Football news

Poland's Lukasz Fabianski wants to challenge Jens Lehmann for the no.1 shirt at Arsenal next season. Fabianski, 22, joined the Londoners from Legia Warsaw in May and will vie with the German and Manuel Almunia for the goalkeeper's jersey.

"Lehmann and Almunia are very good, but I'm not afraid of anyone. I'm confident of my skills," he said. "I want to be first choice at Arsenal as much as they do. My message is clear - I'm ready to fight from day one."

Lehmann signed a new one-year contract with the Gunners in April. He is 15 years older than Fabianski.

Denmark FA lodges appeal

The Danish FA has appealed against the sanctions handed out by UEFA following their abandoned Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden. Sweden were awarded a 3-0 win after a spectator attacked the referee with the score at 3-3 with 89 minutes gone.

Denmark were also fined £41,000 and must play their next four home games at least 155 miles away from Copenhagen. The Danish FA said there are no UEFA-approved stadiums in Denmark at that distance.

Denmark's Christian Poulsen also was banned for three competitive internationals for punching Sweden striker Markus Rosenberg in the stomach during the June 2 match.

No 'Pool talks for Forlan

Diego Forlan is not engaged in talks to join Liverpool. Reports over the weekend suggested Liverpool were considering bringing the former Manchester United man back to England.

It has been suggested that Rafael Benitez has turned to Forlan after being priced out of moves for top targets such as Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Tevez.

Forlan's agent Daniel Bolotnicoff said he has not had any offers from Liverpool and that Forlan's future depends on Villarreal.

"There has not been any offer from Liverpool and it's very difficult to talk about what might happen when there isn't an offer there, but things can change every day," Bolotnicoff said.

Bojinov to opt for Fiorentina

Valeri Bojinov wants to play for Fiorentina next season. The Bulgarian striker has spent the 2006/07 season on loan with Juventus and scored seven goals in 20 appearances in all competitions.

The Serie B champions had an option to buy Bojinov, but the youngster is planning on making an impact at Fiorentina next term.

"I'm going back to Fiorentina who represent, for me, a big side anyway," Bojinov said. "This has been a really good year where I've had the chance to train and to play with big players.

"Certainly, I thought I would play a little more, but it's okay because now, at Fiorentina, I could use all the things I've learned here."

Iaquinta heading for Juve

Giampaolo Pozzo, the Udinese supremo, has confirmed that Vincenzo Iaquinta is set to join Juventus. The international striker has been linked with Juve for some time as they are looking to strengthen their attacking department in view of David Trezeguet's probable departure.

"Iaquinta should join Juve, I think he has already signed," said Pozzo.

"There is an agreement between the two clubs although it isn't official, now they need to finalise details with the player."

Corini linked with Roma switch

Eugenio Corini, who bid farewell to Palermo last week, could be on his way to join Roma. Last week, Palermo refused to renew their former captain's deal which ends this month.

Corini is now looking for a new club in Serie A, as he wishes to end his career in the top flight, and Roma are reportedly keen on signing the 36-year-old.

"Roma would be an amazing experience and I am pleased to hear that they are interested in me," said the former Chievo star.

Bologna hire Arrigoni as coach

Daniele Arrigoni has been named as the new coach of Serie B side Bologna. The club fired Renzo Ulivieri in April and the running of the team was handed to his assistant Luca Cecconi, who led them to seventh place in the Serie B standings.

"Bologna announce that they have hired Daniele Arrigoni for the 2007-08 season. The new coach will be unveiled on Tuesday (today) at the Niccolo Galli Technical Centre," read a note on the club's website.

"We wish to thank Luca Cecconi for the professionalism and dedication shown towards Bologna," added the statement.

'Nani not good for England'

Chelsea scout Piet de Visser said Man. United's new signing Nani may not be good enough for the Premiership. De Visser was asked by his club to identify young talent to bring to Stamford Bridge but has cast doubt on whether United's big-money signing can cut it in the English league.

Dutchman De Visser admits the 20-year-old midfielder has huge potential, but reckons his crossing lets him down and claims he holds onto the ball for too long.

De Visser said: "This boy is, as far as his skills are concerned, superb but I also stress that despite all his talent he may not be right for England."

Klose will not leave - Allofs

Klaus Allofs, the Werder Bremen Director of Sport, is convinced that striker Miroslav Klose will stay with the club despite interest from Bayern Munich and Lyon.

The Germany international has given Bayern his word that he will join them in 2008 at the latest when his contract in Bremen expires.

However, the Bavarians are keen to sign him immediately, while French champions Lyon are also thought to be keen on the 29-year-old.

Allofs said: "Klose plays a central role here and we want him to stay."

Bayern have made an official bid of £6.8 million for Klose.