Just when Arsenal fans may have been getting excited about a potential big-money signing, it appears that a not-so-nice Old Lady has yanked the rug out from under them. However, some recent developments could yet see some light at the end of the tunnel, but that’s where cautious optimism comes in.
Today’s transfer news does include some equally disappointing news for some who’d been hoping to see their favorite club sign a certain player, but the news isn’t all bad all around, depending on where your allegiances lie.
Check out today’s tidbits below, and check out the latest confirmed signings in our summer transfer lists.
England
United Sign Obertan
Manchester United have completed a £3m deal for Bordeaux winger Gabriel Obertan. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: We won’t be able to see Obertan in a United shirt just yet, as he’s currently dealing with an injury, but many a United fan will be looking forward to seeing just what kind of talent Sir Alex Ferguson has gotten his hands on when he does take the pitch.
City Plot New Terry Bid, Rossi Bid Rejected
Manchester City are set to make a new bid for Chelsea defender John Terry. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Well, at least they’re persistent.
Villarreal have rejected Manchester City’s bid for forward Giuseppe Rossi, as it was well below his £35m release clause. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: If he does settle down in Manchester again anytime soon, it’d likely be by way of returning to Manchester United, who have first option on him.
Wolves And Burnley Battle For McCarthy
Wolves and Burnley are battling it out for Hamilton Academical starlet James McCarthy. Wolves are set to make a £2m bid (£1m guaranteed + £1m in bonuses) for the highly-rated midfielder, while Burnley are set to table an £800k bid. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Wolves’ offer might be the better one financially, but it’d be quite the feather in Owen Coyle’s cap to be able to nab multiple targets that have been heavily linked with Celtic, whose managerial vacancy he turned down.
QPR Land Faurlin
Queens Park Rangers have signed Argentine midfielder Alejandro Faurlin from Instituto for £3.5m. The 22-year-old has inked a three-year deal with QPR. (The Mirror)
Analysis: With the financial backing that QPR have, it’s not unreasonable to expect them to be in the Premier League in the next few years, and anything less than the playoffs this coming season could mean bad news for manager Jim Magilton.
Spain
Barca Open To Toure Sale
Barcelona are open to selling Yaya Toure to Manchester United for £20m, but they’ll only do so if they’re able to seal a deal for Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: It’d be ideal for Liverpool to hold onto both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, but it might be a lot to expect both to be at Anfield next season if substantial offers come in for either or both. So whether or not Real continue to push for Alonso could affect whether Mascherano goes, and in turn, whether United are able to hammer out a deal for Toure.
Italy
Melo Off To Juve…Or Is He?
Arsenal target Felipe Melo appears to be on the verge of moving from Fiorentina to Juventus in a €20m + Marco Marchionni deal, but the deal is reportedly stalling due to complications with the completion of the Marchionni part of the deal. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Big blow for Arsenal if they do indeed lose him to Juve, considering that Fiorentina seemed all too willing to negotiate a deal with Arsenal, but this latest development may well give them time to make a late charge at him.
Jonas Set For Roma Move?
Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez could be set for a move to Roma, with Roma said to favor an initial loan deal for the Argentina international. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go to Roma and do very well after not making an impact at Newcastle last season, which could serve as another kick in the teeth for Newcastle fans.
Germany
Berg Favors Hamburg Switch
Highly-rated FC Groningen striker Marcus Berg favors a switch to Hamburg SV, according to Groningen director Hans Nijland. Aston Villa, Everton, and Tottenham have all been linked with the Swede, but Groningen have held talks with Hamburg in Germany, with another meeting potentially set to come. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: HSV just recently one top young Eredivisie-based talent in FC Twente’s Eljero Elia, and if they can close a deal for another in Berg, that’ll put them in position to be a serious contender this season and beyond after being in the thick of the title race for much of last season.
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