Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

Didier Drogba · Jul 24, 2011

Sunday 24th July 2011

Ferguson: No more summer signings

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed Manchester United are not currently in the market for new summer signings.

At various points in the summer, Samir Nasri, Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder have all been linked with big-money moves to United.

However, Nasri and Modric appear bound for Manchester City and Chelsea should they leave Arsenal and Tottenham respectively, whilst any deal to sign Sneijder apparently looks too expensive for Ferguson to sanction.

It means the United boss could end up going into the new campaign with the players already at his disposal, which would mean the likes of Anderson having to step up on the efforts of previous years.

"We are always looking for good quality players," said Ferguson after tonight's 3-1 win over Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. "We started the season with the players we have and I am satisfied with that.

"We are not looking at the moment but we are looking at combinations of central midfielders now at the club." Trailing at the interval, United needed to complete a second-half comeback to secure their win.

They were inspired by a magnificent goal from Wayne Rooney, who replaced Dimitar Berbatov at half-time and produced the perfect lob from Rio Ferdinand's lofted pass. "It was a perfect ball from Ferdinand but it was a difficult chance to take with the goalkeeper rushing out and the defenders chasing back at him," observed Ferguson.

"It takes a good deal of skill to control in that position." Rafael and Nani ensured United maintained their 100% record ahead of the most testing couple of games of the tour.

The Red Devils tackle an MLS All-Stars team set to include David Beckham and Thierry Henry at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday before their Champions League final rematch with Barcelona in Washington next Saturday evening.

It should offer a more significant test for David de Gea, who, for all Chicago's threat, did not have much to do and, after a couple of viewings, Ferguson conceded had no chance with Cory Gibbs' opener.

"He was impressive," reflected the United boss of his £18million summer recruit from Atletico Madrid. "He is always handling shots and saving well. Technically he is very good. "When they scored the first goal I thought he could have come out more but when I looked at it again he had absolutely no chance.

"Overall, he was great today." Meanwhile, speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Ferguson has played down suggestions Ryan Giggs could become the target of abuse from opposition fans this season. The 37-year-old is due to commence his 21st season with the Old Trafford outfit but will do so after a summer of negative headlines.

Ferguson has experienced United players get all kinds of abuse in the past, but he doesn't expect it to happen with Giggs. "I am not sure Giggs will get that," he said. "He is one of the few players that other fans like. He has their respect. "He has never been sent off and he's had only a few bookings. I don't see it being a problem."

Bizarrely, Giggs was booked this evening, although that will not vex Ferguson as much as the disciplinary problems he encountered last season. The United boss served a five-match touchline ban and was fined £30,000 for criticising referee Martin Atkinson following his side's defeat at Chelsea in March.

Then Wayne Rooney was forced to serve a two-game suspension, including the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City, after swearing into a TV camera as his side came from behind to clinch a crucial win at West Ham. "It has been happening for a while now and they always seem to find a way to do us when, with others, it's seemingly forgotten," he said.

"It will always be there and I think we know that. "I don't really know whether it's about me or the club. That's a difficult one. "They have certainly always found a way to treat us differently."

Didier Drogba · Jul 24, 2011

Sunday 24th July 2011

Report: Nasri won't sign new deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be disappointed to find out that midfield star Samir Nasri has no intention of staying at the club.

According to reports in the Sun, the Frenchman has refused to sign a new £115,000-a-week contract at North London, and is prepared to simply play out the final year of his current deal and walk out of the Emirates next summer.

He has also told the squad that he has no intention of signing a new deal at the club, despite Wenger's best efforts, in the hope of pushing for a £20million move to Manchester City.

When asked if the midfield maestro had signed a new deal, Wenger said: "Not completely but I want him to stay. He knows that.

"Hopefully we can sort that out in the coming weeks." This will have reprecussions on the future of club captain Cesc Fabregas, who is also expected to leave the Emirates sooner than later.

The Arsenal hierarchy could be loathe to lose two stars in the summer at once, and may very well force the Spaniard to stay, should Nasri secure a big money deal to Manchester.

There was slightly happier news for the Gunners in Germany though, with Gervinho marking his Arsenal debut by scoring twice, as Arsenal beat FC Cologne 2-1, in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Further reports also indicate that Wenger could swoop for Villarreal's Santi Cazola, should they be unable to keep Fabregas.

