

Barbosa undeniably merited inclusion, constantly impressing since his 2013 debut for Santos. Then only 16 years old, he made his bow playing alongside Neymar in what was his final game for the club, who had clearly positioned the younger man as the heir apparent to the Barcelona star.

He would not disappoint. Gabigol netted 21 goals in each of the following two seasons, his stellar form culminating in that call-up to the full national team. Brazilian football expert Simon Kuper is also in no doubt as to his quality, as he told ESPN just last month:

Gabigol has something of Neymar’s light-footed speed, an eye for the assist as well as for goal, and a versatility that allows him to play as winger, No. 10, or a slightly withdrawn centre-forward.

He is also more serious than certain Brazilian players. Even on holiday he trains with a personal coach, and his family has organized itself in service of his career.

A tally of 23 goals and 12 assists in his last 82 appearances for Santos support that assessment, with a number of statistics highlighting just how effective Barbosa is whenever he takes to the field.  According to WhoScored.com, he averaged 2.4 shots per game in 2015, with that figure rising to 2.8 this year.

In addition to the increase in volume, Gabigol has also improved his accuracy, with Squawka.com showing a rise from 56 percent last term to 62 percent this season.  His dribbling has also marginally improved, with WhoScored noting an increase to 1.2 completed take-ons this year, while the same source serves to showcase a massive improvement in his passing.

In 2015, Barbosa completed 81.1 percent of his 20.8 passes per game, but in 10 appearances this season, he has almost doubled that output. Now making 40.7 attempts per outing, he has connected with 85 percent, hinting at a much-improved attitude towards finding a team-mate.

That bodes well for the future, but it is his breathtaking skill and quick acceleration—shown in the video below—that will most excite supporters. Drifting past opponents with ease, his neat footwork and superb first touch are evident, as is that aforementioned clinical eye for goal.

Rarely panicking when a chance falls to him, his agent believes the striker’s future lies with the Bianconeri. Speaking briefly with Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport last month (h/t Football Italia) Wagner Ribeiro said that “Gabigol wants Juventus.”

He also seems hell bent on succeeding whenever his big-money move arrives. “I really don’t think I should be worried about when I will move to Europe,” he told ESPN’s Simon Kuper. “Right now I’m more concerned about being ready. I’m always training hard.”

One area he needs to work on is his physicality, with his slender frame not helped by the fact he stands just 5’9” (1.76 meters) tall. That could make battling with the robust approach of Serie A extremely difficult, and it is something Gabigol must learn to deal with, as Italian defenders will delight in overpowering him.

Yet Brazilian scout Betinho—the man credited with recommending both Robinho and Neymar to Santos—is in little doubt that Barbosa can overcome his lack of stature and become a truly spectacular player in the coming years.

“Many have said that he has no strength and resistance to make it as a professional, but I think he will be the idol of his generation,” Betinho told Lance (h/t FourFourTwo). “He is a healthy, dedicated and focused boy, born with the gift of goals.”

He could well be the perfect present for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, too, an extra weapon with which the Bianconeri can attack their opponents next term. If the Old Lady can find a deal for Barbosa, the prospect of him joining forces with Higuain and Paulo Dybala is an intriguing one indeed.

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via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With an incredible array of summer signings already completed, it seems Juventus have not finished their work on the transfer market quite yet. Indeed, after adding Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca to their squad, the Bianconeri could be forgiven for not making any further work for themselves.

Yet rather than preparing for the 2016/17 campaign with the group they have, the Turin giants have instead continued to look for further reinforcements. Aside from a number of midfielders identified as potential replacements for Paul Pogba, it appears that Gabriel Barbosa has become their next major target.

Writing on his own website—and translated here by David Amoyal—Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus have an agreement with the man known as “Gabigol” on terms for a four- or five-year contract.

