Newcastle United Confirm Demba Ba Signing
Alan Pardew has made his second signing of the summer and to fill in the void left by Andy Carroll, he has signed West Ham striker Demba Ba as a potential replacement. The exact details of the deal aren’t yet revealed but Newcastle fans won’t care much for that having been delighted with their two signings so far. The club signed French midfielder Yohan Cabaye on a 5 year deal earlier this month.
THT Verdict: The signing of Ba is surely a good move for the Magpies. Andy Carroll’s winter departure to Liverpool was a huge blow for the club and Pardew had very little time on deadline day to find a replacement. So after a well fought second half of the season, Newcastle do deserve to find an able replacement for the Geordie and Ba fits the bill. The striker would have otherwise been missing Premier League football next season with his former club relegated to the Championship.
De Bruyne Favours a Move To The Bridge
According to Skysports, Belgian prodigy Kevin Bruyne has set his sights on joining English giants Chelsea. The exact details of the deal are not yet confirmed but it is reported that the Genk midfielder might be loaned out to RSC Anderlecht which will further help Chelseas facilitate a move for Romelu Lukaku.
THT Verdict: A good move by Chelsea. One stone, two birds. Not only will the club sign a left-sided attacking player but will also use him to bring Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea. Also, as the club has sold Gokhan Tore and with Malouda not inspiring any confidence, such a move makes sense. 8-10 million is also a decent sum to pay, considering the Belgian’s potential.
Manchester United Bid 9.2 Million for Varane
The Red Devils have tabled a bid of 9.2 million pounds for 18 year-old French defender Raphael Varane and hope to acquire the services of the Lens defender as soon as possible.
THT Verdict: Undoubtedly the Lens defender Varane is one for the future, however Sir Alex and United have already acquired the services of Phil Jones this transfer window. United squad also boosts of young duo Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans as well as the veteran duo Rio and Vidic as Center back options, with John O’shea providing cover. This move looks unlikely for the moment and would only make sense if Sir Alex is looking to Offload the likes of Evans and possibly O’Shea. Young Raphael Varane would be denied any prominent game time at United, which might also be a major consideration for the French starlet.
Arsenal’s bid for Douglas Costa turned down
Arsenal offered Denilson as a part-exchange deal to get Douglas Costa from Shakhtar but the club has turned down the bid. Earlier, it was understood, Arsene wanted Willian as a part-exchange deal with Denilson but it seems he has shifted focus towards the prolific winger in Costa.THT Verdict: Douglas Costa is an outrageous talent, a terrific dribbler with the ball, a fantastic resource to have. Costa is left-footed and is predominantly a winger but he can play as a support striker too. Shakhtar are not too keen on Denilson, they just want Arsenal to pay money for their talented winger. Costa should be ideally 15 Million but Arsene will try to get that value down like he always does.
Juventus Officially Announce Michele Pazienza deal
The 28 year old Napoli midfielder joins Juventus on a free transfer for a three year contract.
THT Verdict: While Pazienza is not a world class player by any stretch of imagination he is a competent substitute. He performed consistently for Napoli last season and will join Juve on a lower salary than the likes of Sissoko. With Pazienza’s arrival it looks increasingly likely that one among Sissoko or Melo will leave the club in summer.
Arsenal To Seal Gervinho Deal
Arsenal are reportedly close to completing the signing of Lille striker Gervinho. The player had earlier declared his interest to play in the Premier League. Liverpool and Arsenal were vying for his signature but the London club has beaten the Merseyside giants to it by a 10.6 million pound bid.
THT Verdict:Gervinho is a prolific goal-scorer, has been in top form for Lille and has performed admirably for Ivory Coast. Last season, for his Champion side, he banged in 15 goals and assisted an additional 10 times. He can be deployed wide left or just behind a central striker like Chamakh. It would be interesting if he is played with RvP, because that would not be an idle combination, both players liking a lot of space before they shoot at goal. Though the African striker doesn’t have an immaculate ball-control, his vision and intelligence can be very handy to the Gunners this season.
Zapata Close To Joining Liverpool
The Reds continue their rebuilding process and after the Henderson and Marveaux deals, it is Cristian Zapata who will be heading towards Anfield.
THT Verdict: Liverpool are looking for quality talent to fill in all positions in the squad and a move for Zapata is indicative of this very ambition. The Columbian can play all across the defensive line. Also, at 24, the player again epitomises FSG’s ambition to sign young talent and his inclusion in the squad is only going to strengthen the Liverpool defense.
Juventus Officially Announce Michele Pazienza deal
The 28 year old Napoli midfielder joins Juventus on a free transfer for a three year contract.
THT Verdict: While Pazienza is not a world class player by any stretch of imagination he is a competent substitute. He performed consistently for Napoli last season and will join Juve on a lower salary than the likes of Sissoko. With Pazienza’s arrival it looks increasingly likely that one among Sissoko or Melo will leave the club in summer.
Liverpool close in on French midfielder Sylvain Marveaux
Sylvain Marveaux underwent a medical on Merseyside, yesterday. He could be Liverpool’s 2nd acquisition this summer, yet the player may only be revealed on July 1st.
THT Verdict: Its very unlikely that he would fail the medical and given that he has been linked with Liverpool since January; The signing looks all but done. While Liverpool have a huge void at the Left Back Spot, Marveaux , in the genre of Florent Malouda, is a player with attacking instincts.
Arsenal close in on GervinhoArsenal expect to clinch the signing of Gervinho from Lillefor £10.6 million by the end of the week.THT Verdict: Gervinho is a prolific goal-scorer, has been in top form for Lille and has performed admirably for Ivory Coast. Last season, for his Champion side, he banged in 15 goals and assisted an additional 10 times. He can be deployed wide left or just behind a central striker like Chamakh. It would be interesting if he is played with RvP, because that would not be an idle combination, both players liking a lot of space before they shoot at goal. Though the African striker doesn’t have an immaculate ball-control, his vision and intelligence can be very handy to the Gunners this season.