Transfer Rumors (26 May 08): Fred to Spurs, Gomez to Arsenal, Torres to Chelsea and more
A feeling of deja vu is coming over me, as I start today’s transfer roundup with a player whose name popped up often in my roundups during the winter window.
According to the brother/agent of Lyon striker Fred, the Brazilian hit-man will sign for Tottenham this week if the offer is right.
Rumor Rating: 5 – Does this mean their pursuit of Samuel Eto’o is nearing an end?
Spurs are also in the hunt for Cruzeiro striker Marcelo Moreno, and it looks like it’ll come down to them and Shakhtar Donetsk, with the decisive factor potentially being who’s willing to pay the transfer fee all at once.
Rumor Rating: 4 – Shakhtar might be the better option for his immediate future, as it would be a good place to continue his development, get regular first-team football, and expand his reputation, before he makes the move to the big club. But, we’ll see.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are interested in VFB Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez, who was the second-leading scorer in the Bundesliga with 19 goals (28 in all competitions).
Rumor Rating: 3 – He’d cost a pretty penny, but with the way he’s already producing at his age (44 goals in the last two seasons, six in nine appearances for Germany), he might make the perfect partner (or replacement) for Emmanuel Adebayor.
John Arne Riise doesn’t appear to be short of options for his next destination, as the Liverpool man is wanted by Atletico Madrid, Villareal, Schalke 04, and Newcastle.
Rumor Rating: 5 – Could Liverpool keep him? It doesn’t look likely, especially with several quality sides in for him, three of which will be in the Champions League next season.
Speaking of Atletico Madrid, they’re set to sign Ajax defender Johnny Heitinga for 10 million euros, and are bringing in the 24-year old Dutch international on a five-year deal.
Rumor Rating: 5 – One Ajax product out the door – will another (Huntelaar) follow soon?
The Sunday Mirror says that Manchester United were ready to make a move for Thierry Henry, until Barcelona’s new boss gave him assurances that he was going to be a key part of his plans.
Rumor Rating: 1 – Henry in a United shirt would’ve been an odd sight, to say the least. Not that it would’ve been a bad thing, since he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
West Ham could make a move for Everton striker Andy Johnson, as they’re reportedly lining up an 8 million pound offer for him.
Rumor Rating: 5 – With Yakubu the star man up front for the Toffees, Johnson’s future on the club and country front lies with him going elsewhere. Sunderland and Middlesbrough are also after him, and all three will likely offer him more starting opportunities than staying at Everton will.
Middlesbrough are also in the race to sign Heerenveen’s American midfielder Michael Bradley, who had a terrific season for the Dutch side.
Rumor Rating: 5 – The 20-year old hotshot has been attracting a lot of attention after his big season (18 goals from midfield), and could be part of a Premier League team near you next season.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are preparing a 50 million pound offer for Fernando Torres.
Rumor Rating: -11,111: Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t see Liverpool selling him, but you never know…
Well, that’s it for the day – chime in, chip in, and I’ll be back tomorrow.
Topics: Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, English Premier League, Football Transfers, La Liga, Liverpool, Lyon, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Tottenham, Villarreal, West Ham
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Wenger says that Nasri ‘might’ be coming to Arsenal, and that if it happens it’ll be before Euro 08 starts (so basically this week or early next week).
When Arsene says ‘maybe’, it’s almost a done deal. Good capture for Arsenal, slightly worrying
May 26th, 2008 @ 13:20It would be nice if the coach fulfil his promise this time around, so we wouldn’t be a laughing stock as of last season concerning Bayern Munchin Player (Ribery).
I want Wenger to do something this coming season.
May 26th, 2008 @ 18:31SAF
Strikers
Get rid of Tevez, sell him for millions, get Owen on the cheap instead. Get rid of Saha also and buy someone like Ashton or Luis Fabiano. Bid for Walcott also, would make great backup for Giggs and Nani.
Midfield
Aaron Ramsey looks like a decent prospect, Scholes long term replacement. Midfield is fine apart from that.
Defence
May 26th, 2008 @ 20:32Sell Pique if Barce offer enough money. Buy another right-back, Bosingwa would have been good. Ramos isnt likely unless you swap him for Ronaldo……….and a large sum of cash. Dani Alves is another good choice as would Hutton but thats unlikely. Maybe give Bardsley a few more games next season.
Manu doesnt own tevez, he is on loan. So they cant sell him for millions.
May 27th, 2008 @ 04:42I DONT WANT HENRY AT MY CLUB!!!!! that better be a rumour…
united need 2 sign a back-up striker as rooney-tevez is working wonders… we need a replacement 4 saha… bringin in a big name striker will only ruin that chemistry
May 27th, 2008 @ 10:15I think the only person who would prefer money over Torres would be Tom Hicks. Thank God he said he aint selling (but he is known to tell fibs
)
May 27th, 2008 @ 13:35