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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has made Real Madrid players Iker Casillas and Alvaro Morata his main transfer targets, according to the Daily Mirror.

Goalkeeper Casillas was dropped by former Real manager Jose Mourinho last season after the club’s addition of Diego Lopez, and has remained there under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Spaniard has so far kept his place in the Spanish national side, but his position could come under threat if he is not seeing regular first-team football before the end of the season, meaning a move in January could be on the cards.

The Sunday People report that Frenchman Wenger has asked Los Blancos to have first-option on Morata. The 21-year old Spanish striker has featured in 13 games for Madrid so far this season, with two goals to his name.

Arsenal currently have just Olivier Giroud and Yaya Sanogo, a young French striker who is still untested at Premier League level, available to play in the number 9 position and Wenger sees Morata as the ideal backup for Giroud.

Morata’s had great goalscoring prowess whilst representing Real Madrid’s B-team, scoring more than a goal every other game with 45 in 83 appearances, but it is likely Carlo Ancelotti would not want to see another striker leave having sold Argentinian Gonzalo Higuain this summer.

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Real Madrid press report 23-12-13

Madrid sports newspapers emphasize today youngster Jese Rodriguez’s crucial goal to earn Real Madrid a vital 2-3 victory against Valencia.

“Jese’s golden goal,” As titles, claiming “he scored when Madrid was about to let La Liga’s title go.”

Marca’s main headline is simply “Lethal.” “Jese saves Madrid and writes the first great chapter of his career at Real,” they claim. “Even Zidane run to hug him,” the Madrid daily points out.

Spain’s most sold newspaper reports that Valencia had previously “responded to Di Maria and Ronaldo’s goals with two headers.”

Thanks to the win, Los Blancos are still sitting third on the table, five points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The Azulgranas beat Getafe 2-5 with Pedro’s hat-trick.

* Follow Real Madrid News on Twitter

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Real Madrid managed to maintain the five-point deficit to leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid after their two rivals had won earlier. Los Blancos had a difficult game at Mestalla, where the hosts played a good match despite having no manager after Miroslav Djukic dismissal. Jese Rodriguez’s goal gave Real a hard-fought win.

Los Merengues took control of the game very soon and they had the first chances to score. Ronaldo dragged his effort wide of the post after receiving a pass from Karim Benzema. A couple of minutes later, the Portuguese was blocked at the right moment after a brilliant play.

Despite Ronaldo’s good performance, it was Angel di Maria who scored the first goal. Marcelo sent a long cross from the left, the Argentinian picked the ball in the right wing and drove past two defenders before curling a superb shot into the far corner.

Valencia equalised soon as Pablo Piatti headed a cross from Joan Bernat into the far corner.

However, Los Blancos regain the lead just before half time as Ronaldo headed a brilliant cross from Di Maria into the back of the net, although he might have been in an offside position.

The hosts kept on fighting during the second half and they levelled after 15 minutes when Jeremy Mathieu beat Sergio Ramos in the air and directed his header to the top corner.

It was an intense match with end-to-end football, and any side could have earned the three points. But Real took advantage of a mistake from Valencia’s goalkeeper Vicente Guaita to seal the victory thanks to Jese’s strike.

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Footballers playing across the top leagues in Europe enjoy a celebrity lifestyle. Adored by the fans, attracting the attention of girls everywhere they go, and earning more in a week than many of us would earn in a few years of work.

It’s little wonder that many who retire from the game slip off quietly to enjoy life outside the pressure cooker of the celeb world.

But not so Thomas Gravesen – the former Real Madrid midfield enforcer – who now lives the high life in the City of Sin, Las Vegas.

The former Danish international spent one and a half seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, but his physical style of play did not please the home support, who were used to watching more technically gifted players wear the white shirt. Gravesen was also victim of a number of managerial changes in his spell at the club, playing under Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Lopez Caro and Fabio Capello, most of whom didn’t like his style either.

Gravesen started his career at his hometown club Vejle Boldklub before making a switch to Bundesliga outfit Hamburg, where he made 74 appearances in three years. Following Euro 2000, the midfielder moved to Premier League side Everton. He became a crowd favourite at the Goodison Park club and helped the team challenge in the upper echelons of the league. Manager David Moyes wanted the player to sign a new deal but with just six months remaining on his contract in January 2005, sold him to Los Blancos for 3 million euros rather than risk losing him on a free.

He quickly found himself in and out of the team at the Bernabeu and only made 34 appearances in his 18 months at the club. The writing was on the wall for him when he became involved in a training ground scuffle in August 2006 in which he appeared to punch Robinho. Manager at the time Fabio Capello said: “His behaviour is like this, and I don’t like it, everything has to be done like he wants it to be done.” Weeks later he was sold to Celtic.

