Tag: France

11Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Tuchel confirms Chelsea tried to sign Kounde before transfer window closed

The Blues ultimately fell short in their pursuit of Sevilla's France international, but did sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his side aimed to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde prior to the close of the summer transfer window. The Blues ultimately failed to prise the 22-year-old away from Sevilla, with the Liga side holding on to their highly-rated France international. Chelsea did manage one deadline-day addition from Spain, signing Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid on loan.

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9Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

French league hits out at ‘outrageous’ Tebas comments on Messi and PSG

  The Liga boss suggested that Paris Saint-Germain's acquisition of the veteran meant Ligue 1 risked becoming a veterans' league The French Professional League (LFP) has slammed Javier Tebas' recent comments about the division, describing the La Liga chief's criticisms as "outrageous." Tebas spoke out after Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain on free transfers this summer. His suggestion that state-owned clubs like PSG were "as much enemies as the Super League" and that Ligue 1 was becoming a retirement home for veteran stars did not go down well with his counterparts in France.  

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4Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘It was a dark moment’ – Fekir explains why Liverpool transfer fell through at last minute

  The Real Betis attacker, then at Lyon, was at the centre of a protracted transfer saga as he saw a switch to Anfield collapse Nabil Fekir has opened up on his failed move to Liverpool three years ago, with the World Cup winner revealing that it was issues with his agent rather than an injury that doomed a switch from Lyon. The Real Betis attacker was at the centre of a protracted transfer saga, with the Reds attempting to pry him away from Lyon in 2018. The hopes of the France international, victorious at the World Cup that summer, were apparently scuppered by a medical issue with the deal all but done - but now Fekir says that it was his management that sunk the swap in the end.

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3Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Messi backed to ‘win the Champions League with PSG and retire at Barcelona’ as Riquelme makes bold prediction

Another iconic Argentine playmaker believes an illustrious fellow countryman could retrace steps to Camp Nou before hanging up his boots Lionel Messi is being backed to "win the Champions League with PSG and retire at Barcelona", with Juan Roman Riquelme suggesting that a fellow Argentine may not have ended his love affair with La Liga giants. A six-time Ballon d'Or winner severed career-long ties with Barca this summer after seeing financial difficulties at Camp Nou make it impossible for him to be tied to a new contract. An all-time great is now making a fresh start in France, as part of another star-studded squad, and Riquelme can see an illustrious countryman claiming more silverware at Parc des Princes before retracing his steps to Catalunya.       &n...

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2Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

AC Milan striker Giroud tests positive for Covid-19

The World Cup-winning France international striker has not been in contact with any other member of the Rossoneri squad AC Milan have revealed Olivier Giroud has tested positive for Covid-19, with the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker now in self-isolation. The World Cup-winning frontman is a new arrival following a summer switch to San Siro from Stamford Bridge. Early progress is about to be stunted, with the 34-year-old being forced onto the sidelines.

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2Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Benzema makes Mbappe transfer admission as Real Madrid remain keen on PSG superstar

The France international striker already on the books at Santiago Bernabeu expects to be joined by his fellow countryman at some stage Karim Benzema expects Kylian Mbappe to become a Real Madrid player "one day or another", with the Blancos retaining long-standing interest in the Paris Saint-Germain forward. Efforts were made late in the summer transfer window to get the World Cup winner onto the books at Santiago Bernabeu, with Goal able to confirm that a €220 million (£189m/$260m) offer was tabled. No deal was done, meaning Mbappe continues to run down the final year of his contract at Parc des Princes but Benzema believes it is only a matter of time before the 22-year-old swaps life in the French capital for the Spanish equivalent.

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1Sep By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Real Madrid sign Camavinga in €40m, six-year deal from Rennes

The France international makes the swap to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in a move that sees him contracted to Los Blancos through to 2027 Real Madrid have confirmed the capture of Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga on a six-year deal worth €40 million (£34m/$47m) including add-ons. The France international makes the swap from Roazhon Park to the Santiago Bernabeu in a move that sees him contracted to Los Blancos through to 2027. His move comes in the wake of Madrid's failed attempts to purchase Kylian Mbappe from Rennes' Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain, with the forward set to remain at Parc des Princes this year.

