Aimar talks up River return; Arsenal miss out on Icelandic starlet

Aimar talks up River return

Argentine midfielder Pablo Aimar has confirmed a return to boyhood club River Plate is a realistic possibility.

The highly rated footballer is enjoying some time off after his contract with Benfica expired in June and he has yet to make a decision on his future.

Aimar has been the subject of interest from Malaysia, but Argentine giants River Plate remain the favourites to sign the 33-year-old, who is currently in his home town of Rio Cuarto.

“I feel very good here, I’m in my city. I have some time to decide and I am enjoying these days,” Aimar said to Cordoba based newspaper La Voz del Interior.

“Is there a chance to return to River? Of course. I grew up at the stadium with that jersey.”

Pablo Aimar started his professional career at River Plate and is regarded as one of the best players to have ever represented the Argentine giants.

He left the club in January 2001 to sign for Valencia, where he went on to make more than 200 La Liga appearances, scoring 34 goals in the process.

Aimar has spent last five years at Benfica, but the club chiefs opted against extending his contract this summer after he had lost a place in the starting line-up.

Arsenal miss out on Icelandic starlet

Heerenveen have announced on their official website that they have signed Icelandic midfielder Albert Gudmundsson from KR Rejkjavik.

The 16-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Eredivisie side and will join the club’s youth squad.

Gudmundsson is a grandson of Iceland legend Albert Gudmundsson, who played his football for AC Milan and Arsenal, among other clubs.

Heerenveen technical director Johan Hansma has revealed the talented footballer was also wanted by Arsenal and Hoffenheim.

“Albert comes from a true footballing family,” said Hansma to club’s official website.

“He is one of the best Icelandic talents of his age. Arsenal and Hoffenheim were also in the race for him but he’s coming to Heerenveen”.

The Frisians have become famous for developing young and talented players, and there are no doubts Gudmundsson has chosen the perfect club to continue his development.

Monaco priced out of Patricio deal

Portuguese newspaper A Bola understands that Monaco have decided to call off their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

The Principality Club had made the Portugal international their number one target as they aimed to sign a new number one and in turn submitted a €10 million proposal for his services.

Meanwhile, Sporting were hoping to get €10 million up front plus another €2 million by the end of the year, but Monaco were not prepared to raise their proposal and have now effectively ended their interest.

The Lions have since changed their minds and now want around €15 million for the highly rated shot-stopper, but it looks as though none of the interested sides are ready to meet their valuation.

Both Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have been showing interest in the 25-year-old, but they have failed to make concrete moves.

Rui Patricio is regarded as one of the most talented keepers in world football and he has made 165 league appearances for Sporting while earning 26 Portugal caps.

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