How Arsenal pulled off...............

[Dunny]

How Arsenal pulled off the deal of the summer and signed "special talent" Mesut Ozil

3 Sep 2013 22:30 John Cross reveals exactly how Arsenal were able to bring in their new £42million man from Madrid

Mesut Ozil's ex-Real Madrid team-mates are full of praise for the German Mike Hewitt

Mesut Ozil is a “special talent” who has left a huge gap in Real Madrid’s dressing room after his record breaking £42m transfer to Arsenal.

Ozil’s stunned former team mates yesterday expressed their shock at the deal and also that Real Madrid allowed the German - rated by Jose Mourinho as the best No10 in the world - to leave the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos said: “I am very unhappy after the exit of Ozil. For me, he was a friend and a companion. Mesut is a special footballer who generates and plays the beautiful side of the game.

“If it was up to me then he would never have left. But it was the choice of the club. But I am totally convinced he will be a star at Arsenal.

“He is the king of the assist. I know Santi Cazorla well and together they will be an enormous spectacle. But I will miss him.”

That shows the level of respect and admiration for Ozil at Real Madrid but also puts into context Arsenal’s delight in pulling off the second biggest deal in Premier League history as they have signed a genuine world class player.

Mirror Sport can reveal that Arsenal’s stunning move into the big league was anything but a last minute panic deal and the first seeds of the Ozil deal were sewn three months ago.

And in another great irony, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who was believed to be holding up the Gareth Bale deal to Real Madrid so the Spanish club would not sell players to Arsenal, was left high and dry during the North London derby.

While Levy was in the boardroom at the Emirates, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis was in Madrid brokering the deal on Sunday afternoon, transfer fixer Dick Law was in Germany for negotiations with Ozil’s father and agent Mustafa as they enjoyed a win double over Spurs on and off the pitch.

The £42million man Angel Martinez

Gazidis, who used to work in the MLS, has known Real Madrid director general Jose Angel Sanchez for more than ten years after striking up contacts when the Spanish club tried to market themselves in the US.

Right at the start of the summer, when it was clear that Bale’s move may impact on whether Real Madrid would have to offload players, Arsenal made contact and asked to be kept informed on Ozil, Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria.

But Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has always liked Ozil and tried to sign him three years ago before he moved to Real Madrid. Wenger has described him as his “dream player”, small, technical and a player who enjoys being coached and is willing to learn.

Three weeks ago, Real Madrid put out soundings about all three and at first none wanted to leave the Bernabeu. But it was Wenger who made the crucial phone call on Saturday, talked Ozil through Arsenal’s plans, ambitions and even where he would fit into the team.

Wenger, who is fluent in German, impressed Ozil with his message while Per Mertesacker also rang Ozil and by Saturday night Arsenal felt the deal was on.
Gazidis and Law flew out on Sunday morning, Ozil had bigger offers on the table from PSG, there was late interest from Manchester United, but was won round by Arsenal.

Arsenal’s majority shareholder Stan Kroenke was in constant contact by phone and was happy to give his full backing to a stunning £42m deal which has blown away English football.

They shook hands on the deal by Sunday night and completed by Monday morning after Arsenal’s doctor Gary O’Driscoll flew out to oversee the medical.

Ozil, a third generation Turkish-German and practising Muslim, is described by the Arsenal officials who have met him as being humble, very keen to learn and it is that part of his character which made him particularly keen to work with Wenger.

Arsenal say his father and adviser Mustafa insisted upon the club, in their in-house interviews for the website, making it clear just how much he admired Wenger and wanted to work with him to develop as a player.

Got his man: Wenger was crucial in securing Ozil

After months of criticism and ridicule over transfer policy, the major players have come up trumps. Wenger, Gazidis, Law and Kroenke were the keys to the deal which has shocked English football, lifted Arsenal and stunned Ozil’s former Real Madrid team mates.

Real Madrid’s former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa said: “I am a bit surprised, it’s a shame and a big loss in the dressing room, for the human and footballing aspects.

“He said goodbye last weekend, but I thought it was a practical joke. He is different, there is nobody like him in the world. He makes the difference.

“The club have their reasons. But we look forward, we have great players. For the fans it will be hard, they were close to him. He is a phenomenon, everyone took to him very well. It is a transfer that is very hard.”
Former Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster said: “Arsenal is the perfect destination, Wenger is a great coach for him, my surprise is that anyone would allow a player of that quality to leave.”

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[Jangle]

Me naw tell no lie, I am feeling what you guys felt last season when we got RVP. Ozil is an excellent signing.

[Jangle]

We'll be back! United to bid for missed targets Herrera and Baines again in January as Moyes feels the window pain

By John Edwards
PUBLISHED: 17:01 EST, 3 September 2013 | UPDATED: 18:36 EST, 3 September 2013 61 shares
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David Moyes will bid again for Ander Herrera and Leighton Baines in January to try to restore Manchester United’s crumbling reputation as a major player in the transfer market.
Though Moyes was relieved to land Marouane Fellaini from Everton shortly before Monday night’s transfer deadline, there was no mistaking the widespread dismay among United followers at the catalogue of failures that preceded it.
Under pressure: David Moyes had a frustrating transfer window, failing to sign most of his main targets