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31Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Real Madrid in advanced talks with Rennes for €30m Camavinga transfer

The France international has been linked with a move all summer and a deal could finally be agreed just before the deadline Real Madrid are in advanced talks with Rennes over a €30 million (£26m/$35m) deal for highly-rated teenage midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, Goal understands. Los Blancos have turned their attentions to sealing a late move for the 18-year-old after pulling out of negotiations for PSG striker Kylian Mbappe. The midfielder is now set to have a medical before sealing a deadline day transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu on a five-year deal.

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29Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

2022 World Cup qualifiers: Nantes ace Simon arrives in Nigeria for Liberia & Cape Verde games

The France-based winger has arrived in the country for next month’s fixtures against the Lone Star and Blue Sharks Nantes’ Moses Simon has arrived in Nigeria for September’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde. The France-based forward is among the 30 players coach Gernot Rohr called up for the crucial encounters against the Lone Star and Blue Sharks. Goal gathered through a close source to Simon that the former Gent and Levante star landed in Abuja on Sunday morning and is expected to touch down in Lagos where the rest of his teammates will assemble. The 26-year-old was in action from start to finish as Nantes bowed 1-0 at home to Olympique Lyon in Friday’s French top-flight encounter at the Stade de la Beaujoire - Louis Fonteneau.  

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27Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

PSG make contact with Richarlison over transfer as possible Mbappe replacement

The Ligue 1 heavyweights will meet with the Toffees star's representatives over the chance of him replacing the France superstar at Parc des Princes Paris Saint-Germain have made contact with Richarlison's agents over a potential move for the Everton forward in case Kylian Mbappe is ultimately sold to Real Madrid this transfer window, Goal understands. The Ligue 1 heavyweights have fended off an initial offer and seen a second from Los Blancos now for the France international, who has indicated a desire to move on to Santiago Bernabeu. The loss of the forward would leave a gaping hole in Mauricio Pochettino's arsenal, despite the arrival of Lionel Messi this summer, and now the club look to have identified their first-choice replacement should they opt to cash in on Mbappe.

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27Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Tottenham confirm Sarr transfer from Metz as Sissoko departs for Watford

Spurs have seen their dogged pursuit of the teenage Senegal international pay off, while the France international is headed to the Hornets Tottenham have announced the long-term capture of Metz defensive midfielder Pape Matar Sarr while confirming the exit of Moussa Sissoko to Watford. Spurs have seen their dogged pursuit of the teenage Senegal international pay off, with the 18-year-old their fourth recruit of the summer. Sarr will remain with Metz on loan for the rest of the 2021-22 campaign, while France international Sissoko will make the short move to Vicarage Road after a five-year stay with the Lilywhites.

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27Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Bakayoko set for two-year AC Milan loan as Chelsea star gears up for new contract

The France international has found himself frozen out of contention in west London and is heading back for a second loan spell with the Rossoneri Chelsea and AC Milan have struck a deal that will see Tiemoue Bakayoko move to San Siro,  Goal  can confirm. The midfielder has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge since his arrival from Monaco, but did impress during a loan spell with AC Milan. And he will now return to Serie A on an initial loan move that could become permanent further down the line.  

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24Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea agree deal to sell Zouma to Premier League rivals

Chelsea have agreed a £25.6 million deal to sell Kurt Zouma to West Ham, according to reports in France, according to RMC. Zouma is standing in the way of Chelsea completing the signing of Jules Kounde from. Zouma prefers to join a club in the Premier League with both Tottenham and West Ham showing interest. However, the Hammers seem to have won the race and are currently on.the verge of finalising a deal for the Frenchman after a breakthrough in talks. RMC Sport and Telefoot, report that both clubs have agreed and signed the deal while the player’s personal terms are close to being finalised. The Frenchman is set to sign a five-year contract with West Ham. This is after the Hammers had initially refused to meet Zouma’s £120,000-a-week wage demand. But Chelsea and the clu...

