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
Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free
Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
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
BALE MOVES CLOSER TO SPURS RETURN
Some big news concerning Arsenal’s closest rivals. Gareth Bale appears to be on his way back to Tottenham:
Gareth Bale set to rejoin Tottenham
The Welsh forward has no future at the Bernabeu and now looks set for a second spell with Spurs
ARSENAL COULD OFFER LOAN BACK OPTION IN BID FOR BRENTFORD GOALKEEPER
Arsenal could offer Brentford the option of a loan back in any deal to sign goalkeeper David Raya, according to the Athletic.
The Gunners are searching for a new backup goalkeeper after selling Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa.
Raya has been identified as a target, but Brentford are unwilling to sell.
Arsenal, in an attempt to persuade the Championship club, could include the option of a season-long loan in the proposed transfer.
HUTTON CLAIMS ARRIVAL OF ARSENAL GOALKEEPER COULD DISRUPT VILLA MAN
Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has claimed the £20m signing of Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal could be a problem for Tom Heaton.
The 34-year-old, who suffered a season-ending injury midway through last season, is out of favour under Dean Smith and could find a place in the starting XI even harder to come by following Martinez’s arrival.
“I mean he’s signing for £20million, we’re talking, so in my opinion it seems like he’s coming in as number one at the moment," Hutton told Football Insider.
“Tom Heaton must be sitting back and wondering: ‘What’s going on here? I was brought as a number one, had a serious injury now we’ve got another number one.’
“That’s why he’s left Arsenal, Leno’s obviously their number one, he got a taste of it last season, playing week in, week out and that’s what he wants. To be offered the chance to sign with Villa and be a number two, I can’t see that happening.
“It looks like he’s coming in as number one and yeah, it’s going to be a fight for who’s going to hold onto it.”
SHEFFIELD UNITED BOSS CONFIRMS BALOGUN INTEREST
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has revealed an approach was made for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.
Reports emerged that the Blades had seen a bid rejected by Arsenal, who want £15m for the youngster.
And Wilder has confirmed Sheffield United are in the race to sign Balogun.
“We made an enquiry,” he said ahead of his side’s EFL Cup tie against Burnley tomorrow night.
"That’s left with the CEO at our club and at Arsenal.
“We want attributes that suit us at the top of the club and hopefully move us forward.”
ARSENAL SEND MESSAGE TO MARTINEZ AFTER VILLA MOVE
Arsenal thanked Emiliano Martinez for his service shortly after his move to Aston Villa was confirmed.
The Argentine was in superb form late last season having stepped in for the injured Bernd Leno.
That earned him a £20m switch to Villa, where he is expected to be first choice.
“Everyone at Arsenal thanks Emi for his contribution to club over the past 10 years and we wish him all the best for the future,” a statement on the club’s website read.
"Thank you, Emi."
ARTETA GIVES VERDICT ON NEW AUBAMEYANG DEAL
Mikel Arteta has highlighted the importance of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s new contract at Arsenal.
The Gabonese forward had just a year remaining on his previous deal and there was widespread speculation of a potential exit.
But he has now committed his future to the club, to the delight of his manager.
"It was important for Pierre-Emerick to stay with us. He's a superb player with an incredible mentality," Arteta told Arsenal’s official website.
"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."
FORMER ARSENAL STRIKER SET TO JOIN MIDDLESBROUGH
Ex-Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom is on his way to Middlesbrough after a €3m deal was agreed with PAOK Thessaloniki, according to On Sports.
The 24-year-old came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and is now set to return to England after two years in Greece.
Akpom has scored 27 goals in 79 appearances for PAOK, who he signed for in 2018 having failed to make the cut with the Gunners.
ARSENAL LEGEND PAYS TRIBUTE TO MARTINEZ
Emiliano Martinez’s Arsenal chapter may have come to an end, but he remains a popular figure at the club.
There were plenty of tributes to the goalkeeper when he wrote an emotional farewell to the club on Instagram before his Aston Villa move was confirmed.
The most notable of them was from Ian Wright, who responded: "We love you Emi. Always one of us."
VILLA CONFIRM MARTINEZ SIGNING
Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal.
The goalkeeper joins the club in a £20m deal having impressed with the Gunners towards the end of last season, following injury to Bernd Leno
The latter’s return meant Martinez was again second choice, but his performances have earned him a move elsewhere.
The Argentine leaves Arsenal after ten years at the club.
ATLETICO TO OFFER TWO PLAYERS IN EXCHANGE FOR ARSENAL STRIKER
Atletico Madrid will offer Arsenal two players as part of a deal to sign Alexandre Lacazette, report Marca.
Los Rojiblancos are still determined to sign the Frenchman, who insisted he is happy where he is after scoring against Fulham last weekend.
But Atletico could look to tempt Arsenal with wingers Vitolo and Thomas Lemar.
It remains to be seen if such a deal would interest the Gunners.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies