Wenger: One thing's for sure, we're not selling him to United.

It is a possibility that Arsene Wenger and Arsenal could let their player of the season, Samir Nasri leave due to contract renewal issues, but the Arsenal manager has assured fans that the club would certainly not sell to Manchester United, as was rumoured.

DBS Football very recently ran an article evaluating the possibility and likelihood of Nasri leaving Arsenal for United, with the conclusion that the negotiations would surely continue between the player and the club, and Arsenal would hold on to him. However, there remained the possibility, with Sir Alex Ferguson's substantial transfer funds available, that Nasri could move on with United a trophy winning club capable of fulfilling his ambitions. 

Now though, that possibility is out of the window, with Wenger definitively stating that although there were problems in contract negotiating, there was no chance of Arsenal allowing him to join United:

"We have a financial disagreement which hasn't yet been settled. We are still in discussions but we haven't agreed a deal." 

"'One thing's for sure, we're not selling him to United."

Apparently, the deal on the table that has been offered to Nasri is a five-year deal in the region of £90,000-per-week -  but the player is stalling on the signing of it. Nasri is trying to get himself a weekly payment of £110,000 which would bring him up the the payment of Arsenal's highest earner, Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal fans would be furious if Nasri were to leave because of an expiring contract next season for free, especially if the issue was how much he should get paid. Wenger needs to get the contract sorted out whilst bringing in some new recruits. It is a problem Wenger doesn't need when attempting to improve his squad to win trophies.

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Modric to Manchester United? The Likelihood Of A Move.

Paul Scholes's inevitable departure has been announced, and as Manchester United reflect on the wonderful achievements that Paul Scholes has reached in his 17 years at the club, Sir Alex Ferguson will have to start looking seriously, if he hasn't already, for his replacement. Scholes's retirement was described as an "absolute tragedy" by Sir Bobby Charlton, and millions of United fans all over the world paid their respects to a fantastic career of the 36 year old United star, so whoever comes in will have big boots to fill.

Luka Modric has been mentioned more than a few times in connection with Manchester United, but most reports from inside the clubs or with insider knowledge seem to think that any deal is highly unlikely. The Tottenham manager recently said that he would not sell the Croation midfielder for £100 million or even a a billion pounds - a comment that should be taken with a pinch of salt as that sort of money would buy a football club.

However, Modric has a contract with the London club until 2016 so he would cost a lot of money for any club, presumably somewhere in the region of £25-35 million. Despite a possibly huge transfer fee, there remains a small possibility that Modric could make a move to Old Trafford if he is made a prime target by Sir Alex Ferguson. A Manchester United insider said a few weeks ago that the United manager has been given substantial transfer funds and "what Sir Alex wants, Sir Alex will get", so if Ferguson really is after Modric he will put up a serious fight to get him, which is promising for United fans keen for a quick replacement for the legendary Paul Scholes.

The 25 year old recently stated that although happy at Tottenham, if an offer were to come in for him there was every possibility that he could move:

"Everybody wants to know what will happen with me. I'm trying to stay calm as my national team has a really important match coming."

"So I will tell you the same as all ways - my club status is the same as it was before. But of course, if there will be an offer which will be good for Tottenham and for me also, then a transfer is of course possible."

"That doesn't mean that I'm bothered with leaving Tottenham - I'm not thinking about that every hour and every minute. I'm happy at White Hart Lane - my status is great, the fans like me and I do have everything I need."

"But then again - when you experience playing in Champions League, you want to keep playing in this tournament."

So from this we can take that although he is happy and comfortable at White Hart Lane, the lure of Champions League football and bigger success would certainly turn his head. If Manchester United were to show a real interest and place a bid on the table, and Modric were to kick up a fuss about a move, it would put Tottenham in a difficult situation despite having him tied down to a long contract.

They would not want to keep a player against his wishes and the amount of money that could be offered is substantial - at least a £9 million profit - possibly £19 million profit after buying him for £16 million from Zagreb in 2008.

There is also talk that Tottenham are already looking for a replacement for Modric, in the form of another Dinamo Zagreb Croation, Milan Badelj. Zagreb are apparently asking for £8.5 million for the 22 year-old deep-lying play-maker, and may have to move fast due to interest from several other clubs including Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow.

