Lacina Traore- The next Adebayor? Arsenal tracking Ivory Coast Giant!

Lacina Traore

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is considering a £3.6million move for giant CFR Cluj striker Lacina Traore who has been dubbed ‘the new Emmanuel Adebayor’.

The Ivory Coast teenager stands at 6ft 8in and has caught the attention of Wenger after a string of eye catching performances in Romania, reports The Daily Mirror.

Wenger has stated he will have to buy a striker this month if Nicklas Bendtner fails to recover from a groin injury quickly as he is already without Robin Van Persie until April.

Theo Walcott is also struggling for full match fitness.

Traore has scored just six goals in 21 matches but Wenger believes he can help turn the 19-year-old into star – just as he did with Adebayor who he signed from Monaco in 2006 for £7m.

The Togo hitman was subsequently sold on to Manchester City for a staggering £25m.

Cluj president Iuliu Muresan has confirmed Arsenal’s interest in the player and said: ‘We have been in contact with Arsenal but have not received any concrete offer. Four million euros is the fee we are looking for.’

Traore has admitted it would be a ‘dream’ to play in the Barclays Premier League with the Gunners.

He said: ‘It would be a dream for me to get to play on a team so great. I have a chance there because Arsene Wenger relies heavily on young players.

‘It is sensational to hear Wenger is watching me. I could be a success in England. Even though I am still young, I have a lot of experience and a lot of ambition.’

Patrick Vieira Signs for Man City

Patrick Vieira

Patrick Vieira has set his sights on another Premier League title after sealing his shock switch to Manchester City.

The Arsenal legend signed a six-month contract with the option of a further year after leaving Inter Milan.

The 33-year-old midfielder has arrived at Eastlands to boost City’s push for the Champions League and his own claims for a place in the France squad for the World Cup.

But Vieira, who won three titles with Arsenal, believes he can add another crown at Eastlands.

‘The squad is packed full of quality that is why I believe the ambition should be high,’
he said. At Arsenal one year we won the title from 15 points behind at Christmas. Everything is possible.

‘I came back to England because I think City is really exciting club with big ambition,” he went on. I still have dreams in football and one of them is to come back to the Premier League and win something.

‘We can achieve something really special here. I want to convince the City board and the City players and fans that I didn’t come here just to spend six months.

‘I have come here to give something to the club. I believe that I still have a lot to give and I believe the team is strong enough to win trophies.

‘I’m really delighted, really happy, really proud to be back. City are a really ambitious club. I am very confident, I believe in myself. I know I am not 20, but I am not 40-45. Overall I am really motivated. I know I can give something to this club and hopefully we will be successful this year.’

Patrick Vieira

City boss Roberto Mancini, who managed Vieira at the San Siro, told the club’s official website: ‘Patrick is a world-class midfielder with a winner’s mentality and will fit into this group very well.

‘Patrick is one of the great players of his era with every almost every honour in the game against his name. I am sure City fans will welcome him warmly and appreciate the contribution he will make.’

Vieira made 279 appearances for Arsenal, winning three League titles, four FA Cups and captaining the ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003-04.

He enjoyed success with Juventus and Inter and has won the World Cup and European Championships during his 107 caps for the French team.

Earlier this week, Vieira said: ‘I wanted to go to the World Cup and I need playing time. I have objectives and I can’t achieve them by staying at Inter where I am not part of the coach’s choice.

What’s important for me is to go to Manchester City, to show the coach that I am the same as I was during the period when he was at Inter. All this will help me get into the France team.’

After a mixed spell at AC Milan, Vieira joined Arsenal in 1996 and went on to become a pivotal figure in north London.

He moved to Juventus in 2005, spending one season at the Bianconeri during which time the club claimed the Scudetto before being stripped of the crown due to the match-fixing scandal and consequently relegated to Serie B.

Man City join Race for Victor Moses!

Victor Moses

Manchester City will press ahead with a move for Crystal Palace striker Victor Moses this week.

The highly-rated 19-year-old is expected to leave Selhurst Park this month with Palace reluctantly looking to cash in on the forward to help ease their money problems.

Brian Marwood, the Eastlands football administrator, held initial talks over a potential move for Moses last week but was taken aback by the club’s £5million valuation.

