The transfer window is proving to be very busy with many players set to move clubs this summer. Here is a collection of deals that are very close to be completed this summer.
Christan Benteke- Aston Villa to Tottenham Hotspur or Chelsea
The striker has had a fantastic debut season at Villa Park, scoring 19 league goals that helped keep his side in the Premier League. He was one of the positives for Villa throughout a tough season but the Belgian’s excellent performances have led to speculation that the striker may move away from the club this summer. Spurs and Chelsea are looking to sign the striker, with both Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas-Boas looking to strenghthen their strike force this summer. Both clubs have been encouraged in recent days with the news that Benteke has handed in a transfer request at Aston Villa and wants to move to a club that is regularly challenging for top honours. Spurs are thought to be Benteke’s preferred destination for a move as the striker wants to make sure that he is playing first football next season. The striker also wants to make sure that he is part of Belgium’s squad for next summers World Cup and will have to be playing regularly for that to happen.
Benteke is worried about a move to Chelsea because he is not sure whether he will get much first team football at Stamford Bridge next season but his international team mate Eden Hazard is reportedly trying to persuade the striker to make the move to the Blues. Another problem for both clubs is that Aston Villa are demanding £25 million for the striker and both Chelsea and Spurs are thought to be unwilling to pay that much and are readying £20 million bids to test Villa’s resolve.
Stevan Jovetic- Fiorentina to Manchester City
The Montenegrin striker is one of the most highly rated front men in European football and has spent several highly successful seasons at Fiorentina. Jovetic is now looking to leave Florence though, stating that he wants a new challenge and wants the opportunity to play for one of Europe’s big clubs in the biggest competitions. Since the strikers comments, speculation has risen about where Jovetic will be playing next season and it seems that Manchester City have become front runners. City are desperate to sign a top quality striker this summer and currently have only two first team strikers at the club following Carlos Tevez departure to Juventus.
Sky Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini is hoping to solve City’s problems up front by signing Jovetic and the versatile striker could play in a wide variety of positions in the clubs attack. City appear ready to pay Fiorentina £27 million for the Montenegrin and the striker has said that playing in the Premier League is something that would interest him. However, Juventus have recently come back into the race for Jovetic and could try and persuade the striker to come in Turin. However, Fiorentina have a poor relationship with Juventus so they are unlikely to do business with the Italian Champions.
Demba Ba- Chelsea to West Ham
Ba has only had a very short spell at Stamford Bridge, having only signed for the Blues in January. During his time at the club, Ba has scored some fantastic goals, including one against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. However, he hasn’t started as many games as he would of liked and has had to compete with Fernando Torres for a striking position, despite the Spaniards poor form.
Now that Jose Mourinho has returned to Chelsea, it looks like Ba’s time at Stamford Bridge could be up, with the Portuguese coach wanting to create room in Chelsea’s squad for new signings. West Ham appear to be the most likely destination for Ba, with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce looking for a forward to partner Andy Carroll next season. Ba would more than likely look to stay in the Premier League as he has had so much success in England. However, Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala are reportedly set to make a bid for Ba and could offer the striker huge wages which West Ham wouldn’t be able to compete with. West will have to move fast to complete the signing of Ba for risk losing him to Anzhi.
Christen Eriksen- Ajax to Liverpool
The Dane has been regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe for many years now and has been repeatedly been linked with a move away from Dutch giants Ajax. Many pundits have said that it could be time for the midfielder to test himself in another league and it appears that this could be the season that Eriksen moves on, with long term admires Liverpool set to make a move for the Danish international. Eriksen only has one year left on his contract at Ajax and it is unlikely that he will sign a new deal, meaning the Dutch club must sell him this summer or risk losing him on a free transfer.
Liverpool are set to bid £15 million for the midfielder, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers looking to sign the midfielder and bed him into the clubs starting eleven. Eriksen fits Liverpool’s style of play and would be a very good addition for the club this summer. The Reds are unlikely to face much competition for the midfielder, with their closest rivals Borussia Dortmund having already signed midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Roma are also thought to be interested in Eriksen but Liverpool appear favourites at the moment.
Toby Alderweireld- Ajax to Liverpool
The centre back is another Ajax player who could be leaving the club for Liverpool this summer. Like Christen Eriksen, Alderweireld only has one year remaining on his current contract at Ajax and is very unlikely to extend that deal so a move away from the club this summer is very likely. Reports suggested that Norwich had agreed a deal with Ajax to sign Alderweireld but the Canaries couldn’t agree personal terms with the defender, with many suggesting that it was Norwich’s lowly standing within the game that prevented a move.
