PLAYER TRANSFER THREAD

[projoe]

Yaya Toure Rejects Latest Barcelona Contract Offer - Report

Yaya Toure's future at Barcelona is under increasing doubt, after he rejected the club's latest contract offer.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, negotiations between Barca sporting director Txiki Begiristain and Toure's agent, Dimitre Seluk, have reached a standstill.

Toure currently earns the least among Barca's first team and while the club have offered an improved contract, it has not proved sufficient to reach an agreement.

Yaya Toure's profile has shot up since his move to Barcelona, especially after the vital role he played in their treble winning season. However, while Barca want to reward him for his performances and professionalism, they are not willing to place him among the top earners at the club.

As a result, the interest of Europe's top clubs has heightened in recent weeks.

Arsenal remain desperate to re-unite him with brother Kolo, while Liverpool could seek to include him in any deal for Javier Mascherano, in whom Barca have shown an interest. There are also said to be a number of Italian clubs in the mix.

Toure, however, would not come cheap.

He has a minimum release fee of €90million and his contract does not expire until 2011, giving Barca a clear advantage on the negotiating table.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/20 ... fer-report

[Coppo d' Gooner]

RVP to Inter...????

//quote//
Arsenal's Robin van Persie a target for Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan
Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly preparing a £25 million bid for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
//unquote//

from www.telegraph.co.uk By Emily Benammar

Wouldnt want to see RVP leave BUT for £25m... that would be good business and would also allow AA to play in his preferred role behind the striker.

Can't see this one happening though

[projoe]

Gunners 'strike Vermaelen deal'

Arsenal have secured a €13 million (£11.4 million) deal for Ajax captain Thomas Vermaelen, according to reports in his native Belgium.

Arsene Wenger has been chasing the 23-year-old as he looks to strengthen his defensive options and has apparently now agreed a transfer fee with Ajax.

Het Laatste Nieuws reports that the two clubs reached an agreement on Saturday and that Vermaelen is now close to signing a four-year contract with The Gunners.

If the deal is confirmed then the defender will become the second most expensive Belgian player of all time, with Everton’s €20 million deal for Marouane Fellaini still the benchmark.

Wenger admitted 12 months ago that he was looking for a new defender but the only new arrival last August was Manchester United veteran Mikael Silvestre.

And with the future of both William Gallas and Kolo Toure the subject of speculation in recent months, the imminent arrival of Vermaelen will go a long way to placating fans who have been calling for more investment in the side.

http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/Foot ... nid-56120/

[rtpgooner]

Vermalens agent confirms talks

'Vermaelen as well as around with Arsenal'

It seems only a matter of time before Thomas Vermaelen his move from Ajax to Arsenal can confirm definitively. Sunday, the agent of the Belgian defense, Sören Lerby opposite Sportweek that only the last comments "were still under contract with the London club" We are in talks with Arsenal, "confirms Lerby again in the magazine. The Dane is a first contract offer but rejected. "Is not strange to us this week to talk further. Thomas is open, which seems logical. His development has been carefully put the past season. "

Besides Vermaelen Lerby opposite Sportweek also gives an update on another client of his, Wesley Sneijder. The player of Real Madrid, in the interest of Bayern Munich, but as yet there seems no question of a transfer. "Wesley wants to remain at Real Madrid. I also have the link with Bayern Munich read, but there is no time to talk, "said Lerby

Seems like his agent saying he rejected the first contract offer, but the transfer will be concluded this week.

http://voetbalzone.nl/doc.asp?uid=80120


Lerby: Interview with Arsenal on Vermaelen, Sneijder will not leave '
By Bart Vliet Strasbourg

Ajax is in broad agreement with Arsenal about a transfer of Thomas Vermaelen (photo) to the London club for an amount of around twelve million euros, already missing the last Sunday comments yet. "We are in talks with Arsenal," says Sören Vermaelens agent Lerby against Sportweek, which also confirms that Vermaelen an initial contract offer from Arsenal rejected. "Is not strange to us this week to talk further. Thomas is open, which seems logical. His development has been carefully put the previous season. In addition to left central defender he can also play linksback. Moreover, he was the captain last month. "

The question is whether Ajax is a new linksback out after the cancellation of FC Twente player Edson Braafheid, likely to play Bayern Munich. With Urby Emanuelson and Jan Vertonghen, the two potential left backs in the house.

