http://www.caughtoffside.com English Premier League Football News Blog Thu, 23 May 2013 22:54:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/arsenal-set-to-poach-german-youngster-hailed-the-next-mario-gotze/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/arsenal-set-to-poach-german-youngster-hailed-the-next-mario-gotze/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 21:58:17 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=146082 Arsenal considering move for talented 18-year-old.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Arsenal are to fight it out with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach for Bochum youngster Leon Goretzka, according to the Daily Express.

The young midfielder has earned rave reviews for his performances in the German second division this season, and his style has been compared with Borussia Dortmund star Mario Goetze.

Arsenal were keen on Goetze when he was a teenager, though his stock rose quickly as he emerged as one of the world's best players and he will now complete a big-money move to Bayern Munich next season.

Arsenal remain keen on scouting the world's best young talent though, and may want to move quickly for Goretzka before other clubs take notice of his talents.

Borussia Monchengladbach are already keen on the 18-year-old, who may cost around £3million, but a move to the Premier League to work under Arsene Wenger may be too good to turn down, given his record of getting the best out of talented youngsters.

He would join fellow German youth internationals Thomas Eisfeld and Serge Gnabry at the Emirates Stadium, two players who could be on the verge of the first team for the Gunners next season.


]]> Arsenal considering move for talented 18-year-old.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Arsenal are to fight it out with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach for Bochum youngster Leon Goretzka, according to the Daily Express.

The young midfielder has earned rave reviews for his performances in the German second division this season, and his style has been compared with Borussia Dortmund star Mario Goetze.

Arsenal were keen on Goetze when he was a teenager, though his stock rose quickly as he emerged as one of the world's best players and he will now complete a big-money move to Bayern Munich next season.

Arsenal remain keen on scouting the world's best young talent though, and may want to move quickly for Goretzka before other clubs take notice of his talents.

Borussia Monchengladbach are already keen on the 18-year-old, who may cost around £3million, but a move to the Premier League to work under Arsene Wenger may be too good to turn down, given his record of getting the best out of talented youngsters.

He would join fellow German youth internationals Thomas Eisfeld and Serge Gnabry at the Emirates Stadium, two players who could be on the verge of the first team for the Gunners next season.


]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/arsenal-set-to-poach-german-youngster-hailed-the-next-mario-gotze/feed/ 0 Mark BrusThu, 23 May 13 22:58:17 +0000Arsenal considering move for talented 18-year-old. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/montpellier-tell-arsenal-to-pay-100m-for-remy-cabella/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/montpellier-tell-arsenal-to-pay-100m-for-remy-cabella/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 19:30:03 +0000 Steven Green http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145982 Star will cost Gunners £100 million.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

French side Montpellier have warned Arsenal that talented playmaker Remy Cabella will not come cheap after they slapped an astonishing €100 million price tag on him, according to talkSPORT.

Arsene Wenger is reported to be a fan of the 23-year-old and has had his eye on him for some time and took particular interest as he helped the club to win the French league title in 2012. This term he bagged eight goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, which included his first foray into the Champions League.

The France under-21 international has also been trailed by a number of top European clubs recently but the club's deputy chairman, Laurent Nicollin, has insisted that any interested parties will have to cough up a significant fee to prize him away.

"He is non-transferable. We try to anticipate and plan things, even in football, but it's complicated," he told French radio station RMC.

"The desire of the club is to keep Remy - he was told and knows this. If a club arrives and offers 100m euros, it will be discussed though."

Cabella came through the youth ranks at Montpellier and made his breakthrough into the first team in 2009. He spent a season on loan with Arles-Avignon in 2010 but so far he has made nearly 100 appearances for Montpellier.


]]> Star will cost Gunners £100 million.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

French side Montpellier have warned Arsenal that talented playmaker Remy Cabella will not come cheap after they slapped an astonishing €100 million price tag on him, according to talkSPORT.

Arsene Wenger is reported to be a fan of the 23-year-old and has had his eye on him for some time and took particular interest as he helped the club to win the French league title in 2012. This term he bagged eight goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, which included his first foray into the Champions League.

The France under-21 international has also been trailed by a number of top European clubs recently but the club's deputy chairman, Laurent Nicollin, has insisted that any interested parties will have to cough up a significant fee to prize him away.

"He is non-transferable. We try to anticipate and plan things, even in football, but it's complicated," he told French radio station RMC.

"The desire of the club is to keep Remy - he was told and knows this. If a club arrives and offers 100m euros, it will be discussed though."

Cabella came through the youth ranks at Montpellier and made his breakthrough into the first team in 2009. He spent a season on loan with Arles-Avignon in 2010 but so far he has made nearly 100 appearances for Montpellier.


]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/montpellier-tell-arsenal-to-pay-100m-for-remy-cabella/feed/ 0 Steven GreenThu, 23 May 13 20:30:03 +0000Star will cost Gunners £100 million. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/west-ham-set-to-pounce-for-spanish-international-midfielder/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/west-ham-set-to-pounce-for-spanish-international-midfielder/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 18:44:07 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=146071 Hammers in for Real Betis midfielder.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

West Ham could emerge as shock contenders to sign Real Betis midfielder Benat, according to talkSPORT.

The Premier League club will make a contract offer to the 26-year-old Spanish international, who is available on a free transfer in this summer's transfer window.