It now seems that Liverpool will move into pole position to sign the defender, with Alderweireld being a lot more keen on a move to Liverpool. Reports have suggested that Liverpool will offer Ajax a combined £22 million for both Eriksen and Alderweireld, a lot of money considering that both players are out of contract next summer. Signing the pair will certainly strengthen Liverpool next season as Brendan Rodgers tries to assemble a squad that will challenge for a top four place in the Premier League next season.
Julio Cesar- QPR to Napoli or Arsenal
The Brazilian was one of the few highlights for QPR last season as the Hoops were relegated from the Premier League. Cesar made a series of excellent stops to keep QPR in games and the goalkeeper managed to re-build his reputation as an excellent stopper during his time in London. However, with QPR playing in the Championship and looking to bring their wage bill down, Cesar is very likely to leave Loftus Road this summer. Arsenal were initially favourites to sign the Brazilian and reports suggest that the Gunners had been tracking Cesar for many months.
However, Arsenal have dithered when it comes to making a move for Cesar and now Napoli have leapt in front of them in the fight to sign the goalkeeper. Napoli are reportedly only looking to take Cesar on loan but a move back to Italy would appeal to the Brazilian, who had a very successful spell as Inter Milan goalkeeper not so long ago.
Gary Hooper- Celtic to QPR
Hooper is one of Celtic’s most important players and has scored a lot of goals during his time at Celtic Park. However, the striker has one year remaining on his current contract with Celtic and reports suggest that Hooper has no intention of signing another deal, meaning Celtic face the possibility of losing him for free next summer. The Scottish Champions are unlikely to let that happen and will more than likely sell the striker this summer, with manager Neil Lennon admitting that the club will find it hard to persuade Hooper to stay at the club.
QPR are reportedly close to agreeing a £5 million deal with Celtic for Hooper and the striker is thought to be keen on a move to Loftus Road despite their place in the Championship. Hooper wants to try and force his way into the England national team and sees a move to England as a good way for him to get into Roy Hodgson’s plans.
Nicklas Bendtner- Arsenal to Hull City
Bendtner has been looking for a new club for quite sometime, having not played for Arsenal since August 2011. In the two years that he hasn’t played for Arsenal, Bendtner has been on loan at Sunderland and then Juventus, with mixed results. Bendtner’s time at the Italian Champions last season wasn’t a happy one as he barely played any games. He is now looking for a more permanent move away from the Emirates and reports have suggested that clubs in many different countries maybe interested in the Danish international. However, Bendtner could now stay in the Premier League, with newly promoted Hull City thought to be ready to offer the Dane an escape route out of the Emirates.
Hull boss Steve Bruce is desperate to sign a goal scorer this summer to help the club stay in the Premier League and has identified Bendtner as possible target. The striker may enjoy a move to Hull and he certainly has much to prove following his unsuccessful time at Arsenal. The Dane was once considered one of the best young strikers in Europe and will hope to show his talents to Hull’s fans next season.
Ashley Williams- Swansea City to Arsenal
Williams has had an excellent season for Swansea, leading the side to League Cup glory in February and helping the Swans to a top half finish in the Premier League. The defenders strong performances have not gone unnoticed, with many clubs hoping to add the Welshman to their squad this summer. Arsenal have been frontrunners for most of the summer but haven’t bid because Swansea continue to demand £10 million for their captain, which Arsene Wenger has refused to pay. However, it seems that Wenger’s hand has been forced with the injury to Thomas Vermaelen.
The Belgian defender will miss the start of the new season, meaning the Gunners are light in defence and Wenger may need to pay Swansea’s asking price for Williams so that he can beef up Arsenal’s defence. Williams would be interested in a move to Arsenal and would like the opportunity to play in the Champions League while he is still at his best. The defender feels that he could benefit from a new challenge and Arsenal are ready to offer him just that.
Leighton Baines- Everton to Manchester United
Baines is considered one of the best full backs playing in the Premier League at the moment following several excellent seasons for Everton. The full back was one of David Moyes trusted lieutenants at Goodison Park and now that Moyes is Manchester United manager, the Scot would like to bring Baines to Old Trafford. United have already had a £10 million bid rejected by Everton but reports suggest that the Red Devils will soon be back with an improved bid for the 28 year old. Everton are desperate to hang onto Baines with Roberto Martinez seeing the player as an important part of his plans going forward.
