Del Neri gives backing to controversial transfer; Southampton wonderkid edges closer to Arsenal deal

Del Neri gives backing to controversial transfer

Luigi Del Neri has confirmed Juventus’ link to Udinese striker Antonio Floro Flores, while backing the player to prove his credentials at Olimpico.

The Udinese forward is close to agreeing a loan move to Juventus that is causing a lot of mixed feelings among the Bianconeri fans.

Asked to comment the news, Del Neri replied:

“They also gave me up for being unsuited (to coach Juventus).

“They said that I wasn’t worthy of Juve before I arrived here.

“If Floro Flores does come, I hope he shows the opposite (to what everyone is saying).”

It is hardly surprising that Juventus fans are against this transfer seeing Floro Flores has yet to reach double figures in the goals column even though this is his fourth season as a first team regular at Udine.

[Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport]

Southampton wonderkid edges closer to Arsenal deal

Southampton whiz kid Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks likely to join Arsenal after his manager Nigel Adkins said the youngster will be sold to the club that will aid his development.

The Premiership giants are all keen on the 17-year-old midfielder, but Nigel Adkins hints that Arsenal are winning the race for his signature.

“We would only let him go to a club that would nurture him and treat him properly. There is going to be no auction for Alex. We love him and want to make him a better player.

“If, down the line, there is a bid we will do the right thing for Alex and not just sell him to the highest bidder.

“There has been a lot of speculation about him but Alex is our player and is playing with a smile on his face.”

The Gunners have good relationship with Southampton chiefs ever since they agreed to buy Theo Walcott from the Saints and everything suggests Arsene Wenger will soon be able to welcome the hottest prospect in England.

[Source: Daily Mirror]

Atletico already searching for Forlan replacement

Atletico Madrid have started the search for a new striker after realizing that Diego Forlan is likely to leave the club next summer.

The Uruguayan will be allowed to leave at the end of the season, meaning los Colchoneros have until then to find him a replacement.

According to AS, Atletico have made Espanyol striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo their number one target, and sporting director Juan Garcia Pitarch already compiled reports on the La Liga star.

The Espanyol striker would reportedly cost around €10 million, which shouldn’t be a problem for los Colchoneros as they plan to raise €15 million with the sale of Forlan.

Another player in the mix is Hercules forward Nelson Valdez, who’s been in excellent form since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

The Paraguayan reportedly has a €5 million release clause inserted in his contract, which only adds to his appeal.

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