(Image) Alex Song Arrives at Barcelona to Complete Deal to Sign for Nou Camp Giants

Song to barca a done deal

Read more »

Barcelona are ready for Real Madrid

Barcelona wing-back Adriano is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Spanish Supercopa tie against Real Madrid, and has stressed that the Catalans are ready for the start of the 2012-13 campaign.

 The Brazilian defender wants to start the new season on a high, and believes the team is in good condition ahead of the opening weekend of La Liga and the new term's curtain raiser.

 "It is always appetising to play against Madrid and we hope to start off the season on the right footing by winning the Supercopa," Adriano stated at a press conference.

 "The team is in condition to play, despite the fact that some of the players did not have as much rest as others, the players who joined the team later on are in good condition.

 "Our objective is to maintain the level of play in order to stay at the top [of the league]. We can improve on what we did last year."

 Barcelona kick off their Liga campaign at home against Real Sociedad on Sunday, before taking on Madrid at Camp Nou on Thursday in the first leg of the Supecopa.

Read more »

Wenger: Song could leave

 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that Alex Song could be the next player to leave the club, with Barcelona set to seal a move for him.

 Wenger was unusually open about the possibility of further exits from the Emirates Stadium after Robin van Persie moved closer to completing a £24 million transfer to Manchester United.

 Pressed on the subject ahead of Saturday's season opener, Wenger replied: "Both could happen, but my focus is on the Sunderland game.

 This decision (on Song) is not made." Asked if the Gunners had received a bid, he replied: "No. I cannot tell you more." Wenger suggested he would be open to a sale, given the number of players at his disposal.

 "Midfield is a different area because we have nine or ten midfielders of top-class quality," he said. "Just today we have six or seven midfielders available, plus Wilshere and Frimpong who are coming back.

 Diaby is available again, Arteta, Cazorla, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain now plays central midfield - this is an area we have much more freedom to make decisions." El Mundo Deportivo believes Arsenal are holding out for €25 million for Song, but Barcelona are only willing to offer €20 million.

 Even so, Adriano this week became the latest Barca player to speak positively about the prospect of his arrival. "He is a very good player," Adriano said. "In our matches against them you could see he is a footballer with a lot of quality.

 He would be welcome here and well received." Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin has been linked as a replacement for Song, and the Arsenal boss said he was considering his options.

 "He [Sahin] is one of the players we are following," Wenger said. "Anyway, I am happy with my midfield options whatever happens with Song.

 In fact, I feel we are better prepared this season than we have been for some time. We have so many options and even though we are all disappointed to lose Van Persie, the squad we have is strong in every department."

 Meanwhile, Thomas Vermaelen was appointed as the new Arsenal captain with Mikel Arteta handed the vice-captaincy. "It is Vermaelen and Arteta," Wenger said.

 "Vermaelen was vice-captain, so it is a quick decision. I think we have many potential captains in the squad, but at the moment it will be like that."

Read more »

Fabregas admits to Barca struggles

Cesc Fabregas concedes that he struggled to adapt at Barcelona last season under Pep Guardiola's system.

 The Spain international left Arsenal for Camp Nou last year but had a tough time living up to high expectations. Fabregas believes the lack of freedom in the 41-year-old Guardiola's formation hindered him.

 "Under Guardiola I never really got to grips with the system," the 25-year-old told Marca. "I had been playing another style of football and to take on board so much so quickly was difficult, because everyone else had already got it down.

 "Playing in central midfield was hard for me because I need more mobility and I am not quick off the mark in the first few metres.

 "I am not asking for anything, but that is my way of playing. It is true that I am a bit anarchic, but that is my style.

 Some people commented that I lacked something last season, including Guardiola. "It was my fault really because I tried to be what I am not; I am not Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta, or Thiago (Alcantara).

 I am me and I need mobility, to participate more." Fabregas netted nine goals in 28 Liga appearances last season.

