All New Summer 2008 Transfer Merry Go Round/Rumour Mill

Davey_Pitch · 23 Apr 2008 at 15:17

NokkonWud said:
He was ace before Christmas, he's been shocking since though.

Most of Everton's team has been poor since Christmas tbh, we desperately need to find form again quickly otherwise we can kiss goodbye to Europe next year.

Youstolemyname · 23 Apr 2008 at 15:47

Crouch to pompey, word on the street says

jakeke · 23 Apr 2008 at 15:53

Flamini is as good as gone, but I hope that Arsenal keep hold of Hleb as I think it's harder to replace Hleb than it is Flamini. Can't believe Wenger is being stubborn about Flamini's wages for christ's sake, he's such an important player and giving him a small amount more is cheaper than having to buy in someone else

CliffyG · 23 Apr 2008 at 16:07

We need to keep Hleb and Flamini really. Otherise we'll end up with even more players coming in with no experience taking a season or 2 to bed in.

Gooner14 · 23 Apr 2008 at 16:13

jakeke said:
Flamini is as good as gone, but I hope that Arsenal keep hold of Hleb as I think it's harder to replace Hleb than it is Flamini. Can't believe Wenger is being stubborn about Flamini's wages for christ's sake, he's such an important player and giving him a small amount more is cheaper than having to buy in someone else

Wenger isn't. They have offered what they think is a fair price, rumoured to be 50k per week. Juventus are supposed to be offering more.

CliffyG · 23 Apr 2008 at 16:15

I'd class Flamini as a key first teamer now, doesnt that warrant more than 50k?

Gooner14 · 23 Apr 2008 at 16:29

Yes, but 50k is still a lot imo. There won't be that many playerson more than that at the club, and we were ready to sell FlimFlam to Brum last year.

BaZ87 · 23 Apr 2008 at 16:50

Pigeon_Killer said:
Hope it's not a done deal. He's a good player but the money that he would cost could be better spent elsewhere. It could also spell the end of Alonso at Liverpool and he's a far better player imo.

Agreed and even if Alonso is to go (and i agree with Slogan, it would be his not the clubs decision) then i'd rather Gerrard moved back to play alongside Masch and we bring somebody in to play in Gerrard's role.

nin9abadga · 23 Apr 2008 at 16:54

Slogan said:
If Alonso goes it'll be because he wants to. We'd have a lot of trouble replacing him.

It'll either be Barry or Modric I would say. The latter would force Gerrard into Alonso's position alongside Mascherano.

I wouldn't see Barry's signing as an indication of Alonso's leaving. Barry can play LM and LB as well as CM which ticks Rafa's versatility boxes.

i agree, i reckon he'd be signing barry for the left side of midfield or left back. he doesn't trust riise anymore (not just after last night) and aurellio is turning into a bit of a sicknote. where does modric play? behind the striker?

BaZ87 · 23 Apr 2008 at 16:57

Modric can either play cm or just off the striker. I doubt we're after him though, just his agent trying to push for a move imo.

Barry as a replacement for Riise (lb or lm) would make sense but i don't think that's the case. Like you say Aurelio is a sicknote so we shouldn't be after somebody who can cover at lb but after somebody that can be first choice there.

Doonhamer · 23 Apr 2008 at 17:07

Modric is being linked with Newcastle apparently.

BaZ87 · 23 Apr 2008 at 17:08

His agent is linking him with everybody.

CliffyG · 23 Apr 2008 at 17:28

LeaguePosition14 said:
Yes, but 50k is still a lot imo. There won't be that many playerson more than that at the club, and we were ready to sell FlimFlam to Brum last year.

Yeah i guess so, kind of makes it difficult to hold onto players when we don't pay as much as others though. He has cemented his place now though.

BaZ87 · 23 Apr 2008 at 18:57

Arsenal would be foolish not to match Juve's offer to Flamini. He's established himself in your side really well and it would cost you far more the bring in somebody else than pay the difference on the wages.

Doonhamer · 23 Apr 2008 at 22:33

BaZ87 said:
His agent is linking him with everybody.

Come across a non english language story saying he had flown into Newcastle. Other rumour is the two clubs have agreed a fee but the player has yet to agree to personal terms.

Never seen Modric play so no idea if he would be any good for Newcastle or not.

BaZ87 · 23 Apr 2008 at 22:37

His agent is quoted as saying that he's held talks with Liverpool and Modric wants the move. As i said above, it just looks as if his agent is touting him about to try and secure him a move.

There will be a story in the mornings Times that Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea are going to battle it out for Bentley. Undoubtedly a talented player but he strikes me as a **** and i can see him causing trouble.

Slogan · 24 Apr 2008 at 10:55

BaZ87 said:
Undoubtedly a talented player but he strikes me as a **** and i can see him causing trouble.

You may be disappointed then, Guillem Balague has said the deal is done.

G|mp · 24 Apr 2008 at 11:26

Slogan said:
You may be disappointed then, Guillem Balague has said the deal is done.

Must be then if Guillem says so

weringo · 24 Apr 2008 at 11:35

G|mp said:
Must be then if Guillem says so

He does seem to get the Liverpool stuff right tbf.

jakeke · 24 Apr 2008 at 12:22

LeaguePosition14 said:
Yes, but 50k is still a lot imo. There won't be that many playerson more than that at the club, and we were ready to sell FlimFlam to Brum last year.

The only thing which I can have faith in is that Arsene is not a stupid man, he's very savvy business wise and you have to trust that he is not foolish and the only way he'll let Flamini go is because he has somebody else lined up. I'm pretty sure that they'll up Hleb's wages and he'll stay at Arsenal and be a massive player next season.

Wenger said yesterday (I think) that before he even considers buying new players he's going to concentrate fully on securing deals for the current team and using the resources available. This fills me with confidence regarding Hleb and also tells me that Flamini might not actually be gone .. yet. Flamini will also know that he will not be as good without Fabregas and I think the Italians are over-estimating his ability. He's only really had 1 good season, and he suits Arsenal brilliantly but I don't think he'll be as successful elsewhere and he will also know this. It's interesting but with any luck both Hleb and Flamini will see sense and stay!