End of Arsenal career in sight as Barcelona set to bid €12m for player

So is this the end of Thomas Vermaelen’s career at Arsenal? According to reports in Sky Sports Barcelon are about to make a bid in the range of €12m for the centre back. The Belgium has already entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates and isn’t assured of a starting eleven spot thanks to the partnership of Laurent Kocielny and Per Mertesacker at the heart of the defense.

Barcelona’s needs for a centre back is well documented after their recent summer spending spree, having already signed Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Jeremy Mathieu. New manager Luis Enrique believes his side needs to ably replace Carles Puyol, the Spanish legend who retired earlier this summer and the Blaugrana are hopeful of beating United to Vermaelen's signature.

Earlier Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had hinted that Vermaelen could leave the club, “I am very happy because I did what I wanted and I am still hoping to do more. It is just 1st of August and the transfer window closes on the 31st. It is a long time. We are a bit ahead of what we usually do because the availability on the market was bigger than before."

Vermaelen started just seven Premier League games last season and it seems the player is keen to move on to boost his reputation of a flourishing centre back who rub shoulder with best of opposition in the highest echelons of European football. Barcelona would provide Vermaelen his much wanted game time on the pitch. The Catalan club were previously interested in Liverpool’s Daniel Agger but with roumours with possible deal for the Dane not picking up pace in the past few weeks, the Blaugarana might have decided to go ahead and sign Vermaelen instead. 

It will be interesting to see United go ahead with a bid for the current Arsenal player as the Red Devils have been dealt with a stumbling block in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender and World Champions Mats Hummels. Vermaelen has Premier League experience and moreover would suit in United’s 3-5-2 system under new manager Louis Van Gaal.  

Atletico Madrid preparing to offer €32m double assault on Manchester United

Louis Van Gaal is finally getting down to business as he looks to revamp the squad he has inherited from former Manchester United manger David Moyes. Certain players are set to leave the club, and now English newspaper Guardian have reported that Atletico Madrid are looking to take advantage of United’s situation by offering €32m for the pair of Shinji Kagawa and out of favour striker Javier Hernandez.

The Mexican has certainly fallen the pecking order with Rooney, Van Persie and Danny Welbeck being favoured ahead of the 26 year old who had a dry World Cup campaign with his country in Brazil. Van Gaal’s preferred 3-5-2 formation will mean he has no starting spot as Rooney and Van Persie are expected to lead the line. There was significant interest for Hernandez from Inter Milan while Juventus too enquired about the player on a loan deal with an option to buy. United are believed to have put an €11m price tag on the Mexican, as reported by Italian media outlet Tuttosport, one of the most respectable sources in Italy.

Kagawa wants to play in the number ten role but it can be surely expected that Juan Mata will don the role for the Red Devils. The Japanese’s future thus looks extremely bleak and should his former club Borussia Dortmund not stake deal to take his back, expect the player to leave Manchester by the time the summer window slams shut.  

It is sad to see that united hasn’t been able to use the player to the best of his quality but as the situation currently suggests Van Gaal is looking to cut short his out of favour players. The Dutch legend won the Guinness International Champions Cup beating Liverpool in the final in the USA in their build up to the brand new 2014-15 season. Van Gaal had earlier said, “I will make my judgments after the tour. I let all the players play and I know now more than before the tour. Now also it is a little bit soon to judge but in football you have to judge. You have to give a chance to the player to make a transfer when I see that his prospects to play are not so high. You have to say it in advance because it’s too late after 31 August. I will tell players after the tour but to them not to you [reporters].” 

Manchester United v Liverpool: Team News, Preview, Key Duels & Prediction

  

It is only a matter of hours before United play Liverpool in the Guinness International Champions Cup. The rivalry between both sides is the stuff of lore, and the fact that both sides are overcoming obstacles of differing proportions makes this game all about the rivalry, as both sides desire the title, but only one of these sides can get it.

