Arsenal are ready to replace contract rebel Theo Walcott with Atletico Madrid’s Adrian Lopez according to the People.
The 24-year-old Spaniard netted 18 times last season and will be available for a reasonably cheap £15m given a buy-out clause in his current contract.
Similarly to Walcott, Lopez has been forced to spend most of the season on the substitute’s bench after stalling on signing a new deal with the La Liga side.
The Gunners have already watched Lopez after he impressed for Atletico during their run to the Europa League title and he received his first cap for Spain in May.
Atletico are extremely keen to sign Lopez up but it would involve increasing his buy-out clause which he is unwilling to do.
Walcott, who suffered a broken rib during England’s 5-0 victory over San Marino on Friday, is resolute that he wants to sign a new deal at Arsenal but talks have so far remained deadlocked.
The 23-year-old has been warned by the club that they are not prepared to break the bank to keep him in the long term. Walcott has spoken out about his frustration at not been played as a central striker which he believes to be his strongest position and that could result in him leaving in January.
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Arsene Wenger has already made it clear to Walcott that he will not start in the team until he puts pen to paper on a deal at the club and Lopez could be a viable alternative if he decided not to sign.
The Premier League seems incapable of enjoying a weekend garnished with tantalising football without being overshadowed by the dreaded ‘d’ word. There is no denying diving is rife, but whereas once upon a time it was an avant-garde manoeuvre, this season has highlighted its filtration into the mainstream. The problem has been long identified and yet the solution remains unclear. Is it time to mount a campaign to ensure guilty parties are retrospectively punished?
The painstakingly invasive coverage of the beautiful game means that every controversial incident falls under the glare of the media spotlight. With supporters refusing to accept its existence as part of the game’s modern make-up and managers becoming increasingly incensed that it’s starting to decide the final result, has there ever been a better time to combat the issue?
The threat of a yellow card simply isn’t the intimidating punishment required to deter the main offenders. At present the potential rewards on offer make the risk of ridicule worthwhile, especially when there will be an entirely new set of talking points dominating the headlines next week. Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez are two of the best players in the division but they risk permanently tainting their reputation by shamelessly plummeting to ground.
Referees have found themselves under surreal levels of pressure to try and eradicate the matter but this has served only to heap more mistakes on performances that were already riddled with errors. It seems the impossible job has somehow been made harder.
Mark Clattenburg’s handling of the Fernando Torres – Jonny Evans clash is the perfect example of how officials cannot be expected to make split second judgement calls with consistent accuracy. The ugly scenes that followed the incident were undoubtedly fuelled by his decision and should therefore act as an ideal milestone to bring about change.
Tony Pulis pledged his approval for retrospective action after watching his side suffer defeat at Carrow Road. The solitary goal that won the game for Norwich came from a free-kick that was awarded when Robert Snodgrass tumbled to the turf after pressure from Andy Wilkinson.
Stoke may be slightly hypocritical in their claims, considering the robust and aggressive nature to their playing style but if players can be reprimanded for violent conduct after the game, why can’t the same rules apply for diving?
“It should be football people – ex-players who know the game. You could have a panel of three and rotate every week. There are a lot of people out of work who can be called onto that panel.” (Telegraph)
On the surface it seems like a promising concept and one that could be implemented almost immediately. However, FIFA have been reluctant to endorse the scheme because it could snowball into the review of every single refereeing decision or even prompt more people to promote the use of video evidence during the game. Sepp Blatter has also echoed Roy Hodgson’s belief that it would be almost impossible to rely on the impartiality of others.
This is by no means a radical idea, the Italian Football Federation already have a similar system in place. In 2010 there was uproar when Juventus midfielder Milos Krasic found himself banned for two matches for a blatant dive but despite ferocious protest from the Old Lady, the suspension was served in full.
Last weekend Torino’s Alessio Cerci and Sampdoria’s Marcelo Estigarribia were both fined €2,000 for acts of simulation and while such a fine would hardly resonate on a footballer’s conscious, it does at least highlight consistency in the quest to remove play-acting from Serie A.
