Arbeloa praises Liverpool as he departs for Real

Alvaro Arbeloa has praised Liverpool as he departs the club for Real Madrid who he signed for yesterday. He said of his time at Anfield: "Liverpool are a club with an impressive history, with lots of success,” reports the Independent.

"In England they are the team with the most titles, so I've already experienced that pressure and I hope that will help me now with this challenge, which is clearly the biggest in my career.”

"I think I have become a better footballer and also matured. When you play at a club like Liverpool you have the chance to play with great players.”

Torres says it would be a serious loss if Alonso left

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes it would be a serious loss for Liverpool if Xabi Alonso leaves the club for Real Madrid. Speaking about the Madrid’s pursuit of the influential midfielder, Torres says he is unsure how the saga will be resolved.

“It would be a bad piece of work if Xabi left,” said Torres to the Telegraph.

“He plays his cards close to his chest so I don’t know what is going to happen."

“I’d put Xabi’s own wishes ahead of everything else, of course, but he’s got three years left on his contract with us and I’d love it if he stays."

“It would be a serious loss for Liverpool if he left this summer.”

Reds boss Rafael Benitez wants the ongoing saga surrounding Xabi Alonso's future to be resolved and will hold talks with the player when he returns to Merseyside tomorrow following a brief holiday in his native San Sebastian.

Alvaro Arbeloa who has just completed a switch to the Bernabeu, said: “Xabi and I shared a room on tour and explained our situations to Benitez and he made us clear on the club’s standpoint,” reports the Telegraph.

Meanwhile ex Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has not helped the situation by urging his old teammate to join him at Real Madrid.

"I think all of the Spanish players dream about coming and playing for Real Madrid. It would be good for Alonso to play for the best team in the world with the best players. The project we have got here with the new president looks very promising," he told the Telegraph.

"There are something like 30 players, very good players, in the dressing room," Dudek said.

"It is very competitive, because we need to have something like 25 players. We have some good players already, but we need more. I hope that Alonso will come here. I know him very well, we are good friends, but in this world of football you never know what is going to happen. He is a great football player and a very good person also, and my personal point of view is that it would be good if he comes."

“He is Spanish and all the Spanish guys want to play for Real Madrid. This is a dream come true for them and Xabi knows that he's not the only one,” Said Dudek in the Mail.

"I spoke to him (Alonso) just before the holidays. He is a very nice lad and he knows what is the best for him. But he cannot do anything without Benitez."

"So I don't know (what will happen), but he is a good player without question, one of the best midfielders in the world."

Arbeloa signs for Real Madrid in £3.5m deal

Real Madrid have signed defender Alvaro Arbeloa from Liverpool FC, following a statement confirming both clubs had reached an agreement on the fee. Press speculation suggests the deal to be worth around £3.5million and the player successfully completed a medical at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital. Arbeola will sign a five-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The player arrived at the hospital at 11:15am. Several members of the media and a few supporters were present at the hospital entrance to greet him and wish him luck.

The Real Madrid web site confirms that the defender underwent tests for approximately 90 minutes. He had blood and urine tests; he was subjected to an electrocardiogram, an ecocardiogram and a megnetic resonance; he underwent a radiological study; and an exploration of his musculoskeletal system was performed.

Dr. Carlos Diez said: "The results of every test are very satisfactory. He is delighted about playing for Real Madrid. It's always been his dream. He can't wait to join his team-mates."

Arbeloa's departure leaves the door wide open for new signing Glen Johnson to establish himself within the first team. However there is very few options for cover in the position. Jamie Carragher was Arbeloa's replacement last season when the Spanish defender suffered an injury. One presumes highly rated youngster Stephen Darby could naturely fill the void if called upon.

Arbeloa says move to Real Madrid may be finalised this week

Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa claims he is close to finalising his move to Real Madrid reports Sky Sports.

Arbeloa has been linked with a move to Real throughout the summer but the Spain international believes talks over a move to Real are making positive progress with speculation suggesting a £4.5million deal. Arbeloa has made almost 100 appearances for Liverpool since joining the club from Deportivo La Coruna in January 2007. He signed for Deportivo from Real, after playing in the youth team for current Reds manager Rafa Benitez.