The Toffees are set to demand around £18 million for Baines, an amount United are unlikely to pay. However, Moyes is desperate to re-united with Baines and the full back would also like to move to Old Trafford as it could enhance his chances at international level. It may take Baines asking Everton for a move if any transfer were to go through and the next week is likely to be pivotal in terms of where Baines will be come next season.
Bernard- Atletico Mineiro to Liverpool or Arsenal
The Brazilian was one of the stars of the Confederations Cup this summer and has attracted a lot of interest from Premier League clubs through his performances for Brazil. Bernard is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Brazil and reports suggest that he is keen to move to Europe like so many of his countrymen do. Liverpool are reportedly front-runners for his signature, with Brendan Rodgers desperate to sign a quality midfielder this summer as the Reds try and break into the Premier League’s top four.
Liverpool recently missed out on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who decided to move to Borussia Dortmund instead of Liverpool and the club have now turned their attentions to Bernard. Reports suggest that the Reds are willing to meet Bernard’s £21.5 million release clause and are ready to make the Brazilian one of their highest paid players. Arsenal are also reportedly interested in the midfielder, with Arsene Wenger look to re-enforce his midfield for an assault on the Premier League trophy. Spurs were also thought to be interested but recently bought Paulinho and do not need another midfielder in their squad for next season.
Marouane Fellaini- Everton to Arsenal
The Belgian is regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League at the moment because of his versatility and power. Fellaini can play in a wide variety of positions, from a deep lying play-maker to an attacking midfielder just off the striker. These qualities have led to him being linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer and Arsenal are understood to be the most interested in signing him. Arsene Wenger wants to sign a powerful central midfielder this summer, in the mould of a Patrick Viera and he has identified Fellaini as the man to strengthen his midfield.
The Belgian reportedly has a £23.5 million release clause on his contract at Everton and reports have suggested that Arsenal are considering paying that fee to activate it. Should they pay the necessary £23.5 million, Fellaini would move than likely agree personal terms with the Gunners as he would enjoy the challenge of playing in the Champions League. Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested in the midfielder with David Moyes keen on being re-united with a player who he signed while he was Everton manager.
Nani- Manchester United to Monaco
The Portuguese winger has been a frustrating figure at Old Trafford ever since he signed for Manchester United in 2007. While there have been a few brilliant moments from Nani, there have also been many moments of frustration. The winger has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot at United, due to poor form and injury and his career with the Premier League champions may now be up with David Moyes becoming the clubs new manager.
Moyes is keen to make room in his squad for new signings and sees Nani as surplus to requirements, especially as the winger only has one year left on his current contract at Old Trafford. It appears that AS Monaco are interested in signing Nani and are willing to pay United’s £8 million asking price. The French club have already spent big this summer as they try and become a force again in French football and it looks like Nani will become their latest recruit. The winger would almost certainly get first team football at Monaco and might be able to hold down a first team slot and then show fans his true colours.
Luis Suarez- Liverpool to Real Madrid
Suarez future at Liverpool has been one of the main talking points on the back pages of newspapers this summer and will almost certainly leave the club following another controversial season at Anfield. The striker is currently serving a 10 match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League game and has hit out at the British media for their treatment of him due to that incident. Suarez has become even more vocal about his future as the summer has gone on and has spent most of his time flirting with Spanish giants Real Madrid, saying how much he would love to play for the club. Their is no doubting Suarez desire to play for Madrid and many pundits predict that the striker will make the move to the Bernabeu this summer.
However, Liverpool will play hardball with Madrid over the strikers asking price and will not accept any bids of less than £40 million. So far, Madrid haven’t bid for the striker, even though reports suggest that Arsenal have already had a bid rejected by Liverpool. It could be that Los Blancos are waiting until the end of the summer before they make their move for Suarez, as the players ban will decrease with every match he misses for Liverpool. Madrid will still have to be wary of interest from the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.
David Luiz- Chelsea to Paris St Germain or Barcelona
While recent reports have suggested that Jose Mourinho wants to keep Juan Mata and Fernando Torres at Chelsea, the Portuguese manager hasn’t dampened the speculation regarding Luiz future at the club. Many have speculated that Luiz won’t fit in at Mourinho’s Chelsea, with the Portuguese coach wanting reliable centre-backs that make very little mistakes. Luiz is a risk when he plays at centre back because of his desire to get forward and start attacks but he can also produce moments of magic.