New chief executive Ed Woodward has been held largely to blame, but Moyes is eager to claw back some credibility by ensuring United hit the ground running when the window reopens in January.
He will keep a close eye on Herrera’s form in midfield for Athletic Bilbao and look for any signs of Baines struggling to settle again after uncertainty over his future at Everton.
Herrera could well pitch up at Old Trafford given his willingness to move on Monday, but Everton are ready to open talks on a new contract for Baines worth at least £75,000 a week — a rise of around £25,000 a week on his current deal.
The chance to make amends must seem an age away for rookie United transfer negotiator Woodward after the way his club were led up the garden path over Cesc Fabregas during the summer and stalled at almost every turn on deadline day.
United’s troubles in the window began with mixed messages over Fabregas, creating the false impression that they could prise him away from Barcelona, and ended with no fewer than four Real Madrid players eluding them.
Embarrassed: The attempt to sign Athletic Bilbao's Ander Herrera was turned into a farce





Losing reputation: Ed Woodward, United's Chief Executive, was unable to bring in Leighton Baines



Moyes insisted yesterday the pursuit of Herrera ended because he simply considered the £30.5million fee too high, saying: ‘I really liked the player and still do. We were trying to do a deal but I just thought the buy-out figure was the wrong valuation.’
United maintain they did not make a second bid, having had a £26m offer rejected last week.

However, it was claimed in Spain that United were embroiled in tax-related issues over the buy-out clause that were so complex they never had a hope of untangling them before the close of business at 11pm on Monday.
Late: Fellaini's deal went through at the very last minute on Monday night


In Spain, if a player activates a buy-out clause, he then has to lodge a significant percentage with the league as a tax payment. If he is given the money by the buying club, it counts as income, which attracts an additional levy.
Three representatives from a Spanish law firm that a year ago handled Javi Martinez’s move from Bilbao to Bayern Munich were pictured entering the La Liga offices, supposedly intent on finding a solution to the tax burden involved and triggering a deal.

However, the player would have to deposit the tax payment and Herrera, unaware of any proposed offer, was not present.

Down: As well as losing 1-0 to Liverpool on Sunday, the last few days for Moyes have been a nightmare

Sportsmail has learned United also delayed too long over trying to steal Mesut Ozil away from Arsenal, were rebuffed over Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira and Luka Modric and finally missed out on Fabio Coentrao after Real failed to recruit a replacement for him.
Additionally, Galatasaray officials have revealed they blocked a United move for Wesley Sneijder a fortnight ago, making it a who’s who of midfield targets they failed to secure this summer. At the last count, it read Sneijder, Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Daniele De Rossi and Herrera.
Sportsmail also understands United passed up the chance to sign Ozil a fortnight ago as they were pursuing other options.
As word filtered back that Herrera was looking a non-starter and Ozil’s father, Mustafa, let it be known his son might favour Old Trafford ahead of the Emirates, (fvcking dunceheads)they were encouraged to backtrack and contact their Bernabeu counterparts for an update on developments.

Dour: To add, United's poor performance against Chelsea has left some concerned

It was driven by a burning desire to secure a marquee signing before the window shut, a statement of intent to appease an increasingly uneasy support, but it brought only more frustration.
A deal was already in place with Arsenal for Ozil, a verbal offer of €40million for Khedira was turned down and, finally, an enquiry about Modric’s availability was just as firmly rebuffed.
It seems almost unbelievable a club as big as United could stumble from one rejection to another, but Germany midfielder Khedira confirmed he had been the subject of a failed bid.
He said: ‘The club turned down the offer and that was it. We didn’t really have the chance to discuss it. I had a longer chat with Carlo Ancelotti a few weeks ago and it was relatively clear to me that I’d stay.
‘We (players) don’t have any influence in the high transfer fees. Real refused the Manchester United offer and I’m happy with that.’
Blameless: United were unlucky in the Fabio Coentrao situation as Real Madrid blocked it at the last minute

Finally, to add insult to injury, Coentrao slipped the net at such a late stage. His proposed move was announced as a done deal, albeit briefly, on the websites of at least one Spanish newspaper and La Liga.

There were even suggestions United had submitted their paperwork to the relevant authorities but Real pulled the plug at the last moment after Granada’s Guilhermo Siqueiro signed for Benfica instead of Real.
United’s need for a left back is likely to be more acute than ever if, as seems likely, Besiktas follow up their interest in Alex Buttner with an acceptable bid before Turkey’s transfer window shuts on Friday. It would leave United short of cover but it is understood they are ready to sell.
Fellaini - who is understood to have waived £4m in loyalty bonuses at Everton to force his move through - remains the club’s one significant signing, though their junior ranks were boosted by the capture of FC Zurich’s Saidy Janko, 17, who can play on the right of midfield or at right back.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2dtN1cSY6
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[Dunny]

Jangle i know people will blame Moyes for the transfer shambles, however i am sure if David Gill was still at the club it would've been business as usual. It was a big blow to lose him and Fergie at the same time.

[Jangle]

Would it be a knee-jerk reaction to fire this clown Ed Woodward's arse? He is a major fvck up and has damaged our brand!!! His offers were ridiculous. He showed no respect to Everton by bidding 9m for Baines. How the hell could they have allowed Ozil to slip through their fingers when they had a head-start on Arsenal. I have wanted Ozil in our team for 2 years now. I was really shocked to learn that RM was willing to let him go.

After only landing Fellaini in the dying seconds of a miserable transfer window, what happened to the star midfielders that United so desperately wanted to capture?


By Adam Crafton
PUBLISHED: 16:40 EST, 3 September 2013 | UPDATED: 16:40 EST, 3 September 2013 34 shares
17
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comments

Manchester United's attempts to bolster their midfield descended into anarchy as Monday evening's 11pm transfer deadline approached.

