Chelsea Have Romeu Bid Accepted
Confirmed reports coming in state that Barcelona have agreed a 4.5 million pound bid from Chelsea for 19 year old defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu.
THT Verdict: This is one smart signing. Villas-Boas apparently wanted to sign the Spanish under-20 international for Porto last season, but couldn’t. After names such as Scott Parker (loan or permanent deal), Vidal, De Rossi were floated in the market, the Chelsea manager has zeroed in on his former target. Romeu hadn’t extended his contract after Barcelona signed Mascherano and with Busquets already there in the first team, and now he is into his final year of the contract. The 5m-rated defensive midfielder can play in central defense or even further up the pitch in a box-to-box role and is technically very strong. With this signing, not only have Chelsea filled the void left by Essien, but have also done so by utilizing very little of the transfer kitty. The rumors of De Rossi, Parker, Tiote, Moutinho coming to Chelsea will finally end, and the West London club can continue to look for a creative, first-team ready midfielder.
Barcelona Representatives To Finally Clinch Fabregas Deal?
According to the Dailymail, Barcelona are set to lodge a final offer of 33.5 million pounds for Cesc Fabregas as both sides look to bring an end to this saga.
THT Verdict: Still a “no show” as expected. Barcelona are not willing to match Cesc’ evaluation of 40 Mil. Arsene Wenger will not make any exceptions or bargains for this particular transfer. The “Selling Price” is stuck right out there, and it is in Barcelona’s hands to make or break the deal.
Spurs To Move In For Robben
According to fresh reports in the media, Tottenham are in for Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben.
THT Verdict: It is quite possible that Harry pulls out another cracker of a transfer if Luca leaves White Hart Lane. With the services of van der Vaart already available, it can get a bit easier to tempt Robben into North London. The biggest negative factor being, no Champions League football for at least this season. Robben still has that one chance to make a mark in his injury-fading career.
City Move Still In Sight For Nasri
It is reported that Arsenal player Samir Nasri is still attracted by the prospect of joining Manchester City. Amidst Barcelona’s growing interest in Cesc, Arsene Wenger has to now attend to the Nasri situation also with some prudence.
THT Verdict: Arsene has stated in an interview (pre-match presser) yesterday that he needs to sit down with Samir and get things resolved, make him sign a new contract. It is more likely that he will sign a contract and take up his new central role in the team. Selling to Manchester City is not even an option, but time and money can write different stories.
Drogba Chooses To Fight On
Chelsea forward Didier Drogba insists he will stay and fight for his place as he looks to finish his career at Stamford Bridge.
THT Verdict: This is a smart move from the Ivorian centre-forward. He understands that while he remains Chelsea’s top striker, he is fast approaching the twilight years with Fernando Torres and Chelsea’s possible future purchases looking to unseat him from the throne. Holding out for a longer contract, might have emboldened the Abramovich-regime to look at sidelining him this season. It’s a win-win situation for both club and player, considering Chelsea can continue to rely on Drogba’s experience and strength while simultaneously grooming a physical like-for-like replacement. Drogba’s flirting with Marseille notwithstanding, his statement that he’d like to finish his career at the Bridge should endear him to Andre Villas-Boas and True Blues the world over.
Jovanovic Receives Middle-East Offer
Liverpool flop Milan Jovanovic saw his move to Anderlecht hit a snag due to his wage demands but can still maintain his wage structure after Middle Eastern club Al-Shabab Riyadh expressed an interest in the player.
THT Verdict: Depends! This may be Milan’s final contract and he would want to make the most out of it. From Liverpool’s point of view, it doesn’t matter where he is heading to, because they are not charging anything for the player. A move looks all the more imminent.
Adebayor Could Make Spurs Move
Rumours in the media regarding Adebayor’s possible exit are gathering pace and a possible move to rivals Tottenham is reported to be on the cards.
THT Verdict: Tough to say if this move will actually happen now. It all hinges on Tevez’ exit and Aguero’s arrival at Eastlands. Manchester City do have the Champions League card in hand so Adebayor might just consider staying but if Spurs can fork out the asking price, then there would very little that Mancini’s management can do.