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22Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Pogba will not be sold by Man Utd – Solskjaer

The midfielder has less than a year left on his contract but the club are trying to persuade him to sign an extension Paul Pogba will not leave Manchester United in the current transfer window, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists. The midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford as Paris Saint-Germain are reported to want the France international. Pogba is in the last year of his contract with United and Solskjaer said in July that the club were in talks to tie him to a new deal.

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21Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Depay opens up on Man Utd nightmare that left Pogba & Ibrahimovic puzzled

  The Dutch forward endured a tough time at Old Trafford, with confused team-mates asking why Jose Mourinho froze him out Memphis Depay is back in the big time at Barcelona, having left Lyon as a free agent this summer to head for Camp Nou, and the Dutch forward is looking to prove himself at the highest level following a forgettable stint at Manchester United between 2015 and 2017. The Netherlands international was taken to Old Trafford by fellow countryman Louis van Gaal in a £25 million ($34m) deal, but struggled to unlock his full potential in England and eventually headed to France after being frozen out by Jose Mourinho. His snubbing by a Portuguese coach left many team-mates confused, including Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with a confident character left with ...

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17Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Lifestyle

Ex-Minister of State for Defence, Demola Seriki’s daughter, Alimah, gets engaged to Politician, Makinde Araoye

Alimah, one of the daughters of former Minister of State for Defence and current Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Demola Seriki, is engaged. She got engaged to her man, Makinde Araoye, in France, over the weekend. Araoye is currently the Special Adviser on Federal Matters to the Ekiti State Government. Alimah is the daughter of socialite, Wosilat Okoya, sister of billionaire businessman, Rasaq Okoya. Congrats to the couple. See more photos from their engagement below..

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16Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Pogba can do five or six assists in one game’ – Fernandes expects even more from Man Utd team-mate

The Red Devils midfielder benefited from a four-assist showing by the France international against Leeds and claims he could smash records Paul Pogba registered four assists for Manchester United in their 5-1 mauling of Leeds, but Bruno Fernandes claims the World Cup winner is capable of contributing "five or six in one game". Nobody has scaled such record-breaking heights in the Premier League before, but the talented 28-year-old has laid down an early marker to the rest of the English top flight regarding his intentions for 2021-22. Pogba was unplayable at times against Leeds, as he pulled the strings that allowed hat-trick hero Fernandes to run riot at Old Trafford, and there is the promise of more to come from a player that continues to star against a backdrop of intense specu...

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15Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Varane’s Man Utd transfer will benefit everyone at Old Trafford, says Maguire

The Man Utd captain believes the competition for places following the Frenchman's arrival will force players to improve. Harry Maguire said Raphael Varane’s arrival at Manchester United has lifted the squad as he warns every player needs to be ready to fight for their place. The France international’s transfer from Real Madrid was completed on Saturday and he was officially unveiled on the pitch ahead of United’s first game of the season against Leeds. It is expected the 28-year-old will partner Maguire in the heart of United’s defence and the club captain believes Varane's arrival will encourage all at the club to raise their game.

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15Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

PSG: Lionel Messi stops David Luiz from Joining Ligue 1 club

Brazilian defender, David Luiz, has revealed how Lionel Messi’s recent move to Paris Saint-Germain stopped him(Luiz)from returning to Ligue 1. The 36-year-old become a free agent this summer and had the opportunity to return to France but turned it down. He left English Premier League side Arsenal this summer and remains a free agent. The former PSG star, however, admitted to snubbing interest from Ligue 1 because “Lionel Messi is a nightmare” and it is “better not to play against him”. Messi joined PSG last week after his 21-year stay at Barcelona came to a sudden end. Quizzed by the Daily Mail on his decision not to head back to Ligue 1, Luiz said: “Messi is a nightmare, it is better not to play against him!”