Chief Executive Ed Woodward's embarrassing and naive scattergun was brutally exposed, as a final few days jam-packed with panic bids, fruitless negotiations, and alleged imposters threatened at one stage to present a doomsday scenario where United would end up without a single midfield addition.

United finally forced through an inflated £27.5million move for Marouane Fellaini in the final minutes of the transfer window, but just HOW did Woodward and manager David Moyes allow the situation to become so frenetic?

Disappointing: David Moyes (right) was only able to tempt former Everton player Marouane Fellaini to Old Trafford



In the new strip: Much more was expected from fans after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement


Sportsmail tracks United's chase for midfielders, from the hopeless pursuit of Cesc Fabregas to the drama of their last-gasp attempts to recruit Ander Herrera and Sami Khedira.

And if Mesut Ozil really had been made available to United over two weeks ago, why on earth did they allow the German star to head to the Emirates?

CESC FABREGAS (Barcelona)
The former Arsenal captain began this summer as David Moyes' top target - along with Fellaini - as the new United boss attempted to add steel and creativity in equal measure to his midfield.

Sources close to the club suggested that it was Moyes' dream to have a midfield three of Michael Carrick, Cesc Fabregas and Fellaini for both European matches and the major fixtures on the domestic scene.

United pursued Fabregas publicly, briefing the media of their interest and both Moyes and Woodward suggested that they were playing with an unlimited budget. It is believed that Fabregas may have considered a move to Old Trafford if a bid had been accepted - but the Spaniard had no intention of forcing a move.

United made two bids, the second worth £30million plus add-ons, but Barcelona didn't want to sell. United wasted too much time pursuing Fabregas and waited too long to pursue other targets.

Staying put: Former Arsenal player Cesc Fabregas was thought to be the marquee player Moyes was looking for

THIAGO ALCANTARA (Barcelona)
It remains unclear whether United pursued Thiago with any real vigour. Following his move to Bayern Munich, Thiago's father and agent Mazinho revealed that United had come close to signing the Spanish under-21 international but the 22-year-old has since refuted that version of events, saying, 'The truth is that in no moment did United come to us and talk to us.'

However, United goalkeeper David De Gea has admitted that he tried to persuade Thiago to head to Old Trafford during the UEFA under-21 Championships in Israel earlier this summer. So, it's as clear as mud.

What we do know, however, is that Thiago had his heart set on a reunion with former Barca coach Pep Guardiola at Bayern. United's attentions were focused (too heavily) on Cesc Fabregas at the time, but one suspects that even if David Moyes had worked harder on a deal for Thiago, the midfielder would still have ended up with Bayern.

First of many: United received their opening public snub of the summer when Thiago Alcantara joined Bayern Munich from Barcelona



LUKA MODRIC (Real Madrid)

United did not make a sustained effort to sign the Croatian this summer but the former Tottenham player had been on the club's radar since Real Madrid won at Old Trafford in the Champions League in March.

Sportsmail revealed then that Modric would be open to a move to United and he is widely seen as having the kind of elegance, flair and range of passing that the United midfield are sorely lacking.

Should Gareth Bale's world-record move to Madrid have been concluded earlier, United may have been able to work on a deal. Nonetheless, United's realistic chances of capturing Modric came to an end after Xabi Alonso was ruled out for three months with a broken metatarsal - thus raising the importance of Modric in Carlo Ancelotti's thinking.

No England return: Luka Modri (right) has impressed before in the PL with a fantastic passing range


ANDER HERRERA (Athletic Bilbao)

From the very start, Athletic Bilbao made it clear that they would not negotiate in a deal for creative midfielder and the Basque side stated that they would only do business if United met the player's £30.5million buyout clause.

Bilbao players are rarely sold below their buyout fee as the club only use Basque players and are therefore loathe to sell.

Bayern Munich signed Javi Martinez last year, and the Germans privately admitted that it was one of the most complicated and hard-fought deals they had encountered.
United - inexplicably - tried to haggle. Woodward and United’s team of negotiators should have done their homework.

What a farce: A deal to bring Ander Herrera to Manchester should have happened much earlier in the summer


Reports on Tuesday suggested that United were undone by a complex tax system but should they have fully researched the club and region they were dealing with, they may well have found themselves better prepared.

United had even firmed up personal terms with Herrera - who agreed a five-year contract on reduced terms of £3million-a-year - only for Woodward to pull the plug on Monday evening, believing the buyout fee to be too expensive.

Further humiliation came with the claims in Spain that three impostors - claiming to be United representatives - arrived at the LFP administration offices in Madrid to conclude a deal.


Problems: In the most embarrassing move of the summer, Moyes (centre) and his advisors, including Ed Woodward (second left) were reportedly humiliated when imposters turned up to negotiate the Herrera transfer in Spain




DANIELE DE ROSSI (Roma)
This came from left-field and smacked of panic. As deadline day edged ever closer, United launched a £10million bid for the Roma midfielder on Thursday evening - which was rejected out of hand by the Italian side.

Again, a lack of research can be pinpointed - De Rossi endured a difficult time under former Roma boss Zdenek Zeman but relations have improved since the arrival of Rudi Garcia and the Italian had no intention of leaving his club.

This was overly ambitious, ill-judged and Woodward did not return with a second bid.