Tottenham may just be adding to their ranks in the hope winning back that Champions League place next season, but there is also a real possibility that this is an insurance policy just in case they are forced into letting Modric go.

Chelsea are also said to be interested in Modric, and some say that a move to Chelsea is more likely as the player does not favour a move all the way to Manchester but would rather stay in London where he is settled. It may seem obvious, but any deal comes down to a significant offer and Tottenham's willingness to sell - but an offer must be significant.

Tottenham may be purposely reluctant to sell to Manchester United, who have purchased a good few of the clubs best players in the past, including Michael Carrick and more recently, Dimitar Berbatov. However, other rumours state that the unsettled Berbatov, who was left out of United's Champions League final squad could be used as a make weight in a deal; possibly £20 million plus Berbatov.

As you can see, there are quite a few possibilities, so we shall have to wait and see what happens in the transfer market, however, I tend to side with the pessimists on this one; despite United and Chelsea's obvious interest and funds, Tottenham will put up a fight to keep him - he is the hub of the team and could prove invaluable.

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Eden Hazard to Arsenal Transfer Latest

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger have made it very clear that they are looking at Eden Hazard very closely in the hope of one day buying the 20 year old Belgian. Currently owned by the French Champions Lille though, Hazard is very much still wanted, and the clubs president has made clear his intentions to keep their young play maker.
Hazard's club president Michel Seydoux confirmed:

"Eden is not available for transfer. We have met, and the decision is that it he will not be sold for any price." 

"We have won two trophies this season and have a project we are working on." 

"Hazard is included in this plan and is an integral part of it. That is why he will not be leaving."

That is a big blow to Arsenal's "busy summer", as Wenger's interest in January was made clear as he said: 

"We are following him (Hazard). Personally I think he has real talent and the level needed to play at Arsenal."

Hazard played 37 times in Lille's Championship winning side this season, scoring seven and assisting eight.
An explosive, attacking winger who can often be a defenders nightmare with a similar style to Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Hazard is described as having "immense talent".

At 20 years-old, his potential is huge, and is the kind of player Wenger is constantly looking for. However, thanks to both the players huge quality and Lille's desire to keep him, he would cost a hefty fee, with at least £16 - 20 million being quoted.

Arsenal's rivals Tottenham are also said to be interested, but the player has said on several occasions that if he does leave Lille, which I believe can only be a matter of time, he will go to only Arsenal or Real Madrid. He has also very recently said that he wants to play for a big club in the future, in a major championship and has also expressed an interest in Arsenal's system of helping younger player make a name for themselves in the first team very quickly.

Lille may not want to let him go, but with Hazard's quality and aspirations both very high, as well as interesting several top teams, it seems the French club will have to let him go in the near future.

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Paul Scholes: A Special Player & A Footballing Legend

A footballing legend has retired today. A legend who has been praised by some of the best because he is one of the best. Nothing and no one can take away from the fact that Paul Scholes, the now former Manchester United midfielder has been a sensation at Old Trafford, and anyone who has had the privilege to play alongside him, play against him or even see him in action should count themselves very, very lucky because this man is one of the greats.

Described as the "complete footballer" by Zinedine Zidane, a "role model" by Xavi, and "the best" by Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Edgar Davids, Laurent Blanc, Pep Guardiola and Nani, you really do get the feeling straight away that he is a special player. He may not have developed the ability to tackle over his 17 years as a Manchester United professional, but with his stunning passing quality and precision, super natural vision and devastating shot accuracy and power, you can forgive him.

When you look at his career highlights, of which there are many in abundance, you get the feeling that you are witnessing something like magic. He can pick a man out from anywhere on the football pitch, he can spot a through ball that any one else who think of as impossible, and he can keep the ball like it is his life objective to not let it go. Sometimes words are not enough for a player like this.

It is sad to see such a fantastic footballer retire when many believe that he could go on so easily for a few more years and show up countless of players so much younger and quicker than him, but it was very fitting in my opinion that his last game in a Manchester United shirt came against Barcelona.

