Sky Sport yesterday reported that Inter striker Mauro Icardi will be in London this week for transfer talks with Arsenal.
The Gunners are looking to sign a top goal-getter this summer with other reports also linking the English Premier League club with a move to Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain.
Icardi, 23, has a release clause of more than €50m. His wife, Wanda Nara, acts as his agent.
Nara was quoted as saying last week that Inter are ready to part with their skipper as the club is unable to keep their promises on wage increases.
Atletico Madrid are also interested in signing Icardi.
Henry’s ‘dilemma’
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has played down the significance of his recent departure from the club.
The 38-year-old will not coach Arsenal’s Under-18 side having opted to continue in his role as a television pundit.
“Nothing will change with my love for Arsenal,” he said.
“First and foremost, I wasn’t an employee. So, it was a dilemma that wasn’t really a dilemma.
“I have to work. I respect the decision and if I can’t complete my hours there, then I will do it somewhere else. It isn’t an issue.”
Rodgers not worried about Sviatchenko
Brendan Rodgers has allayed concerns about bruised defender Erik Sviatchenko ahead of Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps.
The Danish defender came off with a knock to the head during the first half of a 2-1 friendly win over German outfit Wolfsburg at Parkhead after clashing with visiting goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
“Erik is okay,” said Rodgers of Sviatchenko.
“He has spoiled his good looks for a few days but he is fine.
“There was obviously a clash of heads and he was a bit swollen below the eye but apart from that he is fine. I believe he will be fine.”
If, as expected, the Hoops get through against Lincoln, they will play Astana, of Kazakhstan, or Lithuania’s Zalgiris Vilnius in the third qualifying round.
Santon linked with move to Napoli
Wing-back Davide Santon will be having a medical test today or tomorrow before completing his move from Inter to Napoli.
Santon, 25, was on the verge of returning to England this summer following interest from Sunderland but the former Newcastle player has now decided to stay in Italy and play for Napoli.
No official confirmation of the transfer has been made but sources said the deal is worth €6 million and that the player will be signing a five-year contract subject to a medical test.
Santon was not included in the 23-man Inter squad that left for the US summer tour last week.
Robben injury blow for Bayern
Arjen Robben will miss up to six weeks with a muscular injury he sustained in Bayern Munich’s first outing of the season on Saturday.
The Dutchman pulled up after making a sprint during Bayern’s 4-3 friendly win over Lippstadt and had to be replaced.
Tests carried out yesterday confirmed an adductor muscle injury which will keep the 32-year-old out of action until beyond the first game of the 2016/17 Bundesliga season.
Robben was restricted to just 15 Bundesliga appearances last season due to a similar injury.
Werder to host Chelsea in friendly
Werder Bremen have announced they will face Chelsea in a pre-season friendly on August 7.
The German club called off their scheduled game against Lazio due to concerns over crowd violence and they promised to find another illustrious opponent to take their place at the Weserstadion.
In a statement they have now revealed that Antonio Conte’s Blues will be the new visitors.
“We’re delighted to have been able to find such attractive opponents at such short notice for our official season opening,” said Bremen’s chairman Klaus Filbry.
Bremen have confirmed that people in possession of tickets for the original fixture against Lazio do not need to do anything as they will be able to access the Chelsea game.
Lazio up their bid for striker Valencia
Lazio have tabled an improved bid for West Ham United striker Enner Valencia, reports said.
Lazio wanted to sign Valencia on loan at first but during the weekend Swansea City joined the race for the Ecuador international with an offer of more than €10 million.
Gazzetta dello Sport said Lazio have now abandoned hopes of signing Valencia on a short-term deal and instead revamped their bid to around €12 million with an outright option to buy the player permanently from West Ham United.
Gazzetta said Lazio have already agreed personal terms with Valencia on a contract worth €2m annually.