Switzerland's Granit Xhaka & Xherdan Shaqiri face bans over goal celebrations

Switzerland pair Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri face two-match bans for their goal celebrations in their side's World Cup victory over Serbia.

Football's world governing body Fifa is investigating whether they broke rules on political and offensive messages.

Both players are ethnic Albanians from Kosovo, where a Serbian crackdown on the Albanian population only ended with Nato military intervention in 1999.

They made 'double eagle' gestures after scoring, symbolising the Albanian flag.

The country's flag carries the image of a double-headed eagle.

BBC Sport understands Fifa will examine if the gestures can be classed as provocation.

Under article 54 of the governing body's disciplinary code, "anyone who provokes the general public during a match will be suspended for two matches and sanctioned with a minimum fine of 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,800)".

It is thought Fifa plans to call expert witnesses to explain how the goal celebrations could be classed as provocative.

It will be argued that the behaviour illustrates the Albanian nationalist-supported notion of a Greater Albania, which makes territorial claims on parts of Kosovo, Serbia, Macedonia and Greece.

If Fifa's case is upheld, then the players would miss the last Group E game against Costa Rica and the last-16 match if Switzerland qualify.

On Saturday, Fifa confirmed its disciplinary committee had opened proceedings against Xhaka and Shaqiri, adding: "In relation to the same match, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Serbian FA for crowd disturbance and the display of political and offensive messages by Serbian fans.

"Furthermore, a preliminary investigation has been opened against the coach of the Serbian national team, Mladen Krstajic, for alleged statements made in the aftermath of the said match."

It is unclear what the investigation into Krstajic refers to, but in comments to Serbian reporters on Saturday, he said of match referee Felix Brych: "I wouldn't give him either a yellow or red card, I would send him to The Hague. Then they could put him on trial, like they did to us."

After the game, which his side won 2-1, Switzerland's Bosnia-born manager Vladimir Petkovic was asked about the celebrations and said: "You should never mix football and politics. It's important to be a fan, and to give respect.

"It was a wonderful atmosphere and that's what support should be about."

Arsenal midfielder Xhaka's father spent three and a half years as a political prisoner in Yugoslavia, while Shaqiri was born in Yugoslavia before emigrating to Switzerland as a child.

Stoke City forward Shaqiri also sported a Kosovan flag, stitched onto his boots.

"It's just emotion," he said about his celebration. "I'm very happy to score this goal. It's not more. I think we don't have to speak about this now."

Read More

WEST HAM WANT WILSHERE

West Ham are interested in acquiring the services of Jack Wilshere, according to Sky Sports. 

Despite initial reports suggesting the midfielder was set to continue his eighteen-year stay at Arsenal, it is now understood the 26-year-old will leave the Emirates Stadium when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Talks with new Gunners boss Unai Emery failed to result in a contract extension for the long-time Arsenal man.

Amongst the teams seeking to land the skilful play-maker, West Ham are alleged to be one of the favourites.

Manuel Pellegrini is seeking to overhaul the squad in his first transfer window as manager at the London Stadium and the addition of Wilshere would inject a certain amount of creativity to a midfield longing for just that.

Manuel Lanzini’s knee injury will prevent him from making an appearance until well into the 2018/19 season, and Wilshere’s presence in the squad could alleviate the impact of the Argentine’s absence.

Wilshere was part of the Arsenal setup since 2001, making 125 appearances for the North Londoners.

The Englishman has also received 34 caps for his country, but notably was excluded from Gareth Southgate’s World Cup plans.

WOULD YOU BE HAPPY TO SEE WILSHERE JOIN WEST HAM?

Read More

What is Alex Iwobi’s future at Arsenal under Unai Emery?

The Nigerian international has struggled to push on at Arsenal after his early promise and will hope to progress under new head coach Unai Emery

Starting from scratch. That’s what the majority of Arsenal’s first-team players will be doing when they take to the training ground pitch at London Colney next month. The likes of Mesut Ozil, Hector Bellerin, Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey are expected to be mainstays of Unai Emery’s new vision for Arsenal, but there are several players who are playing for their futures at the club following the departure of Arsene Wenger at the end of last season.

