Inter midfielder set for shock move to Arsenal; Schalke chief hints at new deal for Raul

Inter midfielder set for shock move to Arsenal

Inter midfielder Ricky Alvarez could be farmed out on loan to Arsenal in January, according to Metro.

The Argentine was thought to be on the verge of joining Arsenal this summer, but Inter eventually managed to hijack the deal and completed the £12 million transfer.

However, the former Velez Sarsfield midfielder has struggled to adapt to the new surroundings, with the Neroazzurri looking to farm him out on loan in January.

Inter chiefs believe a loan move would help Alvarez rediscover his form and that he would return a better player next summer.

Arsenal remain keen on the 23-year-old, and the latest reports suggest that Arsene Wenger would jump at the opportunity to sign the player in January.

The Gunners are really short on numbers in the centre of the park in spite of Mikel Arteta’s arrival and they are awaiting further developments regarding Ricky Alvarez.

Schalke chief hints at new deal for Raul

Schalke president Clemens Tonnies has hinted that star striker Raul will be offered a new deal at Veltins Arena.

The veteran striker has one year left on his €7 million per season deal, and it was believed that the club would not be able to pay such a high wage for much longer.

However, Schalke president Clemens Tonnies has moved to deny such claims.

“Such an experienced player is very important for our young team and he proves that in every game,” Tonnies told Bild.

“He is incredibly endearing. I have made it absolutely clear to him that he belongs with Schalke.

“We are proud for every minute Raul plays in a Schalke shirt. When somebody plays good football, gets involved and identifies himself with the club, then there is nothing to say you should not continue with him.”

Tonnies then admitted that Schalke can indeed afford to pay Raul’s wages for another season.

“Financially, we can afford Raul. We have such a solid financial base that we would not have any difficulties even if we don’t qualify for Europe.”

Timo Hildebrand set to join a second division side

German keeper Timo Hildebrand has been invited to training with Eintracht Frankfurt, Bild reveals.

The former Germany international has been a free agent since his contract at Sporting Lisbon was terminated earlier this summer.

The 32-year-old has now been invited to train with Bundesliga 2 side Eintracht and he doesn’t rule out signing a contract with the club from Frankfurt.

“I have not ruled out the second division,” Hildebrand told Bild.

“I have considered a few options from abroad, but have had two bad experiences there. I am now just working with humbleness.”

The player’s career started taking the wrong turn after leaving title-winning Stuttgart in 2007, which eventually saw him lose his place in the national team.

“You only really recognise mistakes after you have committed them. I have had a lot of time to consider things and realise what went wrong.

“The best thing is now being able to train with a team again, and I do know a few players here too.”

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