Arsenal and Chelsea still interested in La Liga ace: Bid dependent on player’s wishes

Arsenal and Chelsea aren't prepared to give up on Alvaro Morata, according to reports.

The Gunners earmarked the Real Madrid striker as a target during the summer window, as doubts surefaced over Olivier Giroud, although Arsene Wenger ended up spending £17m on Deportivo La Coruna's Lucas Perez.

Chelsea also monitored his progress, as Antonio Conte sought to beef up his attack, but instead £33m on Michy Batshuayi.

However, Spanish news outlet Don Balon claim both Premier League powerhouses will keep an eye on Morata.

It is thought they could be persuaded to make a bid should the Spain international decided his future lies away from the Bernabeu.

Although Real Activated Morata's buy-back clause to re-sign him from Juventus, he is behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale in the pecking order.

Morata revealed earlier this month Chelsea made a serious offer for his services in the summer.

 Alvaro Morata was the subject of serious interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in the summer

" Chelsea showed the most interest, " he told German paper Sport Bild.

" Antonio Conte had already signed me for Juventus.

" And it was a very good offer this time. I would have been the most expensive Spanish player ever."

 

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Allegri hopes Inter defeat 'burns' Juve players

The Bianconer coach was disappointed as their winning run evaporated in Milan, and he is looking for an instant response as he defended Higuain's benching.

Massimiliano Allegri called his Juventus side "sluggish and complacent" after they let a one-goal lead slip in a 2-1 defeat to Inter at San Siro.

The Bianconeri looked set to make it four wins from four Serie A matches when Stephan Lichtsteiner opened the scoring after 66 minutes, but the lead was quickly overturned by a determined Inter side.

Goals from Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic condemned Juventus to their first Serie A defeat to Inter since November 2012, and Allegri said he hoped his players would learn from the shock result.

"After taking the lead, we didn't even hold it for two minutes," Allegri told Sky Sport Italy.

"We got sluggish and complacent, dropping the intensity levels. This defeat has to burn within us and teach us a real lesson, getting our feet back on the ground.

"It was a dirty game, rough and a real battle. We needed more determination and hunger to bring home the result, especially once we had gone in front.”

Allegri opted to leave Juventus' record signing Gonzalo Higuain out of his starting line-up, favouring Mario Mandzukic, and also played Miralem Pjanic as a deep-lying playmaker, in place of Mario Lemina.

Neither change seemed to have a positive impact but Allegri defended the decisions, saying: "I think Pjanic had an intelligent game in front of the defence.

"Lemina did well for a few games, but don't forget he only played nine times last season, so we can't put too much pressure on him.

"The real problem today is that Juventus were bad on a technical level – we gave the ball away cheaply, misplaced passes and above all conceded our third goal of the season on a corner.

"It's not easy for strikers when the whole team is playing badly. We need to relax, start preparing for the Cagliari game and put together a run of good results.

He added: "It's not a tragedy. I was worried we'd have such a strong series of early fixtures, but the lads largely did well.

"I think every now and then a defeat like this can do us good, if we are smart and humble enough to learn from it."

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Jose Mourinho refuses to panic after Man United's third straight defeat

Jose Mourinho is refusing to panic after watching his Manchester United side fall to their third straight defeat with a 3-1 loss to Watford on Sunday.

Despite Marcus Rashford's second-half equaliser, United left Vicarge Road empty-handed after goals from substitute Juan Cambo Zuniga and Troy Deeney sealed all three points for the Hornets.

The loss capped off eight days for United that began with a 2-1 derby loss to Manchester City and also saw them beaten by Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday.

It is the first time Mourinho has lost three consecutive games in a season since February 2002, when he was Porto boss.

Mourinho is refusing to get carried away by the highs and lows of United's season and says the only way his team will improve is through hard work on the training ground.

"I have this capacity of balance, "Mourinho told MUTV. "Balance is, for me, not running around the pitch when me were winning a couple of matches and nobody sees now me being too depressed.

"I'm sad. Obviously, "I'm sad but, as I was telling the players, there is only one way.

"At 10:30 in the morning, we have a training session and we have to be there. They have to work, they have to show themselves with a certain kind of attitude towards negative moments."

