Tottenham transfer target Leandro Damiao has insisted he is happy to remain at Internacional but admitted to being flattered by the interest Spurs have shown in him.
The Brazilian international has been linked with a move to the Premier League over the past couple of years, with Tottenham favourites to win his signature.
Spurs’ latest attempt to try and land Damiao came on the final day of the January transfer window, but a £18m bid did not meet Internacional’s valuation of the striker, who has said he is happy to stay in Brazil.
“I certainly thank Tottenham for their interest,” the 23-year-old told Correio do Povo. “They are a big club in Europe, but my focus is on Inter.
“(Internacional’s) president Giovanni Luigi knows I always wanted to stay at Internacional, regardless of any offers that could come.
“I hope to help Inter for a long time, I have a long contract and I am very happy and focused.”
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Tottenham are now struggling for options up front after Jermain Defoe went off injured against West Brom on Sunday.
Newcastle fans are lauding Rafael Benitez again, as one important statistic shows exactly why he set up so negatively against the big boys this season.
It’s been a common criticism of bottom half teams in recent years. All too often they play the “big six” and set up with eleven men behind the ball, just waiting for the final whistle to blow with the score at 0-0.
Rafa Benitez seemed to come under particularly intense criticism this season, especially in the Magpies’ narrow defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool.
Newcastle are having the last laugh now though, as they have the best goal difference in the bottom half of the table, which could have proved vital to survival had results not gone their way in recent weeks.
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The difference between many other managers and Benitez is they often don’t make any effort to win the match, whereas Benitez clearly has a deliberate plan to steal three points – make 75 minutes as boring as possible, then make a game of it in the last 15 minutes.
This approach was particularly evident in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City in December, when Newcastle could have easily grabbed a goal or two in the closing stages.
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Benitez was heavily criticised for setting up so negatively in that match, and now the Toon Army are enjoying saying “I told you so”, as Newcastle are the only team in the bottom half with a goal difference better than -10.
Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…
It’s hard to dislike Santi Cazorla. The little Spaniard is a magician on the ball, hard working off it, can score goals and looks like a lovable woodland creature in a Disney film. But the classy ‘No. 10’ may not be around for much longer, with Atletico Madrid thought to have all but agreed a move for the pass-master.
The proposed swoop would not kick in until this summer and has not yet been agreed with the Gunners, but we think that, despite Santi’s quality, selling could make sense… and here are FIVE reasons why.
The wrong side of 30…
30 is not really old in the grand scheme of things, but for an attack-minded footballer, anywhere north of this milestone is seen as ‘end of career territory’. Cazorla has been excellent since the turn of 2015, but by the time 2016 rolls around he’ll be 31, and that burst of pace he has over 10 yards now may be slightly reduced, which is vital in the final third. So, getting rid now makes sense for Arsenal.
Take the money and run
Although a fee is likely to be a reduced one, with Santi set to enter the last year of his contract this summer, any income is worthwhile. The Spaniard, 30, will hold very little value if the club look to keep him, with the potential for a free transfer lingering in the background. A fee for Atletico Madrid to pay is, as of yet, unknown, but income is income…
Plenty of other options
With Arsene Wenger’s love of the ‘No. 10’ player, Arsenal have a fair few options for the line of three behind the striker. From pacey wide-men such as Theo Walcott and inside strikers like Danny Welbeck right trough to classy playmakers of Mesut Ozil’s quality and more defensively adept stars in the mould of Aaron Ramsey, the Frenchman has a wealth of options for almost any set of circumstances. Although Cazorla is a top class player, his exit will not cause a seismic shift, nor will it leave Wenger particularly light.
Blocking young players
With Arsenal possessing a good reputation when it comes to bringing youngster through, it comes as little surprise that a number of emerging players are on the edge of the starting XI. Videos over the weekend showed the crazy skills of Chris Willock, while Gedion Zelalem is an option in the attacking midfield line. Alternatively the chance to allow Ramsey to step forward may allow young January addition Krystian Bielik to get some game time.
Chris Willock doing dirty things vs Milan: pic.twitter.com/Np2pSVauPZ
— Danskin (@danskin1886) February 15, 2015
Midfield re-shuffle needed
Even though Arsenal have been impressive in 2015, there is still the feeling that the Gunners’ midfield lacks a little balance. While flair players in the final third can unlock defences, the Londoners lack a true presence in the middle of the park, with Wenger, perhaps, a slave to the sheer level of attacking talent he has. Axing Santi to free up space for an enforcer may make some sense then, and could be an option.
