Summer Transfer Window: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Other Rumours
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The 2011 Summer Transfer Window is already in full flight and it has already graced world football with some big signings. England prodigies Jordan Henderson and Phil Jones were two eye-catching transfers, with Henderson signing from Sunderland to Liverpool for a deal that could rise up £20 million whilst Jones arrived at Premier League champions Manchester United from Blackburn for £16 million.
As expected there have been daily whirlwinds of erratic rumours and audacious speculation, with the usual European giants commanding much of the interest and attention. There are destined to be numerous more big-name and surprise transfers as the rumours come to pass.
What does the future hold for Arsenal's Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas? Will Liverpool conclude their left back woes? And will Chelsea finally snare Tottenham's Luka Modric?
Until the truth is known, let's establish all the biggest rumours in world football.
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Highly touted Arsenal striker Carlos Vela will remain at the Emirates according to agent Eduardo Hernandez. The Mexican striker was rumoured to be potentially on Wenger's departure list after lack of opportunities had failed to arise in recent seasons.
The 22-year-old endured a unproductive stint with West Bromwich Albion in a bid to achieve more playing time but the arrival of Roy Hodgson's defensive tactics restricted the Mexico international despite impressing in short cameos.
An extremely talented prospect, the forward has shown in glimpses the ability he possesses as a quick and efficient striker. However the lack of opportunity has stemmed his development but none the less Wenger is eager to keep Vela.
The young gun made made a mere three EPL starts in three seasons for the Gunners yet has still managed to secure 11 goals. With Nicklas Bendtner and Andrei Arshavin both boasting uncertain Arsenal futures, opportunity it set to sufficiently rise in 2011/2012 for the Mexican.
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Newly appointed Fulham manager Martin Jol is set to announce his first signing for Fulham as the Dutchman closes in on highly rated Espanyol keeper Carlos Kameni. Goal.com announced that Kameni is eager on a move to the English Premier League with Fulham keen buyers.
The Cameroon shot stopper has become an integral part of RCD Espanyol side with over 250 appearances since 2004. A reliable, renowned keeper, Kameni has long been chased by a number of sides throughout Europe. However it looks to be Fulham who will strike as they eye a replacement for the ageing Mark Schwarzer.
Kameni has long been considered the best keeper in Africa and boasts 60 caps for Cameroon. The 27-year-old is expected to thrive in the English Premier League as Fulham aim to rebuild on what concluded as a solid 2010/2011. Jol has big expectations for the London club as they aim to regain European status.
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The Guardian have announced the Blackburn manager Steve Kean is eager to complete his first Summer signing for Rovers by securing the service of Zenit Saint Petersburg defender Aleksandr Anyukov. Blackburn, who have had their predominant transfer speculation revolving around captain Christopher Samba, are eager to add the 28 year old for £4 million.
A tough, tenacious and consistent right back, the 28-year-old has become a renowned presence in Russia, amassing over 175 appearances for Zenit alongside 57 for Russia. Blackburn are in need of defensive reassurance after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. At £4 million, Anyukov's experience and quality will come at a cheap cost and many believe the Russian can thrive in the English Premier.
Anyukov was long on Liverpool's radar as they searched for right back security but a move to Lanchashire appears iminent for the Russia international. Steve Kean has been allowed an increased transfer budget and alos hopes to mobilize Jermaine Jones's loan spell.
Read More at http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/23/football-transfer-rumours-chelsea
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Aston Villa have all but sold dynamo Ashley Young to Manchester United for a rumoured £30 million and new manager Alex McLiesh is set to lose another attacking ace in Stewart Downing, who has grown disgruntled at Villa Park. The English winger, who enjoyed a stellar season and was considered the Villains best player with 44 appearances and 8 goals, desires European football alongside a sufficient title approach after two seasons with Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old has set his sights on Anfield on his desired destination despite eagerness from Arsenal. However the Gunners relinquished their quest after Villa instilled a £19 million price tag on Downing. Liverpool however are willing to match the price as the Reds continue their big spending Summer.
Kenny Daglish already secured the service of English young gun Jordan Henderson from Sunderland for £16 million and Downing is expected to become the next. A fast, balanced winger whose ability to cross and shoot have ensured Downing is considered one of the most dangerous in World Football.
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After Everton manager David Moyes last Summer rejected a £14 million bid from Arsene Wenger for renowned defender Phil Jagielka, the Arsenal manager is set to attempt again as the calls for defensive security at the Emirates intensify.
Wenger has been a keen admirer of the England international for a number of seasons, ensuring Jagielka predominantly linked with the Gunners. The Daily Telegraph announced that the French tactitian is preparing another bid.
A tough, tenacious centre half who has emerged as one of the strongest in the EPL. Highly regarded as Goodison Park, Moyes is eager to maintain his English star unless Wenger is willing to pay around £15-17 million. However Wenger may look to offer the services of young stars Ignasi Miguel, Kyle Bartley or Carlos Vela as part of an exchange.
