Football news

Arsene Wenger has revealed Manuel Almunia could leave the Emirates this month, with teams from Spain interested in signing the goalkeeper.

Almunia has not played for the Gunners since September after a series of high-profile errors saw him lose his place to Lukasz Fabianski.

The Spaniard, who joined from Celta Vigo in 2004, has also had competition from Polish youngster Wojciech Szczesny and interest has materialised from Almunia’s homeland.

“Manuel Almunia is a case I will treat with him. It’s up to him whether he stays,” Wenger told the club’s official website.

“There has been interest from Spain but it’s difficult to give a percentage over whether he’ll stay or not.”

Ronaldinho set for Milan exit

Ronaldinho is set to close the door on his Milan career after leaving their winter training camp in Dubai, coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed yesterday.

The 30-year-old Brazil international is reportedly poised to return to his homeland to re-join formative club Gremio, having fallen out of favour at Milan this season.

“We are waiting for his departure to become official,” Allegri told Sky Italia.

“Maybe there was a lack of willingness on his part.

“I was convinced that Ronaldinho could have a great season. He started well, with a balanced side, but then everyone has to take their own responsibility.”

Macheda courted by Italian clubs

Four Serie A clubs are reportedly interested in signing Federico Macheda on loan, the Manchester United striker’s agent told reporters yesterday.

Macheda will be allowed to leave Old Trafford this month as boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes the 19-year-old needs more playing time.

Former club Lazio have been strongly linked with the player, but Giovanni Bia maintains that at least three other outfits would be keen on the U-21 international.

“I can say that Inter, Juventus, Fiorentina and Lazio are all clubs that potentially could take the player,” he told TMW.

“However, at this moment in time, this is all speculation and there is nothing concrete. Now that Sir Alex Ferguson has given his okay for an eventual departure, we’ll see what happens.”

Bayern’s Butt issues retirement threat

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt has announced he will retire from the game at the end of the season should his club sign Manuel Neuer from Schalke.

The 36-year-old’s contract expires in June and he has made it clear that he will not sign a new deal if he is only going to be second choice.

“If Manuel comes, then he will play, and then I will retire at the highest level and look forward to doing something new and interesting,” he told the Bild newspaper.

No Roma offer for Mexes

Philippe Mexes has reiterated his desire to stay at Roma but he admitted that he has yet to receive a new contract offer from the Serie A club.

The French defender’s contract expires in the summer, but talks over an extension have seemingly been put on hold until the club is finally sold to new owners.

Despite attracting the interest of some of Europe’s top clubs, Mexes is adamant that he wants a capital future.

“I still haven’t received a proposal for a contract renewal,” the former Auxerre defender said.

“However, my desire is to stay with this club and there is still plenty of time for discussions to take place between myself and Roma.”

Sanchez dreams of Premiership move

Alexis Sanchez admits that he dreams of moving to England, but concedes he still has much to learn at Udinese.

“I like English football because it is played at 100 miles an hour and they never stop – a bit like me,” he noted.

“However, I have a contract at Udinese until 2015 and I’m really not thinking about the transfer market.

“I like to do my talking on the field of play. I look at the improvements I am making and I am happy with the way I am maturing.

“I know that I am responsible for what the future brings and I think I’m on the right path. It’s pleasing to know that I am liked and I’d love to play for a big club.”

Eboue pens new Arsenal deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Emmanuel Eboue has signed a new long-term contract.

The 27-year-old Ivory Coast international joined from Beveren in 2005 and has over 200 first-team appearances to his name.

Although Eboue has only made five Premier League starts for the Gunners this term he remains a useful member of Wenger’s squad.

The Frenchman has now confirmed Eboue has committed his future to the club and that he put pen-to-paper at least a month ago.

“He extended his contract one or two months ago. It is a long-term deal,” he said.