Read more »

Song admits Barcelona interest

Alex Song has indicated that Barcelona have shown interest in him but denied that he wants to leave Arsenal for the Spanish giants.

 Speculation has been growing after reports in Spain claimed Barca made a £11.7 million bid for the 24-year-old. Zenit St Petersburg are allegedly among other interested clubs.

 Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta have both spoken out to express their delight at the links with the Cameroon international, in similar style to 'tapping up' claims preceding former Gunner Cesc Fabregas' move to Catalunya last summer.

 The defensive midfielder, who has grown into a vital part of Arsene Wenger's team, has admitted the interest from "the best team in the world" but moved to strongly dismiss any suggestions that he is ready to leave the Emirates.

 "I am not going to lie if I said there is no interest but I am at Arsenal and I am happy at Arsenal," he told reporters.

 "Barcelona are the best team in the world, and speculation will always continue until the window closes."

 Song, who moved to north London from SC Bastia for a fee of £1m in 2006, has two years remaining on his current contract with Arsenal, although reports suggest he is open to extending his deal.

Read more »

Manchester United 0-0 Barcelona (0-2 pens): Nani, Young & Rooney all miss penalties as Spaniards claim friendly win

Manchester United’s pre-season preparations continued with a 0-0 draw with Barcelona in Gothenburg in a game which saw Wayne Rooney miss a first-half penalty before losing in a penalty shoot-out.

 Both teams fielded strong line-ups in a showpiece friendly which sold out in 45 minutes, saw the ball arrive on the pitch by helicopter and featured a firework display after the final whistle.

 United included fit again Nemanja Vidic in defence with Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck up front and new boys Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell starting on the bench. Barcelona, meanwhile, were near full strength with Carles Puyol, joining Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez in the starting XI with David Villa amongst the substitutes.

 Perhaps unsurprisingly it was the Spanish side who started strongly, characteristically dominating possession and enjoying the best chances of an entertaining first half.

 Indeed it took less than a minute for Barcelona to get sight of goal, Iniesta firing goalward but his shot was easily saved by David de Gea, returning to the United team after his Olympic efforts.

 Minutes later and the Spaniard was at it again, dinking a delightful ball over the United defence and into the area for Messi.

 De Gea came flying out of his goal but could only flap at the ball, but fortunately for the Red Devils it skipped out of play before Messi could tap it into the empty goal.

 As the half wore on, Barcelona began to profit down the United right, with Tello exploiting Antonio Valencia at right-back and frequently finding acres of space but unable to pick out team-mates in the box.

 United, meanwhile, were reduced to half chances. Indeed a Rooney header that flew wide and a low shot from Nani that flew past the post after a gorgeous cross-field pass by Scholes were all they had to show for their efforts in the first half an hour.

 Whilst it may have been a friendly, that did not stop Scholes getting his name into the book after a sliding challenge on Sergio Busquets left the Spaniard in agony.

 However, with time running out it was another late challenge that almost gave United an undeserved lead.

 Cristian Tello upending Nani in the penalty area, leaving the referee to point to the spot with just a minute left in the opening 45 minutes. Up stepped Rooney but his poor effort was easily saved by Victor Valdes, who parried the ball straight back to the England international who put the rebound wide as the game went into half-time goalless.

 The penalty miss was to be Rooney’s last contribution to the game, the striker being part of a whole raft of changes at half-time as Kagawa and Michael Carrick joined the fray for United whilst Xavi, Pedro, Gerard Pique, Pinto and Cesc Fabregas arrived for Barcelona.

 Substitute Kagawa almost made an instant impact, a good lay-off from Welbeck allowed the Japan international to shoot low and force Pinto into a diving save, as he tipped his fizzing effort around the post.

 Further changes followed with Dimitar Berbatov and Powell introduced by Sir Alex Ferguson who looked visibly frustrated on the touchline; irritation which only grew after Busquets pulled back Nani on a United break, only for the Portuguese international to kick out and force the referee to book both men.