One of those with plenty to prove is Alex Iwobi. The 22-year-old has scored six goals in 20 games for Nigeria, including two goals in a 4-2 win over Argentina in November, yet when it comes to performing on a consistent basis for Arsenal the attacker struggles to impact games with the gusto that Super Eagles supporters have become accustomed to.

Emery’s arrival as head coach has already sparked a change in the form of summer arrivals, prompting speculation that certain players could be replaced. Stefan Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno and the imminent signing of Sokratis Papastathopoulos suggests that there is a new ruthless streak at managerial level, with head of recruitment Sven Mislintat and head of football relations Raul Sanllehi working closely together with chief executive Ivan Gazidis to ensure Arsenal close the gap on their Premier League rivals that had grown significantly wider over the past couple of seasons.

Read More

Passes Medicals!!! Arsenal Medical staffs in PHOTOS with Lucas Torreira

On Italian TV on Tuesday night, Sampdoria’s president, Massimo Ferrero, let slip that midfielder, Lucas Torreira, will be joining Arsenal for €30m despite his release clause only being €26m.

“Sampdoria do not sell unless there are excellent offers,” the president said. “We do not look for buyers. We have natural talents whose values increase exponentially.

“Generally, we do not make changes. Sampdoria is a stepping stone. It’s a family-run club and that allows players to grow up. It’s normal they have aspirations to play for big clubs, but I do not need to sell out.

“Torreira has left for €30million. I bought him from Pescara when no one believed. We bet and we won, paying just €3million. The money that comes in, is used to keep the club going.”

It was reported that Arsenal’s medical staff were travelling to Russia in order to complete his medical. Arsenal want to get the deal done as soon as possible before Torreira has any chance of increasing his market value at the tournament.

Torreira will join Arsenal on a five-year deal worth £2.6m-a-year to the player. Arsenal will pay Sampdoria £26.1m for the 22-year-old, exceeding his buyout clause in order to see off Napoli.

In addition to his release clause, Torreira also had another four years to run on his Samp contract.

Pescara will receive €1m from the sale, thanks to a sell-on clause in the midfielder’s Sampdoria contract. According to TuttoPescaraCalcio they had a 20% sell-on clause, with a maximum of €1m.

Read More

€40million star confirms he wants club to accept Arsenal transfer offer amid Manchester United interest

---

It looks like Arsenal have the edge over Manchester United in any potential transfer battle over Freiburg defender Caglar Soyuncu this summer.

The young Turkish ace has shone in the Bundesliga and has long been linked with a summer move to the Gunners, who need to strengthen at the back.

The Sun claimed some time ago that Arsenal were closing in on the signing of Soyuncu, though the Manchester Evening News also suggested the Red Devils could consider him as one of a number of options for them to improve their defensive options.

The latest from the player himself, however, is that he’s keen on a move to Arsenal (with no mention of United) but that it still depends on Freiburg deciding to let him go.

Calciomercato have claimed the 22-year-old would cost around €40million, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal will pay that for a relatively unproven player.

Providing an update on his situation, Soyuncu told Gunes: ‘It is true, Arsenal have made an offer, I want Arsenal, god willing I will go to Arsenal or the Premier League but it all depends on Freiburg.

‘I still have another three-years on my contract.

‘I received offers from teams in Turkey. I would not be able to give you a name, but I rejected them.

‘I will not be returning to Turkey. I want to continue my career in Europe at the biggest clubs.’

Read More

ARSENAL TO HOLD TALKS WITH SEVILLA MIDFIELDER’S AGENT

ARSENAL TO HOLD TALKS WITH SEVILLA MIDFIELDER’S AGENT

Arsenal are set to hold talks with Ever Banega’s agent over a possible summer switch to the Emirates, according to FootballGossip.

