Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala have completed the signing of Real Madrid defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra for an undisclosed transfer fee, Sky Sports understands.
Diarra, 27, was expected to join Anzhi on loan, but that speculation did not come to fruition. Instead, Anzhi and Real Madrid agreed a permanent switch, which resulted in Diarra inking a four-year deal with Dikaya Divisiya.
The France international — formerly of Arsenal and Chelsea — made 25 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish champions last term. Prior to finalising his Anzhi switch, Diarra started two league matches for Real Madrid in 2012-13.
In addition, the Russian club also announced the signing of FC Amkar Perm forward Nikita Burmistrov on Tuesday.
Burmistrov, 23, has bagged seven goals in 31 league appearances for Amkar over the past two seasons.
“The signings of these footballers totally correspond to the strategy of our club achieving top aims,” Anzhi chief executive Ayvaz Kaziakhmedo told the club’s official website.
“We are confident that, together with Lassana and Nikita, the club will fight for the most prestigious titles.”
Owen joins Stoke
Former England standout striker Michael Owen has signed a one-year deal, subject to Premier League Board approval, with Stoke City, Sky Sports reports.
Owen has spent the past three seasons on Manchester United’s books. As expected, but unfortunately so, the striker’s stint at Old Trafford was both injury and bench-ridden.
The former Real Madrid player endured a series of Twitter rants from Piers Morgan, who repeatedly dubbed him a ‘benchwarmer’.
Owen netted 17 goals in 52 competitive appearances for the Red Devils. The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner won his first English Premier League title with Manchester United in 2010-11.
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood: ‘At a certain level, we can’t compete’
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has revealed that he does not believe Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke can complete with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in the transfer market.
“At a certain level, we can’t compete,” Hill-Wood told the Evening Standard.
“I don’t think [majority shareholder] Stan Kroenke is going to put the sort of dollars in that [Roman] Abramovich or Sheikh Mansour are putting into Chelsea or Manchester City. That’s not the way he thinks clubs should be run.”
The Gunners’ chairman also added that the board is not worried about the club’s seven-year trophy drought, much to the dismay of Arsenal fans.
Arsenal will take to the pitch on Saturday, 15 September, when they are scheduled to take on Premier League new boys Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.
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