While Chelsea may not appreciate those moments of magic, it seems that both Barcelona and Paris St Germain do, with both clubs thought to be readying bids for the Brazilian. Luiz is comfortable on the ball, a must for a centre back at Barcelona while PSG are looking to partner Luiz with his international team mate Thiago Silva. Both clubs may have to pay around £30 million for the defender as the Blues know that they can demand a big transfer fee for the player and they also know how interested both Barcelona and PSG are in the Brazilian.
Pepe- Real Madrid to Manchester City
The centre back has long been one of the most highly rated defenders in Europe and has been a rock at the back for Real Madrid during his time with Los Blancos. However, at the age of 30, it seems that the player could be leaving the Bernabeu, with Manchester City said to be very interested in the defender. New City boss Manuel Pellegrini is known to be an admirer of the Portuguese defender and feels that Pepe could form an excellent partnership with club captain Vincent Kompany.
Reports suggest that City could sign Pepe for around £20 million, which would be quite a lot for a player who is in his 30’s and is a defender. However, the Sky Blues would be signing a player with a lot of experience in the Champions League, something which would appeal to the club following their successive dismissals at that stage of the competition. Pepe may also like a new challenge and playing at City could be the next step in the career of this powerful defender.
Xabi Alonso- Real Madrid to Chelsea
The Spanish midfielder has been one of the most consistent performers for Real Madrid throughout Jose Mourinho’s time at the club, being a constant fixture on the Los Blancos team sheet. However, now that Mourinho has left the club, many have speculated that Alonso could follow him out of the Bernabeu. It is believed that Mourinho is keen to bring Alonso to Chelsea this summer and the Portuguese coach is desperate to find a central midfielder that he can build his new look team around. Alonso is one of his first choices and the midfielder could be available for a relatively small amount, £10 million.
Although Alonso is 31 and coming to the end of his career, Mourinho will know exactly what he is getting from the Spaniard and the midfielder himself would be more than happy to return to the Premier League following his successful spell at Liverpool.
Scott Parker- Tottenham Hotspur to QPR
The midfielder has been a highly influential figure in Spurs midfield for many years but it seems that Parker’s time at White Hart Lane could be up, with Andre Villas-Boas looking to sell the midfielder to make way for new signings. Spurs have already completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, meaning Parker will almost certainly lose his starting place at Spurs next season. At 32, Parker is looking to be playing regular first team football and is set to make a move away from the club in search of that.
It appears that Parker could be set for a re-union with former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp at QPR. Redknapp is a huge admirer of the midfielder and would like to make Parker the centre of his new look team as the Hoops aim to get promoted back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. Redknapp has a good relationship with Parker so it seems likely that the midfielder could be persuaded to drop down a division and help his old manager get QPR back in the Premier League.
John Obi Mikel- Chelsea to Monaco
Mikel has been at Chelsea for many years but he has never quite managed to live up to the expectation that he created when he moved to the club. Many thought Mikel would become one of the next great defensive midfielders, in the mould of a Claude Makelele but that hasn’t gone quite to plan.
Despite Mikel starting plenty of games, the midfielder has struggled to impress at times and it seems that Jose Mourinho is ready to let the player leave the club this summer. Turkish club Galatasaray were thought to be front-runners for the midfielder but now big spending AS Monaco have entered the race and it is thought they are ready to bid £16 million for the midfielder. Monaco could offer Mikel huge wages, which Galatasaray could not, making them favourites for the midfielders signature.
Richard Dunne- Aston Villa to QPR
The defender is currently a free agent having been released by Aston Villa at the end of last season. The 33 year old is hugely experienced but has suffered with injuries recently and is trying to regain his fitness. He was never likely to be given a chance at Villa due to Paul Lambert’s insistence on using youth but he the Irishman could find a home at QPR. Harry Redknapp is hoping to completely re-vamp his squad this summer and would welcome the signing of the experienced Dunne. Redknapp wants to change the philosophy at QPR by signing proven professionals and Dunne would certainly fit into that category. Dunne would be an excellent addition to QPR’s squad and the chances are that he will be at Loftus Road next season.
And here are the original 20 cited in our original piece.
Ezequiel Garay – Benfica to Manchester United
The 26-year-old has found himself in demand this summer with both Manchester United and Chelsea sending scouts to watch him numerous times during the previous campaign.