However, the transfer expert notes that “this is an important step but not a decisive one” due to the complicated ownership of the player’s registration, with current club Santos possessing just a 40 percent share. His family own that same proportion, while the remaining 20 percent was sold to Doyen Sports, making any move extremely difficult to finalise.

The Bianconeri are expected to receive heavy competition for Barbosa’s signature, with Spanish newspaper Marca noting interest from Barcelona, while La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) add Inter Milan to the list of potential suitors.

Yet Juve appear to have the upper hand, with Santos president Modesto Roma telling Lance (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC) last month that his club have accepted a bid of €20 million for their stake in the player.

“We sent a letter to Wagner [Ribeiro, Gabigol’s agent], Valdemir and Lindalva [his parents] with the terms,” Roma confirmed to Globoesporte (h/t Football Italia). “If they think it’s interesting, then we’ll go to the next steps, including consulting Barcelona.”

That final point is an interesting one, as the Catalan club have first refusal on the 19-year-old and could match Juve’s bid. Why all the interest? Simply put, Gabigol is viewed as the next Brazilian who could use the fact his homeland is hosting this summer’s Olympics as a catapult to superstardom.

He has already scored twice in four appearances for the Selecao, including the well-taken Copa America Centenario strike shown above. That came in Brazil’s 7-1 rout of Haiti, and back in May, the man himself told a press conference just what it meant to him to be part of Dunga’s squad for that competition:

It’s a dream that’s being realized. I’ve always worked for this and thank God I made it. I’m speechless. It’s something really wonderful and unforgettable. To represent my country, and in such an important tournament is an achievement in my life.

I just have to thank everyone who taught me a lot for all this time, and gave me a lot of advice. If I reached where I am now, I owe a lot to them. My family also stood by my side always, giving unconditional support at all times.

Barbosa undeniably merited inclusion, constantly impressing since his 2013 debut for Santos. Then only 16 years old, he made his bow playing alongside Neymar in what was his final game for the club, who had clearly positioned the younger man as the heir apparent to the Barcelona star.

He would not disappoint. Gabigol netted 21 goals in each of the following two seasons, his stellar form culminating in that call-up to the full national team. Brazilian football expert Simon Kuper is also in no doubt as to his quality, as he told ESPN just last month:

Gabigol has something of Neymar’s light-footed speed, an eye for the assist as well as for goal, and a versatility that allows him to play as winger, No. 10, or a slightly withdrawn centre-forward.

He is also more serious than certain Brazilian players. Even on holiday he trains with a personal coach, and his family has organized itself in service of his career.

A tally of 23 goals and 12 assists in his last 82 appearances for Santos support that assessment, with a number of statistics highlighting just how effective Barbosa is whenever he takes to the field.  According to WhoScored.com, he averaged 2.4 shots per game in 2015, with that figure rising to 2.8 this year.

In addition to the increase in volume, Gabigol has also improved his accuracy, with Squawka.com showing a rise from 56 percent last term to 62 percent this season.  His dribbling has also marginally improved, with WhoScored noting an increase to 1.2 completed take-ons this year, while the same source serves to showcase a massive improvement in his passing.

In 2015, Barbosa completed 81.1 percent of his 20.8 passes per game, but in 10 appearances this season, he has almost doubled that output. Now making 40.7 attempts per outing, he has connected with 85 percent, hinting at a much-improved attitude towards finding a team-mate.

That bodes well for the future, but it is his breathtaking skill and quick acceleration—shown in the video below—that will most excite supporters. Drifting past opponents with ease, his neat footwork and superb first touch are evident, as is that aforementioned clinical eye for goal.

Rarely panicking when a chance falls to him, his agent believes the striker’s future lies with the Bianconeri. Speaking briefly with Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport last month (h/t Football Italia) Wagner Ribeiro said that “Gabigol wants Juventus.”

He also seems hell bent on succeeding whenever his big-money move arrives. “I really don’t think I should be worried about when I will move to Europe,” he told ESPN’s Simon Kuper. “Right now I’m more concerned about being ready. I’m always training hard.”

