Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

[ssrrvv11]

Wednesday 10th August 2011

Tottenham eye £35m Hulk move

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up an audacious £35million bid for highly-rated Porto striker Hulk.

The Brazilian international has been heavily linked with a move out of the Europa League champions after impressing with his performances for the Portogueuse side last season.

Chelsea and Manchester City are among the clubs that have indicated their interest in the 25-year-old.

But according to The Daily Mail, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has made Hulk as his prime target to boost his firepower ahead of the new season.

Meanwhile, the muscular striker has a staggering £88million release clause in his contract but it is believed a £35million offer would move the hands of Porto into letting him go.

Should Spurs land the former Tokyo Verdy striker, it would smash the North London's all time transfer record - £17million for David Bentley in 2008.

previous record spurs player david bentley very shit now

 

[jw5]

If Arsenal sell Fabregas and Nasri and even if they buy Mata and Jadson, they could finish 6th in the BPL.

 

[jw5]

Wigan just signed a player from French club Strasbourg called DICKO!

 

[BlueCat]

very lousy start of the new season for the Reds,just like Bayern Munich at Bundesliga
can only manage to Draw at home.
hope it will improve.

 

[ballsathome]

Saturday 13th August 2011

Wenger pulls plug on Mata move

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that attempts to sign Valencia winger Juan Mata have failed.

Mata has been a target for Arsenal for much of the summer but Wenger says the Spain international will not be moving to the Emirates Stadium. "We will not do [a deal for] Juan Mata. I don't have to give a reason," said Wenger.

The Frenchman, who looks set to lose Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri over the next few days, also distanced himself from a move for Brazilian playmaker Jadson, who is valued at around £10million by his club Shakhtar Donetsk.

"We are nowhere near on Jadson. We are not talking to Shakhtar about him," said the Frenchman. The position Arsenal fans would like to see strengthened most urgently is central defence, which has been the team's Achilles heel in recent seasons.

Christopher Samba, Scott Dann, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka have been linked with the Gunners throughout the transfer window, yet there have been no new arrivals in the position. Wenger insists finding the right players is problematic.

"We have specialised people who work everywhere. Every club looks for centre-backs in the whole world," he said. "People with unlimited resources look for a centre-back. We are not in a supermarket where you go to a shelf and you ask 'where are the centre-backs or the strikers?'

"We are today in an international market where all over the world people look for the same players. "Massive clubs have scouts all over the world and if they don't find anyone, in the end they come to us. You don't need to be a genius to understand that.

"We will have a new centre-back by the end of the transfer window because Thomas Vermaelen only played five games last year. "To buy just for the sake of buying - you won't find me there. "If I'm convinced the player has the quality, I will always do it if he's better than the players we have."

Wenger, who has named Robin van Persie captain for Saturday's clash with Newcastle, denies Arsenal lack leaders on the pitch. "You always hear that [criticism] but football is not about one magical man who can make miracles when things go badly," he said. "I think what would be very nice is to have 11 leaders."

 

[ballsathome]

Saturday 13th August 2011

Arsenal close in on Joel Campbell

Arsenal have agreed terms with Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa to sign teenage striker Joel Campbell.

The 19-year-old was in his country's squad for the recent Copa America and the Under-20 World Cup. The Gunners revealed on Friday night that the transfer is subject to the completion of "formal agreements and processes".

Manager Arsene Wenger told his club's official website, www.arsenal.com: "Joel Campbell has already shown that he is a player with great ability, and has also performed well on the international stage at a young age.

"We look forward to the formalities of the transfer being completed and working with Joel when he joins us at Arsenal." Campbell is predominantly left-footed and has made six full international appearances, scoring twice.

He scored on his debut in a 5-0 win over Cuba at this year's CONCACAF Gold Cup, helping his side to the competition's quarter-finals. Campbell has had two seasons in his native Primera Division, where he played for Deportivo Saprissa and on loan at Puntarenas, making a total of eight league appearances.

 

[ballsathome]

Sunday 14th August 2011

Eto'o could move to Premier League

Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o has confirmed talks over a transfer to Anzhi Makhachkala are ongoing, but claims he could yet move to the Premier League.

Ambitious Russian side Anzhi are hoping to complete a sensational swoop for Eto'o and are reportedly ready to offer Inter €30million (£26.3m) for the Cameroonian. Reports also suggest that the 30-year-old will be handed a contract worth up to €20million (£17.5m) a season in order to make the move to the Russian republic of Dagestan.