West Brom defender Billy Jones believes fans of the club must back under-fire captain Chris Brunt.
The midfielder has been struggling form of late, and was the subject of ironic cheers as he was subbed during the Baggies’ recent defeat to Fulham.
Jones feels that his team-mate is getting undeserved treatment and urged supporters to get behind the 28-year-old:
“I don’t understand why they did that. You can tell that Brunty, the same as a lot of us, misplaced some passes, but the effort was still there.” He is quoted by The Mirror.
“He was challenging and working hard. It was one of those days for us -individually and as a team, we know that and we’ll learn from that.
“But Brunty’s a great player, he has been in the past and still is now. He’s a massive part of the starting 11 and the squad.”
West Brom were also booed off of the pitch during their defeat to the Cottagers and Jones feels that they are becoming victims of their early season success:
“The expectations we’ve put on ourselves, and the performances we’ve given in front of the home crowd, means they expect that.
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“We expect high standards from ourselves, but against Fulham it wasn’t a good performance.
“Yes, there were misplaced passes and mistimed tackles, but all the lads gave it a right good go.”
As reported by French outlet Le Dauphine Libere, the agent of Arsenal transfer target Nabil Fekir has opened the door on a potential exit from French club Lyon this summer.
What’s the story?
The upcoming transfer window is likely to be one of transition for the Gunners after another underwhelming season under Arsene Wenger. Whether the Frenchman is still in charge or not, fans are expecting the club to be busy in the transfer market, bringing talent to the club that can help them compete for major honours.
One player that could end up at the Emirates is Lyon attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir.
He’s been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent months, and now his agent has spoken about his potential departure from the club, believing it’s something they will inevitably discuss with Lyon.
As quoted by Le Dauphine Libere, Jean-Pierre Bernes said:
If at the end of the season, and this is not the case today, there was a decision to be made, then we would sit down with President Aulas and we would find the right solution.
Respecting first and foremost Lyon. At home, we do not leave like a savage or after a showdown. Nabil is in a big French club if not the biggest.
You know very well that at some point, we may be able to ask questions about a departure. The decision will be taken in all intelligence, as professionals, and especially in the interests of all parties.
It certainly sounds as if he and his client will be seeking bigger and better things than Lyon in the future, even if they are not willing to hold the Ligue 1 club to ransom.
Is he the right fit for Arsenal?
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How good is he?
Rated at £45m by Transfermarkt, Fekir has been a sensation for the French side this season, scoring an incredible 21 goals in all competitions from attacking midfield, also creating six assists.
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That kind of contribution could revitalise the Arsenal front four, with his clinical nature likely enhanced further by creative talents like Henrik Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil.
As good as that duo are behind strikers, they are more focused on creating rather than finishing moves off and adding a ruthless goalscorer to attacking midfielder could be a game changer for the Gunners.
At just 24 years of age, he has enormous potential and Arsenal should ensure they are the front of the queue to sign him when he does decide it’s time to leave Lyon.
Everton are tracking Brazilian left-back Fernando Marcal with a view to a possible January move, according to the player’s agent.
The news will increase speculation about the future of Toffees full-back and star performer this season, Leighton Baines, who is being linked with a transfer away from Goodison Park in the summer.
Despite having Bryan Oviedo on the books, Everton boss David Moyes appears keen to boost his defensive options and has sent scouts to watch Marcal feature for Portuguese club Nacional.
Nacional, who are currently 14th in Portugal’s top division, are yet to receive any offers for the 23-year-old but his agent Lee Payne has confirmed the Toffees have registered an early interest in the player.
However, he warned Everton are one of several clubs to have watched the defender in action and they are likely to face stiff competition for his signature.
“We know Everton have watched him, that is true,” Payne told Sky Sports. “But Fernando has been playing very well and a number of clubs are following his progress.
“As far as we are aware no bids have been made but we know a number of clubs have him on their list and it would not be a shock if someone did push ahead with something this month.
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“But Fernando is happy and settled and so if he does not move in January that is no issue at all.”
The Sao Paolo born Marcal has made 26 appearances for Nacional since joining last January. His current deal runs until summer 2015.
A few eyebrows were certainly raised when Danny Welbeck was included in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.
While the Arsenal forward’s goalscoring record at international level – 15 goals in 36 games – is tough to dispute, a whopping 18 English players have scored more times than him in the Premier League this season, including Glenn Murray, Troy Deeney and Callum Wilson who were all left out of the 27-man squad.