Desperate: There was an element of panic over the late move for Roma man Daniele De Rossi (right)


SAMI KHEDIRA (Real Madrid)

With just five hours remaining until the transfer window door slammed shut, reports emerged in Spain that United had lodged a €40million bid for Real Madrid's Sami Khedira.
By now, Ed Woodward's scattergun was firing left, right and centre. Khedira is a powerful, energetic player but the move seemed bizarre, particularly with Marouane Fellaini's move to United all but sealed. A midfield of Carrick, Fellaini and Khedira would have been much of a muchness, and the German would not have answered United's craving for guile and invention as an alternative to Ander Herrera.
Khedira confirmed United's approach on Tuesday, saying: 'The club turned down the offer and that was it. We (players) don't have any influence in the high transfer fees. Real refused the offer of Manchester United and I'm happy with that.'

And another: A bid for Sami Khedira was turned down by Real Madrid

WESLEY SNEIJDER (Galatasaray)

Moyes' and Woodward's humiliating end to the transfer was compounded on Tuesday after Galatasaray claimed that Manchester United had made 'an indirect offer' to 29-year-old playmaker Wesley Sneijder.

The Turkish side's sporting co-ordinator Bulunt Tulun told Turkish newspaper Milliyet: 'Sneijder received an indirect offer from Manchester United two weeks ago but it was not accepted. There are several clubs that want him but just like we can't let go of Burak [Yilmaz] we also have to keep hold of Sneijder.'

United previously came close to signing the Dutchman in 2011 from Inter Milan but the Glazer family were put off by Sneijder's £200,000-a-week wage demands. Now approaching 30, Sneijder is a far cry from the player that lit up the 2010 World Cup and won the Champions League with Inter in the same year.

Deja Vu: Just like 2011, United went back in for Wesley Sneijder, and it was again rejected



But what happened to Mesut Ozil? The German was offered to the club on many occasions



Failure: And Ozil (right, pictured with Lukas Podolski) eventually joined Arsenal for a club record fee


AND WHY DID UNITED SAY NO TO MESUT OZIL...?

Manchester United were offered Mesut Ozil in this summer transfer window but maintained they had no interest in signing the German.

The new Arsenal man would appear to be exactly the kind of player United need, capable of committing opponents, unlocking defenders and scoring goals from midfield.

It is thought that Ozil would have chosen the English champions over Arsenal, too. What were United thinking?
AND THEN THERE'S MORE...


LEIGHTON BAINES (Everton)
Moyes was desperate to sign his former left back but United came nowhere near Everton’s £20million valuation. The bidding started at £9m and finished at £15m.

GARETH BALE (Tottenham)
Always a long shot as Tottenham did not want to sell to United. Real Madrid were always in pole position.
FABIO COENTRAO (Real Madrid)
A late target, Coentrao (right) stayed in the Spanish capital as the paperwork for the deal was done too late and Madrid couldn’t get cover for him.

EZEQUIEL GARAY (Benfica)

The Benfica centre back was due to sign early in the summer in a deal set up by Ferguson. But Moyes was unsure and Garay stayed in Lisbon.
CRISTIANO RONALDO (Real Madrid)
The big dream and one they will return to next summer. Real rejected United’s enquiries, insisting that their former talisman was not for sale.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2dtQCbfKJ
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After only landing Fellaini in the dying seconds of a miserable transfer window, what happened to the star midfielders that United so desperately wanted to capture?


By Adam Crafton
PUBLISHED: 16:40 EST, 3 September 2013 | UPDATED: 16:40 EST, 3 September 2013 34 shares
17
View
comments

Manchester United's attempts to bolster their midfield descended into anarchy as Monday evening's 11pm transfer deadline approached.

Chief Executive Ed Woodward's embarrassing and naive scattergun was brutally exposed, as a final few days jam-packed with panic bids, fruitless negotiations, and alleged imposters threatened at one stage to present a doomsday scenario where United would end up without a single midfield addition.

United finally forced through an inflated £27.5million move for Marouane Fellaini in the final minutes of the transfer window, but just HOW did Woodward and manager David Moyes allow the situation to become so frenetic?

Disappointing: David Moyes (right) was only able to tempt former Everton player Marouane Fellaini to Old Trafford



In the new strip: Much more was expected from fans after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement


Sportsmail tracks United's chase for midfielders, from the hopeless pursuit of Cesc Fabregas to the drama of their last-gasp attempts to recruit Ander Herrera and Sami Khedira.

And if Mesut Ozil really had been made available to United over two weeks ago, why on earth did they allow the German star to head to the Emirates?

CESC FABREGAS (Barcelona)
The former Arsenal captain began this summer as David Moyes' top target - along with Fellaini - as the new United boss attempted to add steel and creativity in equal measure to his midfield.

Sources close to the club suggested that it was Moyes' dream to have a midfield three of Michael Carrick, Cesc Fabregas and Fellaini for both European matches and the major fixtures on the domestic scene.

United pursued Fabregas publicly, briefing the media of their interest and both Moyes and Woodward suggested that they were playing with an unlimited budget. It is believed that Fabregas may have considered a move to Old Trafford if a bid had been accepted - but the Spaniard had no intention of forcing a move.

United made two bids, the second worth £30million plus add-ons, but Barcelona didn't want to sell. United wasted too much time pursuing Fabregas and waited too long to pursue other targets.

