Neymar: I will not leave Santos for free

Neymar has insisted that he will not leave Santos for free once his contract expires in 2014.

The Brazil striker has long been linked with a move away from his current club, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all credited with an interest in the player.

The 20-year-old has always insisted that he will only move on when the time is right, and has now hinted at signing an extension to his current deal to ensure his side do not end up empty-handed.

"With everything the club have done for me and my family, leaving for free is not an option," he told reporters.

"But it's something very distant and we still have to talk. First I'll try to win some trophies and then I'll think about it. I don't know if I'll be leaving for free.

"It depends on the club and if they want to let me go for nothing."

Meanwhile, his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, has also insisted that Santos will be rewarded when their prize asset eventually makes the move to Europe.

"Neymar's family are very grateful to Santos, the club that built him as a player and projected him to world fame.

"Certainly at the end of his contract they will study the best way for him to continue in Brazil or go to Europe with Santos benefiting from it somehow.

Via: Neymar: I will not leave Santos for free

Arsenal boss Wenger delighted by Monreal signing

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed delight after the club completed the signing of left-back Nacho Monreal from Malaga on deadline day.

The 26-year-old agreed a long-term contract with the Gunners on Thursday evening to become their sole addition of the January transfer window.

And Wenger has revealed that the north London club had been watching the Spaniard over a prolonged period.

We are delighted that Nacho Monreal has agreed to join us, Wenger told the clubs official website.

We have been monitoring him for some time now and are really pleased that weve been able to agree this move today.

Monreal is a strong left-sided defender with good experience at both club and international level. He is a technically gifted player, a good crosser in the final third and strong in the air.

Monreal will add quality to our squad and of course, to our defensive unit. We all look forward to him playing for us.

The former Osasuna defender is in line to make his Gunners debut on Saturday when Arsenal entertain Stoke at the Emirates Stadium.
Via: Arsenal boss Wenger delighted by Monreal signing

Jordi Alba sees long-term future at Barcelona

Jordi Alba has made it clear that he is very happy with life at Barcelona and has no intention in leaving the Camp Nou side again any time soon.

The Spain international joined Barca from Valencia at the start of the 2012-13 campaign after previously being part of the club's youth academy, and he has no regrets about his return to the Blaugrana.

"It was a dream to come back and Im playing at a good level. It feels like Ive been here for years. I hope to stay a very long time," Alba was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"Im at the best club in the world and I play for the team that plays the best football. Im very content, I cant ask for more."

The 23-year-old has made 18 Liga appearances so far this term, scoring two goals in the process.
Via: Jordi Alba sees long-term future at Barcelona

Official: Ajax confirm Cuenca loan

Ajax have confirmed that they have signed Barcelona youngster Isaac Cuenca on loan for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Catalans this season after picking up a long-term knee injury.

AndCuenca, who has won Spain caps at Under-21 and U23 level, will now spend the rest of the season at the Amsterdam ArenA as he looks to build up his fitness once more.

"Ajax have reached an agreement with Isaac Cuenca,"a statement on their official website confirmed. "The loan commences immediately and will run for five months, until June 30, 2012."

Ajax boss Frank de Boer added that he was delighted with Cuenca's arrival, saying: "I'm very happy with him. He's a more than welcome addition to our team.

"We're still competitive in three [competitions] and a player of the caliber of Cuenca is always useful. He is a very smart player and fast, he can play on the left and right wing, and besides that he's a very good football player."

Cuenca, who has made 16 Liga appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring two goals in the process, added: "After I started to train with the group, I had a little relapse. But now I feel good, ready to play.

"I'm going to have minutes [to play] and test myself after so many months of being injured."






Via: Official: Ajax confirm Cuenca loan

Sao Paulo's Casemiro joins Real Madrid Castilla

Carlos Henrique Casemiro has joined Real Madrid Castilla on loan from Sao Paulo for the rest of the season.

The Brazilian midfielder has agreed the short-term spell with a view to a later permanent deal also possible.

The 20-year-old will be joining up with the Blancos 'B' team for the rest of the current campaign.

Casemiro came through the Sao Paolo academy, and has featured for the national side's Under-17 and U20's sides.

Meanwhile, Castilla midfielder Antonio Martinez has joined CD Mirandes on a six month loan, as he did last season.
Via: Sao Paulo's Casemiro joins Real Madrid Castilla

Arsenal seal 9.3m Monreal deal

By Wayne Veysey Chief Correspondent

Arsenal have sealed a 9.3 million (8m) deal forMalaga left-backNacho Monreal, but have admitted defeat in their pursuit of David Villa.

Goal.com understands that Monreal passed a medical at the clubs London Colney training base on Thursday night after jetting into the capital and has agreed to sign a 70,000-a-week (60,000) four-and-a-half year contract.

The formalities of the deal are set to be completed in time to meet the Premier Leagues official 23:00GMT deadline.

The Londoners had centred their deadline-day sights firmly on Spain as Arsene Wenger made a late bid to shore up his leaky defence and add greater firepower to his attack.

However, the Gunners failed in their last-ditch pursuits for two other Spain-based players Barcelona striker David Villa and Athletic Bilbao centre-back Fernando Amorebieta.

As revealed by Goal.com on Thursday, Arsenal tabled a formal bid of between 10million and 11m for Villa but Barcelona held firm despite Spains record goalscorer wanting to make the switch to Emirates Stadium.

Via: Arsenal seal 9.3m Monreal deal

Gago confirms Velez loan deal

Fernando Gago has confirmed that he is set to move to Velez Sarsfield on loan from Valencia until the end of the season.

The Argentine moved to Mestalla from Real Madrid at the start of the season, but has been rumoured to be unhappy since the dismissal of Mauricio Pellegrino as coach of the club.

He had been linked with a move to Boca Juniors, but Velez have won the race for his signature despite interest from Brazil.

"It took me by surprise," he told Rock & Pop. "My plan was to stay at Valencia. I'm in Argentina for six months, then I will return to Valencia.

"I was not hoping to leave Valencia. [Ernesto] Valverde told me that he would not consider me. I need to play to have the opportunity to be in the team.

"Valencia told me they never got an offer from Boca for me. I got nothing official from them. Since I went to Real Madrid, Boca have said every year that they love. You have to wonder if it's true.

"Boca is my home. I grew up there from when I was little. I spoke to [Argentina coach Alejandro] Sabella before signing for Velez. Personally, and sportingly, Velez was the best option."

The 26-year-old first moved from Argentina to Spain in 2007 and has also enjoyed a loan spell at Roma.
Via: Gago confirms Velez loan deal