January Transfer News: Top 10 Rumors of the Week
The January Transfer Window seems like it's been coming forever, but it officially opens tomorrow.
As teams have been looking to strengthen their squads, the rumors have come flying in this week.
Before the chaos starts, let's take a look at the top 10 rumors of the week, leading up to the transfer window.
10. Ronaldinho Linked with PSG Return
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In the past week, Ronaldinho has been heavily linked with a return to Brazil. However, he has been attracting major interest from his former club Paris Saint Germain.
The two-time World Player of the Year has been given little playing time at AC Milan this season and can expect much less with the arrival of new signee Antonio Cassano.
Paris Saint Germain represents a great option within Europe and Ronaldinho still has a little spark left in him! With a market value at £6.8 million, he could be a great addition to PSG's squad.
9. Liverpool Midfielder Linked with La Liga Move
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Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva has been linked with a move to La Liga outfit Villarreal.
After debuting in 2007, the 23-year-old has been very disappointing. However, he has become an important part of the squad in the last six months and is showing signs of major improvement.
This has drawn the attention of Villarreal, who is willing to offer £8 million, but Hodgson may be reluctant to sell the once hated player who is now an integral part of his squad.
8. Barcelona Startlet to the Premier League?
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Barcelona's start-let Thiago Alcantara has had his first team breakthrough this year, but still can't manage much playing time due to Barcelona's already exceptional lineup.
The 19-year-old has been likened to Xavi, and with a contract expiring at the end of next month, Manchester United and Arsenal have jumped at the idea of signing him.
His price tag is unknown, but both clubs are ready to splash major cash on him, and Barcelona fans will be disappointed to see such promising talent go.
7. Confusion Over Carlos Vela
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In the past few weeks, there has been a lot of talk about Arsenal's Carlos Vela and how he will fare in this January's transfer window.
The 21-year-old arrived at Arsenal in 2005 and was loaned out until 2008. Since returning to Arsenal, the Mexican international has fallen down the pecking order and been given little playing time.
According to some rumors, he will be joining La Liga side Valencia for £6 million this January.
Other reports have said that Wenger is only willing to loan the player out, with a number of clubs interested including West Ham, Villarreal, Espanyol and Chievo Verona.
6. Manchester City Close to Signing Pepe
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Recent reports have said that Real Madrid centre-back Pepe could be making a move to the Premier League.
The Portuguese defender has been a valuable asset to the club this season, but demands a pay increase tripling his current £30,000-a-week.
Real Madrid has refused to pay that much. However, the ever rich Manchester City is willing to meet any of Pepe's demands.
With a contract that expires in 2012, Roberto Mancini could acquire the highly rated player for around £7 million.
5. Manchester United Eyes Serie A Swap
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Manchester United might be prepared to swap young striker Federico Macheda for a Serie A target.
After debuting for the club in 2009, the 19-year-old striker has been impressive, but could be heading to Serie A to achieve more playing time.
He has been heavily linked with Fiorentina, in a potential swap deal with Italian striker Alberto Gilardino.
Other reports have stated that Manchester United wants to do their business with Lazio, where Macheda began his youth career, and swap for winger Mauro Zarate or goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
4. Juventus Want Robin van Persie
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Juventus are apparently looking to add to their attack with the acquisition of Arsenal star Robin van Persie.
They are willing to offer £27 million but could also include defensive midfielder Felipe Melo, a long time Gunners target, in a cash-plus-player deal.
Robin van Persie has returned to Arsenal's starting lineup after recovering from an ankle injury, but has failed to emulate the performances that made him a fan favorite at the Emirates.
3. Real Madrid Chasing Fabregas
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According to British newspaper The Sun, Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho is interested in buying Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas.
The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Barcelona for the past year and came very close to returning to his childhood club this summer, but remained at the Emirates. Now, Mourinho plans to snatch up the highly rated midfielder before rival Barcelona has a chance.
A "trusted source" stated, "Mourinho has decided to convince Cesc personally he can be the next leader of the team."
Real Madrid is prepared to launch a £35 million bid for Fabregas, or they could offer Ezequiel Garay, Lassana Diarra, Mahamadou Diarra or Fernando Gago in a part-exchange.
2. Kaka Close to Chelsea Move
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Reports have stated that a close friend of Florentino Perez has revealed Kaka is almost certainly on his way to Chelsea, where he has a strong admirer of club owner Roman Abramovich.
The 28-year-old is making his return to action this January after recovering from injury, but could struggle for first team football due to the arrival of German attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has already stated that he has plans for the Brazilian play-maker, but he could leave for the right price.
After arriving last summer for €68.5 million, Kaka had a relatively disappointing year for Madrid and is currently valued at around €50 million.
1. Inter Plans Liverpool Raid
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Inter Milan's new coach Leonardo is planning a summer move for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
Torres is regarded as one of the world's most talented strikers, but is suffering an unsuccessful season at Anfield.
The Spanish International has already been linked with a summer move to Barcelona, but Inter is keen on bringing in the 26-year-old, returning them to their top form.