However, the Yellow Submarines are holding out for £20 million for their star, which could be an obstacle, as the Gunners are only willing to offer £17 million.

Cazorla himself said: "I haven't spoken to anyone officially but the club has kept me informed."

The 26-year-old has 23 goals in 127 league starts for the La Liga side.

Didier Drogba · Jul 24, 2011

Sunday 24th July 2011

Chelsea nab Romeu from Barcelona

Chelsea ramped up their summer recruitment drive after they agreed a fee with Barcelona for the signing of Oriol Romeu.

New manager Andre Villas-Boas decided his squad had been significantly weakened by the loss of the injured Michael Essien to warrant a reported £4.5million offer for the 19-year-old Romeu. The defensive midfielder is currently on international duty with Spain at the Under-20 World Cup and has yet to undergo a medical or agree personal terms.

He made his first-team debut for Barcelona at the end of last season but head coach Pep Guardiola deemed him surplus to requirements. Romeu is set to become the second signing of the Villas-Boas era, with Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois having agreed to move from Genk.

And that is unlikely to be the end of Chelsea's spending before the start of the season. They have seen two bids for Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric rejected this summer and are reportedly preparing a third and final offer in the region of £35million.

They are also said to have made a bid of up to £18million for Anderlecht wonderkid Romelu Lukaku, while Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini claimed the Blues were competing with Manchester City and Roma for the signature of Argentinian playmaker Javier Pastore.

Zamparini, who values midfielder Pastore at £40million-plus, told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I cannot say who has the advantage between Chelsea, Manchester City or Roma. I can only underline that I'm interested in cash deals.

"We are at the final stages and will evaluate the offers on Tuesday. When we see which the real proposals are, then we can go forward." Any move for Pastore or a renewed bid for Modric would appear to have the blessing of Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay.

He told the Blues' official Thailand supporters' club during a question-and-answer session in Bangkok yesterday: "From our activity in the marketplace in the past, if the coach feels there is a player available that can strengthen our team then we almost definitely go into the marketplace."

Like Romeu, Pastore would help fill the void left by Essien, who was recently ruled out for six months with a serious knee injury. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea's latest pre-season friendly against Thailand All Stars, Villas-Boas said: "It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.

"The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division - they finished third. "Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team. "So he is one of the most promising young players in that position and hopefully we can agree personal terms and hopefully he will pass a medical."

Villas-Boas also revealed the decision to loan Courtois to Atletico Madrid once he completes his transfer had not been finalised. "The Spanish league is an extremely competitive league and Atletico is a great club to be at but it is not decided yet on his future," Villas-Boas said. "It is still a couple of days until we can confirm agreement between all three parties."

Chelsea are also hoping to tie Didier Drogba to a one-year contract extension, with the veteran striker having revealed he was hopeful of staying on beyond the end of his current deal, which expires next summer.

Villas-Boas must decide on the futures of several other players, who have struggled to impress in the Blues' opening two official pre-season friendlies and will have another chance to do so. Lukaku, 18, has been touted as a long-term replacement for Drogba.

But Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck has claimed Chelsea's hopes of signing Lukaku were no better than "50-50". He added in a news conference: "If a club like Chelsea pays the target amount, he leaves. "We are looking to make clear agreements next week, but Lukaku from a sporting aspect is much more important that the financial picture.

"And he is in no rush to leave - and if August 31 comes and he does not leave, then perhaps staying another year could be better. "But we do not want this to drag on, it's not a complicated matter - they know the asking price."

Despite Chelsea's apparent attempts to land Lukaku and Modric, Villas-Boas has insisted they do not need to compete with Manchester United's spending this summer. "It's not a case of spending straight away when we don't need to do that," he was quoted as saying in several national newspapers.

"We hope it will prove to be the successful approach. "United have decided to sign players after losing some to retirement and they have reinforced those sectors. We will decide what sectors we need to reinforce in our own team." He added of last season: "Chelsea came back with an extremely good recovery. "This club had an opportunity to win the title and that shows how competitive we can be."

Didier Drogba · Jul 24, 2011

Drogba to sign new Chelsea deal

24 July 2011

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba looks set to sign a one-year contract extension with the English Premier League club.

The Ivory Coast international has entered the final 12 months of his current deal, but a new agreement is expected before the start of the new season on August 13.