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14Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

‘Ronaldo would be dying to be here’ – Di Maria says Messi deal is ‘much better’ for PSG

The Argentina international who has played alongside two all-time greats is delighted to have his fellow countryman with him in France Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel Di Maria claims "Cristiano Ronaldo would be dying to be here", with the Portuguese superstar among those watching from afar as the Ligue 1 giants pulled off the considerable coup of signing Lionel Messi. One all-time great has arrived in the French capital, with six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi committing to a two-year deal at Parc des Princes after seeing Barcelona fail to agree a new contract amid serious financial difficulties at Camp Nou. PSG had previously been linked with Ronaldo as he enters the final year of his terms at Juventus, but the iconic 36-year-old has, for now, missed out on the chance to join force...

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13Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Lacazette agent responds to Roma transfer rumours with move mooted for Arsenal striker

The experienced France international has seen a switch to Serie A giants speculated upon, but no talks have been held as yet The agent of Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette claims to have had no contact with Roma as speculation continues to link his client with a move to Serie A. The France international striker has seen his future in north London speculated upon for some time, with an expiring contract ticking the rumour mill into overdrive. Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, now in charge at Stadio Olimpico, is said to be keen on doing a deal for Lacazette but no formal approach has been made from the Italian capital.

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13Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘He reminds me of myself, which is why I like him!’ – Coman jokes about why Bayern Munich starlet Musiala is so good

A France international winger at the Allianz Arena is looking forward to seeing further potential unlocked in a teenage colleague Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman is excited by the potential in Jamal Musiala's game and has joked that the 18-year-old midfielder is destined for the top because he boasts similar attributes to himself. A France international with a Champions League-winning goal to his name burst onto the scene as a teenage talent at Paris Saint-Germain and now boasts title triumphs in France, Italy and Germany. Musiala is looking to tread a similar path, having made a senior breakthrough for Bayern and Germany in 2020-21, and he is being tipped to become a modern-day superstar by an experienced colleague at the Allianz Arena.

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13Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga speaks on Messi’s departure from Barcelona affecting TV rights

The President of LaLiga, Javier Tebas, has insisted that Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona will not affect TV rights. Messi arrived in France to sign for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent this week. The 34-year-old was welcomed by a massive crowd from the airport to the club’s facilities in Paris. Many observers have suggested that TV numbers will drop for LaLiga, just as Ligue 1 numbers are expected to rise as a result of the Messi factor. Tebas, speaking on Thursday, said: “Obviously, it hurts that Messi leaves, but we’ve worked hard so that our audiovisual income doesn’t fall. “There’s no clause in our international TV rights contracts for if Messi goes… [Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar] are important, they help, but they aren’t essential.”

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10Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

PSG: I’m still crying about Lionel Messi – Berbatov

  Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov says he is still crying over Lionel Messi’s exit from Spanish giants, Barcelona. Lionel Messi is set to join Paris Saint-Germain and is currently in France where he will undergo his medicals and sign a 2-year contract. Barcelona announced on Thursday that a 34-year-old Argentine superstar will no longer be in their set-up following some financial rules by LaLiga. Speaking to Betfair, as per talkSPORT, Berbatov said, “I’m still crying about Lionel Messi. “Football with never be the same again for Barcelona and it is the end of an era. I didn’t expect it to happen and it was tough to watch his press conference, leaving home is never easy and I can imagine a lot of the fans are very unhappy. “Football can be cruel...

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10Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Desailly: Playing for Ghana was not an option for France legend

The former France captain opens up on snubbing his country of birth at international level and his post-career investment Former France captain of Ghanaian descent Marcel Desailly has revealed playing for Ghana was not an option when he pledged his allegiance to Les Blues. Born to Ghanaian parents in Accra, the former Chelsea star moved to France as a child, going on to feature for the country at international level. He made his senior debut in 1993 and progressed to win the 1998 World Cup, 2000 Uefa European Championship and the 2001 and 2003 Fifa Confederation Cup tournaments with his adopted country.