But Marwood wants to hold a second round of talks with Palace this week and will head down to Selhurst Park on Saturday to run the rule over Moses when Palace take on Bristol City in the Championship.

The south Londoners have only received a bid of £1.5m from West Bromwich and doubts remain whether prospective suitors including Everton, Liverpool and Birmingham, will match the cash-strapped Eagles’ valuation.

But Palace chairman Simon Jordan is determined not to let a player he rates as one of the best teenagers in the world leave cheaply.

Jordan has used Aston Villa’s signing of Fabian Delph of Leeds – which was understood to be in the region of £5m – as the benchmark for Moses’ price tag.

Moses’ agent, former Palace player Tony Finnigan, held constructive talks with Jordan over the weekend and says all parties – including Moses – are hopeful of striking a deal that suits club and player.

But Finnigan insists he has no control over how much Palace will get for his client.

He said: ‘In my view Victor is worth £5m and maybe even more but I have nothing to do with what Palace will receive for Victor Moses. But from a personal point of view and as a former Palace player I hope they get the amount they desire for him.

‘I hope Moses goes on to be the next household name – and he has the talent to do that – but at the moment Palace have to get a figure they are happy with.

‘I sincerely hope the player I work with and represent can enable Palace to secure their financial future.’

By
Sami Mokbel

Freddy adu headed to Greek club Aris FC on loan!

Freddy Adu

United States international Freddy Adu has ended speculation linking him with Hull City by saying he has signed a loan deal with Greek club Aris.

The 20-year-old is currently contracted to Benfica but had been on loan with another Portuguese side in Belenenses.

The attacking midfielder told his Twitter followers earlier this week that he had offers from Aris and Hull to choose between but has now settled on Greece.

Adu today wrote: “Alright guys done deal. Signed an 18-month loan deal with Aris FC. A lot of thought and research went into this. Thanks for the support.”

Landon Donovan headed to Everton?

Landon Donovan

EVERTON hope to land David Beckham’s LA Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan on loan in the January transfer window.

Blues bosses are sure their US counterparts will give the green light to a spell in the Premier League for their captain, after letting Beckham join AC Milan until June.

Donovan, 27, is a legend in the States, topping the country’s scoring charts with 42 international goals.

He would jump at the chance of regular action – and the opportunity to pick up priceless tips on his World Cup opponents before USA and England meet in South Africa.

Last summer Donovan fell out with Beckham after accusing the England star of lacking commitment.

But the pair put the row behind them by taking the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final.

Blues chief David Moyes knows he will not have much cash to spend in the January sales.

But he needs to freshen his Toffees squad up after a nightmare first half to this campaign.

Everton are currently just three points above the drop zone, with a shocking injury list and only Louis Saha – with nine goals – scoring more than twice this term.

By
Phil Thomas

Jack Wilshere to be loaned out in January

Jack Wilshere

ARSENE WENGER is ready to allow midfield prodigy Jack Wilshere out on loan — but only with the right club.

Wilshere became Arsenal’s youngest player in both Europe and the Premier League when he was introduced during the early part of last season.

But Wenger has been cautious in his use of the mercurial England Under-21 midfielder this term.

The 17-year-old has made just five appearances in total — three as substitute — but will start in a youthful Gunners team for their final Champions League Group H game at Olympiacos tomorrow night.

Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers, along with Middlesbrough, have been linked with a temporary move for Wilshere — who turns 18 on January 1.

And Wenger believes the youngster could benefit from a spell of regular first-team football away from the Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman said: “There is a chance for a loan, if we have an interesting opportunity.

“I would prefer it to be in the Premier League, but at the top level of the Championship could be interesting as well.

“It is important for Jack to play, so if we find a good opportunity, we will consider it.”

Man City to sign Bayern defender Philipp Lahm

Philipp Lahm

Manchester City are preparing to make a £12 million swoop for Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm in January, according to reports in the UK press.

City boss Mark Hughes was spotted on a scouting mission at the Bundesliga club’s Allianz Arena last month and was impressed by the German international.

England left-back Wayne Bridge, who joined City in a £12 million move from Chelsea in January 2009, is the man under threat from the possible arrival of Lahm. Bridge has not enjoyed the best start to the season at Eastlands and is part of a defence that has been heavily criticised.