 Last season saw a role reversal, as Liverpool jumped towards the top of the table, while Manchester United saw their worst finish in the Premier League-era. The fact that 7^th place was their worst finish in a long time speaks volumes about the consistency that had been maintained over various competitions at United under the watchful eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson. Liverpool, on the other hand, has not been triumphant in the Premier League-era, but they have come close on a number of occasions, and have won other tournaments. However, Liverpool was in a state of decline over the 3 seasons prior to the last season, while United were at the top.

Now, United have brought an accomplished manager in the form of Louis van Gaal, who has already started to make a mark on the club. United fans are looking at last season as an anomaly, as the players are adapting fantastically to the new 3-5-2 formation and are looking set to compete for trophies. Liverpool, on the other hand, have lost their main goal-scorer in the form of Luis Suarez, who has moved to FC Barcelona, but the other attackers have shown no signs of putting a full stop to relentlessly drubbing teams, by scoring goals continuously. This game will enable us to see the progress that both sides have made, even though it is a preseason game and both sides haven’t actually hit top gear, yet. This game cannot be taken as a precursor to any future fixtures, as both sides tend to push themselves to win against the other, in each and every game.

United’s defence seems to be wearing a confident look, but a strike-force of Sterling, Sturridge and Markovic could tear United’s defence apart. On the other hand, United have dominated possession and have moved into attacking areas quickly, as the impact of Ander Herrera and Juan Mata supplying the attack with key passes, and some Wayne Rooney master-performances have resulted in United’s wins so far.

Key duels:

Jordan Henderson v/s Ander Herrera: Both players are good on and off the ball, and occupy the same areas on the pitch, so expect them to contest for the ball while in midfield, each putting in tackles on the other to win possession and create chances for their own respective sides to score. Henderson is trying to establish himself as Gerrard’s true successor, while Herrera is trying to make his place in United’s first-team after his transfer, so expect this to be a fiery contest.

Daniel Sturridge v/s Jonny Evans: Daniel Sturridge proved last season that he could be consistent over the duration of an entire season, as he made the most of his chances and almost forced Wayne Rooney out of his favoured position as striker for England. On the other hand, Evans, if he has an injury-free season, could make this his breakthrough year, after failing to deceive so far, if he can put in consistent performances for his club.

Ashley Young v/s Martin Kelly/Glen Johnson: Ashley Young has never looked happier while in a United jersey, as he seems to have found a knack for getting into space and he looks menacing while taking on opposition defenders, in his new left wing-back role. Glen Johnson is susceptible to mistakes, for which he will be caught out if Young carries his impressive form into this game. Martin Kelly, on the other hand, is more defensively inclined, and could do a better job against Young, so he should start ahead of Glen Johnson.

Why This Super Winger From South America Can Bring Back The "Ronaldo Era" At Manchester United Again

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado shot to fame during the WC for his pace, his dribbling skills and his celebrations after scoring. He has played for some time now and has been noticed, but the upswing in his nation's fortunes in footballing terms means that he has moved into the buying lists of top clubs now. He played a role on the right-wing for Colombia, but he can play anywhere on the right, owing to the strength of his right foot. He was effective when deployed on the left last season, but versatility will not be frowned upon by Louis van Gaal, as Cuadrado will get more chances to play should he settle in quickly.

Manchester United has been in the market for replacements for most of their players, who seem to have lost the spark that had enabled them to shine under Sir Alex Ferguson. Their players seemed to have lost faith in their abilities as last season dragged on, sadly, and the wingers kept peppering the opposition box with crosses which couldn't be converted, until David Moyes nailed himself to one and ended this shoddy tenure of self-doubt and failure.

Nani has been linked with other clubs, and United fans have had no qualms about his possible departure, as he hasn't been able to live up to his initial promise. It was always a tough ask to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and he veered inconsistently between remarkable and mediocre performances throughout his time at United. His replacement on the right wing, Valencia, was clearly out of his depth last season, as he didn't look good enough to be playing for United. Zaha, the young apprentice, wasn't given a look-in under Moyes (David, obviously), as United's right flank was susceptible to a number of opposition attacks last season.

