By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Arsenal Dead Keen On Dzeko
The Star tells us that Arsene Wenger’s quest for a new striker has led the French tactician to the Eithad Stadium. Out-of-favour striker Edin Dzeko is apparently the new man in the crosshairs for the Gunners, with the 29-year-old possessing the physical presence and goal-scoring ability to take some of the pressure off Olivier Giroud.
Serie A giants Roma are also interested in the Bosnian, although staying in the Premier League may well suit the City man. But either way, the big man certainly won’t come cheap.
Likelihood rating:
/5
Red Devils Ready For Romero
Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Sergio Romero, according to the Guardian. The Argentinian No. 1 enjoyed an impressive season on loan at Monaco last season but having been released by Sampdoria, the 28-year-old is available on a free.
Romero is seen by Louis Van Gaal as nothing more than a replacement for back-up ‘keeper Victor Valdes, who is set to leave the club this summer. So one wonders if the Argentine will be happy playing second fiddle the likes of Jasper Cillessen, or maybe even David De Gea himself.
Likelihood rating:/5
Van Gaal Picks Up Pedro
Already linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea, Barcelona’s Pedro is apparently much in demand, with Manchester United now showing interest in the winger. The Mirror tells us that Louis Van Gaal has lined up the 27-year-old Spaniard as a potential replacement for Angel Di Maria, should the Argentinian move to PSG.
The Red Devils will apparently offer £18million for Pedro, who’d no doubt find it easy at Old Trafford alongside fellow compatriots Juan Mata and Ander Herrera (and possibly David De Gea).
Likelihood rating:/5
Baggies Bid £3million For Lambert
West Bromwich Albion are keen on Rickie Lambert, according to the Telegraph. The Liverpool striker has struggled to make his mark at Anfield since making the move from Southampton a year ago. Baggies’ boss Tony Pulis is eager to increase his side’s firepower and the experienced Lambert would add experience up front.
West Brom have apparently offered £3million for the striker, which would certainly be a decent bit of business for the club.
Likelihood rating:/5
Drogba Desperate For Inter Milan Move
Having left Chelsea this summer, Blues’ legend Didier Drogba could now be on his way to Inter Milan, according to the Express. While the Ivorian striker is currently in talks with MLS side Chicago Fire, he has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Inter boss Robert Mancini, saying: “Inter are a great club, and certainly if they were to contact me I’d gladly listen to their offer, but I’m currently in talks with an MLS club. Inter could be an option if they really are interested in me.”
A move to the San Siro would more than likely see the 37-year-old used as a squad player, although Inter themselves are yet to show any interest.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Juan Cuadrado looks set to leave Stamford Bridge, Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola wants unsettled schemer Mario Goetze to stay while Newcastle United are closing in on Aleksandar Mitrovic.