It was of course hugely disappointing that his career could not end on a perfect high note of lifting his third Champions League trophy, but when you look at the players in the Barcelona team and notice how much they admire the man, you can see why going out to Barcelona was so appropriate.

When the Spanish midfield maestro Andres Iniesta goes out of his way to ask for your shirt because he is afraid that your last game has been played, you know your different - superior to the rest. Iniesta averages 2075 passes per season when the average a player is only 658, and with a success rate in those 2075 passes of 93.7% last season, it is easy to see why Scholes is held in such high regard.

In just 19 games for Manchester United this season, 13 being starts, Scholes managed an amazing 1348 passes with a success rate of 90.4% - at the age of 36! It really is unbelievable, and playing his last game against the pair of midfielder's in Xavi and Iniesta who have seen Scholes as their role model really is a fantastic tribute to him.

17 seasons at Manchester United, 675 appearances, 150 goals, 24 trophies, and a huge impact on the world of football, this shy, humble 36 year old man has made a big name for himself all over the world, letting his football do all of the eloquent and articulate talking. Thank you Paul Scholes.

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The Legend of Paul Scholes

It may sometimes be hard to believe that in Paul Scholes's 17 seasons in the Manchester United first team, he has amassed an amazing 10 Premier League titles, 2 Champions League trophies and won 3 FA Cups among many other awards. 675 appearances and 150 goals for one of the biggest and best clubs in the world is not bad going at all, and along with his stunning passing, sensational vision and intelligence on the field he has received countless plaudits. From team mates to footballing legends, Scholes really has attracted huge appreciation. Not that Scholes listens to it, in 2010 he said:

"I try to ignore the plaudits. It is nice for people to say positive things but I just put it to one side and concentrate on the next game."

What a player he is. The mini clip above shows just a fraction of the maestros considerable talents and with his career unfortunately drawing to a close with talk of retirement constant, I looked back on the players, managers and footballing legends who have heaped praised on this man's shoulders.

Ryan Giggs

"I have played with some great players during my time at United but I would have to put Paul Scholes down as the best.”

Sir Bobby Charlton

"Paul is always so in control and pin-point accurate with his passing—a beautiful player to watch."

Zinedine Zidane

“There is no doubt for me that Paul Scholes is still in a class of his own." 

“He’s almost untouchable in what he does. I never tire of watching him play. You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get." 

“One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”

Michael Carrick

"Paul Scholes is just fantastic."

"When you play alongside him, you realise what a special talent he is. He is so intelligent and clever, he makes the game look really simple and showed it against Celtic by creating two goals."

"Believe me, it is a pretty hard skill to be able to slot people through gaps when everything is going on around you. Paul can do that and I felt he was the big difference between the teams." 

Thierry Henry

“For me the best player, and every time we used to play against Manchester United, we always used to be scared of Paul Scholes. For me, he was the best I have seen in the Premiership in the middle of the park."

“His vision, the way he sees the game, his goals ratio...a bit more now obviously, because we all, you know have to stop one day...but his goal ratio, his vision, he could put his foot in, whatever you wanted."

“I’m also a big fan of Steven Gerrard but for me, Paul Scholes was amazing.”

Xavi

"In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything."

"He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more."

"A role model. For me, and I really mean this, he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. He's spectacular, he has it all, the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision. If he'd been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him." 

Edgar Davids

“I’m not the best, Paul Scholes is. We can all learn from Paul Scholes.”

Marcello Lippi

“Paul Scholes would have been one of my first choices for putting together a great team — that is how highly I have always rated him." 

“An all-round midfielder with quality and character in abundance.”

Laurent Blanc

"I tell anyone who asks me — Scholes is the best English player.”

Peter Schmeichel

“His reading of the game is unsurpassed. He has the best eye for a pass, for what the play or the game needs at that precise moment, that I have never seen anyone else have."

“He controls and distributes the play and the game better than anyone I have ever seen.”

Sir Alex Ferguson

"He's one of the great players to come through the ranks here."

Pep Guardiola

"Out of everyone at Manchester United, I would pick out Scholes – he is the best midfielder of his generation."

"I would have loved to have played alongside him."

