Wayne Rooney is expecting Manchester United to challenge for the Premier League title again under new manager Jose Mourinho in 2016-17.

He has revealed that the Red Devils players feel “more like the old Manchester United” under the Portuguese boss, with Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all having been added to the squad in big-money deals.

Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, England’s most successful club have been in decline, barely able to compete for a top-four spot under managers David Moyes and Louis van Gaal—indeed, they will not be in the UEFA Champions League next season after a fifth-placed finish in 2015-16.

But, according to Rooney, there is renewed optimism following the appointment of the perennially successful Mourinho that United can compete for the title again, per Martin Samuel in the Daily Mail:

I think the players feel this is more like the old Manchester United. It’s not just the new signings, we’ve got Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford from last season who made such an impact.

We’re in a very good spot now, we think we can challenge for the Premier League, and we want to put a marker down, in the Community Shield with Leicester [City].

I know it’s a one-off game, but we want to show we can win a trophy early on—we feel that’s an important event for us.

United’s Community Shield clash with Premier League champions Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday will be Mourinho’s first competitive match in charge at United.

He has overseen a number of pre-season friendlies since his appointment, but the meeting with the Foxes will be his first clash of any real importance and, as Rooney noted, an opportunity to win some early silverware.

It will also provide an indication as to how Mourinho will set his team out in the upcoming Premier League campaign, as analysed by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

With the transfer window open until the end of August, though, the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss could yet add further stars to his squad after the Community Shield.

The headline saga of the summer transfer window has been United’s pursuit of Juventus‘ Paul Pogba, 23, and the Manchester outfit look to be edging ever closer to re-signing the midfielder, who left Old Trafford in 2012, per Sky Sports News HQ’s Andy Burton.

For Rooney, it would be a huge statement from United if they were able to snag Pogba—who the 30-year-old remembers as a tough competitor in training—with the Frenchman widely regarded as the best young player on the planet, per Samuel:

He was one of those players who, when you trained against him, somehow he would just hurt you. A knee in your side, bump into you, I don’t think he meant to do it, but it just happened.

You didn’t even need to get into a tackle. Just go next to him and you’d find an elbow or some other sharp bit. So, if he comes, I’m looking forward to that again.

But he had great ability, some of the things he could do, and he’s gone up a level since he left us.

I hope he is going to want to return to United and prove he’s a top-class player. If he is excited to play for us, we’ll be excited to have him back. 

I’m sure he’ll feel there is unfinished business, and it would be a very big statement by the club if they can make it happen.

Pogba would add significant strength to United’s central midfield, where Morgan Schneiderlin and an ageing Michael Carrick are currently the only reliable options.

He would also be the last of the four “priority” signings Mourinho outlined in his first press conference as United boss, and his arrival as the last piece of the puzzle would allow United to “breathe” and “be stable,” per Sky Sports’ James Kilpatrick.

Certainly, with Pogba’s arrival, United would have the makings of a superb starting XI, with the Frenchman joining the likes of Rooney, Ibrahimovic and goalkeeper David De Gea in the side’s spine.

The Manchester outfit still look short in the back line as they lack a top-class right-back and an experienced centre-back.

But, as Rooney said, they once more look capable of making a tilt at the title, with world-class players and a world-class manager.  

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Diego Costa appeared to confirm he wants to leave Chelsea this summer in comments made to Sergio Ramos in the tunnel before the Blues’ recent preseason friendly with Real Madrid.

The verbal exchange between Costa and Ramos was caught on camera, according to Goal.com, and seemed to feature Costa expressing his desire to leave:

‘Why don’t you come back to Madrid?’ the defender was seen mouthing by television cameras before the game.

While the Chelsea man had his back to prying eyes, Ramos’ reaction gave some indication of the conversation. 

‘They won’t let you?’ he replied, surprised, upon hearing the ex-Atletico Madrid man’s answer. 

Real’s star then let slip a possible reason why Diego Simeone will not be enjoying a reunion with his former striker at the Vicente Calderon: ‘Because Gameiro is coming?’

While this seems to make Costa’s intentions clear, it’s important to remember he and Ramos were professional rivals during the former’s days with Atletico Madrid. The whole exchange might easily be explained as harmless banter between two Spain internationals when viewed in this context.

Yet, rumours of Costa seeking life away from Stamford Bridge have been fairly consistent this summer. A return to his old club has been frequently mooted, per Paul Jiggins of The Sun, who recently reported Atleti were “confident” of agreeing a deal for Costa’s return.

