European Transfer News: Van Persie re-signs with Arsenal, Man City bid for Rossi, and more
Here are the latest stories in the European Transfer market including Robin van Persie re-signing with Arsenal, Manchester City looking to bid for Rossi, and much more.
Van Persie re-signs with Arsenal - Robin van Persie has ended speculation about a move away from The Emirates by signing a new long-term contract with Arsenal.
The 25-year-old had been linked with a move to Premier League champions Manchester United, but decided to extend his five-year stay with the Gunners.
He was manager Arsene Wenger’s leading scorer last campaign, netting 20 goals in 44 appearances.
While the terms of van Persie’s new contract have not been disclosed, it is reported to be worth around £80,000-a-week, which would make the Holland forward one of the highest paid players at the club.
Van Persie said: “I have been at the club for five years now and there really is a great feeling here at Arsenal. We have a top-class manager, a squad full of superb young players, a world-class stadium and brilliant supporters.
“Arsenal have a very bright future and I want to be part of it.”
Van Persie had been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United, but hinted he could now end his career at Emirates Stadium.
“My heart is with Arsenal and I just can’t picture myself in a different shirt. I just can’t see it now because I love this club so much. If you look at the last five years, look at the steps I have made every season, if you look at the support the boss and the whole club gave me, the fans gave me, my team-mates gave me – this is the right decision.”
Much like captain Cesc Fabregas, van Persie has often talked of the need for Arsenal to now turn their potential into silverware.
When the Dutchman arrived five years ago, the Gunners were the team to beat and he won the FA Cup at the end of his first season.
Manager Arsene Wenger firmly believes van Persie has all the talents to help the Gunners, who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, make that crucial next step.
“It is fantastic news that Robin van Persie has committed his long term future to Arsenal. We are all delighted,” said Wenger, who has also moved to tie up the long-term futures of youngsters Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs this summer.
“Robin is a hugely gifted player and has the talent and goalscoring ability to win matches at the very top level.
“We have already seen many times what Robin is capable of on a football pitch, but at only 25, there is still much more to come from him.
“Robin has the potential to become a true Arsenal great.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, may have missed out on transfer target Felipe Melo, with reports in Italy claiming the Brazilian midfielder is now close to agreeing a move to Juventus. – ESPNSoccerNet.com - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=659621&sec=england&cc=5901
Man City bid for Rossi - Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi is the latest Manchester City target, according to reports in Spain.
GettyImages
Rossi: Promising future
The 22-year-old is said to have a £34.5million minimum release fee clause on his head, after signing from Manchester United in 2007.
The Premier League champions are also thought to have a first refusal option on Rossi, but City clearly think they can tempt him to Eastlands.
The Italy international had a solid season with Villarreal, putting in some superb displays.
And Rossi’s agent Federico Pastorello confirmed Rossi is happy to stay at El Madrigal next term.
“Nobody has offered the going price and I am 99 per cent certain the player will be with Villarreal next season,” he said. “Rossi is happy in Villarreal and would only consider leaving for one of Europe’s six big clubs.”
Rossi was one of only a few Italian players to come out of the recent Confederations Cup campaign with any credit after he helped himself to two goals from two starts.
It is that kind of form which has earmarked him as a possible target for a number of clubs around Europe but the former Parma youngster is said to be ready to sit down and discuss a new contract at Villarreal despite his current deal running until 2012. – ESPNSoccernet - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=659678&sec=transfers&cc=5901
Zokora signs Sevilla - Seville have swooped to sign Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora.
The Primera Division club confirmed on their website that Zokora had signed a four-year deal at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
The 28-year-old spent three years at White Hart Lane and made 74 Premier League appearances.
Seville confirmed the deal includes a 30million euro release clause, He will be presented next Wednesday.
Sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo has revealed Zokora’s desire to join them was crucial in sealing the deal.
“Every Sevillista should be happy,” he said on www.sevillafc.es. “We have to thank the president and the board for the effort they made in this signing. Zokora was our main objective for this season.
“We managed to close the deal not without significant effort. We hope it will prove worth the pain. We think the player deserves it.
“As soon as he knew about Seville’s interest, he only gave signs of dedication and gratitude. This is important in these cases because it gives you leeway in the negotiation. We are all really happy today.”
He added: “He’s a player who works a lot, who runs a lot, physically he’s a wonder who covers a lot of the pitch, he’s very versatile. He is what we needed to complete the excellent midfield that we already have.” – ESPNSoccerNet.com - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=659727&sec=transfers&cc=5901
Inter looking at Chelsea’s Deco and Carvalho – Inter’s double deal for Deco and Ricardo Carvalho has stalled after Chelsea demanded too much for the Portuguese pair.
The Italian champions have tracked both players since Jose Mourinho took charge at the San Siro.
But despite both being keen on a move to Serie A, Inter are not willing to pay over the odds for two players in their thirties.
“Chelsea’s request is too high. Therefore talks at the moment are stalled,” Inter’s transfer consultant Lele Oriali told Italy’sSky television.
Deco had a bright beginning to his career at Chelsea, starring as Luiz Felipe Scolari made an impressive start at Stamford Bridge.
But Scolari’s departure, coupled with a string of injuries, left Deco on the sidelines and largely unused by Guus Hiddink.
Carvalho spent most of last season injured and is keen to link up with Mourinho again.
Meanwhile, Inter said in a statement they had signed 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder Kerlon from Chievo. – ESPNSoccernet.com - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=659620&sec=transfers&cc=5901
