Chelsea legend Zola sends 'join me' message to Liverpool striker Balotelli

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has urged Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli to join him in Qatar.

Zola is this season in charge of Al Arabi.

"There are extraordinary resources here," Zola told Sky Italia.

“The federation headquarters are really cutting-edge, but we have to build the right culture of hard work.

“Cassano and Balotelli? They are two top players, and it could be an excellent opportunity for them to play in a League with less scrutiny, recharge their batteries, and return to Europe as protagonists.

“I'd recommend it as an experience. We have a lot of players, but if I had the opportunity [to sign them] I'd so it without a second thought."

Get Karim Benzema! Arsenal legend Martin Keown tell Arsene Wenger

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has told SportsArena he wants the club to sign a new striker and believes Karim Benzema is the man they should target.

Last season the Gunners relied on Alexis Sanchez to supplement the goals of centre forward Olivier Giroud and in the end the Chilean ended the campaign with 16 strikes to his name, two more than the French striker.

Meanwhile, Theo Walcott nabbed four goals in his last two games as he returned from injury while Danny Welbeck could only manage four Premier League goals in his debut season in north London.

And to solve this problem, Keown wants to see Arsene Wenger launch a move for Real Madridstar Benzema, although he concedes they could face competition for his signature.

“I’d like to see a striker signed,” he told the Weekend Sports Breakfast.

“I think there is no doubt about it, I’ve been in that dressing room when a top player comes in, it sends a ripple through the dressing room you feel almost invincible and on the outside the opposition look at how good you were before and think how much better you will be now.

“If you’re not the champions and your striker, Olivier Giroud, didn’t start the FA Cup final last season, there are question marks over that position and maybe they need to be addressed.

“Danny Welbeck is injured. Theo Walcott has just signed a new contract so there are lots of options. I’d just like to see a more mobile and frightening front player to come into that Arsenal group.

“Why not go for Karim Benzema to play down the middle. I think Manchester United are just as keen to get a striker in as Arsenal so perhaps those two will be bidding against each other to bring someone in at the last minute.”

And Keown has admitted, despite Walcott signing a new deal with the Gunners, which reportedly makes him the club’s best paid player, he doesn’t expect the player to lead the line for the Gunners next season.

He added: “Listening to every press conference, like I do intently, I think Arsene Wenger gave [Walcott’s role] away by saying he needs to play alongside a big striker.

“I don’t think he will go with Theo Walcott as the striker throughout the season. I think he will come in to play cameo roles. I don’t think he will start every week in that position.

“He’s been at the club for ten years now and I still feel we’re yet to see the best of him. His finish in the FA Cup final was outstanding it showed what he is capable of. So there is that option for him to play down the middle.”

FA Community Shield: Arsenal v Chelsea

The English football season returns on Sunday when Premier League champions Chelsea meet FA Cup winners Arsenal in the FA Community Shield at Wembley.

The match comes 64 days after the Gunners ended the domestic season with their 4-0 FA Cup win over Aston Villa.

Neither side have added significantly to their squads over the summer - though goalkeeper Petr Cech will make his Arsenal debut against his old side.

Chelsea could hand a start to new signing Radamel Falcao.

Falcao, 29, spent last season with Manchester United but endured a poor campaign, scoring just four goals in 29 games.

He signed a season-long loan deal from Monaco earlier this summer, while Chelsea's only other signing is goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Stoke.

He replaces Cech, 33, who played 494 games in 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge before his £10m move in June.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that striker Diego Costa (hamstring) and defender Gary Cahill (nose) are both fit after pre-season injury concerns.

A rivalry renewed: Wenger v Mourinho

Sunday sees two Premier League giants collide, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hoping to beat a side managed by Jose Mourinho for the first time.

Wenger is yet to taste victory against Mourinho in 13 attempts and the two managers have already been involved in one disagreement this summer.

Mourinho suggested that Arsenal had spent more money than Chelsea over the last few years, with Wenger responding by saying he "does not listen to what people think or say".

On Friday Mourinho repeated his belief that Arsenal can mount a serious title challenge this season but played down his rivalry with Wenger.

He said: "It doesn't matter about Arsenal, it doesn't matter about the manager.

"I never made it an explosion of happiness or special pride in my victories over Arsenal. I do not make a drama if one day we lose."

In return Wenger light-heartedly suggested the media favour Mourinho: "I'll leave your love story with him to continue without interfering.

"I wouldn't like to interfere in that."

When challenged that Mourinho believes it is Arsenal who receive preferential treatment, Wenger replied: "So it's all about love."

Arsenal - who have not scored against Chelsea in over eight hours of play - did win last season's Community Shield - beating Manchester City 3-0 at Wembley.

Pre-season form

Arsenal have been in fine form this summer, and have already won two pre-season tournaments.