Drogba is in Thailand with the rest of the squad as they continue their pre-season tour of Asia.

On Saturday he took time out to support an anti-malaria campaign promoting the use of mosquito nets in Bangkok.

It's a disease the 33-year-old is all too familiar with having contracted it last year. "Everybody knows that I had malaria last year, this is something that is really killing a lot of people in tropical countries,” Drogba said.

“This is something that we try to fight and the best way today, I think, is to be protected by nets." Drogba has already helped fund a 4-million-dollar hospital in his home town of Abidjan.

Didier Drogba · Jul 27, 2011

Wednesday 27th July 2011

Liverpool close to Albacete signing

Liverpool are preparing a deal to sign Albacete youngster Nacho, after the youngster impressed during a trial.

The Spaniard played with Liverpool's U-18 squad, and impressed manager Kenny Dalglish, according to reports from La Tribuna de Albacete.

The two clubs have been in negotiations for several weeks, and are reported to have come to an agreement about the player on Monday.

It was suggested that the Reds will spend £150,000 to snap up Nacho, and should he succeed in breaking into the Liverpool first team, Albacete will stand to make an additional €113,000, and €339,000 when he makes ten senior appearances.

Albacete will also be entitled to 15 per cent of Nacho's future transfer fee, should he end up leaving the Anfield club.

Didier Drogba · Jul 27, 2011

Villas-Boas decides on Chelsea formation

27 July 2011

Andre Villas-Boas has settled on a 4-3-3 formation for Chelsea as they look to challenge for the 2011/12 English Premier League title.

Villas-Boas, who took over at Chelsea on June 22, believes a flexible set-up will benefit the team and is pleased with the performance of his forwards so far during the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.

A variation of 4-3-3 took Chelsea to league titles under Jose Mourinho in 2005/06 and again under Carlo Ancelotti in 2009/10.

The formation was also employed by Villas-Boas during his quadruple-winning debut season with Porto last term.

"We have this idea of a 4-3-3 and we are focusing on it at the moment," Villas-Boas told the Chelsea website.

"It doesn't mean we won't go to other formations because you have to have this flexibility to challenge for the Premiership."

"I think with the players' experiences they are more able to do it."

"The 4-3-3 is a system for us in the end where it is not just a striker, it is three forwards ... and we have this flexibility in the squad."

Villas-Boas singled out Daniel Sturridge - who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers - and Frenchman Nicolas Anelka as two players capable of filling the advanced wide roles in his chosen formation.

He also nominated Israel international Yossi Benayoun, who missed last season with a serious Achilles injury, as a candidate for a first-team role.

"We have seen Daniel in the channels, Anelka in the channels and they are more than able to do it so we are pretty happy," he said.

"Yossi is a creative player coming from the channels to between the lines, so we have the flexibility to try different structures."

It remains to be seen who the Portuguese preferred between Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres for the centre-forward role, with Villas-Boas claiming not to be preoccupied with the position at this stage.

"We tried 4-4-2 in a diamond against Malaysia, 4-2-3-1 against Thailand in the second half, so we are getting bits and pieces with other formations, and we are pretty happy at the moment and not focusing a lot on the striking positions," he said.

Chelsea begin the Premier League season away to Stoke City on August 14.

Didier Drogba · Jul 27, 2011

Wednesday 27th July 2011

Aguero to seal Man City move

Sergio Aguero is expected to arrive in England on Wednesday to seal his £40million move to Manchester City.

The Atletico Madrid striker has been widely tipped to join the Eastlands club as a direct replacement for want-away captain Carlos Tevez.

However, his compatriot's proposed move to home club Corinthians collapsed at the very last minute - leading to doubts whether City will continue with their pursuit of Aguero.

Any doubts are now put to bed as the 23-year-old will touch down in Manchester to complete his record-breaking transfer.

The Argentina international missed Atletico's pre-season training this week following his return from Copa America - in a clear sign he intends to leave the club for City.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if he will displace Tevez as Roberto Mancini's number one striker after the sensational saga surrounding his captain.

It is believed that the son-in-law of legend Diego Maradona will be handed a five-year deal worth over £200,000 a week at Eastlands.

If he does sign for CIty, Aguero will become British football's second-most expensive player ever after Fernando Torres.

