Transfer Rumors (26 May 09): Chelsea in hunt for Inter target Arnautovic, Aston Villa target Liverpool winger Babel, Bayern Munich sign Stuttgart striker Gomez, and more

The summer transfer window hasn’t even opened yet, but a couple of big names from Europe’s top leagues are already on the move to new destinations, and a few others could soon have new addresses. Who are those players, and where are they going? We’ve got all of that and more in today’s transfer news roundup, which includes news and rumors from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and even Turkey.

England

Chelsea in Talks for FC Twente’s Arnautovic

Chelsea are locking horns with Inter Milan for FC Twente striker Marko Arnautovic. There have been reports that the Austrian international was set to sign for Inter, but Chelsea are reportedly still very much in the hunt. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Steve McClaren is hoping that Arnatuovic remains at Twente, and that might not be a bad idea. There are no guarantees that he would be a regular at either Chelsea or Inter for a little while, and that could stunt his development. But, whenever Arnautovic is sold, whether it’s this summer or next, McClaren will get a nice little windfall with which to replenish his squad.

Aston Villa Target Liverpool’s Babel

According to Dutch sources, Aston Villa have made contact with the representatives of Liverpool winger Ryan Babel over a summer move. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Babel seems destined to be no more than a rotation player for Liverpool unless something changes, and there’s a good chance that Rafa Benitez could be going for at least one winger this summer, so that puts even more of a dent into the opportunities that he could get next season. Rafa could be reluctant to let Babel go to a fellow Premier League side, but if he still has some interest in Gareth Barry, Babel could well be used to help aid that transfer.

Blackburn Move for Marseille’s M’Bami

Blackburn are making a move for Marseille midfielder Modeste M’Bami. M’Bami is out of contract next month, so he’s available for free. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: M’Bami has drifted in and out of Marseille’s starting lineup this season, but as was the case with his Marseille teammate Gael Givet, a move to Blackburn could offer up the opportunity to become a key player and a regular starter.

Spain

Duo Chase Real Madrid’s Drenthe

Mallorca and Deportivo are both interested in Real Madrid’s Royston Drenthe. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Drenthe has been primarily used as a sub over his two seasons at Real, and a loan move to either one of those sides would allow him to get regular starts, compete for a European place, and show the Real Madrid staff that he could do the business for them.

Italy

Juventus Seal Diego Deal

Juventus have completed the signing of Werder Bremen playmaker Diego for 24m, with the Brazilian signing a five-year contract with his new club. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: This is only the start of what should be a busy summer for Juve, as they look to mount a serious challenge domestically and in Europe next season.

Roma Chase Trezeguet

The agent of Juventus striker David Trezeguet says that Roma are after his client. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Trezeguet has been a non-factor for Juve this season, and all signs point to him leaving in the summer, but depending on who Juve choose to hire as their new manager, he could have a place in the side next season.

Quaresma to Sign for Genoa

Inter winger Ricardo Quaresma is set to sign for Genoa in a 10m co-ownership deal. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Should Genoa be considered a darkhorse for the Serie A title next season? They do lose Diego Milito and Thiago Motta, but they’ve already added two strikers (Robert Acquafresca and Sergio Floccari), are set to add another one (Hernan Crespo), and with the addition of a talent like Quaresma, are really building solidly for next season.

Germany

Bayern to Sign Stuttgart Star Gomez

Bayern Munich are finally set to sign longtime target Mario Gomez. The 23-year-old VfB Stuttgart striker will move to Bayern for 26m. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Bayern are certainly going to spend big this summer in an attempt to regain their domestic dominance and make a deep run in the Champions League, so expect a few more notable signings over the coming months.

Turkey

Galatasaray Targeting Van Nistelrooy

Galatasaray have recently had contact with Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. Van Nistelrooy has one year left on his deal at Real Madrid, but he could be set to leave this summer. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: If he isn’t in Real’s plans next season, he should have no shortage of options. You do have to worry about his knees, but when he’s healthy, you can count on him to find the net on a regular basis.

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