Branislav Ivanovic ‘ready for the challenge' and has plenty to offer after West Brom sign veteran former Chelsea defender
The Baggies lost their first game back in the top flight
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Your support makes all the difference.Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic says he has plenty to offer West Bromwich Albion after the 36-year-old free agent joined the promoted Premier League side on a season-long deal.
Ivanovic made more than 350 appearances for Chelsea and won nine major titles with the London club before leaving for Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2017.
He returns to England's top flight as Slaven Bilic's sixth signing since West Brom's promotion, following the arrivals of Grady Diangana, Matheus Pereira, Cedric Kipre, David Button and Callum Robinson.
"I'm so happy to be back," Ivanovic told West Brom's website.
"I know Slaven from before. He's amazing and I hope together we're going to be a success. He understands football and looks like a guy who everyone wants to play for.
"I missed English football ... I looked to be back in the previous year but it didn't happen, so now I'm happy to be here and I'll try and do my best. I can give something more. I'm completely different... I'm ready for the challenge."
Ivanovic's arrival is a boost for West Brom, who conceded three goals without reply in a Premier League defeat by Leicester City on Sunday.
They host Harrogate Town in the League Cup later on Wednesday before travelling to Everton in the league on Saturday.
Reuters
BUNDESLIGA SIDE TO OPEN TALKS WITH ARSENAL DEFENDER
Bayer Leverkusen are set to begin talks over a deal to sign Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinac, according to a report from Sport Bild.
The Gunners are open to offers for the defender, who has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.
And he could be set for a return to Germany, with Leverkusen expected to meet Arsenal’s €10m asking price.
Kolasinac’s €9m a year salary at the Emirates could prove a stumbling block, but Leverkusen are reportedly confident a compromise can be reached.
MARTINEZ GIVES EMOTIONAL FAREWELL
Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has taken to Instagram to say goodbye to Gunners fans ahead of his move to Aston Villa.
“Thank you Arsenal,” he said. "For me, I could not be happier to leave through the front door with the Arsenal fanbase supporting me and the club supporting me.
"I had 11 years at the club, and even if it was a hard road for me, and I suffered through my time at Arsenal, today I am happy and I tried to show young goalies how work pays off.
"When you work hard, you are not going to be happy the whole time, you are going to have frustration, bad times in life. "They all understood at Arsenal and they support me for my decision. The Arsenal fanbase were always there for me, I felt their love.
"Even when Bernd got injured this season, I received loads of messages like 'we trust in you', 'you are our goalie'. That made me confident, made me win games and made me the keeper I am today. "
"They understood my story and they love the way I worked in the club. I am so glad to be part of the Arsenal family for 11 years."
WALCOTT AND IWOBI COULD BE SOLD BEFORE CLOSE OF WINDOW
Some transfer news indirectly related to Arsenal here. Plenty of Gunners fans will have continued to follow the progress of Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi, but it seems both could be surplus to requirements at Everton.
The Toffees, according to the Times, are looking to move on several players in an attempt to raise some funds after spending big on the likes of James Rodriguez and Allan this summer.
Walcott and Iwobi could be forced to find new clubs, having fallen out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti.
LYON CHIEF RESPONDS TO AOUAR SPECULATION
Lyon sporting director Juninho has claimed the club have received no contact from Arsenal over a transfer for midfielder Houssem Aouar.
There is growing speculation that the Gunners are set to move for the Frenchman, but as yet there have been no bids.
“We have not received anything for Houssem, we have not received anything for Memphis,” said Juninho, also addressing Barcelona’s reported interest in Memphis Depay.
EVERTON WANT OFFERS FOR TRIO
Theo Walcott, Alex Iwobi and Moise Kean are all up for sale at Everton this summer.
The Mirror reports that the Toffees will listen to offers for all three, who have no first-team role this season under Carlo Ancelotti, with Iwobi only joining from Arsenal last year and Kean doing the same from Juventus.
Gylfi Sigurdsson, Cenk Tosun and Bernard are also available, if there are any takers.
GOALKEEPER CLOSE TO SEALING MOVE
Runar Alex Runarsson should be an Arsenal player soon.
The Icelandic goalkeeper has undergone a medical, report DV, and he should join for around £1.5m from Dijon.
Runarsson looks set to be the replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who is set to join Aston Villa.
SPURS IN TALKS WITH BALE
Tottenham could well have Gareth Bale back on their books soon.
The Welsh winger is in talks with his former club over a move back, whether that’s a loan or permanent switch.
He’s set to be joined at Spurs by Real’s left-back, Sergio Reguilon, who should move soon and have a buy-back clause in his deal.
SPURS, MILAN AND ARSENAL BATTLE FOR LIGUE 1 MAN
Toulouse might have been relegated from France’s top flight, but midfielder Ibrahim Sangare impressed all the same.
The 22-year-old was wanted by Spurs and Milan earlier in the summer and now the Gunners have joined the chase, say Italian outlet Tuttosport.
He’s seen as a cheaper alternative to Thomas Partey and Amadou Diawara for Mikel Arteta’s side.
GUNNERS TURN DOWN STRIKER BID
Folarin Balogun is set to leave Arsenal, though whether that’s this year or next isn’t clear yet.
He’s got a year left on his deal and the Gunners value the U23 striker at £15 million, but there have been no takers at that price.
Sheffield United have bid £3m for him, which has been swiftly turned down, reports the Mail.
AOUAR AND PARTEY NEXT
After securing Aubameyang’s future, Arsenal will move on to acquiring top talent in the shape of Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar.
The Mirror claim Arteta wants both, but that sales will need to fund most of the cash needed to acquire the Atletico and Lyon stars.
The Spaniards value Partey at more than £50m, while the French side want more than £40m for Aouar.
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