Another client of Lerby, Wesley Sneijder, remains sitting where he is. Lerby: Wesley wants to remain at Real Madrid. I also have the link with Bayern Munich read, but there is no time to discuss this. "

http://www.sportweek.nl/voetbal/98865/L ... l_niet_weg

[projoe]

0953 BST: Ajax's Belgian centre-back Thomas Vermaelen, 23, claims he is on the verge of sealing a £10m move to Arsenal. (Press Association)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has agreed a £10m deal for Ajax's 23-year-old Belgian central defender Thomas Vermaelen but they may lose Kolo Toure to Manchester City.
(Full story: Daily Mail)


so kolo is off then probably. i think gallas will go as hes only got 1yr left on his contract, so we need to cash in while we can. silvestre should go, so all were gonna have is vermaelen and djourou. few more signings needed, maybe micah richards, can get him for 6m according to the daily mail

[projoe]

Toure to City, Micah to Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is eager to do a swap deal with Man City by allowing Kolo Toure to join them in return for Micah Richards.

The Gunners have reportedly tied down a 13 million euros deal for Ajax Amsterdam's defender Thomas Vermaelen and Wenger wants Richards to partner the Belgian in the middle of defence.

The Daily Mail reported the claims and has even said that City have been touting Richards to Premier League clubs for six million pounds.

Mark Hughes has apparently lost patience with the youngster who has shown poor attitude and a dip in form the past season.

Wenger's bait for City will be to send Toure who has 12 months left on his contract as a straight swap.

http://www.espnstar.com/football/premie ... o-Arsenal/

[projoe]

Exclusive: Buffon agent rules out Gunners move

[quote]Gianluigi Buffon’s agent has told setanta.com that Arsenal have no chance of pulling off a remarkable coup by signing the Juventus keeper this summer.

Reports in Italy last week claimed that Arsene Wenger was plotting an audacious move to sign both Giorgio Chiellini and Buffon from Juventus in a move that would quieten those fans demanding that proven world stars arrive at Emirates Stadium.

But in Manuel Almunia, The Gunners possess a keeper who proved last season that he is a dependable number one and a move for Buffon looks distinctly unlikely, as well as prohibitively expensive for a club of Arsenal’s means.

Italy’s number one was targeted by Manchester City in January before Juventus demanded £100 million – a situation chief executive Garry Cook described as ‘ludicrous’ – and his agent fully expects Buffon to continue his long relationship with the Old Lady.

“I saw something in the newspapers but I don’t think that he will move from Juventus,â€

[projoe]

Dzeko calls conference to announce plans

[quote]Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko is set to reveal his plans for the future at a press conference on Wendesday.

The 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who has been named the Bundesliga’s footballer of the year by German journalists, is currently attracting attention from a wide range of clubs across Europe.

German newspaper Bild claimed on Tuesday that Milan vice president Adriano Galliani held talks with Dzeko’s agent at the weekend in Sarajevo about a potential €30 million (£26.1m) move, and Dzeko is now set to clarify his intentions.

A statement on his official website read: “Chelsea, Real, maybe Milan or Bayern are all the clubs that would like to see Edin Dzeko as part of their teams.

“To stop all the rumours and speculation, Dzeko has decided to have a press conference tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12pm at the hotel Herzegovina, where the Bosnian team is at the moment.

“He will announce the names of his potential new clubs.â€

[WHL-71-04]

I would not want to see any player at Arsenal who calls his own press conference anyway.

Who on earth does he think he is. Wolfsburg must be fuming.

“He will announce the names of his potential new clubs.â€

[Charlie! Charlie!]

[quote="projoe"]Dzeko calls conference to announce plans

[quote]Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko is set to reveal his plans for the future at a press conference on Wendesday.

The 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who has been named the Bundesliga’s footballer of the year by German journalists, is currently attracting attention from a wide range of clubs across Europe.

German newspaper Bild claimed on Tuesday that Milan vice president Adriano Galliani held talks with Dzeko’s agent at the weekend in Sarajevo about a potential €30 million (£26.1m) move, and Dzeko is now set to clarify his intentions.

A statement on his official website read: “Chelsea, Real, maybe Milan or Bayern are all the clubs that would like to see Edin Dzeko as part of their teams.

“To stop all the rumours and speculation, Dzeko has decided to have a press conference tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12pm at the hotel Herzegovina, where the Bosnian team is at the moment.

“He will announce the names of his potential new clubs.â€

[projoe]

Dzeko open to Gunners as Milan swoop

[quote]Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko is not interested in Manchester City but would consider a move to Arsenal, according to his agent.

The 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who has been named the Bundesliga’s footballer of the year by German journalists, is currently attracting attention from a wide range of clubs across Europe.

And, after confirming that City and Arsenal are interested, agent Irfan Redzepagic has revealed that Dzeko would be open to a move to Emirates Stadium.