United will have two chances to get back in the win column this week as they take on Northampton on Wednesday in the EFL Cup and then host Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday, with both games live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

 Ashley Young has impressed Mourinho

One man who appears to have earned himself more playing time is winger Ashley Young, who came on as a substitute for Anthony Martial in the 38th minute against Watford.

It was Young's first Premier League appearance of the season and Mourinho was impressed with the desire the 31-year-old showed to succeed.

Mourinho said: "I show them, as an example, Ashley Young who was, in my opinion, phenomenal with his attitude, positivity and determination.

"We need positive people to give us a positive feeling because, next time these boys are going onto a football pitch they are going to feel, obviously as normal human beings, the weight of the defeats."

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James Rodriguez insists he never thought of leaving Real Madrid 

James Rodriguez scored on his firs start of the season

James Rodriguez insists he has always felt supported by his team-mates and coach Zinedine Zidane after he marked his first La Liga start of the season with the goal which set Real Madrid on their way to a club-record victory away to Espanyol on Sunday night.

The Colombian's future at the Bernabeu was in doubt over the summer and he was strongly linked with a big-money move to chelsea, but he remained in the Spanish capital.

Rodriguez says he is determined to play a part in what has so far been a terrific campaign for Real, who top La Liga by three points from Barcelona having recorded a 16th consecutive league win at Espanyol, equalling the record of top-flight victories set by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in 2010-11.

"I never thought about leaving Real Madrid and have always strived to be here, "Rodriguez told the Spanish media after the 2-0 win.

"I have felt great support from the team and the coach. I have a good relationship with the coach and it shows."

Zidane said he was happy with the Colombian's performance and told Diario Sport: "We know his talent and he has done a great job."

The Frenchman was also pleased to have equalled Barcelona's record run, adding: "It is an anecdote but it shows the work all of the boys, who are doing great."

 Zinedine Zidane was impressed with his Real Madrid side

Madrid were without the attacking talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, missing through illness and injury respectively, and it was third prong of the 'BBC'Strike force, Karim Benzama, who sealed the win after 70 minutes when his powerful close-range finish rounded off an excellent team move involving Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez.

Real looked uncomfortable in the early stages and Zidane said: "Today we had a tough opponent and in the first half we found it difficult. In the second period we won more of the duels, we looked more joined-up in our play and got the second goal."

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Cristiano Ronaldo should respect Xavi Hernandez - Samuel Eto'o

Samuel Eto'o has added his voice to the racket surrounding the war of words between Xavi Hernandez and Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the former Barcelona midfielder should have won the Ballon d'Or five or six times.

Real Madrid star Ronaldo dismissed Xavi's decision to play in Qatar last weekend before boasting about the three Ballons d'Or he's won in his career.

He was responding to comments the 36-year-old had made about Lionel Messi being the best player in the world.

Eto'o feels the Portugal international's reaction was unnecessary and insisted that Xavi -- who has won four Champions Leagues, two European Championships and the World Cup in his career -- shouldn't be criticised for a lack of individual recognition.

"A player can't say because they have four or five [Ballons d'Or], they're the best," he told Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

"If the Ballon d'Or was fair, Xavi would have won five or six. He deserves all the respect in the world.

"Xavi did not say what he said [about Messi being the best] out of a lack of respect. Xavi is Xavi."

Xavi had recognised Ronaldo as an "elite footballer" but said that he was unlucky to have been around at the same time as Messi, adding that the two players are incomparable.

Ronaldo's retort was less polite: "I'm the most searched player on the internet. Anyone who wants free publicity or media attention talks about me.

"I couldn't care less about what Xavi says about me, he plays in Qatar or I don't even know where.

"He's won every collective trophy, including a World Cup and the European Championship, but he's never won a Ballon d'Or."

Eto'o is currently playing for Turkish side Antalyaspor, but he spent five years playing alongside Xavi at Camp Nou between 2004 an 2009.

During that time he also witnessed Messi up close and he feels that the Argentine does have the edge on Ronaldo in the battle to be considered the world's best footballer.

He added: "I'll always go with Messi because of the things I've seen him do.

"That doesn't take away from the fact Cristiano is making history in football. But I go with Messi because I've been closer to him."

