Sunderland seek to secure the services of Alberto Aquilani
THT Verdict: In a bizarre transfer market, it is hard to rule out any move. However, it is also hard to see why Aquilani would be willing to join the Black Cats. It would be a huge step down for a player returning from Juventus. It would certainly be a surprise to see no clubs better than Sunderland bidding for the player. With the arrival of the new signings, it is looking unlikelier by the day that Aquilani will be a Liverpool player at the beginning of next season.
Sissoko has been out of favour in Juventus for quite some time. Arrival of Pazienza and Ekdal means that he is sure to head out of Turin. Real Sociedad is being linked and they are reportedly offering 11 m E for him.
THT Verdict:While Sissoko is not a world class player he is relatively young and already has experience of playing for both Liverpool and Juventus. If Marotta manages to sell him for 11 million Euros then it will be the biggest transfer coup in Juventus for the former Sampdoria Sporting Director ..
Bayern Look To Sign Chelsea Centre-Back Alex
THT Verdict:Bayern rates the powerful centre-back at 10m, however, Chelsea would want much more for the Brazilian, if they are willing to do business. Moreover, Bruma has already left on loan, so unless Chelsea sign another centre-back, this deal looks unlikely. This story is the main reason why Chelsea have been linked with Dann and Cahill over the month. However, this movement is absolutely unnecessary. Alex still has a couple of years left in him, and is a quality defender who is also lethal at set-pieces. If Alex wants a guarantee of first team football, then that’s something Chelsea can’t promise, as he has to complete with Luiz and Ivanovic for the position. In this situation, the scenario can change.
Arsenal are prepared to let captain Cesc Fabregas leave the club and re-join Barcelona, providing the Catalan club pay £35m.
THT Verdict:This to-and-fro deal has been going on for quite some time and it looks in all likelihood that the former La Masia product will eventually return to Camp Nou to don the hallowed number 4. We expect this deal to be completed on or before 31st August.
Barcelona make first moves for Tottenham star Gareth Bale – but £45m swoop will not come before next summer
European champions will closely monitor the Welshman’s performances this coming season but are already laying the groundwork to smash the transfer record for a British player
THT Verdict:A player of bale’s calibre is certainly an asset but for the Catalans he’s more of a luxury than a necessity. His gameplay needs radical changes to suit the European Champions. However its quite cliched to link upcoming stars to European powerhouses and this is no exception.
Manchester City have agreed a £23m fee with Arsenal for midfielder Samir Nasri.
THT Verdict:Dicey. There are numerous suitors for the French International and Man City could be a realistic destination for the player but Wenger may not want to sell his star performer to the 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, but gievn the circumstances, the Professor might just have to cash in on his compatriot rather than risk losing him for free.
Chelsea fear midfielder Michael Essien will miss all of next season after suffering a training ground injury on Friday. The Ghana international may have damaged knee ligaments that will sideline him for up to six months.
This is Essien’s third serious knee injury in three years and casts doubt over his long-term future at the top of the game.
THT Verdict:The club have not confirmed on the extent of the injury, but it has now raised serious question marks on the future of the Ghanaian at the club. He was unable to regain his form last season after two long term injuries, and looked a shadow of his imperious self. If this injury is indeed a serious one, the time has come for the club to look beyond Essien and offload him at the next available opportunity. Earlier it was reported that Inter want Essien in a player swap deal for Sneijder, and even that time our verdict was that the club should go for it, as Ramires has proved that he can take over from Michael Essien in a box-to-box midfield role. Anyway, the priority at Chelsea shouldn’t change – to sign a creative, attacking midfielder.
Liverpool flop Jovanovic moves closer to Anfield exit after talks with Belgian giants Anderlecht
THT Verdict:Very much Likely. However the report claims that Liverpool will pay all the remaining wages of his contract, which is completely misleading. Allowing the player to leave does not imply that the Club will pay his remaining wages that could add up to 15-20 million pounds. It only means that Liverpool will not ask for a transfer fee.
Chelsea have given up hope of signing Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric and have instead turned their attention to Werder Bremen midfield star, Marko MarinTHT Verdict:Chelsea are looking to bolster their midfield this transfer window and Marko Marin would be an ideal addition to their team. Only 22 years old, Marin has generated considerable interest from top clubs around Europe. The winger/attacking midfielder would be welcomed with open arms should he arrive at the Bridge.
City line-up £55m splurge on Eto’o and Aguero as Tevez edges closer to the exit
THT Verdict: For the price-tag City have put on Tevez’s head, and the player’s salary demands, it looks unlikely any sane club could take the Argentine. However, if either of the two parties reduce their demands, a player swap with Inter may be possible, with Eto’o going the other way. If reports are to be believed Aguero is close to joining Juventus, so this deal looks unlikely.