One area he needs to work on is his physicality, with his slender frame not helped by the fact he stands just 5’9” (1.76 meters) tall. That could make battling with the robust approach of Serie A extremely difficult, and it is something Gabigol must learn to deal with, as Italian defenders will delight in overpowering him.

Yet Brazilian scout Betinho—the man credited with recommending both Robinho and Neymar to Santos—is in little doubt that Barbosa can overcome his lack of stature and become a truly spectacular player in the coming years.

“Many have said that he has no strength and resistance to make it as a professional, but I think he will be the idol of his generation,” Betinho told Lance (h/t FourFourTwo). “He is a healthy, dedicated and focused boy, born with the gift of goals.”

He could well be the perfect present for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, too, an extra weapon with which the Bianconeri can attack their opponents next term. If the Old Lady can find a deal for Barbosa, the prospect of him joining forces with Higuain and Paulo Dybala is an intriguing one indeed.

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

With an incredible array of summer signings already completed, it seems Juventus have not finished their work on the transfer market quite yet. Indeed, after adding Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Marko Pjaca to their squad, the Bianconeri could be forgiven for not making any further work for themselves.

Yet rather than preparing for the 2016/17 campaign with the group they have, the Turin giants have instead continued to look for further reinforcements. Aside from a number of midfielders identified as potential replacements for Paul Pogba, it appears that Gabriel Barbosa has become their next major target.

Writing on his own website—and translated here by David Amoyal—Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus have an agreement with the man known as “Gabigol” on terms for a four- or five-year contract.

However, the transfer expert notes that “this is an important step but not a decisive one” due to the complicated ownership of the player’s registration, with current club Santos possessing just a 40 percent share. His family own that same proportion, while the remaining 20 percent was sold to Doyen Sports, making any move extremely difficult to finalise.

The Bianconeri are expected to receive heavy competition for Barbosa’s signature, with Spanish newspaper Marca noting interest from Barcelona, while La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) add Inter Milan to the list of potential suitors.

Yet Juve appear to have the upper hand, with Santos president Modesto Roma telling Lance (h/t Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC) last month that his club have accepted a bid of €20 million for their stake in the player.

“We sent a letter to Wagner [Ribeiro, Gabigol’s agent], Valdemir and Lindalva [his parents] with the terms,” Roma confirmed to Globoesporte (h/t Football Italia). “If they think it’s interesting, then we’ll go to the next steps, including consulting Barcelona.”

That final point is an interesting one, as the Catalan club have first refusal on the 19-year-old and could match Juve’s bid. Why all the interest? Simply put, Gabigol is viewed as the next Brazilian who could use the fact his homeland is hosting this summer’s Olympics as a catapult to superstardom.

He has already scored twice in four appearances for the Selecao, including the well-taken Copa America Centenario strike shown above. That came in Brazil’s 7-1 rout of Haiti, and back in May, the man himself told a press conference just what it meant to him to be part of Dunga’s squad for that competition:

It’s a dream that’s being realized. I’ve always worked for this and thank God I made it. I’m speechless. It’s something really wonderful and unforgettable. To represent my country, and in such an important tournament is an achievement in my life.

I just have to thank everyone who taught me a lot for all this time, and gave me a lot of advice. If I reached where I am now, I owe a lot to them. My family also stood by my side always, giving unconditional support at all times.

Barbosa undeniably merited inclusion, constantly impressing since his 2013 debut for Santos. Then only 16 years old, he made his bow playing alongside Neymar in what was his final game for the club, who had clearly positioned the younger man as the heir apparent to the Barcelona star.

He would not disappoint. Gabigol netted 21 goals in each of the following two seasons, his stellar form culminating in that call-up to the full national team. Brazilian football expert Simon Kuper is also in no doubt as to his quality, as he told ESPN just last month:

Gabigol has something of Neymar’s light-footed speed, an eye for the assist as well as for goal, and a versatility that allows him to play as winger, No. 10, or a slightly withdrawn centre-forward.

