Zabaleta signs new deal; Pardew confirms Arsenal bid for Cabaye

Argentina international right-back Pablo Zabaleta has put pen to paper on a new four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, Sky Sports understands.

Zabaleta, who was voted Etihad City Player of the Year last term, joined City from RCD Espanyol in the summer of 2008.

Since arriving in Manchester, the Argentina international, 28, has scored eight goals in 175 appearances in all competitions for the Sky Blues.

“I have been here for five years and it feels like home. Signing a contract extension with the club makes me feel very happy,” said Zabaleta.

“I feel great here, I like the Premiership, and I think Manchester City are one of the clubs looking for success in the future. It is a club that is very well-organised and when you see that everything works well you want to be here.”

Zabaleta started City’s home opener against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Monday and was subsequently named the Man of the Match by WhoScored.com after posting a match rating of 8.6.

“I think we have got a great squad, fantastic players and hopefully we can win something this year,” added the Argentine defender.

“I am sure the fans will respond very well as always. They are a big support for the team week in week out, and hopefully at the end of the season the fans and players can celebrate with a trophy.”

Zabaleta, formerly of Argentine Primera División side San Lorenzo (1997-2005), tallied three goals and two assists in 42 competitive appearances for Manchester City last season.

Pardew confirms Arsenal bid for Cabaye

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has accused Arsenal of being ‘disrespectful’ in their pursuit of Yohan Cabaye after the Gunners submitted a formal bid for the player on the eve of the Magpies opening game of the season against Manchester City on Monday night, as per The Mirror.

According to reports, the Gunners submitted a £10 million bid for the France international midfielder, which was immediately rejected by Newcastle.

Cabaye, who joined Newcastle from Ligue 1 side Lille OSC in 2011, was left on the bench against Manchester City on Monday night, with Pardew suggesting he was not in the right state of mind to play following the Gunners’ ‘disrespectful’ bid.

“We’ve prepared with the lad for three days and then for him to have his head turned by this bid from Arsenal on the eve of the game is just disrespectful,” said Pardew.

“From my view, why it couldn’t have waited until tomorrow morning I do not know.

“I don’t think the result would have been the same if he had played.”

In case you are wondering, the ‘result’ was 4-0 (in favour of Manchester City). However, to be perfectly honest, the end result would most likely have been the same had Cabaye started and played all 90 minutes.

Now then, if Cabaye were a magician, and could make the football disappear, Newcastle may have been able to leave the Etihad with a point…but that seems rather improbable if not entirely impossible.