Of course, that was before Atletico sealed the signing of ex-Sevilla striker Kevin Gameiro. The French attacker moved to the Spanish capital in a deal thought to have cost £28 million, according to BBC Sport, a very smart piece of transfer business by Costa’s old club.

While that would appear to have firmly put the brakes on a Costa exit, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte still left the door ajar when asked about his main striker’s future, per Stephen Mills of Sky Sports: “I speak only for today and today Costa is Chelsea’s player. Tomorrow if you ask me if Costa will remain with us, I don’t know.”

Put together with the conversation with Ramos, Conte‘s words make the idea of Costa still being a Chelsea player once the new Premier League season begins look remote.

So does the Blues’ continued pursuit of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. The Stamford Bridge club is said to be preparing a £60 million bid for the prolific Belgian, according to Neil Fissler and James Gray of the Sunday Express.

Interestingly, Fissler and Gray also remain confident Atletico still want Costa: “Conte is looking for the ideal replacement for current Chelsea frontman Diego Costa, who will this week be the subject of a £40m offer from his former club Atletico Madrid.”

Selling Costa would rob Conte‘s squad of its best finisher. He may struggle to stay fit and maintain his discipline, but few strikers can match Costa’s intelligent runs and unerring eye for goal.

Even Lukaku doesn’t represent a clear upgrade over Costa at his best. So perhaps Chelsea should put the brakes on all the exit talk.

Oscar Wanted by Serie A Clubs

Two of Serie A’s leading clubs have shown interest in Chelsea’s Brazilian playmaker Oscar, according to Darren Lewis of the Mirror. His report named Inter Milan and Juventus as the keen parties, although Lewis also noted how Chelsea deem Oscar “not for sale.”

It would make sense for Conte to keep the 24-year-old South American schemer around for at least another season. Oscar isn’t always the most consistent, but the talent is there.

He boasts accomplished technique, natural flair and a useful scoring touch. The latter quality is something Conte could make excellent use of.

The Italian likes his midfielders to chip in with a healthy number of goals, and has often relied on one man in the middle to regularly get forward. It was often Claudio Marchisio when Conte was in charge at Juve, while Emanuele Giaccherini did the same job for Italy at this summer’s UEFA Euro 2016.

Chelsea’s squad already features ample attacking potential in midfield in the form of Cesc Fabregas. However, it would still be a shame to waste Oscar’s potential, just as it could do more immediate harm than good if the club parts company with Costa this summer.

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Diego Costa appeared to confirm he wants to leave Chelsea this summer in comments made to Sergio Ramos in the tunnel before the Blues’ recent preseason friendly with Real Madrid.

The verbal exchange between Costa and Ramos was caught on camera, according to Goal.com, and seemed to feature Costa expressing his desire to leave:

‘Why don’t you come back to Madrid?’ the defender was seen mouthing by television cameras before the game.

While the Chelsea man had his back to prying eyes, Ramos’ reaction gave some indication of the conversation. 

‘They won’t let you?’ he replied, surprised, upon hearing the ex-Atletico Madrid man’s answer. 

Real’s star then let slip a possible reason why Diego Simeone will not be enjoying a reunion with his former striker at the Vicente Calderon: ‘Because Gameiro is coming?’

While this seems to make Costa’s intentions clear, it’s important to remember he and Ramos were professional rivals during the former’s days with Atletico Madrid. The whole exchange might easily be explained as harmless banter between two Spain internationals when viewed in this context.

Yet, rumours of Costa seeking life away from Stamford Bridge have been fairly consistent this summer. A return to his old club has been frequently mooted, per Paul Jiggins of The Sun, who recently reported Atleti were “confident” of agreeing a deal for Costa’s return.

Of course, that was before Atletico sealed the signing of ex-Sevilla striker Kevin Gameiro. The French attacker moved to the Spanish capital in a deal thought to have cost £28 million, according to BBC Sport, a very smart piece of transfer business by Costa’s old club.

While that would appear to have firmly put the brakes on a Costa exit, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte still left the door ajar when asked about his main striker’s future, per Stephen Mills of Sky Sports: “I speak only for today and today Costa is Chelsea’s player. Tomorrow if you ask me if Costa will remain with us, I don’t know.”

Put together with the conversation with Ramos, Conte‘s words make the idea of Costa still being a Chelsea player once the new Premier League season begins look remote.