The two clubs are believed to be close to agreeing a fee, which is rumoured to be in the region of £17million and talks between the player and the club are also thought to be at an advanced stage, with reports in Portuguese newspaper Record suggesting that Garay has already begun looking for a property in England.
Garay is quick, clever and comfortable with the ball at his feet bringing it out from defence. He is a key man for pressing whenever the side lose the ball, and is adept at making the right tackle at the right time.
He was a mainstay in the heart of Benfica’s defence last season making 41 appearances across all competitions and has been touted as a replacement for Nemanja Vidic, who has seen his career skid to a halt thanks to injury over the past two years,
Moyes has been given the green light to press ahead with an official move for Garay as the Portuguese giants have lined up Lisandro Ezequiel Lopez from Argentinian club Arsenal de Sarandi, to replace him and will make their move once they have received the cash from United.
Edinson Cavani – Napoli to PSG
Cavani’s future destination has already become one of the longest running transfer saga’s this summer with Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, Monaco and Paris Saint Germain all said to be interested in the player and all, at one point, claiming his was on the verge of joining them.
However, it now appears that French big spenders have won the race to sign the 26-year-old as the club’s sporting director, Leonardo, confirmed that he was in Rome to meet with the player’s representatives.
Even Cavani’s parents got in on the speculation this summer, with both claiming their son would be heading for Real Madrid or Chelsea, then Manchester City entered and things just started to get complicated.
Napoli had been hoping to keep him, and the Uruguayan international had hinted that he could stay, but it now appears that the Parisians have matched the £55 million release clause in his contract and furthermore they will hand him a contract worth a staggering £8.5 million a year.
Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich
It’s not everyday that a hot prospect from Barcelona’s youth academy becomes available, and when they do it’s advisable to make a move for them as quickly as possible, as Manchester United have found out this month.
Alcantara had been all set to join the Premier League champions following a successful summer with the Spanish under-21 national side, captaining them to victory and even scoring a hat trick in the final over Italy.
However, something went wrong, the deal went too slow and it allowed his former boss Pep Guardiola to declare an interest, which was, of course, reciprocated by the player.
Guardiola described the 22-year-old as “a super, super player [who] can play in three, four or five positions. It is either Thiago or nothing.” And who better to play for knowing they can get the best out of you than the very man who saw your development from hot prospect to first team cohort?
According to reports in Italy, where Bayern are holding a training camp, the Spaniard will sign a four-year deal with the European champions and the move could be wrapped up over the weekend leaving United and Moyes to kick their heels at missing out on a truly prodigious talent.
Earlier this week the powerful Brazilian admitted that he had been contacted by the west London side over a possible move to the Premier League.
Chelsea are believed to have offered £35 million for the 26-year-old, but Zenit St Petersburg are thought to want a number closer to that of the £50 million they paid for him last year.
However, he is known to be unhappy in Russia and would jump at the chance to head elsewhere. “If I said there was not anything in it, I would be lying,” he claimed.
His teammates are angry over the sky high wages he receives, bombs have turned up for him in the post and furthermore, his poor form in front of goal hasn’t helped matters either, managing just 11 goals in 30 appearances.
Chelsea are known to be looking for a target man after the signing of Demba Ba has so far failed to work out the way many had hoped it would, and though Hulk would come at a considerable cost, a happy player with a coach like Mourinho behind him would surely produce a winning outcome.
“Zenit is a great club, but if I do go I want to move to a better place, with a better team in a better competition,” he said.
A number of sides have cast admiring glances over the 21-year-old serb this season, with the both AC Milan and Manchester City said to be weighing up offers.
Milan are thought to be leading the chase of the interesting parties and they have been keen to press ahead with talks as he enters the final year of his current contract in Tuscany. Fiorentina are keen for him to stay and are said to be preparing fresh terms to convince him to stay, but earlier this week they secured the signing of Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez meaning there will be increased competition for places next season – and that will especially be the case should they manage to keep hold of Stevan Jovetic too.
The Rossoneri have tried to play the diplomatic approach in recent weeks with Galliani saying: “He could become our target, but in this moment he’s a player with a contract.” However, should they decide to press ahead with a transfer it would be wrapped up fairly quickly.
Rooney’s future has become on of the major talking points of the transfer window. Will he stay? Will he go? Who knows? But if reports are to be believed he could very well be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer with Arsenal and now Chelsea said to be keen on taking him off United’s hands.