Didier Drogba · Jul 27, 2011

Wednesday 27th July 2011

Arsenal, Juventus battle for Pereira

Arsenal and Juventus are ready to do battle for the signature of Porto and Uruguay left-back Alvaro Pereira.

The 25-year-old has attracted the interest of several clubs after his impressive displays helped Porto become Portuguese and Europa League champions last season.

And he has now further enhanced his reputation after winning the Copa America with Uruguay.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Juventus and Arsenal are leading the way in their pursuit of the Uruguayan and both may table a bid in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also said to be interested in Pereira as they continue to look for solutions for their troubled left-back department.

"Liverpool? I do not know, I cannot say anything. My only wish is to celebrate Uruguay's big win [at Copa America]," he told A BOLA on Sunday.

"After this, I will return to Porto, my club, and then we will see what happens."

Pereira joined Porto from Cluj in the summer of 2009 for €4.5 million.

Didier Drogba · Jul 27, 2011

Wednesday 27th July 2011

Spurs eye shock move for Afellay

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a shock move for Barcelona and Netherlands winger Ibrahim Afellay.

The 25-year-old joined the Spanish giants from PSV Eindhoven in January and has enjoyed a positive start to his career at the Nou Camp.

But according to The Daily Mirror, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is fearing the worst over the future of Luka Modric and sees the Dutch international as the ideal man to replace the Croatian.

Spurs chief scout Ian Broomfield has reportedly made a trip down to Germany tp witness Afellay in action for Barcelona against Brazilian club Internacional on Tuesday.

The speedy winger was used mostly as a substitute by Pep Guardiola last season but had made a good impression during his time on the pitch.

Didier Drogba · Jul 27, 2011

Wednesday 27th July 2011

Report: Chelsea consider Johnson swoop

Chelsea could be ready to make a shock move for Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, in order to bolster their attack.

According to reports in talkSPORT, Andre Villas-Boas is a fan of the 24-year-old and is keen to add him to the squad at Stamford Bridge.

The Portuguese will be aided by the fact that Johnson could be unsettled at the club, given that he started 16 out of 31 Premier League games from the bench last season.

However, City boss Robert Mancini would not be keen to lose the England star, but could be forced to sell in order to keep the wage bill down, as the club look to try to accomodate the possible addition of Sergio Aguero into their bloated salary structure.

This would be significant, given the introduction of UEFA's financial fair play regulations last season.

Villa-Boas would be keen to add Johnson to his midfield in order to bring out the best of strikers Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres, as the winger's ability on the wing, as well as his pinpoint crossing, would certainly give his targetmen more chances to score.

jw5 · Jul 28, 2011

Mirko Vucinic is very close to joining Man Utd, according to "sources". (which is none other than his agent) :biggrin:

If he does, bet Berba is going the other way. :o

red amoeba · Jul 28, 2011

jw5 said:
Mirko Vucinic is very close to joining Man Utd, according to "sources". (which is none other than his agent)

If he does, bet Berba is going the other way. :o

==

y on earth they wanna sign another striker? Man U overflowing with strikers...

jw5 · Jul 29, 2011

red amoeba said:
==

y on earth they wanna sign another striker? Man U overflowing with strikers...

Yeah, they have Rooney, Chicharito, Berba, Welbeck, Owen, Diouf, Macheda......................

Didier Drogba · Jul 29, 2011

Friday 29th July 2011

Shay Given relishing Aston Villa chance

Aston Villa new signing Shay Given says the lure of regular football was too good to turn down after the lack of opportunities at Manchester City.

Given was supplanted as City's first-choice keeper by Joe Hart last season and the 35-year-old felt did not want to spend another campaign sitting on the bench. "I'd met (new Villa manager) Alex (McLeish) a few times before over the past few years and been very impressed with him as a man and he's been a very successful manager as well so when I got the call and knew there was huge interest, I was delighted to follow it up," he said.

"It was a frustrating season at Man City but there's nothing much you can do. The manager made a decision and you've got to respect that and take it on the chin and you have to move on. "For me it's about playing football. You've got one career and I want to play as much as I can. It was frustrating but I'm not having a go at anyone - that's just how I felt. I've played for most of my career and not to be playing for a season was very tough.