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In my eyes, any proposed panel should only act on the painfully obvious cases, like Suarez’s frog splash against Stoke the other week. As Gary Neville expertly explained in the aftermath of the Ashley Young saga, it is impossible to condemn a player of diving when contact has clearly been made. Similarly there is a strong case for players going to ground in order to attract the referee’s attention towards any wrongdoing.
Unfortunately, despite a growing need to address the issue, we are more likely to have an extra official placed at either end of the pitch as a resolution. Sadly, as evident from Mario Balotelli’s wrestling match during the climax of Tuesday’s draw with Ajax, the wand wavering assistant does nothing to impact the game. And if they can’t see an unashamed offence when it’s right in front of them, what hope does a referee have?
A week ago the Lions were looking over their shoulder nervously, but after four points in a week, can the Lions finally start to look further up the table?
Despite going 3-0 up after 20 minutes against Birmingham, a hat-trick from Marlon King secured a point for the away team, so a win on Saturday against newly promoted Huddersfield Town was needed to bring back some confidence.
Sometimes when you play a newly promoted team they can just roll over, be intimidates by the atmosphere and that is exactly what the Terriers did. And of course there are two certainties in life. Death, and Jermaine Beckford having a nightmare against Millwall.
The game was relatively quiet for the first 25 minutes as both sides conceded three in midweek and obviously couldn’t afford to again, but the first clear cut chance led to the first goal of the game as Darius Henderson turned his marker well and slid in a low ball for loanee Chris Wood to fire in from close range.
Almost immediately Town squandered their best chance of the game after Beckford passed the ball into the experienced Keith Southern, but under pressure from Liam Trotter tracking back, he put it high and wide.
The start of the second half saw the Terriers miss a great chance to level it up. After a bundle in the penalty area, Jermaine Beckford was set to fire home but in came Jimmy Abdou with a last ditch tackle.
On the hour mark the Lions killed the game off, as James Henry brought the ball forward on the counter and slotted in Chris Wood to chip the ‘keeper and ease the nerves. After this the floodgates pretty much opened as the Lions helped themselves to two more, first from James Henry driving in from just inside the area.
Then a moment of pure brilliance from Liam Trotter; fooling two defenders and curling into the far corner from 20 yards. There was even time for Jack Hunt to be sent off for Town, for foul and abusive language towards the referee.
Now I know I’ve slated Trotter in the past for not scoring enough and being lazy, but that is five goals this season for the midfielder and 4-0 it finished.
This game also saw two great performances from Loanees Chris Wood and Mark Beevers. Wood has scored 5 in 8 and Beevers hasn’t lost while playing in a Millwall shirt.
Beevers’ loan runs out this weekend after the away game at Forest but KJ has already spoken about extending this, lets hope it happens. But the Chris Wood signing is slightly different.
Wood has already stated a desire to leave West Brom as his contract runs out at the end of season. The New Zealand international also claimed that as-long as he’s in the team scoring goals he’d stay, and he’s said this in a few interviews since joining by saying “Definitely, It’s something I want to do, I’m enjoying my football and creating chances as well as scoring goals”.
But this leaves the club with two options, wait till January and then offer him a contract for next season, but risk other clubs swooping in, or pay up and get him permanently straight away.
The Lions have yet to spend £1million on a player, but I believe Wood is worth it, a great Championship goalscorer at clubs on loan, with potential. A strike force of Wood, Henderson and Keogh; not too bad for a small club compared to some in the Championship.
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Lions Fans, if it came down to it, would you pay £1million for Wood?
Liverpool manager Brandan Rodgers credited a tactical switch for his side’s Premier League comeback against Chelsea.
The Reds were trailing 1-0 until the Northern Irishman altered his formation from a 5-3-2 set-up to their favoured 4-2-3-1 layout.
Nuri Sahin made way for Spanish starlet Suso, with Glen Johnson dropping to left-back, allowing Jose Enrique to get forward.
This saw the travelling side take control of the game and eventually equalise through Luis Suarez.
After the match Rodgers explained his decision and praised his players:
“I thought in the first half we were too tentative. Second half our attitude in the game was much better and we are better when we play fast football.” He told SkySports.
“Coming here is a very difficult place. I thought it was a great point for us.
“You have to give credit to the players, they were fantastic.
