World Football Gossip Roundup: Theo Walcott, Radamel Falcao, Ashley Cole

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As Ashley Cole finds himself in trouble with the Football Association, the world football rumor mill continues to pump out stories.

In this Monday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup, we have the latest on Theo Walcott's contract saga and another rich club's interest in Radamel Falcao.

We also have updates on Arturo Vidal and Brede Hangeland, so keep reading for all the details.

Arsenal to Resume Talks with Theo Walcott; Juventus Interested

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger plans to conduct contract discussions this week with Theo Walcott's representatives (via Daily Mirror).

Walcott, a 23-year-old midfielder, is on international duty this week with England. He has reportedly declined to sign a new offer worth £75,000 per week and wants to play as a forward instead of as a wide midfielder.

Walcott's contract expires at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Metro reports that Juventus have joined the growing list of clubs interested in Walcott. Spartak Moscow, Liverpool and Manchester City are also thought to be interested.

Man City Manager Roberto Mancini Watches Radamel Falcao?

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini attended Atletico Madrid's 2-1 victory over Malaga on Sunday at Estadio Vicente Calderon. He was reportedly in attendance to watch Atletico's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao (via Goal.com).

Falcao, 26, has been linked with City and Chelsea. He scored in the sixth minute as Atletico moved level on points with Barcelona atop the La Liga table.

Atletico chairman Enrique Cerezo played down Mancini's visit. "We know that Mancini has come to watch the game but we are calm with the topic of Falcao," Cerezo told Cadena Ser.

Manchester United Interested in Brede Hangeland

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Manchester United are interested in signing defender Brede Hangeland from Fulham in January (via Metro).

United's defence has been weakened by a series of injuries, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly interested in Hangeland because of the 31-year-old's experience.

The article also reports that United are interested in Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama.

Arturo Vidal Wants Juventus Stay

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Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal says he would "gladly" remain with Juventus for the rest of his career (via Goal.com).

Vidal, 25, has been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester City. He said he has never thought about leaving Juventus, the club he joined from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011.

"I’ve not thought about trying my luck in England or Spain. I repeat that I’m very happy here and if I had to spend the rest of my career here I’d do so gladly," Vidal said.

Ashley Cole Charged by FA, Set to Be Dropped by England?

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The Football Association has charged Chelsea defender Ashley Cole over a controversial tweet (via The Guardian).

Cole, 31, used a tweet to call the FA a derogatory term after the governing body labeled him an unreliable witness in John Terry's racism hearing. Chelsea also promised to punish Cole.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror reports that Cole will be dropped for England's World Cup qualifying match against San Marino on Friday.

 

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