The former Athletic Bilbao man, who has two caps for Spain, looked likely to favour a return to his former club, but was also said to be attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham.

However, the Hammers are keen to strengthen their squad this summer, planning a number of high-profile signings, and Benat on a free would certainly be good business for manager Sam Allardyce if he can pull it off.

The Spaniard could join the likes of Andy Carroll and Romelu Lukaku at Upton Park this summer, as Allardyce looks to improve on their 10th place finish of this campaign.

Benat would certainly add some quality in the middle of the park, with 4 goals and 8 assists from midfield in La Liga this season. With Arsenal adn Tottenham target Mohamed Diame possibly leaving the club, Benat could prove a very useful replacement.


]]> Hammers in for Real Betis midfielder.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

West Ham could emerge as shock contenders to sign Real Betis midfielder Benat, according to talkSPORT.

The Premier League club will make a contract offer to the 26-year-old Spanish international, who is available on a free transfer in this summer's transfer window.

The former Athletic Bilbao man, who has two caps for Spain, looked likely to favour a return to his former club, but was also said to be attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham.

However, the Hammers are keen to strengthen their squad this summer, planning a number of high-profile signings, and Benat on a free would certainly be good business for manager Sam Allardyce if he can pull it off.

The Spaniard could join the likes of Andy Carroll and Romelu Lukaku at Upton Park this summer, as Allardyce looks to improve on their 10th place finish of this campaign.

Benat would certainly add some quality in the middle of the park, with 4 goals and 8 assists from midfield in La Liga this season. With Arsenal adn Tottenham target Mohamed Diame possibly leaving the club, Benat could prove a very useful replacement.


]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/west-ham-set-to-pounce-for-spanish-international-midfielder/feed/ 0 Mark BrusThu, 23 May 13 19:44:07 +0000Hammers in for Real Betis midfielder. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/time-to-buy-ten-big-name-players-arsenal-must-target-this-summer/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/time-to-buy-ten-big-name-players-arsenal-must-target-this-summer/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 13:39:57 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=146045 Ten realistic big-name signings that could help make the Emirates Stadium side title challengers again.



Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts



10. Victor Valdes (Barcelona)

The long-serving Barcelona shot-stopper has announced his intention to leave the club this summer, saying he wants a new challenge and expressing a particular fondness for English football. What better opportunity then for Arsenal to upgrade on Wojciech Szczesny? The Polish 'keeper has had a disappointing season and doesn't look like fulfilling his potential at the Emirates Stadium since his breakthrough a couple of seasons ago. If Arsenal choose to compete with the likes of Manchester United and PSG for Valdes, they will be adding a three-time European champion and six-time La Liga winner to their ranks, which is just the kind of experience they need in a squad consisting mostly of young players or of players who haven't ever won anything.

Although he is 31 and would certainly command high wages, he could still be a bargain for the Gunners with just a year remaining on his current contract at the Nou Camp, and that experience and extra bit of quality to make game-changing saves at important times could be enough to make the difference over the course of a season.





9. Gokhan Inler (Napoli)

The Swiss midfielder has been one of the best and most consistent performers in Serie A for the last six years since he joined Udinese from FC Zurich. Now 28-years-old, he is a key player for Napoli, and helped guide them to second place in Serie A this season with his tough tackling and battling displays in the middle of the park, as well as providing six goals and two assists.

It could be a summer of exits at the club, with star striker Edinson Cavani wanted by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, and manager Walter Pazzarri possibly leaving to take over at Inter Milan. Inler has been linked with Arsenal before, and now may be a good time for the Gunners to move for him as Napoli undergo a series of changes in this transfer window. He would be expensive, but he'd be an immediate starter in this current Arsenal team, providing more protection to the back four than the likes of Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey, who have been played somewhat out of position this season.





8. Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)


This latest prospect coming out of Germany is another player who could fill the defensive midfield void at Arsenal left by the departing Alex Song last summer. The 22-year-old has established himself as a key member of Borussia Dortmund's team and has all the attributes to be a fine player for almost any top club. Manchester United and Barcelona have shown an interest in him, but Arsenal have also been linked with a £22million bid, which is just the kind of ambition they need to show this summer.

Ilkay Gundogan would slot right in to the Arsenal team and could be their midfield enforcer for many years to come, and what a boost it would be for the club's fans to know they beat other big teams to his signature - just the kind of lift they need after eight years without silverware.





7. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle)

With Newcastle performing below expectation this season, it is no surprise to see star midfielder Yohan Cabaye being linked with a move away. Arsenal have been linked with him several times now since he moved to the Premier League and quickly showed he could take his fine form with Lille to the English game. Manchester United are also interested in the Frenchman as they eye a long term replacement for the retiring Paul Scholes, but Arsenal could also do with a player like Cabaye to take the pressure off main playmaker Santi Cazorla. The 27-year-old is also an experienced France international who could give the Gunners something a bit different with his excellent long range shots and free kicks, putting an end to this current crop of players' obsession with trying to walk the ball into the net.

