World Football Gossip Roundup

Didier Drogba is done at Chelsea. Before he leaves, though, he's got a message for all his fans.

Drogba's farewell leads today's B/R World Football Gossip Roundup, but there's plenty more inside.

We have the latest on Robin van Persie's transfer saga, and Arjen Robben's increasingly untenable position at Bayern Munich.

Also, Manchester United are reportedly closing on a new full-back, and Liverpool are closing on a new sporting director.

Read on for all the details.

Drogba Says Thank You

It's official.

Didier Drogba has played his final match for Chelsea.

As part of his farewell, Drogba recorded this thank-you message to Chelsea's fans.

Enjoy.

RvP Latest

The latest twist in the Robin van Persie transfer saga may come as a surprise to some Gooners.

Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas—who left the Gunners for Barcelona last summer—is reportedly urging Van Persie to stay in North London.

"As an Arsenal fan I would be happy if he stayed in London to help Arsenal win titles," Fabregas said, according to ESPN Soccernet.

The article also includes a comment from former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira:

"

"I don't think it will only be City who would like these kind of players," Vieira said.

"I don't think you have so many good talents like Van Persie who have just one year left on his contract. There will be a lot of teams who will want a player like Van Persie."

"

Thanks, captain obvious.

Gunners Target New Midfielder?

In other Arsenal transfer news, the Gunners could turn their attention away from Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila and instead move for Toulouse's Etienne Capoue.

From the Daily Mail:

"

Arsenal could swoop for Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue if their £17million deal for Yann M'Vila falls through.

Arsene Wenger has been tracking M'Vila but has been forced to come up with a plan B due to confirmed interest from big-spending Manchester City.

"

Capoue, 23, is a former France U-21 international.

Sneijder Wants Robben at Inter?

Wesley Sneijder wants Arjen Robben to join him at Inter Milan.

Robben, 28, currently plays for Bayern Munich.

ESPN Soccernet reports:

"

Robben, 28, was jeered whenever he touched the ball during a friendly between Netherlands and Bayern, with supporters of Jupp Heynckes' side still upset about the Dutchman's missed penalty in the Champions League final defeat to Chelsea.

The Bayern fans' behaviour brought widespread condemnation from Oranje players after the game, with Robben's team-mates and manager advising him to quit the German giants.

…

"The reaction from the fans was scandalous,'' Sneijder said. "Not only that, but over the last few days no-one at Bayern has defended him. By doing that, they're shutting him out.

"Arjen has had a very disappointing evening. If it was my decision, he'll come to Inter this summer."

"

Sneijder is right. Bayern's fans should not have treated Robben that way.

Inter Want Giovinco?

In other Inter transfer news, the Nerazzurri are reportedly pondering a surprising move for Sebastian Giovinco.

Giovinco, 25, currently plays for Parma but is 50 percent owned by Juventus.

Goal.com explains the complex situation:

"

Juventus intend to re-acquire the remaining 50 per cent of the player's rights, before cashing in on the 25-year-old by either off-loading him permanently, or including him in a deal that would see Napoli striker Edinson Cavani move to Juventus.

However, there's also a chance that Parma will win the bid for Giovinco's full economic rights, thus giving [Parma] the freedom to negotiate with any interested clubs.

Inter sporting director Marco Branca is a keen admirer of Giovinco, but realises there is little chance Juventus will sell the attacker to one of their arch rivals.

"

This is becoming a hot story in Italy. Keep watching this space for updates.

United Open Talks for Baines?

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Everton over the potential transfer of full-back Leighton Baines.

That's according to the Daily Mirror:

"

United supremo David Gill has contacted Goodison chief Bill Kenwright to open the bidding and the Old Trafford club are prepared to pay £12 million for the classy defender.

Kenwright does not want to lose Baines and will ask for more - with £15 million the least the Toffees will accept - but the negotiations are now on.

"

Baines, 27, was included in Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2012. Baines has seven senior caps for England.

Elsewhere, the Daily Mail is reporting that United are chasing Rayo Vallecano midfielder Michu in a cut-price deal.

Michu, 26, was the highest-scoring midfielder in Spain last year, according to the report.

Van Gaal to Liverpool?

Two pieces of Liverpool news to report today.

First, Louis van Gaal is reportedly being considered for Liverpool's next sporting director.

From The Guardian:

"

The Dutchman was linked with a move to Anfield in the wake of Damien Comolli's dismissal as director of football in April. However, while it has since been decided to change the management structure at Liverpool, Van Gaal has remained under consideration for a revised role and is the leading contender to become the club's first sporting director.

"

Van Gaal, 60, has managed Ajax, Barcelona, Holland and Bayern Munich.

Second, AC Milan's Adriano Galliani says the club will not exercise their option to buy on-loan Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

Juventus Must Raise Bid for Verratti?

If Juventus want to sign midfielder Marco Verratti from Pescara, more money is reportedly necessary.

According to Goal.com, Pescara sporting director Daniele Delli Carri is saying that Juventus have not matched Pescara's valuation of Verratti.

"

"When Juventus first contacted us two months ago it was their intention to take him to Turin so that he could become their new Andrea Pirlo," Delli Carri told Radio CRC. "However, Juventus haven’t signed him.

"There is still some difference between the €8m that they are offering and the €12m that we are requesting, so there is a chance that Verratti will stay here with us."

"

Verratti, 19, has represented Italy twice at the U-21 level.

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