Chelsea are now the favourites and after Rooney’s ever so convenient hamstring injury forcing him to return from United’s training camp in Thailand we could soon see Rooney in a blue jersey.
Jose Mourinho likes him saying; “I always tell what I see. He’s a player that I like very much. Being fast and direct I like him very much.”
It’s also widely believed that Chelsea are frantically trying to make room for him in the squad too, with either Demba Ba or Fernando Torres set to make way to accommodate the England man.
Chelsea feel that he is the kind of player who very rarely becomes available and that given there is a chance of acquiring him, they have to make sure they are at the front of the queue.
Mourinho is thought to be keen to partner him next to Romelu Lukaku for a truly terrifying frontline indeed.
There was a time where many thought De Rossi would follow in the footsteps of his teammate and idol Francesco Totti and stay with the Serie A side for the rest of his career, installing himself within the club’s own pantheon of legends for the rest of time.
The west London club could be about to launch a move for the Roma midfielder with reports of a deal being ‘all-but-agreed’. He has of course been linked with a switch to England for a long time now but it never looked as though it would realistically happen, however an £11 million deal now looks to be in place and the 29-year-old will join up with Jose Mourinho’s men.
Mourinho has been a noted fan of De Rossi since his time in Italy, first attempting to sign him during his reign at Inter Milan and then again with Real Madrid, but it seems an £11m deal could be enough to lure him to Stamford Bridge.
De Rossi is expected to partner Frank Lampard in the middle should he sign for the Blues, though fellow new arrival Marco van Ginkel is expected to be nurtured through the first-team throughout the upcoming season.
Alvaro Negredo to Manchester City
Negredo’s story has been another one that has threatened to drag out. At first he was linked with Spurs, then Atletico Madrid, and then, finally, he was prepared to stay put in Andalusia.
However, it now appears that he may be on his way to Manchester City in another surprise twist. The Premier League contenders are well known to be in the market for a striker since letting Carlos Tevez leave for Juventus last week, meaning just Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko are the side’s only experienced frontmen.
City are thought to have been encouraged to go for the Spanish international after Sevilla secured the signing of Carlos Bacca from Club Brugge earlier this week and on Friday Pellegrini spoke from South Africa of City’s intention to have a new signing all wrapped up over the weekend; “I don’t know if anything will happen before we leave South Africa, but maybe the next day we will have fresh news.”
Negredo is aslo though to be seeking a speedy resolve to his situation, and is thought to be keen on a move to a club that can offer him the chance of silverware.
Arsenal’s need for a good defensive midfielder has been well known all season. Since failing to replace Alex Song after his move to Barcelona their frailties in that area of the pitch have been highlighted like never before.
Since missing out on Jeremy Toulalan this week, Wenger is believed to be stepping up his interest in the 20-year-old Frenchman in a bid to buy cheaply from the cash strapped Primera Division side and develop him into a world class star in the same way he has done so many times before.
Kondogbia arrived in Spain just last summer, signing on from French side Lens, and has impressed during his short time in southern Spain. He has so far made 40 appearances and scored once.
His powerful displays and mature approach has belied his young years, and with Sevilla’s economic crisis getting no better it’s thought that they could pick him up for as little as £7.6 million. Arsene Wenger has money to burn this time around and won’t want to risk facing the wrath of fans as he has done in previous seasons by missing out on a genuine talent.
Peter Odemwingie to Crystal Palace
The hapless Baggies striker looks as though he may finally get his wish of a move to the capital six months after his epic boobery threatened to derail what had been a fine career up until that point.
The Nigerian international had tried to force through a move to QPR during the January transfer window, and once it became clear that this was not going to happen he took to social media networking site Twitter to launch a jaw dropping tirade on the Midlands side.
It is a shame, though, that his indiscretions with Albion have overshadowed the fact that on his day he can be a devastatingly good striker. With 31 goals in 89 appearances for the club, he would be excellent value at just £1.5 million for a newly promoted side like Palace.
The 31-year-old had started to make a few tentative appearances from the substitutes bench but Baggies fans made it known that there would be no way back for him.
Palace manager Ian Holloway is now ready to offer Odwemwingie an escape route out of the West Midlands as he looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the coming season.
It was touch and go for a while (and still is) as to whether Higuain would even consider joining Arsenal as Italian giants Juventus looked set to sweep away the competition hoping to take him from the Santiago Bernabeau.
