The First Major Moves of the Summer Transfer Window

Joe Cole – From: Chelsea To: Liverpool – Fee: Free Transfer

News Story

Age: 28 Position: Attacking Midfielder Nationality: English Interest: 9/10

This, so far, has been the most captivating transfer of the window, mainly due to the fact that English double champions Chelsea just pushed the talented 28 year old to one side without so much as a second glance. Available on free, he found his best and most financially rewarding offer from Roy Hodgeson’s new look Liverpool side, supposedly turning down the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham. He will wear the “legendary” number seven shirt at Anfield and will undoubtedly be a better replacement for both Yossi Benayoun (who left for Chelsea) and Albert Riera (who has spent the last 6months rotting in the Liverpool reserves.)



Eduardo Da Silva – From: Arsenal To: Shaktar Donetsk – Fee: £6million

Age: 27 Position: Striker Nationality: Croatian Interest: 9/10

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This one hasn’t been completed just yet, but is expected to be confirmed within the next 24hrs. The 27 year old Brazilian born striker has spent 3 years at Arsenal, and after a promising start, his blossoming career was derailed by a serious double leg break in February in 2008. After more than a year out, he struggled to find his previous form, failing to break back into the starting line up and more importantly failing to find the back of the net. Now, despite signing a new contract in November 2009, he is now on his way to start afresh in Ukraine with Shaktar Donetsk (pending a medical). The subsequent response from all Arsenal fans is a positive one, wishing the former Number 9 all the best, while this decision is best for all parties.



Pedro Leon – From: Getafe To: Real Madrid – Fee: €10million

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Age: 23 Position: Right Winger Nationality: Spanish Interest: 3/10

The talented young wingers transfer may have slipped under the radar for some, but he is a very smart signing for Jose Mourinho’s Madrid side. The tricky technically gifted winger will provide some much needed balance to the Madrid side, and should provide ample backup for Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as slotting into the 4-3-3 system if needed.





Adriano – From: Sevilla To: Barcelona – Fee: €9.5million

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Age: 25 Position: Left Back/Right Back, Left Mid/Right Mid Nationality: Brazilian Interest: 3/10

The Brazilian signed from Sevilla, and is one of the most versatile and reliable players in the Spanish league. Adriano can play in four positions, making him the perfect utility man, and is perfect for Barcelona. He’s transfer, also slipped under the radar, but has expressed his desire to get straight to work with Pep Guardiola, and continue FC Barcelona’s recent success.



Angel Di Maria – From: Benfica To: Real Madrid – Fee: €25million

News Story

Age: 23 Position: Left Winger Nationality: Argentinean Interest: 9/10

Linked with a whole host of European clubs, and recently subject to a bid from Manchester United, the Argentine left winger had an excellent 3 years in Portugal with Benfica, leading him to command a €25million fee from the Madrid money bags. Added to the squad to bring balance to the side, however it seems was signed before Mourinho was instilled as manager, so it remains to be seen if the Portuguese tactician has any real motive to use the 23 year old, time will tell.



Adriano – From: Flamengo To: AS Roma – Fee: Free Transfer

News Story

Age: 28 Position: Striker Nationality: Brazilian Interest: 7/10

There was interest in the burly Brazilian ever since January, were AS Roma headed up a queue that included West Ham United, to sign the fallen star. After some time away from Europe, the 28 year old is looking to repay Claudio Ranieri’s faith in him, and prove the critics that he can still cut it in the big time, perform at the highest level and maybe even get into the Brazil national team.



Simon Kj æ r – From: Palermo To: Wolfsburg – Fee: €12.5million

News Story

Age: 21 Position: Centre back Nationality: Danish Interest: 9/10

Well well well, the young defender who was linked with every major club in Europe, ended up preferring to ply his trade in a very physically and technically demanding league in Germany, with Steve McClaren’s Wolfsburg. Despite having a poor World Cup, the signing is somewhat of a coup at just €12million, however he is very young and this should be a stepping stone to see how he develops for moving onto the best in Europe.



Edinson Cavani – From: Palermo To: Napoli – Fee: €16million

News Story

Age: 23 Position: Striker Nationality: Uruguayan Interest: 7/10

The Uruguayan international joined Napoli on the back of a very good World Cup, which saw him help his country to finish in 4th place in South Africa. After being heavily linked with Tottenham, the 23 year old joined the vastly improving Napoli side, to play along the likes of Marek Hamsik, Fabio Quagliarella and Ezequiel Lavezzi.



Stay tuned for more transfers and a lot more football news as we lead up to the new football season.

Real Talk Football

Christmas Eve Bits & Pieces

Mark Hughes Sacked

As many of you may know, Manchester City manager Mark Hughes was sacked by the club after a run which saw him win just 2 of 11 Premier League games. There have been a lot of controversy surrounding his departure, some feel it was unfair, some feel it was deserved, only time will tell. Roberto Mancini takes charge with immediate affect, signing an initial 6 month contract with an option to an extra 3 years.

Adriano

Brazilian striker Adriano has quashed rumors of signing for West Ham or Arsenal by sigining a 6 month contract extension with Brazilian side Flamengo. The deal is a unique one, which saw him recieve a 40% pay increase due to the Brazilian Serie A champions gaining a new sponsorship deal. The Brazilian's hopes to get a place in Dunga's World Cup squad.

