All it takes is one significant injury to change your January transfer plans. You can be planning for a quiet month, and all of a sudden you’re in a mad scramble to sign the best player available when the pickings are pretty slim.
That’s the position that Arsenal could find themselves in with the loss of Cesc Fabregas, and they aren’t the only top club that will likely be looking for January reinforcements, whether it’s out of immediate necessity or with the stretch run of the season in mind.
Arsenal to Pursue Arshavin?
With Arsenal now in need of an influential and inspirational playmaker thanks to the loss of Cesc Fabregas until April, could Andrei Arshavin be an option for the Gunners?
Analysis: £20m is a lot to spend for the usually frugal Arsenal. Arsene has no shortage of faith in his youngsters to get the job done, but Cesc’s injury could really force his hand this time around.
Wenger Not Looking to Make Keane Move
It’s too early to call Robbie Keane a Liverpool legend after his goal against Arsenal on Sunday, but you can quiet down on the exit rumors, including those that include Arsenal.
Analysis: Well, there wasn’t much chance of it happening either way, but thanks for clearing that up for everyone, Arsene.
Real Madrid to Make Valencia Offer?
Steve Bruce has had to bat off interest from many top clubs for his top talents, but could a £14m offer from Real Madrid for winger Antonio Valencia be one that he can’t refuse?
Analysis: I don’t see Wigan letting him go in January, but holding on to him through the remainder of the season could see them net even more than £14m for him.
Tottenham Ready to Stump Up Cash for Downing
Tottenham could be edging ever closer to finally capturing Stewart Downing, as they’re reportedly ready to pay the £15m that Middlesbrough want for their star midfielder.
Analysis: Too much, or not enough? Boro won’t have to worry about using any of that money on a replacement for Downing, since they already have Adam Johnson.
West Ham Want 12m for Bellamy
With the knowledge that the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City, and maybe even Aston Villa could have no problem shelling out money for a new striker, West Ham have set their asking price for Craig Bellamy at £12m.
Analysis: It wouldn’t surprise me to see someone actually pay it. With Emile Heskey likely staying at Wigan unless they get an offer that they can’t refuse,
Celtic Make Offer for Liverpool’s Pennant
With Aiden McGeady potentially on his way out of Celtic, the club are already actively looking for his replacement, with an official offer already being made for Liverpool’s Jermaine Pennant.
Analysis: Goodbye and good riddance? There’s no telling if Liverpool could be interested in a swap deal involving McGeady, but that could very well be an option. You know Rafa can’t have enough wingers…
Well, that’s it for another day in transfer news and rumors. Make sure you check back throughout the day tomorrow as I keep you updated on all of the latest transfer speculation, from the realistic to the rubbish.
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