“Whatever system you have, it doesn’t matter, it is about the application and the quality of the players.”
Veteran defender Jamie Carragher had a telling contribution in Liverpool’s goal, with his glancing header being met by Suarez for the simplest of finishes.
Although he is far from being a first-team regular, Rodgers praised his defender’s attitude and ability:
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“He is phenomenal, it’s an absolute pleasure to work with him. His preparation is first class, he is always preparing himself well.
“Today he was exceptional, he is a real model professional for a young player. With everything he has won and achieved he could easily come and knock on my door but he is old school, he respects authority.”
John Terry put Chelsea ahead with a trademark header in the first-half, before Suarez nodded home following a corner-kick.
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has backed team-mate Mario Balotelli to become one of the top strikers in the Premier League.
The Italian was widely criticised for his performance in the Manchester derby, with some suggesting that manager Roberto Mancini has run out of patience with the 22-year-old.
However, the Sky Blues’ coach insisted his hit-man will be going nowhere in January and Toure feels that Balotelli will repay the faith being shown in him:
“Mario is an unbelievable player, but sometimes he can be angry with himself,” he told the Manchester Evening News.
“All players need to improve, and I talk all the time with Mario.
“This year especially he has been working hard in training, and improving well, but sometimes in the game you can get so disappointed when you lose small things.
“But he has fantastic character, and I know he will be one of the top strikers in the Premier League.”
Balotelli’s time in England has been filled with controversy, with multiple off-field misdemeanours making national headlines.
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It hasn’t been much better whilst in action, as he has struggled to fully adapt to the rigours of Premier League football.
This has led to strong speculation of a switch to AC Milan, who are thought to be interested.
Last weekend I ventured down to Brisbane Road, eagerly anticipating the clash between League One’s Leyton Orient and Scunthorpe United. The O’s were on a remarkable eight-game winning streak, which was in stark contrast to the Iron, who sat precariously in the relegation zone.
It was surely a foregone conclusion, a home win on accumulators up and down the country. But no, Scunthorpe mustered three clear-cut chances to emerge victorious, 3-1, in a match that helped restore my faith in the beautiful-yet-utterly unpredictable game.
However, while I had braced myself for the inevitable dip in quality, I was not expecting to be greeted by such a lacklustre atmosphere. The stadium appeared to be filled by disgruntled supporters that outright refused to dream of an ascent to the big time. Not even an injection of Christmas spirit could lift this subdued lot, who had seemingly come to terms with their prolonged existence in the lower leagues.
With the advent of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), a new lucrative broadcasting deal and a stuttering economic climate, are we about to witness an involuntary two-tier system separating both the Championship and the Premier League from the rest of professional football in this country?
The greatest aspect of English football is the competitive nature of the top flight, right the way down to the Conference and beyond. We still witness a healthy number of upsets in cup competitions and a fair few of the current Premier League stars have worked their way up from non-league football. The sport is a celebration of the ‘British Bulldog’ spirit that inspires a nation.
Yet cast your eye towards Spain and it’s painfully clear that football is in an appalling state. Outside La Liga, clubs continue to bleed money, drowning in a sea of escalating debt. Real Oviedo have recently been spared certain extinction thanks to the power of social media, but many more sides teeter on the brink of liquidation. Real Madrid and Barcelona may exist in a class of their own, but their decision to negotiate exclusive television deals mean the rest are forced to suffer.
Is this a sign of things to come on our shores? The Premier League’s revenue from collective broadcasting deals is expected to top £5billion by the time the final overseas contracts are tied up. This is a staggering increase on an already sizeable gap in financial income between the top and the bottom of the football league.
While clubs in the top two divisions strive for a place in the top flight, the remaining clubs can only pray for an exceptional cup run to boost finances. Bradford City director of operations Dave Baldwin recently declared their heroics against Arsenal effectively ‘secured the club’s future’. If other clubs buried in League Two need a similar miracle to preserve their existence, then it portrays a grim outlook for the future.
