Napoli star confirms Inter switch; Werder to sign Joseph Akpala

Napoli star confirms Inter switch

Napoli midfielder Walter Gargano has arrived to Inter training ground ahead of his move to Giuseppe Meazza.

The Uruguayan international is set for a medical in Milan after the two clubs agreed on the transfer fee last night.

According to the agreement, Inter will initially sign the player on a €1.5 million loan deal, while they will have the option to make the transfer permanent for another €5 million.

“I’m happy to be here,” Gargano told Sky Sport Italia. “I’m joining a great club. They wanted me here and I’ll do my best to repay Inter’s faith in me.

“Am I afraid of the competition for a place in the team? No, I’m never scared.”

Gargano admits he is said to be leaving Napoli, but hopes to impress in Inter shirt.

“The Napoli fans will always remain in my heart. It was beautiful to play for Napoli, but I’m now starting a new adventure with Inter and I hope to do well.”

The 28-year-old is regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in Italian Serie A, and he arrives to Giuseppe Meazza to increase competition for places in the centre of the park.

With five Serie A seasons behind him, Gargano will have something to bring to Andrea Stramaccioni’s side.

Werder to sign Joseph Akpala

Werder Bremen have agreed to sign striker Joseph Akpala from Club Brugge, the Belgian club have announced on their official website.

The Belgian club announced on Tuesday evening that they had reached an agreement with Werder Bremen over the transfer fee for the Nigerian striker.

The transfer will be made official later today, subject to the player passing a medical in Bremen.

The highly rated striker explained he was sad to be leaving Club Brugge.

“I leave Brugge with a heavy heart. But this was an opportunity I couldn’t miss,” the player said to club’s official website.

Werder Bremen had been eager to add some quality players to the attacking department after Claudio Pizarro, Marcus Rosenberg and Marko Marin all left in the summer.

Akpala is now set to become club’s fourth high-profile signing this term, following Theodor Gebre Selassie, Eljero Elia and Kevin de Bruyne.

The Nigerian striker has spent his entire professional career at Brugge, scoring 44 goals in 129 league games.

Former Rangers star admits Marseille interest

Algerian defender Madjid Bougherra has revealed that he has been contacted by French giants Olympique de Marseille.

The 29-year-old is currently playing at Qatari side Lekhwiya, but he admits he could soon be returning to Europe.

“Yes, OM contacted me. My club informed me of Olympique’s interest. I know they are really interested in my services,” the Algerian told France Football.

With Souleymane Diawara likely to miss the start of the season through injury, Marseille are looking to sign another centre-back by the end of the summer transfer window and they appear to be very keen on Bougherra.

The 29-year-old began his career in France, with Gueugnon, but it was at Rangers where he made a name for himself.

The Algerian international decided to leave Gers after three years at Ibrox, but instead of moving to one of Europe’s top leagues, he surprisingly opted to accept the offer from Qatar.

However, it looks as though the player is tempted by the prospect of returning to the big stage and helping Marseille achieve European qualification.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.