Friends of Fulham

Arsenal defender David Luiz 'a major injury concern with a neck problem and could miss the Premier League season opener against Fulham'

    David Luiz's availability for Arsenal's match at Fulham on Saturday is in doubt
    He has a neck problem and there are fears that he could be absent for a while
    The injury could cement Rob Holding's part in Arsenal's plans for the season

Mikel Arteta is sweating over the fitness of key defender David Luiz after the Brazilian sustained a neck injury.

According to The Athletic, Luiz's issue requires particular caution and he could face an extended period of time on the sidelines.

As a result, Rob Holding is expected to remain at Arsenal rather than join Newcastle on loan.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/09/08/32953154-0-image-m-2_1599635662013.jpg)
David Luiz has sustained a neck injury and is a doubt for Arsenal's season opener at Fulham

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/09/08/32953644-8713077-image-a-18_1599636694582.jpg)
Arsenal are fearful that Luiz could face an extended period of absence with the neck problem

Luiz is expected to miss Arsenal's Premier League opener against Fulham on Saturday in the early kick-off at Craven Cottage.

If the Brazilian Luiz, 33, is set for a prolonged absence it would be a major blow for Gunners boss Arteta ahead of his first full season at the Emirates Stadium.

Shkodran Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari are all returning to fitness after their own injury issues while new arrivals William Saliba and Gabriel are untested in the Premier League.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos has been unfancied by Arteta ever since he arrived as manager but the Spaniard might be forced to turn to him in the coming weeks.

Luiz penned a new one-year deal at Arsenal back in June, despite a difficult start to Arteta's tenure.

Holding, meanwhile, was expected to depart for Newcastle for the duration of the 2020-21 campaign but impressed in Arsenal's Community Shield triumph over Liverpool.

He is now a frontrunner to start against newly-promoted Fulham, but Arteta faces an anxious wait before choosing his partner in the centre of defence,



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8713077/Arsenal-defender-David-Luiz-major-injury-concern-neck-problem.html

Scout Gaming lands Premier League sponsorship deal

Through its B2C brand FanTeam, Scout Gaming has become Fulham FC's new fantasy sports partner for the next two seasons.

FanTeam offers what it says is Europe's largest prize pools on fantasy football, including the season-long Fantasy Premier League game, with a €1m guaranteed fund and a minimum €200,000 going to the winner.

As part of the partnership with the club, FanTeam will offer games specifically tied to Fulham, such as player duels, against different opponents during the season, as well as the traditional season-long game played across the full Premier League season.

Fulham's rich heritage and global reputation were key factors in FanTeam's decision to partner with the club.

Andreas Ternström, CEO of Scout Gaming, said: "We're extremely proud and excited to partner with Fulham FC in connection to their return to where they belong, the Premier League. We were impressed by how the club handled the relegation in 2019 and the measures taken to win back promotion. In many ways we see a lot of similarities between FanTeam/Scout Gaming and Fulham FC, where focus on building a winning culture and passion stands out."



https://www.intergameonline.com/igaming/news/scout-gaming-lands-premier-league-sponsorship-deal

Rob Holding set to start Arsenal's clash vs Fulham after David Luiz injury

Rob Holding is set to start in Arsenal's Premier League opener against Fulham as David Luiz is a major doubt due to a neck injury, according to reports.

Holding was expected to be allowed to join Newcastle United on loan this summer but Mikel Arteta has reversed that decision and is keen to keep the 24-year-old in his squad. It's understood that Arteta has been impressed by Holding during Arsenal's pre-season preparations and the defender will be given the chance to challenge for a regular role. And according to The Athletic, Holding is now in line start Arsenal's first game of the new Premier League season as David Luiz is struggled to overcome a neck injury.

The report claims that the Brazilian suffered the injury in Arsenal's victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield and the problem has been aggravated in training since the Gunners' win at Wembley. The report also suggests that David Luiz could be sidelined for up to six weeks and Arsenal's medical staff want to treat the injury with 'particular caution'.

The Brazilian's injury also opens the door for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to make their Premier League debuts. Saliba has taken part in a full pre-season camp with Arsenal but the 19-year-old did not start in the match against Liverpool on August 29.

Gabriel, meanwhile, hasn't played a competitive game since early March as Lille's Ligue 1 campaign was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers are all unavailable due to injuries. Arteta's side will begin their Premier League campaign against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.



Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/09/09/rob-holding-arsenal-fulham-david-luiz-injury-13243594/?ito=newsnow-feed?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

Scottish Giants Celtic, Rangers Interested In Signing Fulham, Brighton, Leicester-

English Premier League clubs face competition as they bid to sign Nigerian-born winger Bright Osayi-Samuel, according to reports.

Football Insider claims that the Queens Park Rangers Young Player of the Year is attracting interest from Scottish Premiership giants Glasgow Celtic and Rangers.

Fresh from a campaign that saw him involved in 15 goals (5 goals, 9 assists) from 40 matches across all competitions, Osayi-Samuel has also been linked with possible moves to Leicester City, Fulham and Brighton & Hove.

The cost of signing the winger this summer is believed to be in the region of five million pounds, with Queens Park Rangers accepting that fee from Club Brugge, only for the player to eventually turn down a move to the Belgian champions.

The 22-year-old has entered the final nine months of his contract with the Hoops and can sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January 2021, and this is something which Glasgow Rangers are working on.

Osayi-Samuel is expected to be in action for Queens Park Rangers when they face Nottingham Forest in their Championship opener on Saturday, September 12.

Igho Kingsley



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=37325

Mitro & Joe in PFA Team of the Year


Aleksandar Mitrović and Joe Bryan have been named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

Mitro's 26 goals throughout 2019/20 saw him win the divisional Golden Boot, while Bryan's seven league assists was the most by a defender.

The team is also comprised of Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba, Leeds United's defensive trio of Luke Ayling, Ben White and Liam Cooper, a midfield trio of Eberechi Eze (formerly Queens Park Rangers), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds) and Romaine Sawyers (West Bromwich Albion), while Mitro was accompanied up top by Brentford forwards Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins.


It is the fourth successive Championship season in which Fulham has been represented in the Team of the Year: Ross McCormack (2016); Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney (2017); Sessegnon, Cairney and Ryan Fredericks (2018).



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/Mitro-Joe-in-PFA-Team-of-the-Year/

Report: Middlesbrough set to sign Fulham stopper Marcus Bettinelli

The Cottagers deputy stopper looks set to head out in search of first-team football.

Middlesbrough are close to completing the signing of Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, according to a report by the Northern Echo.

The 28-year-old's departure from Fulham is likely to see another goalkeeper arrive at Craven Cottage to bolster Scott Parker's ranks.

PSG custodian Alphonse Areola has been linked with a move and it remains to be seen whether Bettinelli heading north will give Fulham the green light to pull off the deal.

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has been frustrated in his attempts to add to his squad this summer but in Bettinelli he's pulling off a decent deal.

The goalkeeper has played 120 times for Fulham and has also tasted further Football League action during a loan spell at Accrington earlier in his career.

Bettinelli played 14 times last season but was largely kept on the fringes by the impressive Marek Rodak as the club won promotion to the Premier League.

Boro will pay the Cottagers a six-figure fee to take Bettinelli on loan for the 2020/21 campaign and it seems likely one of their goalkeepers will leave.

Ainsley Pears seems the most likely to make way, with Dejan Stojanovic a regular under Warnock during the closing stages of last season.

TBR View – Fulham's loss is Boro's gain

Bettinelli is a capable pair of hands and he might have fancied staking his claim for a place ahead of the Cottagers' first season back in the top-flight.

That doesn't look to be the case though, with Scott Parker almost certainly set to target a new goalkeeper following Bettinelli's departure.

Boro are getting a decent player though, one who boasts agility, strong distribution and a good level of composure between the posts.

It will now be interesting to see who Parker has identified to bolster his own goalkeeping ranks ahead of the new campaign.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-middlesbrough-set-to-sign-fulham-stopper-marcus-bettinelli/

Fans return to competitive football as Cambridge beat Fulham Under-21s

Cambridge beat Fulham Under-21s 2-0 in the EFL Trophy at the Abbey Stadium as fans were allowed to attend a competitive fixture in England for the first time in six months.

Tom Knowles' first-half free-kick and Paul Mullin's late effort sealed victory for Cambridge against their Southern Group H rivals in front of 862 supporters.

Cambridge had been chosen to host two games as part of the government and EFL's pilot scheme, with 2,500 fans allowed for Saturday's opening Sky Bet League Two game against Carlisle.

Knowles fired home direct from a 24th-minute free-kick, low into the bottom corner.

Cambridge should have doubled their lead just before half-time when Ryan De Havilland was caught on the ball, leaving Andrew Dallas clear on goal, but his shot was cleared off the line after he had gone round the goalkeeper.

The home side put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages when substitute Mullin applied an emphatic low finish from 18 yards.

Cambridge have previously been part of a joint project by the EFL and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) that looked at the safe application of social distancing at football grounds.

A crowd of 2,500 attended Brighton's 1-1 friendly draw against Chelsea at the Amex Stadium last month in a game which was also used as a test event by the SGSA and Department of Culture, Media and Sport.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fans-return-to-competitive-football-as-cambridge-beat-fulham-under-21s-1599600475000

Fulham Pushing To Complete Signing Before Sanctioning Loan Exit

Fulham are looking to seal the signature of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola before letting Marcus Bettinelli join Middlesbrough on loan, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Scott Parker is bolstering his squad ahead of the Cottagers' return to the Premier League and he has already signed the likes of Mario Lemina, Harrison Reed and Antonee Robinson.

Next on Fulham's agenda is strengthening the goalkeeping department, where movement is expected to take place soon.

Englishman Bettinelli is claimed to be having his medical with Middlesbrough ahead of a loan move, but the transfer will not go through before the Cottagers have sealed a replacement.

Parker's side are pushing to bring in PSG goalkeeper Areola on a loan deal this summer and want to confirm the signing of the Frenchman before they let Bettinelli move away on loan.

North London outfit Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Areola as a short-term replacement for Aston Villa target Emiliano Martinez, but Fulham are leading the race for the custodian.

Moving to Craven Cottage would see Areola take on the number 1 jersey at the club, but he would be brought in as cover for Bernd Leno at Arsenal.

The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Real Madrid in Spain and appears to be heading to the Premier League in the current transfer window.



https://insidefutbol.com/2020/09/09/fulham-pushing-to-complete-signing-before-sanctioning-loan-exit/471442/

 Fulham 2020/21: Will Scott Parker learn from Cottagers' previous Premier League mistakes?
Ahead of the new season, we look at Fulham's strengths, weaknesses and what the targets will be for boss Scott Parker...


