The agent of Arsenal winger Lukas Podolski yesterday dropped a clear hint that the Germany international could leave London soon to join a club in Italy.

Reports last week said the Gunners have received various offers from Serie A clubs including Juventus, Roma and Napoli.

“Italy is attractive, as they play good football and have several top clubs on a European level,” agent Ali Pektas said.

“Napoli are one of those clubs, even if so far we haven’t had any official contact.

“Regardless of the type of contract, you have to consider my client – like any footballer – wants to play as much as possible.”

Chelsea salute Attenborough

Chelsea have paid tribute to life president Richard Attenborough, who has died at the age of 90, saying that the Oscar-winning film director’s “personality was woven into the tapestry of the club over seven decades”.

“He was a consistent force for good at the club, even in dark times,” the 2012 European champions said in a statement.

“He led a long and successful life and always found time for the things in life he loved most, one of which was Chelsea FC.”

Attenborough joined the Chel-sea board in 1969 and stayed until 1982, his initial years being marked by the London club winning their first FA Cup in 1970 and their first European trophy, the Cup Winners’ Cup, a year later.

Khedira not leaving

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira will stay at the Bernabeu this season, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The German World Cup winner, 27, has been linked with moves to Arsenal or Bayern Munich after Ancelotti said he had rejected a new contract.

“The issue with Khedira has also been resolved. He’s staying and we’re happy that’s the case,” said the Italian.

Khedira helped Real Madrid win the Champions League last term.

Everton close in on Eto’o deal

Everton are closing in on a deal for veteran Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o.

Press Association Sport reported yesterday the Toffees are in advanced talks with the 33-year-old, who became a free agent at the end of last season after he was released by Chelsea.

Everton held detailed negotiations with the former Barcelona and Inter forward last week but after those initial discussions the chances of a move to Goodison Park appeared to cool.

However, talks have re-started over a potential two-year deal as manager Roberto Martinez looks to add more firepower to his side with Arouna Kone, back-up to main striker Romelu Lukaku, still to return from a knee injury.

Nolan facing six weeks on sidelines

Kevin Nolan could miss six weeks with a fractured shoulder, West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed.

Nolan damaged his shoulder in training last week, missing the Hammers’ 3-1 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Manager Allardyce admitted the Hammers will miss captain Nolan’s influence, but backed “the best and strongest squad I’ve put together at the club” to handle his absence.

“Kevin fractured his shoulder and that’s a massive blow to us,” Allardyce said.

“He will be out for six weeks I would think. It isn’t a dislocated shoulder, it’s a fractured shoulder, but I don’t know just how long that will keep Kevin out.”

FIGC drops case against its president

The Italian football federation’s (FIGC) prosecutor panel has ruled that its new president Carlo Tavecchio has no case to answer over allegedly racist comments he made during the recent election campaign.

Tavecchio caused an outcry when he made a comment about a fictitious African player he named Opti Poba “eating bananas” during the campaign in which he beat former Italy and Milan midfielder Demetrio Albertini for the FIGC presidency.

Tavecchio, however, remains under investigation for his comments by UEFA who announced its own probe last week.

Tavecchio sits on UEFA’s youth and amateur football committee.

First Thai footballer to play in La Liga

Striker Teerasil Dangda became the first Thai to play in the Spanish top flight when he came off the bench for Almeria in a 1-1 draw with Espanyol on Sunday.

The 26-year-old is on a season-long loan from Thai Premier League side Muangthong United as he bids to seal a permanent deal with the Spanish side, who narrowly avoided relegation last term after finishing one point above the drop zone.

“I was already happy when I was named one of the substitutes for the match. I’m delighted to see action on the pitch. I can’t describe my feelings,” Teerasil said.

Teerasil had a brief spell at Spanish champions Atletico Madrid last year but did not play in the first team.

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