September 2020 – Page 13 – Football Flame

Month: September 2020

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City willing to take transfer risk with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly of SSC Napoli during SSC Napoli v Teramo - Pre-Season Friendly on September 04, 2020 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. Manchester City could start the new Premier League season without further strengthening at centre-back as they wait for the right deal. Defence remains a priority despite the addition of Nathan Ake for £40m, and Pep Guardiola will want a settled squad as quickly as possible as players regroup at the training ground for pre-season. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has been increasingly vocal in recent days, talking up a willingness to sell City's principal target Kalidou Koulibaly if he gets a suitable offer with the two clubs having been unable so far to come to a mutual agreement.  There have also been noises that the Blues are not the onl...
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TRANSFERS

Newcastle United reveal their price tag for Fabian Schar

Fabian Schär of Newcastle United FC (5) during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on July 15, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Newcastle United are looking to move on from Fabian Schar as they reveal his transfer fee to interested parties. Newcastle United have been a busy club as of late in terms of conducting transfer business. It would have been great to see this urgency early in the transfer window, but at least the ball is rolling now. The Magpies are on the verge of sealing the deal for free agent winger Ryan Fraser, who was on Tyneside yesterday speaking to Steve Bruce and visiting the training facility. Reports out of Italy claim that Newcastle United are nearing a deal for Brazilian left-back Rogerio, who curren...
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TRANSFERS

Arsenal re-sign Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos on loan from Real Madrid

Dani Ceballos of Arsenal looks on with the ball under his shirt during the Heads Up FA Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 01, 2020 in London, England. Arsenal signed Spain midfielder Dani Ceballos on a second straight season-long loan from Real Madrid on Friday. Ceballos played 37 games for Arsenal last season and gradually became an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team, helping them win the FA Cup. “I love Dani’s passion and commitment and he’s a highly skilful player,” Arteta said. "We’re all delighted to welcome him back and we look forward to seeing him pick up where he left off.” Arsenal start the new Premier League season with a match away to Fulham on 12 September.
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LALIGA

Modric: ‘I remember the fear. We played football and the alarms went off. It was normal’

Luka Modric of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on August 7, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. After growing up during the Croatian War of Independence, Luka Modric went on to win two La Liga titles, four in the Champions League and a Golden Ball at the last World Cup. The alarms are ringing and Luka Modric is running because soon the bombs are coming. He is eight years old, wearing full kit and boots, and he has a football under his arm. When he arrives at the underground shelter, the rest of his team-mates jogging in behind him, he has to wait. Sometimes minutes, often hours and occasionally overnight, sleeping on the floor and staying until it was quiet, mean...
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TRANSFERS

Chelsea transfer round-up: Declan Rice chase continues as Kai Havertz hails Lampard

Frank Lampard of Chelsea during a training session at Stamford Bridge on August 28, 2020 in London, England. Kai Havertz has finally been confirmed as a Chelsea player, bringing to an end weeks of speculation about one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer. The attacking midfielder has joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £72million plus add-ons, making him the Stamford Bridge side's record signing and sixth new arrival ahead of the new season. We've got an update on another potential big-money capture as Frank Lampard looks to put the finishing touches to his squad, having already signed Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr, as well as Havertz. With just over a week to go until the start of the 2020/21 Premier League season, here is the latest ...
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NEWS

Italy 1-1 Bosnia: Stefano Sensi rescues home side after Edin Dzeko opener

Stefano Sensi of Italy celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Nations League group stage match between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Artemio Franchi on September 4, 2020 in Florence, Italy. Italy  were held to a hard-fought draw to kick-off their Nations League campaign as Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi rescued a point. The Italians dominated the game but struggled to find the net which led to Edin Dzeko opening the scoring for the visitors after 57 minutes.  Their lead lasted just ten minutes though when Sensi scored for the home side who could not go on to score a winner.
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LALIGA

Lionel Messi staying at Barcelona to avoid court fight

Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid and Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona battle for the ball during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 1, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Lionel Messi ended intense speculation about his future on Friday by saying he will remain with Barcelona for another year. Lionel Messi ended intense speculation about his future on Friday by saying he will remain with Barcelona for another year – but only because he did not want to enter a court battle with the club about his contract. The Argentine six-times world player of the year had told the club last month that he wanted to leave, insisting a clause in his contract allowed him to do so on a free transfer. Barcelona, backed by La Liga, have insisted that a 700 million ...
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NEWS