German giants Bayern have struggled to meet their own high standards this term and in November Lahm openly criticised the club, claiming they had “no philosophy”.

Bayern’s vice-captain later apologised but it is though he is eager to leave the club and general manager Uli Hoeness could be ready to let the 26-year-old go.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has reluctantly admitted that Italian striker Luca Toni is likely to leave the club in January.

Beckenbauer told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I like Toni as a player and as a person. He has done a lot in Munich and Bayern have given a lot to him. I would like to keep him but if he wants to go then he should go.”

Toni admits he has made mistakes in Bavaria and is keen to restore his reputation in his homeland.

“I miss everything from my country – the fans, my friends, my mother,” he told Italian magazine Chi. “In Germany I have made mistakes that I regret. And they are likely to cost me a place at the World Cup in South Africa.

“Nevertheless, I hope I still get the nod from coach Marcello Lippi.”

By
ESPN

Adriano leads Flamengo to first Brazilian league title in 17 years!

Adriano

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -Flamengo secured its first Brazilian league title in 17 years Sunday after Ronaldo Angelim headed in the winner in the 69th minute for a 2-1 victory over Gremio.

It was the team’s sixth league title, but first since 1992 for Brazil’s most popular club.

“It’s unbelievable. For me this is the greatest dream,” said Flamengo striker Adriano, draped in a team flag and crying after the match. “We came through so much difficulties to get this championship.”

Gremio had taken the lead when midfielder Roberson tapped in a corner kick from Douglas Costa in the 21st. But Flamengo replied in the 30th, when defender David netted a hard right-footed shot in front of goal after a header bounced off Adriano’s chest.

Angelim’s header from a corner kick from Serbian midfielder Dejan Petkovic then gave the Rio club the win, and the three points it needed to secure its sixth title in the 38th and final round.

Flamengo finished with 67 points, with Internacional second on 65. Sao Paulo was third, also with 65 points and Cruzeiro was fourth to grab the last spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores, Latin America’s most important competition.

Internacional beat Santo Andre 4-1 Sunday, while defending champions Sao Paulo defeated Sport 4-0 and Cruzeiro overcame Santos 2-1.

Rio clubs Botafogo and Fluminense both staved off relegation. Botafogo beat Palmeiras 2-1 and Fluminense drew 1-1 with Coritiba, which was demoted to the second division instead.

Also Sunday, Barueri drew 0-0 with Atletico Paranaense and Vitoria drew 2-2 with Goias.

On Saturday, Avai beat Nautico 1-0 and Corinthians eased by Atletico Mineiro 3-0.

Adriano scored 19 goals this season for his hometown team, which he joined after abandoning Inter Milan in April, saying he was no longer happy playing in Italy.

As usual, Flamengo kept seeking out Adriano at the top of the area on Sunday, but he missed his best early chance with a header that went high in the fifth minute.

“It’s normal we started out a bit slow, it’s the anxiety,” Adriano said.

Flamengo kept pushing for a third goal until the 85,000 fans started celebrating with three minutes left to play, as smoke from fireworks started floating over the field.

Flamengo struggled in the beginning of the season and was near the bottom of the standings, until former star midfielder Andrade took over the team to replace coach Cuca in August.

The team lost five of its first six matches under Andrade, but then lost just one of its last 16.

The team took over the lead for the first time in the next-to-last round after a 2-0 win over Corinthians last week.

The team’s other titles were in 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987 and 1992.

Reported by SI

MAN CITY UPSET CHELSEA AT EASTLANDS!

Carlos Tevez

CARLOS TEVEZ’S free-kick winner re-ignited the title race as Frank Lampard’s late penalty miss cost Chelsea dearly.

Second-placed Manchester United are just two points behind Chelsea after their neighbours City edged a fast, furious and controversial clash against the leaders.

spacer

Emmanuel Adebayor followed up his bizarre own goal opener on eight minutes by tapping City level.

Then Tevez fired a 20-yard deadball past badly-positioned keeper Petr Cech in the 56th minute.

Carlo Ancelotti’s visitors, already wound up by several of referee Howard Webb’s decisions, only managed to pour forward in the closing stages.

And, after Didier Drogba was tripped by Nedum Onuoha, Lampard delayed his spot-kick run-up twice before seeing Shay Given save the tame low penalty.