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Luis Figo thinks Portuguese legend is 'number one' - not Cristiano Ronaldo

For years, football fans have been at loggerheads arguing who is better: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

The two superstars have dominated world football in recent years - epitomised by them winning the previous eight Ballon d'Ors - and are considered the two greatest footballers of all time.

While Ronaldo and Messi fans are only too keen to start a confrontation with each other whenever the situation arises, there has been a high-profile player getting involved in the discussion recently.

The man is Barcelona legend Xavi, who has reignited the Ronaldo vs. Messi discussion.

Xavi, who now plays for Al Sadd in Qatar, said that Ronaldo's ability doesn't come close to matching Messi's.

XAVI ON RONALDO

"Only a fool could have played football and not recognise Cristiano is an elite footballer," said Xavi.

"But he just has had bad luck to be around at the same time as Leo."

RONALDO HITS BACK

Ronaldo obviously wasn't going to stand for that and hit back at the Spaniard by mocking the fact he hasn't managed to win a Ballon d'Or in his career - compared to Ronaldo's three.

"I'm the most searched player on the internet. Anyone who wants free publicity or media attention talks about me," he said.

"I couldn't care less what Xavi says about me, he plays in Qatar or I don't even know where.

"He's won every collective trophy, including a World Cup and the European Championship, but he's never won a Ballon d'Or."

FIGO'S 'NUMBER ONE'

While Xavi was always going to back Messi, you'd think that Luis Figo would be fighting Ronaldo's corner. Not only are they compatriots, but Figo moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid during his playing days.

However, Figo doesn't think that Ronaldo is the greatest football of all-time. In fact, he doesn't even think he is the greatest in Portuguese history.

The former midfielder believes that Eusebio is ‘number one' - but it's not necessarily because of his footballing ability.

"I admire him [Ronaldo] and I enjoy seeing his achievements. He just gets better every year. He's making football history," he told AS.

But how does he compare to Eusebio?

"I never saw him play," he admitted.

"But for everything he stands for, for the love he showed me, his friendship and his advice, I'd put Eusebio at number one. Everyone will say that I say that for this reason or that reason but ultimately it's just about respect. Everyone makes history in their own time."

While Eusebio was an outstanding player in his own right - scoring 41 times in 64 appearances for Portugal - he became an ambassador for both Benfica and his country after his career.

And he obviously helped Figo immensely after retiring as he went on to set a new record of most caps for Portugal with 127 - something that Ronaldo has since broken. Maybe that's a path Ronaldo needs to go down if Figo is to consider him 'number one'.

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Luis Suarez is the best striker in the world, says Brendan Rodgers

Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez is the best striker in the world, according to his former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Since moving to the Camp Nou from Anfield for a £64 million fee two summers ago, the Uruguayan international has scored 59 goals in 65 appearances and has won two La Liga titles as well as the Champions League once.

Rodgers will be plotting a way to prevent Suarez from scoring against his Celtic side in their Champions League meeting on Tuesday night, but revealed his admiration for the Barca No.9 in his pre-match press conference, going as far as labelling the centre forward as "one of the most beautiful men you could come actross. "

" At this moment in time, Luis is the best striker in the world," Rodgers said, as reported by Goal." I don't think there's any question about that.

"As a footballer, i think he's the best in the world. The biggest compliment that you could give Luis is that he came to an already world-class team and he made them better.

"When I see them play now, Barcelona would not be the same team without Luis Suarez."

Suarez spent two seasons under the guidance of Rodgers on Merseyside, scoring a total of 54 Premier League goals in the process and came close to firing the Reds to the title in his final year at the club.

However, he departed shortly after the 2014 World Cup and wasn't appropriately replaced by the Northern Irishman.

Rodgers lasted one more full season at the helm before being replaced last October by Jurgen Klopp and was biggest test awaits and it comes in the shape of one of his former players.

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Arsene Wenger reveals the reason he turned approaches from PSG on three occasions

ARSENE WENGER has confirmed for the first time Paris Saint-Germain approached him three times about becoming their manager.

 

On the eve of Arsenal's clash with the French side, Wenger did not dispute PSG's Nasser Al-Khelaifi, a personal friend of his, had tried repeatedly to persuade him to quit the north Londoners. But he said out of love and loyalty to the Gunners, he snubbed the Qatari billionaire.