He is also more serious than certain Brazilian players. Even on holiday he trains with a personal coach, and his family has organized itself in service of his career.

A tally of 23 goals and 12 assists in his last 82 appearances for Santos support that assessment, with a number of statistics highlighting just how effective Barbosa is whenever he takes to the field.  According to WhoScored.com, he averaged 2.4 shots per game in 2015, with that figure rising to 2.8 this year.

In addition to the increase in volume, Gabigol has also improved his accuracy, with Squawka.com showing a rise from 56 percent last term to 62 percent this season.  His dribbling has also marginally improved, with WhoScored noting an increase to 1.2 completed take-ons this year, while the same source serves to showcase a massive improvement in his passing.

In 2015, Barbosa completed 81.1 percent of his 20.8 passes per game, but in 10 appearances this season, he has almost doubled that output. Now making 40.7 attempts per outing, he has connected with 85 percent, hinting at a much-improved attitude towards finding a team-mate.

That bodes well for the future, but it is his breathtaking skill and quick acceleration—shown in the video below—that will most excite supporters. Drifting past opponents with ease, his neat footwork and superb first touch are evident, as is that aforementioned clinical eye for goal.

Rarely panicking when a chance falls to him, his agent believes the striker’s future lies with the Bianconeri. Speaking briefly with Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport last month (h/t Football Italia) Wagner Ribeiro said that “Gabigol wants Juventus.”

He also seems hell bent on succeeding whenever his big-money move arrives. “I really don’t think I should be worried about when I will move to Europe,” he told ESPN’s Simon Kuper. “Right now I’m more concerned about being ready. I’m always training hard.”

One area he needs to work on is his physicality, with his slender frame not helped by the fact he stands just 5’9” (1.76 meters) tall. That could make battling with the robust approach of Serie A extremely difficult, and it is something Gabigol must learn to deal with, as Italian defenders will delight in overpowering him.

Yet Brazilian scout Betinho—the man credited with recommending both Robinho and Neymar to Santos—is in little doubt that Barbosa can overcome his lack of stature and become a truly spectacular player in the coming years.

“Many have said that he has no strength and resistance to make it as a professional, but I think he will be the idol of his generation,” Betinho told Lance (h/t FourFourTwo). “He is a healthy, dedicated and focused boy, born with the gift of goals.”

He could well be the perfect present for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, too, an extra weapon with which the Bianconeri can attack their opponents next term. If the Old Lady can find a deal for Barbosa, the prospect of him joining forces with Higuain and Paulo Dybala is an intriguing one indeed.

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

The wife and agent of Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, Wanda Nara, will reportedly meet with Arsenal representatives in London to discuss a transfer.

That’s according to Calciomercato.com, which suggest that “the Gunners are concretely interested in the former Sampdoria man” and are looking to discover whether Icardi would fancy a move to the Premier League.

It’s noted in the piece that while Icardi recently committed his future to the Nerazzurri, “everything can still happen” in respect of a deal.

The Argentine striker has fashioned a reputation as one of the best natural finishers in European football. Here is a glimpse at the kind of predatory instincts he possesses:

He’s still only 23, and to be handed the club captaincy by manager Roberto Mancini represents a huge show of faith in the forward. After a difficult beginning to the 2015-16 season, Icardi responded in turn late in the campaign with some fine performances.

While he’s technically proficient and clever on the ball, it’s in the penalty area where Icardi comes alive. His movement is slick, allowing him to escape the attentions of opposition defenders and create time to fire shots at goal. The Inter man is strong on either foot too, making him difficult for defenders to cope with.

As OptaPaolo noted, given his age, the striker has a handy goalscoring record to reflect on:

It’s the kind of return Arsenal fans would love to see at the point of their attack, as they’re desperate for a forward to push Olivier Giroud.