 Yet despite the attacking talent on view, there was to be no breakthrough, with the crowd treated to a penalty shoot-out after the 90 minutes ended goalless.

 First up was Nani, but after a stuttering run up his effort rebounded off the crossbar and away to safety.

 Xavi then slotted home coolly for Barcelona before Ashley Young also missed for United, leaving Gerard Pique to roll home the ball for the winning goal.

Read more »

Mourinho: I was wrong to stick my finger into Vilanova's eye

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has conceded he was wrong to poke current Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during a touchline altercation during the Spanish Supercopa last season.

 Occuring during the two-legged competition when Vilanova was then-assistant coach to Pep Guardiola, the incident happened in a tie which Los Merengues went on to lose 5-4 on aggregate.

 Mourinho subsequently had a ban as punishment lifted. The outspoken Portuguese has since admitted he lost control of himself at that moment, but revealed there was no bad blood that existed any longer between the two of them.

 "I should obviously not have done what I did," Mourinho told a press conference while on tour with his club in the United States. "Nevertheless, there was a whole story behind that that made me lose a little control."

 "The one who failed there was me, and I place plenty of emphasis these days on my players just to continue concentrating on games themselves and controlling their emotions.

 "There lie no problems between Tito [Vilanova] and myself. We greeted each other normally in subsequent matches. Thankfully, the story is over and we must just hope to avoid such instances in the future."

 With his thoughts shifting to the season ahead, the 49-year-old was quick to state his objectives of building upon their La Liga triumph by eventually winning the Champions League.

 "Last year, we were only eliminated on penalties in Europe. We're close, and if we keep trying, one day it will happen." The Santiago Bernabeu side crashed out to eventual runners-up Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

Read more »

Iniesta: Barcelona eager to regain La Liga title

Andres Iniesta says Barcelona are determined to regain their La Liga crown this season after being pipped to the title by Real Madrid last term.

 The Spain international admits that Real Madrid are now the team to beat, but added that he and his team-mates are only more motivated to set things right following their second spot in the table in 2011-12.

 "We will try to beat the champions. Trying to beat Real Madrid to win the league again is a real incentive," Iniesta said. "It gives us extra motivation. Now it's our turn to try and wrestle the title away from them."

 Looking ahead to the upcoming Spanish Supercopa against Real Madrid, the attacking midfielder stressed the outcome of the tie will not have any influence on the La Liga season. "It is important for us because it is the first title, against the current league champions

. But the Supercopa will not affect the season," he said. "Obviously the aim is to win it, to do as well as possible. It is part of our preparations over these two months. The winner will gain morale and confidence compared to the loser, but it is just the start."

 Meanwhile, Iniesta stoked the transfer fires further after announcing his pleasure that Barcelona are being linked with a move for Arsenal 'prodigy' Alex Song.

 Recent speculation has suggested that the Catalans could be interested in acquiring the defensive midfielder's services, with Arsene Wenger reportedly considering selling and bringing in Real Madrid misfit Nuri Sahin as a replacement.

 A fee of at least 15 million pounds has been touted for the 24-year-old Cameroon international, and Iniesta believes any move will benefit Barcelona and Song.

 "He's a prodigy," Iniesta said. "I don't know how many years he's been playing but he isn't a discovery from yesterday. "He's a good player and I've seen in a couple of publications that he could be joining our team.”

 The Barcelona playmaker is unsure as to whether a move will materialise, but is confident Song has the ability to shine at Camp Nou. Iniesta continued: "I don't know if that would be the case but if he comes here we'll welcome him the best we can.

 "If he comes here it's because he has the ability to play here, no doubt."

Read more »

Arsenal Set to Pounce as Barcelona Snub Young Talent Cristian Tello

Arsenal target Cristian Tello could be on the verge of leaving Barcelona after being snubbed by new manager Tito Vilanova.