It’s only a matter of time before the first controversial transfer under the EPPP makes all the wrong headlines. The new regulations mean a transfer fee for a youngster is no longer decided by a tribunal and is instead calculated by age, how long he has been at a club and the club’s ‘category’ status. The concept of ‘ability’ or ‘potential’ will be completely ignored in deals that total a fraction of their current cost.
Under these new rulings, managers are likely to cast their net far and wide, sucking up a plethora of talent in the hope of landing the ‘next big thing’. Yeovil, Hereford and Wycombe Wanderers have already disbanded their youth development programmes, convinced they will be no longer capable of reaping the rewards of raising players from an early age.
If lower league clubs are unable to accumulate substantial income from TV deals or player transfers then how exactly are they supposed to survive? In recent years we’ve witnessed an alarming number of investments from foreign ownership derail a football club, many of whom are still struggling to recover.
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The Scottish Premier League clubs are currently pursuing a two-tier top flight that will create two separate divisions of 12 teams. The new model presents an opportunity to revitalise a country that has been dominated by the infamous Glasgow duo for as long as I can remember.
There have also been growing calls to redistribute the wealth across the board in an attempt to level an uneven playing field. At present, the club that finishes bottom of the SPL receives £750,000 as a parachute payment, but the winners of Division One are handed just £70,000. It may seem insignificant when compared to the Premier League, but it’s one of many reasons Scottish football has become painfully mundane and predictable.
As attendances across the Football League plummet, the cost of watching football only seems capable of increasing. The vast difference in investment, quality and recognition between clubs across the four divisions broadens with each passing season and if we don’t do something to safeguard the future of every team, the fabric of football in England will be ripped from its seems.
The future of Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini is up for discussion once again in the Football Transfer Tavern, with Massimo Marioni of Metro claiming a proposed move to Argentina may be called off.
The Magpies are reportedly unimpressed with the pursuit of their captain from Argentinian club San Lorenzo, who have claimed they cannot afford to pay for the centre back, but are never the less hoping he will be allowed to join the club for family reasons.
Coloccini has expressed his desire to leave St. James’ Park and return to his native South America, but Alan Pardew is clearly reluctant to let his captain leave, having already lost Demba Ba to Chelsea during this transfer window, and missing out on the signing of Loic Remy to QPR.
San Lorenzo’s club president Matias Lammens, admitted the club did not have the funds to launch a bid:
“San Lorenzo can’t pay a fee for Coloccini. We don’t want to build up fans hope, we are dependent on Fabricio’s persistence to leave the club,” Lammens told Rock and Closs.
“San Lorenzo’s position didn’t change. We will see the contract we can make for him, according to club’s economy. We would love having Fabricio amongst us but his exit from Newcastle won’t be easy.”
Coloccini’s father revealed earlier in the month that his son was hoping to return home to be with his wife, who is reportedly ill, although Lammens is sympathetic to Newcastle’s situation.
“Putting myself in Newcastle’s place, it will be difficult to let Fabricio Coloccini leave,” Lammens added.
“San Lorenzo will wait for him until the end of this week. If he can’t solve this situation, we will go for another player so that he can join in with time before the Torneo Final stars.
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The Argentinian’s have already identified a Palermo centre back as an alternative to the Newcastle defender.
“Mauro Cetto is priority for Juan Antonio Pizzi [manager] and the player said he would like to come.”
Can Newcastle keep hold of Coloccini this January? Vote in our polls below.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that he’s willing to bring in players from any area of the world during January.
The Super Hoops endured a tough start to the Premier League season, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table and five points from safety.
Redknapp is widely reported to be considering multiple signings in a bid to steer the club away from the drop, and has revealed that he’s monitoring targets from all across the globe:
“I’ll be flying all round the world to try to get one or two players if I can. That’s the key.
“We need to improve the squad. I’ll be doing everything I can to do that.
“We have to do business somewhere even if it’s loans. We are short in certain areas. The team needs picking up.”
He is said to be chasing Marseille striker Loic Remy as well as fellow Frenchman Yann M’Vila.
Meanwhile striker DJ Campbell has returned to Loftus Road following a successful loan spell with Ipswich and Redknapp believes that he will contribute heavily following his appearance in their draw with West Brom:
“I’ve had seven or eight clubs in for DJ Campbell from the Championship,
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“He gives everything. I like him a lot as a lad. He has got a good attitude. He will be handy for us. I wish I had had him here a month ago.”