Cabaye would cost around £20million, but he belongs at a bigger club and would surely jump at the chance to link up with Arsene Wenger and play in a team that would suit his technical playing style perfectly. One potential problem is his fitness, which has seen him miss a lot of this season, though he has still managed six goals and two assists in 26 league games for Alan Pardew's side, adding to his five goals and nine assists from the season before. If Wenger fails to land Cabaye, there are several other high profile players at Newcastle who might feel they want to leave the club for bigger things this summer, such as Hatem Ben Arfa, Tim Krul and Papiss Cisse.





6. Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

It's been a brilliant season for Marouane Fellaini, standing out as Everton's best player with 11 goals and 5 assists in the league, helping them to an impressive sixth place. His displays will surely have caught the attention of the Premier League big boys, and the biggest rumour at the moment, somewhat understandably, is that the Belgian will follow departing manager David Moyes to Manchester United.

Chelsea are also interested in the 25-year-old, but Arsenal should make sure they are in the running too. The towering midfielder can play a defensive midfield role as well as off the striker, providing a physicality and aerial threat that is currently desperately missing from Arsenal's play, both in the midfield engine room and in attack. Fellaini reportedly has a minimum release fee clause of around £25million and Arsene Wenger would be well advised to fork out for this player, who looks like being the missing link between the Gunners and glory at the moment. He is a big name as well, after many years in the Premier League, and would certainly sell shirts and create a buzz around the Emirates Stadium next season.





5. Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Arsenal have been linked several times with this talented French attacker, and he, along with Yohan Cabaye, could be another excellent addition to their midfield this summer. The 28-year-old has an excellent record over the last couple of seasons as he has really reached his peak at Marseille, with 9 goals and 16 assists in 2011/12 and a further 5 goals and 14 assists this year. The playmaker has 20 caps for France and is a Ligue 1 title winner as well after helping Marseille to glory in 2009/10. He is just the player Arsenal need to take the workload off the likes of Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere and give them more option to rotate their squad, which would in turn help avoid the injuries that have plagued Wilshere in particular over the last couple of years.

Valbuena will surely be keen to work with French legend Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium, and Wenger too will be a fan of the way Valbuena plays the game, as he is a skillful passer and unselfish player from midfield.





4. Dani Alves (Barcelona)

With it looking increasingly more likely that Bacary Sagna will leave Arsenal in the summer, a new right-back is a must. Carl Jenkinson has shown himself to be a decent backup, but he is not ready to replace the long-serving Frenchman just yet. Rumour has it, Barcelona's Dani Alves could be available after a less than convincing season this year. Still, the 30-year-old has fantastic ability on his day and would be a great addition to the Arsenal squad. He has been linked with a move to the Gunners before, and with one goal and seven assists this season, he would be a significant improvement going forward on Sagna, who has 0 goals and 0 assists this term.

Sagna may be more reliable defensively, but Alves is arguably under-rated in this regard, and could slot in nicely into Arsenal's back four, whilst also providing far more width and ammunition for the front players, as attacks currently have a habit of breaking down when they reach Sagna on Arsenal's right-hand side. Like Victor Valdes, Alves has a very healthy collection of winners' medals from his time with Barca and this experience could be invaluable to Arsenal as they seek to end their eight-year wait for trophies next season. This may be a risky signing, but the Brazilian is still a big name whose skills will get fans of their seats at the Emirates Stadium.





3. Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan)

Arsenal have already been linked with a surprisingly ambitious bid for AC Milan starlet Stephan El Shaarawy. The 20-year-old is one of the brightest prospects in world football, catching the eye in Serie A this season with 16 goals and 4 assists, playing both as a winger and as a forward. He is already a full Italian international, with six appearances and one goal for the national side, and has regularly shown himself to have an eye for the spectacular, with some wonderful goals for Milan this year. Manchester City are also interested in the youngster, who would cost close to £30million, but will surely be one of the best players in the world for much of the next decade.

Arsenal are still lacking a regular goal scorer upfront since Robin van Persie left, and El Shaarawy can certainly give them that extra quality in the final third. Milan will be keen not to sell, but Arsenal should try as hard as possible for this world class talent.





2. Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina)

The Fiorentina striker has been linked with Arsenal for much of the season, and is one of the biggest names in Serie A at the moment. A striker is clearly a priority for Arsene Wenger this summer, and this deal could go through in the next few weeks. He should be something of a bargain at around £15million, but he's still the big name Arsenal need. Manchester City and Chelsea have also been linked with Jovetic, and it would be a real boost for the Gunners to sign an established player that their rivals have shown an interest in.

The Montenegro international has 13 goals and 5 assists for La Viola this season, and looks like the all-round skillful forward that Arsenal need, who can score goals and play in team mates like van Persie used to. He should be their first major signing of the summer and may well prove to be the most important.





1. Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)

Gonzalo Higuain has been unfortunate to find himself on the transfer list at Real Madrid this summer, after a good seven years with the club. The Argentine has fallen down the pecking order this season in a difficult year for the club all round, and is simply the victim of the owners' desire to make wholesale changes in the upcoming transfer window. The 25-year-old has still managed 17 goals in a season spent mostly on the bench, and is the kind of expert finisher that Arsenal have been looking for for many years.

Real Madrid have set an asking price of around £22million for the striker, and the Gunners will likely face competition from Juventus, Manchester City and Tottenham for Higuain's signature. This interest in him shows his talent and potential, and Arsenal would do very well to lure him to the Emirates Stadium, where he would almost certainly be one of the Premier League's top scorers, and a more reliable marksman than some of the players in Arsenal's recent history, who have been known for missing relatively easy chances and costing their side crucial points.


