Vermaelen to leave Arsenal this summer

Thomas Vermaelen will seek a fresh challenge after the World Cup. The former Gunner captain  is set to follow Bacary Sagna out of the Arsenal exit door this summer.

The Belgium national player wants to find a new challenge even he have still a year of contract left in The Emirates Stadium.

Manchester United and Napoli are the clubs that are looking to sign him.

He actually plays with Belgium at World Cup and a strong tournament could increase interest across Europe in Vermaelen and give him more options later in the summer.

If he leaves ARsenal after a 5 seasons spell at Emirates  ,Wenger will need to find a new Defender this summer.

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Carragher : Lambert is a good signing for Liverpool

The former Liverpool star believes he club's acquisition of Rickie Lambert will prove to be an astute piece of business.

Lambert ,  who is currently preparing for the upcoming World Cup, became Brendan Rodgers' first signing of the transfer window earlier this week, ending his successful five-year stint at Southampton.

The England international striker,a boyhood Liverpool fan, scored 13 Premier League goals last season and bolsters a forward line that already boasts Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, who scored over 50 league goals between them in 2013-14.

Former centre-back Carragher,thinks that Lambert will be a good compliment to Rodgers' attacking options.

"I think it's a very good signing," Carragher told Liverpool's official website.

"He's a local boy, a Liverpool fan, and it's probably been a dream for him.

"There'll be lots of games with Liverpool being involved in the Champions League, so he'll play his part and I'm sure he'll get some goals."

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Arsenal interested in Sami Khedira

Arsene Wenger will turn his attentions to Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira if he can’t persuade Barcelona to part with Cesc Fabregas.

The Arsenal boss has made Spanish international and former Gunners captain Fabregas his number one transfer target this summer, but has identified German Khedira as a possible alternative if a deal with Barcelona can’t be agreed.

Khehira, who missed most of this season with injury, has just one year remaining on his contract and could be available for as little as £15million this summer.

Carlo Ancelotti is understood to be a big fan of the 27-year-old but will consider selling the player if he can’t persuade him to sign a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Chelsea finds Varane as David Luis replacement

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for Real Madrid youngster Raphael Varane after agreeing the sale of David Luiz to Paris Saint-Germain.

Luiz is set to join the French champions after the Blues announced they had agreed a fee with PSG for the Brazilian, thought to be in excess of £40m.

And boss Jose Mourinho is now said to be keen to link up again with Varane, having signed him for Real in 2011 and lauding him as the ‘best young central defender in the world’ earlier this year.

The 21-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular first team place under Carlo Ancelotti this season, having been hampered with a series of knee injuries.

And Mourinho may see this as his chance to bring the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge.

But Chelsea will have to move quickly if they are to secure a deal before this summer’s World Cup, which starts in Brazil in less than three weeks, with Varane having been named in Didier Deschamps’ 23-man squad.

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Peter Cech set to sign PSG

PSG’s scouting network looks like it starts and finishes at Stamford Bridge with goalkeeper Petr Cech set to follow team mate David Luiz to France.

Brazilian Luiz is on the brink of a £40million switch to the French capital, with PSG manager Laurent Blanc also desperate to sign Blues midfielder Eden Hazard.

The moves are set to be sanctioned by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. Although Cech has been first-choice keeper for a decade, his departure will pave the way for Thibaut Courtois to become first-choice goalkeeper.

Mourinho is waiting to welcome Courtois back to the fold after the 22-year-old Belgian’s hugely-impressive season on loan at newly-crowned La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

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Fabregas : I prefer Arsenal over Manchester United

Arsenal are reportedly set to make a £35million bid for Cesc Fabregas after he told Arsene Wenger he wants to return to the club.

Fabregas’ days at Barcelona look increasingly numbered with new manager Luis Enrique not thought to be a fan of the pass-master.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for the 27-year-old, but reports now claim that he wants to return to Arsenal – and the Gunners are working on a £35million offer.