"I've just turned 35 and I'm at a stage in my career where I need to be playing regularly - that was all I was thinking. "Manchester City are going to be a big club in world football, not just in the Premier League, so it was a tough decision but for me, it was the right one." As for his future career, Given looks likely to be joined at Villa Park by a familiar face in former Newcastle team-mate Charles N'Zogbia.

N'Zogbia is set to follow the Republic of Ireland international to Villa in a deal, reported to be worth 9.5million, that will be completed once the Frenchman has undergone a medical. Given believes Villa are signing a much different N'Zogbia to the one he knew at Newcastle and tipped the 25-year-old to make a big impact this term following his two-and-a-half-year stint at Wigan.

"To be fair to Charles, I think he had some issues when he was at Newcastle but I think as a person and as a footballer he's grown," he said. "People forget how young he was when he was at Newcastle so I think in the last couple of seasons he's shown at Wigan what a great player he is and he's matured off the pitch as well. That just comes with getting older.

"I'm looking forward to meeting up with him again, I think a lot of Premier League defenders don't like playing against him, he's very quick and direct with the ball. "He's more effective in games, he can score goals and create goals for other players as well and it looks like he's got his head down and the bit between his teeth."

Didier Drogba · Jul 29, 2011

Friday 29th July 2011

Arsenal: Time running out for Barca

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has warned Barcelona to make their minds up over Cesc Fabregas quickly or they will have no chance of signing him.

Barca's pursuit of the Gunners skipper has developed into a protracted transfer saga and Hill-Wood is keen for the matter to be resolved. While Arsene Wenger has always made it clear he hopes to keep the Spanish midfielder, the chairman admits a deal could be struck if the European champions reach their valuation, which is thought to be £40million.

However, he insists the two clubs are still a long way apart and has told Barca they will miss out on Fabregas if they do not act soon. "They have been messing about for a year-and-a-half now and they have got to make up their minds," Hill-Wood said in the Daily Star. "The ball is in their court. They have made one bid of around £26m and another rather tentative one.

"If they want to buy the player they are going to have to pay the right price - and when you look at what is being paid elsewhere I don't think what we are asking is at all unreasonable." Asked whether the time was approaching when the North Londoners would call off talks, Hill-Wood added: "We are getting close to that."

Hill-Wood also confirmed the Gunners were actively looking to strengthen their squad and had lodged a bid with Everton for Phil Jagielka. It emerged last week that the Toffees had rejected a proposal of around £10million for the defender, with reports suggesting they want around £17million.

"We have made a bid for him but they didn't think it was enough," Hill-Wood said. "It is very busy but nothing is actually happening. "We are trying to buy a few players but it isn't going to happen overnight."

Didier Drogba · Jul 29, 2011

Friday 29th July 2011

Fergie: Our challenge is overtaking Barca

Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United players they must be happy playing second best to Barcelona for the time being.

But he has challenged them to close the gap on the European champions. Last season United failed to emulate their Premier League heroics in Europe, falling to Pep Guardiola's men in the Champions League final at Wembley.

That triumph saw Barca lift their second continental title in three years, having also ousted the Red Devils in the 2009 final. Two months later Ferguson's men are preparing to meet their conquerors again, this time in the final game of their pre-season tour of the United States in Washington DC on Saturday.

The Scot believes Barca's achievements over recent years have set the benchmark in world football, and he has urged United to reach that level. "I think their performances and their feats over the last two or three years have elevated them," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

"In everyone's mind they are the best team, currently, in the world. "I'm quite happy to be in second place at this moment in time because that's our challenge. Our challenge will be to get to that level."

Didier Drogba · Jul 29, 2011

Friday 29th July 2011

Dalglish takes positives from defeat

Kenny Dalglish has admitted his disappointment in Liverpool's 3-0 friendly defeat to Galatasaray but believes the game can stand them in good stead for the season ahead.

A double by former Liverpool striker Milan Baros and a brilliant strike by Johan Elmander handed the Reds their second consecutive 3-0 defeat after falling to Hull City last week. Speaking in a post-match conference at the Turk Telekom Arena, Dalglish remained philosophical over the worrying run of results.

"I think they looked a bit sharper than us at the start of the game. It was the same as at the weekend in that we played a lot better in the second half than we did in the first half," the Scot told the club's official website. "But the players worked hard and they'll benefit from the effort they put in. It won't do us any harm for the season ahead, but we've got to get ourselves a bit sharper, a bit more clued up and lively when we're not in possession of the ball."

