Chelsea Want To Offer A New Deal To Ryan Bertrand, Before Letting Him Go Out On Loan
Chelsea want England under-21 left back Ryan Bertrand to sign a long-term contract – before sending him on loan to Premier League new boys Swansea City.
THT Verdict: Fabulous move this by Chelsea. The England under-21 left-back is very talented, both offensively and defensively. After Ashley, either him or Aanholt, who already has signed a new deal, can be expected to play for Chelsea at left-back.
Inter Beat Arsenal to Alvarez Claims Palermo Chief
According to Palermo Chief Maurizio Zamparini, Inter Milan have raced ahead of Arsenal to the signature of Varsfield midfielder Ricky Alvarez.
“We were close to signing Alvarez for half the price they will now pay for him but my colleagues took it easy and no agreement was reached,” Zamparini said.
THT Verdict: Although no deal can be confirmed until the player actually signs, it looks like Inter Milan have won the race for the player. It is a good deal by the Italian giants and going by Zamparini’s statement, it shows just how important it is to act quickly in the transfer market.
Clichy Set for Manchester City Medical
According to Skysports, Manchester City have agreed a 7 million pound fee with Arsenal for the transfer of left-back Gael Clichy. The player is set to undergo a medical at Eastlands soon.
THT Verdict: With Manchester City offering Champions League football, Eastlands would have been an easy choice to make for Gael Clichy. For 7 million pounds, the player is certainly a bargain and there is no doubt that City have bolstered their defenses with his acquisition. Is this the start of the much talked about mass exodus at Arsenal?
Getafe Sign Real Madrid Winger
Getafe have confirmed the transfer of winger Pablo Sarabia from Real Madrid, with the 19-year-old signing a contract until the summer of 2016, according to a note on their official website.
Details of the fee has not been mentioned by either of the two clubs, but a report last week suggested that Getafe were willing to pay €3 million for the Spain under-19 star. Real Madrid meanwhile revealed that they have inserted a buy-back clause in the deal.
THT Verdict: Excellent deal. Pablo Sarabia has been hailed as one of the best talents in the Real Madrid academy. But it seems he would have to follow the footsteps of De la Red and Granero to get into the Real Madrid first team. With heavy competition and too many players vying for the same spot, it was only a matter of time before any club made a move for the Spanish youngster. Getafe has recently sold Dani Parejo and Sarabia could be the replacement for him. Sarabia has a powerful shot and can play in the centre and in the wings as well. And if Sarabia manages to play well at Getafe, a buy back clause is waiting to be triggered.
Newcastle In for Canales
According to reports, Newcastle United are looking to bring in Real Madrid winger Sergio Canales on loan to Tyneside.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. It’s no secret that Sergio Canales did not get enough opportunities to excel last season. But considering the talent of Canales, Madrid would not sell him and are could loan him to some team if they decide to keep Kaka. But Canales is more likely to join Spanish clubs in case it happens and the odds of him leaving Spain are low.
Red Devils to Bid for Schweinsteiger?
After bringing in a winger, defender and a keeper, Manchester United are on the look-out for a midfielder to fill in the shoes of the retired Paul Scholes. Bastian Schweinsteiger is the latest name linked to Old Trafford.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. the German international is pivotal to Bayern Munich’s plans and has recently signed a contract extension. Also, Man United doesn’t really have a history of signing German internationals, Ron-Robert Zieler was the last German recruit and he never got a chance to play for the first team. However if the story has any truth what so ever, there isn’t a better fit out there for Sir Alex’s side.
Rodrigo Mora joins Benfica
The 23 year old Uruguayan striker turned heads with his performances for Defensor Sporting in his native land. He was also selected as the best player for Apertura Championship.
THT Verdict: Portuguese clubs are well known for their brilliant scouting in South America and Mora looks to be another good addition to that list. With Benfica looking likely to lose Oscar Cardozo, the club needed a new striker and Mora could prove to be an inspired signing.
Liverpool Offer Player in Lennon Deal
Having registered their interest in Spurs winger Aaron Lennon, Liverpool look to have altered their offer a little bit by offering Alberto Aquilani to the London club as part of a deal to bring Lennon to Anfield.
THT Verdict: Dicey, Aquilani’s departure depends on Charlie Adam’s arrival, if that does happen Liverpool might offer the player as bait but its unlikely that Tottenham would want to lose Lennon.
Benfica join Fulham in hunt for Arsenal striker Bendtner
Looks like the English media is targeting Arsenal more than any other club. This latest report, also from Dailymail, suggests that Portuguese outfit Benfica are rivaling Fulham for the signature of Arsenal striker Nikolas Bendtner.
THT Verdict: Whether it is the media or the players’ mentality is still unclear. However, it is increasingly looking like Arsenal fans will have to accept the departure of a player or two prior to next season. Bendtner has performed well for Arsenal in the past and has grown well under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger. However, if this transfer goes through, then it is more to do with the situation at the club rather than the player.
Tottenham Steal March on Liverpool for Barca Star Bojan
Spurs have entered the race for Barcelona player Bojan who is also a reported Liverpool target, Dailymail reports.
THT Verdict: Premature. Scouting a player does not suggest anything. While its clear that Tottenham are interested in the player, it would be inappropriate to infer that Liverpool have lost out on the player. There is no reason to believe that Liverpool will not contest signing the player, if at all they are interested.