Nani

"He’s the best midfielder I’ve ever seen. He can pass, score goals with his left, right, his head – he can do anything."

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"EL BARÇA SE METE EN LA HISTORIA"

"EL BARÇA DE LOS DETALLES"

La cultura de los campeones se adorna de muchos detalles que explican su admirable magnificencia. El triunfo es sólo la consecuencia última. En Wembley, el Barça exteriorizó esos valores que le han proporcionado un éxito eterno. El todos para uno y el uno para todos. La capitanía de Abidal fue el ejemplo más elogiado. Hubo otros también visibles. Y más que se desgranarán con el tiempo

Abidal, capitán

Puyol y Xavi idearon el gesto más emotivo que se recuerda en una final. Le entregaron el brazalete de capitán a Abidal para que fuera el primero en alzar la copa. Fue el homenaje de la plantilla por los duros momentos que pasó cuando le detectaron un tumor en el hígado. Si alguien se preguntaba el significado de la frase "Los valores del Barça", ya tiene la respuesta.

Va por Miki

El segundo noble gesto de Puyol fue lucir en la zona mixta una camiseta de apoyo a su amigo Miki Roqué, el jugador del Betis recientemente intervenido de un tumor en el sacro, y en la que podía leer "Ánimo Miki".

La rabia de Messi en el gol

Nunca antes de Wembley, ni en la final del Mundial de clubs de 2009 cuando marcó con el escudo, Messi había festejado un gol con tanta rabia. Enloqueció, corrió hasta la esquina chutando un micrófono de ambiente y dando un puntapié a la publicidad estática. Quizá pensaba en alguien.

Un MVP para el MVP

Goles de los tres, de Messi, Villa y Pedro (98 goles esta temporada) pero por ejecución y estética, 'El Guaje' marcó uno de los goles más vistosos que se recuerdan en una final. Frenando en seco el balón con la planta de pie y sin tomar carrerilla, lo incrustó con efecto por la escuadra. Van der Sar no lo olvidará.

El abrazo de Pep

Pep se abrazó con todos, uno a uno, con alegría, eufórico. Sólo una excepción: Abidal. Fueron unos pocos segundos, tiempo para que sus ojos se humedecieran y brillaran. No hacía falta decir nada más.

La asistencia de Valdés

Víctor Valdés también preparó su particular reconocimiento a Zubi vistiendo en la final una camiseta de color verde. Luego, se la firmó con una dedicatoria especial y se la entregó. De gran portero a gran portero.

El balón de Busquets

Lo primero que hizo Busquets cuando oyó el pitido final fue quedarse con el balón. Ya que lo tenía en el pie... Lo escondió en la barriga, debajo de la camiseta. Después se lo dio a su padre, Carles, que hizo lo mismo. Quizá fue siguiendo el ritual iniciado en 1992 con el Drem Team.

La Sardana mecánica

Empieza a ser una tradición. Es lo que tiene ganar 10 de 13 títulos. La plantilla y todos los componentes del cuerpo técnico formaron un redondel en el centro del campo juntando las manos. Una circular satisfacción.

En el cielo de Wembley

También es característico ver volar a Pep sobre el cielo de los estadios. Un manteo a múltiples manos que propician fotografías espectaculares. La diferencia es que, cada vez, bate un nuevo récord de altura. Cuidado.

Pasillo al ManU

No es normal ver que al campeón rendir tributo al perdedor con un pasillo. Pero el Barça ha aprendido a ganar pero también está preparado para saber perder. La indiferencia de los vencedores duele más que un gol. Ver a Sir Alex Ferguson, a Rooney, a Chicharito atravesando agradecidos el cordón humano enorgullece aún más a los barcelonistas.

El souvenir de Piqué

Como en 2009 en Roma, se llevó la red de una de las porterías. No un trozo, no, toda. Con paciencia infinita, la recortará y la regalará a la plantilla, a los amigos y a Shakira. Moc, moc.

Homenaje a la samba

Con la marcha de Ronaldinho, la samba no se ha apagado. Adriano, Thiago y Alves se marcaron un baile sobre el césped que ya ha dado la vuelta al mundo. Y, encima, imitando al inolvidable 'Ronnie'.

