Just as quickly as the week started, Wednesday’s already here, and there’s plenty of transfer news and rumors to report on, including the latest on Andrei Arshavin’s potential move to Arsenal.
England
It seems to be only a matter of time before the Arsh joins the Arse. Zenit St. Petersburg are confident about the deal being done in the next couple of weeks (Sky Sports), but when a formal bid comes in, it likely won’t be for the £20m that Zenit want for him (The Guardian).
Analysis: He best be worth every penny of what Arsenal spend on him, whether it’s £10m or £20m. I’m inclined to think that he’ll do well, and he needs to, if he’s to help Arsenal be a legitimate threat in the title race.
So, contrary to what appeared to be the case, Tottenham have come out on the better end of the Jermain Defoe deal. Since Portsmouth still owed them £7m from previous deals, including Defoe’s move last year, Tottenham had to spend only £6m to get Defoe back. (The Mirror)
Analysis: No wonder they’re still going after Craig Bellamy. So much for all that extra money for Pompey then.
Speaking of Portsmouth, Tony Adams has Joey Barton at the top of his January wishlist as he looks to strengthen his midfield. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: His reputation precedes him, yes, but he had been playing well before he got injured, he won’t cost too much, and his leash is about a millimeter long.
Aston Villa are heavily scouring Spain for a new defender. After being linked with Malaga defender Jesus Gamez yesterday, Villa are now set for a £10m move for Sporting Gijon left back Roberto Canella. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Left back is an area where Villa need reinforcements, and Canella, who has represented Spain at the U-21 level, is a very promising prospect.
West Ham could tie up a January deal for promising Brescia striker Savio Nsereko, with the German U-19 international’s agent claiming that he recently spoke with West Ham sporting director Gianluca Nani recently in regards to a move (Sky Sports).
Analysis: Nsereko was named the best player of the most recent European U-19 championships, so he’s one to watch for the future. Nani’s previous ties with Brescia (as sporting director) could help the Hammers have an edge in this one.
Stoke are set to spend £3.5m to sign West Ham winger Matthew Etherington. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Hopefully he’s put his gambling addiction behind him and can make the most of a fresh start at Stoke. He’s still only 27, so he’s got some good years ahead of him.
Wigan have completed the £4.5m signing of Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega from Mexican side Necaxa. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Rodallega likely won’t be counted on to make an immediate impact unless Emile Heskey gets sold in January, but at the very least, Steve Bruce has some quality depth for the remainder of the season.
Italy
Liverpool have rejected a bid of £7.6m from AC Milan for defender Daniel Agger. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Despite the contract issues, it’s unlikely that Liverpool will consider selling Agger in January unless they get a substantially bigger offer from Milan.
Arsenal’s Emmanuel Eboue says that Inter are interested in him, but that he is happy at Arsenal. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: You can give him somewhat of a pass due to injuries, but if he doesn’t pick it up before the end of the season, Arsene won’t be too upset about seeing him leave in the summer.
Scotland
Birmingham are closing in on a £4m move for Rangers striker Kris Boyd, with the deal being finalized as early as tomorrow (The Guardian).
Analysis: Is this Rangers’ way of conceding the SPL title to Celtic? If he had this kind of scoring record in the Premier League or even in the Championship, £3.5m would be considered robbery. I’m a little surprised bottom boys West Brom and Stoke haven’t shown any interest, considering that both are openly in the market for a new striker.
If there’s a juicy rumor that you think we missed, post it in the comments, along with a link to the source.
And if you’re looking to keep up with all of the latest confirmed transfers, check out our updated transfer lists.
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