Bayern Munich 2 Chelsea 2 (aet, 5-4 on pens): Lukaku misses decisive penalty as Guardiola continues hoodoo over Mourinho with Super Cup win

The centre half scored. So did the little Brazilian No 10. And the central midfielder. Not to mention the left back. The striker missed. The irony will not be lost on Jose Mourinho, once the fury has subsided.

He will know how close he was here. To a first trophy in his second coming as Chelsea manager; to  getting an early one in on Pep Guardiola.

There is history here, animosity, too. It runs deeper than Pep Guardiola versus Jose Mourinho. Chelsea killed Bayern Munich's dream at their home final in 2012. That isn't forgotten in a hurry.

As one would expect from teams packed with Brazilians and  Germans, the penalties were exceptional. England held its end up surprisingly well, too.

Ashley Cole was fortunate to score off the inside of a post, Cech got a hand to the penalty of Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri.

The rest were close to  perfect: David Luiz, Oscar and Frank Lampard for Chelsea, Jerome Boateng, Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm and Franck Ribery for Bayern Munich. And with the score at 5-4 to the European champions, Romelu Lukaku stepped up to keep Chelsea in the game.

He failed, that is the politest way to put it. His effort was soft and lacking in confidence, Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer guessed right and got much of his body behind the shot.

The man who took Chelsea's opener is unrecognisable as the problem child whose £50million transfer has suited him like a lead weight.

From the start, Chelsea worried Munich's back line and Guardiola's deployment of Kroos as a forward sweeper in what was, at times, a five-man defence was an indication of the respect for that threat.

Torres will have been doing a lot of thinking this week, too. There was the team sheet at Manchester United that did not include his name, or that of any front-line goalscorer at the club. Then in came a true rival in Samuel Eto'o. Yet if Torres had a point to prove to Mourinho, he did so after just eight minutes.

Eden Hazard carried the ball through the centre and in doing so left Rafinha, the right back, in his wake. The Brazilian made some panicky attempts at matching his stride, but to no avail.

Hazard fed Andre Schurrle and his cross was met first-time by Torres with a  simply ferocious shot that  beat Neuer in Bayern's goal. It was a brilliant start, a brilliant finish — Mourinho's Chelsea at their best.

Yet Chelsea could not possibly have it their own way for long against this level of opposition and so it proved. Stung by the early deficit, Munich pressed and Ribery was soon showing why he was crowned UEFA's Footballer of the Year for  2012-13.

It was a trademark Ribery approach that did the damage, receiving the ball high on the left, he cut inside and unleashed a shot that defeated Cech at his near post.

Then, the moment that tilted the balance of power. Ramires, already booked for a trip on Ribery, was shown a second yellow card for a two-footed tackle on substitute Mario Gotze.

Road Accidents Claim 322,427 Lives In Nigeria In 52 years

Road accidents in Nigeria have claimed a total of 322,427 lives between 1960 and 2012, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in its 2012 annual report released recently.

Analysts however say the number of deaths may be more than the given figure since most people involved in road accidents die weeks after and such deaths may not have been recorded officially.

Information exclusively gathered by BusinessDay from the FRSC dashboard reveals that speed violation accounts for 35 percent, as the highest causative factor of road traffic crashes. The second highest causative factor is loss of control that accounts for 17 percent, even as dangerous driving occupied the third causative factor at 17 percent.

The FRSC lists the most causes of road crashes to include human, mechanical and environmental factors.

Bad roads, route violation and obstruction accounted for 2 percent each, while burst tyres 9 percent. Others are brake failure 5 percent, mechanically faults and wrongful overtaking tied on 3 percent in the top 10 probable causative factors of road traffic crashes in 2012.

Between 1960 and 2012, a total of 1,060,507 crashes were recorded in Nigeria, with 322,427 deaths and 1,016,299 injuries.

2012 alone had a total of 4,260 reported deaths on Nigerian roads, representing an average of 12 persons dying daily. 20,752 injuries were recorded in the year, translating to an average of 57 injuries daily.