But Welbeck timed his defiance of critics perfectly on Thursday night, just hours after Southgate’s squad announcement, with a match-winning brace in the second leg of Arsenal’s Europa League clash against AC Milan to book the north London outfit a place in the quarter-finals – albeit under somewhat dubious circumstances having converted a penalty that he won himself with what replays confirmed to be the most exaggeration of falls to the floor.
Welbeck – who also impressed in the first leg – completed his brace in the closing stages, heading home a rebound from point-blank range. But more than just his goals though, the 27-year-old offered the Gunners a clear focal point in attack that allowed them to dominate the visitors for long periods; he tellingly won four aerial duels, created two chances and completed 81% of his passes, demonstrating his ability to bring others into the same in advantageous positions.
Of course, that side to Welbeck’s game has never been the concern. He’s always provided to energy, physicality and industriousness in the final third to help move the team up the pitch and create opportunities for others.
But when the former Manchester United youngster – who Transfermarkt value at £13.5million – adds goals to that kind of service too, it’s easy to see why Southgate has retained faith in him despite a modest season at domestic level, especially with Harry Kane absent for the coming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy.
And it’s good news for Arsenal too. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cup-tied, it will be down to Welbeck and Alexandre Lacazette – who is coming to the end of his injury spell – to find the goals in the Europa League that can secure the Gunners Champions League football for next season.
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So, Arsenal fans, who do you see as the club’s best strike option in Europe’s second-string tournament? Let us know by voting below…
Arsene Wenger has hinted that he will not be bringing anybody to Arsenal in January as long as Laurent Koscielny recovers from his injury woes.
The Gunners have been linked with a host of players in recent months, and Aaron Ramsey’s latest fitness blow has served to accelerate talk that the Frenchman will be forced to bring in a few new names next month.
A series of injury issues have depleted Wenger’s squad already this season, which has contributed with their 13-point gulf from the top of the Premier league table, with big names such as Jack Wilshere, Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott, as well as Koscielny – who will miss the Newcastle game on Saturday – all having been absent for large spells.
WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Latest transfer news
Even though the north London boss has previously hinted that a new centre-back is a priority, he’s now revealed that he is not desperate to do business if his star defender can shake off his problems:
“If everybody is fit and available, we don’t need to go on the transfer market. But we have to consider that there could be a question mark with Koscielny’s fitness and we have to go out on the transfer market.” He is quoted by the London Evening Standard.
“He has a calf strain, that might be linked with the fact he has maybe overprotected his Achilles, I don’t know. [The inflammation] has not gone completely but on one side it has gone, on the other side not completely. If he did not have a calf strain he could play with his Achilles.
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“There will be very little activity, because all the big clubs want to keep their players, and it will be as usual quiet in the first three weeks and a bit frenetic in the last three or four days.”
Manchester City lost major ground in the title race after losing at Sunderland watching local rivals Manchester United sneak past Newcastle in a seven goal thriller at Old Trafford. QPR returned to the bottom of the Premier League after losing at home to West Brom and Chelsea continued their fine run under Rafa Benitez
Manchester United 4-3 Newcastle United
Javier Hernandez’s 90th minute goal settled a seven goal thriller United came from behind three times to beat Newcastle. James Perch gave the Magpies a shock third minute lead when capitalising on a spill from David De Gea to tap home but Jonny Evans scored in similar circumstances at the other end to equalise in the 25th minute. Evans then put through his own net in controversial circumstances as the away side took their lead into half time.
But just before the hour Patrice Evra drove home from the edge of the box to peg Newcastle back again. Parity didn’t last long as Alan Pardew’s men took the lead for a third time courtesy of Papiss Cisse’s thumping effort from Gabriel Obertan’s cutback. But United aren’t top of the table for no reason and after Robin Van Persie fired home to make it 3-3 with 19 minutes to go, Hernandez popped up sweep home from six-yards to earn a vital three points.
Everton 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Everton survived a late scare to beat Wigan at Goodison Park and intensify their push for a Champions League spot. The Toffees stretched their unbeaten run to seven matches and took the lead just after half time when Leon Osman’s long range strike flicked off Gary Caldwell and looped over Ali Al-Habsi. The win was all but wrapped up when Phil Neville, playing his 500th Premier League game, crossed for Phil Jagielka to head home with 13 minutes to go, before Arouna Kone bundled the ball into the net to set up a tense finale.
Fulham 1-1 Southampton
Rickie Lambert’s late penalty salvaged an important point for Southampton and deny Fulham a crucial win. After losing 4-0 to Liverpool on Sunday the Cottagers were straight out of the traps and broke the deadlock with only minutes on the clock. Sascha Riether’s cross wasn’t dealt with by Kelvin Davis and Dimitar Berbatov accepted the invitation to notch his sixth of the season before being booked for revealing a t-shirt saying ‘keep calm and pass to me’ as he celebrated. But the Saints are made of sterner stuff nowadays and when Chris Baird handled in the penalty area five minutes from time, Lambert stepped up to bury his spot kick and keep his side out of the bottom three.
Norwich 0-1 Chelsea
Juan Mata scored the only goal maintained Chelsea’s fine run under Rafael Benitez and consigned Norwich to a second consecutive defeat. After smashing eight past Aston Villa on Sunday the Blues could only managed to find the net once at Carrow Road but it was a veritable peach from Mata. Oscar created it, wriggling away from two Norwich players, finding the Spaniard 20-yards from goal and his rasping 20-yard drive beat Bunn to chalk up a third league win in a row for Benitez.
QPR 1-2 West Brom
Harry Redknapp’s salvage job at QPR got even harder on Boxing Day as they returned to the foot of the table after losing to West Brom at Loftus Road. Despite kick off being delayed by 15 minutes due to the Baggies coach hitting Boxing Day traffic Chris Brunt gave them a deserved lead on the half hour with a delicious 30-yard drive, before Rangers keeper Robert Green palmed the ball into his own net from Brunt’s corner four minutes into the second half. Djibril Cisse offered some hope of comeback when he cooly lifted the ball over Ben Foster with 22 minutes left but the visitors held on to remain sixth and within earshot of a Champions League spot.
Reading 0-0 Swansea City
A point was enough to lift Reading off the bottom as they nipped a run of seven straight defeats in the bud by drawing with Swansea at the Madjeski Stadium. The Royals had an effort ruled out in the 74th minute when Adam Le Fondre was adjudged to have handled the ball while Chico Flores’ goal line clearance secured a point. Swansea’s best chance of the game came when he took advantage of a poor chest back to his goalkeeper by Chris Gunter but the 13 goal Spaniard could only lift his effort over from six-yards. He limped off late in the game to give manager Michael Laudrup a major injury concern.
Sunderland 1-0 Manchester City
Adam Johnson scored the only goal at the Stadium of Light against former club Manchester City to hand Sunderland a third win in four games to move them clear of the relegation zone. Just under a year after Ji Dong Won’s last minute winner earned the Black Cats a surprise victory against the eventual Premier League champions, Johnson was the match winner on this occasion. The England winger’s left footed strike somehow found its way past Joe Hart in the City goal as the visitors protested that it shouldn’t have stood after Craig Gardner fouled Pablo Zabaleta int he build-up. But, despite their best efforts, the Robert Mancini’s men couldn’t force an equaliser and now have a seven point mountain to climb if they’re to peg back United at the top of the tree.
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Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham Hotspur
Gareth Bale struck a second half hat-trick as Tottenham showed no mercy on Aston Villa to regain fourth place in the table. After conceding eight without reply at Chelsea on Sunday manager Paul Lambert expected a mean response from his players but they were powerless to resist Bale and Spurs as they ran riot at Villa Park. It as actually Jermain Defoe who opened the scoring just before the hour, beating Brad Guzan with the outside of his boot after being picked out by Kyle Naughton. It then turned into the Bale show as he put the finishing touches to a rapid counter attack in the 61st minute to round Guzan and flick the ball home. The Wales winger doubled his personal tally 12 minutes later with a sharp finish before completed the scoring six minutes from time, hammering home a cross from Gylfi Sigurdsson to record his first top-flight treble.
Stoke City 3-1 Liverpool
Stokes unbeaten run now stands at nine games after they came from behind to beat Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium and move to within five points of the top four. A frantic opening first quarter hour saw Steven Gerrard open the scoring from the penalty spot in the third minute after Ryan Shawcross fouled Luis Suarez. John Walters restored parity within two minutes, beating Pepe Reina with a powerful strike after a slip from Martin Skrtel opened the chance up to the Potters striker. The Reds couldn’t cope with their trademark aerial power and Kenwyne Jones took full advantage to power home a header from Glenn Whelan’s 12th minute corner. And just after the break Walters applied the seal with a spectacular volley that left Reina clutching at air.