 The youngster looked set to be the latest star to emerge from La Masia, Barca’s famously successful youth academy, under previous manager Pep Guardiola but he has not been given a shirt number in the 25-man squad for the coming campaign.

 Atletico Madrid have also aired an interest in taking the 20-year-old on loan if Barca would prefer a temporary deal.

 A number of lesser known Barca starlets have been named in the list for La Liga players which adds gravitas to the idea that the former Espanyol man could be about leave the Catalan club.

 It’s fairly surprising that new Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova would opt to not hand Cristian Tello a squad number given the mature effective displays he put in last term.

 The 20 year old did not look out of place when called upon in both La Liga and Champions League action and if indeed the lack of a place in the Nou Camp 25 man squad is a sign of the Catalan club’s lack of interest in the Spanish Under 21 international then Arsenal would do well to register their interest.

 As this source points out, Tello is a player on Arsene Wenger’s radar and just the type of young unpolished talent the Gunners boss revels in honing into a household name.

 Arsene Wenger has signaled a change in attitude when it comes to transfer market behaviour this summer, opting to sign established and experienced talents like Lukas Podolski, but the Arsenal boss would do well to revert to type and put in an offer for the adaptable attacker.

 Last term Tello netted seven goals in 22 appearances, of which only five were starts, and he has certainly shown that there is potential to grow, just the type of potential Wenger is well known for making the most of.

Read more »

Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Barcelona (1-4 on penalties): Pique nets shoot-out winner for the Catalans

Paris Saint-Germain fought back to register a 2-2 draw with Barcelona, only to lose 4-1 on penalties in a competitive pre-season friendly at the Parc des Princes on Saturday evening.

 Rafinha opened the scoring early on, before two penalties - one for each side - were converted by Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Zoumana Camara netted late on to send the game to spot-kicks.

 In the ensuing shootout, PSG missed both early kicks, with Barca racing into a 3-0 lead.

 Sylvain Armand reduced the deficit, but Gerard Pique netted to win it for the visitors. After an energetic start from the Blaugrana in the French capital, it took only six minutes for the visitors to break the deadlock.

 A speculative run from Alexis Sanchez on the flank saw the Chilean drill the ball into the box. Youngster Rafinha, who plies his trade with Barcelona B, benefited from a poor clearance by defender Alex, before latching on to the ball and firing past Nicholas Douchez. Les Parisiens were noticeably lethargic in the early stages, and were unable to contain a Barcelona side famed for their continuous passing movements.

 Lionel Messi attempted an effort from distance, before having a shot easily saved by Douchez.

 Carlo Ancelotti's side took time to slip into their rhythm in the French capital, though they did carve out a number of opportunities in the first half.

 A move that originated from Javier Pastore saw a threatening ball whipped into the box from the right flank, though Ibrahimovic could not get the decisive touch on it.

 Les Parisiens illustrated their increasing superiority in attack, but were almost undone on the counter-attack again.

 A lofted ball in the path of Messi saw the Argentine superstar dart in past Alex and unleash a shot, but it narrowly flew over Douchez's bar.

 The second half brought the customary spate of substitutions, with Marco Verratti, Salvatore Sirigu and Martin Montoya among others making their PSG bows.

 Seven minutes into the second period, however, and Barcelona were awarded a penalty. Mamadou Sakho was adjudged to have felled Sanchez in the box, with Messi stepping up to wrongfoot Sirigu and put the Blaugrana 2-0 ahead.

 On the hour, PSG themselves were awarded a penalty by referee Said Ennijmi after Montoya had fouled Lavezzi in the box. Ibrahimovic coolly slotted past Pinto to reduce the deficit, and register his first goal at the Parc des Princes.

 Substitutes Blaise Matuidi and Kevin Gameiro combined well late on, forcing Tito Vilanova's men into defensive mode.