Speaking at a press conference in Douala, Eto'o was cryptic regarding his future at Inter, but confirmed there have been discussions with Anzhi. However, having recently been linked with a move to Manchester City as part of a swap deal involving Carlos Tevez, the former Barcelona forward refused to rule out a switch to England.

"The negotiations [with Anzhi] are ongoing, you must be patient," Eto'o told reporters. "There's nothing to say I will leave and nothing to say I will stay, there could still be a surprise from England.

"Wait until the end of the transfer window, which is coming up soon. "The truth is I'm still under contract with Inter Milan. When I leave here I'll go and continue the negotiations."

 

[ballsathome]

​

​

​

 

[ballsathome]

Injury blow for Ferdinand, Vidic

15 August 2011

​

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand will miss six weeks, while Nemanja Vidic could be out for a fortnight after both picked up injuries on Sunday.

Vidic was replaced by Jonny Evans after 52 minutes of United's Premier League match with West Brom with what looked like a groin injury, while Phil Jones took Ferdinand's place a quarter of an hour from the end after the 32-year-old hurt his hamstring in the 2-1 win. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed post-match Ferdinand will be out for more than a month, while defensive partner Vidic is likely to miss a couple of weeks.

"We've had a torrid two or three days because young Rafa (Rafael) did his shoulder in training on Friday (and) he'll be out for 10 weeks because he's going to have an operation," he told Sky Sports. "Rio will be six weeks. (Vidic) we don't know if it's a nerve or not, we'll have that checked tomorrow, but he could be out for a couple of weeks."

"But Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans - it's a God-send to us. Patrice Evra will be back for next week so I've got options." Both Ferdinand and Vidic watched the rest of the game from the dugout, rather than heading down the tunnel for immediate treatment. United's defence for the rest of the match consisted of Smalling, Evans, Jones and Fabio in front of David de Gea in goal.

 

[ballsathome]

United lose Rafael for 10 weeks

15 August 2011

​

Manchester United full-back Rafael has dislocated his shoulder in training and will be out of action for the first 10 weeks of the season.

The Brazilian had continued his good progress last season, winning praise for his energy and commitment, and making 28 appearances in all competitions.

Chris Smalling has most recently played at right-back in the Community Shield and against West Bromwich Albion, although his twin brother Fabio and Phil Jones are other options.

The 21-year-old's injury comes as a setback to the Red Devils, with fellow full-back Patrice Evra also missing the opening game of the season due to injury, along with Antonio Valencia and forwards Javier Hernandez and Michael Owen.

 

[ballsathome]

Sunday 14th August 2011

QPR close to Malaysian takeover

Queens Park Rangers are reportedly close to a takeover by Malaysian Tony Fernandes, founder of the Air Asia airline.

According to The Daily Mail newspaper, the 47-year-old, who is also the team principal of Formula One's Team Lotus, has held talks with the club's co-owner Bernie Ecclestone and his business partner Flavio Briatore over purchasing a majority stake in the Barclays Premier League new-boys.

The speculation was firmed up when Fernandes joined Briatore during a visit to Italy last month to watch the West London club win the three-team Bortolotti Trofeo tournament, which also included Atalanta and Braga.

The millionaire businessman flew back to Italy from Budapest after Saturday's qualifying session for the Hungary Grand Prix, before returning on Sunday morning for the race itself.

According to the report, Fernandes' proposed buy-out is at an 'advanced stage', with the Malaysian ready to hand manager Neil Warnock a transfer fund of £10million to strengthen the squad.

Warnock told the Daily Mail: "Myself, Flavio [Briatore] and Tony all had a positive chat after the match on Saturday. "We've already spoken about possible targets and he is a very positive chap."

 

[ballsathome]

Sunday 14th August 2011

"Arsenal want to sign Jadson"

Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Mircea Lucescu claims Arsenal want their Brazil international playmaker Jadson.

The Gunners have been tipped to move for the 27-year-old with midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri expected to leave.

Jadson's name was mentioned to Arsene Wenger recently, but he stated the club was not in talks with Shakhtar for his services.

However, the Ukraine outfit now claim The Gunners are interested and that a move now depends on the Brazilian himself.

"I can confirm Jadson is wanted by Arsenal," said Lucescu. "Now it all depends on him."

