Gunners Out To Seal Top-Three Spot

Sunderland visit Arsenal on Wednesday needing just a point to confirm their English Premier League survival.

The match will be broadcast live and will also available via live streaming.

Dick Advocaat's men missed the chance to make sure of their top-flight status for next season last Saturday as they were held to a 0-0 home draw by Leicester City. But the Wearside club still hold a three-point advantage over third-bottom Hull City and only require a draw at Emirates Stadium to stay up.

However, they face an Arsenal side who have won 13 of their last 17 matches in the Barclays Premier League. The Gunners can seal third place and a spot in the Uefa Champions League group stage with a win.

A heavy loss would keep the pressure on Sunderland, whose goal difference is inferior to Hull's and only five better than that of struggling Newcastle United, ahead of a final-day meeting with champions Chelsea.

“Normally, if you have 37 points, you're safe,” Advocaat said. “But we will go on until the end and we have to do what we have to do to get that point.

"The other teams have to do what they have to do too, and win their games. We will stay up, I have no doubts about that."

Arsenal lost their last home match 1-0 to Swansea City, and Arsene Wenger is expecting Sunderland to execute a similar gameplan, sitting back and hoping to attack Arsenal on the counter. The Arsenal manager called the defeat by Swansea an “accident” and called on his team to use their high energy to clinch third spot in the league.

“For me the Swansea game was an accident,” Wenger said. “Having analysed it, it’s one of the games we deserved to win the most of all the games. We lost two in two or three years now, so you can say that’s an accident.

“Sunderland need a point to be safe so I expect them to be well organised defensively, sound at the back, and to try to use all the counter-attacks they can, all the set-pieces they have, to score goals. We have to put a high rhythm into this game and play with a high level of energy to win the game.”

It remains to be seen whether Danny Welbeck (knee) will be fit to play, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mathieu Debuchy both have hamstring injuries. Laurent Koscielny is a doubt and Wenger has suggested that he will end his run of an unchanged starting XI for six EPL matches.

Billy Jones has added to Sunderland's injury worries with a muscle injury picked up late in the Leicester draw. Should Jones miss out he will join a lengthy list of absentees that includes Wes Brown, Jordi Gomez and Ricky Alvarez (all knee) and Jack Rodwell (hamstring).

Arsenal (from): Ospina, Szczesny, Bellerin, Chambers, Debuchy, Gabriel, Gibbs, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal, Arteta, Cazorla, Coquelin, Diaby, Flamini, Gnabry, Ozil, Ramsey, Rosicky, Wilshere, Giroud, Sanchez, Walcott, Welbeck.

Sunderland (from): Mannone, Pantilimon, Coates, Jones, O'Shea, Reveillere, Van Aanholt, Vergini, Bridcutt, Buckley, Cattermole, Giaccherini, Johnson, Larsson, Defoe, Fletcher, Graham, Wickham.

Petr Cech Eyeing 'Arsenal, Man United Or PSG' Move, Claims Chelsea Star's Agent

Peter Cech would like to join Arsenal, Manchester United or Paris Saint-Germain this summer, according to his agent.

The Blues goalkeeper is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, after losing his first team place to Thibaut Courtois.

Jose Mourinho admitted on Monday he is powerless to stop the Czech Republic star joining a Premier League rival.

And Viktor Kolar, Cech’s agent, insists the 32-year-old is keen on a move to rivals Arsenal or Manchester United.

“Arsenal, Manchester United or PSG are all top clubs. And Petr would like to join one of them – definitely.

“Petr expects that Abramovic not Mourinho will decide about his future, based on their mutual agreement from last year.”

Transfer Rumours And Paper Review - Wednesday, May 20

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Wednesday's newspapers...