Scott Parker has already had a small taste of management at the highest level, but this time around he'll be looking to learn from the mistakes of the past and keep Fulham in the Premier League.

The Cottagers spent over £100m on new signings after beating Aston Villa in the 2018 play-off final, but they under-performed throughout their last season in the Premier League, winning just seven games and mustering only 26 points as they were relegated with five games left to play.


Slavisa Jokanovic, Claudio Ranieri and Parker - who had 10 games as caretaker boss - all had spells in the top job at Craven Cottage but they could not save Fulham, who finished 19th, from relegation. However, Parker, who led Fulham back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, will have learnt some valuable lessons from that experience as he looks to improve on that season.

Where they stand
There were not many tipping Fulham for a return to the top flight at the beginning of last season, but Parker's side produced the goods when it mattered, and after almost securing automatic promotion, they finished fourth, sealing their Premier League return with victory over Brentford in the play-off final.

With their Premier League status confirmed, memories of their disastrous 2018/19 campaign quickly surfaced, but Parker, who had a brief spell as caretaker boss the last time Fulham were in the top flight, was quick acknowledge the mistakes of the past and the challenge that lies ahead for his side.

Parker lost his first five games in the Premier League as Fulham's caretaker boss, and while he could not help the club secure its top-flight status, he did see an upturn in form towards the end of that season that saw the team win three of the next four matches, which is something for the 39-year-old coach to build on this time around.

Where they're strong
Fulham really were the pass masters last season with a league-topping 21,844 completed - and nearly a quarter of those were achieved in the attacking third.

Parker will be satisfied with his side's 18 clean sheets - only Leeds kept more - but there are still warning signs with 48 goals conceded (three teams shipped fewer) and 182 shots on target faced (11 teams faced fewer).

Indeed, defensive frailties were at the heart of the Cottagers' relegation from the Premier League two years ago when they leaked 81 goals.

Where they need to improve
While additional tightening at the back might be required, the key issue to address for Fulham will be creating chances and easing the goalscoring burden on Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Cottagers scored fewer goals than promoted sides Leeds and West Brom, in addition to play-off challengers Brentford and Cardiff - while five teams created a higher number of clear-cut opportunities.

The club also faces an uphill struggle to buck the historic trend for clubs promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs: only 44 per cent have survived the first season since 1995/96.

What has the manager said?
peaking after Fulham's play-off victory, Scott Parker said:

"You can't build teams with drastic changes, drastic swings of players [coming in]. This team has been around myself now for the best part of 15 months and they have improved and improved and improved. I'm happy with where we are. We are going to need additions - we are going into the biggest league there is - but no real drastic changes.

"Some clear errors were made last time and we will learn from that, we need to learn from that. We are going into the best league in the world, the best players, it's a brutal league and I realise the challenge ahead. I want to try and enjoy what we have done so far but we need to learn from those mistakes."

Key man

Aleksandar Mitrovic will once again be a crucial figure for Fulham as the Serbia striker looks to make an impact in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old finished last season as the top goalscorer in the Championship with 26 goals and he already has Premier League experience with Newcastle and Fulham, playing all but one game and scoring 11 goals two season ago.

In 77 top-flight appearances, he's scored 21 goals and has seven assists and his combative style and physical presence will be key to Fulham's survival chances.

One to watch

Josh Onomah, who played a starring role for Fulham in the Championship play-offs, will have a point to prove as he returns to the top-flight.

He has already had a taste of the Premier League with Tottenham, but having made just 13 appearances for Spurs, all of which came as a substitute, the 23-year-old has a chance to make a big impact for the newly promoted side.

Speaking to the club's official website, Onomah said: "At Spurs I made just over 10 appearances but they were off the bench, so this time around I'm looking forward to showing everyone what I can do in the Premier League. I've got a point to prove and I look forward to the challenge."

What is success for Fulham in 2020/21?
As with every newly-promoted club, the goal for Fulham will be staying in the Premier League. It's as simple as that.

Parker's experience of Fulham's disastrous 2018/19 campaign could well prove crucial because with games coming thick and fast this season, the Cottagers' squad will be stretched to the limit.

Defensive recruitments are still a necessity for the Cottagers before the season gets underway. Wigan left-back Antonee Robinson has already joined for an undisclosed fee but Parker will be hoping a centre-back and a right-back quickly follow as he looks to secure Fulham's top-flight status.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12060381/fulham-2020-21-will-scott-parker-learn-from-cottagers-previous-premier-league-mistakes

GUNNING FOR IT Wonderkid William Saliba set for debut but no Gabriel? How Arsenal should line up against Fulham in their Premier League opener

Two trophies in two months have got Arsenal fans salivating at the prospect of the 2020/21 Premier League season.

New signings have also helped, with three major transfers confirmed and more possibly on the way – but can they make an immediate impact in the Premier League opener against Fulham?

You can hear that match and more live on talkSPORT this Saturday.

Two of the new boys are already familiar to fans with Willian a Chelsea star since 2013, while Dani Ceballos arrives for a second loan spell at the Emirates.

The Spaniard was exceptional at the end of last term, while the Brazilian gives plenty of creativity and experience after joining on a free transfer.

Another man from Brazil signing for the club is centre-back Gabriel, who moves to north London from Lille, highly-rated after his spell in Ligue 1. Arteta will hope he can toughen up his backline.

Meanwhile, we'll also get our first glimpse of William Saliba in a red and white shirt, which is exciting given his huge potential.

But how will these new additions alter Arteta's team for the new Premier League campaign? talkSPORT.com takes a look.

How Arsenal should look against Fulham
International duty and new signings mean Arteta won't quite be able to field his ideal line-up at first.

Indeed, Gabriel is yet to feature since his signing for the club while Willian hasn't had much game time with his peers either.

It might be the case for the first few matches we see the 3-4-3 formation continue, as the new boys get up to speed. But don't be surprised

A debut though, might be on the cards for wonderkid Saliba on the right of the back-three, while Ceballos should start ahead of Elneny, a full 90 minutes would be unlikely so the Egyptian might get a role off the bench.

David Luiz is a doubt due to a neck injury and Rob Holding is set to deputise.

The forward line should be the one which ended the season but don't be too surprised if Eddie Nketiah or Bukayo Saka gatecrash the XI.

Meanwhile, the major selection headache will be whether Emiliano Martinez or Bernd Leno gets the nod in goal. It appears the former has it for now.




https://talksport.com/football/756446/wonderkid-william-saliba-debut-gabriel-arsenal-line-up-fulham/

Fulham set for triple signing

Fulham are close to completing three deals, according to Sky Sports News this morning.

The Londoners are finalising the paperwork with Paris Saint-Germain to bring in goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. Fulham know that they are several other Premier League clubs interested in signing the French international and are looking to conclude this deal as soon as possible. Marcus Bettinelli, who spent the second half of last season as understudy to Marek Rodak, has travelled to Teesside to undergo a medical ahead of a proposed season-long loan to Middlesbrough.

Fulham have also agreed a fee with Lyon for Dutch international right back Kenny Tete. The former Ajax defender passed a medical yesterday, according to reports in both France and Holland, and the deal is close to completion. The Whites are still set to sign former Chelsea defender Ola Aina on loan from Torino and that deal will include an option to buy, rumoured to be in the region of £11m.

Sky Sports suggests that Fulham are confident of finalising all three incoming transfers before the start of the new season against Arsenal on Saturday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/fulham-set-for-triple-signing/

Fulham in talks with PSG keeper, opening door for Marcus Bettinelli to complete Middlesbrough move

Bettinelli lost his place at Fulham and Scott Parker is set to sign another keeper

(https://i2-prod.gazettelive.co.uk/incoming/article18895944.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Cardiff-City-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-Cardiff-City-Stadium.jpg)
Marcus Bettinelli (Image: PA)

Fulham are looking to complete the loan signing of Paris Saint-Germain's Alphonse Areola, opening the door for Marcus Bettinelli to complete his switch to Middlesbrough.

Bettinelli is reportedly set for a medical with Boro today and providing there are no late hitches will join the club on a season long loan deal.

The capture of Bettinelli will be a big boost for Warnock ahead of Friday's opener at Watford.

At the start of the summer the Boro boss identified the need for more experience between the posts and drew up a shortlist of targets.

And Bettinelli ticks all the boxes.

He has twice won promotion from the Championship, played more than 100 games for Fulham and was called into the England squad two years ago.

But he lost the gloves at Craven Cottage last season, with Scott Parker preferring Marek Rodák.

And the Fulham boss is looking to bolster his keeper department with the capture of Areola.

The French keeper spent last season on loan at Real Madrid as part of the deal which took Keylor Navas to PSG. He's now returned to Paris but is third in the pecking order.

Areola is said to be keen on a switch to England and was offered to Arsenal, but Fulham have reportedly made a concrete move.

Bettinelli wants to play more games after spending much of last season on the bench at Fulham.

It could be one keeper in and one out at Boro, with strong reports in Romania claiming Tomas Mejias is on the verge of joining Dinamo Bucharest.

Mejias is surplus to requirements at the Riverside and hasn't been allocated a squad number for the coming season.

Another player set to leave is Sam Stubbs, who is joining up with League One Fleetwood Town on a permanent deal.



https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-talks-psg-keeper-opening-18902943

Fulham close in on Ola Aina and Kenny Tete transfer deals and lead race for Alphonse Areola

Fulham are close to sealing deals for two right-backs as they move in on former Chelsea man Ola Aina and Lyon's Kenny Tete.

Scott Parker is keen to bolster his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League, but is wary of repeating the spending spree of two years ago which contributed to their relegation.

Former Ajax man Tete, who was part of the Netherlands squad for their Nations League games this month, has reportedly completed a medical in west London, while the Whites want to bring in Aina, who rose through the ranks at Chelsea before joining Torino, on loan with an option to buy.

Fulham have already completed deals for young full-back Antonee Robinson from Wigan and midfield duo Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina, both from Southampton.

Parker's side are also favourites to complete a deal for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who has also been offered to Arsenal should Emiliano Martinez be sold.

Should Parker bring in another, more experienced goalkeeper, it is thought Marcus Bettinelli, who started their last Premier League season as first choice before quickly falling down the pecking order, will join Middlesbrough on a season-long loan.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-ola-aina-kenny-tete-transfers-alphonse-areola-a4543471.html

Report: Fulham plot club-record £25m move for 'exceptional' player compared to Casemiro

Fulham have made an increased offer for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis with an option-to-buy clause worth £25 million, according to Record.

While Leeds United and West Brom have broken their transfer records already this summer, the third and final Premier League newcomer could soon do the same.