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7Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Messi’s Move to PSG ‘Officially concluded’

Khalifah Bin Hamad Al-Thani, a relative of PSG owner, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has claimed that Lionel Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain is “officially concluded”. Multiple reports in France and Spain confirmed Messi has already agreed terms with the Ligue 1 club. It will be a two-year deal with an option for a third, which will see the 34-year-old earn €40m per season including performance-related bonuses and add-ons. Al-Thani, tweeting via his verified handle, has now posted a picture of Messi wearing a PSG shirt. “Negotiations are officially concluded. And announce later,” he wrote. Al-Thani was a founder of the Qatar Investment Authority, which bought Paris Saint-Germain. He was the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, before abdicating and handin...

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7Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Thauvin can improve Liga MX’s image in Europe, says Doria

The France international is the latest European player to make the switch to Mexico, much to his ex-team-mate's delight Florian Thauvin's move to Mexican side Tigres will help boost Liga MX's reputation in Europe, says Santos Laguna centre-back Matheus Doria. France international Thauvin joined Tigres UANL from Marseille this summer, signing a five-year deal. The switch reunites the 28-year-old with Andre-Pierre Gignac, who joined the Liga MX team from Marseille six years ago.  

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5Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘It’s too late, man!’ – Leeds goalkeeper Meslier explains Chelsea snub

The 21-year-old has been superb for the Whites since arriving in 2019 but has now spoken on why he turned down a Stamford Bridge move a year prior Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has opened up on his decision to spurn Chelsea as a teenager, stating that he turned down the Blues in part due to the timing of their approach. The 21-year-old joined the Whites from Lorient on a season-long loan deal in 2019, usurping Kiko Casilla as first-choice shot-stopper late in their Championship-winning campaign, before taking the starting spot for their first year back in the Premier League last term on a permanent contract. Yet the France youth starlet came close to a previous move to England a year prior, when Chelsea almost locked up his services in the summer of 2018 - and now, the talen...

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29Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Mexico to face South Korea in Olympics quarter-finals after beating South Africa

El Tri beat France to a place in the final eight, while Brazil will take on Egypt in the next round Mexico will play South Korea in the quarter-finals of the Olympics after beating South Africa 3-0 in their final group game. El Tri's victory on Wednesday saw them finish second in the group behind Japan, who claimed top spot after beating France. France's 4-0 defeat by Japan was the second time they had conceded four goals in the tournament, while Argentina and Germany also failed to make it through to the knockout stages.  

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16Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud arrives in Italy ahead of £1m move to AC Milan

Olivier Giroud has touched down in Italy for his AC Milan medical ahead of joining the Serie A giants from Chelsea in a £1million deal. The France international forward was pictured on Thursday afternoon arriving at the Linate airport in Milan after being flown from Grenoble on a private jet.     Giroud, who was seen wearing a mask with the AC Milan badge on it, waved to the cameras and posed for photographs before he left the airport in a 4x4 BMW by a club associate.   The former Arsenal striker will undergo his medical at Milan's training base on Friday before putting pen to paper on a two-year contract worth £3million a season.     Reports in Italy claim his deal will include an option for a further deal and expect Giroud to be...

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16Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal defender Saliba joins Marseille on loan

The Frenchman spent the latter half of last term with Nice and will now return across the English Channel to spend the next year at Stade Velodrome Arsenal defender William Saliba has returned to France on a new loan spell, with the 20-year-old joining Marseille on a season-long deal in Ligue 1 for the 2021-22 campaign. The former Saint-Etienne man, who joined the Gunners in 2019, spent the latter half of last term on loan in the French top-flight with Nice. Now, he follows fellow Emirates Stadium man Matteo Guendouzi with a temporary swap to Stade Velodrome for the upcoming season, as he looks to bolster his first-team minutes.

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14Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

PSG Confirm Donnarumma Signing after Italy star’s AC Milan departure

Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of Italy's Euro 2020 hero Gianluigi Donnarumma on a five-year deal. The 22-year-old joins on a free transfer from AC Milan after he was unable to agree terms over an extension to his deal which ran out on June 30. PSG beat competition from Barcelona to land the highly-rated goalkeeper, who will earn around 12m Euros (£10.3m) per year plus add-ons in France. "I am delighted to be part of this huge club," Donnarumma told PSG's club website. "I feel ready to take on this new challenge and continue to grow here. With Paris, I want to win as much as possible and to bring joy to the supporters." Donnarumma flew into Paris on Wednesday for the first time to complete his move, days after helping Italy win Euro 2020, their first major t...