It’s not clear where he’d fit into Arsene Wenger’s plans, with Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey firmly established in the Arsenal engine room, but Fabregas is seen as a player who is too good to ignore.

Arsenal have the first option to sign him because of a buy-back clause which was inserted in his contact when he was sold to Barca.

It means that Arsenal get the first opportunity to sign the player, if Barca put him up for sale.

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Arsenal and Liverpool interested in signing Balotelli

Mario Balotelli is set to return to the Barclays Premier League next season with Arsenal and Liverpool likely destinations.

The AC Milan striker is sick of the racism he suffers in Italy and it is understood the former Manchester City star realises life in England was not so bad.

Arsenal are in talks with Real Madrid to sign Karim Benzema but will talk to Balotelli’s ‘people’.

Liverpool will move in for Balotelli if Luis Suarez is lured away to Real Madrid or Barcelona after the World Cup.

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Evra signs Manchester United extension

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

The left-back has been vocal in his uncertainty over his future but, the new manager Louis van Gaal was keen to retain the Frenchman's services.

The 33-year-old triggered a unilateral option to extend a contract worth over £6 million annually into a fourth season with his appearance record under the Dutchman's sacked predecessor, David Moyes.

Evra was a target for Serie A champions Juventus - with a two-year deal on offer - but has now opted to remain at Old Trafford.

Despite being keen to keep Evra at the club, manager Van Gaal has also approved United's attempt to sign Luke Shaw from Southampton and it is his intention to split left-back duties between the young England international and veteran Evra.

The former Monaco defender joined Manchester United in 2006 and has enjoyed a highly successful spell in England, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

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PSG signs David Luiz from Chelsea

Chelsea have confirmed they have agreed terms with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for defender David Luiz.

Luiz has made just 15 starts for the Blues this season after falling down the pecking order with John Terry and Gary Cahill, manager Jose Mourinho's preferred centre-back pairing.

The Brazilian is set to seal a sensational £40 million move to the French champions after the two clubs agreed a deal.

"Chelsea football club and Paris Saint-Germain have agreed terms for the transfer of David Luiz to the French club," said a statement on the club's website.

"The move is now subject to David Luiz agreeing personal terms with PSG and passing a medical examination."

Luiz joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2011 for a fee of £21.3 million and has gone on to win the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

However, Luiz has failed to become a regular under Mourinho and becomes another high-profile departure from west London, following Juan Mata who left for Manchester United in January for £37.1m.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are set to spend heavily this summer with Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa their top target, with the Blues having already agreed a £35m deal for the Spaniard.

Laurent Blanc's men had been expected to curb their spending after being sanctioned by Uefa for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.

PSG were fined €60m by the governing body and had their Champions League squad reduced to 21 players for next season.

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Liverpool eye Pedro transfer from Barcelona

Liverpool are lining up an audacious move for Spanish World Cup star Pedro.

The Reds have already made a discreet approach to his club Barcelona over the striker’s availability... and been told the 26-year-old IS available at the right price.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has made it clear he is ready to spend big on bringing a third world-class forward to Anfield to complement his devastating attacking duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

And Pedro - full name Pedro Eliezer Rodríguez Ledesma - fits the bill.

He is a World Cup and Euros winner with Spain, and is a proven finisher at the highest level with 14 goals in 37 games for his country.

The fact he is also versatile enough to operate all along the front line appeals to Rodgers, who would love to sign a forward who could play as an out and out striker, but also cut in from wide positions if Suarez or Strurridge play centrally.

Pedro has been told he can leave the Nou Camp, with Barca planning a massive shake-up this summer under newly-appointed coach Luis Enrique.

The evidence he needed that he is no longer wanted by the Catalans came on Wednesday when he, his some-time strike partner Alexis Sanchez and midfielder Cesc Fabregas were all missing from photos used in the launch of the new home kit.

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Man Utd agree deal for Toni Kroos

The Red Devils have been in talks with the Bundesliga champions over a suitable deal for the last two months, but David Moyes' sacking created an obstacle.