Portugal U21 international Florentino Luis may become the most expensive signing in Fulham's history if Benfica are willing to shake hands, overtaking Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Jean-Michel Seri.

It is fair to say Fulham will be hoping the 21-year-old fares rather better at Craven Cottage than a pair of big-money midfielders who spent last season out on loan and appear to have no future in West London.

Record claims that Florentino, who has been linked with AC Milan and compared to Real Madrid enforcer Casemiro, has been the subject of a new bid from Scott Parker's side.

Fulham want him on loan, with an option to buy next year for £25 million.

The 2019 Primeira Liga champion is a deep-lying 'number six' and, as you might have guessed given those Casemiro comparisons, is at his best when snapping into challenges and breaking up attacks.

Florentino averaged ten tackles per game and five interceptions in the Europa League last season after all, and could forge a formidable midfield partnership with the energetic Harrison Reed.

"Florentino is a young player who has exceptional talent. From very early on, we realized that Florentino was on the road to becoming an elite player," former Benfica coach Joao Tralhao told Bernabeu Digital.

"I see Florentino as a logical option (for Real Madrid). He has a profile very similar to that of Casemiro and in Europe he is, without a doubt, one of the best in his position."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/09/report-fulham-plot-club-record-25m-move-for-exceptional-player-compared-to-casemiro/

 Hammersmith Bridge: Government taskforce formed to get crossing opened 'as speedily as possible'

The intervention, by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, was said to be an acceptance that Londoners had "waited too long" for the 133-year-old bridge to be repaired.

(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2019/07/12/10/hammersmith-bridge-july-12-19.jpg?w968)
Relatable: Hammersmith Bridge (Photo: Richard Baker / In Pictures via Gety Images) ( In Pictures via Getty Images )

The Government today set up a taskforce to get Hammersmith Bridge reopened "as speedily as possible".

The intervention, by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, was said to be an acceptance that Londoners had "waited too long" for the 133-year-old bridge to be repaired.

Mr Shapps was said by sources to have "lost patience" with Labour-run Hammersmith and Fulham council, which owns the bridge.

The "minimum" aim was to get it swiftly reopened to pedestrians and cyclists – but to traffic in the longer term, the Government said.

However there was no mention in today's announcement of funding – with interim safety measures to enable its partial reopening estimated at £46m and full repairs costing as much as £141m.

The bridge, which links Hammersmith and Barnes, first closed in April last year to vehicles – but was kept open to cyclists and pedestrians - after cracks were found in its cast iron structure.

But the situation worsened last month when the cracks widened during the summer heatwave, forcing it to be fully closed due to the fear of a "catastrophic failure".

This has forced pedestrians and cyclists – including hundreds of schoolchildren — to divert via Barnes bridge and traffic to go via Putney and Chiswick bridges.

River traffic under Hammersmith bridge has also been suspended and the towpath closed.

Mr Shapps said today: "When it comes to the Hammersmith Bridge there has been a lack of leadership in London on re-opening this vital bridge. It's stopped Londoners moving about easily and caused huge inconvenience to everyone, adding extra time to their commute or journeys.

"We won't let hard-working Londoners suffer any longer – the Government is setting up a taskforce establish the next steps in opening the bridge as speedily as possible. We'll be decisive and quick to make sure we can take steps that'll be good for commuters, good for residents and good for business."

The taskforce will be led by Transport Minister Baroness Vere and will include representatives from Network Rail. Though it is a road bridge not a rail bridge, Network Rail has experts familiar with similar cast-iron structures.

Hammersmith and Fulham council had been working with Transport for London, which provided £25m for expert investigations into the state of the bridge.

Government sources said that the Government felt compelled to intervene in what it considers a local matter due to the scale of disruption being suffered by Londoners, but hoped to work constructively with the council and TfL.

The priority would be to make the bridge safe as quickly as possible to enable river traffic to pass underneath and for cyclists and pedestrians to be able to cross the Thames.

If this cannot be done, options for temporary crossings will be considered.

Attention will then turn to the long-term future of the bridge and whether it can be fully reopened.

Any funding is likely to be wrapped up in negotiations with TfL over its request for a second bail-out, this time in the region of £2billion, to keep the bus and Tube network running in the wake of its income collapsing due to Covid.

Transport Minister Baroness Vere tweeted today: "#HammersmithBridge is a key transport route for Londoners. They shouldn't have to wait this long for it to be fixed. I am leading a Taskforce to bring together the councils plus TfL urgently to develop a solution and agree how to fund it."

Today's announcement is likely to spark anger, frustration and even bemusement within TfL and City Hall.

Mayor Sadiq Khan first asked Mr Shapps in August last year to ask him to convene a summit on the bridge – but this did not happen until March.

Heidi Alexander, the Deputy Mayor for Transport, who has been leading negotiations on behalf of Mr Khan, tweeted on September 5: "@tfl and City Hall have now submitted 3 bids to Government over the last year to secure funding. No funding bids have been approved.

"I will continue to do all that I can to find a way to get the bridge re-opened for pedestrians and cyclists in the short term, and to agree a long term funding solution with Government as part of the wider funding negotiations that will be happening this month.

"There is no way forward on this without financial help from Government though. @tfl don't have the money to do it and nor do the council. I am willing to think creatively about all options but this is going to have to be a joint effort."

Last week residents held a mass demonstration to highlight how the full closure of the bridge was having a "catastrophic" impact on their lives.

This came as delayed plans to build a £27.3m temporary crossing were effectively ditched by Hammersmith and Fulham council – with council leaders instead seeking £46m from the Government to make the main bridge safe enough to reopen to cyclists and pedestrians.

More than 16,000 people a day crossed the river by foot or by bike before the bridge was completely closed on August 13. Prior to its closure to vehicles in April last year, it was used by 22,000 cars, vans and buses.

A letter was sent to the Government from the leaders of Hammersmith and Fulham and Richmond councils, pleading for £46m "as a matter of urgency" to allow the main bridge to be made safe for walkers and cyclists.

Tony Devenish, the Conservative member of the London Assembly for the area, said today: "I welcome the Government's intervention to fix Hammersmith Bridge. After 17 months of Hammersmith and Fulham council and the Mayor of London dithering, delaying and failing to fix the bridge, we desperately needed someone to step in and sort it out.

"It's vital that we get a temporary crossing in place as swiftly as possible to get London moving again, reduce congestion and free elderly and disabled residents who have been trapped by its closure.

"Fixing Hammersmith Bridge is rightly the responsibility of the council, but the Mayor shares responsibility given his buses have caused so much of the damage and he is responsible for London's strategic roads. Both the council and Sadiq Khan have failed, which is why this intervention was necessary."



https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/hammersmith-bridge-taskforce-a4543671.html

Player 'close to committing' to Fulham – Signing 'ticks all the boxes' for Cottagers

On September 8th, L'Equipe reported Fulham hope to 'seduce' Alphonse Areola and had initiated contact with the agent of the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper.

It was also explained Rennes are interested in the 27-year-old, and he will have an opportunity to the play in the Champions League, if he decides to join them.

In 'recent hours', there has been a new development which could see the France international move to Craven Cottage.

That's what Foot Mercato are reporting, and it's stated the keeper is 'close to committing' to the Cottagers.

Fulham have returned to the Premier League and Scott Parker wants to bring in a new keeper with international experience, who's below the age of 28.

Areola 'ticks all the boxes' and also loves the English capital, where he recently purchased a house.

According to the report, Areola has decided to pick Fulham over Rennes because he feels there would be more chance for him to feature regularly with the London based club.

He's about to leave PSG, and will not be included in Thomas Tuchel's squad to face RC Lens on Thursday.

Foot Mercato end their report stating the Areola 'case' could be 'closed in the next few hours'. However, there's no mention whether Fulham will take the stopper on a loan deal or a permanent transfer.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-close-to-committing-to-fulham-signing-ticks-all-boxes-for-cottagers/

William Saliba's debut as Mikel Arteta makes transfer choice - Arsenal predicted XI vs Fulham

How we expect Mikel Arteta's side to line-up for their first Premier League match of the season, away to Fulham

Mikel Arteta begins his first full season in charge of Arsenal with a squad that has undoubtedly been strengthened since its last competitive game but one where there is still work to be done.

Arteta's matchday squad to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage will likely be bolstered by two new signings: former Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and Willian. However there is a possibility that neither will feature from the off when the Premier League curtain is raised.

Gabriel's chances are perhaps, certainly with a growing number of central defenders out of contention for the season opener. Calum Chambers (knee ligament), Shkodran Mustafi (hamstring) and Pablo Mari (ankle) are all yet to return to training whilst the Gunners were handed a further blow this morning when news emerged that David Luiz was struggling with a neck problem.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos could enter into contention but the Greek centre-back is a transfer target from Napoli and does not feature in Arsenal's plan for the coming season.

Arteta can still call on another addition to the squad in William Saliba, who spent last season on loan at Saint-Etienne. The 19-year-old might just edge out Gabriel for a starting berth by virtue of having had more time to work alongside his team-mates.

Perhaps the most significant decision that Arteta could make will come behind his back three with Bernd Leno and Emiliano Martinez. As football.london revealed on Sunday, Aston Villa are leading the chase for the latter's signature and pushing hard for an agreement.

Martinez has made no secret of his desire to be No.1 for Arsenal and Argentina. If his club side do not give him that opportunity he will look to leave so as to secure his role in the next summer's Copa America. Sources close to the player insist this week will be decisive in terms of his future.

Much of the midfield and wing-backs pick themselves. With no progress for Hector Bellerin in his move to Paris Saint-Germain he could start at right wing-back with Ainsley Maitland-Niles to the left of the Dani Ceballos-Granit Xhaka pairing.

Ceballos' return is no small boost to Arteta even as he works to add another midfielder to his squad. Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar are prominent targets but there is a strong bond building between the two Spaniards.

After completing his second loan move from Real Madrid to Arsenal, Ceballos explained: "I ended up performing well and repaying the faith he'd shown in me before the Newcastle game [in February where he excelled].

"From that moment onwards, we started to build a good coach/player bond and things went well for me personally. I think he's made me a much better player in the last six months."

Further forward Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette will be vying for opportunities this season.

Nketiah has featured frequently in pre-season and was in fine form for England Under-21s during the international break, something which could yet boost his chances of leading the line at Craven Cottage.

Meanwhile a surprising return to contention could be on the cards for Matteo Guendouzi, who has been restored to first-team training after a lengthy exile following his conduct in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton in June.

