Benzema could bring Premier League title to Arsenal - Henry

The former Gunners star feels that Arsene Wenger is close to assembling a team who could challenge at home and abroad and is holding out hope for the Real Madrid striker to arrive.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes that landing Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema would make his old side into serious title contenders both in the Premier League and Champions League.Gunners remain hopeful of securing the French forward, a long-term target for Arsene Wenger, despite Madrid's protestations that he will not be sold, and are prepared to wait until late in the transfer window.

Chelsea 0-1 Fiorentina: Mourinho's men end pre-season with disappointing home defeat

The Premier League champions head into their season opener against Swansea City off the back of two consecutive defeats after Gonzalo Rodriguez's first-half goal Chelsea squandered the chance to bounce straight back from their Community Shield setback after finishing pre-season with a 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina in the International Champions Cup.Premier League champions Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal on Sunday and went into Wednesday's clash seeking a positive response ahead of Saturday's league opener against Swansea City.However, manager Jose Mourinho made 10 changes to the side that started at Wembley - handing loan signing Radamel Falcao a first start - and that played a part in a disjointed showing at Stamford Bridge as the home team failed to register a shot on target in the first half.

Furious Messi head butts Yanga-Mbiwa in Roma friendly

A heated exchange off the ball saw the Argentine lash out at the French defender, grabbing him by the throat and connecting his head with the former Newcastle man.Lionel Messi was lucky not to receive a red card in Barcelona 's friendly against Roma when he head butted Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.With Barca leading 1-0 through Neymar's strike, the pair began to tangle during the first half in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou.The Argentine attacker has a reputation for keeping a cool head in intense situations, but his temper flashed through when he came face-to-face with the France international.

Deadpan Mourinho on latest Chelsea defeat: I prefer to score 10 goals than none

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho gave a deadpan response when asked about his side's defeat to Fiorentina on Wednesday, insisting he would obviously rather win 5-0 or score 10 goals.The result at Stamford Bridge in the International Champions Cup meant that the Blues have failed to win a single game during pre-season, losing three, including the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, and drawing two.Mourinho, though, is adamant that the game was a useful training exercise, suggesting that he is unconcerned about his side's poor recent form ahead of the big kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday.It was a good training session," he told Sky Sports.

Kane can become one of the world's best at Tottenham - Pochettino

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Harry Kane has what it takes to become one of the world's top strikers and feels the striker is committed to the north London outfit.In June that Manchester United were planning a bid worth £50 million for the forward after he netted 31 goals in all competitions last term.But Pochettino insists that the player is happy at White Hart Lane and is ready to give his all as Spurs look to break into the Premier League's top four.He’s excited to start the season with us," the Argentine coach told reporters.

Ronaldo, James, Pepe & Perez attend Mendes' wedding

Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Pepe were looking sharp as they attended the wedding of Jorge Mendes.The superagent, who also represents Jose Mourinho, got married on Sunday and many of his clients, along with Madrid president Florentino Perez, were there to celebrate the occasion.Just like his team-mates, Ronaldo turned up in a fancy black suit, though the Portugal star was sporting some stylish blue sunglasses to complement his tie.

Messi condemned for 'partying with oppressors' in Gabon

Lionel Messi has been condemned by the Human Rights Foundation, who accuse him of "partying with oppressors" in his recent visit to Gabon.The Barcelona star was photographed with Gabon dictator Ali Bongo after helping lay a foundation stone for a planned new venue for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2017, while he also visited a state-run hospital and a restaurant owned by the Bongo family.While the Gabon government has strenuously denied reports that Messi was paid a seven-figure sum to attend the country in July, he has nonetheless been criticised for showing public support for the Bongo regime.

Terry: Defeat by Arsenal hurts but has no bearing on Premier League

Chelsea captain John Terry says that defeat in the Community Shield by Arsenal hurts but will have no bearing on the new Premier League season.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's stunning first-half strike was the difference at Wembley on Sunday as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger finally beat Jose Mourinho at the 14th time of asking.But while Terry was frustrated to have to lost the season's traditional curtain-raiser, he insisted that the result will not have any effect on where the Premier League title ends up in May.I thought we were on top, if anything. These games are always a bit slow with players finding their feet and fitness but it's disappointing we didn't win," the former England skipper told the media.Losing is just horrible in all aspects - forgetting the record [Mourinho's unbeaten run against Arsenal], it's a trophy that's gone now. It means a lot because you've earned the right to be here so we're just disappointed.It hurts. It doesn't matter if it's a friendly or the Community Shield - it's a trophy, at the end of the day.When asked if the defeat will have an impact on the campaign ahead, Terry replied: I don't think so. I think it's one of them where [Arsenal will] probably come out and say differently. They do mean something but, win or lose, I don't think you can say that.Diego Costa was absent on Sunday due to his troublesome hamstring and Terry admitted that Chelsea lacked a cutting edge without last season's top scorer.He's a top player so he's going to be missed in all sides," the 34-year-old added. "It was a chance for Loic [Remy] to stamp his authority in the side, and [Radamel] Falcao second half... it's down to them boys to fight for their place. [They are] three great strikers and they'll all be fighting.

Walcott predicts 'something special' at Arsenal this season

Theo Walcott is predicting "something special" to happen at Arsenal this season as the club look to challenge for a first Premier League title in 12 years.The 26-year-old, who signed a new four-year contract on Friday, has just two FA Cup winners medals to his name during nine years at the club but heads into Sunday's Community Shield in confident mood.Arsenal comfortably beat then-champions Manchester City 3-0 in last season's Wembley curtain-raiser only to suffer a worst start to a season in 32 years, but Walcott is excited by the ongoing growth in the squad.It's going to be very tight and I think both squads have improved," he told Arsenal Player.