The 29-year-old is currently in Russia with the Argentina squad for the World Cup and reports in Italy claim that the midfielder’s agent, Marcelo Simonian, is ready to talk to with Arsenal in the coming days over a potential move.

Unai Emery knows Banega very well from his days at Valencia and Sevilla. However, Emery is known not to have much input in the recruitment of players, but Arsenal did have reported interest in the Sevilla midfielder when Arsene Wenger oversaw the club.

Should Banega join Arsenal this summer then the Argentine would potentially be his fifth signing as Arsenal boss having already snapped up Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free from Juventus, Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen and Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria, whilst Sokratis is likely to join the Gunners sometime in July from Borussia Dortmund.

Read More

BREAKING: Jack Wilshere has confirmed he is leaving Arsenal when his contract expires this month

Jack Wilshere confirms he will leave Arsenal when his contract expires

The Arsenal midfielder's deal expires on July 1

Jack Wilshere has confirmed he will leave Arsenal when his contract expires on July 1.

He wrote in Instagram: "I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal Football Club when my contract expires at the end of June."

Read More

Bernd Leno Seals Move to Arsenal

Bernd Leno Signs Contract with Arsenal

Key to the Gunners’ Success?

Widely seen as a successor to Petr Cech, Bernd Leno will have a lot to do at the Emirates. After a trying season, Arsenal need to shore up their defences and surely will do so with Leno on their books.

He became only the third goalkeeper in Bundesliga history to keep a clean sheet in his first three games. Bernd Leno also became the youngest stopper in Champions League history, after making his debut against Chelsea in 2011. Leno kept 10 clean sheets out of 33 appearances for Leverkusen last term, only one less than Petr Cech.

Leno will be instrumental in Arsenal’s push for silverware this season and for Champions League football the next. Cech is nearly 10 years older than the German and is in the twilight of a decorated career.

this as a double victory, not only have they been able to sign a much-needed player, they have also managed to fend off interest from Napoli and Atletico Madrid.

Adding to the signings of Lichtsteiner, this sends a message that they are still very much a force in the market, and a draw for top players. Arsenal fans will be hoping that this is one in a string of additions by the new manager. Whether Emery will sell Cech or Ospina remains to be seen.

Interesting Times Ahead at Arsenal

Whatever the rest of the summer brings, the latest transfer in north London is exciting and will be a prospect in between the sticks at the Emirates. After a disappointing end to the legacy of Arsène Wenger, there is a lot of ground to be made up for the Gunners.

Read More

JOEL CAMPBELL FOCUSED ON WORLD CUP NOT ARSENAL EXIT

It seems unlikely that Arsenal will afford Joel Campbell an opportunity to resurrect his Arsenal career.

In the seven years he’s been a Gunner he’s only spent one and a half seasons actually competing for a first team place at the Emirates – the rest of the time he’s been out on six different loan moves.

With just days left on his current contract, the 25-year-old would be forgiven for having one eye on negotiations with possible suitors, however, he’s at the World Cup with Costa Rica…and, well, that’s important too.

Asked whether the chance to play in Russia could help him secure a move, the attacker said: “The World Cup won’t change my life, I don’t come here to show myself.

“I came to help my national team, everyone writes his own history and we have to look after group.

“I know about my contract and I know who I am. God has a plan for me.”

That all seems reasonable. Campbell didn’t actually start his country’s first game. He was a second half substitute as they went down 1-0 to Serbia.

Read More

3 Deals Completed: Rating Unai Emery’s First Dealings As Arsenal Manager

Since Unai Emery has been appointed Arsenal manager, the club has made three significant moves in terms of players and from this we can start to see the style that the new man wants to implement at the club. In this article, we take a look at each deal and grade it.

1 – Stephan Lichtsteiner

Emery completed his first deal as Arsenal manager at the end of May, signing former Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer.