Arsenal predicted XI: Leno; Saliba, Holding, Tierney; Bellerin, Ceballos, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles; Pepe, Nketiah, Aubameyang



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/players/william-salibas-debut-mikel-arteta-18903126

What David Luiz's injury means for Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in Mikel Arteta's plans

The Gunners are expected to be without David Luiz at Fulham which could serve as a major boost for Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba

Arsenal have been dealt a major blow heading into the upcoming Premier League season as David Luiz is likely to miss the club's opening day fixture at Fulham with a neck injury.

football.london understand the extent of the injury is still being assessed by the club. As first reported by The Athletic, the neck problem was sustained during the Community Shield win over Liverpool on August 29.

On top of this, a video feed of Arsenal training also revealed that Luiz was not among the training squad ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage.

Now, Mikel Arteta is down to four available centre-backs [William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding and Sokratis] to choose from, with three of those part of his plans. football.london revealed on July 27 that Sokratis is not part of the head coach's plans for the 2020/21 season.

Anticipation surrounding a potential Saliba and Gabriel partnership was at fever pitch even before the Brazilian's move to Arsenal was confirmed, but now, expectations of the pair playing together have grown rapidly. Although this may be the ideal scenario for fans at the start of the season, it may take time before Arteta feels confident enough to field them together in the Premier League.

While both possess clear talent, the Spaniard will be conscious of both the balance of his team and the readiness of each player.

As things stand, Saliba has already had a fair amount of exposure. Deciding to stay in London during the off-season, he impressed Arteta with his attitude as well as the natural on-pitch qualities which excited fans so much about his arrival. In pre-season, they were able to see this up close for the first time at MK Dons as the 19-year-old was a calming yet purposeful player in possession, and quick to act in defence.

Not used in the Community Shield, but played in the friendly against Aston Villa, he has two games under his belt which will help his case to emerge as an immediate starter for Arteta.

Having arrived just this month, Gabriel may have faced a tougher task to break into the starting XI than Saliba. The Brazilian wasn't pictured in the Aston Villa friendly, so a start at Fulham could be his very first in Arsenal colours, which may give Arteta reason for caution.

With such a shortage of defenders, however, the 22-year-old could be thrown in at Craven Cottage and what makes that more likely is Arteta's willingness to stick to a back three in pre-season. In doing so, he has continued to use Kieran Tierney as a left-sided centre-back - a role Gabriel appears destined to take over before long as the club were specifically in the market for a left-footed centre-back.

"He's [Gabriel] a player that we've followed and we're very determined that it was the right profile for us to improve our squad." Arteta admitted on August 27.

Considering the Gunners play just one midweek game until October 22 [the start of the Europa League group stages] against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, the best way for Arteta to build Gabriel's sharpness may be to throw him in at the deep end and have him learn on the job.

Seeing as Arsenal have looked much more comfortable defensively with a back three, this could play a major factor as the 22-year-old would have more support than if he was played in a back four. Alongside this, despite a sound performance on the right of the defence in the Community Shield, Rob Holding has looked best as the middle man in a back three, which could result in a Gabriel - Holding - Saliba setup.

Following Luiz's injury, however, Arteta will be aware that the same can happen to any of his centre-backs. Not too keen on having to depend on Sokratis, running the risk of injuring another one of his few options may lessen the appeal of using Gabriel immediately.

With Tierney a consistent performer in his centre-back role and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Bukayo Saka and Sead Kolasinac options at left wing-back, the Spaniard will have licence to hold off on a Gabriel debut until he feels ready, but there's no escaping the fact both himself and Saliba have been provided even greater chances of breaking into the starting XI for the 2020/21 season.



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/players/luiz-injury-gabriel-saliba-arteta-18904318

Fulham season preview - predictions, fixtures, summer signings, starting XI

Fulham are gearing up for a return to the Premier League ahead of the 2020-21 season following their promotion from the Championship last term.

The Cottagers have won two promotions and suffered one relegation in the past three seasons and, after needing the playoffs to go up last season, are among the favourites to go down again.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at Scott Parker's side ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

How did they fare last season?
Well enough to earn promotion.

In what was a topsy-turvy Championship season, Fulham fell short of automatic promotion but ended the campaign well after recovering from back-to-back losses at the hands of promotion rivals Brentford and Leeds United in their first two games after lockdown.

Relegated from the Premier League in 2018-19, the season began in worrying fashion with defeat away to Barnsley, but three successive wins after that got them on track for a campaign which would end one year and one day later in the playoff final.

Seventeen points from the last 21 on offer saw them clinch fourth in the final standings, finishing two points off second-placed West Bromwich Albion courtesy of a final-day draw at Wigan Athletic.

A 2-0 win away to Cardiff City in the first leg of their playoff semi-final paved the way for an aggregate triumph despite losing the second leg 2-1 at home, setting up a final against local rivals Brentford at Wembley.

The most lucrative match in football was goalless after 90 minutes as it went into extra time, when a brace for unlikely hero Joe Bryan fired Fulham into the Premier League - undoubtedly the high point of an arduous campaign.

Biggest improvement needed
Away form.

Only Leeds United picked up more home points in the Championship last season, but it was a different story on the road as Scott Parker's side drew 10 matches and won only eight - the same number as 16th-placed Sheffield Wednesday.

While that was by no means the worst record in the second tier, in the Premier League it may not be good enough, and Fulham know that from experience having won just one and lost 18 of their last 21 away games in the top flight.

Fulham will also likely need to become less reliant on Championship top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, with a league-low 11 different players getting on the scoresheet for them last season.

Manager: Scott Parker
After cutting his teeth as a coach at Craven Cottage, Scott Parker was initially handed the reins on a temporary basis in February last year.

The former midfielder, who played 119 times for the Cottagers before hanging up his boots, was unable to save Fulham from relegation from the Premier League, but had shown the board enough to appoint him on a full-time basis last summer.

So far, it looks as though that was the right decision with Parker leading Fulham back into the big time at the first time of asking.

Key player: Aleksandar Mitrovic
Mitrovic is heading into his fourth season at Craven Cottage, and two of the previous three have been spent in the Championship - a level arguably below what Mitrovic's talent deserves.

The 25-year-old was the Championship's top scorer last season with 26 in 40 appearances, and overall he averages a goal every other game for the Cottagers.

Parker will want others to help share the goalscoring burden more, but in Mitrovic they have a striker perfectly capable of playing at this level.

Summer transfer business
In
Anthony Knockaert (£10.5m, Brighton & Hove Albion)
Antonee Robinson (£1.9m, Wigan Athletic)
Mario Lemina (loan, Southampton)
Harrison Reed (£8.1m, Southampton)

Out
Magnus Norman (free, Carlisle United)
Luca de la Torre (undisclosed, Heracles)
Cody Drameh (£400,000, Leeds United)
Marlon Fossey (loan, Shrewsbury Town)
Martell Taylor-Crossdale (loan, Colchester United)
Alfie Mawson (loan, Bristol City)
Steven Sessegnon (loan, Bristol City)

Fulham total spent to date: £22.5m
Fulham total received to date: £400,000

Fulham net transfer balance: -£22.1m

Squad

1. Marcus Bettinelli (GK)
3. Michael Hector (DF)
4. Denis Odoi (DF)
6. Kevin McDonald (MF)
7. Neeskens Kebano (MF)
8. Stefan Johansen (MF)
9. Aleksandar Mitrovic (FW)
10. Tom Cairney (MF)
11. Anthony Knockaert (FW)
12. Marek Rodak (GK)
13. Tim Ream (DF)
14. Bobby Decordova-Reid (FW)
19. Ivan Cavaleiro (FW)
20. Maxime Le Marchand (DF)
21. Harrison Reed (MF)
22. Cyrus Christie (DF)
23. Joe Bryan (DF)
24. Jean Michael Seri (MF)
25. Josh Onomah (MF)
29. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (MF)
31. Fabri (GK)
33. Antonee Robinson (DF)
47. Aboubakar Kamara (FW)
- Mario Lemina


Possible starting XI

Fixture list
Fulham's return to the Premier League gets off to a difficult start with a London derby at home to Arsenal in their opening match, before a trip to face fellow newly-promoted side Leeds United in what will be their opponents' first home top-flight game in 16 years.

Arsenal are the only member of the 'big six' that they face before December, but the festive period could not get off to a much tougher start with Manchester City away followed by Liverpool at home.

The Cottagers host Chelsea in the West London derby in January and then make the short trip to Stamford Bridge at the start of May - the last of three consecutive derbies which also see Fulham take on Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

SEPTEMBER

12: Arsenal (h)

19: Leeds (a)

26: Aston Villa (h)

OCTOBER

3: Wolves (a)

17: Sheff Utd (a)

24: Crystal Palace (h)

31: West Brom (h)

NOVEMBER

7: West Ham (a)

21: Everton (h)

28: Leicester (a)

DECEMBER

5: Man City (a)

12: Liverpool (h)

15: Brighton (h)

19: Newcastle (a)

26: Southampton (h)

28: Tottenham (a)

JANUARY

2: Burnley (a)

12: Man Utd (h)

16: Chelsea (h)

26: Brighton (a)

30: West Brom (a)

FEBRUARY

2: Leicester (h)

6: West Ham (h)

13: Everton (a)

20: Sheff Utd (h)

27: Crystal Palace (a)

MARCH

6: Liverpool (a)

13: Man City (h)

20: Leeds (h)

APRIL

3: Aston Villa (a)

10: Wolves (h)

17: Arsenal (a)

24: Tottenham (h)

MAY

1: Chelsea (a)

8: Burnley (h)

12: Southampton (a)

15: Man Utd (a)

23: Newcastle (h)


Prediction: 20th
Fulham have had the makings of a yo-yo club in recent seasons - too good for the Championship but not quite good enough for the Premier League - and we can see that trend continuing this season.

Their two most expensive signings have been turning loans into permanent deals, leaving them to rely on largely the same squad that finished fourth in the Championship last year, plus loanee Mario Lemina and Antonee Robinson.

Parker's side do have quality and in Mitrovic have someone capable of getting the goals they need to stay up, but he will need much more help from those around him and that will only be more difficult in the top flight.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/feature/fulham-season-preview-predictions-fixtures-summer-signings-starting-xi_411426.html

Report: £3.6m man undergoes medical at Fulham, will be Parker's latest signing

Kenny Tete has undergone a medical at Fulham as the Lyon defender closes in on a move to Craven Cottage, according to Voetbal International.

After three years in France, the 13-time Dutch international is heading across the Channel as Scott Parker's Cottagers look to strengthen a problematic right-back spot.

Cyrus Christie and Denis Odoi have had their fair share of doubters, even among the Fulham fanbase.

And Tete, a proven European performer who reached the Europa League final with Ajax in 2017, should represent an immediate upgrade.

Sky claimed on Tuesday the Amsterdam-born 24-year-old was closing in on a move to England. And, according to reports in his native Holland, Tete has undergone medical checks already.

