Arsenal face triple snub as Man Utd benefit with Vidic return
Gunners set to miss out to Inter Milan in race for Fabian Schar as Marco Reus also goes cold on Arsenal move
Are Manchester United about to cash in on Arsenal's disintegrating season? The Daily Star seems to think so, even if it is in a somewhat roundabout way. The paper reports that the Red Devils – who've hardly set the Premier League alight themselves this season – have been boosted in their desire to re-sign former skipper Nemanja Vidic by the news that Inter Milan are circling Fabian Schar, top of Arsenal's shopping list.
It wasn't so long that Arsenal were nailed on to nab the Basel defender, but that was before the Gunners came apart at the seams. Now the Star claims that Inter are leading the race and will lure Schar from Switzerland in a £10m deal, which will allow United to make their move for Vidic. The strapping Serb left Old Trafford for the San Siro last summer but things haven't gone as well as expected and the Star says that Vidic "has attracted criticism from the Italian press and a section of Inter's fans".
When Shcar was asked about a move away from Basel, the 22-year-old, who has made eight appearances for Switzerland, said: "I must say that if there is the possibility of playing in a foreign league, this would be high on my list [of goals]... I need to try to play in a team with great prospects." That would rule out Arsenal unless Schar's idea of great prospects is playing in the Europa League next season.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Another continental star having second thoughts about a move to London is Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund. The Sun reports that the Gunners were in pole position to sign the 25-year-old midfielder in the summer when his £20m buyout clause kicks in.
But although Wenger has the readies he no longer has the reputation. A 'source' told the paper that the player was no longer keen on a move having already missed out on some serious silverware after being ruled out of the World Cup with injury.
"Reus wants to win titles and he is worried this would not happen at Arsenal," said the Sun's mole.
Meanwhile it looks like Arsenal are also going to be snubbed by Swansea striker Wilfried Bony. The 25-year-old Ivory Coast frontman has been linked with the Gunners, Tottenham and Liverpool in recent months, but Bony has been doing his maths and appears to have concluded he has more chance of playing in the Champions League if he stays with the Swans (currently fifth) than he will if he joins any of Arsenal (sixth), Spurs (12th) or the Reds (11th).
According to the Daily Express Bony is "ready to commit his future to the south Wales club" and when asked about signing a new contract, replied: "It's something that I want."
Over at the Daily Mirror there's a claim that the Gunners are "stepping up their interest" in Ipswich Town youngster Tyrone Mings. The 21-year-old, bought from non-league Chippenham two years ago for a paltry £10,000, is now rated at £10m and the Mirror says that Arsenal scouts have been keeping tabs on the defender in recent weeks.
In other news the official Chelsea website has announced that their Brazilian international Oscar has signed on for another stint in west London. The 23-year-old is in his third season with the club having moved from Inter in the summer of 2012, and in putting pen to paper Oscar declared: "I am so happy because I love playing for Chelsea and living in England. I have enjoyed playing here for two years, and now I have five more, so I am very happy."
And there's more good news for Blues' fans with Metro reporting that Eden Hazard has pooh-poohed suggestions he could swap the Bridge for the Bernabeu. In recent weeks rumours have emerged linking the Belgian playmaker with a move to Real Madrid, with Gareth Bale heading back to England in a big money transfer to Manchester United.
But Hazard has shot down the stories in conversation with French broadcaster Canal+. Asked about comments he allegedly made about leaving Chelsea for Real, the former Lille star replied: "I never said that. I do not think so. I did not think so." Pressed on whether there was a club that made him 'dream', he said: "Yes, Chelsea. They are the only club that makes me dream." He similarly played down speculation he might be tempted back to France with Paris Saint-Germain.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
Thomas Tuchel to become next England football manager
Speed Read 'Divisive' German coach hopes to lead the men's team to victory
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man Utd win the Carabao Cup: how Erik ten Hag has ‘transformed’ the Red Devils
feature United lifted their first silverware since 2017 after beating Newcastle at Wembley
By Mike Starling Published