Author: cimi

French moneybags Paris Saint-Germain have secured the signature of AC Milan’s mercurial striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as the Swede passed his medical and was unveiled to the French media.

Ibrahimovic’s capture was the second high profile signing for PSG after they lured Ibrahimovic’s AC Milan team-mate Thiago Silva just a week ago. They also signed highly-rated Italian Under 21 international Marco Verratti from Serie A outfit Pescara in the current Transfer window.

After finishing runners-up to Montepellier in the league last season, manager Carlo Ancelotti has been given the backing to go all out in the Transfer window to bolster his squad. With the Milan duo joining the Ligue 1 outfit, all eyes will be on PSG to see how they compete in the domestic and European competitions.

Ibrahimovic faced the French media for the first-time as a PSG player and said, “I’m finally here in Paris,

It’s a dream which has become reality, for me it’s a big step in my career. Playing for PSG is an incredible thing.

It’s a beautiful project and one I’m happy to be a part of. Now that I’m here I want to play my part in the history of this club. I’m here to win and that’s the most important thing.”

Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski has once again fuelled speculation over his future after restating his desire to play in the Premier League, with Arsenal and United waiting for his decision.

The 23 year old Polish striker has been the subject of interest of a host of Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal. One of Dortmund’s mainstays as they clinched the second successive Bundesliga title last season, he has been linked with a move away to England ever since the start of Euros.

Polish coach Franciszek Smuda had suggested of a deal between United and Dortmund for their star striker being done-news that the club vehemently refused and accused the Polish media of distorting Smuda’s comments.

Lewandowski, who is currently tied to a contract which runs till 2014, was quoted as saying by BILD:”This (the Premier League) is a league in which I would like to play and I hope to manage that at some point,”

Dortmund remain unmoved in their stance on the player’s transfer status and boss Michael Zorc was quick to downplay Lewandowski’s comments.

The reality is Borussia Dortmund, this is just a dream,” said Dortmund boss Michael Zorc on his star striker’s latest comments.

“There is nothing wrong with someone dreaming of the Premier League. We are experts in handling this.”

Zorc added that the club remains committed in its efforts to convince Lewandowski to sign an extension.  ”We remain in constructive talks,” he said.

Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay is ready to reject advances from Ligue 1 side Lille to secure a move to Arsenal or Inter Milan.

The 26 year old has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer as Arsene Wenger attempts to strengthen his squad in a desperate attempt to keep up with the free spending likes of Chelsea and Manchester clubs. Afellay spent most of last season recovering from a knee surgery, and with the Catalan club looking to strengthen their squad; they have decided to offload Afellay who is deemed surplus to their requirements at Camp Nou.

Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova is keen to cash in on the Dutch winger as the cash strapped side look to sign their top transfer target Javi Martinez from Ahtletic Bilbao. Martinez had earlier ruled out a move away from Bilbao this summer but the Camp Nou officials haven’t given up hope of landing him as of yet.

Spanish newspaper Sport reports that the former PSV star is likely to turn down Lille’s offer to push forth a move to the Emirates or San Siro. Barcelona value the player at £6m and all the interested clubs are willing to meet it.

Desperate to keep hold of their goalkeeper, French club Lyon have slapped a huge £16 million tag on Hugo Lloris, who is thought to be keen to leave Lyon and secure a summer switch to England side Arsenal.

The French stopper has been a consistent performer in between the sticks for both club and country, which has seen him being considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The 25-year old, who captained France in the Euro 2012, has many admirers like English side Arsenal, along with their arch London rivals Tottenham Hotspurs.

Tottenham’s new manager Andre Villas-Boas is looking to bring in a goalkeeper with a proven record, and has set his sights on Lloris, who he sees as a long-term solution. However, the only stumbling block has been the transfer fee, as Lyon have put the massive price tag on their star captain.

Tottenham’s offer of £10 million was rejected straight away, and now the London club have placed their final offer of £12 million, however still no resolution has been reached, with both the clubs refusing to budge.

Arsenal too are interested in Lloris, as they too are keen on another big name signing after securing Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud already. The price tag has put the Gunners off too.

Will Lyon’s tactic help them keep hold of Lloris?

New Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is ready to compete with Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Liverpool for the signature of Rayo Vallecano attacker Michu.

Laudrup, who succeeded Brendan Rodgers at the Liberty Stadium, is aiming to strengthen his squad ahead of the next season by drafting in Spanish midfielder Michu. Miguel Perez Cuesta, popularly known as Michu, shone for freshly promoted Vallecano last season scoring 17 goals in all tournaments. He ended as the joint ninth top scorer in Spain and has since attracted interest from a host of clubs.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had sent his brother Martin to watch the striker and made his way to Madrid to assess the player personally. However, none of the clubs apart from Swansea have contacted Vallecano over the transfer of the player by putting in a £1.7m bid. The La Liga side are cash strapped and are looking to sell the 26 year old this summer as Michu enters the final year of his contract.

La Liga side Sevilla are also believed to be interested in him and have made a loan enquiry already.