Frank Lampard joins Man City on loan

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will be part of Manchester City’s Premier League squad for the new season on a six-month loan from MLS expansion team New York City FC.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed the deal on Saturday after the club’s International Challenge Cup defeat on penalties against Olympiakos at the University of Minnesota. “From next [this] week, on Wednesday, he’ll start working with our team,” Pellegrini said.

Reports: Arsenal will make one last £30m bid for Real Madrid midfielder Khedira

Arsenal will try to sign Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira one more time before giving up and turning their attentions elsewhere if they are unsuccessful.
The Germany World Cup winner has 12 months left on his contract with the Champions League holders but he is currently locked in transfer negotiations with the Spanish side and looks like he will leave.
Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea have been heavily linked to the midfielder throughout the transfer window although it had been believed that the former were closer to signing him.
However recently the North London side have been frustrated by Khedira’s wage demands and the deal appears to have stalled.
Now the Mail report that the Gunners will make one more attempt to bring the midfielder in before turning their attention to compatriot Lars Bender.
After the Emirates Cup victory over Benfica on Saturday manager Arsene Wenger hinted that there would be more signings but suggested they would be in the defensive area.

Overreaction Theatre: Sanogo’s celebration fail

               Yaya Sanogo, Arsenal’s goalless striker, surprised everyone with his four-goal haul as Arsenal thrashed Benfica 5-1 in the Emirates Cup on Saturday.

The young Frenchman, who looked shorn of all confidence after joining the Gunners from Auxerre last summer, seemed to be a completely different player as he led the line with Joel Campbell. Cue social media explosion.

Of course this was a pre-season friendly, meaning the pressure which negatively impacted Sanogo last season was well and truly off. Also, many of these reactions were tongue-in-cheek. But let’s have a collective irony bypass and enjoy them at face value…

First up, despite scoring four goals, the player himself was brought back down to earth with this hilarious botched celebration:

Alexis, Debuchy and Chambers: How did Arsenal’s new boys do?

Sanchez rates as one of Arsene Wenger's most exciting signings of the past 20 years and a fan-base reared on Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie is desperate for the Chile international, brought to the club from Barcelona for £32 million, to etch his name into Arsenal history alongside his predecessors. Sanchez was purchased as a lightning-quick and versatile forward, who would either perform on the right of the attack as he did for Barcelona, or through the centre as he more often does for his national team, and in spells for both Barca and Udinese. Sanchez has been purchased to add an element of magic and penetration to an Arsenal attack lacking a true attacking talisman.

The reality:

Having made a bright yet brief debut against Benfica in the central striker's role, Sanchez moved to the right to accommodate Olivier Giroud and promptly saw the Frenchman waste two of his perceptive passes early on. Sanchez looked to move the ball quickly and venomously and supplied the kind of cultured passes that Theo Walcott cannot. However, with Monaco proving rather more tricky than Benfica, his enthusiastic first-half contribution produced little in terms of decisive end product, even if a couple of clever flicks drew gasps from the crowd.

Arsenal immediately looked a more dangerous proposition when he moved to a central role at half-time, with Giroud coming off, as Sanchez sometimes took on the false nine brief, dropping off the front into deep or wide positions, and sometimes played on the last shoulder, looking to run in behind. He also held his own in the air, winning two early aerial battles against Monaco's centre-backs, and then wasted a fine opportunity as he thrashed the ball wide from a pass from Santi Cazorla. But that was the best chance to come his way before Chuba Akpom took his place in attack with 16 minutes remaining.

MATHIEU DEBUCHY: How did Arsenal’s new boys do?

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Bar a notable dip in form in the 2012-13 season, Bacary Sagna was the very model of consistency for Arsenal and a solid Wenger consigliere - a man to rely on, a man to to do the dirty work, even if he spoke at a barely perceptible whisper. To many, his loss to Manchester City and the subsequent recruitment of Debuchy from Newcastle ranks as a minor downgrade. Not that Didier Deschamps would agree, preferring the younger, debonaire Debuchy for France. Though something has been made of Debuchy's attributes in the air compared to Sagna, and a cautious few expect an improvement on his predecessor, most would merely hope the line of succession remains unbroken in terms of applied consistency, and Debuchy represents more of the same.

The reality:

Pretty much what you would expect. Debuchy just makes sense in this Arsenal team. He slotted in quickly and comfortably and was a solid presence in the first half. The Frenchman did not demonstrate the dynamism shown by youngster Hector Bellerin 24 hours previously, but in Lucas Ocampos he was presented with a dangerous opponent and he also dropped in to help deal with Falcao on occasion.

In the second half he executed a successful yet rather inadvisable bodyswerve in his own box to slip between two Monaco players, but it was a showy moment otherwise out of keeping with a disciplined performance.