Hence, on the average, 69 persons were either injured or killed on the roads daily, while 48,114 persons were involved in 6,269 documented cases. This means on the average of one hour, approximately one crash occurred on the road and 5.5, that is 6 persons, were involved in a crash within an hour.

In the reviewed period, Nigeria had five deaths per 10,000 vehicles and four deaths per 100,000 persons, according to the report from FRSC. Analysts say these figures are still very high, hence unacceptable. Both the elite and the powerful as well as the common man are not spared in these preventable deaths.

Many of these preventable accidents, unnecessary loss of lives and avoidable waste of resources, in terms of damaged vehicles, expenses on hospitalisation bills, repairs of damaged roads and infrastructure, as well as loss of man-hours, actually occurred during the last quarter of the year.

Woman Docked For Stealing, False Pretence

(NAN ) – A 38-year-old woman, Sherifat Akintunde, was on Friday docked at an Ikorodu Magistrates' Court, Lagos, over alleged theft and false pretence. 

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Iyabo Johnson, told the court that the accused,  who lives at Ketu area of Lagos, committed the offence on Aug.19 in Ladega Market Ikorodu.

She said the accused had pretended to be a prophetess and asked one Mrs Morilat Adegoroye to run round the market seven times, to prevent her husband and son from going insane.

The Prosecutor said the accused also told the complainant to surrender her nylon bag containing four dozens of underpants, N25,000 cash and a Nokia phone worth N2,500 to her.

She said the accused later disappeared with the bag.

Johnson said the offences contravened sections 285 and 312, of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.Section 312 provides 15 years imprisonment for false pretences, while section 285 prescribes three years jail term for stealing.The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mr B.A. Sonuga, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000, with one surety in like sum, and  adjourned the case to Sept. 12.

ASUU Strike: VC Pleads With FG, Lecturers To Settle Dispute

(NAN) – The Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na'Allah, has urged the Federal Government and the lecturers' union, ASUU, to resolve their differences in the interest of the nation's university system.

Mr. Na'Allah, who made the call on Friday in Malete, told journalists that the continued face-off had the potential of eroding the confidence of the public in the nation's university system.

He blamed both parties for the protracted strike, saying they had not properly channelled their energies toward resolving the conflict.

Mr. Na'Allah said that the Federal Government and ASUU must work together to enable the nation's universities compete favourably with their counterparts worldwide.

He also said there was the need for universities and degree-awarding institutions to tailor their curriculum toward imparting entrepreneurial skills in their students.

The vice-chancellor said it was only by so doing that such graduates could become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

He said many graduates today had become burdens to their parents rather than sources of pride.

ASUU has been on strike for about 9 weeks insisting the federal government implements a 2009 agreement with the union.

Shocker! Catholic Priest Accidentally Shoots Self Dead In Edo While cleaning his double-barreled gun

 Catholic worshippers at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, Sobe, in Owan West Local council area of Edo State, were yesterday thrown into mourning when a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Peter Ayala, was found dead in his apartment Sunday morning before mass.
The deceased, who was expected to conduct the morning mass at 7am was reportedly cleaning his double-barreled gun inside his apartment within the church premises, when the gun allegedly went off, killing him in the process.

According to The Nation, the incident took place in the early hours of Sunday before the priest dressed up for the mass, while worshippers were beginning to converge for the worship service.
The development expectedly threw the church into confusion as both mass servers and church elders made frantic efforts to resuscitate the priest who was lying prostrate, lifeless in his apartment

PLEASE, LET’S PRAY FOR GOVERNOR AMAECHI

...as Rivers' political crisis continues to defy solution

I am sure that many watchers of political events in Rivers State would not have imagined that the political crisis rocking that state could last this long, especially against the backdrop that high profile personalities have  have made frantic efforts to see an end to the imbroglio.

More worrisome is the fact that while well meaning Nigerians are seeking an end to the crisis, the PDP in the state led by Chief Felix Obuah is constantly maintaining a posture that darkens on-going reconciliation efforts. The recent expulsion of 18 loyalists of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, including Commissioners, is a case in point.

This development no doubt has cast a dark shadow on the efforts of concerned Nigerians who are eager to see the return of peace to this oil and gas-rich state.

