Oliver Giroud Urges Arsenal to Buy a New Striker.

Arsenal FC forward Olivier Giroud had come under increased criticism off late with Thierry Henry stating that Arsenal needed a new "spine" in the team to win the league.
The Arsenal legend went on to state that the Gunners won't be able to win the Premier League with Olivier Giroud as their striker.
The 28-year-old striker didn't take the criticism kindly and retaliated through the media. He was also backed by his manager Arsene Wenger, who reminded Henry that he faced similar criticisms when he was signed by the club.
Giroud welcomes challenge
Giroud, currently Arsenal's first-choice forward, said he would welcome the arrival of a new leading striker.
Giroud said: "I am going to focus on my preparation. We are doing well together with a good cohesion. The most important thing for me is that the team is always improving. I give my best every game. If there is another striker it will be nice for all the team because competition is good for everyone."
We don't rule it out, also don't guarantee we will sign: Wenger
While Giroud would welcome a new arrival, manager Arsene Wenger has said he will only enter the transfer market again this summer if he finds an exceptional player with Arsenal FC regularly linked with Real Madrid's French striker Karim Benzema.
"I don't know where that story comes from, but that is not happening at the moment. I am happy with the squad we have. If I find an exceptional player to strengthen, I will do it."
"It depends what's on the market. It is not easy, there are a lot of teams out there in Europe competing for the same player. We don't rule it out and [also] don't guarantee we sign.
"[The title] is our target and we feel we have a chance in a very competitive league. We are not far away." – The Arsenal manager was quoted as saying by the Guardian.
It cannot be ignored that Arsenal FC need to add players upfront, specially someone who can provide something different to what Olivier Giroud brings to the plate. While the manager had hoped that from Welbeck, he has failed to deliver consistently with the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger has, over the past two seasons, made a marquee signings in the form of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. The fans will hope for something similar this summer.

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Arsenal in talk to sign Roma center-back Alessio Romagnoli

Arsenal are in talks to bolster their defensive options by signing Roma centre-back Alessio Romagnoli.

AC Milan are also in negotiations to sign the 20-year-old and have had three bids rejected, and now Gazzetta dello Sport says Arsenal have approached Roma to discuss a deal.

Romagnoli is valued at £24.4 million but no club has yet come close to offering such a fee.

We are told that Arsene Wenger has stated he won't be signing any new defenders this summer - but Romagnoli is such a top talent, he could make an exception.

Meanwhile, The Metro believes Arsenal are poised to make a 'huge offer' to sign striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

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Bastian Schweinsteiger eye more glory at Old Trafford.

Bastian Schweinsteiger revealed Wednesday the prospect of playing before Manchester United's supporters at Old Trafford's iconic "Theatre of Dreams" helped lure him away from Bayern Munich. (Joined Manchester United to win titles: Schweinsteiger)
The 30-year-old 2014 World Cup-winning midfield general completed a £14m (19.47m euros, $21.72m) move to United on Monday after agreeing a three-year deal with the Premier League side.
The move to Manchester reunites Schweinsteiger with former Bayern boss Louis van Gaal, who forged a solid bond with the midfielder during a successful stint with the Bundesliga giants between 2009 and 2011.
Schweinsteiger, who joined up with United immediately for their pre-season tour of the United States, told journalists in Seattle on Wednesday he was looking forward to working with van Gaal again.
But it was the prospect of playing for United at Old Trafford which had been the biggest draw, he said.
"Of course we know each other, we had a good time but I am here for Manchester United because Manchester United is a big club and I am looking forward to playing in that great stadium," Schweinsteiger said.
Schweinsteiger said the Old Trafford support had made a lasting impression on him during a 2010 Champions League quarter-final, when Bayern lost 3-2 but eliminated United on away goals.
"The supporters from Manchester United, they are huge," Schweinsteiger said.
"I remember once when we played there, we lost 3-2 but we moved on to the next round - but these supporters were very respectful after the match, they gave us applause and I am looking forward to playing in front of these supporters."
Schweinsteiger said he had his sights set firmly on a trophy-winning finale to his career after winning every available honour with Bayern.
"I cannot guarantee titles, but I can guarantee we will give our best to be successful," he said.
"I am very happy to be here and to play for Manchester United. It is a big honour. Of course it is a new step in my life.
"I want to win titles, it is easy. Manchester United is used to it and I am used to it too. That is the goal for the next years in Manchester."
Schweinsteiger could make his bow for United in their opening International Champions Cup match on Friday, when they face Mexico's Club America at CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team.

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Strongest Lineup: Manchester United vs Club America – Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Darmian and Depay debut

Manchester United get their pre-season tour of the USA underway on July 18th with a clash against Club America at the CenturyLink Field in Seattle and Red Devils' faithful all around the world will be eagerly anticipating the match due to the host of star players the club have purchased this summer.

The likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Matteo Darmian and Memphis Depay have all arrived at Old Trafford so far this summer and the signings of such quality players has certainly caught the imagination of the fans.

The exciting quartet is set to start in United's first pre-season clash on Saturday and it will be interesting for everyone to see how the new stars will fit into the system of manager Louis van Gaal.

Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Manchester United on the day –

Goalkeeper

David De Gea looks all but certain to leave Manchester United this summer but he has been included in the squad for the pre-season tour by the club.

Having been included, there is no reason why the wantaway Spaniard will not be used. Anders Lindegaard and Sam Johnstone are the other goalkeepers who make up the squad and the duo could possibly start as well. Victor Valdes is the surprise omission from the squad.

Defence

United have brought in Italian international Matteo Darmian from Torino this summer and he certainly looks like a very good purchase for the Red Devils. With Rafael left out of the squad, it is very likely that Darmian will make his debut for the club against Club America.

There has been a lot of talk surrounding United purchasing a new central defender this summer but as of now no signing has been made and it looks likely that the duo of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will be starting at the heart of the defence on Saturday.

Luke Shaw will be hoping for a good season this term following a difficult campaign last season due to injuries and the young Englishman looks likely to be starting in the left back position.

Midfield

The Manchester United fans have been crying out for the club to buy a world class midfielder over the last few years and the Red Devils have finally obliged by bringing two top quality players in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin.

Due to presence the of Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Daley Blind and Michael Carrick alongside the new arrivals of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin, United's midfield looks a formidable force all of a sudden.

For Saturday's clash, there is a possibility that Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin will be handed their debuts while either Ander Herrera or Daley Blind will partner the duo at the middle of the park.

Another exciting signing United fans are looking forward to see is Memphis Depay and he should get his debut on the day as well. The likes of Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Antonio Valencia will also be in consideration for a start while Angel Di Maria has been left out due to his participation in the Copa America.

Attack

Following the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney remains the undoubted star striker for United and he should be leading the line against Club America as a lone forward.

James Wilson has also been included in the squad and the young striker should be used in some capacity by van Gaal.

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Arda: Ronaldo is special but he'll never be like messi.

The latest arrival at Camp Nou believes that the Argentine is the greatest player the game has ever seen, while he revealed that he received several offers from other clubs

New Barcelona signing Arda Turan says that, while Cristiano Ronaldo is a "special" player, the Real Madrid superstar will never reach the same level as Lionel Messi.

Turkey international Arda completed his €41 million move from Atletico Madrid to the Blaugrana on Friday, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Catalan club.

The attacking midfielder will not be able to play for Luis Enrique's side until January as Barca are currently serving a Fifa-imposed transfer ban relating to the movement of under-age players but Arda explained that he never had any doubts about moving to Camp Nou as he is so excited about lining up alongside the man he believes to be the greatest footballer of all time.

"Cristiano is special but he'll never be like Messi," the 28-year-old told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

"I don't think that there's ever been anyone like Messi - or ever will be."

However, Arda admitted that he is arguably even more excited about playing in the same team as Andres Iniesta and insisted that there is room for him in Barca's all-star attacking line-up.

"Hopefully I will play play alongside Iniesta, Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez," he stated. "I think you can see that picture of the five of us playing together.

"At Atletico, I always said that Messi is the best player in the world, but Iniesta is my idol."

Arda, who was also linked with Liverpool, Chelsea, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, also revealed that he could have moved elsewhere but that he always had his heart set on a switch to Catalunya.

"I received lots of offers, but when I heard from Barca I pushed all the others aside," he added.

"Those who know me know that I've dreamt of playing for Barca since I was a kid.

"I'm happy to come to the best club in the world. I'll try to give the best I've have.

"I've always liked having to really fight in order to win; I think here people will see the best Arda."

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Messi will feel better if I'm president - Laporta

The Barcelona candidate insists the Argentina international will definitely stay at the club if he wins the upcoming election.

Joan Laporta has insisted that, if he is elected as Barcelona's new president, he will make Lionel Messi feel more comfortable at Camp Nou.

The Argentine rose to prominence during Laporta's stint at the helm of the club between 2003 and 2010 and he is looking to take charge again in the election on July 18.

The 27-year-old was linked to a move away from Barca last season and had a fall-out with coach Luis Enrique, but he turned his form around to fire them to a European and domestic treble.

Laporta, 53, has always maintained that Messi's happiness is crucial to the success of the first team and has again stated that voting for him will help keep the four-time Ballon d'Or winner happy.

"Last season there was talk of selling Leo, but with me in charge he will feel far more comfortable," Laporta said on a debate on TV3.