]]> Ten realistic big-name signings that could help make the Emirates Stadium side title challengers again.



Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts



10. Victor Valdes (Barcelona)

The long-serving Barcelona shot-stopper has announced his intention to leave the club this summer, saying he wants a new challenge and expressing a particular fondness for English football. What better opportunity then for Arsenal to upgrade on Wojciech Szczesny? The Polish 'keeper has had a disappointing season and doesn't look like fulfilling his potential at the Emirates Stadium since his breakthrough a couple of seasons ago. If Arsenal choose to compete with the likes of Manchester United and PSG for Valdes, they will be adding a three-time European champion and six-time La Liga winner to their ranks, which is just the kind of experience they need in a squad consisting mostly of young players or of players who haven't ever won anything.

Although he is 31 and would certainly command high wages, he could still be a bargain for the Gunners with just a year remaining on his current contract at the Nou Camp, and that experience and extra bit of quality to make game-changing saves at important times could be enough to make the difference over the course of a season.





9. Gokhan Inler (Napoli)

The Swiss midfielder has been one of the best and most consistent performers in Serie A for the last six years since he joined Udinese from FC Zurich. Now 28-years-old, he is a key player for Napoli, and helped guide them to second place in Serie A this season with his tough tackling and battling displays in the middle of the park, as well as providing six goals and two assists.

It could be a summer of exits at the club, with star striker Edinson Cavani wanted by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, and manager Walter Pazzarri possibly leaving to take over at Inter Milan. Inler has been linked with Arsenal before, and now may be a good time for the Gunners to move for him as Napoli undergo a series of changes in this transfer window. He would be expensive, but he'd be an immediate starter in this current Arsenal team, providing more protection to the back four than the likes of Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey, who have been played somewhat out of position this season.





8. Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)


This latest prospect coming out of Germany is another player who could fill the defensive midfield void at Arsenal left by the departing Alex Song last summer. The 22-year-old has established himself as a key member of Borussia Dortmund's team and has all the attributes to be a fine player for almost any top club. Manchester United and Barcelona have shown an interest in him, but Arsenal have also been linked with a £22million bid, which is just the kind of ambition they need to show this summer.

Ilkay Gundogan would slot right in to the Arsenal team and could be their midfield enforcer for many years to come, and what a boost it would be for the club's fans to know they beat other big teams to his signature - just the kind of lift they need after eight years without silverware.





7. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle)

With Newcastle performing below expectation this season, it is no surprise to see star midfielder Yohan Cabaye being linked with a move away. Arsenal have been linked with him several times now since he moved to the Premier League and quickly showed he could take his fine form with Lille to the English game. Manchester United are also interested in the Frenchman as they eye a long term replacement for the retiring Paul Scholes, but Arsenal could also do with a player like Cabaye to take the pressure off main playmaker Santi Cazorla. The 27-year-old is also an experienced France international who could give the Gunners something a bit different with his excellent long range shots and free kicks, putting an end to this current crop of players' obsession with trying to walk the ball into the net.

Cabaye would cost around £20million, but he belongs at a bigger club and would surely jump at the chance to link up with Arsene Wenger and play in a team that would suit his technical playing style perfectly. One potential problem is his fitness, which has seen him miss a lot of this season, though he has still managed six goals and two assists in 26 league games for Alan Pardew's side, adding to his five goals and nine assists from the season before. If Wenger fails to land Cabaye, there are several other high profile players at Newcastle who might feel they want to leave the club for bigger things this summer, such as Hatem Ben Arfa, Tim Krul and Papiss Cisse.





6. Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

It's been a brilliant season for Marouane Fellaini, standing out as Everton's best player with 11 goals and 5 assists in the league, helping them to an impressive sixth place. His displays will surely have caught the attention of the Premier League big boys, and the biggest rumour at the moment, somewhat understandably, is that the Belgian will follow departing manager David Moyes to Manchester United.

Chelsea are also interested in the 25-year-old, but Arsenal should make sure they are in the running too. The towering midfielder can play a defensive midfield role as well as off the striker, providing a physicality and aerial threat that is currently desperately missing from Arsenal's play, both in the midfield engine room and in attack. Fellaini reportedly has a minimum release fee clause of around £25million and Arsene Wenger would be well advised to fork out for this player, who looks like being the missing link between the Gunners and glory at the moment. He is a big name as well, after many years in the Premier League, and would certainly sell shirts and create a buzz around the Emirates Stadium next season.





5. Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Arsenal have been linked several times with this talented French attacker, and he, along with Yohan Cabaye, could be another excellent addition to their midfield this summer. The 28-year-old has an excellent record over the last couple of seasons as he has really reached his peak at Marseille, with 9 goals and 16 assists in 2011/12 and a further 5 goals and 14 assists this year. The playmaker has 20 caps for France and is a Ligue 1 title winner as well after helping Marseille to glory in 2009/10. He is just the player Arsenal need to take the workload off the likes of Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere and give them more option to rotate their squad, which would in turn help avoid the injuries that have plagued Wilshere in particular over the last couple of years.