The Inspector General of Police, Mohmamed Abubakar, is also not helping matters. He recently swapped no fewer than 14 Commissioners of Police, but didn't move that of Rivers – even while the National Assembly and Nigerians in general have called for either Joseph Mbu's transfer or removal.

The only option left to those who still feel concerned about this unfortunate situation in Rivers State is to continue to pray for the safety of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the embattled Governor, as with God all things are possible.

By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze
•Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt and can be reached 
through either ezemediaconcept08@rocketmail.com or 08038199163.

UNILAG Babe Kidnapped and Molested By Three Friends

22-year-old female student of the University of Lagos, Tolulope Titiloye, who was kidnapped and raped by three friends, who later posted her nude photos on the social media, is now in court to get justice.

Three friends - Bashorun Babajide, Aje Olumayowa, and Babajide Ajayi - had molested her, took photos of her without clothes and threatened to share the photos if she exposed them. Tolulope had kept quiet about the sad incident but trouble started when her family members saw her nude photos on the internet.

Within few days of the upload, the nude photographs went viral on social media, exposing Tolulope to ridicule and shame.

Consequently, the three bad guys were rounded up and arrested. They have been arraigned before the Tinubu Magistrate's Court, Lagos State, for kidnapping and raping.

According to police, after assaulting her, Babajide, Mayowa and Ajayi also attempted to murder Tolulope on the day of the incident in April, 2013.

Hence, they were arraigned for kidnap, rape, assault, battery, unlawful detention and attempted murder. When the charges were read to them, the three friends pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate S.K Matepo granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties each and adjourned the case till October 2 for hearing.

I Don't Have Any Man In My Life; Says Actress Dayo Amusa

Busty actress Dayo Amusa has stylishly revealed that she is single at the moment. So guys if you know you are interested in her, kindly take position and make your move. Lols! Below is what she said:
"There's no man in my life at the moment. I am focused right now on my movie and creche. 
"The story that I fought Laide Bakare over K1 De Ultimate was fabricated. The stories come from young journalists who cook up stories to impress their editors."
End of discussion, she is very single!

Samuel Eto'o Not a Man of His Words

Samuel Eto'o Not a Man of His Word

Samuel Eto'o Has Signed a Year contract with Chealsea Football Club, (CFC) Where he took a Paycut.

A Football club he dumped and compared with a Groundnut Business in 2004, 'This was Samuel Eto'o Word to Chealsea in 2004 - "I would rather be selling groundnuts in my village than to play for a pathetic team like Chelsea. "

What was it about the multi-million pound, one-year contract which made Samuel Eto'o change his mind about playing for Chelsea?

A group of Chelsea supporters are upset that their club have signed Cameroonian superstar Eto'o as they remember quotes spewed by the striker back in 2004.

To recap, back in 2004 Chelsea met Barcelona in the second round of the Champions League. Barca won a controversial first home leg 2-1, a game in which Didier Drogba sent controversially sent off.

Before the second leg there was plenty of banter between the sides, and famously Samuel Eto'o, then Barcelona's leading striker, waded into the mix. Eto'o famously ranted:

I'd rather sell groundnuts in my village than to play for a pathetic team like Chelsea.

As it happened, Chelsea won the return leg 4-2 to complete one of their finest victories in Europe to date.

So, is it time to forgive and forget or do Chelsea fans have reason to
dislike their new signing?

Remember Chelsea's famous 4-2 win over Barcelona from 2004 below.

But wait a minute " Is the groundnut Business not bringing Him Champions League?????"

PHOTOS: Check Out All The Exotic Cars Late Prophet Ajanaku Left Behind After His Death

Prophet Ireti Ijanaku, the late General Overseer of Christ Revival Victory Chapel International who recently passed away left behind 10 exotic cars.