Things didn’t work out at the Scottish club and he was loaned back to Everton. But in January 2009 Gravesen decided to hang up his boots.

Rather than slipping into the limelight, Gravesen dabble in a number of business ventures, and is said to have increased his net worth to around 90 million euros. According to Danish newspaper BT, the now 37-year-old moved to Las Vegas with his girlfriend, Czech-born American model Kamila Persse.

Being in a position to gamble, play poker, roulette and blackjack in Vegas all day, maybe we’ll see Gravesen on the professional poker tournament in the near future?

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Liverpool’s forward Luis Suarez, who had been rumored to join Real Madrid in January, remains loyal to his team. “El Pistolero” has signed a long-term contract with the Reds. BBC stated that his salary will include a rise of 238,000 euros weekly.

“Without doubt the backing I have received from the Liverpool fans has influenced my decision. I am so proud to represent them and go out to do my best for them every time I pull on the shirt,” the Uruguayan said regarding his stay at Liverpool on the Reds’ website.

Liverpool validated the news mentioning that Suarez, whose contract ends in 2016, had signed an extension from his previous contract.

BBC stated that the striker will continue to pertain to the Reds until 2018. Furthermore, it noted that he will earn 190,000 euros weekly until the end of the season. Then his salary will double to 238,000 euros weekly for the remainder of the contract.

After Suarez revealed last summer his longing to leave Anfield this summer, he became the focus of two Arsenal bids. However, on Friday, he told the club website: “I am delighted to have agreed a new deal with Liverpool and have my future secured for the long term.”

“We have a special relationship; they have love for me and in return I love them back. I will always do my best for them and hopefully we can achieve success together,” he continued.

Despite Suarez’s absence for the first five games of the season because of suspension, he is currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 17 goals.

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Marca and As front pages 22-12-13

Madrid sports newspapers put their focus today on Real Madrid’s last match of the year, away at Valencia’s stadium.

“Cristiano Ronaldo to assault Mestalla,” titles As. “The Portuguese will close his great year against a team that is awaiting the arrival of Pizzi, their new manager,” the Madrid daily points out.

“Gareth Bale still has pain and hasn’t been picked for the squad,” As highlights in its front page.

The other main Madrid-based sports paper, Marca, claims “Real Madrid never fails in Mestalla,” highlighting “Los Blancos have picked up a victory in their last four visits to Valencia.”

The most sold Spanish newspaper also emphasizes the tough fight to finish the year at the top of the table. Atletico Madrid beat Levante 3-2 and sits now in the first position, eight points ahead of Los Merengues, who need to win if they want to maintain their hopes of a league come-back.

Barcelona visits Getafe today in a tricky match, and they need to win and score at least two goals to recover the first spot.

* Follow Alejandro Gonzalez on Twitter @alejandrognieto

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is looking to end 2013 on a positive note by picking up three points in a tricky away match at Valencia on Sunday.

In a Saturday press conference, Ancelotti said he is wary of a match against a side determined to gain momentum before the holiday break.

“It’s an important match at an important moment because it’s the last of the year,” he said. “Valencia has changed manager and we’re going to be playing against a team that is motivated and focused, because that’s what happens when the manager changes.”

Valencia sacked manager Miroslav Djukic on Monday after six months in the position. They have only taken 20 points from 16 games and sit in 10th place, far behind where the six-time La Liga champions want to be.

Despite a decent first-half performance, Valencia gave up three second-half goals to Atlético Madrid to lose their most recent match 3-0.

Los Blancos have enjoyed positive league results at the Mestalla stadium in recent years, including a 5-0 win in January.

“We’ve had good results there in the past, but every match is different and it’ll be difficult,” Ancelotti said.

The Italian manager defended Madrid’s away form this season despite a 2-2 draw against relegation side Osasuna last weekend.

“We’ve played good matches, but it’s normal for it to be more complicated to win away games,” he said. “It was strange against Osasuna because the first 30 minutes were very good. We started out well and tomorrow we have to continue playing well in order to win.”

Angel di Maria will replace Gareth Bale on the right wing while the Welshman nurses a leg injury.

“The blow he received isn’t important, but he isn’t able to play against Valencia because he hasn’t had enough time to recover,” Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti also said he is eager to keep Xabi Alonso in Madrid. The Basque midfielder has not yet accepted a contract extension, and while rumours are circulating that he could leave the club on a free transfer in the summer, Ancelotti said he had not heard such news officially.

“We at the club don’t have that information,” Ancelotti said. “Whether he renews or not, he’s our player until this summer and we hope that beyond that too. He’s very important to the team and if he’s available, he’ll play. I haven’t spoken with the club because I don’t need to. All the staff would like him to renew his contract because he’s a very important player and one of the best midfielders in the world.”