"At the moment I am focused on Liverpool, but it is true that the deal is close to being completed," he told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

"We'll see what happens in the next few days, if we can all make an effort so the negotiations come to a good end, and we all come out having benefited, which is what everyone wants."

"I insist that everything is going forwards and everyone is in agreement - I am the one who has the most desire to sign for Madrid."

"I don't know what the likelihood is in percentages, it's a question more for the clubs. But, as I understand, it seems everything is going well and there is little left to resolve."

"It could all be sealed this week."

Arbeloa move to Real Madrid may conclude next week

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa could make a £4.5million return to Real Madrid in the next few days, reports Sky Sports.

The Liverpool right back has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu. Arbeloa's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon, expects a conclusion by the start of next week.

"Discussions with Real are not over and I expect a solution early next week."

Real sporting director Jorge Valdano however is not convinced that the Spanish international will play a big part in Madrid’s future.

"Arbeloa is a basic part of our plans," Valdano admitted.

With such enthusiasm coming from Madrid, it’s easy to understand Arbeloa’s desire to join the Spanish club.


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Real admit lack of progress in Arbeloa deal

Madrid's sporting director, Miguel Pardeza, has recently been spending more time shooting his mouth off about Liverpool players then his own team has spoken about Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, admitting a lack of progress in their chase for the player. Speaking to Spanish newspaper Publico he said:

"On Arbeloa, that is an option which - for the time being - has come to nothing," reports Sky Sports.

"Liverpool do not really have the desire to let him go, even though he has just a year left on his contract."

"But there is a month to go in the market and anything can change, and I would not deny that we would very much like to have Arbeloa."

Pardeza also dismissed claims that Rafa Benitez was being difficult when it came to negotiations with Real, reports the story.

"I do not see that at all, at least with me and Jorge [Valdano, Real director general] he is open and discusses things, I don't see that as a problem at all," he concluded.

Transfer Speculation: Ribery, Arbeloa, Alonso

Franck Ribery
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez rubbished speculation that Franck Ribery will be joining the Reds reports the Mirror.

"I don't think we will be signing anyone else for big, big money - just maybe the ones who can fit into our team.”

"I will be really pleased if we can keep this squad together because I don't think we need to do too many things to get us in position."

"Now we are just thinking of improving the fitness of the players, not thinking of the transfer market. We have the quality and will have chances again."

Alvaro Arbeloa
The same story also talks about the speculation surrounding Alvaro Arbeloa, proclaiming he will join Real Madrid next week. The article says:

“Benitez has given up hope of keeping full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, who will join Madrid next week for a fee of around £6m.”

"We offered him an extension before, but if you have an idea and the agent has another one, you have to find solutions," he said.

Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid sporting director Miguel Pardeza has been shooting is mouth off about Liverpool player Xabi Alonso. Reported by Sky Sports, he said:

"Madrid must not discard an option until it's totally gone."

"There is an insurmountable financial barrier at the moment, but it's something that could change.

"We're looking at other options, although there aren't many."

Real director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno has also suggested that the club are hopeful of securing Alonso.
"There are many weeks remaining," he said. "We must show patience. There is time."

Despite openly talking about the Liverpool midfielder to the press for 5 weeks, Real Madrid are yet to make a bid for the player.

Transfer Speculation: Alonso, Valbuena, Arbeloa, Mavinga, Mascherano

Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid remain interested in Xabi Alonso but are not prepared to meet Liverpool's valuation claims Sky Sports. Santiago Bernabeu director general Jorge Valdano speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Madrid, stated: "Xabi Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget, and this doesn't seem the case. We are very far from the figures that Liverpool have set out."

Valdano added on ‘Cadena Ser’, the most listened radio station in Spain: "Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Xabi Alonso. I don't like to talk about the private details of negotiations. We are studying many alternatives. We want someone who can channel the play and there aren't many like that in the world. After the great players who have arrived, we aren't in a hurry," he said. (We want) two signings, maximum three. That's the number with which the team will be able to cover all eventualities."

Meanwhile a host of English newspapers are claiming Real have set a time limit on any deal. The Mail says: “Real Madrid insiders believe that the club's new coach Manuel Pellegrini will want to move on to other holding midfield targets if a deal for Alonso cannot be tied up within two weeks.”

