Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell were two key parts of Arsenal’s successes in the early part of the 2000s, and after both moved on to other pastures (Vieira’s was greener, Campbell’s was not), it looks like we could see both coming to a Premier League stadium near you again soon, as today’s transfer roundup indicates.
Along with those tidbits, we’ve got news on a few other confirmed and potential signings, including a few that could shape how things shake out at the bottom of a couple of top European leagues.
England
City Sign Vieira
Manchester City have completed the signing of former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira. Vieira has signed a six-month deal with an option for another year. (The Mirror)
Analysis: His familiarity with Roberto Mancini and with the Premier League will make this a smooth transition, certainly, but how much should City fans expect from him? Whether or not he finds regular playing time, having someone with the experience and success that he has had will be a boost for a club looking to make a breakthrough into the big time.
Arsenal Return For Campbell?
According to The Mirror, Arsene Wenger is set to offer former Gunners defender Sol Campbell a contract until the end of the season, but it’s dependent on whether or not he can sell Philippe Senderos.
Analysis: I’m sure Campbell still has the goods to perform at a high level in the Premier League, and as is the case with City and Vieira, he’ll provide a boost with his experience and leadership, so it’s a low-risk signing, provided high wages aren’t an issue.
Liverpool To Land Rodriguez
As expected, Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez will soon complete a 1.5m move to Liverpool. The two clubs have agreed the fee, and Rodriguez has penned an 18-month deal with his soon-to-be new club. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Wait, not so fast here, as there seems to be a bit of a last-minute issue to resolve between Rodriguez and Atletico Madrid, according to Rafa Benitez. Fortunately, it’s not as if he has to rush to be ready for a match this weekend or anything…
Sunderland In Demel Talks
Sunderland have opened talks over a move for Hamburg SV defender Guy Demel. (The Mirror)
Analysis: It wouldn’t be Demel’s first foray into the English game, as he spent a year at Arsenal from 2000-01, before moving on to Borussia Dortmund and then to Hamburg. Hopefully this stint will last a tad longer than that one.
Wolves To Move For Duo?
Wolves could be set to make a 3m move for Hull City winger Stephen Hunt and a 2m move for Portsmouth striker David Nugent. (The Mirror)
Analysis: If Hull’s finances do force them into selling Hunt, it’d be a big boost to Wolves’ survival hopes and a gutshot to Hull’s, as Hunt has had quite the successful return to the Premier League. A move for Nugent would also be a real boost if he can take advantage of the opportunity, as Wolves have gone from being a prolific side in the Championship last season to the lowest-scoring side in the Premier League this season.
Spain
Tiago Signs On At Atletico
Former Chelsea midfielder Tiago Mendes has moved from Juventus to Atletico Madrid on loan. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Perhaps this will finally spell the end of what has been a tumultuous spell at Juve for Tiago, and if it is, it won’t be a moment too soon, really. Hopefully he can inject a little fire into his new side, as they desperately need some right now.
Zaragoza Loan Suazo
Real Zaragoza have agreed a deal to loan prolific Chilean striker Humberto Suazo on loan from Mexican side Monterrey, with a view to signing him permanently at the end of the season. (Reuters)
Analysis: Suazo is quite the scoring machine, as his exploits in the Americas and in the most recent World Cup qualifying phase have shown, and if he takes that form to Spain, Zaragoza’s chances for safety will skyrocket. Speaking of skyrocketing, it’s all the better that they’ll have dibs on a permanent deal for him, since they can snap him up before his value shoots up at the World Cup.
Italy
Dossena Completes Napoli Switch
Napoli have signed Liverpool left back Andrea Dossena in a 4.5m deal. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: In the end, it works out well for both parties. It’s a loss for Liverpool, sure, but not a sizable one, and Dossena gets to go back to more familiar and friendlier pastures.
Bologna To Loan Macheda?
According to the agent of Manchester United striker Federico Macheda, Bologna have made contact about a possible move, but if any move was to occur, it’d only be on loan. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Macheda would definitely benefit from getting regular first-team opportunities, as his chances at United have been limited this season, but given that Sir Alex Ferguson knows just how fragile his squad can be, he might not be willing to let him go at this point.
France
Nice Land Digard
Nice have signed Middlesbrough midfielder Didier Digard on loan for the remainder of the season. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: If Digard can stay fit, which is much easier said than done when it comes to him, he could play a big role in Nice turning their fortunes around in Ligue 1, as they’re on a six-match winless streak at the winter break and in need of a fast start once action resumes next weekend.
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