Pacheco Heads Back To Spain, Reds Eye Rodallega
After showing much promise, all only in vain, Dani Pacheco has admitted that chances of breaking into the first team seem very bleak at the present and hence is headed back to Rayo Vallecano, the club where he began his career.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s search for a back-up striker continues and latest reports are linking the Reds to Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega. The player has been a Liverpool target in the recent past too but now it is also reported that Spurs have joined the chase for the player.
THT Verdict: Pacheco is a player with immense talent no doubt but doesn’t seem to have what it takes to be a part of a squad that is looking to reach the top. It is necessary for Liverpool to have a successful season this time around and there is reason to believe that Pacheco will still take some to adjust and adapt to the Premier League style. 14 first team appearances over a four-year Liverpool career just doesn’t give him a good enough chance to make it to the roster.
Rodallega to Liverpool does seem unlikely but on second thoughts, it does make sense if it has any veracity to it. Rodallega has adapted well to the Premier League and has been a lynchpin to Wigan’s Premier League campaigns so far. However, his importance to the squad would be the stumbling block if Liverpool are to strike a deal.
Valbuena Delays Premier League Move
Arsenal target Mathieu Valbuena will not be joining the Premier League club this summer – but Marseille are willing to cash in on him next year.
THT Verdict: The attacking midfielder in the Nasri mould (and also hailing from the same club) could have been a handy addition to the Arsenal squad. A pacy player with tremendous technical ability, an asset of Marseille for years, Valbuena is understandably not for sale. From an Arsenal POV, he is certainly not the “super quality” that can replace Cesc/Nasri.
Hazard Agrees Arsenal Deal?
It is reported that Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle with Lille for midfielder Eden Hazard. The player is said to cost the Gunners 23 million pounds. However, the media is reporting that there will be no ink to paper till Arsenal’s Champions League status is cemented for this season.
THT Verdict: Not True. Arsenal has made no connections with Lille. From The French Champion’s perspective, they have just let Arsenal know the value of their star playmaker. It remains to be seen where Hazard plies his trade before Auguest 31st. Right now, the Gunners need more of a central midfielder than another attacking wide player.
Rossoneri Eye Loan Deals For Trio
AC Milan are looking at loan deals for Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, Spurs striker Peter Crouch and Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani.
THT Verdict: Not happening. Balotelli has claimed his “love” for Milan, but the Rossoneri wont be interested in the italian wild-child. The striker department is already full and there’s no need to add another one. Crouch also is an extremely unlikely move as he is not a box-to-box midfielder or Mezzala that is the need of the hour at Milan. Aquilani might be a last ditch transfer, should Galliani fail to land Montolivo.
Mata on the verge of signing for Chelsea
THT Verdict: Move imminent, and is likely to be announced soon. News broke out last night, and since then many credible sources have confirmed. The fee is believed to be in the region of 27m Euroes, and would be good business on the part of Chelsea. The 23 year old Spaniard is the right player for Chelsea, capable of playing out wide or through the middle – just the kind of creative spark the West London club needed.