He added: "I think the benefit is it's another game. They looked a bit sharper than us and are maybe a wee bit ahead of us. Their season was due to start but I think it's been put back for a number of days." "We've just got to get ourselves street-wise on the pitch and get up to speed with our thoughts when we're not in possession of the ball. August 13 is a big day for us when the season starts, and we'd like to think this will stand us in good stead getting towards that date."

The 60-year-old named a youthful side for their trip to Turkey, with the likes of Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger remaining at Melwood to prepare for Monday's trip to Valerenga. Asked about his team selection, Dalglish said: "It's pre-season. We've another game on Monday and we've got to pick another team.

"We'll have people back who weren't eligible for this game. For the young boys who played it will have been a great experience for them, and for the players who played it will be good for fitness. "We don't want to lose a game, but we've got two games in four days and a long trip home tonight, so we had to take that into consideration when we were picking the team - and we'll also take it into consideration when we pick the team on Monday."

The Reds will round up their pre-season preparation away to Valerenga on 1 August before hosting Valencia on 6 August. They begin their Barclays Premier League season at home to Sunderland on 13 August.

Didier Drogba · Jul 29, 2011

Friday 29th July 2011

QPR confirm takeover talks

Queens Park Rangers are in talks over potential new owners, the Barclays Premier League club have confirmed.

In March, club owner Bernie Ecclestone suggested he might be interested in selling his 69% stake in QPR for £100million - and the club entered into talks with an unnamed group, with due diligence taking place.

However, while those discussions failed to reach an agreement, QPR tonight released a statement revealing the club had now started "preliminary discussions with a different party". "On March 4 the company (QPR Holdings Limited) announced that it was in preliminary discussions with a potential purchaser," the statement on www.qpr.co.uk read.

"At the time the takeover panel confirmed that should those discussions result in an offer being made for the company, the offer would be subject to the City code on takeovers and mergers (the code), even if such an offer was made after April 2, being the date on which the company ceased to be to the code, due to it being delisted 10 years previously.

"The company confirm that these discussions came to an end in March. "Since the end of these discussions, the company has entered into preliminary discussions with a different party and can confirm that these discussions and any subsequent transaction would not be subject to the code.

"Accordingly the company confirms that is it no longer in an offer period for the purposes of the code. "We will be making no further comment at stage." A third of QPR's stock is owned by the family of metals billionaire Lakshmi Mittal.

In May, vice-chairman Amit Bhatia, Mittal's son-in-law, resigned from the board after a disagreement over ticket-price increases and changes to club management. Force India Formula One team owner Vijay Mallya and chairman of United Breweries Group, which produces the Kingfisher beer brand, has previously been linked with the Loftus Road club.

Didier Drogba · Jul 29, 2011

Friday 29th July 2011

Aguero completes Man City switch

Manchester City have completed the signing of Argentina striker Sergio Aguero.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract, worth a reported £200,000 a week. No fee was confirmed by either club, but it is thought City have paid Atletico Madrid £35million for Aguero, eclipsing their previous high of £32.5million for Brazil forward Robinho in August 2008. He becomes manager Roberto Mancini's third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Arsenal defender Gael Clichy and Partizan Belgrade's Stefan Savic, and takes the Italian's spending in this window to £48million.

Aguero had already declared himself a Manchester City player on Wednesday night after a day of talks with club officials. And, speaking on Thursday night after sealing the deal officially, the striker said he was ready to play in the Premier League. "I don't think I'll have too many problems settling into the team," he told City's official website.

"I'll obviously be doing my best to do what the manager asks and try to work the way he wants me to, and of course he will know how he wants to use me. "Once I'm out on the field I will get to know my way round, but I can't say that for sure because I have not even made my debut yet.

"But I'm sure everything will be fine. I'm going to be relaxed about it." The arrival of Diego Maradona's son-in-law once again opens up questions about the future of Carlos Tevez, for whom Aguero is seen as a natural replacement. Tevez is adamant he wants to leave to be nearer his wife and two daughters in Argentina, though he would also consider a move to Europe.

However, Inter Milan director Marco Branca insisted on Thursday the Italian club had no plans to sign the Argentina international after he was pictured meeting Tevez in Sardinia. "There was only one meeting, and it was entirely fortuitous and enjoyable," he said. "But it happened on the beach and was not followed up."