This season, Louis van Gaal has opted to adopt a 3-5-2 formation in addition to the usual 4-4-2 formation, to add muscle to the midfield, as last season; the midfield was static and was overrun very easily. The 3-5-2 formation adds pressure to the role of the wing-back, who needs to be defensively and attackingly strong to handle the entire flank on his own. Plus, the player will need to have high stamina to maintain the same work rate throughout the duration of the game. Except for Rafael, who is still too defensive, no United right-sided midfielder seems to have defensive and attacking properties in the correct measure to be able to shunt up and down the flank with ease and shake up the opposition, which is where Cuadrado could be of most use, since he has the necessary work rate to perform in the highly physical Premier League.

He will have top players like Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney to support him and an easy style of play, which will help him adjust faster to the United style of play. Buying him would bring in a consistent player who will be hungry to perform and will be an asset to the club.

FC Barcelona is also competing to get Cuadrado, but for the player, a move to United would be a better choice, as he will get games for the first-team. We have seen a disillusioned Alexis Sanchez leave FC Barcelona owing to a lack of playing time, and Cuadrado would do well not to go down the same path. Plus, United need a versatile, pacy player like Cuadrado, who could bring back the "Ronaldo Era" at Manchester United again.

Arsenal to rival Manchester United for World Cup winner

If reports from English tabloid Mirror are to be believed, Arsenal are set to rival Manchester United for the signing of Borussia Dortmund defender and World Cup winner Mats Hummels. The report claims that the player is available for £30m despite Jurgen Klopp’s denials and Arsene Wenger is ready to battle Louis Van Gaal for the signature of the German.

Wenger wants to be kept known about Hummels’ availability as he believes that the 25-year-old would seamlessly fit into his side at the Emirates. The German was also linked with La Liga giants Barcelona but after the Catalan club signed Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia, it is believed that manager Luis Enrique now no longer wants the Dortmund star.

Hummels joined Dortmund in 2009 after coming through the ranks at his childhood club Bayern Munich. The center-back has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best young defenders in the World. His latest exploits in the International stage helped the Die Mannschaft to go on and lift the World Cup in Brazil.

Wenger is believed to be a long term admirer of the player and with Thomas Vermaelen’s future in doubts at the Emirates the French manager is keen to sign another center back as he looks to mount a serious title challenge in the coming 2014-15 season. The Independent has also reported that should Bareclona acquire the services of Tiago Ilori on loan, their interest in Hummels is set to die down. This would enable both Manchester United and Arsenal to compete for the defender.

The Guardian however at the end of July clearly cited Klopp who wasn’t even willing to hear offer his star defender, “I can assure everyone that there are no signs that those two players want to leave. Marco and Mats will play for us the next season. What are we talking about today? Mats to Manchester United? For how much? €20m (£15.8m)? With those kind of sums can you forget that straight away.”

Manchester United ready to include two players for landing €60m rated midfielder

It looks as if Manchester United’s pursuit for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is about to hit the rocks. According to the reputed Gianluca Di Marzio website, the Chilean has left with his Old Lady team mates for the club’s pre season trip to Jakarta. The Red Devils are confident that they can still the 27 year old but it now appears that they are running out of time.

Moreover Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is "convinced" that Vidal will ignore Manchester United's interest to stay in Serie A. "I am convinced Arturo Vidal will stay with us. My contract is not formal, but I think it’s safe to say I will be a Juventus player for a long time yet."

Italian site Corriere Dello Sport reported yesterday that United manager Louis Van Gaal is holding cards close to his chest and is also ready to offer Portuguese winger Nani and out of favour striker Javier Hernandez if required to land the Chilean.

It is believed that Van Gaal has urged Club executive and Vice Chairman to speed up his transfer dealings which shows his desperation to acquire the services of Vidal.

Juventus have reaffirmed their desire to keep hold of the player stating they'll only listen to offers if the midfielder himself issues a transfer request. Sky Sports reported yesterday that new Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri revealed he has held talks with the player who has committed his future to the Serie A club. However Director General Giuseppe Marotta revealed they wouldn't stand in the Chilean's way if he did decide the time was right to move on.