“It is not possible for Dzeko, who is a leading player in Germany and has the chance to play in the Champions League, to go to a mid-table club like Manchester City,â€

[projoe]

Veloso: My future has not been decided

Sporting midfielder Miguel Veloso insists ‘nothing has been decided’ about his future.

The 23-year-old Portugal international has been linked to a number of English sides including Bolton, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton and Manchester City and has revealed in the past that he would like to move to The Premier League.

However, despite the constant speculation, Veloso has now suggested he could remain at Sporting next season.

"Not everything that you read and hear is true," he said in Record.

“Nothing has been decided about next season."

http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/Foot ... nid-56279/

[projoe]

EXCLUSIVE: Hot shot Edin Dzeko snubs Arsenal and Manchester City to push for dream move to AC Milan

Arsenal's hopes of landing top target Edin Dzeko have been dashed after the 23-year-old striker made it clear he would either be joining AC Milan or remaining with Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg.

Manager Arsene Wenger sees the powerful frontrunner as the cutting edge his side have been lacking, while Manchester City have also been alerted to a record of 26 goals from 32 Bundesliga appearances last season and added him to their list of attacking targets, alongside Carlos Tevez and Samuel Eto'o.

But a move to the Barclays Premier League appears to be out of the question after Wolfsburg braced themselves for a straight fight with AC Milan for his services.

Sportsmail can reveal that Dzeko's agent Irfan Redzepagic held talks with Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani in the Bosnia marksman's home city of Sarajevo over the weekend.

Mindful that Dzeko would take little persuading to sign for Milan, after supporting them as a youngster and recently admitting a wish to play in Serie A, Galliani will attempt to push through a £15million deal to take him to the San Siro.

It is certain to meet with stern resistance at the Volkswagen Arena, though, after chairman Hans-Dieter Potsch reiterated Wolfsburg's determination to hang on to their prize asset and again stressed that, with the backing of the German car giants who own them, they have no need to sell.

Dzeko, who has also been linked to Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Portsmouth in recent weeks, seemed to be pinning his hopes on a move to Milan, saying: 'They have always been my favourite club, right back to my days as a small boy, growing up in Sarajevo.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... Milan.html

so now what are we going to do, keep greedybayor, lets hope not. what other striker is available?

eto'o = no chance
santa cruz = rubbish
villa = no chance
crouch = rubbish

[rtpgooner]

Arsenal close to signing Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax

- Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland remains a target
- Futures of Kolo Touré and William Gallas in doubt
- Hangeland is represented by Rune Hauge, the Norwegian agent who was involved in the George Graham bungs scandal of the mid-1990s, which led to the manager's sacking by Arsenal.

David Hytner guardian.co.uk, Monday 8 June 2009 22.00 BST

Arsène Wenger is closing in on the €12m (£10.4m) capture of Ajax's Thomas Vermaelen and the Arsenal manager could yet move for a second centre-half, Brede Hangeland of Fulham. If Wenger can close the deals, it would place a question mark against the Arsenal futures of Kolo Touré and William Gallas, the first-choice central defensive pairing of this past season, who both endured difficult campaigns for different reasons. Touré is attracting serious interest from Manchester City while Gallas is a long-term casualty with damaged knee ligaments.

Vermaelen, 23, is a Belgium international and the captain of Ajax. Despite his tender years, he has emerged as a leader and his versatility also appeals to Wenger – he can play at left-back as well as in the middle of defence. Vermaelen, who is represented by Soren Lerby, the former Denmark international, has received an offer from Arsenal of a four-year contract. Lerby is expected to meet club officials later in the week in an attempt to close the deal.

Vermaelen has already told the Belgian media that he is keen on the switch. "Moving to Arsenal is the right path for me," he said. "It is a great sporting challenge and I will also be financially better off. I think everything is going to be OK. In the coming days, there will be more talks."

Fulham's manager, Roy Hodgson, has made keeping Hangeland his top priority for the summer but, despite initial talks, the 27-year-old has yet to sign an extension to his contract, amid fears that he is keeping his options open. Fulham would only countenance a sale if they were to receive a club-record fee, eclipsing the £12.8m Manchester United paid to them for the striker Louis Saha in January 2004.

As yet, there has been no official contact from Arsenal but a quirk of the club's interest in Hangeland, who has two years to run on his contract at Craven Cottage, is that he is represented by Rune Hauge, the Norwegian agent who was involved in the George Graham bungs scandal of the mid-1990s, which led to the manager's sacking by Arsenal.

Hodgson's other first-choice centre-half, Aaron Hughes, is also set for contract talks as he enters the final 12 months of his deal.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009 ... -hangeland

[eccles]

come on projoe, i'm waiting!