First they beat Everton in Singapore  before thrashing Lyon and beating Bundesliga runners-up Wolfsburg to win the Emirates Cup at their home ground.

A highlight has been the emergence of youngsters Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Alex Iwobi - nephew of former Bolton and Hull midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha.

Chelsea have spent a mixed pre-season in the United States.

Begovic was beaten four times in a "tired" display as Jose Mourinho's side lost 4-2 to New York Red Bulls, before draws with Paris St-Germainand Barcelona - both of which the Blues won on penalty shootouts.

Chelsea begin their Premier League defence against Swansea on Saturday, 8 August (17:30 BST), while Arsenal face West Ham at 13:30 the next day.

Does the Community Shield set the tone?

2014: Arsenal 3-0 Manchester City

A comfortable win for the Gunners. Arsenal went on to retain the FA Cup and finish third in the Premier League, four points behind runners-up City. Chelsea won the title by eight points.

2013: Manchester United 2-0 Wigan

The first game of David Moyes's short reign at Old Trafford was not a sign of things to come. Moyes was sacked at Easter as champions United finished in seventh place - their worst Premier League season. Manchester City were champions as FA Cup holders Wigan went on to lose in the Championship play-offs.

2012: Chelsea 2-3 Manchester City

In a game played at Villa Park thanks to the Olympics in London, Samir Nasri hit the winner for champions City. Chelsea would sack Roberto Di Matteo before Christmas and City would also part company with their Italian manager, Roberto Mancini, at the end of the season after losing the FA Cup final to Wigan. Manchester United were champions in Sir Alex Ferguson's final campaign.

2011: Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United

Nani's stoppage-time winner gave Manchester United a win over rivals City, but Roberto Mancini's side were smiling nine months later as Sergio Aguero's famous last-gasp goal gave them their first league title in 44 years, denying United on goal difference.

2010: Chelsea 1-3 Manchester United

Manchester United were too good for Chelsea, a pattern that would repeat itself over the course of the season. Sir Alex Ferguson's men were champions again, beating the Blues by nine points and prompting owner Roman Abramovich to fire Carlo Ancelotti 12 months after winning the double.

The key Wembley stats

• The FA Cup winners have only won one of the last five Community Shield matches - Arsenal last year.
• The last two times Chelsea have won the Community Shield, they have gone on to win the title (2005 and 2009).
• These sides have met once previously in the Community Shield, Chelsea winning 2-1 in 2005. Cesc Fabregas, now at the Blues, scored Arsenal's goal that day.
• This will be the Gunners' 21st appearance in the Community Shield. They've won it outright 12 times, losing seven (twice on penalties) and shared it once.
• Chelsea will be making their 11th appearance in the event. They've won it four times (once on penalties), losing the other six (twice via penalty shootout).
• The last five Community Shield games have produced a total of 19 goals.
• The last time a side that won the Community Shield went on to win the league title was in 2010 (Manchester United).
• Arsene Wenger has never beaten Jose Mourinho in 13 attempts (D6 L7).
• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Arsenal (W5 D3).
• The Gunners have gone 482 minutes without a goal against Chelsea.

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Aston Villa legend Andy Gray warns Tim Sherwood: You can't trust Emmanuel Adebayor

Andy Gray has expressed concern over Aston Villa’s move for Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Tottenham outcast is close to securing a switch to Villa Park, with former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood convinced he can get the best out of a player who has regularly frustrated fans with his attitude and workrate.
Ray Wilkins, Sherwood’s number two, told talkSPORT earlier this week that Adebayor can be “extremely effective when he wants to play”.
But that statement has only served to add to Gray’s fears over the deal for the 31-year-old, with the Villa legend warning the Togo international “cannot be trusted”.
Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: “Tim got a reaction from Adebayor when he was Tottenham coach and I’m hoping he can get the same kind of reaction. But would I trust Emmanuel Adebayor? No, I wouldn’t.
“When you hear Ray Wilkins, a great guy who I love dearly, say ‘when he wants to play’, well he should want to play every time he is asked to play.
“That is my worry about Emmanuel Adebayor - that he will turn up when he wants to and won’t bother when he doesn’t want to.”
Villa are also being linked with a shock switch for another veteran striker who has often been accused of laziness - Dimitar Berbatov.
On the 34-year-old, Gray said: "For me he is past his sell-by date, his best days are behind him, but if Tim can get a season out of him while he brings on younger players and searches the market for better players, he will do a job for them."

Ashley Young endsTottenham transfer talk by signing new Manchester United contract

Ashley Young is close to signing a new deal at Manchester United, SportsArena understands.
Young, 30, looked to be on the periphery when new boss Louis van Gaal arrived at Old Trafford last summer.
But the England international went on to impress the Dutchman and his fine form kept record signing Angel di Maria on the sidelines.
With a year left on his existing contract at Old Trafford, there has been speculation that Tottenham could launch a move for Young this summer.
However, he is now set to quash talk of a switch to Spurs with SportsArena told that the winger’s representatives are close to agreeing terms on a new deal with United.
Van Gaal sees the former Villa star as key to his plans for this season, particularly with Di Maria now looking certain to exit the club.