The spiritual father of Tope Alabi who was extremely rich, also left behind an all-white mansion located at Ipaja in Lagos.
See more of his cars and what he said about acquiring exotic cars below
Prophet Ajanaku to City People before he died...
"A lot of people who know me believe I don't have a life and I am mysterious. That is why I decided I would also have a hobby which is my love for exotic cars.
I did that purposely so that everyone will be convinced I also have good taste like every other person. The kind of nature I have doesn't value anything. So my love for cars is intentional. It is not a crime to drive exotic cars.

MOURINHO vs GUARDIOLA: Pep up your performance! Mourinho must outwit Guardiola to improve dismal record against his nemesis

Whatever his speciality truly is, we can rule out maths. Jose Mourinho launched a robust defence of his record against Pep Guardiola — but it just didn’t add up.
On the eve of the UEFA Super Cup final against Guardiola’s Bayern Munich here, Mourinho seemed less than amused to be confronted with a set of statistics suggesting his nemesis had the upper hand in their meetings over the space of three seasons.
‘You have played Guardiola’s teams 15 times and only won three times,’ said a voice from the back of the room. ‘Why is it so  difficult to beat his teams?’

He's behind you: Mourinho trails Guardiola in their duels

In charge: Mourinho shouts orders during a Chelsea training session ahead of the Super Cup final

New club: Bayern Munich manager Guardiola takes training in Prague

Mourinho bristled. He set his jaw in contemptuous opposition. ‘Your statistics are wrong,’ he said.
‘Very wrong. Very wrong, because — but I don’t want to discuss that because it’s not important. I’ll just say it’s wrong. Go there and see what happened with Inter in the Champions League semi-final. The league records in Spain. The Copa del Rey in Spain. The Super Cup in Spain. You are very, very wrong. But it’s not important.’
Having established how unimportant it was, he continued.
‘This is not me against him, it’s club against club,’ he said. ‘That’s not important. I just know that I won the Champions League semi-final with Inter Milan. I won the Spanish Cup final in Valencia. I won the Super Cup in Spain. I was champion in Spain. I won the match of the title in Barcelona with Real Madrid. Maybe you are right and I am wrong, but I don’t care. It’s not important for me.’
And didn’t it just sound that way? So, similarly, it is utterly unimportant to point out that the original assertion, from  statistics compiled by UEFA, was right. Guardiola and Mourinho have played on 15 occasions, Guardiola winning seven times, with five draws and three victories for Mourinho.
Guardiola’s teams have scored 26 goals, Mourinho’s 16. In only two of those matches did Mourinho’s club keep a clean sheet. And he did not beat Guardiola in Spain’s Super Cup. He beat his successor at Barcelona, Tito Vilanova.

Preparation: Chelsea players stretch as Mourinho looks on

Venue: Prague's Eden Arena will host the match between Chelsea and Bayern Munich

Pole to pole: Mourinho has much to ponder ahead of the clash with Guardiola's side

From the front: Chelsea captain John Terry during training

Time check: Mourinho at a press conference in Prague

Mourinho’s three victories came in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final in 2010, the final of the Copa Del Rey in 2011 and their last La Liga meeting in 2012. A meagre return for such a great rivalry. But, as Mourinho continued to point out, it really didn’t matter.
‘It isn’t about me and Pep,’ he said. ‘It’s about a cup where the European champions play the Europa League champions. Pep is not European champion and I’m not Europa League champion. We’re just coaching these teams now. So it’s not about us.’
Yet, to most observers, it is. The UEFA Super Cup has always struggled for credibility within the European calendar and the venue for successive finals offers the clue. Since 1998 it has been played at the soulless Stade Louis II stadium in Monaco to scant interest.
The last time the fixture attracted a crowd above 18,500 was in 1997 when it was still being played over two legs at the homes of the finalists. It is on tour now, the Monte Carlo experiment thankfully abandoned, but this is no stellar show.
The plan is to take the match to good football cities rarely blessed with Champions League football. Prague’s Eden Stadion hosts this year — capacity 21,000 — followed by the Cardiff City Stadium in 12 months and Tbilisi in Georgia in 2015. Last year, Chelsea lost 4-1 to Atletico Madrid, Falcao’s brilliance matching the European champions’ perceived half-heartedness.
Is it any wonder that attention is falling on the two managers?
Guardiola was also attempting to play down the personal rivalry although, by failing to reel off a series of results and conquests with a curled lip, his protests carried slightly more conviction. ‘The record is done,’ he said, asked about his mastery over Mourinho.
‘It’s just for the books. Football is the moment. Tomorrow is a challenge. I have won games and lost games. My past is my past, part of my life, in my brain and heart. Records are for me to remember when I’m a grandfather.
‘I know what it is like to play against Mourinho. When you are in good position and lose the ball, you are done. When you lose the ball, his quick counter-attacks make him a master in these actions. He’s an excellent trainer.’