However, reports claim the deal has made significant progression after Louis Van Gaal formally replaced the Scot on Monday, with the 'principles of an agreement' now in place.

The Germany midfielder is approaching the final year of his contract and Bayern are looking to sell to avoid Kroos leaving on a free next summer.

And the Dutch boss is keen to make the 24-year-old one of his first signings as he looks to rebuild a broken United.

Van Gaal is understood to have a £200m budget to play with in the summer, with both the midfield and defence desperately in need of new talent.

Next season United will be without Nemanja Vidic (Inter Milan), Rio Ferdinand (free) and long-term attacker Ryan Giggs, who will take the position on Van Gaal's assistant manager.

Left-back Patrice Evra could also be on his way out of Old Trafford, with Luke Shaw reportedly close to signing as his replacement from Southampton.

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Liverpool close to signing Emre Can

Liverpool are nearing the signature of Emre Can according to reports in the German media.

Brendan Rodgers side are said to be close to reaching a deal worth up to €12m for the Germany U21 international who has made a positive impression in his debut season at Leverkusen.

The 20-year-old Can has scored four goals and provided as many assists this season after joining from Bayern Munich in the summer.

It is thought that he is one of a number of players Liverpool are keen to sign as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of next year's participation in the Champions League.

Can's arrival at Anfield would seem to signal the end of Lucas Leiva's Liverpool career, the Brazilian playing in a similar role to the youngster but also plagued by injuries in recent years.

Leiva has also stoked rumour of his departure with the following tweet after Liverpool's final game of the season: "Yesterday I finished my 7th season with Liverpool.

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Liverpool and Arsenal face transfer fight over Jordan Obita

Liverpool and Arsenal both want to sign Reading starlet Jordan Obita this summer.

England Under-19s left back Obita, 20, won rave reviews while making 36 appearances for the Championship side this past season and is on the radar of both the Premier League giants.

Liverpool have been tracking him for months, and the Gunners also see him as one for the future.

Reds' boss Brendan Rodgers has already gone on record as saying that improving the team's defensive options is key to maintaining a title challenge next season.

In the absence of injured Spanish left-back Jose Enrique, on-loan Aly Cissokho and even England right-back Glen Johnson were used in one of the team's problem positions.

Arsenal have Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal as left-backs, but are impressed by Obita's potential.

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Liverpool and Arsenal battling it out for Milner

The Gunners will hold talks with City this week as they prepare to lodge a £10m offer, according to reports.

But Liverpool want Milner too and are weighing up whether to lodge a firm bid for the England international.

Milner reportedly told City last month that he was frustrated with his fringe role at the club.

He has started less than half of City's game since moving from Aston Villa in 2010 - and just 12 of 38 this season.

City are under the pump to meet Uefa and Premier League home-grown player quotas and want Milner to sign a new four-year contract.

However, he would rather leave on a free when his current deal ends, at the end of next season, than pen an extension.

But interested suitors will want to move fast.

Milner is currently preparing for this summer's World Cup and Roy Hodgson has ordered all his Three Lions stars to nail down their futures before flying out to Miami on June 1.

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Eden Hazard is PSG's number one target

Paris Saint Germain are ready to rock Chelsea with a £50million bid for Eden Hazard this summer.

The moneybags, Qatari-owned club are understood to have made the PFA Young Player of the Year - Chelsea’s 17-goal top scorer this season - their “number one target”.

Although they do not have permission to talk to the Belgian star, it is understood sources close to the player have been made aware of the French champions’ interest.

PSG are also keen on defender David Luiz, a player that Chelsea are ready to cash in on at the right price, as they strengthen their squad ahead of next season’s Champions League.

Hazard’s future is understood to have been uncertain after he fell out with Blues boss Jose Mourinho in the wake of Chelsea’s Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid.

The former Lille winger appeared to question Mourinho’s tactics saying: “Chelsea are not made to play football.

