European Football Transfers: Top 9 Rumours of the Week

With the European transfer window still open, rumours are still flying about, some stupid, but others somewhat logical.

Do you know which midfielder Arsenal will sign if Cesc Fàbregas leaves?

Talking about Fàbregas, he'll only be sold if Arsenal get this Barcelona player. Find out who.   

How about Liverpool's Lucas, after a solid season, he might be leaving, so find out why.

Also which club might outbid Chelsea to sign Javier Pastore? 

Here are this week's top nine rumours of the European transfer window.    

9. James McCarthy Coming to Arsenal

According to metro.co.uk, Wigan Athletic's James McCarthy will become a viable option in midfield if Cesc Fàbregas is sold. 

Wigan have already lost Charles N'Zogbia, and are unlikely to give up McCarthy, who has looked very promising.

Also why would Arsenal sign McCarthy following Fàbregas' transfer to Barcelona? Wouldn't the logical move for Arsenal be buying a replacement? 

Potentially he could have a breakout season to which Wigan can sell McCarthy at a higher price. 

Considering Aaron Ramsey and Abou Diaby aren't getting that much of a look in, McCarthy would just be a squad player at Arsenal.    

8. Dani Pacheco Seeking Norwich City Move

According to the Daily Star, former Barcelona youth player and current Liverpool reserve Dani Pacheco will join Norwich City.   

I'm convinced Pacheco will be a quality player, and I don't understand why last season Liverpool continued to use Maxi Rodríguez as opposed to  Pacheco.

Granted Rodríguez had one of the most stunning purple patches I've ever witnessed, Pacheco has more potential to be top quality, yet Liverpool aren't giving him a chance.

With Liverpool's recent high profiled midfield additions, Pacheco would be wise to join Norwich City on say a one year deal.   

Right now, he needs to play regular first team football at any top flight level regardless of how small or unfancied the club is.  

7. Lucas on His Way out of Anfield

According to Rob Beasley at the Sun, Lucas is set to exit Liverpool with competition for midfield positions potentially leaving him on the bench.

Well Liverpool haven’t bought any defensive midfielders so far, and Lucas was arguably their best player last season.

After all the improvement Lucas has done, why would Liverpool then sell him? 

6. Alan Smith to Play in the United States Second Division

According to Sky Sports, Orlando City who play a level below the MLS, have indicated their interesting in signing Alan Smith.

What?

Tell me how this rumour makes sense.

Smith has one year left on his contract, he owns property in Florida, Orlando City are managed by Everton legend and Englishmen Adrian Heath, are owned by Englishmen, and have aspirations to join the MLS.

Last season, Smith was a heavy contributor on the wage roll, yet did nothing of note on the field.

He hasn't been the same since that horrific injury against Liverpool, and a move to Orlando City, where he'll be wanted may be good for his career.

Though it will only eventuate if no EPL club want Smith, and even then, his pride may lead him to join a Championship side gunning to get into the EPL. 

5. Juan Manuel Mata Staying at Valencia

Valencia president Manuel Llorente told Superdeporte that star midfielder, Juan Manuel Mata, is not for sale at any price.

Naturally football fans will be thinking why Valencia shopped him around, and then suddenly did a u-turn.

I believe no club have offered Valencia a transfer fee they believe is value for money regarding Mata's ability.

Now you have to remember Valencia have debts of around €400 million, so they're going to value their star asset with tinted glasses which indicate he is worth €30+ million.

There are only two clubs, unless Manchester City want another bench player, that could meet Valencia's economic estimation of Mata's abilities—Paris Saint-Germain and Anzhi Makhachkala. 

I'm skeptical of Anzhi Makhachkala, but Paris Saint-Germain is the real deal as they are owned by the Qatar Investment Authority.

Question is does Mata want to move away from Spain?   

4. Daniele De Rossi Will Not Be a Roman Next Season

According to talkSPORT, Roma are unwilling to sell long serving Daniele De Rossi to anyone. 

This situation comes following stalled negoations on a contract renewal after a forgettable season for De Rossi, whose frustrations at times crossed into thuggish behaviour.

Darijo Srna can attest to that. 

De Rossi's contract ends next season, but I'd be very surprised if he left Roma, given he has been at the club since 2000. 

3. Diego off to Atlético Madrid

According to Goal.com, Juventus and Wolfsburg flop Diego will be sold to Atlético Madrid at a cut price. 

It was painful to watch Diego last season, because you knew he had so much more to offer, and one does wonder how has he gone from being one of the world's most promising midfielders to a midfielder devoid of any convidence and seemingly ability.   

2. Cesc Fàbregas Deal Will Go Through If Barcelona Say Bye Bye to Thiago

According to metro.co.uk, Cesc Fàbregas will only be sold to Barcelona if Thiago Alcántara is sold to Arsenal. 

This is what I'm talking about, Barcelona tried to ward off Arsenal's interest by awarding a contract extension to Thiago, but manager Arsène Wenger has to be firm and ask for Thiago plus money.

Let us see how much Barcelona really value Fàbregas, if they're going to relinquish what looks like a footballer certain to develop into a world class midfielder. 

1. Palermo Auctioning Javier Pastore. Paris or London?

According to Martin Lipton at Mirror Football, Paris Saint-Germain will battle Chelsea for Javier Pastore.

It is most probable that Paris Saint-Germain will outbid Chelsea, but Palermo are intelligently inflating Pastore's transfer fee. 

I hope Chelsea don't sign him, because his style is not suited for the EPL. Then again, they said the same thing for Luka Modrić and look how successful he has been.

Paris Saint-Germain need that one star player to come to Paris, an attractive place to live, which could precipitate more high quality footballers coming in.

For more information about Pastore, please read Javier Pastore Rumours: Manchester United, Chelsea and 5 Other Clubs To Sign Him.