Well,
that's just about it from me, folks. Still nothing official from
Manchester United on Fabio Coentrao, which doesn't bode well. Thanks so
much for all of your contributions today. And I think I can speak for
all of us when I say I'm already counting down the days until the
January transfer deadline day ... Night, folks, and remember, just
because someone in a suit says that they represent Manchester United,
that doesn't mean they're definitely telling the truth!
Not very
encouraging news for Manchester United. Guillem Balague has it on good
authority that their 11th-hour bid to sign Fabio Coentrao on loan from
Real Madrid has floundered:
"My colleague Manu Sainz says that Coentrao will STAY at Real Madrid. And if he says it, it is true then."
OFFICIAL!
Everton have also confirmed the departure of Victor Anichebe to West
Brom for a fee that could rise to £6m, as well as the arrivals of James
McCarthy (£13m), Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku (both season-long
loans). Lukaku is a fantastic signing for the Toffees.
The
situation with Fabio Coentrao is far more unclear. There's some
confusion over whether United completed that deal in time, whether they
still have time to do so, and whether Madrid are still willing to let
him leave the Bernabeu after seeing their own last-ditch attempts to
sign a replacement, Siqueira from Granada, before the window closed.
Word is
that Manchester United have indeed signed Marouane Fellaini from Everton
for £27.5 million (€32m). Could have gotten him for a lot cheaper of,
course, had they met his £22.5m buy-out clause earlier this summer,
which all but confirms that he was David Moyes' third- or fourth-choice
when it came to midfield transfer targets.
While we wait, check out
this interesting Facebook post from Mesut Ozil, who admits that he was surprised at just how quickly things moved in terms of his move from Real Madrid to Arsenal:
"Things
developed differently than I would have expected them to a few days
ago. Thank you very much for three wonderful years with all of you. My
time at Real Madrid was unique and special for me.
"Although I’m
leaving Real Madrid, I wish you and the team the very best for the
future. Now I’m looking forward to my new club: THE GUNNERS!"
A lot of
news agencies now reporting that the three-strong contingent that spent
about an hour at the LFP offices trying to sign Ander Herrera from
Athletic Bilbao were not in any way affiliated with the English club!
What a truly bizarre story! You will no doubt read a lot more about that
one tomorrow.
Also being reported that Manchester United have pulled off a last-gasp loan deal for Real Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao!
Everton
have reportedly the sale of Marouane Fellaini to Manchester United. For a
staggering £27 million (€32m). However, the Toffees have brought in
Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku on season-long loan deals, as well as
James McCarthy, for £13m. If true, Everton have done quite well out of
all of that.
Update
from our own Robin Bairner of the late drama with Marseille, who twice
confirmed the signing of Mario Lemina this evening, either side of
removing the story from their official website:
"Marseille have sold Abdullah to Lorient as part of the Lemina deal. Announced 1min before the deadline."
According
to latest reports, it seems that Everton might well have wrapped up
deals for James McCarthy, Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry. One would have
to imagine that Fellaini to United is also a done deal.
The
window has closed in England, France and Spain and we're not yet sure if
Marouane Felliaini has joined Manchester United! What we do know,
though, is that Jack Wilshere has been left enthused by Arsenal's
signing of Mesut Ozil:
"Signing of the summer! Easily! Fantastic player, plays the 'Arsenal way'. Welcome Mesut Ozil absolutely buzzing!"
According to The Guardian,
Manchester United abandoned their plans to sign Ander Herrera as they
ultimately felt that the €36 million buy-out clause was too high. You
know what? I probably agree with them on that front. Still, they've been
made to look a bit amateurish tonight - even if they do still land
Fellaini.
You can read all about Mesut Ozil's record-breaking move to Arsenal
here, but there's more breaking news in England, with
Sky
confirming that Gareth Barry has just arrived at Goodison Park, which
would appear to suggest that Everton are lining up a replacement for the
Manchester United-bound Marouane Fellaini.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on the most exciting acquisition he's made in a long time:
“We
are extremely pleased to have signed Mesut Ozil. He is a great player,
with proven quality at both club and international level. We have
watched and admired him for some time as he has all the attributes I
look for in an Arsenal player."
Ozil
speaks: “I am thrilled to be joining a club of the stature of Arsenal
and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League. It will be
great for my own personal development as a player and I am particularly
looking forward to working with Arsène Wenger.
“From our negotiations it is clear the Club has huge ambition and I look forward to being part of an exciting future.”
OFFICIAL:
Arsenal have finally confiirmed the signing of Mesut Ozil from Real
Madrid for a club record £42.5 (€50m). The Germany international has
penned a five-year contract with the Gunners. Arsenal fans wanted a big
signing. Well, they've got one. Not sure if they really needed another
attacking midfielder but they've just picked up one of the best.
Nwakali & Chukwueze spotted at Arsenal
Madrid transfer bans suspended
Fifa commends Iheanacho on treble
Neymar: I want to play for Guardiola
Iheanacho is a star in the making
Wolfsburg reach agreement with Osimhen
Pato signing mirrors Chelsea struggles
Electric Alexis is fit & firing for Arsenal
Wenger: You can't win with kids!
REPORT: Forest 0-1 Watford
