Couple of juicy rumours going around today so we’ll do our best to sift through some of the better ones.
News of the World is reporting Manchester City failed in an attempt to swap troubled striker and captain Carlos Tevez to Inter Milan for their strike man Samuel Eto’o. Cameroon’s captain has been linked with City and also Arsenal a lot of the off season as he reportedly looks for a new challenge in the English Premier League. Tevez has expressed his dislike at the City of Manchester and seems to have grown very home sick. I wouldn’t expect it to be the last rumours surrounding Tevez this summer.
The Sunday Mirror are reporting that Arsenal are interested in the 20 million pound rated Stuart Downing of Aston Villa. Downing is one of the best pure wingers in the competition, but I can’t see this happening unless the reported crisis that is happening with the club comes to fruition. Also Arsenal’s reported deal with Argentinian winger Ricardo Alvarez would quash any chances of a Downing deal happening, but perhaps one to watch as Liverpool are also rumoured to be keen.
The Mail on Sunday has suggested Sir Alex Ferguson is still targeting another big signing for the champions before the season beings. The usual names of Wesley Sneijder and Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric remain hot when discussing Manchester United. Sneijder and Inter have both said the player will not be moving, but it is still one to watch. Modric reportedly wants out of Spurs and Chelsea and ManUtd appear to be in a tug of war for the young Croat. Dimitar Berbatov is rumoured to be on his way out of the club, despite taking the gold boot last season. He has struggled to find a consistent place in the first team and the emergence of Javier Hernandez only makes it more likely Berba is on his way out.
It appears Manchester City have captured Arsenal fullback Gael Clichy and the Times is reporting the deal will be done this week. He will be the third big name signing for City from Arsenal in the past 3 years, going back to Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor. This is rumoured to be triggering a fullback merry go round as Jose Enrique, Leighton Baines and Wayne Bridge have been mentioned as replacements for several clubs.
Scott Parker has turned down a chance to move to Turkish side Fenerbache obviously keener on staying in the league in which he excelled in last season. He has been a rumoured target of both North London outfits and one of the most sought after players available in this transfer window.
Another Turkish giant, Galatasaray, are rumoured to be offering Andrey Arshavin a way out of Arsenal. Wenger has expressed his motives to keep the little Russian, but fans have grown very tired of the player and it looks to be best for all parties if they part ways.
Porto striker Hulk has turned down Manchester City saying he wants to honour his 5 year contract with the club. He was rumoured to be a target for several big European clubs, particularly given he lost his manager to Chelsea.
Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao’s reported deal with Real Madrid has broken down, leaving the door open for Chelsea.
Chelsea are rumoured to be considering a bid for Arsenal’s speed demon Theo Walcott. Probably one of the more ridiculous rumours of the day.
City keeper Shay Given has turned down West Brom in a hope to get a transfer to Aston Villa. Villa’s ever reliable Brad Friedel has moved to Tottenham.
City’s young German defender Jerome Boateng’s deal with Bayern Munich is on the verge of collapse. He is someone I personally rate very highly and there should be several other teams knocking on the door if this does fall through. Arsene Wenger pick up your phone.
That’s about it for the most interesting rumours of today, check back in tomorrow for more potential transfers and any other news happening in the world of football.