Staying put: Former Arsenal player Cesc Fabregas was thought to be the marquee player Moyes was looking for

THIAGO ALCANTARA (Barcelona)
It remains unclear whether United pursued Thiago with any real vigour. Following his move to Bayern Munich, Thiago's father and agent Mazinho revealed that United had come close to signing the Spanish under-21 international but the 22-year-old has since refuted that version of events, saying, 'The truth is that in no moment did United come to us and talk to us.'

However, United goalkeeper David De Gea has admitted that he tried to persuade Thiago to head to Old Trafford during the UEFA under-21 Championships in Israel earlier this summer. So, it's as clear as mud.

What we do know, however, is that Thiago had his heart set on a reunion with former Barca coach Pep Guardiola at Bayern. United's attentions were focused (too heavily) on Cesc Fabregas at the time, but one suspects that even if David Moyes had worked harder on a deal for Thiago, the midfielder would still have ended up with Bayern.

First of many: United received their opening public snub of the summer when Thiago Alcantara joined Bayern Munich from Barcelona



LUKA MODRIC (Real Madrid)

United did not make a sustained effort to sign the Croatian this summer but the former Tottenham player had been on the club's radar since Real Madrid won at Old Trafford in the Champions League in March.

Sportsmail revealed then that Modric would be open to a move to United and he is widely seen as having the kind of elegance, flair and range of passing that the United midfield are sorely lacking.

Should Gareth Bale's world-record move to Madrid have been concluded earlier, United may have been able to work on a deal. Nonetheless, United's realistic chances of capturing Modric came to an end after Xabi Alonso was ruled out for three months with a broken metatarsal - thus raising the importance of Modric in Carlo Ancelotti's thinking.

No England return: Luka Modri (right) has impressed before in the PL with a fantastic passing range


ANDER HERRERA (Athletic Bilbao)

From the very start, Athletic Bilbao made it clear that they would not negotiate in a deal for creative midfielder and the Basque side stated that they would only do business if United met the player's £30.5million buyout clause.

Bilbao players are rarely sold below their buyout fee as the club only use Basque players and are therefore loathe to sell.

Bayern Munich signed Javi Martinez last year, and the Germans privately admitted that it was one of the most complicated and hard-fought deals they had encountered.
United - inexplicably - tried to haggle. Woodward and United’s team of negotiators should have done their homework.

What a farce: A deal to bring Ander Herrera to Manchester should have happened much earlier in the summer


Reports on Tuesday suggested that United were undone by a complex tax system but should they have fully researched the club and region they were dealing with, they may well have found themselves better prepared.

United had even firmed up personal terms with Herrera - who agreed a five-year contract on reduced terms of £3million-a-year - only for Woodward to pull the plug on Monday evening, believing the buyout fee to be too expensive.

Further humiliation came with the claims in Spain that three impostors - claiming to be United representatives - arrived at the LFP administration offices in Madrid to conclude a deal.


Problems: In the most embarrassing move of the summer, Moyes (centre) and his advisors, including Ed Woodward (second left) were reportedly humiliated when imposters turned up to negotiate the Herrera transfer in Spain




DANIELE DE ROSSI (Roma)
This came from left-field and smacked of panic. As deadline day edged ever closer, United launched a £10million bid for the Roma midfielder on Thursday evening - which was rejected out of hand by the Italian side.

Again, a lack of research can be pinpointed - De Rossi endured a difficult time under former Roma boss Zdenek Zeman but relations have improved since the arrival of Rudi Garcia and the Italian had no intention of leaving his club.

This was overly ambitious, ill-judged and Woodward did not return with a second bid.

Desperate: There was an element of panic over the late move for Roma man Daniele De Rossi (right)


SAMI KHEDIRA (Real Madrid)

With just five hours remaining until the transfer window door slammed shut, reports emerged in Spain that United had lodged a €40million bid for Real Madrid's Sami Khedira.
By now, Ed Woodward's scattergun was firing left, right and centre. Khedira is a powerful, energetic player but the move seemed bizarre, particularly with Marouane Fellaini's move to United all but sealed. A midfield of Carrick, Fellaini and Khedira would have been much of a muchness, and the German would not have answered United's craving for guile and invention as an alternative to Ander Herrera.
Khedira confirmed United's approach on Tuesday, saying: 'The club turned down the offer and that was it. We (players) don't have any influence in the high transfer fees. Real refused the offer of Manchester United and I'm happy with that.'

And another: A bid for Sami Khedira was turned down by Real Madrid

WESLEY SNEIJDER (Galatasaray)

Moyes' and Woodward's humiliating end to the transfer was compounded on Tuesday after Galatasaray claimed that Manchester United had made 'an indirect offer' to 29-year-old playmaker Wesley Sneijder.

The Turkish side's sporting co-ordinator Bulunt Tulun told Turkish newspaper Milliyet: 'Sneijder received an indirect offer from Manchester United two weeks ago but it was not accepted. There are several clubs that want him but just like we can't let go of Burak [Yilmaz] we also have to keep hold of Sneijder.'

United previously came close to signing the Dutchman in 2011 from Inter Milan but the Glazer family were put off by Sneijder's £200,000-a-week wage demands. Now approaching 30, Sneijder is a far cry from the player that lit up the 2010 World Cup and won the Champions League with Inter in the same year.

Deja Vu: Just like 2011, United went back in for Wesley Sneijder, and it was again rejected



But what happened to Mesut Ozil? The German was offered to the club on many occasions



Failure: And Ozil (right, pictured with Lukas Podolski) eventually joined Arsenal for a club record fee


AND WHY DID UNITED SAY NO TO MESUT OZIL...?