Handshake: Mourinho greets Guardiola ahead of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Bernabeu in 2011

Ecstatic: Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes confronts Mourinho after Inter Milan reached the Champions League final in 2010 (left), but it was Guardiola who was celebrating a year later as Barcelona got past Real Madrid to reach European club football's showpiece match

And looking to lay down a marker as Chelsea manager, too, even without thoughts of revenge. Mourinho still lists his Community Shield win in 2005 among his Chelsea trophies, so will have no qualms about claiming a trophy as unloved as the UEFA Super Cup, too.
Talk of an experimental line-up is fanciful. Mourinho may find room for the out-of-favour Juan Mata, or even Fernando Torres, in his starting XI but don’t expect too many gambles. He will know the worth of returning a trophy to Stamford Bridge within the first month of the season. He knows to beat treble winners Bayern Munich will be a statement of intent announced throughout Europe, too, no matter the occasion.
‘It is always difficult to play against Bayern,’ said Mourinho. ‘I’ve done so many times, in the last years, going back to 2004 with Chelsea. It doesn’t matter the system or the players, it is a powerful team, a big club. Tactics don’t matter. Bayern’s strength is the team.

One direction: Guardiola shouts his instructions during bayern training

Close to his chest: Guardiola has a winning record in the matches he has played against Mourinho

Chase: Bayern's Toni Kroos wins the ball during training

‘It is a team of players in the best moment of their careers. I guess the average age is 27 or 28 — Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Mario Mandzukic, all in the best competitions year after year, not just with the club but their national teams.
‘They come from a season last year when they showed they were perfect, because only perfect teams can win the treble. So that’s their best quality: this incredible power and personality that they have.’
One might say the same of Mourinho. He will need something more to outwit Guardiola, however. This is one numbers game he cannot afford to keep losing.

Eto'o and Mourinho reunited as Chelsea confirm signing of striker on free transfer

Samuel Eto'o signed for Chelsea on Thursday on a one-year deal worth £7million and said: 'It wasn't a hard decision.'
The 32-year-old will be officially unveiled on Friday but underwent the formalities of a medical on Thursday morning before agreeing personal terms.
The four-time African Footballer of the Year, who arrived in London on Wednesday night after taking the train from France to St Pancras Station, added: 'I saw the qualities Chelsea have, and I was very happy with Jose Mourinho before, so when the opportunity came, I was very happy to take it.

Parading: Eto'o has signed for Chelsea

Pen to paper: Eto'o signs the contract in the presence of Chelsea club secretary and director David Barnard

Pleased to be here: Eto'o has signed on a free transfer

'I am very happy to be here but also anxious because I want to get playing as soon as possible.'
Jose Mourinho moved for Eto'o after two Chelsea bids for Manchester United's Wayne Rooney were rejected and the Premier League champions declared he was not for sale.
Mourinho is continuing to add to his galaxy of stars though as talks continued on Thursday with Porto's Christian Atsu.
The 23-year-old Ghana international is poised to undergo a medical this morning although the Portuguese side are hoping to agree a sell-on clause in the £3.5million transfer.