 The hosts' perseverance paid off when Camara headed in from a brilliant delivery by Pastore late on, but they were thwarted by Barca goalkeeper Pinto in the shoot-out and it was the Catalans who claimed eventual victory.

 The enthralling clash was perfect preparation for both sides, with PSG opening their Ligue 1 campaign against Lorient next Saturday, while the Catalans take on Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa on August 23.

Read more »

BARCELONA INTERESTED IN CHELSEA TARGET NEYMAR

BARCELONA have shown new interest in Chelsea target Neymar.

 The Brazilian 19-year-old who has shown true form during his Olympic Games matches has had interest from Spanish champions Barcelona.

 Chelsea were keen on a move for Neymar and the Brazil international is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Chelsea and Real Madrid, with rival managers Andre Villas-Boas and Jose Mourinho going head-to-head, intent on landing the most sought-after young player in the world. Now Barcelona are also joining the chase for the young gun.

 Barca vice-president Jose Maria Bartomeu did not hold back in expressing his desire to sign the player after the Olympics.

 He said: ""Neymar? We would all like to see him joining after the Olympics.

 If he decides to come to Europe we'll try to make it Barça" Barcelona sources continue to add to speculation that the Brazilian international will play next season at the Nou Camp, and it seems that the club is doing its best to bring him in as soon as possible.

 But Chelsea won't give up the fight easily despite not being willing to pay above and beyond for Neymar.

Read more »

Puyol closing in on new Barca deal

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol says he is close to signing a new deal which will see him finish his career at the Catalan club.

 Puyol, 34, missed Euro 2012 with a knee injury but has returned to training this week, and also found time to discuss a one-year contract extension with an option for one further year with Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, according to Catalan sports paper Mundo Deportivo. "It will not be difficult," Puyol said on Monday.

 "There will be no problems, we will speak again and that will be that. I intend to finish up here. I have always felt very valued by the club and its fans.

 I have the motivation to keep playing, which is the most important, and if the club want me I will stay."

 Barcelona have been linked recently with defensive reinforcements, including Athletic's Javi Martinez and Liverpool's Daniel Agger. Puyol said that he would welcome a new arrival, but that 21-year-old Barca B centre-half Marc Bartra could step in if required.

 "If the club decides to reinforce the position that's fine with me," he said. "The season is very long and we have had problems in the past.

 Bartra is a player with a big future, he will be important for Barca, but we should not put pressure on him." The new La Liga season kicks off August 18, with the two Spanish Supercopa ties against rivals Real Madrid on August 23 and 30. 'Tarzan' said he was looking forward to another battle with Jose Mourinho's side on all fronts.

 "The rivalry is healthy," he said. "We are going to fight to win, because it (Supercopa) is an important trophy and against our biggest rival.

 They are a very strong team which makes few mistakes. We will need to play very well."

Read more »

Barcelona eyeing shock swoop for Arsenal midfielder

Barcelona are plotting a shock £11.7million swoop for Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

 Having sanctioned the departure of Seydou Keita earlier this summer, the Catalan giants are desperate to sign a new defensive midfielder before the start of next season.

 Javi Martinez had been the club's top target but they are thought to be close to giving up their pursuit of the Spain international due to Athletic Bilbao’s refusal to lower their asking price.

 And new Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has turned his attention to cheaper alternatives, with Song now on his radar.

 Senior Barcelona officials believe Song, who racked up 11 Premier League assists last season, will fit in perfectly at the Camp Nou given his creative streak and ability to operate in defence and midfield.

 However, having seen Cesc Fabregas lured from north London to Catalonia last summer, Arsene Wenger will be desperate to keep Song, and the Frenchman will be looking to extend the 24-year-old’s contract at the Emirates Stadium beyond the summer of 2014.

Read more »

New Barca deal for Mascherano

Javier Mascherano has officially signed a new contract with Barcelona that will keep him at the Nou Camp until 2016 and increases his buy-out clause to €100 million.

