Premiership Transfer Speculation – 4/5/06

You can find the latest transfer news here and the latest football rumours here.

A quick update on the transfer news, rumors and speculation surrounding the top 3 clubs in the Premiership (Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal – with due respect to Liverpool).

Manchester United

Previous transfer news for Man Utd

Coming In:

Diarra (Lyon) is playing coy again saying that the future is uncertain, just days there were statements coming from Diarra’s agent that Diarra would not be going anywhere. Like Lyon did with Essien last year, expect Diarra to be touted like a gold ring in the middle of a crowded bazaar – the highest bidder will take him, and at the moment that could be anyone from Lyon, United, Madrid, Juve and Milan.

I seriously doubt that United would put up $20 million+ plus for Diarra when they could get 2 good midfielders and a decent young defender for less than that. And as far as the midfielder watch goes, nothing’s clear until after the season’s over, although considering the dynasty Martin Jol’s building at Tottenham it might be a safe bet to say that Carrick is not coming to Old Trafford – that is, unless the Spurs falter next season and Carrick needs to secure his England berth.

Update: News item confirms Utd interest in Carrick

Going Out:

Ruud rumors have sprung up again, with Inter reportedly offering 8 million pounds plus Obafemi Martins into the equation. 8 million is far too less for Ruud – who, I might add, was more saleable last year than this year – but how will United cope with the backlash of losing such a popular striker?

Chelsea

Coming In:

The Ballack deal is almost done, and they are still gunning for a successful striker (Shevchenko, Kyut, Torres…the list goes on). More interesting is how Mourinho will handle the defence, and while Cole might link up with Terry and co, what if Gallas or Carvalho leave?

Update: Shevchenko says he’s staying at Milan – there are still some things money cant buy. Or are there?

Going Out:

Mourinho’s statement that he considered quitting Chelsea because of the media reaction only stoked the story that he actually might be leaving, but we all know that isnt happening this year. There’s no where higher to go, because unless Rijkaard or Ferguson are kicked out there few high-profile clubs that Mourinho would agree going to.

As for the players, this is where it gets interesting: Any one (or more) of Wayne Bridge, Del Horno, Gallas and Carvalho are slated to leave. And that’s just from the defence. My money is on Del Horno, with Cole coming in, because replacing Gallas or Carvalho is very, very tough.

From the midfield, you could put your money on Duff and/or Gudjohnsen leaving – Duff is more likely to go, making space for SWP to play more regularly.

Will Crespo be shipped out? I’d say only one of Gudjohnsen and Crespo will be allowed to leave, and with Spurs supposedly going for G, there may just be more than the “>three signings Kenyon mentioned.

Update: Apparently Spurs are going for Bridge as well, while Blackburn want G too. And if you think this is silly, wait till the season ends – then the idiotic media speculation will really start winding you up.

Arsenal

Coming In:

This is a tough one – Arsenal need players at the back and in the midfield, and with Wenger you never know who he brings in.

Going Out:

While Cole has stated that he wants to stay at Arsenal, reports are that he and Lauren could be out of Arsenal at the end of the season. I doubt that, becuase Lauren has been great for Arsenal (and can cover at the center-back position as well), but with Cole no one knows.

And then there is always Henry. I doubt he will leave, but the media will be having none of that.