Valbuena will surely be keen to work with French legend Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium, and Wenger too will be a fan of the way Valbuena plays the game, as he is a skillful passer and unselfish player from midfield.





4. Dani Alves (Barcelona)

With it looking increasingly more likely that Bacary Sagna will leave Arsenal in the summer, a new right-back is a must. Carl Jenkinson has shown himself to be a decent backup, but he is not ready to replace the long-serving Frenchman just yet. Rumour has it, Barcelona's Dani Alves could be available after a less than convincing season this year. Still, the 30-year-old has fantastic ability on his day and would be a great addition to the Arsenal squad. He has been linked with a move to the Gunners before, and with one goal and seven assists this season, he would be a significant improvement going forward on Sagna, who has 0 goals and 0 assists this term.

Sagna may be more reliable defensively, but Alves is arguably under-rated in this regard, and could slot in nicely into Arsenal's back four, whilst also providing far more width and ammunition for the front players, as attacks currently have a habit of breaking down when they reach Sagna on Arsenal's right-hand side. Like Victor Valdes, Alves has a very healthy collection of winners' medals from his time with Barca and this experience could be invaluable to Arsenal as they seek to end their eight-year wait for trophies next season. This may be a risky signing, but the Brazilian is still a big name whose skills will get fans of their seats at the Emirates Stadium.





3. Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan)

Arsenal have already been linked with a surprisingly ambitious bid for AC Milan starlet Stephan El Shaarawy. The 20-year-old is one of the brightest prospects in world football, catching the eye in Serie A this season with 16 goals and 4 assists, playing both as a winger and as a forward. He is already a full Italian international, with six appearances and one goal for the national side, and has regularly shown himself to have an eye for the spectacular, with some wonderful goals for Milan this year. Manchester City are also interested in the youngster, who would cost close to £30million, but will surely be one of the best players in the world for much of the next decade.

Arsenal are still lacking a regular goal scorer upfront since Robin van Persie left, and El Shaarawy can certainly give them that extra quality in the final third. Milan will be keen not to sell, but Arsenal should try as hard as possible for this world class talent.





2. Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina)

The Fiorentina striker has been linked with Arsenal for much of the season, and is one of the biggest names in Serie A at the moment. A striker is clearly a priority for Arsene Wenger this summer, and this deal could go through in the next few weeks. He should be something of a bargain at around £15million, but he's still the big name Arsenal need. Manchester City and Chelsea have also been linked with Jovetic, and it would be a real boost for the Gunners to sign an established player that their rivals have shown an interest in.

The Montenegro international has 13 goals and 5 assists for La Viola this season, and looks like the all-round skillful forward that Arsenal need, who can score goals and play in team mates like van Persie used to. He should be their first major signing of the summer and may well prove to be the most important.





1. Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)

Gonzalo Higuain has been unfortunate to find himself on the transfer list at Real Madrid this summer, after a good seven years with the club. The Argentine has fallen down the pecking order this season in a difficult year for the club all round, and is simply the victim of the owners' desire to make wholesale changes in the upcoming transfer window. The 25-year-old has still managed 17 goals in a season spent mostly on the bench, and is the kind of expert finisher that Arsenal have been looking for for many years.

Real Madrid have set an asking price of around £22million for the striker, and the Gunners will likely face competition from Juventus, Manchester City and Tottenham for Higuain's signature. This interest in him shows his talent and potential, and Arsenal would do very well to lure him to the Emirates Stadium, where he would almost certainly be one of the Premier League's top scorers, and a more reliable marksman than some of the players in Arsenal's recent history, who have been known for missing relatively easy chances and costing their side crucial points.


]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/time-to-buy-ten-big-name-players-arsenal-must-target-this-summer/feed/ 0 Mark BrusThu, 23 May 13 14:39:57 +0000Ten realistic big-name signings that could help make the Emirates Stadium side title challengers again. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/top-ten-premier-league-wingers-in-201213/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/top-ten-premier-league-wingers-in-201213/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 13:32:27 +0000 Mad Dog and Glory http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145769 It's end of season poll time.



We invite our readers to vote in a poll that will help us to produce a Premier League Best XI of 2012/13.

Today is the turn of the wingers.



Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

May well end up winning this poll by a country mile, such has been his level of form throughout the campaign. 21 Premier League goals to his name.



Adam Lallana (Southampton)

Saints hero has adapted well to life in the top tier, one of the St Mary's sides chief creators.



Kevin Mirallas (Everton)

Stylish Belgian has done well in his first season in the English top flight, nine goals and six assists to his name.



Steven Pienaar (Everton)

South African has impressed this term, working well in front of Leighton Baines on the flank.



Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Belgian, who also got a nod in our creative midfielder category, is also worth a mention on our winger poll, 20 assists in all competitions!





David Silva (Man City)

Perhaps a less glorious individual campaign than last term but the crafty Spaniard is still one of the Premier League's most effective attackers.



Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)

Perhaps Bale's displays have left the England man in the shadows somewhat but the pint sized performer has nonetheless impressed this term.



Robert Snodgrass (Norwich City)

Canaries are no doubt indebted to the efforts of the Scottish international.



Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Arsenal man may like to be considered for the striking role at the Gunners but out wide he has had a very effective campaign, 14 goals and 10 assists in Premier League action alone.