Manchester City will make a £40million bid for Liverpool contract rebel Raheem Sterling. (Daily Mirror)

City will offer to make Raheem Sterling one of their highest paid players in a bid to lure him away from Liverpool. (Daily Express)

Chelsea are ready to offload Oscar and Juan Cuadrado to finance a bid for Raheem Sterling. (Daily Star)

Radamel Falcao has been offered to Premier League champions Chelsea as Monaco prepare to send the forward out on loan again next season. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United will offer goalkeeper David De Gea a new contract worth up to £250,000 a week to convince the 24-year-old to commit to the club amid interest from Real Madrid. (The Sun)

Petr Cech is ready to consider a move to Manchester United as David de Gea’s replacement after Jose Mourinho admitted he is powerless to prevent the Chelsea goalkeeper from signing for a major Premier League rival. (Daily Telegraph)

Louis van Gaal is ready to go Dutch in his pursuit of Manchester United’s successor to David De Gea. United have lined up a £25million bid for Ajax and Holland keeper Jasper Cillessen - if they fail to prevent Spaniard De Gea joining Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror)

Lyon's chairman has warned Manchester City and other interested parties that Alexandre Lacazette will cost more than €50million. (Manchester Evening News)

Keshi Allows NPFL Players To Play Midweek Games In Order To Avoid Distractions

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has allowed players invited to the Super Eagles for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad to feature for their clubs in Wednesday’s Nigeria Professional Football League Week 10 matches.

Camp was scheduled to open on Tuesday with 26 players from the domestic scene. However, they can now go back to play for their clubs in tomorrow's matches.

“We want to allow the players to feature for their clubs in the midweek games, so that they will know that once they report to camp, they will not be going anywhere again," Keshi was quoted by the NFF website.

“It is important that they come to camp and concentrate. We don’t want distractions, especially with the team scheduled to play a number of friendly matches in the weeks to come before the qualifier against Chad."

All the 26 players were expected to report to camp on Tuesday, but the grace of 48 hours will now ensure they help their clubs’ fortunes in the Week 10 matches.

The 53-year-old former defender has invited three goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and eight strikers from the domestic league for the match, with the list of overseas-based professionals due to be released this weekend.

Nigeria have been drawn in an Afcon qualifying group that includes Egypt, Chad and Tanzania and will play their first game against Chad in Kaduna on June 13.

Wenger: Why Spend €55m When We Already Have Coquelin?

Francis Coquelin proves that Arsenal can find top quality players without having to spend huge sums of money, according to Arsene Wenger.

Since being recalled from his loan at Chartlon, the 24-year-old has been a revelation for the Gunners, making 21 Premier League appearances and impressively filling the void at the base of the midfield.

Coquelin's remarkable breakthrough has quietened the calls for Wenger to add a more tenacious edge to his midfield this summer just as he is looking to turn a talented squad into genuine title contenders.

Southampton have put a €35 million asking price on talismanic midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, but Wenger insists the success of Coquelin is evidence that large transfer deals are not the only way to improve a team.

"I think nobody would dispute that his performances have been convincing and that he is ready for a fight even if somebody comes in," the Gunners boss said of Coquelin.

"Even if somebody comes in, he will stay here. I extended his contract, that means I believe in him.

"It hasn’t changed my mind about transfers a lot, but what is for sure is that he has shown he has the capacity to play for us and play a big part in the success of the team.

"The world has changed. The appreciation today of the quality of a player is just down with the money you spend. If we had bought Coquelin at Christmas for £40 million (€55m), everyone would say 'what a signing'.

"I am sorry he didn’t cost any money, but he is still a good player."

Wenger is also adamant that the domestic core of his squad remains as important as ever, despite not fielding a single Englishman in his starting XI for six successive Premier League games.

"They have been injured," he added. "Walcott has been out for a year. Wilshere has been out since November. Kieran Gibbs is now coming back. It's true, they had little setbacks.

"I know our future is only bright if I can keep a cohesion, and a core of players who have been educated here and can play year-in year-out together.

"That is the difficulty in the modern job, you know the cohesion is a very important part of the success of the team, but you are always under pressure to get players in. We live in a new world, people always want new."

Madrid Have No Limits, Says Perez

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says his side will return with renewed vigour after a disappointing end to the season.