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11Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Tavares picks Henry & Smith Rowe as his favourite Arsenal players

The left-back has expressed his admiration towards the France legend and the England youth international Nuno Tavares has named Thierry Henry, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka as his favourite Arsenal players. The Portugal youth international of Cape Verdean descent joined the Premier League side on a five-year deal for £7m ($9.7m) to become the Gunners' first signing of the summer. He broke into Benfica’s first team at the beginning of the 2019-20 campaign and went ahead to make 41 senior appearances in all competitions for the Eagles, scoring once and providing seven assists. Hi

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9Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Michael Olise: Crystal Palace sign ex-Reading winger

The France youth international of Nigerian descent has joined the Selhurst Park giants from Madejski Stadium Crystal Palace have announced the signing of Michael Olise from EFL Championship side Reading. The 19-year-old winger joins the Eagles on a five-year contract which will keep him at Selhurst Park until 2026. With this, the highly-rated teenager becomes Patrick Vieira’s first signing since his appointment as Palace’s permanent manager.

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8Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

AC Milan make final push to complete Giroud move

The France international is keen on a move to San Siro, while Tiemoue Bakayoko is also being lined up by the Serie A giants AC Milan are pushing to complete a move for Olivier Giroud as they continue talks with Chelsea over a deal for the wantaway striker. The 34-year-old saw the Blues trigger an option that extended his contract by a further year, ending Milan's hopes of signing him on a free transfer. However, despite other interest from elsewhere, Giroud has continued pushing for the move that has seen talks ongoing for the last two months.

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6Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

PSG sign Hakimi from Inter in deal worth up to €70m

Paris Saint-Germain football club of France have completed the signing of full-back Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan.   The Morocco international was signed on Tuesday, July 6, for €60 million (£52m/$71m), plus €10m (£9m$12m) in add-ons. “I feel a great sense of pride today," Hakimi told PSG's official website.   "After Spain, Germany and Italy, Paris Saint-Germain offers me the chance to discover a new championship with one of the most prestigious clubs in the world.   "I can’t wait to meet my new team-mates, the fans and experience the incredible colour and passion inside the Parc des Princes.   "I share the same big ambitions as the coaching staff and my teammates and will do everything I can to deliver what is expected of me.” Int...

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5Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona stars Griezmann and Dembele respond to accusations of racism after 2019 videos resurface

The France international forwards have spoken out on social media following the footage seemingly showing them mocking Asian accents Antoine Griezmann says he has "always been committed against any form of discrimination" following the release of videos that seem to show the Barcelona forward and team-mate Ousmane Dembele mocking Asian people. The clips, which have surfaced on social media, are said to have been shot during the Blaugrana's pre-season in 2019. Dembele also features in the videos, with both men now addressing the furore.

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4Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘We’ll have a look now’ – Gosens flattered by Barcelona transfer links

The left-back is willing to discuss a move this summer now that Germany have been knocked out of Euro 2020 Robin Gosens has suggested he is open to joining Barcelona after his impressive Euro 2020 performances with Germany. The Atalanta full-back became one of his country's heroes with a goal and two assists as they survived a group consisting of France, Portugal and Hungary. Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing him this summer and the 26-year-old says he will discuss his future with his dad, who is also his agent, now that Germany have been eliminated from the Euros.

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4Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

PSG Offer ‘Clubless’ Messi huge deal

  Paris Saint-Germain has offered Lionel Messi a bumper contract, as they try to bring the 34-year-old to France, AS reports. Messi attempted to leave the Nou Camp last summer but eventually made a u-turn due to the exit clause in his contract. However, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner became a free agent on June 30, after his contract at the club expired. As a result, PSG is looking to capitalise. It is believed Messi had agreed to terms on a new two-year contract with Barcelona. However, PSG wants to hijack that process, as the player has not put pen to paper. Barcelona will reportedly have to free up £170m in wages if Messi does put pen to paper a new deal with the club. The French club is hoping the lucrative deal will lure the 34-year-old to Ligue 1 nex...

