Cesc Fabregas, Didier Drogba, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez are just a select group of players who are being tipped to leave their respective English Premier League clubs this summer.
We are one month into the transfer period, and as always, a number of high-profiled players are being linked to and from some of England and Europe’s very best clubs. Let’s take a look at the winners and losers thus far, and consider who the following teams should focus on for the upcoming season.
Arsenal
Arsenal have had yet another concerning start to a transfer period, but all is not lost just yet. Samir Nasri, who is currently embroiled in stalled contract negotiations, is widely reported to be on the way out of the Emirates, with Manchester United and Manchester City both waiting to swoop for the talented French midfielder. Cesc Fabregas is at extremely short odds to finally make the move home to Barcelona according to the latest reports, however the Gunners must do all they can to keep hold of he and Nasri, in order to maintain the pace with the likes of United and Chelsea next term.
On a more positive note, the Gunners are close to striking a deal with Ligue 1 champions Lille for Ivory Coast international Gervinho. Still in desperate need of another quality centre half and a goalkeeper, Bolton’s Gary Cahill is tipped to join the club in the next few days, which would prove to be a decent coup. If by the end of August they have held onto their stars and added two or three quality players, then Arsenal fans can approach the new season with high expectations.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s biggest signing thus far has come in the form of manager Andre Villas-Boas, who was signed from Porto just two weeks ago. Despite the crucial addition to the club, the Blues are in desperate need of some cover in midfield, and have been heavily linked to Tottenham’s Luka Modric, who they simply must throw everything at. They are one of many clubs in the hunt for Brazilian starlet Neymar, whose transfer price is expected to be valued at around £40 million. Rumoured to be on their way out include Didier Drogba and Michael Essien, though the latter’s agent has refuted any suggestion his client will leave.
With an ageing, but star studded squad that includes the likes of Fernando Torres, John Terry and Frank Lampard, Chelsea will be expected by their owner and fans alike to taste the ultimate success this season. If their better players can rediscover their best form, then they will certainly pose a threat to United next term. Add the likes of Neymar and Modric into the mix, and continental success may also be on the agenda.
Liverpool
Under legendary club figure Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool have continued to build on their actions from January. In that transfer window Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll joined the club, whilst they have already added England Under-21 international Jordan Henderson from Sunderland for £20 million. Charlie Adam is close to sealing a move to Anfield, and suggestions are that these additions are just the beginning. Liverpool still need to sign a quality centre half, a creative winger – possibly Aston Villa’s Stewart Downing, whilst Alberto Aquilani looks likely to return from his loan spell at Juventus.
With Europe not on their agenda next term for the first time since the 1999/2000 season, Liverpool may look to reduce their squad size. Expect the likes of Joe Cole, Maxi Rodriguez and Milan Jovanovic to all leave the club this summer at a minimum.
Manchester City
The ‘Noisy Neighbours’ have been considerably quieter than usual this summer. The club were pursuing their strong interest in Barcelona target Alexis Sanchez, however the player recently affirmed his desire to join the European Champions. Want away captain Carlos Tevez looks set to remain at Eastlands according to manager Roberto Mancini, which would be crucial to the club’s maiden appearance in next season’s Champions League. Nevertheless, City still have their sights firmly set on a world class striker to replace the Argentine, should he eventually depart, with Inter’s Samuel Eto’o being touted as the ideal replacement.
With the Uefa Financial Fair Play rules coming in to play this year, Manchester City may be concerned with balancing their books, hence the quieter than usual summer for the club. City do have a host of players who are expected to leave this summer, and for fairly respectable transfer fees, including Emmanuel Adebayor, Shay Given and Roque Santa Cruz.
Manchester United
The reigning Champions have surprisingly spent the most in the transfer period so far, with Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea all joining the club for a combined total of £50 million. It was paramount that United made these signings given the host of retirements at the club, and more signings will be required if they have the desire to go one step further in Europe next season.
United were previously linked with Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder, a move that seemingly will not go through, after the player committed himself to Inter. Another rumoured target was Tottenham’s Modric, as well as Arsenal’s Nasri, both of whom are on the verge of joining other English giants as mentioned.
Nevertheless the transfer window has been fantastic for United thus far, and if they can add a quality central midfielder to their already impressive list of signings, then United may very well secure their 20th league title next term.
Tottenham
Tottenham must aim to focus on keeping their squad together this summer, as opposed to signing new players. In Luka Modric, Rafael Van der Vaart and Gareth Bale they have three fantastic players who can carry this team to success. The loss of these players would definitely cause problems for the club, reducing the likelihood of a swift return to the Champions League in the near future.
Manager Harry Redknapp has asked chairman Daniel Levy for three quality additions to the squad, but it is unknown what funds are available to sign these players. Brad Friedel has been signed on a free transfer, which is a useful signing given the propensity of Heurelho Gomes to make calamitous errors, whilst Redknapp, who is a known admirer of Scott Parker, is hoping to land the West Ham talisman soon.
It is early days for Tottenham in the transfer window, if they lose a key player expect a flurry of activity; otherwise it may be a quiet summer at White Hart Lane.
Which club is in the best shape to win the 2011/12 English Premier League?
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