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
ARTETA DELIGHTED WITH AUBAMEYANG NEWS
Mikel Arteta has been speaking about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract extension.
The Arsenal manager said: "It was important for Pierre-Emerick to stay with us. He’s a superb player with an incredible mentality.
"Being the player to have taken the least amount of time to reach 50 goals with this club tells you everything you need to know about him and his way of working.
"He’s an important leader for the team and a big part of what we’re building. He wants to be up there with the best players in the world and leave his mark. He can achieve that here.”
LACAZETTE STILL SET TO STAY
Alexandre Lacazette will remain an Arsenal player despite news of a contract extension for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, reports John Cross.
The club will however look to sell Matteo Guendouzi, Emiliano Martinez, Lucas Torreira and Sead Kolasinac in order to raise funds for a revamp of their midfield.
Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar are both wanted by Arsenal, but both would cost around £50 million.
Martinez is set to move to Aston Villa this week for a fee of £20 million.
AUBAMEYANG WANTS LEGENDARY STATUS
In the full announcement of his contract extension, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang confirmed he wants to become an Arsenal legend in the mould of Thierry Henry.
The 31-year-old said: “I dreamed of staying in the hearts of the fans forever.
"I want to become an Arsenal legend, just like Thierry Henry, Ian Wright, Tony Adams and Dennis Bergkamp.
“I want to leave a legacy. This is where I belong."
Aubameyang has penned a three-year deal, which will reportedly see him earn a significant pay rise.
AUBAMEYANG REVEALS WHY HE EXTENDED ARSENAL CONTRACT
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reveals why he extended Arsenal contract
The Gabonese has extended his contract at the Emirates in a massive boost to Mikel Arteta’s side
MORE AUBAMEYANG DETAILS
Aubameyang has signed a three-year deal, despite interest from other clubs.
You can read more about the news here.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs new Arsenal contract
The Gunners captain has been rewarded after inspiring Mikel Arteta’s side to claim the FA Cup last season
BREAKING: AUBAMEYANG CONTRACT EXTENSION CONFIRMED
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has confirmed he has signed a new contract at Arsenal.
He said he “wants to become an Arsenal legend” and "leave a legacy".
ALL SET UP TO SIGN
Arsenal have begun their live-stream of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract signature.
The Gabon flag can be seen up in the dressing room, with a pen, papers and hourglass on the table.
AUBAMEYANG ANNOUNCEMENT IMMINENT
Arsenal will shortly announce a new contract for star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The club is hosting a live-stream on its website to announce the news.
Aubameyang posted an Instagram story of himself outside The Emirates stadium this afternoon.
AOUAR TO START
Arsenal target Houssem Aouar will start for Lyon against Montpellier tonight, according to GFFN.
That would suggest any potential move is not at a particularly advanced stage.
TORINO IN POLE POSITION FOR TORREIRA
Torino are likely to beat Fiorentina to the signing of Lucas Torreira, according to the Daily Star.
Both clubs have been linked with moves to the Uruguayan, but talks are reportedly at an “advanced stage” with Torino.
The move would see Torreira move on loan with an obligation to buy, for a combined fee of £22 million.
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