Manchester United were offered Mesut Ozil in this summer transfer window but maintained they had no interest in signing the German.

The new Arsenal man would appear to be exactly the kind of player United need, capable of committing opponents, unlocking defenders and scoring goals from midfield.

It is thought that Ozil would have chosen the English champions over Arsenal, too. What were United thinking?
AND THEN THERE'S MORE...


LEIGHTON BAINES (Everton)
Moyes was desperate to sign his former left back but United came nowhere near Everton’s £20million valuation. The bidding started at £9m and finished at £15m.

GARETH BALE (Tottenham)
Always a long shot as Tottenham did not want to sell to United. Real Madrid were always in pole position.
FABIO COENTRAO (Real Madrid)
A late target, Coentrao (right) stayed in the Spanish capital as the paperwork for the deal was done too late and Madrid couldn’t get cover for him.

EZEQUIEL GARAY (Benfica)

The Benfica centre back was due to sign early in the summer in a deal set up by Ferguson. But Moyes was unsure and Garay stayed in Lisbon.
CRISTIANO RONALDO (Real Madrid)
The big dream and one they will return to next summer. Real rejected United’s enquiries, insisting that their former talisman was not for sale.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2dtQCbfKJ
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[Rockman]

I think this is THE signing,hats off to Wenger.
Probably the game changer,this is so freaking sad!

[GazX]

From what ive heard, Wenger's ability to speak German was very useful in the negotiation talks. Plus the fact AFC have couple german players at the club already helped. Seems like one of those deals detined to happened at the right time, and place for all concerned.

[Dunny]

I'm angry! Ronaldo slams Ozil's £42.5m Arsenal move as Real stars queue up to question sale


By Charlie Skillen
PUBLISHED:09:54, 4 September 2013| UPDATED:11:09, 4 September 2013 336shares
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Cristiano Ronaldo has declared his anger at Mesut Ozil’s departure to Arsenal.
Germany playmaker Ozil was a deadline-day record signing for the Gunners at £42.5million, with Ronaldo becoming the latest Real Madrid star to express his frustration at the move.
According to Spanish paper AS, Ronaldo has told Portugal team-mates his views on Ozil's switch, which came hours after confirmation of Real's world-record £86million signing of Tottenham's Gareth Bale.

'Angry': Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly told international team-mates he's not pleased at Mesut Ozil's sale




In action: But new Arsenal signing Ozil's departure has been questioned by a host of Real Madrid's top stars


New colours: Ozil (left) showing off his new Arsenal shirt with Gunners striker Lukas Podolski

'The sale of Ozil is very bad news for me,' he said.
'He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal... I'm angry about Özil leaving.'
Real claim the move to Arsenal is a result of Ozil wanting to leave, but he had been told to go because the club need to pay loans taken out to bring in Bale, costing £100m-plus in repayments.

Bale will not be able to offer Ozil’s ability to find Ronaldo with a pass anywhere on the pitch, as the Portugal star alluded to.

Ronaldo's words come after a host of other top Real players spoke out on their team-mate's departure for London.
Such was Ozil’s popularity at the Bernabeu, he was one of the few players with friends on both sides of the club’s divide.

Fighting fit: Ronaldo reportedly expressed his anger to Portugal team-mates, training on Tuesday






Connection: Ronaldo (right) and Ozil celebrate scoring the Champions League in 2011


Ronaldo’s Portuguese contingent were all fond of him, while captain and Spain standard-bearer Sergio Ramos even risked former boss Jose Mourinho’s wrath to stand up for Real’s No 10.
In a game against Deportivo last season, when Ozil was taken off at half-time, Ramos put the No 10 shirt on under his own for the second half.
He felt Ozil was being unfairly targeted by Mourinho and if he scored was ready to rip off his shirt to dedicate the goal to his friend.
And Ramos said following Ozil's departure: 'It's obvious that he is a special team-mate and friend.
'I've always had a real 'feeling' with him, and it's a shame. He's a great footballer, unique.

'Ozil would be the very last player who I would sell from Real Madrid, if it was up to me. I don't understand this.
Tribute: Sergio Ramos posted this picture on Twitter of him proudly holding Mesut Ozil's last Madrid shirt

Strike a pose: Fellow attacking midfielder Isco was another player to question the sale of Ozil

'But he has decided, and the club too. We have a great team and I hope it will be a big year [for us].'
Ramos took to Twitter to post a picture of him holding Ozil's last ever Madrid shirt, with the message: 'Your last match's t-shirt will be kept foundly with me.'
Madrid playmaker Isco, who joined the club from Malaga this summer, added of Ozil's sale in Marca: 'To be honest it has surprised me, and more so after he said last week that he was going to stay.
'We all know Ozil, he has a lot of quality and he's a player who is capable of changing a game.
Alvaro Arbeloa, who like Madrid team-mates Isco and Ramos is currently on international duty with Spain, echoed the thoughts of his colleagues and admitted Ozil would be missed both on and off the pitch.

