The biggest transfer-related news of the day might actually be something that’s not related to an actual transfer.
With Arsenal star Samir Nasri being ruled out for an extended period of time due to a broken leg suffered in training today, we could see Arsenal become a lot more active in the market in the coming weeks before the season gets underway. That is, unless Arsene Wenger is content with keeping his squad as is, despite a recent injection of funds from the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor.
But it’s on to the concrete transfer news and rumors, of which there are quite a few today. Besides the usual spec, we’ve got a few new signings to report on and add to our updated summer transfer lists.
England
Sunderland Drop Crouch Interest, Bid For Cana
Sunderland have pulled out of the race to sign Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: No surprise really, considering that the other two suitors offer something valuable to Crouch that Sunderland can’t. Now it’s down to Tottenham and Fulham – I’d have to say that Fulham would be a great opportunity, but outside of the wage factor, a Tottenham side with the full Harry Redknapp touch on it has a chance to make a lot of noise in the near future.
Sunderland are hoping to have more luck with Marseille midfielder Lorik Cana, as they’re making a £7m bid for the Albanian star. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Cana’s one of a number of foreign talents that I’d like to see get a chance in the Premier League in the near future, and it’d be a terrific signing for Sunderland if they could swing it. He’s been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal though, so he may well be holding out for a club that could offer him immediate European football and a chance at multiple trophies.
Villa Eye Jenas
Aston Villa could soon make a bid for Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas. (The Guardian)
Analysis: Well, they just spent £12m on Downing, so £10m on Jenas isn’t out of the question. It is definitely important for them to strengthen the center of midfield after losing Barry, and I think Villa should also look to add some quality depth up front, which is where Middlesbrough’s Tuncay could come in.
Everton Close On Elm
Everton’s £6m bid for Swedish midfielder Rasmus Elm has been accepted by Kalmar FF, and the 21-year-old is in the midst of working out personal terms with the club. (The Sun)
Analysis: Might not necessarily be one to make an immediate impact and jump into a starring role right away, but he’s certainly a talent to watch over the coming years. Looks like Everton will beat out some good competition (Fulham, Ajax, PSV, Bayern Munich, Hamburg SV, Anderlecht) for him, which is a testament to how highly he’s thought of.
Bolton Target Duff
Bolton are considering a move for Newcastle winger Damien Duff. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Newcastle still have some high earners to offload, and though Duff saw a great drop statically at Newcastle from his production with Chelsea and Blackburn, a move to Bolton could be just what he needs to bring out his best again.
Wigan Sign McCarthy
Wigan have beaten Wolves for Hamilton Academical midfielder James McCarthy, landing the 18-year-old in a £1.4m deal. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: I figured that his destination would be Wigan, so score one for me (out of every dozen). He’ll likely be eased into the first team, but if he can take hold of a first-team place and make a big impression in his debut season, it’s not impossible for him to make a play for inclusion in the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup squad next summer (if they make it, that is).
Birmingham Bid For Hunt
Birmingham City are set for a £4m bid for Reading winger Stephen Hunt. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Hunt does want to return to the Premier League, but he might prefer a more…stable side, rather than one that could wind up right back in the Championship.
Italy
Livorno After Donovan?
Newly-promoted Livorno could be set for an ambitious bid for LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Doesn’t hurt to try if you’re Livorno, but with the Galaxy in the thick of the playoff hunt, any summer moves likely won’t be considered. Even so, the aim might be a little higher than Livorno when it comes to his next European move, but wherever he moves, it needs to be somewhere he will have every chance to play regularly and not where he’d be looked at primarily as a sub.
Germany
Cologne Line Up Elano
Cologne may be about to pursue a loan move for Manchester City midfielder Elano. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: AC Milan are also reportedly interested in Elano, so if they did come in for him, it’d put a big damper on Cologne’s chances, but it could come down to who’s offering more regular playing time, what with him no doubt hoping to be able to play an integral role for Brazil in South Africa next summer.
Dortmund In For Klasnic
Borussia Dortmund have agreed a contract with Nantes striker Ivan Klasnic and are set to discuss a fee with the French club for the Croatia international. (Transfer Market Web)
Analysis: Dortmund need to replace their leading scorer, Alexander Frei, who recently sealed a return to FC Basel, and Klasnic is a proven commodity in the Bundesliga, having had a lot of success over a long spell at Werder Bremen.
France
Gervinho Signs For Lille
Highly-rated Le Mans forward Gervinho has moved to Lille in a €6m deal. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: The sale of Michel Bastos to Lyon brought in a lot of money, but it also left a big hole production-wise, so this was a move that needed to be made.
Portugal
Benfica To Land Garcia
Benfica have agreed a deal to sign Real Madrid midfielder Javi Garcia for €7m. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Garcia did make 18 appearances for Real Madrid last season, but with all of the activity into the club this summer (and what’s still to come), his prospects for the future at Real weren’t looking too promising, so this is a smart move for him.
Turkey
Fenerbahce Pull Off Santos Coup
Fenerbahce have agreed a deal to sign Corinthians duo Andre Santos and Cristian. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Major signing for Fenerbahce, considering that Santos had been linked with Serie A’s top sides after impressing for Brazil in the Confederations Cup. They already have a good Brazilian presence as is, which could have helped their cause with luring the duo.
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