So does the Blues’ continued pursuit of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. The Stamford Bridge club is said to be preparing a £60 million bid for the prolific Belgian, according to Neil Fissler and James Gray of the Sunday Express.

Interestingly, Fissler and Gray also remain confident Atletico still want Costa: “Conte is looking for the ideal replacement for current Chelsea frontman Diego Costa, who will this week be the subject of a £40m offer from his former club Atletico Madrid.”

Selling Costa would rob Conte‘s squad of its best finisher. He may struggle to stay fit and maintain his discipline, but few strikers can match Costa’s intelligent runs and unerring eye for goal.

Even Lukaku doesn’t represent a clear upgrade over Costa at his best. So perhaps Chelsea should put the brakes on all the exit talk.

Oscar Wanted by Serie A Clubs

Two of Serie A’s leading clubs have shown interest in Chelsea’s Brazilian playmaker Oscar, according to Darren Lewis of the Mirror. His report named Inter Milan and Juventus as the keen parties, although Lewis also noted how Chelsea deem Oscar “not for sale.”

It would make sense for Conte to keep the 24-year-old South American schemer around for at least another season. Oscar isn’t always the most consistent, but the talent is there.

He boasts accomplished technique, natural flair and a useful scoring touch. The latter quality is something Conte could make excellent use of.

The Italian likes his midfielders to chip in with a healthy number of goals, and has often relied on one man in the middle to regularly get forward. It was often Claudio Marchisio when Conte was in charge at Juve, while Emanuele Giaccherini did the same job for Italy at this summer’s UEFA Euro 2016.

Chelsea’s squad already features ample attacking potential in midfield in the form of Cesc Fabregas. However, it would still be a shame to waste Oscar’s potential, just as it could do more immediate harm than good if the club parts company with Costa this summer.

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Bayern Munich rebounded from a tough opener to their United States tour by hammering Inter Milan on Saturday, downing the Serie A side by a commanding 4-1 score.

The German giants were held to a 3-3 draw against AC Milan on Thursday but roared into form against Inter, opening a four-goal lead before half-time. Only shortly before the final whistle did Mauro Icardi grab a consolation goal for the Milanese side.

The story of the night was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Julian Green. So talented yet for so long an afterthought at the Bavarian giants, the United States international netted a hat-trick in 35 minutes.

Green’s opener was something out of the Mario Gomez playbook, a poacher’s goal scored as he stuck out a leg to make just enough contact to redirect David Alaba’s cross into the net.

His second also showed superb composure and a finisher’s touch; whereas most attacking midfielders would have taken the ball immediately and looked to dribble past the last man, Green let Franck Ribery’s pass run across him until he was within shooting range, then fired a low drive inside the right post with his first touch with his weaker left foot.

Green rounded off his hat-trick by tapping in from Rafinha’s low cross.

Two full seasons have passed since Green lit up the Regionalliga Bayern, scoring 15 goals and giving eight assists in 23 appearances for the reserves. In the 2013-14 campaign, former manager Pep Guardiola even gave him his professional debut, a two-minute outing in the Champions League against CSKA Moscow. Those would be the only minutes Green played professionally in 2013-14, but that and his performance at the World Cup were enough for Hamburg to take him on loan for the following campaign.

However, 2014-15 would prove disastrous for Green. He managed just 109 minutes in all competitions for the senior team, per Transfermarkt, starting just once and coming on as a late substitute on a few other occasions. November 2014 marked his final match for Hamburg, and he only appeared on the bench twice thereafter.

Green had his differences with the Hamburg management, with Die Zeit (h/t ESPN FC‘s Stephan Uersfeld) stating he was demoted to the reserves for refusing to join 2. Bundesliga side 1860 Munich during the January transfer window.

The ESPN FC report quoted Green admitting he did not sign a disciplinary letter that would have obligated him to play for the HSV reserves if called upon to do so. He generally refused to play in the German fourth tier while at Hamburg, the one exception being an appearance in March of 2015.

Although ESPN FC quoted Green as saying Guardiola “liked” him and that the player “[could] rely on him,” the former Bayern trainer left Green in the reserves for all of 2015-16 but for a 62-minute Champions League run-out in the final match of the group stage. Green scored 10 goals and assisted four more for the reserves in 28 appearances, but his form wasn’t enough to see him break into the first team.

What’s interesting is new boss Carlo Ancelotti has taken a liking to Green. The coach recently told reporters “[Green] will be important for [Bayern] in the season.”