 

[ballsathome]

Sunday 14th August 2011

Wenger: Arsenal could be feeder club

After a dismal 0-0 draw against Newcastle on Saturday, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted his club could become a feeder side for European giants.

As it is, the London side look likely to lose Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, as well as Samir Nasri to a move to Manchester City, and with big players like Patrick Vieira, Kolo Toure and Alex Hleb being tempted away in recent years, the Gunners could well end up being a feeder club for European big-spenders like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City.

In quotes reported in the Sun, Wenger admitted: "Yes we are concerned by that. "When you take players who are 16 or 17 years old and play them in the Premier League, you need to be brave.

"But you do it because they deserve it and secondly because you hope the club will be rewarded when these players are 23 or 24, and are in a position to deliver. So it is a concern."

He gave an insight towards the latest about Nasri and Fabregas's immediate future, adding: "We are on both fronts in no-man's land. Things can change quickly, but right now they are players of Arsenal Football Club."

​

 

[ballsathome]

Sunday 14th August 2011

AVB: Chelsea targeting more signings

Andre Villas-Boas says Chelsea will try to buy at least a central midfielder and a winger before the transfer window closes - but not necessarily Luka Modric.

The Blues have already seen two bids rejected for Tottenham playmaker Modric and Villas-Boas has repeatedly refused to confirm whether they have made, or are planning, a third. But Chelsea's new boss remains in the market for that type of player - and another midfielder - after admitting he is lacking numbers in the middle of the park.

"I think we might add in those positions - we might," he said on strengthening his midfield. "The sense of urgency in midfield is there. "We play 4-3-3, we have a squad of 25. For you to prepare for a game, you need at least six midfielders. We only have four.

"But we have the versatility of (Florent) Malouda, for example, and Yossi (Benayoun), who we have been using in the 10 and the eight position to a very, very good extent and a very good level." Every time Villas-Boas has spoken publicly since his appointment seven-and-a-half weeks ago, he has been faced with questions about Modric.

He gave short shrift to the latest of them, saying: "I just explained to you the sense of urgency in midfield. But it doesn't mean that it's Luka. "Not that I'm interested, but you have (Samir) Nasri terminating contract. "He's one of the most exciting players in the Premier League and that's the reality, as well as Luka, as well as other players."

As well as bringing players in, Villas-Boas must decide which of his star-studded squad to keep. Striker Didier Drogba has already been offered a new contract to replace the one which expires next summer.

"Didier knows about our offers and he has made a counter-offer, and we are evaluating some things," concluded Villas-Boas, who was coy over whether Drogba was looking for more than a one-year extension.

 

[jw5]

Apparently the Fabregas deal is done. Reported by soccernet confirmed by both clubs.

 

[ballsathome]

Apparently the Fabregas deal is done. Reported by soccernet confirmed by both clubs.

Fabregas completes move from Arsenal to Barcelona

BARCELONA | Mon Aug 15, 2011 1:54pm BST

(Reuters) - Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas passed his medical and signed a five-year contract with Barcelona on Monday, the European champions said in a statement.

The move completes one of the most protracted transfer sagas of modern times, his boyhood club finally getting their man after chasing him for three years.

The 24-year-old Spanish World Cup winner was presented to around 30,000 Barca fans in the Nou Camp after completing the deal which sees him return to the club he left as a 16-year-old in 2003.

According to media reports Arsenal have received around 40 million euros (34.83 million pounds) for their captain. Barcelona said on Monday there was a buyout clause of 200 million euros in his new contract.

"I have waited a long time for this moment. It's a very special day," Fabregas told a news conference.

"I know that many of you were disappointed when I left but I am here to take up the greatest challenge of my life. After eight years away I hope to leave you all with many great memories."

Fabregas made more than 300 appearances for the Gunners but the only trophy Arsenal won while he was in north London was the FA Cup in 2005.

Barca held arch-rivals Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)

 

[Alamaking]

Bye bye Fab, you are a great player, now.... fuck off to Barca!!!

 

[ballsathome]

Factbox - Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas

BARCELONA | Mon Aug 15, 2011 1:16pm BST

Factbox on Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas who finally completed his protracted move from Arsenal back to his boyhood club, European champions Barcelona, on Monday:

Born: May 4, 1987 in Arenys de Mar, Spain

* Developed through Barcelona's youth ranks before moving to Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 2003.

* Fabregas, 24, came through Barcelona's youth academy at the same time as World Player of the Year Lionel Messi before signing for Arsenal in September 2003.