The Catalan politician then criticised his opponent Josep Maria Bartomeu, who is looking to be re-elected after leading the club from January 2014 until the board was dissolved ahead of the election.

"Bartomeu and his successor Sandro Rosell are the type of people who impede the country from moving forward," Laporta said, before urging the other two candidates Toni Freixa and Agusti Benedito to withdraw from the race and pledge their support to himself or Bartomeu.

"The polls show that the intention to vote for Benedito and Freixa is low. It's impossible for them to win. If I was them I'd channel support to either the Bartomeu/Rosell campaign or my own."

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Man Utd transfers: Sergio Ramos gives update on his future.

Manchester United target Sergio Ramos insists he has not entered into talks with any potential suitors.
Sergio Ramos has insisted that he is not in negotiations with any interested clubs amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future.
The Spain international has been heavily linked with a move to
Manchester United in recent weeks after reports emerged suggesting that manager Rafael Benitez is ready to sell the centre-half.
The Red Devils target, who helped Spain win the World Cup in 2010, has two years remaining on his current contract with the 10-time European champions.
However, Ramos, 29, insisted that he was not entered into talks with any potential suitors despite media speculation to the contrary.
"I am not negotiating with anyone," Ramos is quoted as saying by AS English .
Asked if he was going to stay at Madrid, Ramos replied: ""All is very well."
Ramos has won three La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey crowns and the
Champions League.
The Real Madrid defender is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2017 unless the World Cup winner agrees a new deal with the 10-time European champions.
The World Cup winner scored four goals in 42 games in all competitions for Los Blancos last term.

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Man United's Robin van Persie agrees four-year deal with Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

The Guardian reports the Dutchman will pen a four-year deal with the Turkish giants after being told he's not wanted at
Old Trafford.
Starsport earlier revealed the striker had
rejected an offer from fellow Turkish side Besiktas .
But Van Persie's agent Kees Vos has reportedly been in Istanbul for the last two days finalising a deal with fellow Istanbul club Fener.
Former Liverpool hero Dirk Kuyt has been reportedly played a key role in persuading the United striker to go ahead with the move.
The pair played together for the Dutch national team, and Kuyt offered a rave review of the club he left earlier this summer after a three-year spell.
Van Persie's United team-mate Nani is also closing in on a switch to Fenerbahce.
He is also preparing to pen a four-year contract after being told he's not in Louis van Gaal's first-team plans.

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Galatasaray sign Podolski from Arsenal.

Galatasaray have announced the signing of Lukas Podolski from Arsenal, with the Germany international signing an initial three-year deal.
Podolski, 30, was expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, having slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of players such as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter Milan and has now signed a contract with the Super Lig champions, with an option for a fourth year in place.
Announcing the deal through their website, Galatasaray confirmed an initial fee of 2.5million euros (£1.8m) plus add-ons for how well the club perform during the length of Podolski's stay, with the former Bayern Munich man tweeting a picture of himself inside the Turk Telecom Arena.
President Dursun Aydin Ozbek admitted Galatasaray had been chasing the signature of the FIFA World Cup™ winner for some time and was pleased to have finally worked out a deal for the forward. "Podolski was a player we have been following for a long time," he said at the announcement of the signing. "We have met the expectations of our fans. We think he will serve us for many years."
Podolski, who started for the Gunners in the 2014 FA Cup final victory over Hull, had long been linked with a move to Galatasaray and his agent Nassim Touihri said on Friday that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had begrudgingly allowed the player to leave.
''We had good talks with Wenger,'' Touihri said. ''He wanted to keep Lukas at Arsenal but could not guarantee him a starting position. That's why we agreed to make a transfer.''
Despite moving to Arsenal with a fine reputation, Podolski's chances became limited as Wenger added the likes of Ozil, Sanchez and Danny Welbeck to his forward options. He also has Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at his disposal, which is the likely reason why the Frenchman could not guarantee Podolski the game-time he craves.

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Arturo Vidal to Real Madrid: Manchester United and Arsenal target agrees 'five-year deal' with Los Blancos.

Real Madrid have moved to agree a five-year deal with Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, according to reports in Chile.
The 28-year-old had been a target for Manchester United until they lost interest following his drunk-driving incident where he crashed his Ferrari . Arsenal were also interested in the midfielder but Arsene Wenger was said to have had a 're-think' on Vidal .
Chilean newspaper La Tercera report that Real Madrid have no such concerns for Vidal's off-field antics and have moved to agree terms with the player, but are still to agree on a fee with the Italian club.
Vidal has impressed for hosts Chile in the Copa America, where he will likely start in the final against Argentina on Saturday night.
New Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is yet to make a signing this summer, with the move for Porto right-back Danilo being agreed back in Marc. Germany midfielder Sami Khedira left the club on a free transfer, eventually signing for Juventus.

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