Arrival: Eto'o arrived at St Pancras on Wednesday night ahead of putting pen to paper for Chelsea

Seal the deal: Eto'o shakes hands with Pini Zahavi (left picture) and strides towards his car (right)

Whisked away: Eto'o, who is taking a huge pay cut to join Chelsea, leaves St Pancras on Wednesday night

Solution? Samuel Eto'o has sealed his move to Chelsea as Jose Mourinho ends his striker search

Chelsea manager Mourinho was Eto'o's boss at Inter Milan when they won the Champions League in 2010. He became the highest-paid player in the world when he moved to Anzhi in 2011 on an estimated £350,000 a week.
However, he took a £10m pay cut to come to Chelsea sweetened by a pay-off from the Russian club who also sold Chelsea their Brazilian attacking midfielder Willian, 25.
Meanwhile, former Queens Park Rangers defender Christopher Samba, who was linked with West Ham and Tottenham this summer, was among the latest players to leave Anzhi when he, Alexei Ionov and Vladimir Gabulov joined rivals Dinamo Moscow on Thursday.
Former Barca striker Eto'o did not travel to Prague for Friday night's European Super Cup clash with Bayern Munich - neither did Willian, whose move from Anzhi was confirmed on Wednesday - but he  added: 'I have had a career where I have been lucky enough to win a lot of trophies in different countries, but one of my last dreams as a professional is to come and play in England and see if I can have the same success as in my previous clubs.
'I don't see it as a final challenge, but to have a good time, enjoy my football, and have success with this team.

Target: Mourinho didn't select any strikers at Old Trafford and the chase for Wayne Rooney seems to be over

'I've had a couple of opportunities to come to England before, including the first time Jose was here, but it didn't work out for one reason or another.'
The move might never have happened if Mourinho had received the indication from Rooney that he wanted to join Chelsea.
Speaking prior to confirmation of Eto'o's arrival, Mourinho appeared to have conceded defeat in the bid to capture England striker Rooney, who played for United against Chelsea on Monday and afterwards praised the 'fantastic' reception he received at Old Trafford.
Mourinho said: 'I told you what I have to say. I think I (made it) very, very clear that we didn't start the process (a third bid).
'We have nothing more to say. He's a Man United player and no more than that.'
Capturing Eto'o is at odds with Chelsea's recent transfer policy of signing younger players. It also leaves a question mark over the futures of Demba Ba and Fernando Torres as Mourinho has made it clear four strikers is too many and that Romelu Lukaku is key for Chelsea's future.
Ba's place in the squad seems most at risk, but Torres has still to repay the £50million fee paid to Liverpool, as Mourinho admitted earlier this week.

Reunion: Eto'o and Mourinho won the treble at Inter Milan in 2010

Eto'o became Chelsea's fifth signing of the summer transfer window, following Andre Schurrle, Marco van Ginkel, Mark Schwarzer and Willian, who can be expected to provide the ammunition for the striker to score.
'I think Willian he is one of the best players in modern football,' Eto'o said.
The 32-year-old Eto'o began his career with Real Madrid before, following a spell with Real Mallorca, surging to prominence with Barcelona, scoring 152 goals in 232 appearances for the Catalan club.
He has a controversial history with Chelsea.
Following a bad-tempered Champions League encounter at Stamford Bridge, the striker criticised Mourinho, referee Pierluigi Collina and made a claim in the Spanish media that he was called a monkey by a Chelsea security guard. The allegations were swiftly denied by Chelsea.

All smiles: Brazilian playmaker Willian revealed his delight at completing his move to Stamford Bridge

Eto'o, who also played at Stamford Bridge with Inter, added: 'They were always games between two big clubs. They didn't always finish well, but the most important thing is they were spectacular games every time.'
The striker netted 53 goals in 102 appearances for Inter before joining Anzhi in August 2011.

Arsene's £70m Madrid swoop: Race against time to land Benzema, Di Maria and Ozil

Arsenal want to blow their entire £70million transfer budget on Real Madrid trio Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria as they bid to rescue a botched transfer window.

Arsenal – whose need for reinforcements became desperate on Thursday when they were handed a very tough Champions League draw – have opened talks with Real chiefs over the triple swoop and received encouragement.
Despite all three players insisting they want to stay at the Bernabeu, Real will listen to offers for the trio as they look to balance the books after committing £86million to signing Gareth Bale from Tottenham.