Curiously, Ancelotti seems to see the 5’8″ Green as a striker. The player featured occasionally as a centre-forward last season but predominantly played as a winger, as he always has done. Ancelotti apparently saw Green’s potential as a poacher during training, and the player has since thrived.

Given how long it’s been since he first emerged as a potential resource for the Bayern senior team, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact Green only turned 21 years of age this summer. He’s not past the point of fulfilling his potential. Far from it. This bodes well for a Bayern team with few options behind Robert Lewandowski in the striker position. In fact, the only options behind the Poland international are Green (predominantly a winger) and Thomas Muller (whose best skills are muted if he plays as the focal point of the attack).

It’s uncertain whether Bayern’s endgame is to promote Green to the senior team for the 2016-17 campaign and have him as an alternative to Lewandowski or if he’s just getting minutes so the club can either sell him at a better value or loan him to a club that may be more interested in playing him than Hamburg were. Perhaps Bayern’s management team is still trying to figure out how to handle Green’s situation, with his preseason friendly performance affecting the decision.

For the player at least, his hat-trick against Inter was a big positive. After a tumultuous couple of years, Green looks closer than ever to achieving regular Bundesliga football.

@Mr_Bundesliga

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Bayern Munich rebounded from a tough opener to their United States tour by hammering Inter Milan on Saturday, downing the Serie A side by a commanding 4-1 score.

The German giants were held to a 3-3 draw against AC Milan on Thursday but roared into form against Inter, opening a four-goal lead before half-time. Only shortly before the final whistle did Mauro Icardi grab a consolation goal for the Milanese side.

The story of the night was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Julian Green. So talented yet for so long an afterthought at the Bavarian giants, the United States international netted a hat-trick in 35 minutes.

Green’s opener was something out of the Mario Gomez playbook, a poacher’s goal scored as he stuck out a leg to make just enough contact to redirect David Alaba’s cross into the net.

His second also showed superb composure and a finisher’s touch; whereas most attacking midfielders would have taken the ball immediately and looked to dribble past the last man, Green let Franck Ribery’s pass run across him until he was within shooting range, then fired a low drive inside the right post with his first touch with his weaker left foot.

Green rounded off his hat-trick by tapping in from Rafinha’s low cross.

Two full seasons have passed since Green lit up the Regionalliga Bayern, scoring 15 goals and giving eight assists in 23 appearances for the reserves. In the 2013-14 campaign, former manager Pep Guardiola even gave him his professional debut, a two-minute outing in the Champions League against CSKA Moscow. Those would be the only minutes Green played professionally in 2013-14, but that and his performance at the World Cup were enough for Hamburg to take him on loan for the following campaign.

However, 2014-15 would prove disastrous for Green. He managed just 109 minutes in all competitions for the senior team, per Transfermarkt, starting just once and coming on as a late substitute on a few other occasions. November 2014 marked his final match for Hamburg, and he only appeared on the bench twice thereafter.

Green had his differences with the Hamburg management, with Die Zeit (h/t ESPN FC‘s Stephan Uersfeld) stating he was demoted to the reserves for refusing to join 2. Bundesliga side 1860 Munich during the January transfer window.

The ESPN FC report quoted Green admitting he did not sign a disciplinary letter that would have obligated him to play for the HSV reserves if called upon to do so. He generally refused to play in the German fourth tier while at Hamburg, the one exception being an appearance in March of 2015.

Although ESPN FC quoted Green as saying Guardiola “liked” him and that the player “[could] rely on him,” the former Bayern trainer left Green in the reserves for all of 2015-16 but for a 62-minute Champions League run-out in the final match of the group stage. Green scored 10 goals and assisted four more for the reserves in 28 appearances, but his form wasn’t enough to see him break into the first team.

What’s interesting is new boss Carlo Ancelotti has taken a liking to Green. The coach recently told reporters “[Green] will be important for [Bayern] in the season.”

Curiously, Ancelotti seems to see the 5’8″ Green as a striker. The player featured occasionally as a centre-forward last season but predominantly played as a winger, as he always has done. Ancelotti apparently saw Green’s potential as a poacher during training, and the player has since thrived.

Given how long it’s been since he first emerged as a potential resource for the Bayern senior team, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact Green only turned 21 years of age this summer. He’s not past the point of fulfilling his potential. Far from it. This bodes well for a Bayern team with few options behind Robert Lewandowski in the striker position. In fact, the only options behind the Poland international are Green (predominantly a winger) and Thomas Muller (whose best skills are muted if he plays as the focal point of the attack).

