World Football Gossip Roundup: Mario Gomez, Didier Drogba, Marc-Andre ter Stegen

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Mario Gomez is staying in Bavaria this summer, whether or not Bayern Munich sign Robert Lewandowski.

At least, that's the word from Gomez's agent, who says the big German striker wants to stay and fight for his place.

Gomez and his future lead this Thursday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup, which also includes news about Didier Drogba, David Luiz, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Stephan El Shaarawy and more.

Keep reading for all the details. 

Agent: Mario Gomez to Stay at Bayern Munich

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German international forward Mario Gomez will remain with Bayern Munich this summer, according to the player's agent (Sport Bild via ESPN FC).

Recent reports have linked Bayern with a move for Borussia Dortmund's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski this summer. Gomez has made just nine league appearances this season after having ankle surgery in August. He has scored three goals.

Agent Uli Ferber said: "Mario will play for FC Bayern next season. Not for no reason have we extended his contract at Bayern for the long term until 2016. Mario has positioned himself clearly and feels great here."

Gomez, 27, joined Bayern from Stuttgart in 2009. Last season, he scored 41 goals in all competitions.

FIFA Provisionally Clears Didier Drogba to Play for Galatasaray

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World football governing body FIFA has provisionally cleared Ivorian forward Didier Drogba to play for Galatasaray following his disputed transfer from Shanghai Shenhua (via Daily Mail).

The decision means Drogba is free to play for Galatasaray against Schalke next week in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Drogba, 34, joined Gala in January, but former club Shanghai Shenhua filed a complaint with FIFA concerning the deal. 

Playing in Italy a Goal for Leandro Damiao?

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The agent of Brazil international Leandro Damiao says playing in Italy is a "goal" for the Internacional forward (via Sky Sports).

Damiao, 23, has been a long-term target for English club Tottenham Hotspur. More recently, he has been linked with Napoli of Italy's Serie A.

TuttoNapoli quoted agent Vinicius Prates as saying:

The Italian championship is a goal for Leandro, but he is focusing on having success in Brazil. But anything can happen in June. …Certainly, the Napoli attack is one of the strongest in Europe. It would be a pleasure for him to wear the shirt once worn by (former Napoli and Brazil international striker) Careca.

Damiao scored six goals for Brazil at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Stephan El Shaarawy Set for AC Milan Extension?

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Italian international forward Stephan El Shaarawy has agreed in principle to a deal that will keep him with AC Milan until 2018, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via talkSPORT).

El Shaarawy, 20, has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season for Milan, including 15 in Serie A. Recent reports claimed Manchester City and Arsenal had shown interest.

According to the report, Milan would only consider a bid of at least €40 million to sell El Shaarawy. 

Barcelona Want David Luiz, Sign Pre-Contract with Marc-Andre ter Stegen?

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Chelsea's Brazilian defender David Luiz will be Barcelona's top transfer target this summer, according to the Daily Star.

Luiz, 25, joined Chelsea from Benfica for a reported £21 million in 2011. He has played as both a defender and midfielder for the Blues this season.

Meanwhile, Marca reports that 20-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has agreed to a pre-contract with Barcelona. Tribal Football has an English version here.

Ter Stegen is thought to be a replacement for Victor Valdes, who has said he will not re-sign with Barcelona when his contract expires next year, according to multiple sources (including ESPN).

Manchester City to Target Edinson Cavani, Victor Wanyama?

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Manchester City are planning to spend £60 million to replenish their playing squad this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

English champions last season, City trail rivals Manchester United by 12 points with 12 matches left this term. The Blues were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the group stage.

City reportedly will sell at least four players and try to sign Napoli forward Edinson Cavani (pictured) and Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama.

 

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