Drogba then finished meekly after breaking clear.

And, for all Chelsea’s desperate raids, it was Tevez who came closest at the death, wriggling clear on the left to force Cech into a near-post block.

City, though, were just about worth a victory that leaves them just one point off the top four.

Given reacted sharply to turn away Drogba’s angled drive in the opening exchanges but City were matching their visitors by the time they fell behind.

Chelsea pair Drogba and Branislav Ivanovic were left poorly marked as Given scrambled out a harshly-awarded corner.

And the Ireland keeper even thwarted Nicolas Anelka’s rebound effort, only for the ball to shoot upwards, hit Adebayor on the back and bobble in.

City’s response was rousing, though too many of their set-pieces went straight to Cech.

The Chelsea’s keeper only mistake was to miss Shaun Wright-Phillips’ cross. But luckily for him Ricardo Carvalho had darted back to head clear superbly.

City kept up their offensive and when Wright-Phillips drove another shot into the Chelsea box it ultimately brought their equaliser.

John Terry, who was linked so heavily with a move to Eastlands last summer, was so upset by it that hew as still complaining to ref Webb at half-time seven minutes later, insisting that Richards handled Wright-Phillips’ shot.

It was difficult to see what the England Under-21 full-back could have done to get out of the way, though.

The ball deflected into Adebayor’s path and did so again when it bounced back off the England skipper. At the second time of asking Adebayor made up for his earlier misfortune.

If Drogba’s free-kick in the final minute of the half had been one inch inside Given’s left-hand post rather than just outside it, City might have had problems responding.

As it was, they kept the impetus when the sides returned and got their noses in front – again with a touch of controversy.

Carvalho had a point when he claimed he had been looking at the ball as he went for an aerial challenge with Tevez. But he also kept a leg in the air long enough to plant it into the Argentina star’s back.

Tevez added insult to the resulting yellow card, though, by planting a low free-kick just wide of the Chelsea wall.

The loss of Richards and Wayne Bridge to injury hardly assisted City in their efforts to cling on for a win, but Juliano Belletti’s studs-first challenge that led to Bridge being carried off could easily have left Chelsea with 10 men.

That bad-tempered tackle led to a few more. At one point Ashley Cole and Deco were booked for offences in the same passage of play.

Prior to that though, Given had emerged the hero when he turned away an admittedly poor Lampard penalty after Onuoha had upended Drogba.

There was still time for Terry to limp off and Drogba to waste a glorious chance.

But City’s fighting spirit kept out the title favourites.

Man City: Given, Richards (Onuoha 69), Toure, Lescott, Bridge (Kompany 76), De Jong, Barry, Wright-Phillips, Tevez, Robinho (Zabaleta 90), Adebayor. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Johnson, Santa Cruz, Petrov.

Booked: Barry.

Goals: Adebayor 37, Tevez 56.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho (Belletti 63), Terry (Malouda 88), Ashley Cole, Essien, Ballack (Mikel 64), Lampard, Deco, Drogba, Anelka. Subs Not Used: Hilario, Joe Cole, Zhirkov, Paulo Ferreira.

Booked: Terry, Carvalho, Belletti, Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, Deco.

Goals: Adebayor 8 og.

Att: 47,348

SOUTH AFRICA WORLD CUP 2010 DRAW!!

WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA 2010

THE draw for next year’s World Cup was held in Cape Town today and here is how the tournament will shape up.

GROUP A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay and France

GROUP B: Argentina, South Korea, Nigeria and Greece

GROUP C: England, USA, Algeria and Slovenia

GROUP D: Germany, Australia, Ghana and Serbia

GROUP E: Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon and Denmark

GROUP F: Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia

GROUP G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal

GROUP H: Spain, Honduras, Chile and Switzerland

The next Pele? Chelsea tracking Santos striker Neymar

Neymar

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Neymar – a 17-year-old Brazilian striker who has been drawing comparisons to Robinho and even the great Pele.

FIFA agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who worked on Chelsea’s signing of Brazil defender Alex from PSV Eindhoven five years ago, is said to have approached the striker’s representative on behalf of the Blues.

Reports in Brazil say the Barclays Premier League table-toppers would be prepared to offer about £13.5million for the Santos player, a figure which is about half of the player’s release clause.

