2010 Summer Football Transfers

[Rappy Veteran]

Tottenham are leading the chase to prise Micah Richards away from Manchester City, skysports.com understands.

However, a host of Premier League clubs are ready to rival Spurs for the England defender.

Richards has come through the youth system at City, after joining from Oldham when he was just 14.

Now the 21-year-old is set to be at the heart of one of the summer's biggest transfer battles.

City are anything but keen to lose Richards, but are believed to be ready to consider selling - subject to who they sign in the summer.

And Spurs are understood to be hugely keen on securing Richards' signature.

But it is also understood that Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa could also consider bids for Richards - who still harbours hope of making Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

[Kralik]

WRT to Arshavin news... its all media nonsense.. here's what he really said:

Q This is your third time of winning this prize but the first time since you moved to play in a foreign club , how does it feel?

A: "Diniyar Bilyaletdinov said in one interview that he regrets that he didn't move to a foreign club earlier. But I don't regret that I've done it only when I was 27″.

Q: Do you think it changed things, how?

A:"One and a half year in England changed me of course, but I cannot explain what exactly they[these 2 years] changed in me. I will understand it only when I return to Russia".

Q:Do you like the life in London and England?

A:"I think about living in England after finishing my playing career, but it's not more than thoughts. I don't see myself anywhere else except Russia".

Q:So Do you think you will stay in England, after you finish playing football?

A:"Everything will depend on my life here and whether it will be comfortable for my family. Football is important part of my life, but I am not 20 and I need to take into account interests of my family".

Q:But you still have some good years of playing here?

"Honestly I am afraid of time when I will turn 30. I am afraid of the moment when I will still want to play football, but understand that I won't play like I used to do before".

Q:Would you return to Russia to finish your career there?

A:"If someday I will have to choose between middle English club and leading Russian championship, I would prefer to return to Russia".

Q:Before you came to London Barcelona were interested in you, IF you could would you like to play with them?

A:"In case I have had an opportunity to play one season in Barcelona it would be the peak of my career. But After Arsenal played with Barca in the Champions League, my feeling of excitement changed to feeling of dissatisfaction, because Spanish club has become much stronger than any other club".

Q: But Barcelona FC were just beaten by Inter, what do you think of that?

A:"Inter's success is fully merit of Mourinho. When coach is genius, he is able to beat other team, even if it is much stronger".

Q:Would you have like Mourinho to be the coach that could lead Russia national team to more success?

A:"To my mind there are three best coaches for the Russian national team ? Capello, Mourinho and Hiddink.

Q: What about Arsene Wenger?

A:"Wenger is also good coach, but these three specialists are the best for our national team.

I think it's impossible to imagine Wenger without Arsenal, because he is more than coach there. He is not only works with the team, but he creates the club and he is responsible for everything which happens there".

[Kralik]

Moreover..

In fact Wenger believes the player's real feelings may have been lost in translation.

"Yes, I'm very disappointed [by this story] because he shows a completely different attitude [to me]," said the manager. "He wants to extend his contract with us and stay with us so the noise coming out of Russia is very difficult to explain. He looks to be very happy here.

"You should ask him where it comes from," Wenger told journalists. "Usually you have direct access to him, you can ask him where that comes from. I don't forbid you to talk to him. But I take with a little bit of distance what comes back translated sometimes with the help of some agents who want to move the players.

"I think everybody has the freedom to speak but you want to make sure first of all that you respect your club. I just put a question mark on the things that come back translated."

However while the authenticity of the quotes were in doubt, Wenger made it clear he would not tolerate any player expressing a desire to leave so openly.

"We do not of course accept that," he said. "When you are at Arsenal you are at Arsenal. When you are somewhere else you are somewhere else. I believe that your pride mean that first you defend your club."

[Kralik]

Madness settled!!

At his press conference on Thursday, Ars?ne Wenger remained sceptical about the validity of the quotes. Speaking in Russian newspaper Sport Express on Friday, Arshavin corrected his position and revealed he was used to all the rumours.

"I respect the club and I am happy that I am a part of it," he said. " I am very grateful to the Arsenal fans, who love me.

"I am often translated wrongly. If I talk to the English press, there is no problem but when I say something in Russia, some special news agency takes it, translates it and sells these quotes.

"During the process of interpretation they translate my words as they see fit. I find this unpleasant because people might think I said something that, in fact, I never said."

Stupid agents and press!!

[Rappy Veteran]

Valencia And Barcelona Agree On Transfer Of David Villa - Report

An exclusive report released by Spanish sports daily Marca claims that Valencia and Barcelona have agreed to the transfer of David Villa, Valencia's superstar striker and candidate to become the Spanish national team's all-time top scorer.

According to Marca's report, the striker joins Barca at the behest of Cule coach Pep Guardiola. Barcelona were close to signing the Valencia striker last season, but the deal fell flat. Now it appears that the two sides have reached an agreement that will be made official at the end of the Liga season.

