Fiorentina released a statement yesterday to quell speculation on winger Federico Bernardeschi and a move to Inter.
Reports in the media are claiming that “the deal will go through” and even set a €40m price-tag for the transfer.
“Fiorentina decisively and officially deny the continual affirmations of journalist Massimo Caputi with regards to a supposed agreement between the Viola club and Inter for the sale of player Federico Bernardeschi,” read the statement.
“The club considers these affirmations to be totally without foundation and completely separated from reality.”
Falcao doubtful for Man. City clash
Radamel Falcao faces a battle to be fit for Monaco’s UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City on Wednesday after sustaining a new injury in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Bordeaux.
The Colombian came off the bench for the last 25 minutes for the league leaders and immediately inspired the opening goal for Kylian Mbappe that paved the way for the win.
But coach Leonardo Jardim revealed Falcao suffered a hip injury in the final moments of the match which could rule him out as Monaco seek to reverse a 5-3 first-leg deficit against City.
Kante is ‘a better version of Conte’
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte sees something of himself in N’Golo Kante.
Conte had an illustrious playing career with Juventus and Italy while Kante is on course to win the Premier League for a second successive season.
Conte said: “I like a lot these type of players. I was this type of player. I think it’s important to have this type of player if we want to win. Not only great talent, but players who run a lot during a game.
“I think I was stronger than him to score goals but, in the other aspects, there is no contest. He is stronger than me.”
Llorente injury
Swansea City manager Paul Clement is hopeful that Fernando Llorente’s injury in the 2-1 defeat at Hull City will not rob him of the Spanish international’s services in their battle to stay in the Premier League.
Llorente was forced to limp off just before half-time on Saturday.
“Fernando Llorente has been a key player to us recently and gives us lots of different threats. I don’t think it is serious, I think he has a dead leg,” Clement told the BBC yesterday.
Swansea did not have much luck with Angel Rangel also having to come off in the first half while Martin Olsson also picked up a knock.
“Those two injuries in the first half have hurt us and in the second half we were limited to what we could do,” said Clement.
Muriel set to leave Samp in summer
Luis Muriel, who scored Sampdoria’s winning goal in Saturday’s derby against Genoa, will almost certainly leave the club in summer, coach Marco Giampaolo told reporters yesterday.
Muriel struck in the 71st minute, pouncing on a defensive error to steal the ball and surge forward before coolly slotting home past Eugenio Lamanna.
“I am almost certain Muriel will leave,” Giampaolo said.
“They will probably come and pick him up, because he’s a player of great quality. I honestly don’t even hope he will remain, so that way if I’m wrong, it’ll be a nice surprise in summer.”
Red Bulls power on in the MLS
New York Red Bulls maintained their 100 per cent start to the Major League Soccer season with a 1-0 victory against Colorado Rapids.
The Red Bulls won 2-1 against MLS new boys Atlanta United in the opening round of fixtures and Eric Miller’s own goal just before half-time saw them pick up another three points.
Jesse Marsch’s side are top of the Eastern Conference after two games, two points ahead of Chicago Fire after they won 2-0 against Real Salt Lake.
Houston Dynamo are also boasting a 100 per cent start to top the Western Conference standings after they comfortably beat the Columbus Crew 3-1.
Wenger still prefers to stay at Arsenal
The protests against Arsene Wenger’s reign at Arsenal show no signs of abating but after booking another FA Cup date at Wembley on Saturday, the manager at the eye of the storm was adamant that his “preference” was still to stay at the club.
Those fans who feel Wenger should step down now that Arsenal’s European and Premier League ambitions look lost for another year made their feelings known outside, holding banners with messages like “Wexit” and “Time for Change”.
“Let’s not talk about me too much because that has happened a lot recently,” Wenger said.
“I have shown in my life that I try to serve this club with complete commitment and I will do that as long as I am here. How long? I don’t know at the moment.
“I have shown a lot of loyalty and my preference is here.”