New man: Ozil was sold after the world-record £86million signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham



He said in AS: 'I'm a little bit surprised, it's a shame, and it's a big loss to the dressing room, on a footballing level and on a personal level too.
'He said goodbye to us on Sunday, but I thought he was joking. He's very different, there's no player like him in the world. He makes the difference on the pitch.
'He'll have his reasons for moving. But we will keep looking forward, we have other great players. I understand it's tough for the fans, they loved him. He is a phenomenon and got on well with everyone. It's a real loss.'
And there are other voices of dissent. Madrid’s former sporting director, Jorge Valdano, has already said: ‘If they gave me the choice I would put the Ozil-Angel Di Maria pairing before Bale. I would certainly put Ozil before Bale.
Additional reporting: Pete Jenson

Pinpoint passing: Ozil (centre) in action against Granada's Brayan Angulo (left) and Hassan Yebda



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[Dunny]

Betrayed Spurs chief Levy 'asked Real Madrid to pull the plug on Ozil's £42.5m move to rivals Arsenal'


By Dave Wood
PUBLISHED:08:34, 4 September 2013| UPDATED:11:40, 4 September 2013 64 shares
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Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy attempted to block Arsenal's £42.5million capture of Mesut Ozil on transfer deadline day, according to reports in Spain.

Levy was stunned to discover the Germany midfielder was on his way to their north London rivals after being told he was not for sale by Real Madrid.

Spurs had enquired about the availability of Ozil in July and August during discussions over the world record £86m transfer of Gareth Bale.


Inernational team-mates: Lukas Podolski welcomes fellow Germany star Mesut Ozil to Arsenal


Spanish newspaper El Confidencial claimed Levy called Real president Florentino Perez on Monday in an attempt to stop Ozil's transfer to Arsenal.
Levy felt betrayed after lengthy negotiations over Bale and a partnership agreement between Spurs and the Spanish giants that was agreed when Luka Modric left White Hart Lane last summer.
But Perez politely informed Levy that the deal to sell Ozil to Arsenal was all but done.
Ozil admitted he had not expected to leave the Spanish giants but revealed once it was clear he no longer figured in the first-team plans of Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti following the signing of Bale, he had no hesitation in moving on to a fresh challenge at Arsenal.
'At the weekend, I was certain that I would stay at Real Madrid, but afterwards I realised that I did not have the faith from the coach or the bosses,' Ozil said in an interview with the German Football Association's official website, www.dfb.de.




Trying to call in a favour: Daniel Levy (left) reportedly rang Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (right)




National service: Bale reported for Wales duty after completing his world-record move


'I am a player who needs this faith and that is what I have felt from Arsenal, which is why I have joined.
'Wenger gives me the faith and I can develop further. I know what I can do and I know that I could make the grade with any club in the world because I am so convinced in myself, but if I don't feel people have faith in me, then that is why I had to leave and at Arsenal, I feel I have this fully.
'I am sure the new coach is going to develop me further and I am also really looking forward to playing in the Premier League.'
Before Sunday's 1-0 win over big-spending Tottenham, Wenger had seen moves for Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Yohan Cabaye all fail to materialise, and only secured the free transfers of Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini, before a loan move for Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano was completed on deadline day.
Although being signed initially as support for Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski, the 27-year-old Italy keeper fully intends to make the most of any opportunities which come his way.
'I think it is a good thing that there are other great goalkeepers here. It is a positive fight,' Viviano said.
Arsenal had also been keen to bring in some more offensive cover and looked at a loan deal for Chelsea forward Demba Ba, but the Stamford Bridge club were not interested in reaching such an agreement with their rivals.


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[Jangle]

Even though I like Spurs, I like this betrayal. Levy is an ******* and deserves this.

Betrayed Spurs chief Levy 'asked Real Madrid to pull the plug on Ozil's £42.5m move to rivals Arsenal'


By Dave Wood
PUBLISHED:08:34, 4 September 2013| UPDATED:11:40, 4 September 2013 64 shares
150
View
comments



Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy attempted to block Arsenal's £42.5million capture of Mesut Ozil on transfer deadline day, according to reports in Spain.

Levy was stunned to discover the Germany midfielder was on his way to their north London rivals after being told he was not for sale by Real Madrid.

Spurs had enquired about the availability of Ozil in July and August during discussions over the world record £86m transfer of Gareth Bale.


Inernational team-mates: Lukas Podolski welcomes fellow Germany star Mesut Ozil to Arsenal


Spanish newspaper El Confidencial claimed Levy called Real president Florentino Perez on Monday in an attempt to stop Ozil's transfer to Arsenal.
Levy felt betrayed after lengthy negotiations over Bale and a partnership agreement between Spurs and the Spanish giants that was agreed when Luka Modric left White Hart Lane last summer.
But Perez politely informed Levy that the deal to sell Ozil to Arsenal was all but done.
Ozil admitted he had not expected to leave the Spanish giants but revealed once it was clear he no longer figured in the first-team plans of Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti following the signing of Bale, he had no hesitation in moving on to a fresh challenge at Arsenal.
'At the weekend, I was certain that I would stay at Real Madrid, but afterwards I realised that I did not have the faith from the coach or the bosses,' Ozil said in an interview with the German Football Association's official website, www.dfb.de.




Trying to call in a favour: Daniel Levy (left) reportedly rang Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (right)




National service: Bale reported for Wales duty after completing his world-record move


'I am a player who needs this faith and that is what I have felt from Arsenal, which is why I have joined.
'Wenger gives me the faith and I can develop further. I know what I can do and I know that I could make the grade with any club in the world because I am so convinced in myself, but if I don't feel people have faith in me, then that is why I had to leave and at Arsenal, I feel I have this fully.
'I am sure the new coach is going to develop me further and I am also really looking forward to playing in the Premier League.'
Before Sunday's 1-0 win over big-spending Tottenham, Wenger had seen moves for Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Yohan Cabaye all fail to materialise, and only secured the free transfers of Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini, before a loan move for Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano was completed on deadline day.
Although being signed initially as support for Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski, the 27-year-old Italy keeper fully intends to make the most of any opportunities which come his way.
'I think it is a good thing that there are other great goalkeepers here. It is a positive fight,' Viviano said.
Arsenal had also been keen to bring in some more offensive cover and looked at a loan deal for Chelsea forward Demba Ba, but the Stamford Bridge club were not interested in reaching such an agreement with their rivals.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2dvY7XuKu
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[Gamma]

yup. let me tell you first hand, the ability to speak the language can open ~ahem~ doors!