Villa y su amigo Reina

'El Guaje' se lo dedicó a toda su familia pero también tuvo un recuerdo para los hijos de su amigo Reina, quien fue a saludarle a pie del autocar. Quien tiene amigo, lo tiene todo.

VIDEO: Sir Alex and The "Stupid Question"

Sir Alex Ferguson is routinely thrust in front of the worlds media after games to answer questions from the journalists, and so over the 25 years he has been at Manchester United, you can imagine a good few questions have been asked of him. None though, were more "stupid" in his opinion than the one shown in the video below. 

A reporter asked who Sir Alex would sign from the Barcelona side which beat his on Saturday if he was given a blank cheque from the United owners in the summer. Basically, who would Sir Alex have from the Barcelona side if he could have only one. With the choice from the likes of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and so on, the players regarded as the best in the world, Sir Alex ironically said "Mascherano", drawing laughs from his audience. 

The Manchester Untied manager was understandably frustrated after seeing his team beaten convincingly in the biggest game of his and United's season, so a question like that only tests his patience more. Whether planned or not, humour takes your mind off tough situations and is a tonic for mind and body. It is a tonic needed after that loss. 

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"MESSI SIGUE ROMPIENDO CIFRAS"

El juego de Lionel Messi no tiene límite. Una vez más, el argentino brilló con una actuación estelar especialmente marcada por el 2-1 que abría el camino de la victoria. Un gol que le permite cerrar la temporada con 53 dianas, su máximo histórico.

Primer gol en tierras inglesas

Messi rompió este sábado por la noche la estadística según la cual aún no había sido capaz de marcar en un campo inglés. Había jugado en tierras inglesas ocho partidos vistiendo la camiseta del FC Barcelona y otro con la selección argentina, pero hasta el partido de Wembley de este ya inolvidable 28 de mayo nunca había visto portería. Estadística rota.

Con sólo 23 años, Messi, este sábado por la noche, volvía a mostrar el gran jugador que es sobre el terreno de juego del estadio de Wembley, tal como afirmó Josep Guardiola en la rueda de prensa posterior al partido, en la que dijo que es un jugador "único e irrepetible". Una actuación, la de este 28 de mayo, que llevó a la UEFA en escogerlo como MVP del partido. Con la conseguida en Londres, el '10’ barcelonista ya suma tres Ligas de Campeones en su palmarés y sigue acumulando unas cifras espectaculares que son la mejor muestra de su ambición futbolística. 

Pichichi por tercer año consecutivo 
Casualidad del destino. El gol queMessi conseguido ante el Manchester United en el minuto 54 del partido era su gol número 100 desde la final de la Liga de Campeones celebrada en Roma en 2009, donde curiosamente también batió a Van der Sar. Un gol, éste, que es elduodécimo que marca esta temporada en la Champions, y que lo convierte en el máximo artillero de la máxima competición europea por tercer año consecutivo. Ya lo había sido la temporada 2008/09, con nueve goles, y la2009/10, con ocho. Un hecho, éste, que sólo lo habían conseguido con anterioridad Müller y Papin. 

Iguala la cifra de Van Nistelrooy 
Pero sus récords no se acaban aquí. Con estos 12 goles que ha marcado este curso 2010/11 en la Champions, el internacional argentino del FC Barcelona ha conseguido también igualar la cifra histórica del torneo, que hasta esta edición pertenecía a Ruud van Nistelrooy, desde la temporada 2002/03. 

Segundo azulgrana que marca en dos finales de Champions 
Por otra parte, cabe destacar que el gol desde fuera del área que marcó ante el equipo dirigido por Alex Ferguson le permite convertirse en el segundo jugador de la historia del FC Barcelona que ve portería en dos finales de la Champions -Roma 2009 y Wembley 2011-. Con anterioridad lo había hecho Samuel Eto'o -en la final de París de 2006, y en la de Roma de 2009-. En esta misma línea, el delantero barcelonista es el cuarto jugador no europeo que marca en dos finales. Comparten este honor Di Stefano, Rial y el propio Eto'o.