 Argentina international Mascherano joined Barca from Liverpool for €22 million in 2010 and has racked up nearly 100 appearances for the club having been converted from a defensive midfielder into a centre-back.

 "I am very happy that a club as big as this has offered to extend my contract and I can feel relaxed that as long as I do things well, I can stay here for many more years," Mascherano said.

 The 28-year-old, along with Sergio Busquets, is the only player that hasn't missed a single match due to injury since the 2010-11 season and is full of confidence for the coming campaign under a new manager.

 "The leader is now Tito Vilanova and he will try to adapt his footballing tastes to the team, but the important thing is that in most ways, it will be much the same as ever," he said.

 Although the former River Plate, Corinthians and West Ham United player has impressed with his defence qualities at Barcelona, he is yet to score a goal for the club. Meanwhile, Barca captain Carles Puyol has said he wants to stay at the club until he retires - and that there will be no problem in agreeing a new deal with the club.

 Puyol's current contract only runs until next summer but after a difficult few months during which he missed the European Championships due to a knee injury, the 34-year-old defender is desperate to get back onto the field of play for the start of the season.

 He told sports newspaper Marca: "I have always felt very valued by the club, the fans, my teammates and the manager. I can't have any complaints.

 There isn't going to be any problem and the talks are on the right track. "I have changed my idea (about the experience of playing at another club) and now I want to retire here. I will try to do so. I have the will and desire to continue playing if the club wants me. What I don't want though is for me to become a drag, I am very clear on this.

 "It has been a hard summer, I have to train a lot but it has borne fruit. I am happy to be already with the team. I always try to take care of myself as much as possible. I will try to contribute everything to the team, to win everything and then we will see what happens.''

 As part of Puyol's off-season recuperation programme he spent a lot of time training with David Villa as the striker also missed the Euros on his way back from a serious injury suffered in December and Puyol believes Spain's all-time leading international goalscorer is progressing well after nearly eight months out of the game.

 "He looks good, hungry, excited and with a lot of intensity in the training sessions. When you have an injury like this though it is important to not rush back and return in good condition.''

 With Jordi Alba's return to the club the only significant move Barca have made in the transfer market all summer, the major change has come on the sidelines where Tito Vilanova has stepped up to from his role as assistant to succeed Pep Guardiola as manager but Puyol has no doubt Vilanova will bring his own skills to the job. "Here everyone is important.

 Tito is very valued, we believe he will offer us a lot. He will do his job and we will do ours. Here we all pull in the same direction and we all have our part to play.''

Read more »

Barca 8-0 Raja Casablanca : Messi hat-trick sinks Raja Casablanca

Lionel Messi starred again as he hit a hat-trick for Barcelona in their 8-0 friendly win over Raja Casablanca at the Grand Stade in Tangier.

 Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring, before Messi doubled his side's advantage. The pair scored the next two goals to put Barcelona 4-0 ahead and Messi completed his hat-trick on the stroke of half-time.

 Dani Alves got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot in the 58th minute before youngsters Sergi Roberto and Gerard Deulofeu added two more in the last three minutes.

 After the game new Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova heaped praise on Messi in his first pre-season appearance after missing the match against Hamburg on Tuesday.

 "When you have the best player in the world, with this scoring capacity, he usually makes the difference, and once again he did it," Vilanova told reporters.

 "This match was good to pick up the pace because we faced a team that made us run.

 "The players from the youth side? They always play well. Everyone played at a very high level tonight."

 Messi himself told El Mundo Deportivo, "I haven't been able to do a good pre-season for a long time because I always arrived late. It has been very good to have such a long rest.

 "The way of training has continued in the same way and we are working with the same people so we haven't noted any changes. We are in pre-season and so you notice the tiredness.

 They kept the ball well and made us run a lot but we will get better with every game. "We are training very hard and we have to continue like that to arrive in the best shape possible for the important matches.''