The 32-year-old Spaniard is a key figure in the Madrid side particularly for his wide range of passing, and he is often the player to launch attacks. He has developed a strong partnership with Luka Modric in midfield, but Ancelotti is confident in his other players.

Madrid can come within five points of league leaders Atlatico with a win Sunday. Their crosstown rivals are at the top of the table on 46 points with a game in hand. Barcelona can draw level in first with three points against RCD Espanyol.

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Gareth Bale has not recovered in time from the knock he took out on Tuesday’s training session and will miss Real Madrid’s trip to Valencia for the last match of the year.

The Welshman suffers a contusion in his calf muscle and Carlo Ancelotti has decided to rest him. However, the Italian coach has insisted the injury is not serious and he will be fit to play in January.

“The injury he has is just a knock. It is not a serious injury, but he won’t be available for tomorrow. He hasn’t had the necessary time to recover,” Ancelotti said.

Argentinian winger Angel di Maria will replace Bale in the starting eleven.

Sami Khedira and Raphael Varane are still on the sidelines as well. The German is undergoing a specific recovery programme, while the Frenchman is training inside the gym. Fabio Coentrao is also out injured.

Ancelotti has picked 19 men for the squad that will travel to Valencia to face Mestalla’s side tomorrow. The Italian has surprised including Castilla’s centre-back Diego Llorente, who will replace suspended Pepe.

This is the full squad that will make the trip to Valencia: Casillas, Diego Lopez, Jesus Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Daniel Carvajal, Alvaro Arbeloa, Diego Llorente, Nacho Fernandez, Xabi Alonso, Casemiro, Luka Modric, Di Maria, Isco, Asier Illarramendi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Jese Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata.

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Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president

President Florentino Perez has declared the European Commission investigation into alleged illegal state aid was fuelled by jealousy.

The news came earlier this week when the Commission claimed seven La Liga clubs had received illegal support from national and regional authorities through preferential tax rates.

Clubs such as Barcelona, Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao could have an unfair advantage because they pay less tax due to their status as members’ clubs.

“There is a campaign against Spanish football because of the success we have had.” the Real Madrid President said.

“About our operation with the Ciudad Deportiva [training ground, the subject of the land deal] there was already a legal complaint. They investigated us, they wanted to damage us, and nothing happened.”

Perez said being a members’ club was not in anyway advantageous, and that it “had cost Madrid €13 million, because you cannot deduct for money which is reinvested.”

European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia told As the investigation was initiated by a complaint, but he could not reveal who had brought the matters to the Commission’s attention.

“When we receive information, or some complaint, we look to examine the information, to understand the situation, and if we reach a moment when we have reasonable doubts about state aid which is not compatible with European legislation, then we open a formal investigation,” he explained.

Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas squashed rumours surrounding his exit to a Premier League side in a television interview this week with El Hormiguero.

Casillas stressed his commitment to Los Blancos and said he intends to spend several more years at the Bernabeu.

“Real Madrid is my here and now,” he said, according to a transcript of the interview on as.com. “I’m delighted to be at Madrid. In five or six years we’ll see.”

Rumours had circulated that the club captain was growing unsettled due to a lack of playing time under manager Carlo Ancelotti. Casillas has been limited to Copa del Ray and Champions League matches and has not made a single appearance in La Liga.

Arsenal and Manchester City were alleged to be interested in signing the Spaniard in the 2014 summer transfer window.

Were Casillas to go to the London side, he could join former Madrid teammate Mesut Özil and Spanish national teammates Nacho Monreal and Santi Cazorla. City are struggling to determine a regular goalkeeper due to the shaky form of Joe Hart.

“There’s a lot of speculation about me,” Casillas said in his interview with El Hormiguero. “Every day there are rumours and these reports can appear. I’m a Real Madrid player, it’s where I’ve always been and I want to stay here. My decision at the present time is to stay at Real Madrid. I want to win la Decima, more cups and more leagues.”

Casillas has struggled to reclaim a consistent starting spot after being benched in the 2012-13 season by then-manager Jose Mourinho.

In his interview, Casillas said he is prepared to compete with fellow Spaniard Diego López for a starting spot.

“The coaches are there to decide who the best is,” he said. “I’ve don’t have any problems. I compete and I like challenges. Competition is a good thing. It doesn’t worry me. I try to train well and enjoy myself.”

The man known as “San Iker” is revered in Madrid, and he has been with Los Merengues since signing for the youth squad in 1990.

He holds the club record for most appearances by a goalkeeper, and he is also the all-time leader in caps for the Spanish national team.

In 2008, he signed a “contract for life” with Madrid. The contract keeps him at the Bernabeu through the 2016-17 season with a clause that allows for an extension if he makes at least 30 appearances per year.

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