Barca president Joan Laporta wanted to close the deal before the end of his term as president and the upcoming elections, to be held on June 13. Further, the club supremo wanted to sign Villa before the World Cup, as the player's value will likely skyrocket after South Africa 2010.

Marca reports that the deal will be in the ?40 million range and that two Barca players could also be included, namely Aliaksandr Hleb (currently on loan at Stuttgart) and youngster Bojan Krkic.

Villa is currently third in the Liga's Pichichi top scorer race, having netted 21 goals, six less than Barca's Lionel Messi.

[Rappy Veteran]

Atletico Madrid's Argentine striker Sergio Aguero has already agreed a ?40 million summer transfer move to Chelsea, according to ESPNsoccernet sources.

A top Premier League manager told Soccernet of the transfer as Aguero lined up for his club in the Europa League semi-final against Liverpool and maintained that it was common knowledge within the game that the deal was on its way.

"The word is that Aguero is going to Chelsea - it's a done deal at ?40 million," he said.

Aguero was close to a move to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window but Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti was convinced that his squad were capable of winning the league without a huge investment and the price for the striker quoted at the time was ?50 million.

However, Atletico Madrid's financial situation has worsened since, while the player is reportedly more relaxed about a move in the summer with more time to settle in to live in London after the World Cup.

Only recently Aguero was quoted as saying how much he admires players such as Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, which was naturally interpreted as a 'come and get me' message to the Blues.

"Chelsea are a great club,'' Aguero was quoted as saying. ''They have become one of the most feared in Europe over recent years. London would be a really amazing city to live in as well - myself and my wife could be really happy there."

Aguero - signed by Atletico in 2006 - has been likened to the legendary Diego Maradona for his playing style. Ironically he is now engaged to Giannina Maradona (Diego's daughter) and is fighting for a place in the Argentina manager's World Cup team.

(Soccernet)

[Kostaz]

I wish that was true but we all know it's BS :whistle:

[Rappy Veteran]

I wish that was true but we all know it's BS :whistle:

I dunno if it was goal.com or the sun I would call BS but ESPN?

[Shibby]

well if clubs want to splash the cash, they'll have to do it now

because....

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article7109999.ece

Basically he wants to introduce rules that clubs can only spend so much over a period. ?something like ?45mill over 3 years.

[Rappy Veteran]

Manchester United are weighing up a double swoop on neighbours City for Stephen Ireland and Micah Richards, skysports.com understands.

Ireland's future at City is looking increasingly uncertain after failing to hold down a place in Roberto Mancini's plans.

The 23-year-old has completed 90 minutes for City only twice since Mancini replaced Mark Hughes in December.

The talented midfielder, who was named the club's player of the season last term, has found himself sidelined this season and it has been widely reported that he is seeking regular first-team football and may be open to a move away from Eastlands.

Richards' future at City has also been the subject of conjecture in recent weeks as the club are continually linked with moves for a new right-back.

Tottenham have been credited with an interest in Richards, but United could also be in the market for the England international as they seek a long-term replacement for Gary Neville.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long-term admirer of Ireland and Richards and is believed to have sounded out moves for the pair in the past.

Ferguson could be encouraged to make a move for the duo in the summer if City decide to make them available to make way for new signings in the close-season.

[nothuman]

There's been some talk about a swap between Ronney and Higuain. I pray that this isn't true.

[Rappy Veteran]

Arsenal will launch a bid for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart as soon as the summer transfer window opens, according to a report in The Guardian.

The No.1 spot has become a problem for the Gunners this season, with both Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski being exposed on a number of crucial occasions. The latter's most recent errors, which helped Blackburn Rovers to a 2-1 win against the north London side on Monday, have seemingly been the last straw for manager Arsene Wenger, who will now look for a viable long-term replacement.

And it is to Hart he will turn, the 23-year-old being a player the Frenchman has long been interested in. Hart has had a breakthrough season, joining Birmingham on a year-long loan and helping the Blues to an impressive top-ten finish thanks to a string of fine performances that include 12 clean sheets.

Set to return to parent club Manchester City after Sunday's final game of the season, Hart will have to compete with Shay Given to be the first-choice spot at Eastlands.

[Shibby]

I think Arsenal would be better off with the younger Joe Hart, but Shay Given is 34 years old. ?So he's going to be playing for quite a few more seasons, so Hart may as well find himself thinking Arsenal will probably make him number 1 as the goal keepers at the club are average, premier league quality yes, champions league as well??

If they don't get Hart then I wouldn't be surprised if they go for Given, hell I won't be surprised if they tried to get Tim Howard!

[Rappy Veteran]

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has all but confirmed that he will be joining Arsenal in the summer.

The 26-year-old Morocco international is out of contract at the end of the season and will reportedly move to the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer in June.

