Football news

English Premier League club Arsenal yesterday posted a 37 per cent increase in full-year pretax profit, boosted by a strong showing in cup competitions and property sales.

Last season the club finished fourth in the English Premier League and made the semi-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup.

In July, US sports tycoon Stan Kroenke increased his stake in Arsenal to 28.58 per cent, leapfrogging Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov as the club's largest shareholder.

Arsenal made a record pretax profit of £35.2 million in the year to May 31, 2009, up from £25.7 million in the previous year, on revenue up 40 per cent to £313.3 million.

Saudi firm confirms 'Pool interest

Private Saudi sports investment company F6 is in direct talks with George Gillett, the American co-owner of Liverpool, to buy all or part of his 50 per cent stake in the club, a company official said yesterday.

"We have not reached a final agreement yet. We are discussing how much 25 per cent or 50 per cent in Liverpool will be worth," Gassim Hamidaddin, F6's deputy managing director, told Reuters by telephone.

F6 has signed a memorandum of understanding with the George Gillett Group for an exclusive cooperation that would lead to opening Liverpool academies in the Middle East and North Africa and develop race tracks to introduce NASCAR to the Middle East.

Mancini in no hurry to return

Roberto Mancini is in no hurry to return to management despite speculation linking the former Inter coach with Notts County.

Mancini has been out of a job since being sacked by Inter in May 2008, shortly after leading the club to their third successive Serie A title.

"When will I return? When the time comes," said Mancini.

"I have several options but I will only evaluate them in the future. I am in no hurry."

The 44-year-old has openly declared in the past his wish to coach in England.

Frey to stay at Fiorentina

Sebastien Frey has no intention of leaving Fiorentina despite a number of media reports suggesting he is unhappy at the club.

The 29-year-old has been repeatedly linked with Europe's biggest clubs. However, Frey believes Fiorentina are among the elite on the continent and there is absolutely no reason for him to move.

"Fiorentina are by now one of the big clubs with great champions," Frey told the Viola channel.

"Personally I find myself well in Florence and when you are well it's difficult to leave. I have never felt so good in this city."

Trezeguet targets Sivori record

David Trezeguet is determined to overtake Omar Sivori and become Juventus' fourth all-time top goalscorer.

The 31-year-old scored his 164th goal for Juventus in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Bologna, taking his tally to three goals in the last three matches.

The Frenchman needs just three more to beat Sivori and take his place behind Roberto Bettega as Juventus' fourth top goalscorer of all-time.

"We have to work. We want to get back to winning ways and I also want to beat Sivori's record."

Asked if he would get the chance to break it tomorrow night against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Trezeguet replied: "The mister will choose. This is a group. When I score, Iaquinta is happy. When he scores, I am. And soon Amauri will get off the mark, too."

Torres not for sale - Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has described Fernando Torres as priceless following his hat-trick in the club's 6-1 rout of Hull. The Spanish forward increased his tally to eight goals in seven Premier League games this season and clinched his fourth treble since his arrival from Atletico Madrid.

Benitez has warned any potential suitors they would be wasting their time in trying to prise Torres away from Anfield.

"How much is he worth?" said Benitez. "Well at least £70million, you would say.

"This year we had some agents acting for other English clubs who were coming to us asking about the price of Torres, with big, big figures, but we said that he's not for sale."

FA charge West Ham and Millwall

West Ham United and Millwall have been charged by the English Football Association following serious crowd trouble at last month's League Cup match.

"West Ham United FC have been charged on four counts of failing to control their supporters whilst Millwall FC have been charged on three counts," an FA statement read.

Premier League side West Ham's 3-1 extra-time win over League One (third division) club and London rivals Millwall on Aug. 25 was marred by crowd violence before kick-off and during the match at Upton Park.

Supporters invaded the pitch twice after West Ham scored and a 44-year-old man was taken to hospital with a stab wound.