Icardi could well be that man if a deal could get done. However, Inter president Erick Thohir previously suggested the striker would cost upwards of £50 million, per James Benge of the London Evening Standard. For a player who still has plenty to learn, that’s a hefty amount to part with.

Arsenal Scout Jonny Evans

According to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, Arsenal sent a scout to run the rule over West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans on Monday.   

The Gunners’ options at the back have been depleted after Per Mertesacker was ruled out for the start of the season. It’s suggested that Evans, formerly of Manchester United, has been considered as an option as manager Arsene Wenger seeks to stiffen up his defensive options.

In the same report, Jones added that Arsenal are considering a £15 million bid for Valencia man Shkodran Mustafi and the player “will ask to speak to Arsenal should they make a serious push for him.”

While not the most glamorous name, Evans has been a steady presence for the Baggies. Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette believes he’s an underrated footballer:

In terms of longevity, Mustafi would be a better option for Arsenal. The Valencia man still has improvements to make to his game, but he is already a capable defender. Alongside Laurent Koscielny, he would give the Gunners one of the most dynamic centre-back pairings anywhere in European football.  

Evans wouldn’t quicken the pulse of the Gunners supporters, but he’d be capable of doing a steady job. Should Arsenal opt to make a move for him, the 28-year-old would have to consider it carefully; while he’s the main man at the back for West Brom, at the Emirates, he’d face a real battle to play regular football.

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The wife and agent of Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, Wanda Nara, will reportedly meet with Arsenal representatives in London to discuss a transfer.

That’s according to Calciomercato.com, which suggest that “the Gunners are concretely interested in the former Sampdoria man” and are looking to discover whether Icardi would fancy a move to the Premier League.

It’s noted in the piece that while Icardi recently committed his future to the Nerazzurri, “everything can still happen” in respect of a deal.

The Argentine striker has fashioned a reputation as one of the best natural finishers in European football. Here is a glimpse at the kind of predatory instincts he possesses:

He’s still only 23, and to be handed the club captaincy by manager Roberto Mancini represents a huge show of faith in the forward. After a difficult beginning to the 2015-16 season, Icardi responded in turn late in the campaign with some fine performances.

While he’s technically proficient and clever on the ball, it’s in the penalty area where Icardi comes alive. His movement is slick, allowing him to escape the attentions of opposition defenders and create time to fire shots at goal. The Inter man is strong on either foot too, making him difficult for defenders to cope with.

As OptaPaolo noted, given his age, the striker has a handy goalscoring record to reflect on:

It’s the kind of return Arsenal fans would love to see at the point of their attack, as they’re desperate for a forward to push Olivier Giroud.

Icardi could well be that man if a deal could get done. However, Inter president Erick Thohir previously suggested the striker would cost upwards of £50 million, per James Benge of the London Evening Standard. For a player who still has plenty to learn, that’s a hefty amount to part with.

Arsenal Scout Jonny Evans

According to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, Arsenal sent a scout to run the rule over West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans on Monday.   

The Gunners’ options at the back have been depleted after Per Mertesacker was ruled out for the start of the season. It’s suggested that Evans, formerly of Manchester United, has been considered as an option as manager Arsene Wenger seeks to stiffen up his defensive options.

In the same report, Jones added that Arsenal are considering a £15 million bid for Valencia man Shkodran Mustafi and the player “will ask to speak to Arsenal should they make a serious push for him.”

While not the most glamorous name, Evans has been a steady presence for the Baggies. Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette believes he’s an underrated footballer:

In terms of longevity, Mustafi would be a better option for Arsenal. The Valencia man still has improvements to make to his game, but he is already a capable defender. Alongside Laurent Koscielny, he would give the Gunners one of the most dynamic centre-back pairings anywhere in European football.  