“Vidal? We already said that he is not on the market, but the player's will is decisive,” said Marotta. “Vidal has never said he wants to leave, and Juventus will sell him only if he were unhappy to remain. Nowadays, however, there’s absolutely no reason to even be discussing this now.”

Champions League winner reveals he could join Manchester United

This would be nothing short of a post marriage honeymoon for Manchester United fans. Yes, it’s true, but not now at least. Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to rule out a move back to Old Trafford and the Ballon D’Or winner is confident that the Red Devils will certainly improve under new manager Louis Van Gaal.

The 29-year-old said in an interview, “It was one of my favourite clubs, Manchester. Everyone knows that every time when I speak about Real Madrid I should speak about Manchester United, I loved it there.”

Ronaldo claimed his appreciation from the United fans saying how well they treated him and also felt Iike a God in Manchester. Ronaldo also recalled his experience playing against United in the Champions League.

 “I remember when we played there against Manchester in the Champions League, they kill me, my heart was so happy. I had fantastic moments and I appreciate this club. For me, it’s one of the best clubs in the world and I have passion for this club.”

“Some players I am still in contact with because when I was there, I created a good relationship with everybody, not just the players, but all the staff around. It was like my second family there, so I’ll not forget that the people treat me good.”

“I love Manchester, and to be back, I never know, you never know. Football you never know. Of course, I’m happy at Real Madrid, it’s my home, it’s my club, but Manchester treated me unbelievable so we never know.”

It is believed that the Red Devils had tried to lure back Ronaldo in the past season when David Moyes in charge, but the move fell off and the Old Trafford capped off a disastrous Premier League campaign by finishing seventh in the standings. This led to David Moyes’ immediate removal from the managerial spot with Dutch legend Louis Van Gaal being handed over the duties.

United have so far looked like a well run unit in the pre season and Ronaldo believes his former club have secured the best possible manager in the Dutchman.

“It will be a better season for sure. My feeling is he is a fantastic coach, he showed them all the time for Holland, the team play unbelievable, good football and I hope that Manchester come back like the people know. A strong United, playing nice football, with a lot of goals.”

“I think Van Gaal is going to do a fantastic job, he’s experienced manager and I think he’s going to do well for Manchester.”

€ 60m Manchester United target set to wear number 7 shirt at Old Trafford

When you are in new love with your girlfriend, you can’t stop thinking about her. You can’t just get enough of her blonde hair, her cuddly cheeks and the fragrance you sensed in your first date. Manchester United’s situation in their ongoing transfer saga with Juventus midfielder for the past month has the setting on similar lines. Now if reports from Vidal’s native country Chile is to be believed thanks to the national daily Le Tercera, the player is set to be a Red Devil soon.

That’s not all, Vidal is set to follow the footsteps of the iconic players like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham and everything is placed for the 27 year old to wear the number seven shirt. It is believed that new manager Louis Van Gaal is pushing the club’s executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward to continue his recruitment drive and has asked him to go all out for Vidal, even if it means to double his wages (£200,00 a week )  if the player switches loyalties to join the Manchester club.

Juventus understandably are playing hardball, first they have maintained they won’t sell the player despite knowing their crunch financial crisis would be tough to reject a €60m offer from the English giants. Secondly, they don’t  want to force the player out and to appease fans, despite being Serie A champions three times in a row, would want Vidal to put in a transfer request if all it comes down to the wages, which the Bianconeri cannot afford to pay.

Vidal’s agent Fernando Felicevich has been quit in the past few days but Sebastian Giovinco’s representative Andrea D’Amico is a certain loudspeaker as of now. The gentleman has given his verdict saying that Vidal will leave the Turin club in the summer transfer window. “Vidal and Pogba? One of the two will leave. I’ll go a step further I’m convinced Vidal will certainly leave.”

Juventus chief Beppe Marotta however looks like a sage in strict denial saying Sky Italia, “Vidal feels good with us, and we are happy to have him here. We have already renewed his deal, I don't think there will be problems." We understand you Marotta, who wants to lose his favourite player!

