Cesc transfer still in a fix
There seems to be no end to this transfer saga. Will Cesc be seen in Barcelona colors before the season begins?
THT Verdict: The Cesc transfer saga has been dragging on for more than two years now. Barcelona not ready to pay the right amount and Arsenal not ready to leave their captain for a discounted price. Even after Peter-Hill Wood making his stance clear on the Cesc transfer price, Barcelona have come ahead with another pathetic bid of 30 Million and 5 Million as add-on, not even at par with Andy Carroll’s transfer price. With Cesc not speaking a word about his ‘commitment’ to Arsenal, it is very clear that his career at Arsenal is over. But, sadly, if the right price is not payed for the anchor-man, Arsene and co. won’t be ready to let him go. This transfer is very important for Arsenal to go through, so that they can concentrate on a suitable replacement for Cesc, whichever is a mighty difficult task in itself. From a Barcelona POV, they are playing it safe, they have enough players in the midfield to do the job this season, they are just ‘taking their chances’ with Arsenal, teasing them, tiring them down to finally put their hands down and let the fish go. This transfer saga doesn’t look like it would get over before 31st of August, or maybe even beyond that.
West Ham complete John Carew Signing
The Hammers have sealed a move for out-of-favour Aston Villa striker John Carew.
THT Verdict: With a few years left in the striker’s career, he wouldn’t mind playing one tier down if he gets to start all the games. Sam Allardyce knows his players well, and this is a good signing for the Hammers. Carew will provide massive aerial threat and will also be a good support striker, holding on to defenders with his strength – all this if he can keep himself fit throughout the season.
City Lose Out on Eriksen, Remain Hopeful On Nasri
The Mirror reports that Manchester City had a 20 million pound bid rejected for highly rated Ajax playmaker Christian Eriksen but remain confident of landing Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri.
THT Verdict: Eriksen was a target for several clubs early in the transfer window but Ajax have stood firm in their decision to not sell the player. Nasri on the other hand, has been City target this summer and we might just a see big money bid lodged before the season closes. City would ideally like to buy the player before Arsenal field him in a Champions League qualification game which would then leave him cup-tied.
McDermott Expects Long Bids
Reading manager Brian McDermott is confident that several clubs will come knocking for his star striker Shane Long following the player’s swift rise to prominence over the past few months.
THT Verdict: Likely. We have already see one striker in Connor Wickham make the leap from the Championship to top flight football and it is likely that Shane Long would also follow the same path. He is 24 years old so there is a certain amount of maturity imbibed in him by now but the Premier League is a different challenge altogether and it would be interesting to see which team can offer him the right opportunities.
Bellamy Exit On The Cards
It’s strikers galore at Eastlands and how Mancini would love to offload a few who don’t feature in his plans anymore. The most notable candidate here, Craig Bellamy. The player has supposedly attracted interest from Sunderland and manager Steve Bruce could make a move for the Welsh striker before the season starts.
THT Verdict: Likely. Bellamy needs to leave Manchester City if he wants regular first team football. Retirement isn’t really in the books yet so a move to the Stadium of Light would throw some light on Bellamy’s fading career.
City Exit Impossible for Tevez, Player To Get Back To Training
It has been a disappointing summer for Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, the player being denied a move to Corinthians first and then an seeing a move to Inter Milan hit a deadlock. The player is reportedly set to return to training with the first team this week.
THT Verdict: Carlos Tevez has had a tough life in England and would have wished to see a change but if he does have some zest left in him, then staying in England could actually benefit the player. With the purchase of Aguero, City are looking a more dangerous squad and genuine title contenders. This could just be the summer for Tevez.