Chamakh has been with Les Girondins since 2000 and his goals helped them to the Ligue 1 title last term as well as an excellent run in the UEFA Champions League this year.

With Arsenal having problems up front this season following a serious injury to Dutch ace Robin van Persie, Wenger is thought to have moved to snap up the North African star.

Chamakh says he decided to leave the French club earlier in the year and is relishing the prospect of Premier League football.

"I am delighted to join the English football atmosphere, it is something amazing," he told French newspaper L'Equipe.

"I love Arsenal's game. I know I will have to adapt but I know the short passing game with (Bordeaux midfielder) Yoann Gourcuff.

"In February, I made my decision. A departure clause (in a potential new Bordeaux contract) was not logical after refusing Arsenal last summer.

"Arsenal were not alone. There were Liverpool, Tottenham and crazy offers from Russia.

"But I was only focused on the Premier League."

Chamakh has been with Les Girondins for 10 years and, while he is looking to the future, admits he will be leaving with a heavy heart.

"For my last matches with Bordeaux I can feel a lot of emotion," he added.

"But I am leaving for a new challenge. At Bordeaux I was the club's child. In London, I won't be a kid anymore.

"I have grown, I have things to prove and I am motivated to achieve it."

[Surrealist]

New rule - no more Chamakh stories, ok? I'm so sick of that guy.

I think Arsenal would be better off with the younger Joe Hart, but Shay Given is 34 years old. ?So he's going to be playing for quite a few more seasons, so Hart may as well find himself thinking Arsenal will probably make him number 1 as the goal keepers at the club are average, premier league quality yes, champions league as well??

If they don't get Hart then I wouldn't be surprised if they go for Given, hell I won't be surprised if they tried to get Tim Howard!

Well to be fair Howard has been really solid for the past 2 seasons. Much more than you can say for any of Arsenal's keepers.

[rajputwarrior]

Premier League - Paper Round: Torres to turn Blue

Eurosport - Wed, 05 May 09:09:00 2010

Buzz Up!

This morning's papers bring the news that every Liverpool fan has been dreading: superstar striker Fernando Torres looks like he is on his way to Chelsea.

MORE STORIES

Early Doors: Bell tolls for City

Redknapp slams City over Bellamy transfer

Agent: Benitez wants to stay with Reds

Celtic claim Old Firm victory

Rumours of a big-money move have been bubbling ever since it became clear that Liverpool were unlikely to make it to the Champions League next season, and now Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is "convinced" that Torres is set for a move to Stamford Bridge, according to this morning's Daily Mail.

Preliminary discussions have reportedly been held, and Abramovich is ready to lay out a Manchester City-busting ?70 million to secure the services of the Spaniard.

In other Torres-related news, The Sun carries a filler piece suggesting that relations between the Spanish striker and his manager Rafa Benitez have grown so frosty that Liverpool will likely keep one or the other - but not both.

Not exactly a tough choice: keep Torres and lose Benitez, or lose Torres and keep Benitez? We'll leave you to work out the rest from here.

The Daily Mirror's back page 'exclusive' is a comment from Craig Bellamy about Manchester City team-mate Carlos Tevez, claiming that keeping Tevez is crucial to City's chances of attracting and keeping other talent - despite reports of a rift between the Argentine and manager Roberto Mancini.

"Carlos is the one who epitomises what Manchester City should be about," said Bellamy. "He is a warrior... He has to stay. It's as simple as that."

The rest of today's back pages - not to mention the top story on our own website, and this morning's Early Doors blog - focus on Harry Redknapp's broadside at Manchester City over their bullying manipulation of the transfer market.

Fancy their cheek! Offering sought-after players higher wages to persuade them to move! If Harry's comments are any reflection of his views on free market economics then it's fair to assume that he'll be voting for the Communist Party come Thursday morning.

Redknapp is reportedly keen on Everton's Steven Pienaar, with the South African playmaker eyeing up a move as he enters the final year of his contract. The Toffees are reportedly ready to cash in while they still can, and some sort of swap deal involving Robbie Keane heading to Goodison may be in the offing (The Sun).

Most of the papers carry news confirming that Alex Ferguson is due to begin the sort of summer clear-out that has helped keep him at the top. The Mirror reports that Ben Foster, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov will be the players leaving Old Trafford.

In other transfer-related gossip, Ipswich could lose two stars this summer with Sunderland now joining Spurs in the ?7m race for 17-year-old starlet Connor Wickham (Daily Mirror), while skipper Jon Walters is a ?4m target for Stoke boss Tony Pulis (Daily Mail).

The Mail also reports that Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is to shake up his squad this summer, with six players on the way out and Huddersfield keeper Alex Smithies set for a ?2m move to the Premier League.

