Chievo president insists on Balotelli swoop

Chievo president Luca Campedelli insists he would be delighted to bring wayward striker Mario Balotelli back to Serie A.
Italy international Balotelli is not part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans at Liverpool this season – the 25-year-old is training with the under-23 side after an unsuccessful loan return to AC Milan last season.
Over recent days, the team from Verona have emerged as a possible destination for the former Manchester City forward, although Balotelli’s wage demands could prove prohibitive.
Nevertheless, Campedelli is an admirer of a player he feels has been unfairly scapegoated throughout a colourful career.
“Dreaming does not cost anything,” Campedelli, who would be bringing Balotelli back to within an hour’s drive of his native Brescia if a move came to fruition, told reporters.
“I like Balotelli, the player can hardly be questioned. Yet, I also like the guy. I think too many times he has ended up at gunpoint.”

No Arsenal bid for Mahrez

Arsenal have not made a £30m bid for Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, according to sources.
The 25-year-old Algerian, who was voted PFA Player of the Year last season, has been subject of media reports suggesting he could leave the Premier League champions this summer.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted on Wednesday that he is still looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.
However, Arsenal are yet to make a bid for Mahrez, despite conflicting reports in France suggesting the Foxes had already rejected an approach for the forward.
Mahrez scored 17 league goals during the last campaign to help Claudio Ranieri’s team lift the Premier League title for the first time in the club’s history.
Arsenal made an approach for Mahrez’s strike partner Jamie Vardy earlier this summer but the England international elected to stay at the King Power Stadium by signing a new four-year contract in June.
The Gunners had a £30m bid for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette rejected in July and Arsenal are yet to return with a second offer for the France international.
Meanwhile, Wenger’s immediate priority in the transfer window will be to recruit defensive cover after Gabriel was ruled out for up to eight weeks after suffering an ankle injury against Manchester City on Sunday.
Arsenal are in talks with Valencia over the possible signing of Germany international Shkodran Mustafi. The 24-year-old, who impressed for Joachim Low’s side at Euro 2016, is seen as an ideal replacement for Per Metesacker, who faces a long spell on the sidelines after injuring a knee in pre-season.

Asensio to stay at Real, says Zidane
Zinedine Zidane insists Marco Asensio’s future lies with Real Madrid after the attacking midfielder impressed in Tuesday’s UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla.
The 20-year-old, making his first senior appearance for Madrid following stints on loan with Mallorca and Espanyol over the previous two seasons, opened the scoring with a superb long-range strike in the 21st minute.
Zidane’s men needed a stoppage-time equaliser from captain Sergio Ramos and a spectacular extra-time winner from Dani Carvajal to see off their La Liga counterparts 3-2, but the head coach was deeply impressed by Asensio, who took his chance as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale recuperated from their Euro 2016 efforts.
“Asensio has done a complete game, not only for the goal,” Zidane said.
“Asensio is going to stay with us. That’s my plan. When you have to play, play well and I am happy with the work he has done.”
Asensio’s emergence is likely to heighten speculation over the futures of James Rodriguez and Isco, although Zidane suggested he is broadly happy with the make-up of his squad ahead of the domestic campaign.