Bradford City have been desperately scrambling for a turning point since they slid out of the Premier League as recently as 2001 but, sunk into their sixth season of struggle in League Two, they never thought even to dream of a League Cup final at Wembley. After defeating three Premier League sides in succession, including a historic victory over Arsenal and a famous win in which they beat Aston Villa over two legs, the Bantams have proven their worth in the competition. Thoughts have turned to the £1m that the Football League estimates Bradford will earn as one of the 2013 Capital One Cup finalists, but the club hope the achievement itself will provide a powerful boost.
Matt Duke – After being released from Hull City, Matt Duke found himself signing a two-year contract at Bradford City. He was loaned out to Northampton Town for the second-half of last season, but his displays in the Capital One Cup this season have seen him become a club legend.
The Bradford City ‘keeper has had a crucial role in the Bantams’ rise to glory this season, keeping a clean-sheet against Premier League side Wigan to take the game to penalties where Bradford proved victorious. A fine double save against Santi Cazorla in the final minutes of their clash with Arsenal summed up his instinctive, domineering displays in the competition. Duke’s form continued into the semi-final clash with Aston Villa, where over two legs the shot-stopper denied Villa danger-men Christian Benteke, Andreas Weimann and Gabriel Agbonlahor numerous times to ensure progression into the final. His performances have provided the basis for Bradford City’s success in the competition this season, and his experience will be vital if Bradford are to lift the trophy.
Nakhi Wells – Nakhi Wells signed for Bradford City after being released by Carlisle United in 2011 after only playing three games. However, he’s proved his prowess since joining the Bantams and his game has developed leaps and bounds. In particular, his performances in the Capital One Cup so far this season have been promising, and he sits on 18 goals in all competitions as Bradford’s top goalscorer so far this period.
As one of Bradford’s youngest players, 22-year-old Bermudian Nakhi Wells, has really upped his game this season, proving his worth to the Bradford faithful. His skill and stamina have given the Bantams a different dimension on the pitch, as he continues to harass and bully defenders. His performance against Burton Albion, where he bagged two late goals to take the game into extra time, proved a turning point as he has maintained his remarkable form since – he has gone on to score a remarkable 18 goals across all competitions this season. His performances have not only seen him score against Premier League side Aston Villa, but have also seen clever hold-up to run the clock down for his team – a knack which has proven vital in sealing a series of famous victories for the Bantams. This season, Wells has epitomised the grit and determination of Bradford City, and has a bright future ahead in English football.
Gary Jones – Leaving Rochdale for Bradford City in 2012, few would have imagined the impact veteran midfielder Gary Jones has had on the Bantams since his arrival. The Englishman has brought experience and guile to the Bradford ranks, two qualities that have seen them qualify for their first domestic cup final since 1911.
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Making his debut in the Capital One Cup win over Notts County, Jones went on to become vastly important in the consequent rounds, as he captained the Bantams to victory over Arsenal and Aston Villa. His battling, relentless midfield play restricted much of the space in the middle of the park in both ties, as he dictated Bradford’s play both defensively and offensively. Swansea will do well not to underestimate Jones based on his age (35), as he displays the stamina and pace of a player half his age.
Bayern Munich’s manager-in-waiting Pep Guardiola is reportedly eyeing a summer transfer swoop for Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, according to the Daily Mail.
The former Barcelona chief is due to take over from Jupp Heynckes at the end of the season, and a move for the Gunners centre-back could be one of his first tasks with the Bundesliga giants.
Bayern are in the market for defensive reinforcements with veteran Belgian stopper Daniel van Buyten tipped for a switch away from the club once his existing deal expires in the coming months.
Guardiola is known to be a big admirer of Koscielny having previously tried to lure him to the Nou Camp during his final season in charge at Barcelona.
The 27-year-old has gone from strength to strength since his arrival in London three years ago and has kept club captain Thomas Vermaelen out of the team for much of 2013.
Bayern would face a battle though to land him as he still has four years to run on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger needs to keep his better players in the face of increasing pressure from the Gunners supporters.
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