Belgian Youngster close to Chelsea move

Genk midfielder Kevin de Bruyne expects he can secure a move to Chelsea by the end of the transfer window after claiming negotiations have begun over a possible transfer.

De Bruyne caught the eye of a number of Europe's top clubs last year by putting in a series of fantastic performances to help Genk lift the Belgian title.

The 20-year-old is looking for a move from his homeland and would be happy to move to Chelsea although he does confess he would also be open to the idea of returning to Genk on loan for a season as part of the deal.

"My manager went to Chelsea on Wednesday and discussions have been good," said De Bruyne

"Maybe by the end of the month a deal can be sorted out, because that would be a good thing for all three parties - and if there is an agreement with Chelsea, I would certainly spend another year at Genk."

De Bruyne's Belgium team-mate Romelu Lukaku is expected to put the finishing touches to his move to the London club this week.

The teen-age striker has already undergone a medical at Chelsea's training ground and the two clubs have agreed a fee, thought to be in the region of £18million.

Chelsea have already signed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from  Genk player this summer - but he was immediately loaned out to Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

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RVP installed as new Gunners captain

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed Robin van Persie as the club's new captain following the departure of Cesc Fabregas' to Barcelona.

Van Persie takes over the armband from Fabregas, who completed his prolonged move back to hometown Barcelona on Monday.

Belgian Thomas Vermaelen has been promoted to vice-captain.

In his programme notes ahead of the Champions League qualifying play-off first leg against Udinese, Wegner said: "Robin van Persie will be captain this season. He is a leader through the way he plays, through his attitude and through his desire to win.

"He's been at the club a long time and he's a technical leader as well. Thomas Vermaelen will assist him, it's the decision I have made and I'm confident the group will respond to it."

Van Persie will take the armband for this weekend's match with Liverpool as he was suspended for the Champions League clash with Udinese and he is ready to take up the responsibility that goes with being captain of the team.

"As captain you are an ambassador for the club and I'm ready for that," Van Persie told the official matchday programme.

"I've been in the game now for more than 10 years, so I know how this world works.

"When I was 18 I didn't have a clue! Every day I was always surprised by something, when I went to training or when I had a game, every day was just one big surprise for me.

"How people reacted after the game - the fans, players, media - it was all a surprise to me, I was just thinking about playing football.

"But now I know how things work and I understand that certain actions have consequences. I know that quite well, I feel experienced, so I feel ready for this.

"I know that every single player represents their club anyway, everywhere you are, 24/7. I've been dealing with it for a few years now, so I know what my part is."

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Nasri: City deal is nearly done

Arsenal play-maker Samir Nasri has revealed that his move to big spenders Manchester City is 'nearly done' and he will leave with 'bitterness and anger'.

The French international has been seriously tipped to follow former skipper Cesc Fabregas out of the Emirates, with Eastlands the most likely destination.

Nasri's relationship with the club has got worse recently after he slammed the fans for being rude in their chants against him during their Premier League opener against Newcastle at St James Park.

And according to The Daily Mail, the 24-year-old is on the verge of joining City after revealing the a deal is at hand on his Twitter account.

He went on to express anger and annoyance over the whole situation at the Emirates but claimed he is proud to be an Arsenal player.

"It's nearly done," said the midfielder said

"I will leave with bitterness and anger in my heart. I am proud for having played with the Gunners. 

"I have been very disappointed by the supporters last weekend. I am still an Arsenal player but I will leave very soon.'

Nasri was left out of the squad that beat Italian side Udinese 1-0 in their first-leg of the Champions League play-off as he would be cup-tied for the competition if he played.

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Sneijder prepared for paycut

In an attempt to push through a move from Inter to English Champions Manchester United, Wesley Sneijder is preparing to cut his pay demands.

According to reports in the Sun, the 27-year-old is concerned that his pay demands of £200,000 a week have frightened off the Red Devils, and is now ready to lower that by £60,000 a week.

However, that may still be too rich for the Red devils, as it would make him the second highest paid player in their squad, behind striker Wayne Rooney on £250,000 a week.

Both clubs had formerly agreed on a £35 million deal to bring the Dutch play-maker to Old Trafford, but that was dashed when the Premier League title-holders were turned off by the midfield maestro's salary demands.

He expected United to return to the negotiating table, but was amazed at their lack of interest thereafter.

Manchester United have already splashed out around £50million on new signings like winger Ashley Young, defender Phil Jones and stopper David de Gea - and this latest turn around could encourage Sir Alex Ferguson to spend even more towards the end of the summer transfer window.

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Atletico Madrid in Falcao hunt

 

Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil has confirmed the club are attempting to sign FC Porto striker Radamel Falcao.

Atletico Madrid are looking to replace Argentine Sergio Aguero following his big-money departure to English side Manchester City and Falcao, who welcomed talk of a move to the 
Spanish capital earlier this week, is in fact top of their wish list.

Should Madrid secure Falcao's signature, it could set off a series of transfers around Europe, with Gil confessing the Colombian's arrival could cause Diego Forlan's departure.

Forlan has confirmed he has received offers from Inter Milan - who are reportedly preparing for the departure of Samuel Eto'o - Gil told www.FCInter1908.it: "At the moment we are not interested in selling Forlan, since we have already lost Aguero, but we are currently trying to buy Falcao from Porto.

"If we were to close that deal, we would listen to offers for Forlan."

Forlan has long been linked with a move away from the Vicente Calderon and revealed it would be his dream to move to Italian giants Inter - who could sell Cameroon international Eto'o following a reported offer from Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala.

"I received an offer from Inter. It would be my dream to go and play in Milan," Forlan said.

"I was also contacted by Galatasaray, which is a great team.

"There is a big difference financially between Turkish football and the rest of Europe.

"Turkey is a beautiful country, and there are beautiful cities like Istanbul. It would be nice to play there one day."

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