Swoop: Arsene Wenger is planning a £70m raid for Real trio Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria

Gunner go? But Benzema (left), Di Maria (right) and Ozil (below) have all said they want to stay at Real Madrid

Securing a deal for long-term target Benzema is Wenger’s priority, such is his desire to capture a world-class centre forward.
The Gunners are working frantically on a deal that could see all three arrive at the Emirates by the transfer deadline on Monday.
Arsenal confirmed the re-signing of midfielder Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer and have also been offered former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou.

However, there are fears within the corridors of power at the Emirates that they will not be able to land any of the high- profile targets before Monday’s deadline — a possibility that will anger supporters. A summer that promised so much has produced very little and manager Arsene Wenger is facing a make-or-break four days.
With the deadline fast approaching there is concern that Arsenal will run out of time to complete the Real deals, particularly with the Madrid club highly reluctant to sell before Gareth Bale’s move is ratified.
Wenger also remains interested in Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye and Valencia keeper Vicente Guaita.
His need to sign at least one forward heightened yesterday after Germany’s Lukas Podolski was ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury. Lukas Podolski was carried off in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce with a hamstring strain.
The club’s medical team initially thought the former Cologne frontman would miss around five weeks. But Wenger has confirmed the injury is worse than first feared, with Podolski now set to miss more than two months.
There was better news on the injury front for Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, who have both been passed fit for Sunday’s clash against bitter rivals Spurs.
Ramsey (groin) and Wilshere (ankle) were doubts for the North London derby, but have now been passed fit.
Likewise, Flamini is also in contention to make his second Arsenal debut against Andre Villas-Boas’s side this weekend after completing his move.
Flamini, who has been training with Arsenal since his release by AC Milan, and his representative Darren Dein held talks at the club’s London Colney HQ on Monday to finalise a contract.

Old new boy: Mathieu Flamini has re-signed for his former club

The French midfielder has signed a three-year deal worth around £40,000 a week.
Flamini’s versatility was key in Wenger’s decision to bring him back to the Emirates after he left on a free transfer in 2008. He can play anywhere across the midfield and also be used as a back-up full back.
Meanwhile, Real vice-president Fernando Fernandez Tapias has accused Tottenham of ‘dragging their feet’ over the Bale deal amid the embarrassing possibility that they will have to dismantle the stage they erected at the start of the week if Bale (right) does not sign in the next 48 hours.
Real have a match on Sunday and the stage currently blocks the view of the pitch from the directors’ box.

'Dragging their feet': Spurs have been accused of delaying Gareth Bale's move to Real Madrid

Speaking ahead of the club’s friendly in Coruna, Tapias said: ‘He (Bale) is not here, because there are problems there (in London).
‘We thought Bale was going to be with us by now but for the moment he is still not in Madrid.’
Madrid wanted Bale to play a part in Sunday’s lucrative lunchtime kick-off against Athletic Bilbao but Tottenham’s insistence on making Real Madrid wait until their transfer business has been completed now endangers that possibility and the player may have to be presented on Monday or even after the international break.
Real Madrid agreed to allow Tottenham to complete their summer business before sealing the Bale deal but did not imagine this would push the conclusion back towards deadline day. If Bale does not make his home debut on Sunday, he will not play in front of Madrid fans for another three weeks.
If he signs at the start of next week he will leave for international duty immediately and will not be able to play his first game until September 14 away to Villarreal.

In action: Real Madrid had haboured hopes of unveiling Bale in the friendly against Real Madrid on Thursday night, but he may not even be at the club in time for the match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday

He would not be able to train with the rest of his team-mates until September 11 and coach Carlo Ancelotti is concerned that having missed an entire pre-season with the club, and only played in one of Tottenham’s summer friendlies, it could be a month before the player is properly integrated into his side.
Madrid have suggested markers have been moved during the course of negotiations and Tapias said of the last-minute glitches: ‘We are going to wait and see what  happens. Sometimes it is yes, sometimes it is no. They are dragging their feet. 
‘I don’t doubt the value of the player but Real Madrid (already) has a great team.’

Delay: If Bale does not sign this before this weekend Carlo Ancelotti will have to wait until after the international break on September 11 to have Bale train with his team-mates