Manchester United battling Bayern over Di Maria

The Sunday Times reports that United face a new hurdle in signing Argentina's Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for £55m: interest from Bayern Munich. FFP rules appear to have ruled PSG out of the bidding, but Bayern "have asked about the forward’s personal terms… and it is understood that Di Maria would choose them ahead of United."Surely this is the point that United must start looking at other targets instead. As good as Di Maria is, there's no chance of him turning his nose up at a chance to star for a club that is not only in the Champions League, but has an excellent chance of winning. The possibility of two European winners' medals in as many years will be far too strong a lure for Di Maria

Arsenal go head-to-head with United for Hummels

The Daily Mirror reports that the German defender is still available for around £30m despite denials from Borussia Dortmund and claims that, "the Gunners are ready to challenge Manchester United for the signature of the Germany World Cup winner."

Pochettino to move for Eto'o

The Sun on Sunday reports that Tottenham are to hijack West Ham's attempts to land Samuel Eto'o. The paper quotes a "friend" of the Cameroon star saying, "Tottenham have been in contact with Samuel’s agent and they asked about what his situation is. Talks have been ongoing all week with West Ham, though, who have made the most serious proposals so far. But Spurs coming in suddenly has made it far more interesting for Samuel."What is this, 2008? Eto'o showed beyond any doubt last season that, while he still has the odd flash, he is well past his sell-by date. That sort of a deal might work out for goal-shy, striker-deprived, relegation-battling West Ham, but Tottenham would be crazy not to aim their sights higher

Barcelona move in for Vermaelen

The Mirror reports that, "Barcelona have emerged as favourites to land Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen for £10m," with new Barca coach Luis Enrique believing the 28-year-old to be "perfect for his rebuilding job". Arsenal's Belgian defender has been a target for Manchester United all summer, but Arsene Wenger would be thrilled to sell to a club who aren't likely to be duking it out with the Gunners for a Champions League spot come next May.

Southampton target Rodwell, but face Napoli battle

The Star reports that the Saints are finally trying to spend some of the money they've raised in transfers so far this season, and have alighted on Manchester City's 23-year-old midfielder Jack Rodwell. The problem is that Rafa Benitez has long admired Rodwell as well and wants to take him to Italy. Rodwell has far too much to offer to spend another season trying to escape the gravitational pull of the City reserves side. It's just a question of how far south he wants to move - but assuming he doesn't mind the idea of the dolce vita in Italy, then he'd be crazy to walk away from an offer by a club enjoying Champions League football this season.

Premier League - Balotelli 'in talks over Liverpool move'

An Italian report claims Liverpool are in talks with AC Milan to buy Mario Balotelli for just £14.3 million.

The rumours of Liverpool interest went into overdrive ahead of their International Champions Cup match when Brendan Rodgers praised Balo in his Press conference.

Now Italy's Sport Mediaset reports that Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, is already in contact with the Premier League club to discuss wages.

Milan CEO Adriano Galliani had said Balotelli was “99.999 per cent” likely to stay, but this phrase has also been used before other transfers.

According to Sport Mediaset, Balo’s price-tag has plummeted over the summer to just €18m (£14.3m).

The Rossoneri aim to use that money and reinvest it in Torino winger Alessio Cerci, who is also a target for AS Monaco.

Balotelli has found life in Italy even tougher than at Manchester City with a more unforgiving Press.

“I made a mistake bringing Mario back to Italy,” said agent Raiola after the World Cup fall-out, when Balotelli’s attitude and abilities were under attack.

CALUM CHAMBERS AGAINST MONACO STATISTICS

Retiring South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis was described this week as a Jack of all trades and a master of all too, such were his accomplishments with the bat, the ball and in the field. Arsenal will be delighted if, in the teenage Chambers, they have another sportsman divested with three such prominent strings to his bow. Wenger talked up the £16m recruit from Southampton's ability to play as a centre-back, right-back and central midfielder upon his arrival but in truth immediate expectations should be more cautious for a player who has played fewer than 20 league games. Dependable back-up in the two defensive positions will do for now, given Arsenal's paucity of options at the back.

The reality:

Very encouraging. After a promising yet rather uneventful first outing of the weekend against Benfica, Sunday's match against Monaco was a much more stringent test of the young man's credentials, pitting him as it did against the ruthless Falcao, making his first start since suffering a serious knee injury in January. Senior partner Laurent Koscielny was the man responsible for Falcao's goal as the striker was left unmarked and Chambers produced an impressively composed performance in the first half before he was substituted at the break. Alert to danger and moving confidently across the turf at centre-back, he also took the ball out of defence with the assurance of a man who learned his trade in midfield, even if he tried a few too many long balls for Giroud.

Arsenal transfers: Arsène Wenger isn’t in market for defensive midfielder

The Arsenal boss has boosted his squad with the signings of Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Calum Chambers but has remained coy on talk of a move for Real Madrid’s midfielder Sami Khedira.