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3Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal finally agree deal for Matteo Guendouzi to join new club

Arsenal have finally reached an agreement with French Ligue 1 club Marseille, over a loan deal with an obligation to buy their player, Matteo Guendouzi. TF1 reports that Guendouzi is now set to arrive in Marseille on Monday to complete his medical. The France Under-21 international first joined Arsenal back in 2018 from Lorient. He initially showed plenty of promise under former Gunners manager, Unai Emery. But Guendouzi fell out of favour under current Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, and was banished from the squad following an incident on the pitch in which he grabbed Brighton’s Neal Maupay by throat in June last year. The 22-year-old didn’t feature for Arteta’s side for the rest of the 2020/21 season. The midfielder was subsequently loaned out to Hertha Berlin for the 2020...

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2Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal sign England international Nikita Parris from seven-time European champions Lyon

The Gunners have announced their second signing of the summer, after the arrival of Japan international Mana Iwabuchi from Aston Villa Arsenal have signed England international Nikita Parris from Lyon for a fee of €80,000 (£68,000/$94,000), which may rise to €100,000 (£85,000/$118,000). The forward arrives having spent two years in France, winning the treble in her first season with the club, including their seventh UEFA Women's Champions League title. In total, she scored 33 goals in 53 games. With 57 goals in 109 Women's Super League appearances across spells with Everton and Manchester City, Arsenal will get a prolific goalscorer in Parris, as well as someone with big experience through her exploits on the European stage and at international level, too.

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2Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

PSG told to bench Mbappe ‘all year’ if he snubs contract as Di Meco calls for power play

The former France international believes those at Parc des Princes should not bow to the wishes of a forward stalling on signing fresh terms Paris Saint-Germain have been advised to bench Kylian Mbappe "all year" if he refuses to sign a new contract, with former France international Eric Di Meco urging the Ligue 1 giants not to bow to player pressure. A 22-year-old superstar at Parc des Princes is yet to commit to an extended stay in the French capital despite entering the final 12 months of his current deal. Transfer talk is raging as a result, with World Cup winner Mbappe aware of his standing and appeal in the global game, but PSG boast the financial muscle that would allow them to play hard ball and leave a prized asset to rot in the reserves.

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1Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Sergio Ramos Close to Joining new Club as talks Progress

Sergio Ramos is in advanced negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, ESPN reports. The Ligue 1 club wants to sign Ramos on a free transfer after the defender’s contract with Real Madrid expired on Wednesday. Ramos announced in June that he would leave Madrid, ending his 16-year stay with the LaLiga giants. Sources close to the deal that will take him to PSG, claim things have advanced throughout the week and a final decision is expected in the coming days. Ramos wants a two-year deal, but PSG are only offering one with a second year as an option to be triggered by mutual content. His wages should also be lower than what he was earning in Spain and what he would have earned had he stayed at the Bernabeu. The Spain international, who turned 35 in March, didn’t strike an a...

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29Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

It is always interesting to learn a new language’ – Xhaka drops another Arsenal exit hint after star showing for Switzerland

The combative midfielder impressed in his latest outing at Euro 2020 and remains keen on exploring a Roma transfer option Granit Xhaka has dropped another hint that his future lies away from Arsenal, with the Roma-linked midfielder admitting: "It is always interesting to learn a new language." The Switzerland international put in an inspirational performance for his country against France at Euro 2020 on Monday, with a stunning fightback allowing the Swiss to overcome the reigning world champions on penalties. Xhaka will miss a last-16 encounter with Spain through suspension, but he remains in the headlines as questions continue to be asked of his club commitments.