Whilst the Telegragh claims: “Any deal for Alonso is likely to turn into a lengthy affair. Real are reportedly on the cusp of tabling a £35 million offer but due to a clause in the player's contract which dictates that a certain amount of the transfer payment is due to Real Sociedad, Liverpool are likely to wait until next month by which time the clause will have expired.”

Interestingly each story agrees on one thing by stating Madrid “have yet to make an official bid for the midfielder.”

Mathieu Valbuena
Liverpool and Wigan are heading the chase for Marseille’s Mathieu Valbuena, reports Sky Sports. Valbuena's agent, Christophe Hutteau, claims the midfielder is a target for a host of clubs across Europe:
"Mathieu would very much be interested in playing in England as the Premier League is the best in Europe. Wigan are interested in Mathieu, but I think Mathieu would like to go to a big team in England. Liverpool are also interested in Mathieu, but so are teams in Spain, Germany, Italy and Russia. I think Mathieu will leave Marseille and I think it is very possible he could play in England this season."

Alvaro Arbeloa
Today’s Mirror claims: “Real Madrid are trying to sign Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa on the cheap after making a cut-price £5million offer.”
The story claims Spanish club which has spent over £140m this summer on Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, “are trying to drive a hard bargain over Arbeloa because they know the Spanish full-back is desperate to join them.”

Chris Mavinga
Liverpool are reported to have agreed a deal for highly-rated French youngster Chris Mavinga reports Sky Sports. Reports in France claim Liverpool have agreed a three-year deal for the Paris St Germain defender.
“Mavinga, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for PSG, is regarded as one of the best young prospects in France having played for the French Under 18 side,” says the story. “Arsenal were also interested in Mavinga, but “Liverpool have beaten their Premier League rivals to the 18-year-old's signature.”

Javier Mascherano

Press speculation persists over the future of the Argentinean midfielder. The Telegraph claims: “Mascherano's Anfield exit, meanwhile, looks likely to be completed sooner rather than later.” Once again despite repeated speculation from the media, Barcelona have still not made any offer for the player, however the Telegraph claims: “Barcelona's suspected opening offer of £25 million is expected to be rejected by Benitez, who has made clear his feeling about losing the Argentina international, but anything over £30m means Liverpool will struggle to hold on to the 25-year-old.”

Of note here is the phrase ‘suspected opening offer,’ which clearly illustrates the story does not know what the offer will be, if any is in fact to be made. It doesn’t take a mathematical genius to deduce that the “£25 million” bid the story claims, “is expected to be rejected by Benitez,” as the manager stated £50m would not be enough for the player. Furthermore how long does Barcelona need to ‘prepare’ its offer for the player? The press have persistently claimed that Barcelona have been ‘preparing’ their bid since the end of the season with offers ranging anywhere between £20m-£35m.

Worth pointing out was Mascherano’s own statement following the season's conclusion: "My future is here," said the 24-year-old. "I am here and I will continue to give 100 per cent.”

Arbeloa’s agent says: "let him go"

Alvaro Arbeloa’s agent has added to the speculation surrounding the player by stating Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez must let the defender leave Anfield. Reported in today’s Mirror, Manuel Garcia Quilon, the Spaniard's agent, said:

"Alvaro has a year left on his current deal and Rafa Benitez knows that it's best to let him go now. The career of a football player has many stages and he is qualified to play anywhere."

The Reds boss has stated that he wants Arbeloa to stay at Liverpool “If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition." Arbeloa who is sill on international duty with Spain said earlier this week “I'll be able to think about all this by next Monday." Spain play their final game in the confederations cup for the third-place play-off against hosts South Africa today.

Transfer Speculation: Arbeloa, Itandje, Fernandez

Alvaro Arbeloa

Real Madrid have made a five million Euros bid for Alvaro Arbeloa claims today's Echo. Rafa Benitez yesterday claimed he would like for the player to stay at Anfield stating the player had "a very good season but he has one year left on his contract,” said the Reds boss. “If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition," however Rafa admitted that "if we get a good offer we will have to consider it.”

The deal is worth £4.2m at current exchange rates and the article claims "Benitez is holding out for £5m pounds, and with Arbeloa's agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, at the Bernabeu yesterday to facilitate the move, a deal looks imminent."