Shaun Maloney (Wigan Athletic)

The Latics may have been relegated by Maloney has still been a very productive player this season.

]]> It's end of season poll time.



We invite our readers to vote in a poll that will help us to produce a Premier League Best XI of 2012/13.

Today is the turn of the wingers.



Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

May well end up winning this poll by a country mile, such has been his level of form throughout the campaign. 21 Premier League goals to his name.



Adam Lallana (Southampton)

Saints hero has adapted well to life in the top tier, one of the St Mary's sides chief creators.



Kevin Mirallas (Everton)

Stylish Belgian has done well in his first season in the English top flight, nine goals and six assists to his name.



Steven Pienaar (Everton)

South African has impressed this term, working well in front of Leighton Baines on the flank.



Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Belgian, who also got a nod in our creative midfielder category, is also worth a mention on our winger poll, 20 assists in all competitions!





David Silva (Man City)

Perhaps a less glorious individual campaign than last term but the crafty Spaniard is still one of the Premier League's most effective attackers.



Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)

Perhaps Bale's displays have left the England man in the shadows somewhat but the pint sized performer has nonetheless impressed this term.



Robert Snodgrass (Norwich City)

Canaries are no doubt indebted to the efforts of the Scottish international.



Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Arsenal man may like to be considered for the striking role at the Gunners but out wide he has had a very effective campaign, 14 goals and 10 assists in Premier League action alone.



Shaun Maloney (Wigan Athletic)

The Latics may have been relegated by Maloney has still been a very productive player this season.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/top-ten-premier-league-wingers-in-201213/feed/ 0 Mad Dog and GloryThu, 23 May 13 14:32:27 +0000It's end of season poll time. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/arsenal-ready-to-sell-thomas-vermaelen-in-cut-price-deal/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/arsenal-ready-to-sell-thomas-vermaelen-in-cut-price-deal/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 13:30:15 +0000 Charlie Yaxley http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=146019 Gunners ready to offload Belgian centre back.

Check in to Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich - 2013 UEFA Champions League Final

Arsenal are reportedly ready to cut their losses on Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen according to The Sun.

The centre back arrived from Ajax four years ago with a reputation as one of the most promising defenders in Europe.

But the player has failed to live up to expectations despite being made captain at the club.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s patience finally ran out during the campaign after a number of high profile errors cost the club valuable points as they fought for a place in the Champions League.

Wenger is keen to prevent a repeat this season and will move the player on in the coming months.

Such is the club’s desire to get rid of Vermaelen, they are willing to sell him at half the £10 million fee they paid for him.

That news is likely to be of interest to Spanish side Barcelona. The Catalan giants are looking for a replacement for the ageing Carlos Puyol and will be especially interested in the Belgian’s low price.

Vermaelen’s departure will make space for new arrivals with the club thought to be amongst the leading contenders for the signature of Swansea’s Ashley Williams.

Vermaelen is set to be followed out of the Arsenal exit door by Marouane Chamakh, Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner, Park Chu-Young and Andre Santos.


]]> Gunners ready to offload Belgian centre back.

Check in to Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich - 2013 UEFA Champions League Final

Arsenal are reportedly ready to cut their losses on Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen according to The Sun.

The centre back arrived from Ajax four years ago with a reputation as one of the most promising defenders in Europe.

But the player has failed to live up to expectations despite being made captain at the club.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s patience finally ran out during the campaign after a number of high profile errors cost the club valuable points as they fought for a place in the Champions League.

Wenger is keen to prevent a repeat this season and will move the player on in the coming months.

Such is the club’s desire to get rid of Vermaelen, they are willing to sell him at half the £10 million fee they paid for him.

That news is likely to be of interest to Spanish side Barcelona. The Catalan giants are looking for a replacement for the ageing Carlos Puyol and will be especially interested in the Belgian’s low price.

Vermaelen’s departure will make space for new arrivals with the club thought to be amongst the leading contenders for the signature of Swansea’s Ashley Williams.

Vermaelen is set to be followed out of the Arsenal exit door by Marouane Chamakh, Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner, Park Chu-Young and Andre Santos.


]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/arsenal-ready-to-sell-thomas-vermaelen-in-cut-price-deal/feed/ 0 Charlie YaxleyThu, 23 May 13 14:30:15 +0000Gunners ready to offload Belgian centre back. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/juventus-reach-agreement-to-sign-arsenal-target-gonzalo-higuain/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/juventus-reach-agreement-to-sign-arsenal-target-gonzalo-higuain/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 12:23:20 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=146028 Italian giants enter chase for Real Madrid striker.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Italian news source La Repubblica reports that Juventus are now favourites to sign Gonzalo Higuain from under the noses of Arsenal.

The Argentine striker has been put up for sale by Real Madrid this summer, and Arsenal were told to pay around £22million to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are known to be on the lookout for a striker in this transfer window, as the likes of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud have not quite helped fill the void left by Robin van Persie.

Higuain is said to be a main target, though Arsenal have also had their eye on Stevan Jovetic of Fiorentina, who may be available for cheaper, at around £15million.

Juventus have also shown an interest in Jovetic, though Fiorentina's reluctance to sell to another Serie A club has seen the Italian champions make their move for Higuain instead.