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29Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

France vs Switzerland: Keane, Vieira agree about Pogba after 5-4 penalty defeat

  Manchester United legend, Roy Keane and Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira have agreed on Paul Pogba, after Switzerland defeated France at the Euro 2020 round of 16 fixture on Tuesday night. Pogba was unable to lead France to Euro 2020 quarter-finals as Les Bleus suffered a shock defeat to Switzerland on penalties, following a thrilling 3-3 draw over 120 minutes at National Arena. The midfielder scored a magnificent goal to put France resolutely in control in the second half, as Didier Deschamps’ side led 3-1. But Switzerland fought back gallantly, taking the game to extra-time and then penalties, when Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe saw his spot-kick saved as the Swiss won 5-4. Speaking after the game, Keane was critical of Pogba, admitting he would find it...

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29Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Euro 2020: Germany could be without three key players for England clash

  Ilkay Gundogan, Antonio Rudiger and Robin Gosens have all emerged as doubts for Germany’s Euro 2020 round-of-16 clash with England on Tuesday. Joachim Low’s side have endured a not too impressive tournament so far. They lost 1-0 to France and beat Portugal 4-2, before salvaging a 2-2 draw against Hungary. Gundogan was substituted after sustaining a bruised skull against Hungary and did not train fully with the squad on Monday, while Gosens and Rudiger have “cold symptoms”. The key trio have started all Germany’s games so far. But Low is not confident of having them available for their crucial last-16 tie. Low said on Monday of Gundogan: “Well Ilkay, he suffered this cranial bruise and before he still felt a little bit dizzy, especially in training.” When ask...

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28Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Laporte: Deschamps didn’t return my texts before I swapped France for Spain

The Manchester City defender has admitted that he was in touch with the Spanish Footballer Federation (RFEF) for years before switching allegiances Aymeric Laporte has claimed Didier Deschamps did not return his texts before he swapped France for Spain at international level. Laporte represented France from U17s to U21s and was called up to the senior squad for the first time in 2018 before having to withdraw through injury. The Manchester City defender decided to switch allegiances to Spain earlier this year having successfully applied for dual citizenship, which prompted a critical response from Bleus boss Deschamps.  

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28Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

France under ‘positive pressure’ as Pires hopes for Spain clash in Euro 2020 quarter final

The Bleus legend feels Didier Deschamps' side have embraced their billing as tournament favourites and hopes to see them book a tie with La Roja France are under "positive pressure" at Euro 2020 according to Robert Pires, who is hoping his country set up a quarter-final clash against Spain. Didier Deschamps' men will advance to the last eight of the tournament if they can see off Switzerland at Arena Nationala in Bucharest on Monday night. France are being tipped to go one better than their final appearance in 2016, with Pires confident that they can handle the weight of expectations but wary of the quality opponents standing in their way.

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27Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea in Pole Position to Sign Kounde

Chelsea are in position to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla this summer. According to ABC Sevilla, Chelsea are ahead of Manchester United and PSG, to sign Kounde. The report added that interested clubs would have to pay upwards of €65m (£55.9m) to secure the services of the 22-year-old, who was believed to be the subject of an offer from Manchester City last summer. Kounde was impressive for Sevilla in the LaLiga during the 2020-21 season. The defender played 49 games in all competitions for Sevilla, scoring four goals and providing one assist. Kounde is currently with France national team at the ongoing Euro 2020. He will hope to feature for France when they face Switzerland in the round of 16 tie on Monday.

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26Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Deschamps can no longer manage Mbappe’s ego’ – Rothen slams ‘problematic’ France striker

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Les Bleus player believes a 22-year-old forward has been handed too much power at international level Kylian Mbappe may be one of the best players on the planet, but Jerome Rothen claims the Paris Saint-Germain forward's ego has become "problematic" and can no longer be managed by France boss Didier Deschamps. At 22 years of age, a mercurial talent has already collected four Ligue 1 titles and World Cup trophy - while now being in the process of chasing down European Championship glory. Plaudits have rained down on the hottest of prospects, with ex-PSG and Les Bleus player Rothen suggesting that power has gone to Mbappe's head as he becomes increasingly difficult to coach.

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