Chelsea’s Pulisic can make it at Real Madrid, Barcelona – USMNT coach Berhalter

Christian Pulisic of Chelsea reacts as he runs with the ball before he goes down injured during the Heads Up FA Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 01, 2020 in London, England.  USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has said he thinks Christian Pulisic  has what it takes to play for Real Madrid and Barcelona. Pulisic has enjoyed a successful first year in the Premier League following his €64 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Chelseain 2019. "At 21, he is a leader at Chelsea," he told Sport Bild. "It doesn't happen that often that a Bundesliga player moves to England and immediately convinces there. "He quickly got used to the speed and the more physical style of playing in England. He is a role model for other U.S. players in the...
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LALIGA

Luis Suarez ‘agrees terms on free transfer to Juventus from Barcelona’

Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between Barcelona and Bayern Munich at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on August 14, 2020 in Lisbon, Portugal. Luis Suarez has agreed to sign for Juventus on a free transfer from Barcelona, according to BBC and Sky Sports journalist Guillem Balague. The Uruguayan striker has been told he is free to leave the Camp Nou this summer as the Catalan club attempts to trim its wage bill, with the 33-year-old agreeing terms on a move to the Italian champions. Suarez must still negotiate his release from Barcelona. The striker's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2021, but a clause means that a one-year extension will be triggered if he plays 60% of games for the Catalans this season.
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TRANSFERS

West Brom announce signing of Cedric Kipre

Wigan Athletic's Cedric Kipre breaks during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wigan Athletic and Stoke City at DW Stadium on June 30, 2020 in Wigan, England. Albion have confirmed the signing of defender Cedric Kipre from Wigan in a deal worth around £900,000. The 23-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Baggies and becomes their second signing of the transfer window, following the permanent capture of Matheus Pereira. Kipre helped the Latics keep 12 clean sheets in 36 Championship appearances last season - also scoring twice. The Paris-born defender, who has represented Ivory Coast at youth level and been part of the senior squad, came through at PSG before spells with Leicester City and Motherwell. Albion sporting director Luke Dowling said: “I believe we’ve sig...
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NEWS

Spain snatch late draw against Germany in UEFA Nations League

Leroy Sane of Germany battles for possession with Pau Torres of Spain and Luis Jose Gaya of Spain during the UEFA Nations League group stage match between Germany and Spain at Mercedes-Benz Arena on September 03, 2020 in Stuttgart, Germany. Jose Luis Gaya's injury-time equalizer canceled out Timo Werner's opener and helped Spain snatch a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Germany in Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League on Thursday. Germany started brightly on home soil and created the first chance of the game as Toni Kroos' cross into the box allowed Thilo Kehrer to test Spain goalkeeper David de Gea in the 11th minute. Spain responded with a big chance at the other end of the pitch as a misplaced return pass from Emre Can to goalkeeper Kevin Trapp allowed Rodrigo Moreno to intercept the loose b...
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SERIE A

Andrea Pirlo says there is a renewed enthusiasm among Juventus stars

Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo during a training session at JTC on August 29, 2020 in Turin, Italy. Andrea Pirlo says there is renewed enthusiasm among his Juventus squad as the new boss revealed the players have been receptive to new training methods since he took over at the Old Lady.  Pirlo sensationally took over as Juventus boss last month following the sacking of Maurizio Sarri after the club's Champions League exit to Lyon, and the former midfielder has had a chance to get to know the players in pre-season training. The 41-year-old had been the club's under-23 boss for just a week before receiving the call up to take over as head coach of the senior squad, and has provided an assessment of pre-season preparations so far. “We will give all of ourselves, we will certainly ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Spanish Star Midfielder Shrugs Off Liverpool Transfer Rumors, Says Bayern Is His ‘Home’

Thiago Alcantara of Spain runs with the ball during the UEFA Nations League group stage match between Germany and Spain at Mercedes-Benz Arena on September 03, 2020 in Stuttgart, Germany. Thiago Alcantara has remained tight-lipped on reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.  The 29-year-old said there is no other business in his mind right now besides Spain’s UEFA Nations League campaign as he tried to shrug off the transfer rumor by declaring that Bayern Munich is his home. "I only think about the game against Ukraine. Afterward, we will see," Thiago told ZDF, via Goal. "Bayern is my home and I am happy to be there." Thiago has won the Champions League title with Bayern nearly two weeks ago, capping a solid season where he appeared in 40 matches in all competitions ...
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NEWS

Bale subbed off at half during Wales UEFA Nations League match; Jovic and Lunin ride the bench