It remains to be seen how much the Londoners will pay for a man who graduated with flying colours from Ajax's famed academy.

Lyon spent £3.6 million to bring Tete to France in summer 2017.

Fulham have already strengthened on the opposite flank, with left-back Antonee Robinson (below) arriving from Wigan, while Mario Lemina, Harrison Reed and Anthony Knockaert have also signed permanent contracts at Craven Cottage.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/09/report-3-6m-man-undergoes-medical-at-fulham-will-be-parkers-latest-signing/

Alphonse Areola has already had part of medical to join Fulham

Alphonse Areola will soon be a Fulham player.

Multiple reports from France have relayed the Premier League club's interest over the past few days, and now it's clear the move is on course and, barring any late issues, should be completed soon.

RMC report the goalkeeper has already had part of his medical with the Cottagers, even though there are still some details left to sort out with PSG. There's no explanation what those details relate to.

The move will be on a loan basis, and there's no clarity from RMC on whether Fulham will have a clause to make the transfer permanent next summer.

Areola's contract with the Ligue 1 club runs until June 2023, so there's no immediate concern for PSG in that regard. Having spent the last season on loan with Real Madrid, he'll be hoping to get more minutes on his loan move this time around.

According to several reports from France, the London factor has helped Fulham sign the 27 year old, with him buying a property in the city recently.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/alphonse-areola-already-part-medical-join-fulham/

Report: PSG goalkeeper and Arsenal target Alphonse Areola has passed his Fulham medical

According to RMC (via GFFN), Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper and Arsenal target Alphonse Areola has passed his medical with Fulham, and a deal is now imminent.

There are still some final details to be sorted out between the three parties, but the move is expected to go through.

Breaking | Alphonse Areola has passed a medical with Fulham. (RMC)

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) September 9, 2020

Fulham want Areola on a season-long loan, and the France international, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, is keen to join having already bought a house in London.

Arsenal are also keen on the Frenchman as they prepare for Emiliano Martinez's potential exit, but it appears that he prefers to join the Craven Cottage outfit ahead of the Gunners due to the guarantee of regular playing chances.

The newly-promoted Premier League side want a new goalkeeper, and they have also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur's Paulo Gazzaniga.

Areola, 27, made nine appearances for Madrid last season, and he will be keen to play regularly in 2020-21 in order to boost his chances of returning to the French squad ahead of next summer's European Championship.

He will most likely be Fulham's number 1 if he joins, and manager Scott Parker will hope his arrival and quality help hand his side's top-flight survival chances a massive boost.



https://sportslens.com/report-psg-goalkeeper-and-arsenal-target-alphonse-areola-has-passed-his-fulham-medical/312645/

Mesut Ozil sends Arsenal selection message to Mikel Arteta ahead of new season

The German hasn't played for the Gunners for six months, but he says he's fit and raring to go ahead of the new Premier League season

Mesut Ozil says he's ready to be called upon by Mikel Arteta if the Spaniard is willing to end his Arsenal exile.

The former Germany international hasn't played for the Gunners since the 1-0 win over West Ham six months ago, and he didn't feature at all after football returned from coronavirus lockdown.

He spent the latter part of last season away in Turkey while his Arsenal teammates won the FA Cup by beating Chelsea at Wembley, but he has now returned to training with the rest of the squad.

Arteta has been busy putting his own stamp on the Gunners this summer, including bringing in Willian from Chelsea, but Ozil says he still wants to play his part for the club, starting with this weekend's trip to Fulham that will begin the new Premier League season.

"I'm fit and ready and doing my best," said Ozil in a Twitter Q&A with fans when he was asked if he would feature at the weekend.

"Unfortunately it's not in my hands to decide about the squad on the weekend. We will see!"

Ozil still has a year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and his agent Erkut Sogut says he is likely to see out his deal come what may.

"I don't think Mesut will leave before the summer of 2021," he told Turkish outlet Fanatik in July.

"He's got an ongoing contract that hasn't changed. He will stay with Arsenal.

"When his deal is up, I estimate there is a ninety percent chance he will leave Arsenal.

"Maybe Asia, America, Turkey? Who knows."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-fc-news-mesut-ozil-22655486

CONEL Football Academy kicks off new season in partnership with Spiral Sports Solutions and Fulham FC


Aspiring young footballers will be hoping to win more trophies this season after the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (@CollegeNELondon) teamed up with Spiral Sports Solutions (@SpiralSportsSol) and @premierleague newcomers @FulhamFC.

CONEL has agreed a new partnership with football development company Spiral Sports Solutions, run by former professional footballer Miguel Desouza who is also Assistant Head of Talent ID and Recruitment at Fulham.

Fulham were promoted to the Premier League last season after a 2-1 win over Brentford in the Championship play-off final.

Miguel said: "Seven years ago I was contacted by CONEL to run the College's football programme when I was Head of Academy Recruitment at Leyton Orient. The Football Academy was later formed and won the league in its first year.

"Since then the number of students joining the Football Academy has increased each year and the Academy has continued to compete well in league and cup competitions. We have also continued to develop and improve the College's coaching and training facilities.

"Our extensive links with clubs at various levels of the football pyramid means players at CONEL's Academy have the opportunity to continue their football journey after college life."

The Academy has produced many talented players including Ruben Junior, who won a scholarship at Bolton Wanderers having previously played at youth level for Benfica in his native Portugal.

The Football Academy is based at CONEL's Enfield Centre, which is home to a 3G floodlit artificial pitch, grass pitches, sports hall and fully-equipped gym.

The Academy runs men and women's teams and is open to any student aged 16-18 on 31 August of the year they start their course.

The teams compete in the Association of Colleges' football leagues and have also played in European tournaments in Spain.

Players at the Academy receive a free kit, professional coaching, fitness training, technical analysis, medical support, physiotherapy and nutrition advice.

Top players can also become a college sponsored athlete and receive a bursary from the college worth up to £2,500 a year.

Jonathan Silman, Head of Sport at CONEL, said:

"We are excited to begin this new partnership with Spiral Sports Solutions and Fulham FC. Having the professional support of Miguel and his team and Fulham FC will be a huge draw for students to join our Football Academy.

"We have put in a number of measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 at CONEL and keep our students safe, including those joining or already part of our sports academies, and we cannot wait for the new season to start."



https://www.fenews.co.uk/press-releases/54602-conel-football-academy-kicks-off-new-season-in-partnership-with-spiral-sports-solutions-and-fulham-fc

Mesut Ozil breaks silence on involvement against Fulham and sends message to Mikel Arteta

The Arsenal midfielder was frozen out by Mikel Arteta last season but could be in contention to be selected against Fulham

Mesut Ozil has confirmed that he is fit and available for selection for Arsenal's first Premier League game of the season against Fulham.

The former Real Madrid midfielder, who joined the Gunners back in 2013, has not played for the club since March 7, the final Premier League game before lockdown.

Reports have claimed the German could leave the club this summer, with his future at the Emirates seemingly in doubt.

However, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has vowed to wipe the slate clean for everyone ahead of the new season, meaning Ozil could be handed the chance to resurrect his Gunners career.

Ozil has returned to first-team training with the rest of the squad and took to the pitch in the recent 3-2 friendly defeat against Aston Villa, which suggest the German could be involved in some capacity against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

In a Twitter Q&A session with fans on Wednesday, one supporter asked: "Hey man, hope you doing well, are you fit to be played against Fulham?"

In response, Ozil said: "I'm fit & ready and doing my best. Unfortunately it's not in my hands to decide about the squad on the weekend. We will see!"

The former German international was left out of the squad for the FA Cup final win against Chelsea in August, along with Matteo Guendouzi.

Asked why Ozil didn't feature, Arteta said at the time: "Pure football reasons.

"My only ambition is the best squad and the best players who give us the best opportunity to win the game."



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/mesut-ozil-arsenal-fulham-team-18906012

Fulham have second bid for midfielder turned down – Consider improving it

Fulham continue to struggle for the signing of Florentino Luís from Benfica, according to reports from the Portuguese media.

Newspaper O Jogo brings an interesting piece today with some details about the club's latest attempt to get the midfielder.

It's claimed that the most recent offer was €2m for a loan deal, plus an obligatory clause to buy him at the end of the spell for €30m.

But the transfer was blocked by Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira, who believes Florentino Luís is worth over €40m.

O Jogo says this is the second offer made by Fulham for the player. The first one had been slightly smaller, consisting of €1m for the loan and other €18m for the permanent move.

Following the two bids rejected, it's claimed that the Craven Cottage side are considering improving the numbers for a third offer. According to the newspaper, the fact that the Premier League kicks off at the weekend could help 'accelerate' the process.

Florentino Luís has a contract with Benfica until 2024, and is protected by a release clause of €120m.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-second-bid-midfielder-turned-consider-improving/

Assessing the Best Transfer Strategy for the Premier League's Newly Promoted Sides

A question as old as time itself - or more accurately 1992 - rears its head annually during this late summer period.

You'll likely have heard it debated in the pub. The teams that have just been promoted to the Premier League are going about their transfer dealings in different ways. Firstly, one side will argue the only possible way to stay up is to splash the cash on a host of new players.

The other will counter that that's a ridiculous approach. 'You can't just assemble a new side as soon as you go up - what about unity, synergy and team spirit? You should keep the squad almost entirely unchanged.'

It's a debate typically had over a few pints and often lacks nuance. You're either on one side or the other, perhaps there's a happy medium? Here, 90min dives into the archives to see which strategy has fared best following promotion to the top tier.

Big Spenders
1. Fulham
First up it's Fulham who spent a whopping £101m on their return to the Premier League in 2018. They lumped out £20m on three separate players, bringing Jean Michaël Seri, André Zambo Anguissa and Aleksandar Mitrovic to Craven Cottage.

But the optimism caused by their spending spree didn't last very long, as the Cottagers would win just one of their first 12 games. The team looked completely disjointed after their summer makeover and never managed to put together a string of coherent performances.

New midfielders Seri and Anguissa failed to make an impact in the Premier League and, with 81 goals conceded, Fulham may have been better served sorting out their defence.

£100m spent only to sit in the relegation zone for the whole campaign, hardly a good advert for heavy spending.

Hit or Miss? MISS

2. Wolverhampton Wanderers
It's often forgotten that alongside Fulham, Wolves spent big after returning to the top flight. It's probable this is because, unlike the London club, their spending was actually worth it.

Their recruitment in the summer of 2018 featured the likes of Diogo Jota, Adama Traoré and Raúl Jiménez. While they didn't come cheap, Wolves vindicated their heavy investment by finishing seventh in their first season back in the Premier League.

It seems their spending had a vision and some coherency, unlike certain others.