The talented finisher has 120 goals for the Bernebeu club in 264 appearances, but has fallen down the pecking order this season and could make way as the club look to reel in bigger targets, such as Tottenham's Gareth Bale.


]]> Italian giants enter chase for Real Madrid striker.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Italian news source La Repubblica reports that Juventus are now favourites to sign Gonzalo Higuain from under the noses of Arsenal.

The Argentine striker has been put up for sale by Real Madrid this summer, and Arsenal were told to pay around £22million to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are known to be on the lookout for a striker in this transfer window, as the likes of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud have not quite helped fill the void left by Robin van Persie.

Higuain is said to be a main target, though Arsenal have also had their eye on Stevan Jovetic of Fiorentina, who may be available for cheaper, at around £15million.

Juventus have also shown an interest in Jovetic, though Fiorentina's reluctance to sell to another Serie A club has seen the Italian champions make their move for Higuain instead.

The talented finisher has 120 goals for the Bernebeu club in 264 appearances, but has fallen down the pecking order this season and could make way as the club look to reel in bigger targets, such as Tottenham's Gareth Bale.


]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/juventus-reach-agreement-to-sign-arsenal-target-gonzalo-higuain/feed/ 0 Mark BrusThu, 23 May 13 13:23:20 +0000Italian giants enter chase for Real Madrid striker. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/arsenal-goalkeeper-target-wants-barcelona-move/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/arsenal-goalkeeper-target-wants-barcelona-move/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 11:55:00 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145976 Goalkeeper waiting for Barca call.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Arsenal goalkeeper target Marc-Andre Ter Stegen apparently has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach man is one of the most highly rated young goalkeepers in the world, and Arsenal are determined to land him next season as they look for a replacement for Wojciech Szczesny,

The Gunners have been linked with a number of goalkeepers in this summer's transfer window, including Stoke City's Asmir Begovic and Sunderland's Simon Mignolet, but they have now made the German international a prime target.

Inter Milan are also watching Ter Stegen, but the player himself wants to wait for a chance for a dream move to join Spanish giants Barcelona.

The Spanish champions are also on the lookout for a new 'keeper this summer, with long-serving shot stopper Victor Valdes confirming his desire to leave the club for a new challenge at the end of this campaign.

Barca have been linked strongly with Liverpool's Pepe Reina, though they may now be alerted to Ter Stegen's desire to play at the Nou Camp, and he would be a more long-term option than the 30-year-old Reina.


]]> Goalkeeper waiting for Barca call.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Arsenal goalkeeper target Marc-Andre Ter Stegen apparently has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach man is one of the most highly rated young goalkeepers in the world, and Arsenal are determined to land him next season as they look for a replacement for Wojciech Szczesny,

The Gunners have been linked with a number of goalkeepers in this summer's transfer window, including Stoke City's Asmir Begovic and Sunderland's Simon Mignolet, but they have now made the German international a prime target.

Inter Milan are also watching Ter Stegen, but the player himself wants to wait for a chance for a dream move to join Spanish giants Barcelona.

The Spanish champions are also on the lookout for a new 'keeper this summer, with long-serving shot stopper Victor Valdes confirming his desire to leave the club for a new challenge at the end of this campaign.

Barca have been linked strongly with Liverpool's Pepe Reina, though they may now be alerted to Ter Stegen's desire to play at the Nou Camp, and he would be a more long-term option than the 30-year-old Reina.


]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/arsenal-goalkeeper-target-wants-barcelona-move/feed/ 0 Mark BrusThu, 23 May 13 12:55:00 +0000Goalkeeper waiting for Barca call. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/transfer-rumour-gossip-chelsea-target-real-madrid-dream-team-gunners-skipper-set-for-5m-exit-higuain-serie-a-bound/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/transfer-rumour-gossip-chelsea-target-real-madrid-dream-team-gunners-skipper-set-for-5m-exit-higuain-serie-a-bound/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 10:07:56 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=146025 A round-up of Thursday's biggest transfer stories.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

French giants PSG are readying a bid of £40million for unsettled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Former Real Madrid president Roman Calderon believes Cristiano Ronaldo could follow Jose Mourinho to Chelsea this summer.

Full story: talkSPORT.

Chelsea veteran midfielder Frank Lampard has hinted he could stay at Chelsea for a further three years.

Full story: London Evening Standard.

Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for their captain Thomas Vermaelen, and may accept as little as £5million for the unsettled defender.

Full story: The Sun.



Liverpool want to sell Stewart Downing on a permanent deal, and won't listen to loan offers for the winger. Fulham are said to be interested.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Darren Bent has reportedly been told that he can leave Aston Villa this summer after being frozen out by manager Paul Lambert.

Full story: Daily Mail.

West Ham are leading the chase to land young Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on loan next season after an impressive spell with West Brom this year.

Full story: The Metro.

Arsenal target Remy Cabella has had a huge price tag of £85million stamped on his head by current club Montpellier.

Full story: talkSPORT.

Chelsea duo Rafael Benitez and Fernando Torres are both targets for Serie A side Napoli this summer.

Full story: Daily Mirror.



Tottenham are planning an ambitious £36million double move for strikers Roberto Soldado of Valencia and Leandro Damiao of Internacional.

Full story: Daily Express.

Reports in Italy say Arsenal look like missing out on Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain to Italian giants Juventus.

