Barcelona eyeing Koscielny contract talks at Arsenal

07/21/2012

Barcelona are eyeing Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.

French media sources say Barca are weighing up a move for Koscielny, who is in talks over a contract upgrade at Arsenal.

Barca management are attracted to Koscielny due to his versatility, with the centre-half also comfortable in a defensive midfield role.

Jordi Alba stands by Olympics decision despite Barcelona concerns

07/21/2012

Jordi Alba stands by his decision to play in the Olympics, despite the concerns of Barcelona.

His new employers didn't want him to play in another tournament before the season starts for fear of burnout. Alba, though, was steadfast in his decision.

He told AS: "My dream was always to come to the Games. I had already spoken with (Luis) Milla when I was at Valencia. I am not the first Barcelona player to go to the Olympics.

"We have seen replays of the gold medal won in Barcelona in 1992 and we have the same dream to win it again. Any team nowadays can beat us but we see ourselves as capable of winning the gold, no matter how difficult it will be."

Boca Juniors announce Barcelona loan move for Sergio Araujo

07/21/2012



Boca Juniors president Daniel Angelici has announced Sergio Araujo is joining Barcelona on-loan for the new season.

Araujo has signed a two-year loan deal with Barcelona.

The striker will join the Barca B team initially and the deal includes a permanent option at the end of the two-year agreement.

Man City chairman Khaldoon: We want to match Man Utd success

07/21/2012
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak says they have plans of matching Manchester United's domination of the English game.

Despite a bitter rivalry between the two teams which is set to be renewed when the new season kicks off next month, chairman Al Mubarak insists City must learn from United’s example of turning short-term success into long-term dominance.

“United have set the benchmark,” he said, in an interview on City’s Champions DVD.

“What they have accomplished in the last 20 years is incredible. It sets the benchmark for any club in the world in terms of success. We all have the highest respect for Sir Alex, we all have the highest respect for United as a team and what they have accomplished.

“We look at teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, AC Milan and Bayern Munich. What they represent to their cities, to their communities, what they’ve accomplished, these teams are the benchmarks.”