Hit or Miss? HIT

3. Aston Villa
Villa weren't messing about when they returned to the top flight, spending a staggering £133m.

Unfortunately, their heavy investment bore a far closer resemblance to Fulham's than Wolves'. With a total of 12 players brought in, it could be argued that only two - Tyrone Mings and Douglas Luiz - have been successful.

It was so nearly a catastrophic failure for the Villans but on the last day of the season, they managed to cling to Premier League survival.

An expensive gamble but one that just about paid off.

Hit or Miss? JURY'S STILL OUT
Keep the Squad the Same

4. Norwich
What a romantic vision. Almost no spending, keeping faith in the same squad that got them promoted, Norwich dared to dream that their young squad could stand tall against all around them, sending a statement to the footballing world that spirit and unity were perhaps more important than just a load of cash.

Except it didn't quite work out like that.

Norwich quickly became the Premier League whipping boys finishing rock bottom of the table and well out of their depth. Nice try though, we applaud the sentiment.

Hit or Miss? MISS

5. Cardiff City
Cardiff resisted following the heavy spending route of their fellow promotees, their £27m expenditure just a fraction of that spent by both Wolves and Fulham.

Their approach nearly paid off but the Bluebirds finished in 18th, agonisingly close to safety. They did, however, finish eight points higher than heavy spenders Fulham.

If you're going to get relegated you may as well do it the £73m cheaper way - giving Cardiff the moral victory at least.

Hit or Miss? MISS

6. AFC Bournemouth
Although Bournemouth brought in a fair few new faces, they kept the core of their team largely the same and recruited on the cheap spending just £28m as they prepared for their debut Premier League campaign.

Although they invested in a bit more firepower in January, their approach proved to be a success. Most people's favourites to return straight back to the Championship, the Cherries stayed up not only that season but for four more years. Even by the time they were eventually relegated, some of their Championship winning squad still remained.

A great example that you don't need to break the bank to keep yourself in the Premier League.

Hit or Miss? HIT

So which approach is better? Well on this analysis, the big spending approach just about wins - but frankly neither approach has a particularly good track record.

Spending is required, that much appears to be evident, but throwing a load of new faces together and hoping they'll gel straight away? Wishful thinking. Unity and cohesion remain a significant tool when it comes to surviving, you only need to look at Brighton, Sheffield United and Burnley for evidence of that.

There's a happy medium to be found somewhere - over to you Leeds, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion to find it.



https://www.90min.com/posts/assessing-the-best-transfer-strategy-for-the-premier-league-s-newly-promoted-sides

Premier League faces further cash crisis after Boris Johnson statement on fans' return

Football clubs up and down the country are now facing the prospect of continuing without supporters for the foreseeable future, after the Government's latest statement

The return of football fans has been thrown into doubt after coronavirus cases soared in England - with football clubs set to continue counting the huge cost.

Clubs were due to let in a quarter of their stadium's capacity from October 1 under plans to socially distance fans - with some having recently held trial events.

But Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that he will "review" plans to return audiences to stadiums from that date.

Downing Street has put the plans on hold after government scientists deemed the prevalence of the virus is currently too high for supporters to return to stadiums across the country.

Mr Johnson told a No.10 press conference: "We must revise plans to pilot larger audiences in stadiums & review our intention to return audiences to stadiums from the 1st October."

He added: "That doesn't mean we're going to scrap the programme entirely. It just means we are going to review and abridge it.

"Organised sport will still be able to proceed."

It's understood some pilots of live audiences for arts or sport will still go ahead.

Yet they will be limited to 1,000 people and will not go ahead at all if they're in areas which had high virus rates.

It comes as Premier League chief Richard Masters declared it is "absolutely critical" that fans are allowed back inside stadiums as soon as possible.

The Premier League's clubs will face up to giant costs if supporters cannot return during the 2020-21 campaign - while EFL and Non-League sides are facing the prospect of far worse.

Masters told BBC Sport: "We have to get back to fans inside stadia as quickly as possible - that's the big thing that's missing, economic or otherwise - we need fans back inside stadiums for all sorts of reasons and it's the number one priority."

Masters insisted that the Premier League has three main objectives in 2020-21: Ensuring 380 matches finish on time this season, getting fans back into full stadia, and returning the Premier League economy to full health.

It comes with Premier League revenue down £700million for the final quarter of last season, and having been forced to pay huge rebates to television broadcasters.

"It's not just the loss of matchday revenue," he said. "Every Premier League match on average generates about £20m for the economy both local and national so we want to play our part in helping the economy to recover as well.

"I think perhaps there is a perception the Premier League economy can withstand just about anything, but if you do lose £700m out of a planned budget it's going to affect things and clubs have had to make some very difficult decisions.

"That is why it is important we focus on those three key objectives and obviously everyone hopes that from next season we can return to full normality, but it's a huge challenge going forward.

"Financial issues are very real, they're there, economic uncertainty is in front of us, and we just have to have a clear plan and stick to it."

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will also "revise" plans to pilot larger audiences in arts venues like theatres later this month.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/boris-johnson-fans-return-football-22656469

Report: Alphonse Areola set for Fulham after being offered to Arsenal

According to Foot Mercato and L'Equipe, Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is all set for a move to Fulham.

It's claimed that Areola is signing for Fulham on loan for the season following their promotion to the Premier League.

Areola is believed to be 'very close' to signing for Fulham now, and he allegedly loves London and already owns a house there.

Rennes wanted Areola too, but he preferred Fulham, and the deal will likely go through in 'the coming hours'.

Areola, 27, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, when PSG replaced him with the last goalkeeper Fulham had on loan in the Premier League – Sergio Rico.

The Frenchman only played nine games at Real last season, and will now likely displace Marek Rodak as Fulham's first-choice.

This means that Arsenal won't be signing Areola, as the London Evening Standard reported on Tuesday that the Gunners had been offered the chance to sign Areola.

Areola could have been an option if Emiliano Martinez had moved on, but he remains at the club – and it's no surprise that Arsenal didn't feel that they could commit to signing Areola right now.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/09/report-alphonse-areola-set-for-fulham-after-being-offered-to-arsenal/

Fulham beat Chelsea, Arsenal to coveted goalkeeper signing

Fulham have sensationally beaten Arsenal and Chelsea to the signing of Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

The 27-year-old has agreed a season-long loan move with Scott Parker's side with the Cottagers holding an option to make the move permanent.

The French keeper spent last season at Real Madrid providing back up for Thibaut Courtois. But soon after he returned to PSG it was clear he would be moving on again.

The Evening Standard claimed Arsenal had been offered the chance to sign Areola.

However, Le10 Sport claimed he was also an option for Chelsea as well. The French outlet claimed that Thiago Silva could help lure Areola to Chelsea.

Fulham though worked quickly on the deal and have finalised a move for the France international.

Areola told FFCtv: "I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be."

Fulham chief Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family!

"Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

"We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!"



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-sign-alphonse-areola-on-loan

Fulham complete loan signing of keeper Areola

Fulham have completed the signing of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

The deal includes an option for Fulham to buy the France international 27, next summer.

Areola told FFC TV: "I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium. I hope this season will be a good one for us.

"I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be."

As Areola's arrival at Craven Cottage was being announced, Whites keeper Marcus Bettinelli was finalising a loan move to Middlesbrough.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-complete-loan-signing-of-keeper-areola

Areola Joins On Loan


The Club is delighted to announce the signing of Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

The goalkeeper will remain at Craven Cottage for the duration of the 2020/21 season, with Fulham holding an option to make the move permanent.

After the deal was finalised, Areola told FFCtv: "I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be."

Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family! Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

"We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!"


The 27-year-old arrives in SW6 with an enviable CV having won the World Cup with France two years ago, while he has also won domestic titles both in his homeland and Spain.

Born in Paris, Areola was signed by PSG at a young age, before spending time at the illustrious Clairefontaine football centre.

He made his senior debut for the club in their 2012/13 title winning season, in a side which featured the likes of David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Areola spent the subsequent three seasons out on loan, enjoying success with each team that he represented.

First he helped Lens win promotion from Ligue 2 and was subsequently named as the division's best goalkeeper, before seeing Bastia to a respectable mid-table finish in Ligue 1 and a runner-up spot in the French equivalent of the League Cup.

2015/16 saw Areola move to Spain where he played a significant role in what was a fantastic year for Villarreal. In addition to finishing fourth in La Liga, they also reached the Semi-Final of the UEFA Europa League.
Alphonse Areola graphic


That form saw him return to Paris, where he soon established himself as the club's first choice goalkeeper, going on to add two more Ligue 1 winner's medals to his collection in 2018 and 2019.

He started last season as PSG's first choice, before the arrival of Keylor Navas saw him move to Real Madrid on loan as part of the deal. He featured nine times during his spell at the Bernabeu, as Real won La Liga for the first time in three years.

Having represented France at every age group – during which time he collected an Under-20 World Cup winner's medal – Areola made his debut for the senior side in 2018 and now has three caps to his name.

He was also a member of Les Bleus squad which was triumphant at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/Areola-Joins-On-Loan/

Alphonse Areola: Paris Saint-Germain Goalkeeper Joins Fulham on Loan

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. The 27-year-old has joined on a season-long loan, with the view to making the deal permanent.

Alphonse Areola Joins Fulham on Loan
Impressive CV

The French international holds an impressive CV as he joins the newly-promoted side ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Areola spent last season on loan with Real Madrid, helping them secure the La Liga for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

The 27-year-old began his career with PSG, but did not become a first-team regular until the 2016/17 campaign. He spent much of the early part of his career out on loan, enjoying successful loan spells with Bastia, Lens and Villarreal.

During his three-year spell as the first-choice goalkeeper in the French capital, Areola impressed, securing the league title in each season; he kept 47 clean sheets in 99 appearances across this period.

Exciting Move

Speaking about his move to the official Fulham website, Areola said: "I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be."

Meanwhile, the Cottagers chairman, Tony Khan, said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family!

"Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

"We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!"




https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2020/09/09/alphonse-areola-paris-saint-germain-goalkeeper-joins-fulham-on-loan/

Fulham sign Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain

Goalkeeper will spend 2020/21 campaign at Craven Cottage after winning league titles in France and Spain

Fulham have signed goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan.

The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, playing nine matches in all competitions for the LaLiga champions, two of which were in the UEFA Champions League.

He has been part of three title-winning sides at PSG and was in the France squad who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Fulham have an option to make permanent a transfer in which their manager played an influential role, the player said.

"Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling," Areola told the club's official website. "He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be."

Promoted Fulham make their Premier League return at home to Arsenal on Saturday September 12.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1819076

 Alphonse Areola: Fulham sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper on season-long loan
Fulham have an option to make the move permanent at the end of the 2020/21 season

Fulham have signed former Real Madrid goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan.