Lukas Hradecky and Jere Uronen of Finland and Gareth Bale and Kieffer Moore of Wales vie for the ball during the UEFA Nations League football match between Finland and Wales in Helsinki on September 3, 2020. Gareth Bale started for the Welsh national team in their UEFA Nations League match against Finland on Thursday. He was subbed off at halftime, which seemed to indicate an injury scare. However, Wales manager Ryan Giggs says he planned to sub Bale off at the half in preparation for their next match against Bulgaria. Giggs says that Bale was the player in the squad with the least amount of time spent in training. He feels that the 45 minutes was plenty for Bale to get into rhythm, though he didn’t register single shot on net. Given the comments from the Welsh manager, it seems ...
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NEWS

Scotland prepare for first international in ten months

Scotland Head Coach Steve Clarke is seen during a Scotland training session ahead of their European Qualifying match against Kazakhstan at Oriam on November 18, 2019 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Scotland national team will play their first match of 2020 when they face Israel at Hampden on Friday evening. Steve Clarke’s side haven’t kicked a ball since defeating Cyprus and Kazakhstan last November as football’s calendar was ripped up when the global pandemic took hold. Now, with Premiership football already being played and other competitions gearing up for the restart, international football is back and Scotland begin with their first match of the new Nations League campaign. Israel are the opponents in the opening Group B2 game before Clarke and his players travel to face Czech R...
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SERIE A

Alexis Sanchez: I wanted to quit Manchester United after first training session and return to Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez of Inter Milan looks dejected as he walks past the UEFA Europa League Trophy with his runners up medal following the UEFA Europa League Final between Seville and FC Internazionale at RheinEnergieStadion on August 21, 2020 in Cologne, Germany. Alexis Sanchez has sensationally claimed he wanted to tear up his Manchester United contract and return to Arsenal after just one training sessions at Carrington. In January 2018, United reportedly paid Sanchez more than £500,000-a-week to prise him away from the Gunners in a straight swap deal which saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan go the other way.  However, the Chile international's dream move to his boyhood club quickly turned into a nightmare as he made just 21 starts across his first two full seasons at Old Trafford, having arri...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Report: Liverpool have just identified one target to sign next summer

Leeds United's Ben White in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Luton Town at Elland Road on June 30, 2020 in Leeds, England. Liverpool have reportedly shelved their plans to sign Ben White. The former Leeds United loanee dazzled during a spell at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa last term, helping the Whites to a first Premier League promotion in 16 years. But United saw no fewer than three bids – the largest of which is reported to be £30 million – for the 22-year-old turned down. The Star reported in August that Liverpool were also set to make a £20 million offer for White. But the young English centre-back signed a new deal with the Seagulls this week and, according to The Liverpool Echo, the Premier League champions could try and sign him...
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TRANSFERS

Timothy Castagne: Leicester City sign Belgium full-back from Atalanta

Timothy Castagne of Atalanta BC controls the ball during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on July 28, 2020 in Parma, Italy. Leicester City have signed Belgium full-back Timothy Castagne from Atalanta on a five-year deal. The 24-year-old scored five goals in 76 appearances for the Serie A side, who he joined from Genk in 2017. Castagne, a versatile full-back who can play on either wing, joins Brendan Rodgers' side following Ben Chilwell's departure to Chelsea. He made his international debut in 2018 and has won seven caps for Belgium in total, scoring twice.
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SERIE A

AC Milan Getting Closer To Loan Young Defender To Ascoli

Gabriele Bellodi of Italy U18 in action during the U18 match between Italy and Hungary on April 18, 2018 in Abano Terme near Padova, Italy. Calcio Mercato are reporting that AC Milan are looking to loan the former Primavera centre back Gabriele Bellodi.  The report notes that the youngster is very close to joining Acoli on loan in Serie B. The youngster played in the friendly match against Novara yesterday and seemed to hold up well.  Bellodi surprisingly looked better than Leo Duarte but the defensive outfit struggled letting in two easy goals in the first period. The 20 year old defender spent the previous season on loan at Crotone as they gained promotion to the Serie A.  The defender will be spending his third consecutive loan spell away after Olbia and Crot...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City would win title with Messi, says Crouch

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona at Stadio San Paolo on February 25, 2020 in Naples, Italy. The former Liverpool striker admits the arrival of the Argentine at the Etihad would nudge Pep Guardiola's side ahead of the Reds. The arrival of Lionel Messi at Manchester City “would be the difference between them winning the title and not”, claims Peter Crouch, with the former Liverpool striker considering the defending champions to be favourites in 2020-21. Pep Guardiola has already started reshaping his squad ahead of the new season, with deals done for Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres. There is the promise of more arrivals to come at the Etihad Stadium, with there a chance that six...
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