Carlo Ancelotti's side will finish La Liga in second place, after being eliminated from the Champions League semi-finals and the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.

However, Perez insists that the club will not give up in their pursuit of dominance, both in Spain and Europe.

"This week is the celebration of the first anniversary of La Decima," the Blancos supremo said at the launch of a new club app.

"Madrid do not give up, neither do Madrid fans. And we will try to achieve La Undecima.

"Real Madrid have no boundaries. Real Madrid is a feeling and an emotion. We all share the victories and the glories.

"We are united by these feelings and principles. The team must be among the best in the world."

Madrid end their 2014-15 campaign with a derby clash against Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Barca Stalwart Xavi Heading To Qatar

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez will leave the Catalan club he has served since boyhood for Qatari side Al Sadd at the end of this season, his father said on Tuesday.

"The moment has come for Xavi to say goodbye," the 35-year-old midfielder's father Joaquin Hernandez told radio Cope.

He said the contract with Al Sadd would allow Xavi, presently the team captain, to train as a coach as well as playing.

"He is lucky to have received a really impressive offer that allows him to continue playing football, train as a future coach and also rest a little."

Xavi is Barcelona's most decorated player of all time and one of the heroes of Spain's Euro and World Cup-winning squads.

In March he met with managers of Al Sadd, which announced on social media that he had signed with the club but the Qatari side then said the deal had not yet been sealed.

Xavi will personally announce the move during a press conference on Thursday, Spanish media reported.

His contract with the Spanish league champions runs until next year but the club had already made it clear that it would not stand in the way of his departure.

"Xavi has earned the right to decide his future," Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said in March when asked about the reports that the iconic playmaker had agreed to a move to Qatar.

The player will be following in the footsteps of Real Madrid legend Raul who played 39 games for Al Sadd, one of Qatar's top clubs, between 2012 and 2014, before joining the New York Cosmos in October 2014.

Barcelona sealed the league title on Sunday with a 1-0 win away over 2014 champions Atletico Madrid.

Xavi was filmed weeping with joy after that win. It is his eighth title in the league and his 23rd overall with Barcelona, making him the player with most medals in the club's history.

He still has the chance to end his last season at Barcelona with a treble, as his side will play in the finals of the Spanish cup and Champions League.

'Instrumental to the club'

Xavi joined Barcelona in 1991 at the age of 11. He has played more than 760 matches for the side – more than any other player.

The transfer will bring the curtain down on a 17-year first-team playing career with Barcelona, during which time Xavi has so far won three Champions League titles and two Fifa Club World Cups in addition to the eight La Liga championships.

He was also an integral part of Spain's World Cup-winning side in 2010 and their two European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012.

Beyond mere figures, he will also be remembered as being a central figure of Barcelona's revolutionary 'tiki-taka' style of football, which relies on possession and passing, and helped the Catalan side to become arguably the dominant team in Europe in the first decade of the century.

His departure follows that of other club heavyweights in recent years such as defender Carles Puyol and goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Xavi almost left Barcelona at the end of last season after the Catalan side failed to win any silverware but was reportedly convinced by coach Luis Enrique to stay on.

He has spent much of this season relegated to the bench although Enrique has relied on him during decisive matches.

"I don't think there will be another player like him. He is an unique, inimitable player who has been instrumental to the club and the national team," Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said at a publicity event.

Xavi's signing is one of the biggest coups for Qatari domestic football in a country set to host the 2022 World Cup.

Al Sadd competed in the Club World Cup in 2011, finishing third after being knocked out by Barcelona in the semifinals.

Reports suggest that Xavi will sign a three-year contract, with his role to combine coaching as well.

Sinclair Makes Villa Move Permanent

Aston Villa have signed Manchester City midfielder Scott Sinclair on a four-year contract after a successful loan spell, the Premier league club said on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old former Chelsea and Swansea City player, who has been at Villa Park since January, has committed his long-term future to the FA Cup finalists, who are now free of relegation worries and can focus on facing Arsenal at Wembley.