Klass Jan-Huntelaar

Dutch striker Klass Jan-Huntelaar has become increasingly unhappy with the lack of 1st team opportunities at AC Milan, falling down the pecking order, with the likes of Boriello, Inzaghi, Ronaldinho and Pato all first choice. The predator has therefore been linked with a loan move to clubs in January with Arsenal, Manchester United and Genoa heading up the list of possible suitors.

News from Italy

Gennaro Gattuso Signs New Deal

AC Milans Gennaro Gattuso has signed a new deal with club. the 31-year old midfielder has signed an new deal lasting untill 2012. The fiery midfielder had been heavily linked with a winter move to Man City.

Jose Mourinho

FC Inter boss Jose Mourinho has been accused of "Verbally attacking" a jounalist after Inter's 1-1 draw Atalanta. More trouble for the controversial coach.

Adriano

The big Brazilian has been linked with West Ham recently in the English press, but reports all over Italy are linking the striker to Palermo. Who know's where he will end up!

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What Striker Would You Buy?

Arsene Wenger, and club captain, Cesc Fabregas have made it evidently clear that the North London need to invest in a striker to replace the injured Robin Van Persie. From the list below, you decide who the Gunners should invest in, however bare in mind Arsenal preferably needs a player who is not Champions League cup-tied, can quickly adapt to the Premiership and finally a proven goal scorer.



Let’s take a look at the current options:

Carlos Vela – the Mexican, just today signed a new contract with the club, has made some excellent performances in the Carling Cup, but has failed to make any real impact in the Premiership.

Eduardo Da Silva – when he joined the club, he was seen as a world class finisher and formed a formidable partnership with Emmanuel Adebayor up front. However since that injury he picked up against Birmingham, he hasn’t been the same. Missing easy chances against Wolves, Everton and Tottenham, shows he still needs time to get back to playing in the best league in the world.

Nicklas Bendtner – has come on leaps and bound under Wenger and has finally hit some form compared to last season. He has been injured lately and when he comes back, he will be an option; however he does not have the goal scoring record to replace Van Persie at this moment in time, but the best man for the job within the club.

Same names keep popping up:

Marouane Chamakh – the tall, quick striker was seemingly a certainty to join Arsenal in the summer, but the move never materialised. With Bordeaux flying high in the Champions League and Lique 1, it is unlikely they will allow for a sale, however the Moroccan international’s contract is up in the 2010, and they may look to cash in, however Wenger would look to a free transfer being a good bit of business, only if he is needed. He doesn't have the best goal scoring record compared to the other options available, with just 50 goals in 204 appearances.



Edin Dzeko – one of the most in demand strikers in Europe, and has been linked with all the big clubs, including AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United. He is a both footed, tall, pacey striker, with excellent shooting technique and a goal scoring record of 40 goals in 74 games, for VFB Wolfsburg, with 26 goals in 32 league games in the 2008/09 season. The big stumbling block is of course the interest from the other big clubs, with Milan and Manchester United seemingly favourites to land the striker, however the recent talk of financial difficulties at both clubs could somewhat impact the clubs spending power in an upcoming bidding war.

Ryan Babel – the Liverpool winger was heavily linked with Arsenal before his big money move to Liverpool, which came with a £13million price tag. The Dutch international has never really lived up to the hype and due the him already making his decision to join the Liverpool, poor scoring record (9 goals in 61 appearances) and raw talent, Wenger is unlikely to make the purchase. Also cup tied.

Ruud Van Nistlerooy – Wenger has dismissed reports linking Arsenal to the Real Madrid and former Man United hit man, however Wenger has made surprise decision in the past, i.e. Silvestre and Lassana Diarra.

The expensive option:

David Villa – would be an excellent option, but the Spanish international has already expressed his desire to play for either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Would command a transfer fee of up to £40million.

Sergio “Kun” Aguero – another expensive player who would have huge wage demands as well as a record breaking transfer fee would be needed in order to attain the transfer.



Premiership based players:

Carlton Cole – the West Ham striker and England international has been excellent this season. He has scored 7 goals in 13 games already this season and has look first-rate in a poor team. Despite his good form, his goal scoring record in England, is only has scored 40 goals in 183 games. He currently injured at the moment until January, but he is a powerful striker who knows how the score and has finally started finding his feet within the Premiership, having proved himself against the big clubs, and now looks capable of making that step up. Finally he isn’t Champions League cup tied.

Louis Saha – the Everton forward has been in excellent form this season; scoring 11 goals in 18 games in all competition. However the fact he has missed many games in his career through injury, and is 31 years old will not sit favourably with Wenger.

Outsiders:

Gervinho – the 22 year old Lille striker has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham in the past, and scored an excellent goal in a 4-3 win over Lyon this weekend, video below. He is a fast and strong left winger, who can play upfront and who has been in impressive form this season, scoring 7 goals in 16 appearances. The Cote d’Ivoire international has only recently signed with Lillie so a winter move is unlikely.

Gervinho plays for Lille, in the red kit, shirt number 27:

Adriano – the Emperor has returned to form and been in excellent form for Flamengo this season, scoring 19 goals in 30 appearances, and helping them capture the Brazilian Serie A. but the Brazilian has had all sorts of personal and public problems in the past, that have blighted his career, despite having World Class talent. The only real reason he has been linked with the Gunners is due to his availability on a free transfer as well as him not being cup-tied. however their is a reason he returned to Brazil and that was to get away from the distractions in Europe and concentrate on him doing what he does best. an unlikely option in my opinion.