 Vilanova also spoke about injured striker David Villa - who has not yet featured for Barca since sustaining a fractured tibia at the Club World Cup in December - but could not offer any update.

 "We are talking about a serious injury, with a long recovery time," he said. "When he is fine, we will be delighted to welcome him back.

Read more »

Hamburg 1-2 Barcelona: Alves & Deulofeu strikes secure debut win for Vilanova

Tito Vilanova guided Barcelona to victory in his first game in charge of the club with a 2-1 victory over Hamburg at the Imtech Arena.

 Dani Alves got the Catalans off to a cracking start as he rifled an effort into the roof of the net after just five minutes but Tolgay Arslan drew the hosts level midway through the first half.

 Barca regained the lead before half time with a goal from Gerard Deulofeu and they saw out the win by retaining possession through the second period.

 Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was ruled out of the game beforehand having suffered muscular bruising to his right calf in training, reportedly saving the hosts €400,000 in appearance fees for the match that was set to celebrate their 125th anniversary.

 Barcelona were positive from the off with Alexis proving to be a popular outlet on the right.

 In the fifth minute Dennis Aogo failed to clear a corner and the Chilean picked up the ball at the back post.

 He then rolled it back to Alves who steamed in and belted an unstoppable shot past Rene Adler. However, the visitors soon became complacent and allowed the Bundesliga side a route back into the game.

 Son Heung-Min saw an effort saved by Jose Pinto in the 21st minute but Hamburg restored parity moments later. Arslan won the ball back in the Barcelona half before breaking forward and sliding it across the box to Marcus Berg.

 His stabbed attempt rattled the bar but the rebound fell kindly for Tolgay, who squeezed the ball into the back of the net.

 Alexis continued to be a thorn in HSV's side and was thwarted soon after by another terrific save from Rene Adler but the former Germany international was eventually beaten seven minutes before the break.

 After parrying Afellay's powerful shot away from goal, getting across to save Deulofeu's follow-up proved too big of an ask for Adler as the 18-year-old's shot crept over the line.

 Vilanova made nine substitutions at half time with Marc Muniesa and Rafinha coming on while Thorsten Fink replaced seven of his players.

 The wholesale changes stifled the game somewhat but Artjoms Rudnevs looked lively in the early stages of the second half and should really have hit the target from Muhamed Besic's cross in the 59th minute.

 Muniesa had been taken off the field after picking up an injury moments before and with him unable to continue, Marc Bartra returned to the field after being substituted at half time so that the Catalan club did not have to continue with 10 men. Hamburg could get nowhere near the ball and in the 73rd minute they almost fell two goals behind.

 A long ball up to the top from the Blaugrana was not dealt with by Adler but Cristian Lobato failed to tuck the ball away, lofting his volley well over the bar of an open goal.

 Barcelona will face Raja Club Athletic in their next friendly fixture on Saturday June.

Read more »

Barcelona reject AC Milan approach for Alexis Sanchez

The Rossoneri are looking to reinforce their attack following the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain, and were hoping to acquire Alexis on a one-year loan deal with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

 However, Barca have shot down Milan's advances as they see the 23-year-old as an integral part of their squad. Alexis joined Barcelona from Udinese in the summer of 2011, and netted 12 goals in 25 Liga appearances in his first season at the Catalans.

 Meanwhile, Goal.com has learned that Milan are ready to sell Robinho this summer if a good offer comes in.

 Head coach Massimiliano Allegri does not see the former Manchester City forward as a key player, and an offer in the region of €9 million would be enough to lure the Brazil international away from the San Siro side.

 Robinho has been linked with clubs such as Santos and Malaga in the past few months.

Read more »

Arsenal Boss Keen On Barcelona Pair as Wenger Looks to Strengthen Gunners Squad

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will attempt to land either of two Barcelona targets that he has earmarked as summer transfer acquisitions.

 The Gunners boss will look to make offers for Dutch international Ibrahim Afellay and Carlos Tello as he seeks to strengthen his Emirates Stadium squad.