Evans wouldn’t quicken the pulse of the Gunners supporters, but he’d be capable of doing a steady job. Should Arsenal opt to make a move for him, the 28-year-old would have to consider it carefully; while he’s the main man at the back for West Brom, at the Emirates, he’d face a real battle to play regular football.

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It might not have been the 2014 Champions League semifinal, but Wednesday night, Real Madrid defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the International Champions Cup. 

Defender Danilo provided the lone goal of the match, which came in the 79th minute when he curled home a left-footed shot from the outside of the box into the upper left-hand corner of the goal. 

It was a rare moment of quality, as Americans received a firsthand look at these world soccer superpowers, who have combined for 64 domestic titles and 16 European Cups/Champions League titles.

However, some big names were missing, as the likes of Thomas Muller, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale were still recuperating from their Euro 2016 campaigns.

Their absences left something to be desired on the pitch at MetLife, as chances were few and far between in the first hour of the match. 

The only one of note came in the 25th minute when Munich’s David Alaba’s free kick rang off the post. Munich only had two shots on target all match, which was just as many as Madrid’s total. 

Los Blancos finally increased the pressure in the 59th minute when a brilliant move found Alvaro Morata to the right of goal, but his attempt went wide. 

Just two minutes later, Isco unleashed a right-footed strike that beat Bayern keeper Sven Ulreich but not the left post, as it caromed away from danger. But Madrid managed to feed off that momentum and build it up to Danilo’s winner.

Mariano had a chance to ice the game during the second minute of stoppage time when he was alone to the left of Ulreich’s goal, but the keeper made a brilliant foot save to keep Bayern’s deficit at one.

Fresh off his hat trick against Inter Milan in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bayern Munich’s 21-year-old American center forward Julian Green had a much stiffer test Wednesday night against a Madrid back line that was starting three of its four defenders from the 2016 Champions League Final.

While he did go a full 90 minutes, he was significantly quieter, as he was unable to leave his mark on the match.

Real Madrid closed their ICC with a winning record after losing their opener to Paris Saint-Germain and beating Chelsea. 

They have little time to rest, as they have to go to Spain and meet rivals Sevilla on Tuesday for the UEFA Super Cup.

Bayern Munich, on the other hand, finished their ICC with two losses after a prior defeat to AC Milan in penalties. The Bavarians defeated Inter Milan in their second match of the tournament. 

They will also set their sights on gaining some silverware before the domestic season starts up, as they meet Borussia Dortmund in the DFL-Supercup Final on Aug. 14.

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Lazio winger Antonio Candreva has completed his move to Inter Milan after signing a long-term contract with the club, it’s been confirmed.  

Inter announced the transfer on their official website, with Candreva’s agreement set to keep him at the San Siro until the summer of 2020.

“I am really happy and proud to be here,” Candreva said in the club release. “I always wanted Inter and I’m really excited to become a Nerazzurri player at last. I’d like to thank Lazio for the seasons we spent together and for giving me the chance to realise this dream. I can’t wait to play at San Siro and feel the passion of the Inter fans.”

The Lazio star has spent the past four-and-a-half years at the Stadio Olimpico since joining from Udinese in January 2012 and has risen to become one of the club’s most cherished assets.

Despite a low-profile start to life with Lazio, Candreva’s reputation in Rome has spiked in recent times, scoring 45 goals in 192 total appearances for the club, per Transfermarkt.

Nerazzurri manager Roberto Mancini already has a talented stable of attacking talents at his disposal, with Candreva now set to duel against the likes of Ivan Perisic, Eder, Rodrigo Palacio and Jonathan Biabiany for a spot out wide.

The 29-year-old has also earned 40 caps for Italy since making his debut for the Azzurri in 2009, with 14 of those appearances coming in the past 18 months alone.

Candreva had three years remaining on his Lazio contract before agreeing his move to Inter, and he’ll now look to continue his progress in Serie A after showing huge development in Italy’s top flight of late.

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