EPL Gossip Tuesday June 30th
Arsenal have been stunned by Andrey Arshavin’s revelation that he would be “really happy” to play for Barcelona if he gets the chance. Full story: The Sun
I’ve greatly enjoyed Arshavin’s short time in England. From his stunning four goal display against Liverpool to his complaining about Women drivers, English food, English taxes and now this. Don’t worry Arsenal fans, Barcelona could of had Arshavin last year and didn’t exactly jump at the chance to do so following his Euro 2008 performance.
Chelsea are poised to complete a hat-trick of signings by landing CSKA Moscow forward Yuri Zhirkov, Manchester City forward Daniel Sturridge and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull. Full story: Daily Mirror
Something tells me if Chelsea had a press conference for all three players on the same day that Ross Turnbull would be fielding the least questions from the press.
Meanwhile, Reds defender Alvaro Arbeloa is set to seal a switch to Real for about £5m. (The Independent)
This would be one of a few bargains Real Madrid would likely get in this transfer season.
Aston Villa are ready to pay £5m for Espanyol forward Luis Garcia, who is also wanted by Porto. Full story: The Sun
Villa are also set to bid £5m for Middlesbrough midfielder Tuncay. Full story: Daily Mirror
All things being equal including price Aston Villa should go for the player who is used to English football compared to the player who would need time to adapt.
Tottenham have joined the chase for Groningen’s Sweden international striker Marcus Berg but they may need to pay £10m to beat Everton to his signature. Full story: Daily Mirror
Much more realistic figure compared to the price quoted yesterday.
Spurs have told Villarreal they want cash plus Sebastien Eguren and Marcos Senna in exchange for striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. (The Times)
Could see Marcos Senna even at an advance age still doing a job for Tottenham. Not sold on Pavlyuchenko becoming a hit in Spanish football mind you.
Wolves are set to sign Reading striker Kevin Doyle for a club record fee of £6.5m. Full story: The Sun
Reading hasn’t done too badly for itself selling strikers these last two years. Last year Stoke purchased Dave Kitson for 5.5 million who scored a grand total of 0 goals of them. This year it looks like another 6.5 million will be coming their way for Irish international Kevin Doyle.
Former Aston Villa manager David O’Leary says his successor Martin O’Neill has not helped the club progress. Full story: Daily Mirror
Term sour grapes come to mind.