Benitez Confirms Talks With Wenger Over Spanish Striker

International Business Times reports that Rafa Benitez has spoken to Arsenal manager about Arsenal striker Lucas Perez but has been informed that Newcastle United will have to meet Arsenal's £13.4 evaluation of the striker before they can stand any chance of signing him.

Perez made just two starts for the Gunners last season after his £17m move from Deprtivo La Coruna, Wenger has however made it clear to the striker that he is not in his plans, and as if the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette was not enough writing on the wall, the Frenchman exluded Perez from pre-season plans. Perez is mutually eager too to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Rafa Benitez who brought Newcastle back to The Premier League in his first attempt had previously voiced his displeasure on Newcastle's activity in the transfer window. Arsene Wenger has stated his desire to trim the squad but inability of clubs to meet the players' evaluation is creating a hiccup in transfer business. Kieran Gibbs, Lucas Perez, Carl Jenkinson and Mathieu Debuchy have all been deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates stadium.


MEXICO CAPTAIN HAS BEEN SANCTIONED BY THE US FOR DRUG TIES

Former Barcelona star Rafael Marquez has been sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury for his alleged support of a drug trafficking organization. The Cartel is allegedly led by Flores Hernandez with the Champions league winner with Barcelona being identified by Authorities among the 22 people upon whom Hernandez (the cartel leader) heavily relies to further his drug trafficking and money laundering activities.

The treasury added via a statement that a soccer team and a Casino are among 43 other entities that will be sanctioned. The statement singled out Marquez and popular musician Julion Alvarez for their involvement with the operation, stating that both men have long standing relationships with Flores Hernanadez, and have acted as front persons for him and his DTO and held assests on their behalf.

OFAC Kingpin action targets 22 Mexican Nationals & 43 entities—the largest Kingpin designation against a Mexican drug network pic.twitter.com/RaGfecYahf

— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) August 9, 2017

Any assests Marquez has under the US jurisdiction have been frozen and persons are generally prevented from transactions with him.

CHELSEA ENTERS RACE TO SIGN SERGI ROBERTO

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has his eyes on Barcelona youngster Sergi Roberto and is reportedly ready to contact the Catalan club for the 25 year old's signature Sport reports. Conte wants reinforcements in his midfield after Nemanja Matic's exit and has identified the Spaniard as a perfect addition.

There is reportedly a release clause of 36m in Roberto's contract and that fee is a non-negotiable one. Reports claim Sergi Roberto is keen to remain at boyhood club Barcelona, meanwhile Chelsea are not in a hurry and are willing to see how they kick off the 2017/18 season before making a move for Roberto or any other player. Sergi Roberto has made 152 appearances for Barcelona after breaking through the Barcelona academy in 2013.

TWITTER ERUPTS AS LIVERPOOL REJECTS £90M FOR COUTINHO

Barcelona initially tendered a £72m bid for Liverpool midfielder Coutinho in July, that bid was swiftly rejected, but the Catalans came back with a renewed bid of £90m, but yet again the Reds rejected the bid stating that their player is not for sale. Liverpool have not been the most active club in the current transfer window and keeping Coutinho who has emerged as one of the best players in the league can actually serve as a 'fresh signing', but Barcelona still have 'Neymar Money' and still need a 'Neymar replacement', how long are Liverpool gonna keep rebuffing the Spanish giants.

This is how twitter reacted to the whole Barcelona-Coutinho-Liverpool brouhaha.

£90 million for coutinho. I'd be tempted to sell

— Kai (@KaiBenson98) August 9, 2017

Barca are mad to bid €100m for Coutinho. Liverpool are mad to reject it.

— Sam Lee (@Sammy_Goal) August 9, 2017

Live scenes of Barca's €100m bid for Coutinho coming in pic.twitter.com/rALuXzGPwd

— Matt (@Anfield_Maestro) August 9, 2017

The truth is that Coutinho would be happy to join Barça but would ALSO be happy to stay at the club that literally rescued his career.

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStat) August 9, 2017

Liverpool should sell Coutinho and then reunite Klopp with Reus and Aubameyang. 👍👍👍

— Tom D. (@ThingsTomTweets) August 9, 2017

Barcelona tried to get Coutinho for £90 million? pic.twitter.com/37vDadkkdh

— fivetimesclub (@fivetimesclub) August 9, 2017

You too can also react to Liverpool's rejection of £90m for Coutinho in the Comments section.