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Transfer: Jose Luis GOMEZ, Maxi ROMERO to Benfica, Stuttgart

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Jose Luis GOMEZ and Maxi ROMERO are both rumored to be making the change across the Atlantic.

According to reports, Portugal’s Benfica are interested in signing Lanus’ Jose Luis GOMEZ. The 24 year old is wanted by Benfica, per a report by O Jogo. Benfica reportedly sent someone over to Argentina last week to begin negotiating with the club. GOMEZ made his senior Argentina National Team debut in June of this year in a 1-0 victory against England.

Maxi ROMERO is the other one reportedly set to make a move to Europe. German Bundesliga club Stuttgart have offered 10 million to Velez for ROMERO with a 5 year contract to the forward. Velez reportedly turned the offer down with the German club sending out a counter proposal of 12 million which is expected to be accepted by the Argentinian club.

Ezequiel BARCO, Franco ESCOBAR to Atlanta United in MLS

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Ezequiel BARCO and Franco ESCOBAR are set to join Atlanta United in the MLS.

A pair of Argentinian talent in the Sueprliga Argentina are set to join Gerardo “Tata” MARTINO‘s Atlanta United in the MLS. According to Cesar Luis MERLO, Ezequiel BARCO of Independiente is going to Atlanta. Per the tweet, a pre-contract is going to be signed which will make the move official only after the Copa Sudamericana final. The fee is believed to be in the $12 million region.

The other Argentinian making way to the United States is Franco ESCOBAR. The 22 year old defender appears to have already signed with the club on a three year deal. The contract reportedly gives Atlanta the chance to extend for two years.

Nicolas OTAMENDI, Gio SIMEONE and more score in Europe

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England, Italy, Spain and France saw goals scored by Argentinian players as Nicolas OTAMENDI, Gio SIMEONE, Jonathan CALLERI and Emiliano SALA all scored.

In addition to Lionel MESSI, Mauro ICARDI and Gonzalo HIGUAIN all scoring, there were four more from the sky blue and white who scored. Beginning in England, Nicolas OTAMENDI scored for Manchester City in their 2-1 win against West Ham. With Pablo ZABALETA and Manuel LANZINI both playing for the Hammers, it was Sergio AGUERO and Nicolas OTAMENDI starting for the Citizens. West Ham took the lead and it was an Argentinian who scored but it wasn’t the number 10. OTAMENDI netted his fourth goal of the season in all competitions. According to WhoScored, that’s double what he managed across his two previous seasons for City.

If OTAMENDI scored goal number four of the season, Gio SIMEONE added goal number five to his personal tally as Fiorentina picked-up a 3-0 win against Sassuolo in Serie A. SIMEONE scored a header after being left alone in the area.

Former West Ham man Jonathan CALLERI put one passed the goalkeeper for Las Palmas in a 1-1 draw against Real Betis.

In France, just like Gio SIMEONE, Emiliano SALA scored goal number five of the season as FC Nantes drew 1-1 against AS Saint-Etienne.

Gio SIMEONE’s goal:

Nicolas OTAMENDI’s goal:

Jonathan CALLERI’s goal:

Emiliano SALA’s goal:

Hernan CRESPO on Argentina’s strikers for World Cup

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Hernan CRESPO has come out and commented on Argentina’s strikers for the World Cup.

Legendary number 9 Hernan CRESPO knows a thing or two about playing at the top level. He’s scored goals for River Plate, Inter, AC Milan, Chelsea, the Argentina National Team and the list goes on. That’s why when he was asked about the Albiceleste’s current strikers, he’s a more than qualified person to be able to answer. Speaking on Argentinian television show “Podemos Hablar”, here’s what CRESPO had to say:

Hernan CRESPO on Argentina’s strikers:

“Mauro (ICARDI) and Gonzalo (HIGUAIN) are two different kind of players and the same goes for AGUERO. If I had to choose only two attackers for our national team I would go with Lionel MESSI and Paulo DYBALA who are two incredible players.

“If I had to choose between ICARDI and HIGUAIN I would make my decision based on being an Inter fan. However, the two of them could also play together up front and in any case they could both profit by working together.”

Argentina's strikers Hernan Crespo Tevez Messi Riquelme
Hernan Crespo at the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Tevez, Riquelme and Messi

That last comment about ICARDI and HIGUAIN being capable of playing together could be a call back to the 2002 World Cup where it seemed that everyone but then coach Marcelo BIELSA thought that both CRESPO and Gabriel BATISTUTA were able of playing together.

Mauro ICARDI and Lionel MESSI score on the weekend

Mauro ICARDI and Lionel MESSI both scored for their respective clubs on the weekend.

ICARDI continues to add to his impressive numbers for Inter as he netted his 16th Serie A goal of the season. The Inter hitman scored against Chievo in their 5-0 win.

Mauro’s now scored 94 goals for his club at the age of 24 and is the 10th best goal scorer for the club.

Another Argentinian scored on the weekend, you may have heard of him, Lionel MESSI. Leo scored in Barcelona’s 2-2 draw againat Celta as he scored his 13th league goal of the season. MESSI was also heavily involved in the team’a overall play and helped setup Barcelona’s second goal.

Both Mauro ICARDI and Lionel MESSI now lead their respective leagues in goals this season.

Mauro ICARDI and Lionel MESSI goals:

Inter’s number 9 took to social media to express his thoughts on entering Inter’s top 10 all time goal scoring list. Here’s what he had to say:

“I have no words to describe this moment… It’s a beautiful moment that represents hard work and sacrifice over all these years at Inter. Today, in my fifth season in Milan, I have entered the history of this club as one of the top 10 scorers of all time.

“Thanks to all of you for the support you give me every day.”