Transfer Rumors (16 Dec 08): Pompey’s Diarra to Real, Bendtner to Inter, Arsenal eye Serie A duo, and more

Tuesday wasn’t a particularly busy day in transfer news and rumors, but the cupboard’s not completely bare of speculation involving some of the top clubs and players around Europe.

Benzema Dreams of Real

Maybe Karim Benzema’s mother thought it was cute when little Karim said that he’d play for Real Madrid one day, but now that little Karim has turned into a big-time striker, it might be only a matter of time before that wish becomes a reality.

Analysis: Well, that may happen someday, but after signing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Real may not be in the market for another striker for a little while. In the meantime, he does have a pretty good thing going at Lyon, where he could pick up a couple more league titles, make some noise in the Champions League, and give many Ligue 1 managers sleepless nights before netting Lyon a fat sum of money when he does jump ship.

Real to Sign Portsmouth’s Diarra in £20m Deal

First Lassana Diarra was headed to Manchester City, now it’s Real Madrid. Either way, Portsmouth are set to make a big profit, and Diarra’s set to be a very, very wealthy man.

Analysis: Back when Portsmouth signed him in January, I thought that was the place for him to prove his worth as a top player, and that if he did, he wouldn’t be on the south coast for long. But little did I know that it’d be less than a year before he was fielding offers this big.

Inter Milan Want Arsenal’s Bendtner

I know, this might come off as a little surprising to some. While they aren’t interested in Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, Inter Milan are apparently interested in one Nicklas Bendtner.

Analysis: If Bendtner was scoring a little more frequently, maybe this interest wouldn’t be nearly as curious, but maybe there’s a good reason why Jose Mourinho has his eye on him.

Arsenal Interested in Mexes and Pato

Arsenal may be hanging in the Premier League title race for now, but if they’re to stay there and make a serious charge, strengthening the squad in January won’t be a bad idea for Arsene Wenger. And he’s certainly not aiming low, as Roma defender Philippe Mexes and AC Milan starlet Alexandre Pato are reportedly on his wishlist.

Analysis: I certainly don’t see Pato going anywhere, and Mexes doesn’t seem intent on leaving Roma. But, if they were going to get either, it’d likely be Mexes.

Newcastle Offer Owen New Deal

Newcastle have made an in-form and healthy Michael Owen a contract offer to try to hold on to him past this season, but is it the one that he would like to see?

Analysis: Not only is he upright right now, but he’s also scoring goals, so his agent may push for a little better offer. If push comes to shove and Owen doesn’t want to sign the new deal, him being both healthy and in Owen-like form could ensure Newcastle get a sizable portion of the fee spent on him in 2005.

Celtic Misfit McGeady to Bayern or Newcastle?

Aiden McGeady could be arguing his way out of Celtic, and his ongoing issues with manager Gordon Strachan have a couple of well-known clubs monitoring any developments very closely.

Analysis: I would like to see McGeady test himself in a more competitive league like the Premier League or the Bundesliga. However, if he’s going to move anywhere, it looks like he needs to learn a thing or two about respect.

What will tomorrow bring in the wild world of transfer news and rumors? Well, keep on checking back throughout the day as the speculation rolls in.

Latest news

View all
Arrow to top