It was widely reported in Wenger's homeland on Monday that the contact came in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Wenger was asked about the bids last night and explained why he had not said ‘yes'.

"Because I love where I am," said the 66-year-old. "I know well the owners but I feel always I remained loyal to Arsenal Football Club because I think it's a club that has the qualities I love. And that's why."

Wenger has also been courted by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, France and England, and is now in the final year of his Arsenal contract.

The north Londoners struggled in Europe, going out at the first knockout stage in the last six seasons.

In his 19th year in the competition with Arsenal, Wenger stated he had a squad with the maturity and experience to do much better.

"I was used to playing with my younger squads when you build a stadium because you don't have the resources," he said.

"Now I have a team with more experienced players. The squad is between 24 and 30, basically. That's where you have a good combination of physical strength and experience.

"But we want to keep giving chances to young players and get the mixture right."

 

Arsene Wenger has stayed loyal to Arsenal after turning down PSG on separate occasions

 

It is a message Wenger had been sending over the last two seasons and he appeared yesterday to be a little tired of broadcasting it, calling on his men to prove their actions spoke louder than his words.

"Better than all my speeches is the way we play, the dynamic we have and the intensity we put into the game," he added.

"We play in a championship where you look at the results over the weekend and it's very intense. We are used to playing with the intensity you need in the Champions League. That's what we want to do. Playing well is better than talking, and making the results which we want to show tomorrow."

Their opponents appear not at their best right now, following the departures of axed boss Laurent Blanc and talisman striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who joined Manchester United in the summer.

New boss Unai Emery, plucked from Sevilla following his Europa League double success with the Spanish side, has struggled to implement his style and approach.

The previously all-conquering team have picked up just one point from their last six - a poor return from a team who won their title by a record 31 points last season.

He admitted he had plenty to learn before he could claim to be in Wenger's league.

"I've been at coaches' meeting for the last five years and seen Wenger," he added.

"I'm 44, quite young, and trying to learn still. But I've been speaking with the best coaches in Europe over that time and that includes Wenger.

"I have a lot of respect for his longevity. It's not very common - there was Sir Alex Ferguson - but we'd all like to be in a similar situation to Arsene Wenger."

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Darmian to make a surprise Chelsea switch? Liverpool back in for Witsel

Will Matteo Darmian be wearing the blue of Chelsea come January?

The transfer window may have just slammed shut, but don't think that the wheeling and dealing won't continue!

Free transfers can still be submitted to the FAs, plus there's always January to start thinking about!

Darmian linked with Stamford Bridge switch

A while ago he was being reported as a target for Barcelona -- but now it seems Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian could be on his way to Chelsea instead.

According to Calcio Mercato, Darmian is likely to be allowed to leave Old Trafford in the January window, with Antonio Conte one of a number of managers eager to sign him.

The Italy international is also interesting Serie A clubs Juventus and Napoli, both of whom could be ready to table a bid for the 26-year-old, who joined United last summer.

Reports earlier in the summer suggested Barcelona had been targeting Darmian as a replacement for the Juventus-bound Dani Alves.

Reds to revive interest in Witsel?

Liverpool could renew their interest in Belgium international midfielder Axel Witsel, who will be leaving Zenit St Petersburg at the end of the season, according to the Express.

Witsel was a reported target for Liverpool in the summer -- with Merseyside neighbours Everton also strongly linked with a deal -- but has recently been interesting Serie A champions Juventus.

Zenit have confirmed that they have already received an offer for the 27-year-old -- and reports in Italy suggest that offer has come from Juve, with some also saying personal terms with the player have been agreed.

Gunners to resume talks with star duo

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is gearing up to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday -- and soon he'll be gearing up to resume contract talks with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

With the Gunners stars out of contract in 2018, Wenger is set to resume negotiations put on hold when both players were on international duty over the summer.

Speaking ahead of the game against French champions, he told reporters: "We will start to talk about their extensions."

The Mirror reckons the manager's hopes of persuading Ozil to stay at the Emirates have been boosted by the arrival of his Germany international teammate Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia earlier this summer.

It adds that Ozil and Mustafi are close friends and claims that "could be a factor in Ozil deciding to add three more years to his present contract."

Sanchez, meanwhile, was linked with a move to Juventus earlier in the summer but "made it clear he wanted to stay put."