“We are good on the counter-attack, a bit like Real against Bayern Munich. Often, I’m asked to do it all by myself and it’s not easy.”

Mourinho responded by claiming Hazard did not sacrifice himself enough for the team - a public observation that increased speculation that the pair had fallen out.

Hazard, however, has since been far more conciliatory, telling Chelsea magazine: “I prefer it when we speak like this, rather than saying things like: “He’s the best and he doesn’t need to work”.

“I try to play like I did when I was a young boy playing in my garden. I know maybe I have to do better in training or on the pitch.

“I want to score more and help the team score more goals and next season I hope we can be better. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not so good but I try to always make sure I give my best to help the team, even if I am not having the best game myself.”

Despite the humility in his words, however, the interest of PSG is now set to throw doubt over the future of Hazard at Chelsea.

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Guardiola chasing Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey

The Bundesliga club’s boss, Pep Guardiola, tried to sign Ramsey, 23, while in charge at Barcelona and has maintained an interest in the stylish Wales international.

Rambo has enjoyed a standout season, scoring 15 goals in 33 games for the Gunners – including one against Bayern’s rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

He was the driving force behind Arsenal’s fantastic start to the Premier League campaign but was injured in a win over West Ham on Boxing Day and was ruled out for three months.

Barcelona have also watched Ramsey in six games this season as the Spanish club start to assess how they will fill the gaps that will be left once Xavi, 34, and Andres Iniesta, 30, retire.

However, Ramsey feels a degree of loyalty to the Gunners because of the way they looked after him following the double leg fracture he sustained against Stoke in 2010.

Former Arsenal striker John Hartson said: “Ramsey will be linked with ten clubs in the summer but I can’t see him leaving Arsenal in the foreseeable future.

“He’s settled there and loves the club.”

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Van Gaal: Sir Alex Ferguson won't be a problem for me

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal does not believe the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson at the club will negatively influence his Old Trafford reign.

Questions were raised over the former United manager's continued involvement at the club during David Moyes's unsuccessful spell in charge.

But the current Netherlands coach is sure he will not face the same problems, claiming he is his own biggest critic.

“I don’t think he (Ferguson) is the biggest problem,” Van Gaal said. “I put more pressure on myself than others do.

“I’ll undoubtedly have a drink with Ferguson. We’ve done that before and we like each other.

“But nobody can put more pressure on myself than I do, so I do not expect any problem with Ferguson.”

The Dutchman also insisted he will be in charge of identifying transfer targets this summer, but will not play a role in negotiations to sign players.

Van Gaal added: “I say which players I want and which players can leave. But they (United) have to negotiate. I’ve never interfered with transfers.”

Van Gaal has been viewed by many as a short-term appointment by United, but the 62-year-old believes he can manage into his 70s, though he will leave all transfer negotiations to chief executive Ed Woodward.

“In three years I’ll be 65,” he added. “How old was Bobby Robson? In his 70s.

"[Giovanni] Trapattoni is still active, but I can’t see myself like that.”

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Eto'o hits out at 'puppet' Mourinho

Samuel Eto’o has reignited his war of words with Jose Mourinho, branding the Chelsea manager a “puppet” while insisting he remains capable of performing at the highest level.

Mourinho was caught on camera making disparaging remarks about the quality of the club's strikers at a sponsors' event in Switzerland in February, and suggested that Eto'o could be older than he claims to be.

The 33-year-old Cameroon international, who scored 14 times during what is likely to be a single season at Stamford Bridge, broke his silence on the matter last week - branding Mourinho a “fool” - and is refusing to let the matter lie.

Asked about the nature of his relationship with the Portuguese coach, Eto’o told Cafonline: "Contrary to what a puppet says about my age, I am still physically fit. At 33, I feel really good. I have proven that I can do better than the younger players.

"And I wish to also say that I am not going to the United States or to the Middle East. I will continue at the top level. I will continue to play the Champions League. My romance with this competition is far from over.

"I will not tell you where, but I will be at the top level. I am 33 and I have two World Cups to play. There are other players who went on until the age of 41 so there is no reason why I cannot continue."