That seems to leave Tevez without a suitor who can afford to buy him after the collapse of a deal with Corinthians. However, for now, City will focus on their new player. Younger than Tevez by four years, the former Atletico star has been a prolific goalscorer in Spain's Primera Division and that is why he became one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.

Atletico had resigned themselves to the fact they would lose their prized asset when he announced in May, before departing to play for Argentina in the Copa America, that he wanted to leave. Aguero's preference was to remain in Spain, with city rivals Real seemingly the most likely destination, but Atletico were keen to resist such a move.

The offer from City represented a better option for the Madrid side, although Italian club Juventus were also interested. Atletico confirmed the deal minutes before City, and wished their former player a fond farewell. "From this moment the Argentinian player ceases being part of our squad," said a club statement. "The club thank him for his services during these five seasons and wish him luck in his new role."

Aguero is the latest in a line of high-profile signings for City from the Spanish league, and he is already familiar with new team-mates Yaya Toure and David Silva from having played against them in La Liga. "Of course the are great players, and yes I have played against them in the past but now they are here, in a team which right now is one of the biggest teams in England," Aguero added.

"So for sure they are great players and I'm lucky to be playing alongside them. I'm happy about that." Asked what he would add to the side, Aguero said: "My style has always been to fight to the death for every ball, and give 100% in every game. "Be concentrated to the maximum in everything I do; movement, running off the ball, winning the ball back and scoring goals. I'm not a player who can do everything, but I still have plenty to offer."

Looking to the future, Aguero hopes to help City add to their FA Cup success of last season. "I saw the game (FA Cup final) and I think we are a team that in the future will be fighting every year to win major trophies, and let`s hope that it`s quite a few major trophies," he said.

Asked about the differences between La Liga and Premier League, he added: "I think in terms of technique the leagues are similar, maybe the game is more physical in England and there is a greater emphasis on tactics in Spain.

Didier Drogba · Jul 31, 2011

Saturday 30th July 2011

Wenger wants to tie up transfers soon

Arsene Wenger intends to get all of his remaining transfer business done "sooner rather than later" as he fine tunes Arsenal's preparations for the new campaign.

While the future of captain Cesc Fabregas remains uncertain, with Barcelona looking to push through a deal to take him back to the Nou Camp, Wenger has plenty of irons in the fire.

Arsenal have already brought in £11million Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, and are understood to be close to an £18m deal for Valencia midfielder Juan Mata, while bids for Everton's England centre-back Phil Jagielka and promising young Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell are also on the table.

More exits are also expected, with striker Nicklas Bendtner on the verge of a £9m move to Sporting Lisbon, while Emmanuel Eboue is reported to be ready to join Galatasaray, which should help offset any outlay on new signings. "Business will be done sooner rather than later," Wenger said at Friday night's news conference ahead of the Emirates Cup.

"At the moment you have two categories of movement, one from zero to 10 million, and one from 30 to 50 million. "We are in between, and in between nothing happens at the moment, there has been very little movement. "All the clubs who live from the money which football generates do not buy.

"The only clubs who buy at the moment in Europe are ones who buy with money which is not generated by our industry." Wenger added: "There are two categories of club - those who travel with sweat and those who travel with petrol. We are those who travel with sweat. "I am very happy with the way we do things and with the players we develop, with what we try to achieve.

"Unfortunately last year we finished with a bitter taste in our mouths, but we know we were very, very close so we want to come back this year." Wenger maintained it was "difficult" to talk about potential transfer targets - even if rival clubs do not show the same respect to Arsenal. On Mata, he commented: "I like the player, but that does not mean we will buy him."

Wenger also insisted there was "not a lot to say" about Arsenal's interest in Jagielka, with one £10m bid already rebuffed. "The player is under contract at Everton. If we want to buy a player, we need first the agreement of the club," he said. Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury has been linked with a move to Barclays Premier League new boys Norwich, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell last season.

Wenger, though, still has plans for the 20-year-old. "I believe he will make a career and at the moment it is a bit congested for him, but I believe he has the talent to play for Arsenal," he said. "I have to give him a chance at some stage and as quickly as possible. I believe in him.

"Honestly if I believe he will not play this season or has no chance to compete for a position I will tell him and let him go."

Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

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