And speaking of Wigan, chairman Dave Whelan and defender Gary Caldwell have become the latest Wigan voices to suggest that they can spoil Chelsea's Premier League party this weekend.

Maybe it's just us, but it just feels like every time somebody makes such a rash prediction it becomes even more likely that Chelsea will win 10-0...

Eurosport

oh **** off...

[Rappy Veteran]

Torres to Chelski? :rofl:

[Green_Eye]

Ahhh hell no! :laugh: can you imagine that? damn!

[leesmithg]

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has all but confirmed that he will be joining Arsenal in the summer.

The 26-year-old Morocco international is out of contract at the end of the season and will reportedly move to the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer in June.

Chamakh has been with Les Girondins since 2000 and his goals helped them to the Ligue 1 title last term as well as an excellent run in the UEFA Champions League this year.

With Arsenal having problems up front this season following a serious injury to Dutch ace Robin van Persie, Wenger is thought to have moved to snap up the North African star.

Chamakh says he decided to leave the French club earlier in the year and is relishing the prospect of Premier League football.

"I am delighted to join the English football atmosphere, it is something amazing," he told French newspaper L'Equipe.

"I love Arsenal's game. I know I will have to adapt but I know the short passing game with (Bordeaux midfielder) Yoann Gourcuff.

"In February, I made my decision. A departure clause (in a potential new Bordeaux contract) was not logical after refusing Arsenal last summer.

"Arsenal were not alone. There were Liverpool, Tottenham and crazy offers from Russia.

"But I was only focused on the Premier League."

Chamakh has been with Les Girondins for 10 years and, while he is looking to the future, admits he will be leaving with a heavy heart.

"For my last matches with Bordeaux I can feel a lot of emotion," he added.

"But I am leaving for a new challenge. At Bordeaux I was the club's child. In London, I won't be a kid anymore.

"I have grown, I have things to prove and I am motivated to achieve it."

This will teach Bordeaux a simple lesson.

If you have a player with 9 months left on a contract and a club offer you over ?10,000,000 then take it, don't fool around and get greedy and want ?16,000,000.

Arsenal have plenty of strikers, I am wondering why we are not buying top class defenders.

We have 5 strikers currently that play first team football.

[Kralik]

For the first time in many seasons the right signals are coming from Emirates..

Arsène Wenger is on the market for a couple of experienced players during the close season.

"We have plenty of young players," said the 60-year-old. "If we bring some players in then they have to be experienced players."

"I think we have been in the race this year with the team we had. We will be stronger next year just with the internal improvement and with the experience these players will have now. The additions will be minimal but if there are some they have to be really top class."

[rajputwarrior]

^ you guys have the best young squad in the EPL in my opinion so that move definitely makes sense, thats if you guys dont go on and sell some of those young'ns

[Kostaz]

There's no way I'd cheer Torres if he come to Chelsea.Besides JT is probably gonna shag him :shifty:

[leesmithg]

There's no way I'd cheer Torres if he come to Chelsea.Besides JT is probably gonna shag him :shifty:

Torres is a pretty boy.

I think he will go back to Spain or probably sign on a fortune with Manchester City.

Only striker I want Arsenal to sign is the best I have ever seen play in the premiership, which is Drogba.

He has it all, except he needs to quit chucking his 'everything' out of his pram.

[Kralik]

Silvestre and Gallas will leave and Sol will come in for Silvestre, leaving Gallas' spot empty.. my guess is an experienced defender will come in.. Wenger talked abt standing outside Bernabeu and keeping an eye on their sales, there is talk of Metzelder leaving.. can he be the one?

Chamakh is coming in.. in Ade-bye-gone's place.. so we still need one more striker.. and to sell Eduardo maybe :/

Song has been brilliant for the most part.. so he'll stay.. Diaby and Denilson have been dodgy... I'd sell one of them and bring the guy in my signature in when he's fit.. he's always impressed me..

RvP, Cesc and Arshavin staying will be crucial.. as will Wenger's decision on our GKs.. or should I say our clowns in GK kits?

We need someone who is young to replace Fabianski.. Akinfeev and Lloris won't sit on the bench.. so maybe Joe Hart or Vincenzo Fiorillo? We MUST sell Almunia and sign an experienced keeper..

There is also talk of Jack Rodwell.. but I can't see that happening.. for that we must sell someone..

[rajputwarrior]

Torres is a pretty boy.

I think he will go back to Spain or probably sign on a fortune with Manchester City.

Only striker I want Arsenal to sign is the best I have ever seen play in the premiership, which is Drogba.

He has it all, except he needs to quit chucking his 'everything' out of his pram.

he might look like a pretty boy, but he doesn't play like one AT ALL. No one wants that ball more then Torres

There's no way I'd cheer Torres if he come to Chelsea.Besides JT is probably gonna shag him :shifty:

you would cheer for drogba (who's the biggest embarrassment to the game of football i've seen in years) over torres?