But there could still be a bump or two in the road, with reports earlier this month having suggested the Chile international wants a fixed-price release clause to be included in any new deal.

Tap-ins

- Premier League champions Leicester will be "battling it out" with Bournemouth to sign Czech Republic under-21 midfielder Jakub Jankto from Udinese, the Guardian reports.

It says the 20-year-old playmaker, scouted several times by Arsenal last season, would cost around £8 million -- and adds that both the Foxes and the Cherries are willing to part with that amount.

Udinese are desperate to keep Jankto, one of their brightest prospects -- but with his contract running out at the end of the season "they are fearful of losing him on a free transfer next summer."

- Championship sides Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United want to sign former Wimbledon, West Ham, Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, according to the Yorkshire Post.

Reo-Coker, 32, has been playing MLS football since leaving Ipswich Town in 2013 and has turned out for Vancouver Whitecaps, Chivas USA and Montreal Impact but now wants to return to the UK.

He has also been linked with Scottish duo Celtic and Rangers as well as Wolves and a return to his former club Villa.

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Man City boss Pep Guardiola reveals that he did not have a drink with Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that he did not share a drink with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho after the Manchester derby according to The Sun.

The same outlet previously reported that Mourinho would offer a drink to Gurdiola after the derby however, the Spanish tacticain has state he was too busy to attend.

When asked whether he and Mourinho managed to find time for a drink, Guadiola said:

"No, we have a lot of things to do after the game. So we spent one hour with the radios, press conference and so on and so we have no chance," Guardiola was quoted as saying by the Sun.

However, Gurdiola insisted that there is no bad blood between himself and the United manager.

"I have said many times I have a lot of respect for him," Guardiola said last week.

"I always try to learn from all my colleagues and opponents and I learn from him as well."

City recorded a 2-1 victory over United in the Manchester derby had have been highly praised for their style of football on the day.

Manchester United take on Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday before returning to face Watford FC in the Premier League.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Paul Pogba will only get better for Manchester United

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes that Paul Pogba will improve despite enduring a difficult start to his second spell at the club.

The Frenchman rejoined United from Juventus in a world record £89 million move, but, although he impressed against Southampton on his first appearance since returning, Pogba struggled in the subsequent games against Hull and Manchester City.

However, Ibrahimovic - who reportedly signed a £250,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford this summer - has tipped the 23-year-old to prove his doubters wrong and thrive at United.

As reported by Manchester Evening News, Ibrahimovic said: "Paul came from a generation that is becoming important in France.

"The national team did not win the Euros, unfortunately, but the generation is strong and they will become stronger and Paul is one of them, and with what he has done, he will become even better.

"I did not know Paul before and now I know him personally, he is a boy who works hard, he wants to progress and has a good attitude.

"But he is still young and all the jealous people talking about him will swallow every word they said about him. Because he will only get better."

Although his recent performances have been underwhelming, Pogba has still kept the ball rather well in the Premier League so far this season, registering an average pass accuracy of 84%.

His impact in an attacking sense has been rather limited, however, with Pogba having created just four chances in the top flight so far this campaign.

United made an impressive start to the season under new manager Jose Mourinho, winning their first three Premier League fixtures, but that run came to an abrupt end against City, who were dominant in midfield as they won 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Mourinho's side face Feyenoord away in the Europa League on Thursday in their next fixture before returning to domestic action with an away game against Watford three days later.

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Man Utd plan new long-term Ibrahimovic deal

Manchester United have plans to hand Zlatan Ibrahimovic a new contract.

The Sunday Mirror says United are ready to hand Ibrahimovic a new contract after the Swedish superstar broke every Old Trafford fitness record.

Ibrahimovic signed a one-year deal, with an option of a further 12 months, when he joined on a Bosman free transfer from French champions Paris Saint-Germain in July.

The Red Devils are not only already preparing to take up that option -  but will also offer an extra year on top in a package that would take the striker, who turns 35 next month, close to his 38th birthday.

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Chelsea to make record bid for Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann

Conte is ready to go above the £86million release clause in Griezmann's contract to head off interest from Manchester United.

And that means splashing out more than the £89m that United paid Juventus to take Greizmann's close pal Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford.