 Barcelona may well be considering options for a number of their squad players as new boss Tito Vilanova looks to secure funds to mount significant offers for targets he himself has taken a fancy to, most prominent of which is Spanish international Javi Martinez.

 The Nou Camp side have already purchased Jordi Alba from Valencia and more additions may be forthcoming as the Catalan side look to bolster their squad having seen both their La Liga and Champions League titles wrestled from their grasp last term.

 Wenger has long been an admirer of 26 year old adaptable performer Ibrahim Afellay, having tried to sign the Utrecht born attacker prior to his move from PSV Eindhoven to Barcelona 18 months ago.

 Afellay would have expected to face a fight to garner regular first team football but thus far he has been in a losing battle, managing just 1 start last term and just a handful the term before.

 The Dutchman has apparently been informed by Vilanova that his chances of being part of his plans are no more increased then during Pep Guardiola’s reign.

 Some sources state that Barcelona could accept offers of as little as £6m for a player who cost the La Liga side just £2.2m in January 2011.

Wenger is also tracking youngster Christian Tello who impressed many with his displays in the Barcelona first team last season.

 The 20 year old made an instant impact, netting seven goals in 22 appearances in all competitions, appearing mainly in wide roles coming from the bench.

 Arsene Wenger has scouted the local born attacker and is ready to make an offer for the Spanish Under 21 international and will hope that the promise of a better chance of securing regular first team football might tempt Tello.

 Indeed the wide-man’s first team chances may be hindered by the arrival of Alba and given that Christian Tello is also vying for a first team spot with the likes of Pedro, Alexis Sanchez, Lionel Messi, David Villa, Isaac Cuenca and Cesc Fabregas a move to the North London club could be of interest to the Barcelona starlet.

 Arsenal have already begun a summer clear-out with Manuel Almunia being released and Carlos Vela securing a move to Real Sociedad.

 Wenger is also said to be keen on offloading Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh, Sebastien Squillaci and Park Chu-Young whilst the futures of first team regulars Andrei Arshavin and Theo Walcott hang in the balance.

Read more »

Hamburg to withhold payment from Barcelona if Messi does not play in friendly

Hamburg will withhold up to €1.2 million (£936,000) in appearance fees from Barcelona if Lionel Messi does not play when the two sides meet in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.

 The illustrious friendly against the former Champions League winners has been arranged to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the German club, who are themselves former winners of the European Cup.

 The report states that the Imtech Arena has been completely sold out for the visit of the Blaugrana, as Hamburg prepares to celebrate a milestone in the club's history.

 However, it is believed that a clause was written into the contract for the friendly that stipulates that Messi must feature in the game.

 The same clause does not apply to team-mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi, both of whom are just returning to pre-season training following Spain's successful European Championship campaign.

 "It must be assumed that he plays," die Rothosen CEO Joachim Hilke was quoted as saying by Bild, with the potential appearance of the Argentine international expected to be the main draw.

Read more »

Liverpool and Arsenal alerted as Afellay considers future

Liverpool and Arsenal target Ibrahim Afellay is considering his future after Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova informed the winger he would have a peripheral role at the Nou Camp next season, according to reports from Spain.

 Afellay cut his summer holiday short to seek talks with Vilanova and the new Barcelona boss, who replaced Pep Guardiola earlier this summer, has informed the Dutchman that he will be little more than a squad player next term.

 Injuries have hampered Afellay’s progress since arriving at Barcelona from PSV in January 2011 - he has managed just eight league starts in a season and a half - and the 26-year-old is now exploring options from a string of suitors.

 As earlier  revealed that the Dutchman has ruled out a switch to French club Lille as he is mindful of interest from Arsenal and Inter Milan.

 And Liverpool are also rumoured to be monitoring Afellay’s situation as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his side’s attacking options ahead of the new season.

Read more »