Wenger does have £60 million at his transfer budget leisure and has been strongly linked with Blackburn's Christopher Samba and Bolton's Gary Cahill. However those deals looked to have diminished whilst Scott Dann, another Arsenal defensive prospect, is in talks with Stoke City.
The Frenchman is in desperate need of defensive reinforcements as the fans roars for trophy success increase.
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Borussia Dortmund are set to awake Nicklas Bendtner from his Arsenal nightmare with rumours the German giants are preparing a £11 million bid for the disgruntled striker. Goal.com has announced that with the imminent departure of Lucas Barrios the Black and Yellows are eager to gain the Danish sharp shooter.
The 23 year old stated his desire to depart the Emirates following a disappointing season in which the Denmark international managed a mere three Premier League starts. Despite still managing to secure 10 goals, Arsene Wenger was tentative to utilize Bendtner consistently, much due to the immense form of Robin van Persie who managed 18 goals in 17 appearances following the New Year. The striker was often utilized as a winger off the bench which restricted Bendtner's overall impact.
No one rates Bendtner higher than himself and with desires to play consistently in order to fulfil the reputation he instilled upon himself, a move appears beneficial for the FC Copenhagen youth. At £11 million, Wenger is certain to accept the offer as the Frenchman eyes the likes of Gervinho, Radamel Falcao and Karim Benzema.
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It's rare to see Arsenal youngsters who are allowed to depart the Emirates, either because simply they do not possess the calibre to thrive at the North London giants or because they feel opportunities are restricted to them, looking likely to become a big thing in English football.
Who remembers Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Abu Ogogo and Rene Steer?
However one player who appears to be heading in the right direction is Cedric Evina. The Cameroon born defender rose up through the Arsenal academy ranks, playing an integral role in the Arsenal youth sensastional 2008/2009 achievement of the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Academy. Evina also captained the youth side in 2009/2010.
Evina was then given the routine opportunity of a loan stint last season. The 19 year old was sent to Oldham Athletic where the Cameroonian was superb, thriving on consistent playing time. This resulted in Evina demanding a release from Arsenal to sign permanently with Paul Dickov's side. Evina amassed 28 appearances and a goal for the League One outfitl.
However the long commute from family and frieds ensured Evina desired a move close to London which has now resulted in a two year deal with Charlton Athletic. The teenager is viewed as a promising prospect who has the ability to make in the English Premier League.
Yahoo Sports has more.
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According to Metro, Tottenham are prepared to offer defender Sebastien Bassong in order to acquire the services of highly rated Bolton centre half Gary Cahill. The Englishman has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the English Premier League after consectutive consistent seasons with the Trotters.
Manager Owen Colye has instilled a £17 million price tag on the 25 year old which has forced tentative approaches from Arsenal and Manchester City, who were both eager to secure the England international. Arsenal were rumoured to be preparing an £14 million offer along with youngster Ignasi Miguel on a season long loan but Coyle is likely to be more tempted by the prospect of acquiring Sebastien Bassong and potentially Younes Kaboul.
Tottenham's defensive insecurity was highlighted in the latter part of the recent season as Harry Redknapp's men lost their grip on the top four and ultimately failed to secure UEFA Champions League football for consecutive seasons.
Cahill's leadership, consistency and strength are standouts in the former Aston Villa defenders game and many expect him to become the next John Terry in the national England team.
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The Daily Telegraph have announced the news that former Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has been announced as the new manager of Birmingham City. After Alex McLiesh departed the Blues for Aston Villa following relegation to the Npower Championship, the likes of Roberto Di Matteo and Gianfranco Zola all speculated with a move to the job.
However Hughton impressed in interviews with Birmingham officials to clinch the position. The Englishman was controversially sacked in December by Newcastle, a move that angered fans and players alike after Hughton had been pivotal in the Magpies return to the EPL in 2009/2010.
Hughton spent 14 years at Tottenham as an assistant manager and was widely tipped to join Martin Jol at Fulham as his assistant however the Englishman favoured a managerial role despite being rejected by Cardiff City.
Birmingham City are said to be impressed by Hughton's ability to regain promotion as he did so with a significantly weaker side in Newcastle during 2009/2010.
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FC Porto enjoyed a stellar 2010/2011 in which the Portuguese giants achieved the UEFA Cup along with the Portuguese title. Andre Villas-Boas was integral as manager which is a prime reason why Chelsea have appointed the Portuguese manager as the new head of Chelsea. After Carlo Ancelotti was released at the conclusion of 2010/2011, there was much speculation to who would became the new Blues manager with the likes of Guus Hiddink and Harry Redknapp some of the names rumoured.
However the former Porto tactician has been sounded out and it is believed Villas-Boas will bring members of his championship winning squad. One player who was immense for Porto was striker Radamel Flacao who is one of the hottest strikers on the transfer market.