Greizmann, 25, who has been Atletico's leading scorer for the last two seasons, also topped the scoring charts at Euro 2016.

Atletico were last week handed a transfer embargo from FIFA for the next two transfer windows.

Chelsea's Diego Costa, a long-term target for Atletico, could be used to sweeten the deal but Atletico would need to successfully appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for that to even be an option.

Atletico's ban was confirmed this week after a lengthy FIFA investigation found the club had breached rules regarding the acquisition of players under the age of 18.

Real Madrid have been given the same punishment, which was also handed down to Barcelona in the two transfer windows of 2015.

A move for Antoine Greizmann could surpass the transfer fee United paid for Pogba

Costa was linked with a move to Atletico this summer but Conte was determined to keep the striker and has been rewarded for that trust with two goals from the Spaniard.

United's interest in Griezmann was unearthed almost as soon as the transfer window ended, with mananger Jose Mourniho keen to get working on plans for next summer.

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Jurgen Klopp: Why Liverpool's win over Leicester was so special

JURGEN KLOPP was delighted that Liverpool could kick off life at their newly improved Anfield with a dominate victory over Leicester.

 HAPPY: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

The Reds were impressive in front of their redeveloped stadium, seeing off the reigning Premier League champions with a 4-1 win.

A Roberto Fimino double and goals from Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana secured the three points.

The German boss was happy that his side produced a good performance in a wonderful place as his side moved up to fifth in the table.

He said: "At the end it was a great performance over 90 minutes.

"I thought it was a good challenge for us today because I know we can be really strong.

"If something does not work we have to show we can stay in the race, and believe in our style.

"We played calm football, but we can't create with each pass, each movement.

"Leicester have big quality, are always a threat, even after we scored our third.

"It was a good performance in a wonderful place."

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Jack Wilshere tipped to become future Arsenal manager

Arsenal loanee Jack Wilshere has been tipped to become Arsenal's manager in the future according to The Mirror.

The prediction - which was made by Arsene Wenger - may confuse many Gunners fans after Wenger sent the England international out on loan to Bournemouth last week.

However, Wenger stated that Wilshere has got all the attributes to make him a successful manager.

"Certainly one day he will be in my seat," Wenger was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

"He has a real football brain and understands football. You know really, it's in his genes.

"I see him in the future at this club of course. He will spend his life in football, he is a football man.

"He has an eye on everybody, it's in him. You have that or you haven't got it, but he is a real football man."

Arsenal boss Wenger currently has one year remaining on his contract with the north London based club. Wilshere made his debut for Bournemouth today during the Cherries 1-0 win over West Brom at the Dean Court stadium.

The 24-year-old's career has been blighted by injuries, which have restricted him to just 159 appearances in eight years for the Arsenal. last season, Whilshere missed the majority of the Gunners campaign due to an injury and made just three appearance.

Bournemouth take on the Premier League leaders Manchester City next weekend. Arsenal travel to France to take on PSG in the UEFA Champions League on Tueday.

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Arsene Wenger: How I thought Arsenal's new signings fared against Southampton

ARSENE WENGER admits Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez are still lacking match sharpness but was happy with their Arsenal debuts.

 

The duo, signed  over the summer for a combined £52m, both started for the Gunners today in their 2-1 win over southampton.

 

Wenger says the pair were not fully expecting just how difficult playing in the Premier League can be.

 

But the French boss was pleased with how they got on.

 

He said: "I feel both are short [ of fitness ] a bit, they lack competition and their second half was much better than their first half.

 

"They were a bit surprised by the pace and the commitment of the Premier League [but] they will adapt to that.

 

"As well, they were a bit on their nerves in the first half. In the second it was much better."

 

Wenger also believes his two new players need to be given more tie to adapt to life in England.

 

He said: "He has had one game in La Liga, and then he didn't play many more because they knew he would go.

 

                                           IN ACTION: Arsenal signing Shkodran Mustafi

 

"Mustafi has only played one half since the start of the season with Valencia, so they are missing games."

 

Arsenal face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night and Wenger hasn't made his mind up yet as to whether either Mustafi or Perez will feature.

 

He said: "I have to decide that. We will see how everyone is tomorrow morning.

 

"For Tuesday, we might just have Gibbs coming back, who was not in the squad today. It's possible they are in the squad."

 

 

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