However, with Juve bagging Fernando Llorente from Athletico Madrid and Carlos Tevez from Manchester City the path has been cleared for Arsene Winger to make his move and bring in a goal scorer truly capable of replacing the void left by Robin Van Persie last summer.
Madrid would welcome the added cash in the coffers as they still prepare moves for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, but that hasn’t stopped them trying to hold up the deal with attempted ‘clear the air talks’, just to make Arsenal sweat a little more.
Arsenal have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the player, and a transfer fee believed to be in the region of £22 million, and now that Ancelotti is in place he can sanction the deal to go ahead.
A truly world class striker who would be more than capable of filling the boots of Robin Van Persie, Wenger won’t want to miss out on this one.
The talented 21-year-old had initially rejected the chance to even talk to Paolo Di Canio’s men, but has now apparently had a change of heart – deciding to now hear out the Premier LEague outfit and reports are now suggesting that he is ready to make the move.
Peruzzi, who is the cousin of former Italian international goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi, came to the Black Cats attention in the 2012 Copa Libertadores when he effortlessly marked Neymar out of their semi-final clash with Santos.
The player himself is reported to have confirmed the offer from Sunderland but said: “My mind is set on Newell’s, and then we will see.”
His general manager – former Newcastle United midfielder Christian Bassedas confirmed that Peruzzi may not be at the club for much longer.
“He is the one that is closer to leaving the club,” he said.
The right-back-cum-right-winger has made just a handful of appearances for the club but has already gained four international caps for Argentina and due to his Italian lineage he would be able to secure a European passport relatively easily, meaning he would not require a work permit to play in the Premier League.
New PSG boss Laurent Blanc, who gave the player his international debut back in 2010 has been the more keen, calling him ‘an interesting player’, and is reportedly desperate to add the French international to the ranks of his newly inherited squad.
Last month the highly rated 27-year-old admitted that a return home could be on the cards after French newspaper L’Equipe had suggested that he had flown into Monaco for a medical shortly after news of their interest broke, but a fortnight later and those rumours proved to be unfounded, however, they still haven’t gone away completely.
With the new season fast approaching and money no issue, a move could be on the cards very soon, which could be disastrous for the Magpies as their season quickly unraveled following an injury to their star man last season saw them plunge toward the relegation zone.
Pardew’s anger at the situation caused him to issue a ‘put up or shut up’ warning to the French champions who are now expected to press ahead and bring him back home as they look to make an improved challenge for the Champions League alongside a comprehensive defence of their Ligue 1 title.
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Gallaini has confirmed that the club are hoping to sign CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda, but will wait until January to do so.
However, the Japanese international has entered the final six months of his contract with the Russian side, meaning he is now free to talk with other club’s who may be interested in bringing him on board.
Everton and Liverpool had been thought to be keeping an eye on his situation, but CSKA, who have said they would let the 27-year-old go now should a reasonable offer come their way, have stated that the ball is firmly in Milan’s court if they want to make an approach.
But Galliani has insisted that the Rossoneri are happy to wait until the winter to bring him to the San Siro.
Milan are hoping to add more options to their attack with Robinho and Kevin Prince-Boateng likely to move on themselves this summer, though the former has just seen his return to Santos break down.
So though he may not actually be leaving Moscow this summer, he could secure the move over the next couple of weeks.
Kevin Strootman to Manchester United or Roma
Strootman has made his mind up to leave PSV Eindhoven this summer following the sales of Erik Pieters and Jeremain Lens and has the rather difficult choice to make between Manchester United and Roma.
United have been long time admirers, and much like Ezequiel Garay, David Moyes is believed to be interested in following up on Sir Alex Ferguson’s initial interest in the man who has been described as the ‘new Roy Keane’.
However, Italian giants Roma have also thrown their hat into the ring as they look to replace the talismanic Daniele De Rossi who now looks as though he is on the way to Chelsea.
But recent developments have shown that the Serie A side have failed to meet PSV’s asking price and now the Dutch international has said that he will now have to think about where he wants to end up.
United are believed to be his favoured choice, but they have yet to make a formal offer as they look to continue to bed David Moyes into the job ahead of the new season.
There are reported to be more clubs interested in his signature, some have even made offers, but he has his heart set on a move to one of the two aforementioned clubs and will now wait to see how events unfold.
