Sergio Agüero: I Want to Leave Atlético de Madrid

Image via Wikipedia

In case there was any doubt, striker Sergio “Kun” Agüero told reporters on Wednesday he wants to leave Atlético de Madrid.

Agüero is in Argentina for the Copa America with the host country. He scored twice in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica to advance to the next round.

The striker told reporters that his agent was handling negotiations and that he was uncertain where his future lay, but one thing was clear: Agüero does not want to stay at the Vincente Calderon stadium in Madrid.

Agüero also alluded that a clásico match between Real Madrid (one of the clubs interested in signing the striker) and Argentina teammate Lionel Messi’s Barcelona would be interesting.

Barcelona Pending Arrival of Alexis Sanchez

Image via Wikipedia

Will he, won’t he? FC Barcelona and Udinese have reportedly struck a deal for Alexis Sanchez.

Barça has had Sanchez in their sites for the past few months, and manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly urged club president Sandro Rosell to pay the Italian team whatever it wants for the Chilean midfielder.

Footballpress.net reports Barcelona will make an official announcement today.

If the Sanchez deal is true, Barcelona will have accomplished half of its acquisition goals for the season. Nou Camp is still pending an agreement wtih Arsenal for Cesc Fabregas.

Update

The Telegraph reports Barcelona and Sachez will complete a 26 million euro (approx. $51 million) deal this week.

Update 2

Barcelona newspaper El Mundo Deportivo reports that Udinese backed away from negotiations Wednesday after Chelsea increased its bid for Alexis Sanchez.

Real Madrid Extends Contracts for Sergio Ramos and Pepe

Image via Wikipedia

Real Madrid on Tuesday secured the futures of half of it’s back four: Sergio Ramos and Pepe.

Ramos, 25, signed a contract that will keep him in Madrid until the 2016-17 season. The defensive back joined Madrid from Sevilla in 2005. With Ramos, Madrid has won two Ligas, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Ramos is also a regularly featured player on the Spanish national squad and won the 2008 EuroCup and the 2010 World Cup.

Pepe, 28, signed a deal that will last until the 2015/16 season. The central defender joined Madrid in 2007 from Porto.

Arsenal, Stoke, Fulham Sign New Deals; Valencia to Keep Juan Mata

Arsenal, Stoke and Fulham inked deals with new players.

The Gunners announced on Monday that they will sign Lille striker Gervinho.

Stoke picked up free agent Jonathan Woodgate with a one-year contract. Woodgate’s contract with Tottenham expired at the end of the 2011 season.

Fulham signed Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Sogmoyi after having done a one-week trial at Craven Cottage.

Liga club Valencia, meanwhile, announced it has no intention to sell Juan Mata. Demand for the winger’s services, especially by Arsenal, increased after Spain won the Under-21 Euro Cup in Denmark last month.

Top 5 Transfer Prospects for 2011

With most European leagues preparing to start the 2011-12 season, there are a few names that have consistently captured headlines with mind-boggling price tags. Who says there’s an economic crisis?

5. Wesley Sneijder 
Current club: Inter Milan

It wasn’t only until very recently that Wesley Sneijder’s name appeared on the wishlist for several clubs. The Dutch striker is one of the most-prized possessions in Europe with a striking combination of velocity and accuracy. Malaga, in the process of reforming itself with help from it’s new Arab owner, has already brought in some top-tier veterans and would love to get their hands on Sneijder. Manchester United is also rumored to be interested in the striker, which could be interesting for Sneijder. He’s already won the Liga with Real Madrid and the Calcio with Inter Milan. The Premier is the only thing missing on his CV.

4. Carlos Tevez
Current club: Manchester City

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is willing to shell out $128 million for the Argentinian striker and Luka Modric. Real Madrid, meanwhile, is rumored to offer both Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain plus $40 million for Tevez. Of the two, the Abramovich offer seems most realistic. The Russian billionaire is determined to win a Champions and a Tevez-Modric acquisition could be key.

3. Sergio Agüero
Current club: Atletico de Madrid

It’s a love-hate relationship for Sergio “Kun” Agüero and Atletico. Maradona’s son-in-law is a fan favorite, but the Argentinian striker doesn’t feel the love from the club’s offices. After a hostile takeover in Atletico’s offices and the club finances in trouble, Agüero wants out. He’s got plenty of places to go. Intra-city rival Real Madrid would love to have his services and would willingly sacrifice Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain to make room for the forward. Manchester City certainly has the money to make an enticing offer.

2. Cesc Fabregas
Current club: Arsenal

It’s no secret Barcelona wants Cesc. While celebrating the World Cup win in Madrid Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol dressed Fabregas in a Barcelona shirt. This could be the year Arsenal’s captain dresses in <i>azulgrana</i>. Arsene Wenger isn’t making Cesc’s exit easy. Arsenal is demanding $50 million for their captain. With the preseason fast approaching, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has urged the club to pay up.

1. Neymar
Current club: Santos

The crown jewel of Brazilian soccer. Every major club in Europe wants this young, charismatic striker: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are the top contenders in Europe. Santos won’t let him go. The Brazilian club demands $64 million to release Neymar. After winning the Libertadores Cup in June, Neymar said he wants to stay with Santos until the World Cup of Clubs in December. Clubs still interested in him may wait until the winter trade season and make a pact with Santos for a smaller price tag.