Football transfer news

Olympique Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has warned Arsenal that they have to make an official bid for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the next two weeks or risk losing out on signing him.

The Ligue 1 side which ended in a disappointing 4^th position last season have lost out on a Champions League spot next season and will compete in the Europa Cup. The club manager Remi Girard has decided to reshuffle his squad and remove the under performing stars so as to make way for new talent. Their French custodian Hugo Lloris has attracted interest from a host of top clubs across Europe and Arsenal were believed to be the frontrunners to get his signature. However, Aulas denied having been approached by the Gunners as of yet for their star goalkeeper.

“A certain number of players were not good enough last season and will leave or at least be placed on the transfer list,” said Aulas to the club’s website.

“Hugo told me he would like to leave if an offer comes in from one of the biggest five clubs in Europe.

“If one of these clubs makes an offer that matches his market value, in other words 20 million Euros then he can go.

“If there is no offer before July 15 he will remain at the club for the coming season.

“For the moment there has been no offer from Arsenal or anywhere else.”

The price tag might deter the London club from making an official move this summer as they continue struggling to find a successor to Jens Lehmann. Wojciech Sczczesny is currently the number one at the Emirates between the sticks but Arsene Wenger wants to bring the highly rated 25 year old to give more solidity to their defense.

Arsenal Football Club have responded quickly to Robin Van Persie’s decision not to renew his contract by releasing a statement which expressed their willingness to hold on to the star striker for the final year of his contract rather than sell him.

Days after Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told the media about his intention to keep Van Persie ‘at all costs’ , the club captain has gone public with his decision to not renew his contract.

The 29 year old’s official website carried this statement: “I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days,” his statement read.

“Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in the meeting it has again become clear to me that we, in many aspects, disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.

“I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.”

The London club hasn’t taken long to react to their captain’s decision by releasing a statement of their in their official website. The statement read: “We have to respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the Club.

“We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal’s best interests in mind.”

 

Colombian winger James Rodriguez has denied having any knowledge of an alleged interest from Premier League heavyweights Manchester United.

It was reported earlier that United have had a bid rejected by Porto last week as the Primeira League side value Rodriguez in excess of £30m. United however, are willing to pay a fee in the region of £20m as Sir Alex Ferguson is exploring viable replacements for Portuguese winger Nani who could be set for a summer exit to Juventus. The Porto young star has impressed Fergie and it remains to be seen if the United boss would go to the extent of meeting Porto’s evaluation to sign Rodriguez.

“When the news came out about Manchester United, I knew nothing of it,” Rodriguez told Ojogo.

However, the Colombian international is firm about his desire to stay on at Estadio do Dragao and win more titles.

“I want to stay with FC Porto,” he added.

“I am happy and very pleased to be able to continue with the club.

“I will also have more duties and responsibilities next season.

“I am looking ahead to next season and have a lot of expectations. I want to win more titles here.”

Ferguson might offer Brazilian midfielder Anderson in a player plus cash deal but it is highly unlikely if Porto would be keen on having the 24 year old back.

According to reports in France, Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is on the verge of securing a move to Arsenal days after their club President Jean-Michel Aulas denied having been contacted by the Premier League side.

Lyon President Aulas recently mentioned in a statement released at the club website that Lloris would be allowed to leave if interested clubs are willing to match their valuation of £16m. However, it is believed Arsene Wenger is readying a £12m offer for the French custodian who is considered one of Europe’s finest presently.

Injured Arsenal and French right back Bacary Sagna’s wife tweeted about a possible move recently.

“Really hope my friend Marine Lloris will come to #arsenal?,” wrote Ludivine Sagna.

Lloris, 25, has requested for a move this summer after spending four terrific seasons at Stade de Gerland. Arsene Wenger is a long term admirer of the Frenchman and it would be great signing for the club which is aiming to strengthen itself in all departments.

Hull City manager Steve Bruce has expressed his interest in Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone after the Italian impressed everyone during his second loan spell at the club last season.

The Tigers recently appointed the former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce as their first team coach and he has made signing Mannone his first target this summer. The 24 year old returned to KC Stadium this January for a second loan stint with the club and put in decent performances between the sticks. Arsene Wenger prefers the Polish duo of Wojciech Sczczesny and Lukasz Fabianski ahead of him and hence might be tempted to listen to offers.

“Vito’s obviously done very well here by all accounts but we’ll speak with Mr Wenger when he returns from his holiday next week,” Bruce told the Hull Daily Mail.

“I like the boy but we’ll have to see what the situation is.”

Bruce wanted Aston Villa shot stopper Brad Guzan at the club for the next season but the American chose to stay at Villa and turned down his offer,

“I thought I was close a couple of days ago but unfortunately Brad decided to stay at Villa,” Bruce said.

“That’s disappointing for us because he was our No.1 choice. It’s a shame but we move on to the next one. Hopefully, by the time we get back from Portugal we’ll have someone in place.”