An experienced defender, captain of Switzerland with 100 caps and more than 200 appearances for Juventus. He may be 34, but the tactical nous and experience he can add on and off the pitch will certainly be important. It’s good to see Emery notice our lack of depth at fullback and it is not a foregone conclusion that he will be back up to Bellerin, with the young Spanish defender struggling for form recently. Hopefully, the arrival of Licht will push Bellerin to improve, and you’d hope he’ll learn a thing or two from Lichtsteiner who can play as a traditional right-back or as a wing back if we revert to a 5 at the back formation.

Head coach Emery said: “Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”

2 – Ainsley Maitland-Niles Extension

Emery clearly views Maitland-Niles as a key part of the team and that excites me. When A new man arrived I was worried what he might make of certain players I like, you never know, but he clearly sees the potential in Ainsley. On signing a new contract the player said the following:

“You don’t really hear a lot of young players being shouted out by their managers, especially a new manager who hasn’t really seen them play too much,” Maitland-Niles told Arsenal Player. “I think it’s brilliant to hear from him and it gives me a load of confidence.

“It feels fantastic knowing that I’m going to be a part of the squad, and a big part of the squad. It means a lot with the new head coach coming in and Arsenal tying me down [with a new contract]. I’m very pleased.

“We had a little meeting. He said that he wants all of his players to work hard and I’m no stranger to doing that. It will be second nature to me.

“I think [the high-pressing game] suits me a lot, too. I’ve got a lot of pace to give to the team, pressing up high and winning the ball back as soon as possible is a major factor in football.”

3 - Granit Xhaka Extension

Granit is a bit like Marmite, some fans seem to hate him but fans that don’t hold grudges will see him in a different light. The midfielder has a lot of potential and has perhaps been the teams best player in 2018, at least in the top three for me. He’s improved lots already during his time at the club and under Emery I’m excited to see how much more he can develop. It’s good to see the new manager agrees:

“I’m delighted that Granit has extended his contract with us. He’s an important member of the squad and is still young so will be able to develop even more. I hope he has a successful World Cup with Switzerland and comes back fit and ready for the new season.”

This is a bit of a ‘wait and see’ deal – if Emery can get the best out of Xhaka and sign a midfielder like Lucas Torreira to get the best out of him, then this extension could be a 10, but for now I’m going to rate it a 7/10. I’m definitely happy with it, but time will tell if Xhaka was worth the extra investment, I think he will be.

Read More

€25m Deal Nearly Done: German To Have Medical At Arsenal Tomorrow

Arsenal are set to announce their second senior signing of the summer tomorrow, according to reports emerging from Germany today.

The report comes from Kicker, who have been pretty accurate with Arsenal news to date. The report says:

‘As expected, Bernd Leno leaves Bayer Leverkusen and joins Arsenal. Atletico Madrid and SSC Napoli are said to have been interested in the German national keeper, but Leno himself had always preferred a move to London. According to our information, he will complete a medical check on Tuesday at Arsenal and then sign a five-year contract.’

26-year-old Leno is expected to arrive on a long-term contract and provide competition for Petr Cech, who is now 36 and possibly in his last season at the club. Should Leno’s move be completed, David Ospina is expected to leave, with several Turkish and Mexican teams interested in his services.

Leno is a keeper who showed a lot of promise as a youngster, but one who has struggled to iron out the mistakes in his game since maturing. Emery and co. must feel there is still potential to be unearthed in Leno, who is a somewhat lively goalkeeper – he could be compared to Woijech Szczesny.

The report also says that Napoli made a late offer of around £16million, but Arsenal’s offer trumps that at around £22million and the Gunners will win this race.

A medical for Leno should be a formality, he did not make the final Germany squad so will be able to complete his medical in London, as well as completing his photoshoot and other media duties.

Arsenal are also expected to finalise deals for Sokratis and Lucas Torreira in the coming weeks. As well as a goalkeeper, the Gunners are also looking at potentially signing a new winger. Personally, the likes of Cristian Pavon and Hirving Lozano have caught my eye at the World Cup, but Gelson Martins is another possibility, especially with the news that he has reportedly cancelled his contract.

Read More