Full story: La Repubblica.

Chelsea have enquired about free-scoring Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz, who has also been watched by Arsenal and Liverpool.

Full story: The Guardian.

Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Rob Green wants to stay at the club and fight for his place in the Championship next season.

Full story: London Evening Standard.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits Luis Suarez has his price, but that he does not want to sell the striker this summer.

Full story: The Metro.

However, Bayern Munich are big fans of the Uruguayan striker, and may hand new manager Pep Guardiola the funds to sign him.

Full story: Daily Mirror.



Newcastle are not interested in making a bid to bring Liverpool striker Andy Carroll back to St James' Park.

Full story: The Telegraph.

]]> A round-up of Thursday's biggest transfer stories.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

French giants PSG are readying a bid of £40million for unsettled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Former Real Madrid president Roman Calderon believes Cristiano Ronaldo could follow Jose Mourinho to Chelsea this summer.

Full story: talkSPORT.

Chelsea veteran midfielder Frank Lampard has hinted he could stay at Chelsea for a further three years.

Full story: London Evening Standard.

Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for their captain Thomas Vermaelen, and may accept as little as £5million for the unsettled defender.

Full story: The Sun.



Liverpool want to sell Stewart Downing on a permanent deal, and won't listen to loan offers for the winger. Fulham are said to be interested.

Full story: Daily Mirror.

Darren Bent has reportedly been told that he can leave Aston Villa this summer after being frozen out by manager Paul Lambert.

Full story: Daily Mail.

West Ham are leading the chase to land young Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on loan next season after an impressive spell with West Brom this year.

Full story: The Metro.

Arsenal target Remy Cabella has had a huge price tag of £85million stamped on his head by current club Montpellier.

Full story: talkSPORT.

Chelsea duo Rafael Benitez and Fernando Torres are both targets for Serie A side Napoli this summer.

Full story: Daily Mirror.



Tottenham are planning an ambitious £36million double move for strikers Roberto Soldado of Valencia and Leandro Damiao of Internacional.

Full story: Daily Express.

Reports in Italy say Arsenal look like missing out on Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain to Italian giants Juventus.

Full story: La Repubblica.

Chelsea have enquired about free-scoring Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz, who has also been watched by Arsenal and Liverpool.

Full story: The Guardian.

Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Rob Green wants to stay at the club and fight for his place in the Championship next season.

Full story: London Evening Standard.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits Luis Suarez has his price, but that he does not want to sell the striker this summer.

Full story: The Metro.

However, Bayern Munich are big fans of the Uruguayan striker, and may hand new manager Pep Guardiola the funds to sign him.

Full story: Daily Mirror.



Newcastle are not interested in making a bid to bring Liverpool striker Andy Carroll back to St James' Park.

Full story: The Telegraph.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/transfer-rumour-gossip-chelsea-target-real-madrid-dream-team-gunners-skipper-set-for-5m-exit-higuain-serie-a-bound/feed/ 0 Mark BrusThu, 23 May 13 11:07:56 +0000A round-up of Thursday's biggest transfer stories. http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/manchester-united-step-up-barcelona-midfielder-pursuit/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/manchester-united-step-up-barcelona-midfielder-pursuit/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 08:37:08 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145991 Manchester United keen on Barcelona youngster.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Manchester United will bid around £15million to bring Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara to the club this summer, according to Marca.

The 22-year-old is one of many fine young players to have come through the club's La Masia youth system, though he has struggled to gain a first team place due to the vast competition ahead of him.

Alcantara has been unable to work his way past Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, and may have to look for a move elsewhere to fulfill his enormous potential and progress in his career.

The midfield playmaker, who has three caps for the senior Spanish national team, has been linked with United before, as well as other clubs, and the Red Devils are now ready to step up their interest in him as they seek a player of his kind to replace the retiring Paul Scholes.

Other attacking midfielders have been linked with the club, such as Benfica's Nemanja Matic and even Alcantara's Barcelona team-mate Fabregas, formerly of Arsenal.

Juventus' Claudio Marchisio is also said to be a main target, though he would cost closer to £30million, and United may favour a cheaper move due to the release clause in Alcantara's contract.

]]> Manchester United keen on Barcelona youngster.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Manchester United will bid around £15million to bring Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara to the club this summer, according to Marca.

The 22-year-old is one of many fine young players to have come through the club's La Masia youth system, though he has struggled to gain a first team place due to the vast competition ahead of him.

Alcantara has been unable to work his way past Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, and may have to look for a move elsewhere to fulfill his enormous potential and progress in his career.

The midfield playmaker, who has three caps for the senior Spanish national team, has been linked with United before, as well as other clubs, and the Red Devils are now ready to step up their interest in him as they seek a player of his kind to replace the retiring Paul Scholes.

Other attacking midfielders have been linked with the club, such as Benfica's Nemanja Matic and even Alcantara's Barcelona team-mate Fabregas, formerly of Arsenal.

Juventus' Claudio Marchisio is also said to be a main target, though he would cost closer to £30million, and United may favour a cheaper move due to the release clause in Alcantara's contract.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/23/manchester-united-step-up-barcelona-midfielder-pursuit/feed/ 0 Mark BrusThu, 23 May 13 09:37:08 +0000Manchester United keen on Barcelona youngster.