Neymar has been linked to Arsenal, Manchester United and City, as well as Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus and Barcelona.

His father Neymar da Silva Santos admits that the player’s agent Wagner Ribeiro has been approached, but is reluctant to speak until a formal offer is made.

Ribeiro sealed Robinho’s move from Santos to Real Madrid in 2005 and his subsequent £34m British transfer switch to Manchester City in September last year.

‘Wagner has been sounded out, but there is nothing official,’ said Neymar Sr.

‘Therefore, we haven’t moved any further because Wagner can only go to Santos when there is something official. For now, we’re not dealing with any of that.

‘Neymar is very young. He had a good year, but still needs to grow. I don’t think that now is the time to leave. He needs to show more for Santos and win titles here. Prepare better.’

Neymar is already in the Santos first team, scoring nine goals from 12 starts and 18 appearances from the bench in Brazil’s Serie A this season.

He would not be able to register for a team outside Brazil until his 18th birthday in February, but there is already plenty wanting to take him out of South America.

His contract with Santos runs until 2014, though he is 40 per cent owned by a group of investors who may be keen to cash in.

Neymar insists he is happy in Brazil and appears to be in the dark about the clamour for his signature.

‘I only know what is being said in the press, nobody has spoken with me about a possible transfer, and for saying the truth, it’s not in my mind the idea of leaving Santos,’ said Neymar.

‘I haven’t been thinking of a move to Europe. I really don’t know what is happening and why it is said that many European teams are interested in me because here in Brazil nobody has approached me and even the club hasn’t told me anything.

‘Personally the only thing that I am thinking about is in giving my best to Santos and working very hard for next season as I would like to have a better season.’

By
Ashley Gray

Buy or Sell? Edin Dzeko on his way out?

Edin Dzeko

ARSENE WENGER wants £15million-rated Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko to save Arsenal’s season.

The Gunners’ boss is ready to smash their transfer record to sign the powerful Bosnia international next month.

And he is praying bitter rivals Manchester United can do him a favour by dumping the German club out of the Champions League next week.

Wenger has vowed to splash out on a proven goal-poacher, after top-scorer Robin van Persie was ruled out for four months by ankle trouble.

And Dzeko, 23, has shot to the top of his wanted-list, having blasted rank outsiders Wolfsburg to the German championship against the odds last season with 36 goals

He has hit another 13 in the current campaign.

Wenger, whose young team was overwhelmed by Chelsea on Sunday, is prepared to top the £12m he forked out on Andrey Arshavin last January.

At more than 6ft 3in, current German Footballer of the Year Dzeko is the powerful attack leader Wenger has been seeking since selling Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City back in July.

He only signed a new four-year deal in the summer. But the Germans may have to cash in on their hottest property if they lose to United and miss out on the next round of the Champions League.

Arsenal have already agreed a £1.6m deal to sign 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Zezinho from Juventude.

PHILIPPE SENDEROS is set to quit the Londoners for Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window.

The Swiss centre-back is now fourth- choice at the Emirates behind William Gallas, Thomas Vermaelen and Mikael Silvestre.

Fed-up Senderos, 24, has asked manager Wenger either to sell him or let him go out on loan to the La Liga strugglers.

By
Mark Irwin

“Super” Mario Balotelli on his way to Arsenal?

Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli is one of “those” players. He just is.

You know the type. Young, endlessly talented, but completely uncontrolable. Seemingly every country, every generation, throws up at least one.

Italy have already had Antonio Cassano. England had Paul Gascoigne. For France it was Cantona. As easily found on the front pages as the back, able to take your breath away, but not always for the reasons you might expect.

Now it seems, is crunch time. When even Jose Mourinho appears to have given up, surely that ends the prospect of “Super Mario” ever fulfilling his potential with Inter, right? The Portuguese has even lambasted his player publicly, and more than once.

After his red card in the Champions League tie with Rubin Kazan, Mourinho said Balotelli would “still make the same mistakes in five years.” In the press conference after the Serie A game with Roma, the manager was quoted as saying the player’s performance was “close to zero.”

Despite these regular criticism’s, Balotelli has failed to respond in the manner Mourinho would like. Mourinho dropped him from the squad completely last weekend against Fiorentina and shows no desire to recall him.