The goalkeeper will remain at Craven Cottage for the duration of the 2020/21 season, with Fulham holding an option to make the move permanent.

Areola spent last season on loan at Real Madrid as part of the deal which took Keylor Navas to the Parc des Princes.

After the deal was finalised, Areola told FFCtv: "I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be."

Fulham vice-chairman and director of football operations, Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family! Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

"We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!"

Fulham had competition for the French goalkeeper, who was interesting Rennes with their number one Edouard Mendy set to leave the club for Chelsea.

(https://e2.365dm.com/20/09/768x432/skysports-areola-alphonse-fulham_5090207.png?20200908085206)
Alphonse Areola made four appearances in La Liga last season

Following Areola's departure from the Bernabeu last month, Real said: "The club would like to thank Areola for his dedication, professionalism and exemplary conduct this season and wishes him the best of luck in this new chapter.

"Real Madrid also thanks PSG for the chance to have had Alphonse Areola as part of our squad."

Areola made nine appearances for Madrid last season with former Chelsea man Thibaut Courtois predominantly used as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

Fulham have made two close-season acquisitions following their return to the Premier League, with Mario Lemina joining on a season-long loan and Harrison Reed signing on a permanent basis after spending last season on loan at Craven Cottage.

Lemina, who joined Southampton for £15.4m from Juventus in August, 2017, spent last season on loan with Turkish side Galatasaray.

Fulham have an option to make Lemina's loan move permanent if he impresses at Craven Cottage.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/12067620/alphonse-areola-fulham-sign-paris-saint-germain-goalkeeper-on-season-long-loan

Boro complete loan move for Fulham keeper
Middlesbrough FC have completed the signing of the Fulham goalkeeper on a season-long loan.

Marcus Bettinelli joins Boro ahead of the Championship season opener against Watford on Friday evening.

The 28-year-old came through the ranks of the Fulham youth academy and has made over 120 appearances for The Cottagers.

Bettinelli made 14 appearances in the Championship last season for Fulham, as the club gained promotion to the Premier League.

Manager Neil Warnock has identified the goalkeeping position as an area that needs strengthening in the summer transfer window, allowing Tomas Mejias to leave Boro with Bettinelli coming in as first choice stopper.

Aynsley Pears has also been linked with a move away from Boro, as he looks for regular first-team football next season.

The move comes as Boro appointed Ian Bennett as the club's new goalkeeping coach last month, replacing Danny Coyne.



https://www.oneboro.co.uk/boro-news/boro-complete-loan-move-for-fulham-keeper-9920

Alphonse Areola joins Fulham on loan

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has signed a one-season loan deal with the English club until 30 June 2021. The France international shotstopper (3 caps) is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2023 and the tie-up with the Cottagers includes a buy-out option.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has signed a one-season loan deal with the English club until 30 June 2021. The France international shotstopper (3 caps) is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2023 and the tie-up with the Cottagers includes a buy-out option.

Areola came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, winning three Ligue 1 titles (2013, 2018 and 2019), two Coupes de France (2017 and 2018), two Coupes de la Ligue (2017 and 2018) and three Trophées des Champions (2016, 2017 and 2019) playing a total of 107 matches in all competitions.

Paris Saint-Germain wishes Alphonse all the best in the new challenges that now await him at the London club, back in the Premier League for the 2020-2021 season.



https://en.psg.fr/teams/first-team/content/alphonse-areola-joins-fulham-on-loan-mercato-transfert-psg

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW: Fulham vs Arsenal - will the Gunners top the table at 3pm on the opening Saturday of season?

The Gooner's Peter Le Beau previews Fulham vs Arsenal as the Gunners gear up for the opening game of the 2020-21 Premier League season

What can we expect from Arsenal's trip to Fulham?

The Gooner's Peter Le Beau takes a trip down memory lane while previewing Arsenal's trip to the Cottage on Saturday in this wonderfully warm piece. 

Read on for Peter's evocative article.

Whenever someone mentions Fulham Football Club to me I imagine a grainy black and white image of Craven Cottage back in the early 1960s.

Strange because I went to the ground many times but the black and white represents the fact that Craven Cottage always seems something of a throwback to a very different era.

The period of Johnny Haynes and Jimmy Hill, of Langley and Leggatt, of Cohen and Maurice Cook - all players of the fifties and sixties when Arsenal regularly travelled to that quaint and genuinely charming ground on the banks of the Thames.

The walk from Putney Bridge Undergound station through Bishops Park to the Cottage is enchanting, so different from almost any other approach to a football ground.

When you, as an away fan get into the ground the Putney End is ostensibly neutral but when I go, chockfull of Gooners.

I took two Arsenal-supporting friends, who had never been there, to our last fixture there about two years ago and they said after the match that they'd never enjoyed an away match more- but we did win 5-1 in the days when we thought Emeryball was the future.

Despite having said that Craven Cottage has a unique and wonderful atmosphere a game - a quite awful game - in the spring of 1967 was one of the most violent London derbies I have ever attended as Arsenal fans strove to take over the Hammersmith End.

Yet that Christmas watching Fulham and Chelsea I stood in the enclosure and was offered mince pies and champagne at halftime by a friendly Fulham fan.

That friendly face has normally been the one extended by Fulham fans and it has been a relatively lucky ground for us too.

On my first visit in the early sixties we won 4-1 with Geoff Strong scoring twice, the following year Joe Baker scored twice in a 4-3 victory.

In more recent years I saw Vito Mannone defy Fulham on a brilliant debut as we triumphed 1-0 through Rboin Van Persie. 

Per Mertesacker clinched an edgy 1-0 victory in 2013 and a few months later Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski drove  us to a 3-1 victory in the drizzle at the start of the season in which Mesut Ozil joined us.

And then the 5-1 extravaganza when Arsenal were kind enough to score most of their goals in front of ecstatic Gooners including that wonderful team goal topped off by Aaron Ramsey.

Fulham fans felt relegation was unavoidable that season because of poor recruitment and too much change to their promotion team.

They are scarcely more optimistic this time round but first games of the season are notoriously unpredictable and Arsenal are struggling to field an experienced defence.

We all hope that Gabriel and Saliba are the future...but are they the present, and will we have the midfield creativity that we exhibited two years ago?

Every new season brings either a sense of anticipation or dread often informed by our activity in the transfer market and our ability to re-sign our stars.

At this stage we wait with bated breath for captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

We are curious about Willian and what he will bring, excited by the progress that will be made by Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Martinelli this season and desperately pray for signings in midfield that will provide a combination of solidity and and creative excellence.

But Saturday will come too soon for there to be any change in that direction.

We have given up on Emeryball in disillusion but have joyfully embraced the vision shown by Mikel Arteta.

We have to believe that however unsatisfactory our build up to the game we have too much to prevail on Saturday and to top the table at 3pm on the first Saturday of the season.




https://www.onlinegooner.com/articles/view/5379

Fulham complete signing of PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan with an option to make his stay in London permanent

    Fulham have signed PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan
    The Premier League newcomers have an option to make the loan permanent too
    Areola has made over 100 appearances for PSG since making his debut in 2013

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and have made an improved offer of £17million for Lyon winger Bertrand Traore.

Areola, 27, has signed for the season with Fulham holding an option to make the move permanent next summer, while talks are ongoing with Lyon over a deal for former Chelsea winger Traore. That could yet hinge on whether Lyon sell Memphis Depay to Barcelona.

Areola signed on Wednesday evening and told the club's TV channel: 'Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/09/21/32979560-8715649-image-m-20_1599681918164.jpg)
Fulham have signed Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/09/21/32979546-8715649-image-m-22_1599681969438.jpg)
Areola has made over 100 appearances for PSG and won the World Cup with France in 2018

'Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium. I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be.'

Director of football operations Tony Khan added: 'Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

'We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead.'

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/09/09/21/32979634-8715649-image-a-21_1599681935713.jpg)
Areola (R) was on loan at Real Madrid last season, where he picked up a LaLiga winner's medal

Areola arrived as Marcus Bettinelli moved to Middlesbrough for the season.

Fulham remain in discussions over other positions too. Apart from Traore, they are strengthening their right back position with the additions of Kenny Tete from Lyon and Torino's Ola Aina.

They have also spoken again with Benfica over a loan with option for midfielder Florentino Luis.

Fulham have already completed deals for young full-back Antonee Robinson from Wigan and midfield duo Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina, both from Southampton.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8715649/Fulham-complete-signing-PSG-goalkeeper-Alphonse-Areola-loan.html

Areola completes Fulham loan switch

aris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has joined Fulham on a season-long loan, the club have confirmed this evening.

The French international, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, came through the PSG youth academy and honed his skills at the famed Clarefontaine development centre. The 27 year-old, who was part of the French squad that won the World Cup in Russia in 2018, has also won domestic titles in France and Spain. He helped Lens win Ligue 2, starred as Lens reached the League Cup final and then lifted Villarreal to fourth in La Liga and a run to the semi-finals of the Europa League in successive loan spells.

He has won back-to-back titles with PSG in recent years and made nine appearances for Real Madrid last season. Areola could well become Fulham's number one, despite Marek Rodak's exceptional performances after breaking into the side last season.

Areola told Fulham's official website:

"I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me. Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium. I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be."

Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan said:

"I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family! Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/areola-completes-fulham-loan-switch/

Areola delighted to join 'historic' Fulham

New signing Alphonese Areola has spoken of his delight after completing his loan move to Fulham from Paris Saint-Germain.

The French international goalkeeper has moved to Craven Cottage on a season-long loan with the newly-promoted club holding an option to make the move permanent at the end of the current campaign. The 27 year-old told Fulham FCTV:

I'm happy that everything is done. I've waited for almost four days to come here and train with the team and I'm happy to be here. We spoke a lot with my agent, the coach Scott Parker called me. I had a good feeling, so we continued to speak for ten days and I made my decision. It's a historic club in London, I heard a lot about the stadium. I'm very happy to be here and I hope it will be a good season.

Areola believes his experiences with PSG and last year at Real Madrid will serve him well as he prepares for a new challenge:

Last year was a great experience in Real Madrid. I won the league and we were very happy for the club and for the players. I think I will bring my energy and I will do my best to help the team and put the team where it should be.

I'm used to playing with a club that plays a lot with the keepers so I think I am ready for that and I'm prepared for this because we spoke a lot with Scott Parker and I think is the good way to play and I hope that it will work for us this season. He talked to me, he said that he really wanted me and, as I told you, I felt like a great energy and a good feeling. For me, the most important is the relationship you have with the coach and now I have to create a good relationship with my team-mates.

The goalkeeper is excited about playing in the Premier League and living in London, which he revealed was a long-term ambition for him and his family.