Angel Di Maria close on PSG deal

Angel Di Maria's proposed move from Manchester United to Paris St-Germain is "close" to being decided, says the French team's coach Laurent Blanc.

The Argentina midfielder has not joined United on their pre-season tour of America, and manager Louis van Gaal has said he "does not know why".
"There is a good possibility he could sign but there is nothing official," said Blanc after a defeat by Chelsea.
"We have to have patience a little longer. The outcome is very close."
French paper L'Equipe has reported United have agreed a £46.5m deal with the French champions for the 27-year-old.
But it is understood talks are ongoing with a fee yet to be agreed.
"He was not on the plane," said Van Gaal after the 3-1 friendly win over Barcelona in Santa Clara, California.
"Marcos Rojo was also not on the plane. He has had a passport issue - for Di Maria, I don't know why. I cannot say anything."
Van Gaal said on Friday that Di Maria would join United on their pre-season tour of the United States, despite rumours about a move to PSG.
However, it has now been claimed the winger, who moved to the Premier League from Real Madrid last summer for a British record £59.7m, will travel to New Jersey - where PSG are based during their tour of the United States - for a medical with the Ligue 1 club.

Biggest transfer fees paid by a British club
£59.7m	Angel Di Maria	Real Madrid to Manchester Utd	2014
£50m	Fernando Torres	Liverpool to Chelsea	2011
£49m	Raheem Sterling	Liverpool to Manchester City	2015
£42.4m	Mesut Ozil	Real Madrid to Arsenal	2013
£38m	Sergio Aguero	Atletico Madrid to Manchester City	2011

Will De Gea stay? You never know

Goalkeeper David De Gea - strongly linked with Real Madrid over the summer - started against Barcelona and looked impressive.
He was replaced after 62 minutes as Van Gaal changed his entire starting XI - and afterwards Van Gaal was keen to praise the 24-year-old Spain international.
"He has showed his quality," said the Dutchman. "The first chance was for Barcelona. When you stop the first chance, then you can score the first goal.
"That is always the difference in the game. Of course I do hope that David De Gea shall stay, but in this world of football you never know."

Second-string impress Van Gaal

After Van Gaal made 11 substitutions after 62 minutes, Belgium winger Adnan Januzaj, 20, and 22-year-old English forward Jesse Lingard found their way on to the scoresheet.
"I was very happy with the reaction of the youngsters," said the United boss. "They were more aggressive. That is what I want, always.

Adnan Januzaj capped a lively performance off the bench with his team's third goal

"Sometimes you make the wrong choices and you step in and then you are always the loser - but that is also the youth. It was a team with spirit. We created chances, we scored two goals with the youngsters.
"Adnan Januzaj was very good. He always gives an option for his midfielders and defenders and scored a wonderful goal. That is also important. He had to fight with two defenders but he did it well - but it was more easy for him in a defence without Gerard Pique."

Barca could not cope with Depay and Rooney

Wayne Rooney, starting up front, scored the opening goal. New £31m forward Memphis Depay played in the number 10 role before both were withdrawn as part of the wholsesale changes Van Gaal in the second half.
"They try to do their best to look for each other, sometimes too much," said the United boss.
"It should be better when we have a wider orientation, but I think they are always a threat. That is very important.
"Barcelona could not cope with the threat of Depay and Rooney, but I have to say Adnan was also a big threat to them in the 30 minutes he played as a striker. That is good to see."

If Falcao performs for Chelsea, it proves Mourinho is the messiah

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino claims Blues manager Jose Mourinho “must be the messiah” if he manages to bring on-loan frontman Radamel Falcao back to form this season.
The Colombian has been given a career lifeline by Mourinho this summer following his disastrous season stay at Manchester United last term - where he managed just four goals.
Many questioned Chelsea’s decision to bring the out-of-form frontman back to the Premier League after such a poor showing for the Red Devils, but Mourinho clearly believes he can succeed where Louis van Gaal failed, and transform Falcao back into the striker deemed one of the world’s best only a few years ago.
And Cascarino told talkSPORT that if anyone can do it, the ‘Special One’ can.
“The Falcao signing is a strange one,” he said on the Weekend Sports Breakfast.
“We all watched how he struggled at Man United last year and he was out with injury for a long time.
“If Mourinho pulls this one off...if he turns Falcao’s form around and he has a good season, he must be the messiah.
“He probably won’t be in the starting XI at Chelsea but he’ll certainly get chances and if he produces we’re going to have to look back on it and admit Mourinho did get more out of Falcao than other managers.
“But is still think the team needs a bit more in that department [up front], especially if you look at what other teams have done in the transfer window.”