It’s uncertain whether Bayern’s endgame is to promote Green to the senior team for the 2016-17 campaign and have him as an alternative to Lewandowski or if he’s just getting minutes so the club can either sell him at a better value or loan him to a club that may be more interested in playing him than Hamburg were. Perhaps Bayern’s management team is still trying to figure out how to handle Green’s situation, with his preseason friendly performance affecting the decision.

For the player at least, his hat-trick against Inter was a big positive. After a tumultuous couple of years, Green looks closer than ever to achieving regular Bundesliga football.

@Mr_Bundesliga

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Bayern Munich rebounded from a tough opener to their United States tour by hammering Inter Milan on Saturday, downing the Serie A side by a commanding 4-1 score.

The German giants were held to a 3-3 draw against AC Milan on Thursday but roared into form against Inter, opening a four-goal lead before half-time. Only shortly before the final whistle did Mauro Icardi grab a consolation goal for the Milanese side.

The story of the night was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Julian Green. So talented yet for so long an afterthought at the Bavarian giants, the United States international netted a hat-trick in 35 minutes.

Green’s opener was something out of the Mario Gomez playbook, a poacher’s goal scored as he stuck out a leg to make just enough contact to redirect David Alaba’s cross into the net.

His second also showed superb composure and a finisher’s touch; whereas most attacking midfielders would have taken the ball immediately and looked to dribble past the last man, Green let Franck Ribery’s pass run across him until he was within shooting range, then fired a low drive inside the right post with his first touch with his weaker left foot.

Green rounded off his hat-trick by tapping in from Rafinha’s low cross.

Two full seasons have passed since Green lit up the Regionalliga Bayern, scoring 15 goals and giving eight assists in 23 appearances for the reserves. In the 2013-14 campaign, former manager Pep Guardiola even gave him his professional debut, a two-minute outing in the Champions League against CSKA Moscow. Those would be the only minutes Green played professionally in 2013-14, but that and his performance at the World Cup were enough for Hamburg to take him on loan for the following campaign.

However, 2014-15 would prove disastrous for Green. He managed just 109 minutes in all competitions for the senior team, per Transfermarkt, starting just once and coming on as a late substitute on a few other occasions. November 2014 marked his final match for Hamburg, and he only appeared on the bench twice thereafter.

Green had his differences with the Hamburg management, with Die Zeit (h/t ESPN FC‘s Stephan Uersfeld) stating he was demoted to the reserves for refusing to join 2. Bundesliga side 1860 Munich during the January transfer window.

The ESPN FC report quoted Green admitting he did not sign a disciplinary letter that would have obligated him to play for the HSV reserves if called upon to do so. He generally refused to play in the German fourth tier while at Hamburg, the one exception being an appearance in March of 2015.

Although ESPN FC quoted Green as saying Guardiola “liked” him and that the player “[could] rely on him,” the former Bayern trainer left Green in the reserves for all of 2015-16 but for a 62-minute Champions League run-out in the final match of the group stage. Green scored 10 goals and assisted four more for the reserves in 28 appearances, but his form wasn’t enough to see him break into the first team.

What’s interesting is new boss Carlo Ancelotti has taken a liking to Green. The coach recently told reporters “[Green] will be important for [Bayern] in the season.”

Curiously, Ancelotti seems to see the 5’8″ Green as a striker. The player featured occasionally as a centre-forward last season but predominantly played as a winger, as he always has done. Ancelotti apparently saw Green’s potential as a poacher during training, and the player has since thrived.

Given how long it’s been since he first emerged as a potential resource for the Bayern senior team, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact Green only turned 21 years of age this summer. He’s not past the point of fulfilling his potential. Far from it. This bodes well for a Bayern team with few options behind Robert Lewandowski in the striker position. In fact, the only options behind the Poland international are Green (predominantly a winger) and Thomas Muller (whose best skills are muted if he plays as the focal point of the attack).

It’s uncertain whether Bayern’s endgame is to promote Green to the senior team for the 2016-17 campaign and have him as an alternative to Lewandowski or if he’s just getting minutes so the club can either sell him at a better value or loan him to a club that may be more interested in playing him than Hamburg were. Perhaps Bayern’s management team is still trying to figure out how to handle Green’s situation, with his preseason friendly performance affecting the decision.

For the player at least, his hat-trick against Inter was a big positive. After a tumultuous couple of years, Green looks closer than ever to achieving regular Bundesliga football.

@Mr_Bundesliga

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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.

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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.

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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

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