Into this the Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stepped, offering a way out for Mourinho, Balotelli and Inter. “I am keeping an eye out for Balotelli, a player I like very much,” said the Frenchman recently. “In my view he can be one of the best.”

So, with Wenger’s ability to develop young talent, Balotelli’s need for playing time, Arsenal’s attacking injuries, and Mourinho’s patience seemingly expired, the transfer is perfect all round, right?

Wrong.

Inter would lose a player who could be everything they ever hoped. Mario Balotelli has the potential, and the ability, to be the world’s best. By simply off-loading the problem they risk destroying their future, and the chance for Italian football to witness one of its own reach that pinnacle.

While Mourinho’s view is understandable, you have to recognise the pressure the Inter manager is under. The scudetto is seemingly a minimum requirement, while the Champions League is the ideal. Failure to deliver that prize and he may find himself leaving Serie A the same way he left Chelsea.

SUPER MARIO

Why sell the player to please a man who may be gone himself come the summer?

This desire for instant success is the Inter we all sniggered at throughout the Nineties as they made multi-million pound mistake after multi-million pound mistake, never winning trophies.

Selling Balotelli to Arsenal would rank alongside the sales of Bergkamp and Roberto Carlos.

The solution? A loan deal, perhaps six months. Inter have depth in the forward line meaning his temporary loss wouldn’t matter too much. Arsenal have Robin Van Persie out long-term, and the delicate Eduardo never seems too far from his next injury. They also appear to be short of money to compete at the top end of the transfer market.

This move would suit all much better. Wenger would get quality cover to his decimated front line for little outlay. Inter would retain ownership of the player, able to bring him back at their discretion. Mourinho would get rid of his problem, creating better harmony in his group. Lastly, football and football fans would be the winner as Balotelli would get a stage on which to showcase his undoubted talent.

By
The Bleacher Report

Gregory Van Der Wiel headed to Manchester City?

Gregory van der Wiel

Holland defender Gregory van der Wiel is committed to Ajax despite being monitored by Manchester City, according to his agent.

The 21-year-old full-back became a regular in the Ajax side last season under Marco van Basten and he also broke into the national side to play his part in Holland’s qualification for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

His agent, Hakim Slimani, claims Van Der Wiel has been watched closely by Manchester City, who are seventh in the Premier League.

Slimani told Voetbal International: ‘There is no official contact between Ajax and Manchester City but I cannot deny that his performance has been closely followed by Manchester City.’

Gregory van der Wiel

Slimani insists, though, Van Der Wiel is committed to seeing out his contract in Amsterdam which has three years left to run.

‘That’s why Greg is not concerned with a transfer to another club,” continued Slimani. ‘He’s just broken through last season. This season he has set himself the target of being a major player for Ajax.’

Reported by the Mail

Brazilian U17 star Zezinho expected to sign with Arsenal

Zezinho

Brazilian starlet Zezinho expects to sign for Arsenal in the new year.

The 17-year-old, who had a trial with the Gunners in the summer, believes he has played his last game for Juventude ahead of a move to England.

Arsenal are understood to have made an improved bid after having offers of £1.5million and £2.75m rejected.

The Brazilian second division side were asking for £7m, though it is thought they would be satisfied with about £5m, which would wipe out the club’s debts.

Zezinho, who is 18 in March, would not be able to play competitively for Arsenal until next season, but could train with Arsene Wenger’s side before then.

The playmaker, who has also been linked with Liverpool, finished the season with struggling Juventude last weekend and believes he will not be at the club when the Gaucho state championship starts in mid-January.

‘My time at Juventude ended on Saturday,’ he said. ‘Until now, I thought that I would continue in the Gaucho, but my agent said that it is impossible.

‘He told me that Arsenal will submit a new offer to Juventude – the third in a year, it seems – and this time it will be solved.

‘I don’t know about any other interested team. The only proposal is from Arsenal, the others were for trials.

‘I don’t know about the price. I can only say that Juventude will receive 70 per cent, I’ll receive 20 per cent and my agent 10 per cent.’

Zezinho was part of the Brazil side that won the South American Under 17 Championship earlier this year.

Operating through the middle or down the left wing, he scored a stunning goal for Juventude against Portuguesa earlier this year, but has also shown a petulant side and was sent of in back-to-back games in June and July.

By
Ashley Gray