As you would expect, a certain Brazilian is dominating the transfer headlines right now, and in today’s transfer news and rumors roundup, we’ve got the latest on that Brazilian and his potential world-record move, and we’ve also got plenty to report on about from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.
The Latest On Kaka…
So, it looks like it’ll be Real Madrid or bust for AC Milan star Kaka. According to comments by AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, not only are Real Madrid the only option right now, but that’s where Kaka wanted to go in January when Manchester City were making a move to sign him.
And, according to AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi, we will know on Monday whether or not Kaka will remain at the club, and that if one Brazilian leaves, there’s already one there in Ronaldinho to step up and replace him. But, a couple of new attackers could be added to the squad as well, as there are also reports that Real Madrid could also send Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben to AC Milan as part of the Kaka deal.
England
Arsenal Close On Vermaelen
Arsenal are in the midst of talks with Ajax over a £10m deal for Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen. (The Sun)
Analysis: This is definitely an area that Arsenal needed to address quickly in the summer window. Whether or not Gallas, Toure, or Clichy are sold, Arsenal needed to bolster the back line in a big way, after injury problems and a few too many forgettable moments at the back at times last season.
Manchester City Favorites For Eto’o?
According to Manchester City sources, the club could be in a favorable position to land Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o for £20m. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: £20m for one of the world’s most lethal strikers? It may well just be because I’ve always rated Eto’o highly, but that seems like a real bargain to me. With that said, he’d be a bargain for anyone who lands him this summer, because all of the speculation seems silly to me when Barcelona should be trying their hardest to lock him up for the next several years.
Chelsea To Beat Liverpool To Portsmouth’s Johnson?
After coming up short in a last-minute push for new Manchester City signing Gareth Barry, Liverpool could be dealt another blow in the transfer market, as Chelsea are in talks with Portsmouth for a deal for defender Glen Johnson that could amount to £17m. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Talk about knowing how to buy low and sell high. Portsmouth sold Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe (though what they actually received is another thing) for much more than they bought them for, and they’re set to do the same with Johnson, who they bought for only £4m.
Liverpool Interested In Tuncay
Liverpool are interested in Middlesbrough striker Tuncay Sanli. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Tuncay could very well be considered a disappointment statistically, because 15 league goals over two seasons isn’t exactly mind-blowing for a striker. It wouldn’t hurt to try to land a real goal-getter to go with Fernando Torres (especially in case he has injury issues again), but Tuncay could fit just what Liverpool are looking for as support for Torres and some much-needed quality depth up front.
Spain
Riise On Barcelona’s Wishlist
One of the top targets on Barcelona’s summer wishlist is former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise. Riise only moved to Roma from Liverpool last summer, but Barcelona could look to land him for 4m. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Having an overpowering attack helped offset injuries and occasional lapses at the back, but defense is an area Barcelona need to strengthen, and if Eric Abidal struggles next season (or gets sold this summer, which isn’t out of the question), Riise has the experience and quality to fill right in for him.
Getafe Sign Almeria’s Mane
Getafe have signed Almeria defender Jose Manuel Jimenez Ortiz, also known as Mane on a four-year deal. The 27-year-old had previously drawn interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Given Getafe’s close shave with the drop this past season combined with Almeria’s top-half finish and the clubs that were interested in him, this would appear to be a lateral move.
Italy
AC Milan To Make Adebayor Bid?
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor was a prime target for AC Milan last summer, and they could be set to lodge their interest in him again with a £15m bid this week. (The Sun)
Analysis: It won’t be a surprise to see Adebayor leave this summer, but if Arsenal do sell him for less than the £25-30m that they could have gotten for him last summer, they might rue keeping him a season longer than they should have, because of the fee and his output last season.
Napoli To Sign Maresca
Napoli are near a deal for Sevilla midfielder Enzo Maresca. The former Juventus and West Brom man is also being chased by Parma and Lazio, but Napoli are set to beat them out for the 29-year-old’s signature. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: It’s clear that Napoli are keen on putting their disappointing league finish behind them, as they could be set to seal four signings within less than a week, with Fabio Quagliarella already signed up, and Luca Cigarini, Morgan de Sanctis, and Maresca soon to be signed.
Germany
Bayern To Land Pranjic
Bayern Munich are set to sign Heerenveen star Danijel Pranjic for €10m. The Croatian midfielder was previously linked with Liverpool, but now he’s set to join compatriot Ivica Olic at Bayern. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: With their aggressiveness thus far in the summer (and with having agreed summer deals for the likes of Olic many months ago), Bayern are certainly positioning themselves to have a big rebound campaign, especially if they’re able to hold on to the in-demand Franck Ribery.
France
Lyon After Former Arsenal Stars
Lyon are interested in former Inter Milan’s Patrick Vieira and Barcelona’s Alexander Hleb. (The Sun)
Analysis: Hleb’s preferred destination, if they come in for him, could be Bayern Munich, but Lyon would be a great opportunity for Vieira. He doesn’t really seem to fit into Jose Mourinho’s plans at Inter, but if he’s able to stay healthy, a move to Lyon would offer up the chance to get regular starts under his belt with the World Cup in mind (if France can qualify).
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