We have Flamini who can play there. Last season we played with Arteta and Ramsey there in many games in that position
Arsène Wenger

The Germany international, who recently won the World Cup alongside Gunners Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mezut Özil is available having fallen down the pecking order at los Blancos.
However, Wenger has denied his squad needs bolstering with a specialist defensive midfielder.
“We have Flamini who can play there. Last season we played with Arteta and Ramsey there in many games in that position,” said Wenger.
It has been suggested Jack Wilshere could fall back into a more defensive role to fill the void and that could also accommodate Arsenal’s vast array of attacking players.
Wenger was quick to deny Wilshere moving back: “No because we only play with one holding midfielder. Arteta was there today (against Monaco) with Wilshere and Ramsey pushing on. He needs games, we have seen that again today.”
The Arsenal boss also insisted the England international needs more playing time before finding top form again after a period of injury setbacks.
“Jack is getting better, his ankle is good now but he needs games. At the top top level you need presence, consistent presence. Today you can’t come back after just three weeks of rest and be sharp,” Wenger continued.
Wenger was evidently frustrated by his side’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Monaco after a convincing 5-1 victory against Benfica on Saturday:
“Well we have made a demonstration that a lot can change in football in 24 hours. As much as our performance was sharp, creative, dynamic yesterday whereas today was static, lethargic and not convincing at all. I feel that a lot of players have not recovered physically.”
Despite Wenger’s view on signing an additional defensive midfielder, he was clearly not impressed by the midfield’s work versus Monaco.
“We had problems today feeding our strikers because in the build up we were not very good, our combination game was very poor so it was very difficult for our strikers. Look if you have good midfielders, they will find the strikers.”

Chelsea could land Khedira for nothing

chelsea could pinch Sami Khedira on a free transfer despite Arsenal's £26m interest, while Bayern may scupper United's top target; here are the top stories from the papers.  The Daily Star Sunday reports that Real Madrid's German World Cup winner Sami Khedira, "is ready to run down his contract and join Chelsea next summer for free. That would be a massive blow to Arsenal, who were ready to spend £24 million on Khedira this summer but baulked at his £150k-a-week wages. But it would represent a huge coup for Jose Mourinho, who managed Khedira, 27, at the Bernabeu and is eager to be reunited with him."

Koke: Why I rejected Barcelona

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has explained why he rejected a move to Barcelona, saying he could not bear to leave the Vicente Calderon.

The 22-year-old had been linked with the Camp Nou club following a stellar 2013-14 season in which he helped the Rojiblancos lift La Liga and reach the Champions League final.

Striker Diego Costa and left-back Filipe Luis both left Atletico this summer for Chelsea, but Koke decided against joining Lionel Messi and Co. despite their intense interest due to his desire to continue to impress under Diego Simeone.

"The truth is that part of me said it was difficult to say no to Barca but I wanted to continue at home for many years at Atletico," he told AS.

"It wasn’t time to leave. This is my home, where I feel wanted and the club didn’t need to sell. How was I going to leave at the best time for Atletico?

"It’s not easy to say no to Barca and their interest was appreciated. It means the work I’ve done has paid off. But I’m at home here.

"I’m just another player at Atletico, a player who gives everything for his team and does what Simeone asks. I’m not the best or the flagship, the banner. The most important thing to me is to make a better Atletico and be a team player, which is ultimately what matters.

"The new signings are great players, they’re all important and I believe they will all contribute a lot to the team. They hope to do things right and that is something Simeone values highly."

Ronaldo: I may go back to Man United

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to rule out a return to Manchester United in the future and maintains his “love” for his former club.

The 29-year-old joined Real Madrid from the Red Devils in a €94 million deal in 2009 after spending six seasons at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, who will not face United in Saturday’s pre-season friendly in Michigan due to fitness concerns, admits he sees his former club as a "second family" but reiterates that he is happy to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for now.

"Manchester United are one of my favourite clubs, everyone knows that every time when I speak about Real Madrid I speak about Manchester United, I loved it there," Ronaldo told reporters.

"I was 18 years old when I joined, I won everything there, the people treat me like a god there so I appreciate that and, in the future, who knows.

"I remember when we played there against Manchester United in the Champions League. Their affection killed me, I 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 of the staff.

"It was like my second family there, so I’ll not forget that the people treat me good. I love Manchester United and to go back... With football you never know.

"Of course, I’m happy at Real Madrid - it’s my home, my club - but Manchester United treated me unbelievable so you never know."

Ronaldo also believes United will prosper under Louis van Gaal’s guidance following their worst-ever Premier League campaign last season under fired coach David Moyes, who had replaced Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

"It will be a better season for sure. My feeling is Van Gaal is a fantastic coach, he showed that all the time for Netherlands, the team played unbelievable at the World Cup, and I hope that Man Utd come back like the people know," he added.