Real Madrid director, Jorge Valdano speaking to Spanish newspaper 'AS' said:

"The lad only has a year left on his contract with Liverpool, and this gives us more possibilities. He can play in two or three positions, and this versatility is good. He is another option to evaluate."

Reported by Sky Sports, Arbeloa has spoken about Real Madrid to Spanish newspaper 'Marca':

"I am especially proud of what the club is doing," said the Spain defender, who is in South Africa for the Confederations Cup. It is a big project with the return of Florentino (Perez) - and obviously if Madrid is fixed on you it makes you proud. I would be lying if I said I was sure to start the season with Liverpool. I'll be able to think about all this by next Monday."

Charles Itandje

Malaga are reported to be interested in signing reserve keeper Charles Itandje. Scouts have reported positive feedback and an official move is now expected to be made, claim Sky Sports.

Leandro Fernandez

Liverpool are interested in Dynamo Moscow defender Leandro Fernandez reports website football. The article says the "Reds and Lazio have both held preliminary talks with Dynamo." But the club is "reluctant to let the Argentine leave for less than £8.5million."

Alonso fears new tax law will force players away from Premiership

Xabi Alonso has warned that impending tax laws may discourage foreign players from joining the Premiership and also see a mass exodus of Premier League stars to Europe. He joins Reds team mate Alvaro Arbeloa who verbalised the same fears earlier in the week.

Reported in the Telegraph, Alonso said: "Of course we footballers think about it; we are not stupid, we keep an eye on it," Alonso said. "When you see your contract down by 30 per cent you cannot be happy. I cannot do anything – it must be Gordon Brown or David Cameron. I think the weakness of the sterling is not helping the Premiership because for those competing and fighting against the European teams it is a big weak point. Hopefully over the next few months and years it will get back to what it was not so long ago."

Fernando Torres speaking about potentially loosing team mates said "I worry about losing my team-mates, of course," Torres said. "But when you play for a team like Liverpool you don't have to worry about that. You are a top player and you will get a good contract. You don't have to be scared to lose a little bit of money."

The article says: “Alonso signed a five-year contract with Liverpool in 2007 worth an estimated £65,000 a week. At the time there were €1.48 to the pound so he was on €96,200 per week but due to the weakness of the pound that has fallen to €76,700 a week. When the 50p tax rate comes in next April that will drop to €69,000 a week, so he could be losing €27,200 every week compared to what he was earning back in 2007. Overall, Alonso fears he could end up losing nearly £1.2 million per year.”

Accountants working with footballers and clubs will have to become more creative so players can avoid paying the top tax rate. The article says: “one option being explored is paying players in interest-free loans which would attract a much lower tax rate. But ultimately, it seems the power base has shifted to the Continent.” Agent Sam Rush, whose clients include Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard, “believes English clubs will have to bear the brunt of the cost as foreign players will increasingly demand to have contracts net of tax.” Says the report.

Clubs in Spain set up foreign players as 'company executives' with a preferential 23 per cent tax rate for the first six years. David Beckham was on this kind of deal and Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka will be on a similar system when they arrive at the Bernabeu. The article claims this will obviously give “clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona a real competitive advantage in the market.”

Transfer Speculation: Lodeiro, Mascherano, Arbeloa, Dossena, Pennant

Nicolas Lodeiro
Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro is said to have caught the eye of Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez reports Sky News. The story goes on to reveal “The 20-year-old Lodeiro is currently contracted to Primera Division Uruguaya side Nacional. Lodeiro is highly-raterd and shone when representing the Uruguay Under 20s in the South American championship played this year in Venezuela. The playmaker is currently owned by the company BBC Sport, who bought him in February among other young players of the Uruguayan U20 national side.”

Andrea Dossena

The Italian defender appears to be back tracking from his link to Juventus. Reported in the Telegraph the player said: "I learned what the boss wants from me and I hope next season is better than last season. I never said I wanted to go away from Liverpool. I'm happy in Liverpool and I want to stay." Dossena, added: "There's not a lot of difference between us and them [United]. Now Manchester United have lost Cristiano Ronaldo maybe that's better for us." His agent however has a different opinion. The Times has a quote from him stating: “that a proposed move from Liverpool to Juventus is dependent on the Italian club dropping their interest in Fabio Grosso, the Italy left back. Roberto Florio said: “That is what is slowing Dossena’s transfer from Liverpool to the Bianconeri.”