It will be my first time in this league. I will give my best all day at the training, at the games as well. Hopefully, it will be a good season. I know it will be tough because it is a difficult league.

It's not a secret I think that I bought a house here in London last year so we are very happy to finally live in London. It's one city that we love and, with my wife and my daughters. My daughters speak better English than me because they are used to going to a British school so we are glad and we have family here. To enjoy football, the good thing is to have a good atmosphere around us, to be happy and that helps to give a good performance.

Areola took part in training this morning at Motspur Park and will be contention to start Saturday's Premier League opener against Arsenal.

It was good, because as I told you before, I haven't touched a ball for a month since I left Real Madrid. I trained by myself at the gym, but it's not the same as when you train with the group. I'm very happy to come back on the pitch, to touch the ball and to share with my team-mates, to share a great atmosphere. I'm happy to be back.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/areola-delighted-to-join-historic-fulham/

Alphonse Areola: Fulham sign France goalkeeper on loan from Paris St-Germain


Fulham have signed France international goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from Paris St-Germain.

Areola, 27, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid and played nine times for them, including two Champions League ties.

"I am very happy everything is done," said Areola. "[Manager] Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham's a historic club in London and I've heard a lot about the stadium."

The 6ft 5in Arreola has played three times for France and was an unused member of their 2018 World Cup-winning squad.

He added: "I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong."

Fulham co-owner Tony Khan, whose team won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League last season, said: "Alphonse has experience at the very highest level.

"He's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

"We're excited he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54096469

William Saliba set for Arsenal debut on opening day of the Premier League season against Fulham as Mikel Arteta prepares to throw French youngster in after injury to David Luiz

    William Saliba is poised to make his Arsenal debut at Fulham on Saturday
    The French youngster is set to play in defence after an injury to David Luiz
    Saliba has returned to the club after spending last season on loan at St Etienne
    Rob Holding is also likely to keep his place after impressing Mikel Arteta

William Saliba is in line for an opening day debut after Arsenal suffered an injury setback over David Luiz.

Mikel Arteta's most experienced centre-back Luiz is set to miss Arsenal's trip to Fulham on Saturday, and perhaps longer, after aggravating a neck injury.

Arsenal medics were continuing their assessment of the 33 year-old on Wednesday to discover the extent of the injury amid fears he could be side lined for a minimum of four weeks.

Luiz featured for Arsenal in their Community Shield win over Liverpool, lining up in a back three alongside Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney.

Luiz's absence could open the door for Saliba, who has returned to the club after spending last season on loan at St Etienne following his £27m move from the French club to Arsenal.

Saliba has been training with Arsenal since the end of last season, featured in the club's pre-season friendlies and was on the bench at Wembley.

Holding is also likely to retain his starting place after impressing Arteta, convincing the Gunners chief to shelve plans to allow the 24 year-old to join Newcastle on loan.

Arteta also has summer signing Gabriel Magalhaes available though he only began training this week after having to quarantine following his £25m arrival from Lille.

Of Arteta's other centre-back options, Shkodran Mustafi and new signing Pablo Mari are out injured and Calum Chambers has only recently returned to training.

Meanwhile, Sokratis has fallen down the pecking order and is wanted by Napoli.

Arteta has a decision to make over who starts in goal too with Emiliano Martinez, who started the Community Shield, and fit again Bernd Leno waiting to find out who will begin the season as No.1.

Mesut Ozil has also declared he is ready to face Fulham after being frozen out at the end of last season.

Speaking during a Twitter q&a, Ozil said 'I'm fit and ready and doing my best. Unfortunately it's not in my hands to decide about the squad on the weekend. We will see!'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8715761/William-Saliba-set-Arsenal-debut-opening-day-season-against-Fulham.html

Portuguese Star Running Towards Premier League, Leeds And Fulham Suitors

Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis is moving towards a switch to the Premier League, where Leeds United and Fulham are his chief suitors.

Florentino has been tipped to move on from the Estadio da Luz in the current transfer window, with Benfica willing to do business for the right price.

AC Milan have explored a deal to take the Portuguese to Italy but, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, the player's future appears to be in the Premier League.

It is claimed that Florentino is running quickly towards the Premier League, where Fulham and Leeds are potential destinations.

Both clubs won promotion to the Premier League last season and are putting together squads to flourish in the top flight; it remains to be seen if any other sides want him.

Florentino, 21, made ten appearances in the Portuguese top flight for Benfica last season, while the club also handed him 180 minutes of action in the Champions League.

He played in key league clashes against rivals FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon.

Florentino, who has been capped up to Under-21 level by Portugal, has four years left on his Benfica deal.



https://insidefutbol.com/2020/09/09/portuguese-star-running-towards-premier-league-leeds-and-fulham-suitors/471574/

Pakistani-American man features in Forbes richest list

(https://i.dawn.com/primary/2020/09/5f59a073d4fe8.png)
Shahid Khan, the only Pakistani on the list, is an engineer by trade. — AP/File

WASHINGTON: A Pakistani-American, Shahid Khan, has emerged as the 66th richest man in the United States in 2020, with a total worth of $7.8 billion.

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is number one for the third year in a row, followed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates at number two.

The Forbes list of 400 richest Americans, published on Tuesday, estimates Bezos' total worth in 2020 as $179bn. Gates has about $111bn and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has $85bn. He is the third on the list.

The year's biggest gainer, in percentage terms, is Tesla founder Elon Musk, who is an astounding 242 per cent richer than he was on last year's ranking.

Tesla's stock rose 520 per cent by the time Forbes took a final measure of net worth on July 24 — helping add $48.1bn to Musk's net worth since last year's list.

Musk was the 23rd wealthiest person in America on the 2019 ranking, worth $19.9bn; this year he's up to number 7, worth $68bn.

Shahid Khan, the only Pakistani on the list, is an engineer by trade. He immigrated to the US at age 16 with $500 and a plane ticket. In 1980, he bought auto parts supplier Flex-N-Gate from his former employer.

His design for a one-piece truck bumper was the basis for his success; the company now has 64 plants worldwide and over 24,000 employees. Khan made his first billion at Flex-N-Gate.

In 2019, Khan launched All Elite Wrestling with his son; it aired its first weekly show in October 2019 and inked a four-year contract extension with WarnerMedia in January 2020.

Khan also owns the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, which he bought in 2012, and UK's Fulham football club, which he bought in 2013. He is a major financial backer of Black News Channel, a 24-hour cable news channel, which launched in February 2020.

US President Donald Trump is now the 275th richest person in America — that's 16 spots lower than in 2019 and 119 places lower than where he was before he became president.

Forbes notes that Trump's branding businesses are in steep decline. Real estate developers are no longer signing up to put the Trump name on their properties.

Forbes estimates that Trump's real estate licensing business, which is further limited by his pledge not to do foreign deals while in office, is worth about $80 million today, down from $170m a year ago.

Forbes notes that even the Covid-19 pandemic could not prevent America's 400 richest from making more money in 2020. They are now 8 per cent wealthier than last year, with a record collective net worth of $3.2 trillion.

They added $240bn to their coffers in this pandemic year, "aided by a stock market that has defied the virus", Forbes notes.

Still, 25 billionaires who were on the 2019 list fell below this year's $2.1bn threshold, two more than last year.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2020



https://www.dawn.com/news/1578906/pakistani-american-man-features-in-forbes-richest-list

William Saliba and Rob Holding set to start for Arsenal vs Fulham amid injury crisis

William Saliba could make his senior Arsenal debut in their Premier League opener at Fulham due to an injury to David Luiz, who could be out of action for four weeks

William Saliba and Rob Holding are in line to start Arsenal 's Premier League opener at Fulham on Saturday.

The Gunners get their season underway just weeks after clinching the FA Cup with a win over Chelsea at Wembley and want to get off to a good start.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to improve on the club's disappointing league finish last term and he has strengthened in some key areas this summer.

His team improved defensively as last season progressed but the Spaniard knew he need to make reinforcements at the back.

And Saliba, who joined last summer but was immediately loaned back to Saint Etienne for the season, could be in line for his competitive debut at Craven Cottage.

That is because of worries surrounding the fitness of David Luiz, with reports that he could be out for up to four weeks with a neck injury.

Luiz featured for Arsenal in their Community Shield win over Liverpool, lining up in a back three alongside Holding and Kieran Tierney.

But his absence could mean Saliba is line to start against Fulham, alongside those two again if Arteta continues with a back three.

New signing Gabriel Magalhaes is also available after joining from Lille but the Premier League opener may come to soon for him.

He only began training this week after having to quarantine following his £25million move and so may not be risked just yet.

Elsewhere, Shkodran Mustafi and new signing Pablo Mari are out injured and Calum Chambers has only recently returned to training.

And Sokratis may have played his final game for the Gunners with interest from Serie A side Napoli.

It all means that Saliba will likely be handed a Premier League debut for his new club.

Arteta will be hoping for Luiz to return to the fold sooner rather than late so he has as many centre-back options available to him.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fulham-team-news-saliba-22658036

Announcement expected: Arsenal could confirm huge contract news before PL opener vs Fulham

Arsenal could reportedly be set to announce a new contract for star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the coming days.

The Gabon international's future has dominated headlines for months and fans will be scratching their heads over an apparent lack of movement on the saga in recent weeks.

However, it seems Aubameyang's new deal has been agreed and may finally be made official this week, perhaps even before Arsenal's opening Premier League match against Fulham, according to ESPN.

Gunners fans will certainly be hoping they don't have to wait too much longer to hear this hugely positive news, with Aubameyang proving himself to be a crucial part of Mikel Arteta's side.

The 31-year-old was superb for Arsenal last season, scoring 29 goals in all competitions, including a brace against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final and another double in the final victory over Chelsea.

One can only imagine how difficult the campaign would have been for AFC without their top scorer, and keeping him at the Emirates Stadium could be the best piece of business they do all summer.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2020/09/10/arsenal-set-to-announce-new-aubameyang-contract/

David Luiz to miss Arsenal's Premier League opener?

Arsenal centre-back David Luiz is reportedly a major injury concern for Saturday's Premier League opener with Fulham.

The Brazil international, who was in line to start against the Cottagers, is said to have sustained a neck injury in training that requires particular caution.

According to The Athletic, Luiz is likely to sit out this weekend's clash, but the Gunners are hopeful that it is not a long-term issue.

As a result of the injury setback, fellow defender Rob Holding is now likely to stay at Arsenal for the time being, rather than join Newcastle United on loan.

Luiz made 33 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side in the Premier League last season and played a full part in last month's Community Shield win over Liverpool.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/injury-news/news/david-luiz-to-miss-arsenals-premier-league-opener_413703.html