Scott Sinclair to Newcastle United
Some players make some terrible decisions in their careers. Sinclair had it all going for him at Swansea, and if he’d stayed he would now be boasting a Capital One Cup winners medal as well as being able to look forward to an exciting Europa League campaign next season.
However, the desire to make the jump too soon has bit him on the backside and he has managed just a handful of appearances in a City shirt and a damaged reputation.
However, that’s not stopped the likes of Everton and Newcastle, the latter especially, in making him a summer target to end his Etihad hell.
Newcastle’s transfer team of Alan Pardew, Joe Kinnear and Graham Carr are all said to be moving away from the French influence of the January transfer window in favour of a more British approach after some well documented problems within the club’s dressing room towards the tail end of last season.
With speculation surrounding the future of Hatem Ben Arfa, Pardew has identified Sinclair as the ideal replacement and may even be able to snare him on a cut price deal.
Fabio Quagliarella to Norwich City
Delia Smith must have sold quite a few cakes over the recent weeks to bring in all of the star names that Norwich have recently bought.
Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, Nathan Redmond and Martin Olsson have already joined, whilst PSV forward Ola Toivonen and Leroy Fer look set to quickly follow suit – there’s a very good chance the Norwich could have a squad capable of challenging for a Europa League spot next season.
However, the Canaries have recently lost big frontman Grant Holt to Championship side Wigan Athletic and are now eyeing up the Italian international Fabio Quagliarella as a replacement.
Juventus currently have six strikers on their books, including the 30-year-old, though his nine goals in last season’s Scudetto winning campaign aren’t thought to be enough to save him from the axe after the recent acquisition of Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.
Though he may never have been particularly prolific for the Old Lady, he does boast an impressive career record of 116 goals in 373 appearances that has spanned 14 years.
According to sources, talks over Quagliarella between the two clubs are at an advanced stage, with a fee of around £7.5m thought to have been agreed.
The 18-year-old winger has caught the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs having broken into Sporting’s first team this season.
Chelsea attempted to bring Bruma to West London last year but the Lisbon giants managed to tie him down with a new deal.
However, Bruma’s lawyer, Bebiano Gomes, says his deal expired at the end of last month, but the club have insisted there was a clause that triggered an automatic renewal, prompting an awkward court case to hold up any move.
Bayern are already believed to have made a £4 million bid to take Bruma to the Bundesliga, a £2 million rise on the bid Chelsea had previously tabled.
Bruma’s older brother, Buomesca, is already on the books at Fulham so Chelsea could have the upper hand as the two could be reunited in the English capital.
Armindo Tué Na Bangna, as his full name reads, has made eight appearances for the first team, scoring once, but he’s been heavily involved in the segunda team where he’s scored six times in 25 appearances.
Huddlestone has been the epitome of a player perennially on the verge of a move away from White Heart Lane. He’s highly rated, yet can never seen to get a steady run of games and as an England international the time may be right for him to finally take that leap and head somewhere that will be able to give him what he needs.
He has now been given permission to speak with the Black Cats ahead of a £5 million move and will make a refreshing change from Paolo Di Canio’s recent surge of signing little known players from abroad.
Spurs are keen to cash in on the 26-year-old in order to raise funds for future transfers and had even offered him to Aston Villa in a part exchange deal to bring Christian Benteke to the club, but Villa rejected the approach.
Blessed with a wide range of passing and a thunderous shot – he would be an asset to any side, unfortunately for him, and to a lesser extent Spurs too, they are able to attract a calibre of player that you could say is a rung or two higher on the chart than the former Forest man.
Darren Bent to Newcastle United
The Aston Villa striker has had a funny old season in the West Midlands. After being named as captain and starting the campaign with a steady run of games he soon found himself out of the side as they adapted to a style of play that just didn’t suit him – the red hot form of Christian Benteke didn’t help his cause either.
He has been told that he is free to find a new club by Paul Lambert the Scott’s counterpart at St James’ Park has admitted that he has him in his sights.
“Both of those players are on our list. I make no bones about that,” he said.
Bent would represent great value for the £6 million price he’s been quoted. At just 29-year-old he still has a lot to offer a top flight with a scoring record of 103 goals in 245 Premier League appearances, and furthermore, with it being a World Cup year he’ll want to prove that he still has something to offer Roy Hodgson’s men.
Having played for Newcastle’s rivals, Sunderland, it remains to be seen how the fans would take to him, but if he hits the back of the net as regularly as everybody knows he can then they’ll surely forgive his past allegiances.