* Became the London club's youngest first-team player in October 2003, when he made his debut against Rotherham United in the League Cup aged 16 and 177 days.

* Also became Arsenal's youngest goalscorer when he netted against Wolves in a 5-1 win that December.

* According to Opta, he created 466 goalscoring chances over the past five English Premier League seasons, more than any other player.

* In 2008, even though he had been an Arsenal regular since 2004, he was still young enough to win the PFA's Young Player of the Year Award, aged only 21.

* Arsenal have won only one league title (2004) and one FA Cup (2005) since he joined the club, while Barca have claimed a total of 13 trophies including three Champions League titles, five Spanish league titles and a King's Cup.

* At international level, Fabregas has struggled to hold down a regular starting place in a Spanish team with a rich crop of midfielders, including Barcelona trio Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets and Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso.

* However, he scored the winning penalty in the Euro 2008 quarter-final shootout against Italy, a victory that is seen as a turning point in Spain's international fortunes.

* Also played the ball through to Iniesta for his dramatic winning goal in last year's World Cup final.

* Played 212 League games for Arsenal scoring 35 goals and in total made 305 appearances, scoring 57 goals. He has played 58 times for Spain, scoring six goals.

* Through the summer months, for the third successive year, was linked with a move back to Barcelona, which was finally completed on August 15 when he signed a five-year deal with the European champions.

(Editing by Tom Pilcher)

 

[ballsathome]

Premier League: Manchester City 4 Swansea City 0

16 August 2011

​

Sergio Aguero made a stunning debut for his new club as Manchester City defeated Swansea City 4-0 in their English Premier League opener. Second-half substitute Aguero netted a brace while Edin Dzeko and David Silva were also among the goals as Roberto Mancini’s side highlighted their title credentials with a compelling display at Etihad Stadium on Monday.

Swansea made an encouraging start to life in the English top flight with spells of sustained possession in the first 10 minutes and a confidence which belied their newly promoted status. But City soon threatened as a corner from the right saw Silva test Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm with a fierce shot.

Spaniard Silva was not done testing the Dutchman, and with help from Adam Johnson, he opened his body to flick a left-footed shot high into the goal only for the crossbar to deny him. The openings kept coming for Mancini’s side. A surging run from Yaya Toure produced a shot which was pushed wide by Vorm, and from the subsequent corner, Silva again had an attempt on goal.

The final play of the first period saw the crossbar save Swansea once again, this time from a Gareth Barry shot. The waves of attack continued in the second half and when Johnson’s shot was parried by Vorm, Dzeko tapped home for a much deserved lead. Mancini introduced Aguero and the Argentine made an immediate mpact. His first touch of the ball brought an excellent save from Vorm, before an overlapping run on the right from Micah Richards set up a simple finish for the 23-year-old at the far post.

Better was to come as Aguero chased a seemingly dead ball to flick overhead and allow the other protagonist of the evening, Silva, to stroke home a quick-fire third to leave Brendan Rodgers’ side stunned. Aguero made yet another statement of intent in the closing stages, driving a 35-yard-strike into the Swansea goal to make it 4-0 and cap a memorable evening for the record signing from Atletico Madrid.

 

[ballsathome]

FA rule on Newcastle-Arsenal clash

16 August 2011

Arsenal and Newcastle have been charged with 'failing to control their players' in their English Premier League match on Saturday.

Both sets of players were involved in a confrontation after Newcastle's Joey Barton reacted angrily to what he felt was a dive from Arsenal debutant Gervinho in the 75th minute of the 0-0 draw.

The former Lille forward responded by striking his hand on Barton's face and was given his marching orders, while Barton received a yellow card. ​

An FA statement on Monday read: "Newcastle United and Arsenal have been charged by The FA with failing to control their players following Saturday's (August 13) fixture at St James' Park."

"Both clubs have been charged following a mass confrontation of players after an incident in which Arsenal's Gervinho was also shown a red card in the 75th minute."

Newcastle released a statement soon after saying they will deny the charges.

Having been already handed a yellow for his part in the scuffle, Barton has escaped further sanction from the FA.

But Arsenal's Alex Song was charged with violent conduct for stomping on the one-time England international earlier in the match.

The FA also confirmed that Arsenal had lodged an appeal against Gervinho's three-match ban, which the Londoners feel is 'clearly excessive'.

Both clubs have until Thursday to respond to the charge, while Song has until Tuesday.