[Gamma]

how can anyone swap bale for ozil??!!

[Dunny]

how can anyone swap bale for ozil??!!

I don't think it is a swap but they had to recoup some money quickly. That is where Wenger was smart, he went for Di Maria as well but Madrid knew they couldn't afford to let both of them go so they had to sell the most expensive one. Bale has good ability but is also more marketable and will be a massive money spinner for them.

[OJ]

still need a striker, to really compete on all fronts. And dont use the b word around here.

[GazX]

I'm angry! Ronaldo slams Ozil's £42.5m Arsenal move as Real stars queue up to question sale


By Charlie Skillen
PUBLISHED:09:54, 4 September 2013| UPDATED:11:09, 4 September 2013 336shares
157
View
comments



Cristiano Ronaldo has declared his anger at Mesut Ozil’s departure to Arsenal.
Germany playmaker Ozil was a deadline-day record signing for the Gunners at £42.5million, with Ronaldo becoming the latest Real Madrid star to express his frustration at the move.
According to Spanish paper AS, Ronaldo has told Portugal team-mates his views on Ozil's switch, which came hours after confirmation of Real's world-record £86million signing of Tottenham's Gareth Bale.

'Angry': Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly told international team-mates he's not pleased at Mesut Ozil's sale




In action: But new Arsenal signing Ozil's departure has been questioned by a host of Real Madrid's top stars


New colours: Ozil (left) showing off his new Arsenal shirt with Gunners striker Lukas Podolski

'The sale of Ozil is very bad news for me,' he said.
'He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal... I'm angry about Özil leaving.'
Real claim the move to Arsenal is a result of Ozil wanting to leave, but he had been told to go because the club need to pay loans taken out to bring in Bale, costing £100m-plus in repayments.

Bale will not be able to offer Ozil’s ability to find Ronaldo with a pass anywhere on the pitch, as the Portugal star alluded to.

Ronaldo's words come after a host of other top Real players spoke out on their team-mate's departure for London.
Such was Ozil’s popularity at the Bernabeu, he was one of the few players with friends on both sides of the club’s divide.

Fighting fit: Ronaldo reportedly expressed his anger to Portugal team-mates, training on Tuesday






Connection: Ronaldo (right) and Ozil celebrate scoring the Champions League in 2011


Ronaldo’s Portuguese contingent were all fond of him, while captain and Spain standard-bearer Sergio Ramos even risked former boss Jose Mourinho’s wrath to stand up for Real’s No 10.
In a game against Deportivo last season, when Ozil was taken off at half-time, Ramos put the No 10 shirt on under his own for the second half.
He felt Ozil was being unfairly targeted by Mourinho and if he scored was ready to rip off his shirt to dedicate the goal to his friend.
And Ramos said following Ozil's departure: 'It's obvious that he is a special team-mate and friend.
'I've always had a real 'feeling' with him, and it's a shame. He's a great footballer, unique.

'Ozil would be the very last player who I would sell from Real Madrid, if it was up to me. I don't understand this.
Tribute: Sergio Ramos posted this picture on Twitter of him proudly holding Mesut Ozil's last Madrid shirt

Strike a pose: Fellow attacking midfielder Isco was another player to question the sale of Ozil

'But he has decided, and the club too. We have a great team and I hope it will be a big year [for us].'
Ramos took to Twitter to post a picture of him holding Ozil's last ever Madrid shirt, with the message: 'Your last match's t-shirt will be kept foundly with me.'
Madrid playmaker Isco, who joined the club from Malaga this summer, added of Ozil's sale in Marca: 'To be honest it has surprised me, and more so after he said last week that he was going to stay.
'We all know Ozil, he has a lot of quality and he's a player who is capable of changing a game.
Alvaro Arbeloa, who like Madrid team-mates Isco and Ramos is currently on international duty with Spain, echoed the thoughts of his colleagues and admitted Ozil would be missed both on and off the pitch.

New man: Ozil was sold after the world-record £86million signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham



He said in AS: 'I'm a little bit surprised, it's a shame, and it's a big loss to the dressing room, on a footballing level and on a personal level too.
'He said goodbye to us on Sunday, but I thought he was joking. He's very different, there's no player like him in the world. He makes the difference on the pitch.
'He'll have his reasons for moving. But we will keep looking forward, we have other great players. I understand it's tough for the fans, they loved him. He is a phenomenon and got on well with everyone. It's a real loss.'
And there are other voices of dissent. Madrid’s former sporting director, Jorge Valdano, has already said: ‘If they gave me the choice I would put the Ozil-Angel Di Maria pairing before Bale. I would certainly put Ozil before Bale.
Additional reporting: Pete Jenson

Pinpoint passing: Ozil (centre) in action against Granada's Brayan Angulo (left) and Hassan Yebda



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2dvX7CHNw
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

In other words, if Ronaldo only scores 47 goals next season its Bales fault.