World Football Gossip Roundup: M'Vila, Ibrahimovic, Pogba and More

You win some and you lose some in the world football transfer market. Just ask Arsenal.

The Gunners are reportedly close to signing one of their big summer transfer targets, but another may have slipped away to Italy.

Meanwhile, Manchester City may have actually decided that a player is too expensive (or something like that), and Paul Pogba may have finally decided what he wants.

All the details are inside today's Bleacher Report World Football Gossip Roundup.

M'Vila to Arsenal?

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly "confident" of signing French midfielder Yann M'Vila from Rennes, but only if the Gunners qualify for next season's Champions League.

The Gunners are currently third in the English Premier League with one match left. The top four teams earn Champions League spots, but Chelsea would claim the fourth one by winning this year's final even if they finish outside the top four.

From Mirror Football:

"

M’Vila will hold talks with the Gunners and Inter Milan this week, but has indicated he would prefer a move to the Premier League and Wenger believes he can lure the French international with a four-year deal.

…

Despite having a wild reputation off the pitch, M'Vila is seen as the disciplined defensive midfielder Arsenal need - and the 22-year-old has also spoken of his admiration for Wenger.

"

The Mirror lists M'Vila at £17 million.

Elsewhere in the report, Andrey Arshavin will likely make his loan deal with Zenit St. Petersburg permanent. That would make way for Blackburn's Junior Hoilett, who is set to become a free agent with the Lancashire club being relegated.

Ibra and Silva Staying?

Big changes could be coming for AC Milan, who failed to win Serie A, the Coppa Italia or the Champions League this season.

But those changes apparently won't include departures for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic or defender Thiago Silva (pictured).

Goal.com reports:

"

Sweden striker Ibrahimovic has been linked with Real Madrid in recent weeks, while Brazil defender Thiago Silva has been courted by Barcelona for the best part of a year.

However, when asked by reporters on Monday about Milan's plans to bring in world-class players during the summer, [AC Milan CEO Adriano] Galliani stated that the two stars will remain at the club.

'We already have two, Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic, who’ll both be staying with us,' he said.

"

Belhanda Instead of Hazard?

Either Manchester City have a good poker face, or they are over Eden Hazard.

According to The Independent, City are now targeting Montpellier midfielder Younes Belhanda as a "backup target" in place of the high-priced Hazard:

"

City are beginning to apply themselves to the possible acquisition of the £7m-rated Morocco international because, after two months' hard pursuit of the 21-year-old Hazard, which has included a property tour of the Cheshire commuter belt, the demands of the player's representatives are becoming a source of severe concern.

"

If Manchester City's reps are concerned about Hazard's demands, that would be outrageous.

Barca After Valencia Keeper?

Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita has caught the eye of Barcelona.

That's the word from Spanish paper El Mundo. Goal.com has the details:

"

The Catalans are closely monitoring the situation of a number of goalkeepers, and the 25-year-old Guaita supposedly sits atop the shortlist.

Barca have been monitoring Guaita throughout the campaign, and they believe the Torrent-born keeper has the ability to compete with Victor Valdes for a spot between the sticks in the long term.

…

The goalkeeper has a contract with Valencia until the summer of 2015.

"

If you recall Lionel Messi missing a penalty against Valencia earlier this season, you're right. But it was Diego Alves who saved it, not Guaita.

Everyone Wants Jan

The Jan Vertonghen situation is really starting to heat up.

On Monday, the Daily Mail reported that Tottenham Hotspur were "closing in" on Vertonghen, a 25-year-old Belgian central defender:

"

'There's something going on with Tottenham, but there are more clubs interested in signing me,' Vertonghen was quoted as saying. 'The most important thing for me is that I get regular playing time. Plus, I need a stable environment.'

"

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror reported that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is making a "last-ditch move" to sign Vertonghen, who currently plays for Ajax.

Pogba Finally Gone?

United have reportedly lost Paul Pogba to Juventus. This time for real, it would be assumed.

From Goal.com:

"

Goal.com has learned that Pogba has now accepted a four-year contract offer from Juve worth an estimated €1 million per season, plus bonuses.

The Bianconeri had been growing increasingly impatient with the midfielder's reluctance to make a decision over his future and even issued him an April 30 deadline in order to bring the matter to a head. It seems that tactic has worked - albeit belatedly—and that the Old Lady has finally got her man.

"

Way to go, Old Lady.

Bayern's Keeper Search

Bayern Munich reportedly want to sign a goalkeeper this summer, but it won't be Hamburg's 32-year-old stopper, Jaroslav Drobny.

Per Goal.com, which cites Bild:

"

Hamburg reportedly demand a €3 million transfer fee for Drobny, prompting Bayern to turn their attention elsewhere.

FCB could now move for Bayer Leverkusen's Fabian Giefer instead as they see the 22-year-old as a cheaper alternative. Giefer has a contract with Leverkusen until the summer of 2013, and could be available for less than €1m.

"

Hans-Jorg Butt, Bayern's current backup for Manuel Neuer, plans to retire this summer.

Polo Snubs Arsenal?

Andy Polo, the 17-year-old Peruvian sensation, has reportedly chosen Genoa.

Polo (pictured on the left), a striker who currently plays for Peruvian club Universitario, had also been courted by Arsenal.

But talkSPORT cites reports out of Italy that claim Polo has signed for Genoa in a deal worth around £4 million.

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