Crespo extends his Parma stay
Former Chelsea, Milan and Inter star Hernan Crespo has signed a contract extension with Parma which keeps him in the club for one more season.
THT Verdict: Crespo scored a decent number of goals for Parma last season and played an important part in saving them from relegation. A player with his experience in Serie A will always come in handy for a club battling relegation.
Arshavin wanted by Turkish Club
THT Verdict:Though its a fantastic offer (13.5 Mil) for a 30 year old, it is quite unlikely that the nifty Russian would leave Arsenal for a “Turkish” club. With high ambitions and a capability of achieving big things with big clubs, Arshavin and his agent would surely not consider a move away from Arsenal for a “lesser” club/league. Arshavin’s contract runs out at the end of next year, almost a situation similar to Nasri and Clichy, only that he is not young anymore.
Clichy to City deal almost done.
THT Verdict: With Manchester City perennially struggling to have a permanent player in the Left Back position, they might have found the answer in Gael Clichy. One of the best Full Backs in England a few years back, the Frenchman lost a considerable amount of form in the last 3 years at the club. The only Invincible left in the Arsenal squad has shown his desire to leave without making a big fuss about it. It would be a decent deal for Arsenal as well as Clichy as the former will be paid 7 Million and the latter will be contracted at 90K/week wages at The City of Manchester Stadium.
Torino bags three Milan players
Simone Verdi, Ferdinando Coppola and Nnamdi Oduamadi move to Torino on co-ownership, whereas Milan get co-ownership of Gianmario Comi
THT Verdict: Verdi and Oduamadi have spent a better part of their career at the Primavera squad. This move will not only give them more exposure, but also make them ready to be directly drafted into the Milan squad once the season is over.
Fabregas to Barcelona
Barcelona want to pay the Gunners just £8.5m, or 25% of the total transfer fee of £34m, this summer for Fabregas
THT Verdict: Though the bid is preposterous and the whole football world knows (including Real) that Cesc won’t go to Bernabeau, it is very beneficial to Arsenal. Now, that Arsenal know that a club is willing to pay 45 Mil for Cesc, they won’t certainly let their inspirational leader go to Camp Nou on a lesser fee. If, still, they are willing to sell their captain at a price Barcelona is quoting, it is just bad business. On Real Madrid’s part, they are already done with their Attacking Player signings, this is just a part of their ongoing cold war with the mighty Catalans.
Can Fabregas move to Real?
Real Madrid could lodge a bid for Arsenal captain and long-term Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas.
THT Verdict: Though the bid is preposterous and the whole football world knows (including Real) that Cesc won’t go to Bernabeau, it is very beneficial to Arsenal. Now, that Arsenal know that a club is willing to pay 45 Mil for Cesc, they won’t certainly let their inspirational leader go to Camp Nou on a lesser fee. If, still, they are willing to sell their captain at a price Barcelona is quoting, it is just bad business. On Real Madrid’s part, they are already done with their Attacking Player signings, this is just a part of their ongoing cold war with the mighty Catalans.
Where will Nasri go?
Samir Nasri is set to tell Arsenal that he wants to leave the club and Manchester United will make a formal bid for the 24-year-old winger once he does. Not to be left behind, Chelsea are ready to join the race to sign Nasri, who has rejected a five-year deal worth £90,000-a-week.
THT Verdict: Dicey. There are numerous suitors for the French International and Man United could be a realistic destination for the player but Wenger may not want to sell his star performer to a rival club and though the reports in the media might link Nasri to the top clubs, it would be premature to link him to any one at the moment. Nasri has just an year left on his existing contract and his refusal to sign a new one has left the Gunners in bit of a soup. Wenger would undoubtedly like to retain his prized asset, however if either United or City come up with a sizeable offer, the Professor might just have to cash in on his compatriot rather than risk losing him for free. However, it remains to be seen if Arsene is willing to sell his star player to a League Title rival. Also, Chelsea do need a midfielder to operate at the right but acquiring the services of Nasri would be tough. A lot would also depend on the movement of Neymar and Pastore.
Gary Cahill to Chelsea?
Bolton defender Gary Cahill could become Andre Villas-Boas’ first signing as Chelsea manager. The 25-year-old centre-half, who could cost around £17m, is also wanted by Arsenal and Tottenham.
THT Verdict: Absolutely unnecessary, unless one of the four top-class centre backs at Chelsea leaves; something which is not expected to happen. Also, considering that the player is English and Liverpool and Arsenal may be after him, he is bound to be overpriced.
Nicolas Burdisso has claimed that Argentine compatriot Javier Pastore has told him he wishes to join Roma. “Javier is a truly extraordinary player, but he told me he really wants to play for Roma,” said Roma defender Burdisso.
Doni eyeing Liverpool move
Roma’s Brazilian keeper Doni, 31, has had a change of heart and agreed to join Liverpool – the fee is yet to be decided but the Italian club looking for at least £1.5m.
THT Verdict: Doni would be an ideal back up for Pepe Reina.
Scott Dann on the move?
Scott Dann could become the third Birmingham player to move to Sunderland this summer with Steve Bruce considering making a move for the 24-year-old centre-back. Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested in the 6ft 5in Blues defender, whose proposed £12m move to Stoke collapsed last week.
THT Verdict: Dicey. Dann is a primary target for Liverpool and it would be a major blow to the Reds if Sunderland beat them to the signing of the defender, yet again. Chelsea do not require a center half at the moment, while Arsenal’s interest might help them to negotiate over the transfer of Cahill .