Manchester United's Rising Star vs Chelsea's Blistering Left Back - Who Will Make Bigger Impact This Season?

The old left-backs have been left back, as newer, comparatively younger left-backs have been purchased by Manchester United and Chelsea. Luke Shaw is the new kid on the block, while Filipe Luis brings a wealth of experience with him.

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Chelsea offered Manchester United target for World Cup winner

According to reports in Madrid based daily MARCA, Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle could be headed to Atletico Madrid with Brazilian defender Miranda heading the other way to Stamford Bridge. The Rojiblancos have well and fully understood the price of success with their major players Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois all joining Chelsea in what would be rightly called a mass exodus.

Manager Diego Simeone however has acted quickly in the transfer market to acquire French sensation  Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad and is now on the prowl to sign German midfielder Schurrle whose assist for Mario Gotze at the Maracana against Argentina won the World Cup for the Die Mannschaft.  Schurrle has primarily been a bit part-player for Jose Mourinho, with his majority of appearances coming from the bench.

The 23 year old former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has hit the back of the net 8 times and grabbed a couple of assists in 30 outings for the Blues from London. However it is believed that his enormous work rate that has convinced Simeone to land him at the Vicente Calderon by offering Manchester United target Miranda to Chelsea.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United’s need for a central defender are well documented and MARCA reported a couple of days ago that Mourinho is insistent to sign Miranda and is set to offer €25m for the player.  The Brazilian has the same super agent as Costa and Luis, i.e Jorge Mendes and Mourinho is confident that a deal can be agreed upon. Chelsea were earlier interested in Raphael Varane after their pursuit of Roma’s Mehdi Benatia had hit a roadblock but it is believed that Real Madrid have no intentions in selling the young Frenchman with Pepe entering his early thirties.

Miranda however has a €30m release clause and should both Chelsea and Atletico agree on a deal, the English giants will have to pay some significant cash worth around €10m and also allowing Schurrle to witch loyalties for the La Liga winners. Finally after breaking the Real Madrid and Barcelona hegemony in Spain last season can the Rojiblancos defy the odds and defend their title successfully?

Reds Eye Marco Reus - Why Liverpool Could Make A Move For The Winger

Brendan Rodgers is believed to considering submitting a bid in the region of £30 million to Borussia Dortmund for attacker Marco Reus. Reus, 25, recently turned down a contract extension with the 2013/14 Bundesliga runners-up. The winger scored 21 times in 39 appearances last season, gaining the interest of arch rivals Bayern Munich, Brendan Rodgers' new-look Liverpool, Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United and Spanish giants Barcelona.

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Fellaini And Kagawa Rumoured To Be Part Of Old Trafford Clearout - Why United Could Sell The Players

It could be argued there are just as many players being linked with moves away from Old Trafford this summer as there are potential Manchester United targets.  Last year’s disastrous campaign is one of the main reasons for this, as new boss Louis van Gaal attempts to address the side’s problems and mould a squad of his own.

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Rooney Stakes His Claim For United Captaincy - Why He Could Be The Man To Lead The Club's Next Generation

With the departure of Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United are in need of a new captain. According to the Manchester Evening News, Wayne Rooney fancies himself for the job.

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Tom Cleverley Believes Van Gaal Will Allow Him To Shine - Why The Midfielder Must Look To Restore His Reputation

After watching their side demolish LA Galaxy in their first game of pre-season, optimism has begun to creep back amongst Manchester United fans.  One player who is sharing that sense of optimism is Tom Cleverley.

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Kevin Strootman Linked With Manchester United - Why The Red Devils May Struggle To Sign The Midfielder

Many of the Netherlands’ World Cup squad have been linked with Manchester United since Louis van Gaal was named as the Red Devils’ new manager.  One Dutchman who was not in Brazil, however, has also been talked up as a potential target for the club.  Kevin Strootman missed the tournament through injury, but his displays for his country in qualifying and in Serie A for Roma were impressive enough to make him a viable option.

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