Edinson Cavani wants to remain at Napoli despite continued speculation linking him with a move to Juventus this summer.
The Uruguay international has attracted the attention of top clubs including Manchester City after another excellent campaign with Napoli. Reports in Italy claim Juventus have made a tempting offer to Napoli to buy the 25-year-old forward.
“I know nothing about Juventus,” Cavani said.
“I want to stay at Napoli.”
Napoli slapped a 100-million-euro price tag on Cavani last year and the South American is under contract with the club until June 2015.
Arsenal claim their first Argentina title
Arsenal de Sarandi, a modest neighbourhood club created by Julio Grondona, were crowned champions for the first time in their history on Sunday.
Arsenal, who take their name from the famous English side, won Argentina’s Closing Champion-ship thanks to their 1-0 home win against Belgrano in the final round of games.
Grondona, the long-time head of the Argentine FA, founded Arsenal in 1957 along with a group of friends who were supporters of Independiente and Racing.
To this day, Arsenal wear a mix of the colours of both Independiente and Racing, but have now outdone their neighbours.
Chamakh not joining Bordeaux
Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has ruled out a return to the club for Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh.
The 28-year-old joined the Gunners two years ago but has failed to show the goalscoring form that made him one of the most feared marksmen in France.
Speculation about the Morocco international’s future at Arsenal has intensified following the signing of Lukas Podolski.
Triaud, however, believes Chamakh will remain in London.
“The last time we talked, he was able to tell me he was very happy in London, loved Arsenal and was fine where he was. We’re talking about things which don’t exist.”
Nasri rapped
French Football Federation president Noel le Graet has labelled Samir Nasri’s behaviour “intolerable” after the midfielder’s alleged foul-mouthed rant at a journalist following Les Bleus’ Euro exit.
Nasri was reportedly involved in a heated exchange with a member of the press who asked to speak with him after Laurent Blanc’s side were beaten 2-0 by Spain.
Le Graet warned Nasri he must assert more self-control in future.
“I will ask the journalist to meet with me, but this is intolerable,” Le Graet said.
“I understand that there are negative reactions. Samir is on the edge, he wants to do well, but he cannot control his impulses.”
Ranocchia set for Inter talks
Unsettled defender Andrea Ranocchia is heading for decisive talks with Inter this week as he intends to clarify his position after failing to leave his mark last season following a spate of injuries and poor performances.
According to reports in the Italian media, Ranocchia is of interest to Manchester City and Napoli who could be ready to fork out the €18m Inter are asking for the transfer of their player.
Serie A newcomers Torino are also keen to sign the central defender but on loan.
Ranocchia only made 12 appearances for Inter in season 2011-12 and subsequently missed out on a place in Italy’s Euro 2012 squad.
Japan extend Zaccheroni deal
Japan have extended coach Alberto Zaccheroni’s contract as the Asian champions build towards the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Japan Football Association has handed the Italian a one-year rolling deal after a strong start to the final round of Asian World Cup qualifying, Jiji Press and other reports said, quoting association sources.
Zaccheroni, 59, was appointed in 2010 on a two-year contract with the option of an extension.
The new deal is expected to be terminated if Japan miss out on a place in Brazil.
Galassi joins Manchester City board of directors
Manchester City have announced that Piaggio Aero Industries chief executive Alberto Galassi has joined their board of directors.
Alberto Galassi was previously on the executive committee of the aircraft manufacturing company, where he was responsible for marketing and sales and has been a member of the bar since 1996, specialising in international commerce and arbitration.
He joins chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and fellow board members Simon Pearce, Martin Edelman, Mohamed Al Mazrouei and John MacBeath as non-executive director with immediate effect.