"I am so happy. We've had a fantastic end to the current season – and now I am already looking forward to the new season starting," Sinclair, who has scored three goals since joining Villa, told the club website (www.avfc.co.uk):

"It's also great for me and the family to be settled now," he added. "For every footballer, it's important to have that stability. I believe that will help me perform better and push on for this great club in the coming years.

"It's so much different than when you're on loan and going here, there and everywhere.

"I have already loved every minute of playing for this club. To be a permanent Villa player now is a fantastic feeling."

Wenger Keen To Avoid 'Accidents'

Arsene Wenger has urged his Arsenal side to avoid any accidents and make sure they finish the Premier League season in style.

The Gunners have two home games left, against relegation-threatened Sunderland on Wednesday and then against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday and need two points to be absolutely assured of finishing no lower than third.

Two wins could even allow them to finish as runners-up to Chelsea, their best finish for 10 years.

But for a surprise 1-0 home defeat by Swansea City last week they would already be assured of a top-three spot, and Wenger, whose side have an FA Cup final to look forward to, wants no repeat performance against Sunderland.

"We have put so much effort in that it would be stupid not to finish the job well," Wenger told a news conference.

"For me the Swansea game was an accident.

"Sunderland need a point to be safe so I expect them to be well organised defensively, sound at the back, and to try to use all the counter-attacks they can, all the set-pieces they have, to score goals.

"We have to put a high rhythm into this game and play with a high level of energy to win the game."

Wenger said catching Manchester City was a remote possibility.

"We have a possibility to take the six points, but it will not be enough if Man City win their last game against Southampton," he said.

"The fact is likely, so how many chances we have, I don't know, but the only chance we have is to win our games."

Wenger steadfastly refused to be drawn on speculation surrounding the future of Liverpool's Raheem Sterling who is reported to be seeking a move away from Anfield.

"Look, I do not bid for anybody at the moment, but in the summer, we will bid for people, yes. But at the moment, we are not in transfer mode at all," he said.

"We have a big squad at the moment and ... we do not need a number of players.

"What I want is to finish well the season, and after I will make my decisions."

'Sterling Should Be Embarrassed'

   

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has come under a withering attack from two of the club's former stalwarts over his apparent reluctance to sign a reported £100 000 per week contract.

The 20-year-old England international's future at Liverpool is clouded in uncertainty with British media reports on Tuesday suggesting Sterling is poised to request a transfer.

Manchester City are one of the club's being linked with a move for Sterling who, according to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been offered an "incredible" new contract.

With Liverpool insisting Sterling is not for sale, the saga is bound to rumble on into the summer and Jamie Carragher, now a television pundit, said he should be embarrassed to walk into training this week and suggested a change of agent.

"I'd be embarrassed to walk into training tomorrow and show my face to everyone; even the lady on the reception," former Liverpool defender Carragher told Sky Sports.

"Raheem Sterling is a great kid. He's not some flash young kid. He's not loud, he's not in people's faces. He loves his football.

"He needs to change his agent. That's the one thing he needs to change.

"For a 20-year-old kid to be taking on Liverpool Football Club, there's nothing worse.

"Raheem Sterling will obviously move on at some stage. Brendan Rodgers has said he won't be leaving this summer but it looks like he's trying to force the club's hand."

Carragher said Sterling still had to prove he was worth the kind of salary enjoyed by the Premier League's biggest names.

"If you want trophies and big money they won't be given to you, you have to earn them," Carragher said.

"What did Liverpool win this year? Nothing."

Former Liverpool winger John Barnes, who Sterling has been compared to, echoed Carragher's comments.

"Raheem has not achieved anything, he has not won anything," Barnes told the BBC.

"Does anyone believe that if he goes to Manchester City he will be the first name on the team sheet or are they just signing him because they need English players?"

"Raheem has great potential, but Liverpool gave him an opportunity and he should stay for a couple of years."