The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Wenger targets two or three new Arsenal signings Posted: 16 Aug 2013 05:49 AM PDT Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sought to calm frustration among the club's fans over a lack of new signings by saying today that he hoped to bring in two or three players before the transfer window closes. The north London club start the Premier League season tomorrow at home to Aston Villa having failed to land any of the big names they have been linked with and their only addition is French youth international forward Yaya Sanogo. "I don't disagree that we are a bit light at the moment but there is 18 days to go until the end of the transfer market and we are of course looking to strengthen our squad," Wenger told a news conference. "I understand every frustration, you have so many frustrated people, but what is important is the quality of what you do on the pitch, so let's not create a crisis from nothing," he added. "We just played a good game last week (a 3-1 win over Manchester City in a friendly) so let's transfer that to the next game and not start to convince everybody that the quality of the team that starts on Saturday will be linked with the number of players we buy between today and tomorrow." Arsenal have been chasing Liverpool's unsettled striker Luis Suarez but have had their 40 million and one pound bid turned down, while they were also linked with Gonzalo Higuain who has instead joined Napoli from Real Madrid. Asked if Arsenal were still pursuing Uruguay international Suarez, Wenger replied with a smile: "Look, I don't want to come out on any specific name because that would not be alright, usually in the press you are well informed." Little luck Arsenal, who finished fourth last season to secure a Champions League playoff spot, are not the only club having little luck in the transfer window with Premier League champions Manchester United and third-placed Chelsea in similar positions. "Ideally you would want to be quicker, but to finalise (a) transfer you need agreement of three parties," Wenger said. "You look at us, Chelsea and Manchester United – it's difficult to find quality players to strengthen the team and squad because there is a shortage of top players who are available. "It is not the question about spending the money it is a question of finding the right players, you know. As I told you, you are well informed, you for certain have heard that we are not scared to spend money but we want the right players." With the transfer window shutting on Sept. 2, there is still time for some activity and Wenger hopes to seal a few deals. "It's impossible to give you a number. The first request is quality to play for Arsenal Football Club. After the number comes in, yes we would like two or three players, if possible more," he said. "But we won't compromise on the quality of the players." - Reuters, August 16, 2013. |
| Transfer news: Liverpool signs Cissokho, Bent goes to Fulham Posted: 16 Aug 2013 05:41 AM PDT Liverpool have moved to reinforce their squad on the eve of the new Premier League season by agreeing a deal to sign French left-back Aly Cissokho on loan from Valencia, according to UK media reports. Sky Sports television reported on Friday morning that the Reds had agreed to sign Cissokho on an initial season-long loan from the Spanish club with a view to a permanent transfer next summer. The 25-year-old French international left Lyon for Valencia at the beginning of last season and made 25 league appearances. He first made his name playing for Portuguese side Porto in the Champions League in 2009 and will now provide competition at left-back for Jose Enrique, who was Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers' only option in the position. Cissokho is expected to travel to Merseyside in the next week to undergo a medical and agree personal terms, although it is understood Liverpool do not believe that will be an issue. Meanwhile, England striker Darren Bent has completed a season-long loan move from Aston Villa to Fulham, where he will link up with his former manager Martin Jol. Bent was Villa's record signing when he arrived from Sunderland in January 2011 but he slipped behind Christian Benteke in the pecking order at Villa Park last season. Dutchman Jol signed Bent when he was in charge of Tottenham and is delighted to bring the 29-year-old international to Craven Cottage. "Darren Bent is a striker I have always admired. He has shown in the Barclays Premier League that he is composed and clinical in front of goal but, even if he is not scoring, he is involved in some good link-up play, creating opportunities for his team-mates," Jol said. "I'm delighted that he has joined us, he gives us pace up front and I am confident that he will add to our goals scored tally this season." Reports said the deal does not include an option to buy next summer, with the Cottagers paying a loan fee and Bent's wages in full for the duration of his stay in west London. Bent scored six goals in 23 appearances for Villa last season. He becomes Jol's seventh summer signing following the arrivals of Adel Taarabt, Fernando Amorebieta, Derek Boateng, Sascha Riether, Ange-Freddy Plumain and Maarten Stekelenburg. - AFP, August 16, 2013. |
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