Weekly Football News, January 10 2013
Arsenal Edging Closer to Walcott Deal
Arsenal and Theo Walcott are edging closer towards a deal which will see the attacking player commit his future to the north London club.
Arsenal have offered Walcott a massive financial package worth £25 million over five years which means Arsenal fans don't need to go and change their Walcott shirts for different Prostar football kits just yet.
The package includes a £3 million signing on fee and wages worth around £90,000 per week. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also given in to Walcott's desire to play more centrally, as he has been used as a sole striker in recent games.
Swansea and Bradford Closer to Wembley Final
Swansea City and Bradford City have taken pole position in the race to make the League Cup final at Wembley next month.
Swansea enjoyed a 2-0 first leg win away at Chelsea thanks to goals from Michu and Danny Graham. Swansea will be the favourites to seal a place in the final as the second leg is at the Liberty Stadium in Wales.
Bradford continued their good form in the tournament with a 3-1 home win against struggling Aston Villa. The result gives them a two goal advantage when the sides meet for the second leg at Villa Park in a fortnight's time.
Lampard's Agent rules out new Contract
Frank Lampard's agent has ruled out the chance of a new contract for the player before the end of the season.
Lampard's recent impressive performances for Chelsea have not prompted an offer from the club to keep the midfielder at Stamford Bridge beyond this season.
"Chelsea executives told Frank in Japan during the Club World Cup then again reconfirmed with me after the Everton victory that in no circumstances will he be offered a new contract to stay at the club after the end of this season," said Steve Kutner.
Lampard has been heavily linked with moves to Manchester United and Juventus when his contract at Chelsea officially expires.
Manchester City send tickets back to Arsenal
Manchester City have sent roughly 800 tickets back to Arsenal ahead of the clash between the teams at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
City supporters have described the price for away tickets as extremely unrealistic at £62 per ticket for adults.
"It's the most expensive amount I can ever remember paying for a ticket in my life, for a Sunday afternoon game which is live on satellite television," said Kevin Parker, general secretary of the MCFC Supporters Club.
Arsenal remains one of the most expensive places to watch football in the country with the cheapest season ticket just under £1,000 and the cheapest match day ticket just over £120.
2012 World Soccer News
CWC Chelsea v Corinthians - 17 December Soccer News - Chelsea lose 1-0 to Corinthians in Club World Cup.
Sir Alex Likes Jose - 3 December Soccer News - Alex Ferguson hints at Mourinho as his successor.
Frank Lampard China Bound? - 12 November Soccer News - rumours continue that Chelsea's Frank Lampard may be on his way to China.
Clattenburg Clanger - 29 October Soccer News - referee Mark Clattenburg in "racist slur" complaint from Chelsea.
Clasico Draw - 8 October Soccer News - Barcelona and Real Madrid draw 2-2 in El Clasico.
Harry Redknapp - 17 September Soccer News - Harry Redknapp "relieved' to miss out on England job.
Robin van Persie Bags a Hat-trick - 3 September Soccer News - Robin van Persie scores hat-trick for Man Utd and Sven Goran Eriksson in Thailand.
Olympic Soccer - 7 August World Soccer News - latest Olympic soccer and transfer news.
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