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Arsenal wishlist for this summer transfermarket

Nine players Arsène Wenger will splash £100 million on in the summer transfer window.

Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen)
Age: 25
The German international (right, closing in on Adam Lallana), who has scored four goals in his 17 appearances for his country, has been a long-term Arsenal target. The midfielder's twin brother, Sven, plays for Borussia Dortmund.

Javi Martínez (Bayern Munich)
Age: 25
A defensive midfielder or centre back, the Spaniard (right) has 15 caps for his country and is highly rated in his homeland, though Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has used Martínez sparingly this season.

Wilfried Bony (Swansea)
Age: 25
A fantastic first season for Swansea, following a switch from Dutch club Vitesse, has raised the eyebrows of many. The Côte d'Ivoire striker, who has eight goals in 23 internationals, has been able to find the back of the net 16 times for the South Wales club.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Age: 26
Another player who Wenger has long admired. The French striker, who has netted 19 goals in 65 internationals for Les Bleus, has been at Real Madrid since 2009 and has become a key player there. But Arsenal think they might be able to tempt him to leave the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Mario Mandžukić (Bayern Munich)
Age: 27
A star performer for Croatia (he has scored 13 times in 48 appearances), the former VfL Wolfsburg striker has failed to wholly convince Pep Guardiola of his undoubted talents. Wenger spies a player he could revitalise.

Calum Chambers (Southampton)
Age: 19
An England Under-19 international, the teenage right back has already made over 20 first-team appearances for Southampton, where he came through the academy.

Serge Aurier (Toulouse)
Age: 21
The right back (right), who signed for Toulouse from Lens in 2012, could be a replacement for Bacary Sanga, if he leaves Arsenal this summer. Aurier has seven caps for Côte d'Ivoire.

Julian Draxler (Schalke 04)
Age: 20
An attacking midfielder who has been on Wenger's radar for some time, the 20-year-old has 11 caps for Germany and is the star man at his club, Schalke 04.

James Milner (Manchester City)
Age: 28
The talented and committed winger may be open to a move away from the Etihad, having been used sparingly by the Premier League champions. With 45 caps for England he could feature at the World Cup and his price might rise, which Wenger will be wary of.

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Real Madrid and Monaco lead race for Cole

Ashley Cole will consider lucrative offers from Monaco and Real Madrid this summer as he prepares to leave Chelsea after eight years.

Cole has already received approaches from eight other clubs, from the Premier League and overseas, and Monaco are set to compete with Real Madrid in a wages war to secure the former England international on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old has not completely dismissed the prospect of staying at Chelsea, with his contract expiring at Stamford Bridge at the end of next month, though the chances of him staying are thought to be remote.

Chelsea are offering only a 12-month deal on reduced terms so it seems more likely that Cole will pursue one final move before bringing down the curtain on his career, with Monaco understood to be keen on offering him a fresh start in France.

The super-rich Ligue 1 club, who are searching for a new head coach after former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri’s departure on Tuesday, are interested in Cole and will offer a mammoth tax-free salary. Backed by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, Monaco could conceivably offer even better wages than Madrid.

Liverpool and Manchester City have also made tentative inquiries about the defender while Inter Milan could also come into the equation.

Cole has gone away on holiday in California to decide his next move but has made it clear that playing in the Major League Soccer in America is not an option.

He is still convinced he can perform at the highest level and the chase to sign the free agent is likely to intensify over this summer.

Last season proved frustrating for Cole, after losing his place to Cesar Azpilicueta and making only 15 Premier League starts under Jose Mourinho, but he will be highly sought after and could seek a two-year deal.

He tweeted: “Now I’ll be looking for another journey in my life. I hope it can be like my others, full of fun and of course win something.

“I am weighing up my options for playing next season with my agent. Sadly, it does not look like Chelsea will be one of them.” Cole announced his retirement from international football last week after he was told he would not be included in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the World Cup.

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