The Colombian secured an outstanding 38 goals in 42 appearance during the recent season and 34 in 43 appearances in 2009/2010. A quick, powerful presence, the 25 year old has become one of the most clinical figures in World Football. Villas-Boas is eager to add Falcao to the Chelsea roster which is certain to signify the departure of either Nicholas Anelka or Didider Drogba.
However Arsenal and Tottenham are increasingly eager to acquire the Colombia international, willing to pay the £25 million price tag.
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The Daily Telegraph has announced that Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is willing io include forward Ricardo Fuller in a deal to secure the services of Birmingham City defender Scott Dann. Birmingham City are amid turmoil after enduring final day relegation which followed with the departure of manager Alex McLiesh to Aston Villa.
The Scots departure is set to ignite a wave of departures from the Blues' strong roster. Dann is arguably the most chased prospect after emerging as a consistent, strong defender in the English Premier League. The 24 year old is currently pursued by the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa but Pulis aims to give the Potters an edge by offering Fuller.
Dann is said to command £12 million, a deal which Stoke are willing to match. However with the presences of the 31 year old, it is unlikely other clubs will be able to compete financially. The Jamaican is some what of a cult hero at the Britannia but endured a disappointing season of just four goals in 36 appearances. However City are in need of a powerful forward as they aim to regain promotion to the English Premier League.
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Newcastle's search for added attacking flair took a wrong turn as manager Alan Pardew confirmed the termination of his interest in Wigan Athletic star Charles N'Zogbia. The Magpies are eager to instill increased creativity to their midfield after releasing Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton. N'Zogbia is viewed as the ideal figure after becoming one of the most devastating wingers in the Premier League with the Latics.
Manager Roberto Martinez demanded £12 million for his winger, who the Spaniard acquired from Newcastle in 2009. Pardew was willing to match the fee but the 25-year-old is reportedly demanding wages of up to £60,000 a week which did not appeal to the Englishman.
Club Call have stated Pardew will now look to free agent Vincente whilst Sunderland and Liverpool resume their interest in Wigan's French ace. Wigan are eager to sell N'Zogbia as the France international only has a year remaining on his contract and rejected to resign.
Read more at Club Call: http://www.clubcall.com/newcastle-united/pardew-ends-nzogbia-interest-1229207.html
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After Roy Hodgson eradicated a potential demise in the latter half of 2011 to revive West Bromwich Albion's season, the Englishman is now eager to immensely strengthen the Baggies squad for 2011/2012 as they aim to challenge for European honours.
The Englishman is rumoured by the Birmingham Mail to be eager to secure the services of consistent Birmingham left back Liam Ridgewell. After the Blues admitted to relegation on the final day of 2010/2011, the departure of manager Alex McLiesh is set to unleash a wave of departures and due to calibre of the 26 year old, Ridgewell is viewed as a prime target.
A tough, reliable defender, the Englishman has amassed over 150 appearances in the EPL and was largely consisered as one of the most underated prospects in England. At a rumoured £3 million, the former Aston Villa defender is a immesnely cheap and effective signing who will significantly bolster the Baggies defensive credentials.
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Newly promoted Premier League side Norwich City look set to continue their transfer spending with a £1.75 million offer for Huddersfield winger Anthony Pilkington. After a stellar 2010/2011 in which the Canaries secured automatic promotion, manager Paul Lambert is eager to instill added depth to his side.
Norwich already boast the signatures of Elliot Bennet, James Vaughan and Manchester United youngster Ritchie De Laet. Pilkington is a promising young winger who enjoyed an outstanding season in Football League One and despite breaking his fibula in March, the Englishman still managed to secure presences in the PFA League One Team of the Year.
The 23-year-old is a quick, experienced dynamo who many believe can thrive in the Premier League. However, Huddersfield Town are eager to maintain Pilkington and may demand an increased price than what Lambert is offerring.
Norwich City are also eager to sign Arsenal young gun Henri Lansbury on a season-long loan after the Englishman played an integral role in the Canaries' promotion.
Read More at the Examiner.
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Arsene Wenger is destined to offload veteran left back Gael Clichy as the Frenchman has become disgruntled at the Emirates due to the lack of silverware materializing for Arsenal. The 25-year-old, who is currently the longest-serving Gunner on Wenger's roster, rejected a contract extension as he enters the final year of his current paperwork.
Largely considered one of the most overrated players in the English Premier League, Clichy's refusal to re-sign has captured the attention of numerous big-name clubs. Inter Milan and Juventus have both expressed interest but it is believed Italian giants AS Roma lead the chase for the France international.
Liverpool, who are searching tirelessly for a high-calibre left back, were eager to secure the experienced full back and offered a £5 million offer to Wenger, which was subsequently rejected. However Wenger desires to sell Clichy this summer and despite his intentions to sell to a side outside the EPL, Kenny Dalglish is set to up the ante and offer £8 million for the Frenchman.



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