Javier Mascherano
Mascherano's agent, Walter Tamer, met Barcelona representatives in the city's Rey Juan Carlos I hotel for two hours last night claims the Guardian. The article claims “It is believed Tamer, was seeking assurances about the personal terms on offer should his client attempt to force through a deeply unpopular exit from Anfield. Liverpool have not yet received an inquiry from Barcelona for Mascherano, who has been earmarked to replace Yaya Touré as their holding midfielder by the coach, Pep Guardiola.”

Alvaro Arbeloa
The Guardian also claims the threat of a 50p tax rate for those earning £150,000 and over would encourage a talent drain out of the Premier League. Speaking on the plan Arbeloa said: "In the last few years the Premier League has been much better than the Spanish league, but now that may even out thanks to factors that could give the Premier League more problems than in previous years, like the fall of the pound and the raise in taxes. They will make a lot of players move to Spain. Mind you, Adidas told me that the Liverpool shirt is their best seller, more so even than Madrid, so that shows that the Premier League has reached every corner of the world."

Jermaine Pennant
He’s not really a Liverpool player anymore as his contract runs out this summer, but thought I’d include the story just for amusement. Jermaine Pennant has been linked with every Tom, Dick and Harry has apparently emerged as a possible target for Manchester City claims The Gaurdian. Pennant, it reports will “provide competition for the winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.”

Johnson bid 'accepted' claims media

"Liverpool had an offer of about £18.5 million for Glen Johnson accepted last night" claims the Times.

The article also says Chelsea were “unwilling to match the fee for a player they sold for £4 million two years ago. Manchester City expressed an interest, but have not matched the price, which will include add-ons.” Presumably Johnson will begin negotiating terms with the Reds before the deal can be finalised. Todays Echo says "The Reds are wary about making any official statement after their experience with Gareth Barry last month." It also claims the "fee handed over, however, will be significantly less than £17m, with money still owed for last summer's transfer of Peter Crouch." and "Liverpool would seek to make up the remainder by offloading Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid for £8m and returning Andrea Dossena to Italy."

I’m not sure Liverpool will sell their current right back Arbeloa, as the Spanish defender enjoyed his best season yet with the Reds. The team did not have a natural replacement when he was injured and had to resort to playing Jamie Carragher. My assumption was that Johnson would be competing with Arbeloa for the position, as the team fight in four competitions. Dossena on the other hand appears to be a more viable option to sell. The position has plenty of cover in Aurelio and Degen and the Dossena has expressed a desire to move to Italy with Juventus potential buyers.

Benitez makes £6million offer for Real Madrid’s Negredo

Transfer Speculation

“Rafa Benitez has made a £6million offer for Real Madrid’s Alvaro Negredo – but faces competition from Valencia,” says the Mirror.

It has been widely reported that “Valencia want Negredo, 23, to be part of any deal for striker David Villa, who is a £35m target for Real.”

The article says: “Madrid sold hitman Negredo to Almeira in 2007 but exercised a £4m option to re-buy him – even though he is likely to be sold this summer. Liverpool boss Benitez believes Negredo has huge potential,” but, the story claims Benitez “might only be able to land him by making Xabi Alonso available to Madrid.”

However, the Telegraph, which is also running the story says: “Benitez has made it abundantly clear that he intends to hold on to Alonso so it is possible Real will now turn their attentions to Alvaro Arbeloa who carries a price tag of £8 million.”

Carragher explains Arbeloa row

Jamie Carragher has explained the bust up he had with fellow defender Alvaro Arbeloa during the West Brom game. The incident occurred following a goal scoring opportunity by the Baggies and fellow Liverpool team mates had to separate the duo.

Explaining the confrontation to the official site, Carragher said “We can't win the league now but there are a number of targets we can aim for. We want to keep a clean sheet and we want Pepe to have a chance of the Golden Glove for the third season running. Pepe is one behind Van der Sar now and there's a chance Van der Sar won't play next week, so we wanted to make sure he got a clean sheet today.

"To be honest we were a bit lackadaisical in our defending all through the game and they had too many chances.

"Maybe we took it a bit too easy and let them attack us too much, but that was one of the toughest games I've played in all season. We go all over Europe playing top teams and we play against the best sides in this country, but that was one of the hardest games we've had."