By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Milner Mulls Over Move From Etihad To Emirates
The Daily Star reboot the James-Milner-to-Arsenal story, claiming that the Man City midfielder is planning to snub a megabucks new deal with the Citizens and move to the Emirates. The Mancunian giants have apparently offered the square-jawed England man a whopping £165,000 a week four-year deal but Milner has his heart set on the Gunners.
Able to play all across midfield, the 29-year-old would certainly add a bit of power to the Arsenal midfield. But is he really the combative defensive midfielder the north Londoners really need?
Likelihood rating:
/5
Bayern Hoping For Hazard
Quite a whopper of a story this, with the Express claiming that Bayern Munich are set to splash £100million on Chelsea wingman Eden Hazard. The Belgian has been the Blues’ stadnout performer this season, earning himself the PFA player of the year gong and the German giants are eager to strengthen their squad after a disappointing Champions League exit.
However, Jose Mourinho did recently say that it would cost Real Madrid £100million plus one of Ronaldo, Bale or Rodriguez for Hazard. So maybe £100million plus Thomas Muller? It’s all bunkum anyway.
Likelihood rating:/5
Reds Reel In Dzeko
With Raheem Sterling headed for the Anfield exit door, along with Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli, Liverpool are on the look-out for a striker or two. According to the Mail, Edin Dzeko just might be that man. The £25million-rated Man City striker has struggled for game time this season at the Etihad, and is expected to be part of a summer clear-out at the club.
Chelsea have also been linked with the Bosnian but now it seems that Brendan Rodgers is in pole position to land the 29-year-old. I could see Dzeko forming a potent partnership with Daniel Sturridge too!
Likelihood rating:/5
Gunners Chase Cech
Petr Cech proposed Arsenal transfer moved a step closer, according to the Mirror, with Jose Mourinho claiming that his goalkeeper’s future is “not in my hands”. While the Chelsea boss would rather not sell to a direct rival, Cech may well be given the green light to move across London to the Emirates as a gesture of gratitute for his service to the Blues.
The Czech glovesman has seen his no. 1 spot in the Chelsea side taken by Thibaut Courtois and with David Ospina failing to convince for the Gunners, the 33-year-old Cech would be an ideal signing for Arsene Wenger. This one is looking more likely by the day.
Likelihood rating:/5
Blues In For Imbula
Sticking with Stamford Bridge, the Telegraph reports that Chelsea are closing in on Marseille youngster Giannelli Imbula. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has made 36 Ligue appearances this season, scoring twice, and is considered to be one of the best young prospects in the French game.
Marseille may be forced to sell a number of players in the summer to balance the books, with Imbula available for a little as £8.6million. With Jose Mourinho eager to strengthen his title-winning squad ahead of 15/16, Imbula could be a bargain purchase.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
David Moyes wants to bring Everton’s Bryan Oviedo to Real Socieded, Celtic are after Watford wing-back Ikechi Anya and Scott Sinclair is now ready to sign a permanent deal with Aston Villa.