Two of the most likeable players in the Premier League (!) are in the headlines again, perhaps because they are strikers who both play for Chelsea and Arsenal. In Emmanuel Adebayor’s case, it’s also because he’s spent the entire summer trying to either land a shedload more cash for kicking a football every week, or angle for a move to {insert name of Italian or Spanish club here}. [Read the rest of this entry »]

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Inter Milan have all made moves for the remaining member of Barcelona’s “wantaway trio”. Ronaldinho has gone to Milan, Deco to Chelsea, leaving only one player…

Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o has expressed his desire to leave Camp Nou this summer and his wishes moved closer to coming true as new Barca manager Pep Guardiola said he could go, along with Ronaldinho and Deco.

Now the striker has revealed to Corriere dello Sport that three clubs have made a move for his services, naming two Premiership clubs and the Italian champions:

“I have a few important offers. Which ones? Chelsea, Tottenham and Inter.”

Whether the clubs will actually make a move or not is still in debate. Tottenham assistant manager Gus Poyet recently said they would not bring Eto’o to White Hart Lane, while new Inter manager Jose Mourinho has stated he is targetting a midfielder over a striker.

This only leaves Chelsea as a realistic destination. With questions over Drogba’s future, would Stamford Bridge be a reasonble destination for Eto’o?

Arsenal are set to lose yet another midfielder this summer, as Barcelona confirm they have agreed a £12million deal with the Gunners to bring one of their key players to La Liga.

Alexander Hleb is set to arrive in Spain on Wednesday to complete a medical at the Camp Nou and conclude his long-running saga to leave the Emirates Stadium. The deal will not represent a significant profit for Arsenal, who spent £11.2 million to bring Hleb to London in 2005.

Barca’s official website broke the news:

The player Alexander Hleb, who has spent the past three seasons at Arsenal, arrives today in Barcelona to undergo a medical prior to his incorporation in FC Barcelona.

On the assumption that he passes these tests satisfactorily, Alexander Hleb could sign a contract tomorrow and be presented as a new player at FC Barcelona.

The move will bring the spending spree of new Barca manager, Pep Guardiola, to an incredible £76 million, around €95 million, having already spent £6m on Manchester United’s Gerard Pique, £8m on Palmeiras’ Henrique, £13m on Villareal’s Martin Caceres and £34.5m on Sevilla duo Seydou Keita and Daniel Alves.

The Belarussian’s departure leaves Arsene Wenger’s midfield looking light after the transfers of Matthieu Flamini and Gilberto Silva. Granted, Samir Nasri and Amaury Bischoff are set to arrive, but Arsenal are also losing valuable experience with the leaving senior players. Perhaps it could push Wenger to spend big on luring £18 million-valued Gareth Barry away from Villa Park.

What are fans thoughts on the mini-midfield exodus from Arsenal? Is there anyone you’d like to replace Flamini, Gilberto and now, Hleb?

Pep Guardiola is determined to make his mark on world football as he continues to spend, spend, spend at Camp Nou. [Read the rest of this entry »]