The Official Summer 2011 Silly Season Thread

[Addick]

Well ladies and gentlemen, the rumour mills are purring like Ferraris, the accountants of Arab and Russian oil tycoons are wearing out calculators, and the staff at Goal.com are stealing exclusives from blog sites and passing them off as their own. Hold on, the staff at Goal.com do that even when the transfer windows are closed. Anyway, another silly season has began. One where many of the World's biggest clubs are expected to engage in a flurry of transfer activities.

Here's a thread where we can share news and wish-lists, begin!

[Addick]

Whisky Nose is out of the gates already!

Fergie Confirms De Gea Deal
Gifted Young Goalkeeper Brought In To Replace Van der Sar

25 May 2011
Sky Sports
Rob Parrish

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manchester United will sign Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea this summer.

The Red Devils have been scouring Europe to find a replacement for veteran shot-stopper Edwin van der Sar, who will retire after Saturday's UEFA Champions League final with Barcelona.

Talented Spanish youngster De Gea has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and has won Ferguson's vote ahead of other reported targets such as Ajax's Maarten Stekelenburg and Schalke's Manuel Neuer.

As revealed by skysports.com earlier on Tuesday, a deal between the Red Devils and Atletico is in place, with a fee understood to be in the region of 21million euros (£18.3million) with additional add-ons.

Complete Article

[Addick]

Well this should interest City...

Aguero Want Move
Argentine Star Reveals Desire To Leave Athletico


24 May 2011
Sky Sports
Graeme Bailey

Sergio Aguero has confirmed that he wants to leave Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine striker is set to become one of the most in-demand players in Europe after confirming his desire to quit the Vicente Calderon.

Reports have long linked Aguero with a move away from the club, but in recent weeks it was claimed he was growing increasingly frustrated with their lack of success.

Now Aguero has issued a statement confirming he wants to leave, which will now trigger a transfer battle with Chelsea and Atletico's arch-rivals Real Madrid believed to be leading the race.

Complete Article

[Addick]

This might interest Canadian Nat supporters.

Hoilett Eyes New Deal
Rovers Winger Keen On Extension

25 May 2011
Sky Sports
Graeme Bailey

Blackburn Rovers winger David Hoilett has admitted he would like to extend his contract.

The highly-rated Canadian currently has just over 12 months left on his current deal, but he now open to extending his stay.

Following Steve Kean's appointment, Hoilett emerged as a first-team regular and he admits to enjoying life under the Rovers chief.

Complete Article

[Addick]

This should interest Cheevers and I.

Addicks Seal Double Swoop
Powell Brings In Midfield Duo

24 May 2011
Sky Sports

Charlton have made their first two signings of the summer by landing midfield duo Danny Hollands and Bradley Pritchard.

Hollands has been handed a three-year contract at the Valley after his departure from Bournemouth at the end of the season.

And Pritchard has joined the League One outfit from Hayes & Yeading in the Blue Square Premier after impressing during a trial spell.

Complete Article

[Addick]

Another North London tussle?

Arsenal & Tottenham Hotspur Have Tabled Offers For Porto's Radamel Falcao

26 May 2011
Goal.com
Andrea Ghislandi

The Colombia international has been one of the revelation of the season and his fine performances have not gone unnoticed in England, and beyond.

Arsenal and Tottenham have tabled offers for Porto's €30m-rated forward Radamel Falcao, Goal.com can reveal.

The Colombian hitman has enjoyed his most prolific season in European football, helping the Dragons to a treble, and his agent disclosed that the 25-year-old's performances have attracted attention in England.

Claudio Mossio of Sivori and Asociados, the company that represents the striker, told Goal.com: "Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are the two clubs that are keen to sign him, and have already tabled an offer for Falcao."

Complete Article

[Addick]

When they say 'reveals admiration', it sounds like we're playing Football Manager.

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wegner Reveals His Admiration For Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema

26 May 2011
Goal.com

Gunners boss admits that he is a fan of the young forward, who has in the past been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu after failing to cement a place in the side.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he admires Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

The 23-year-old forward had previously been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Gunners thought to have been interested in a £22 million move.

Now the Frenchman has hinted that a move may not be out of the question, despite the manager having to potentially change his transfer policy by spending a significant amount of money on a player.

"Viewed from the outside, it doesn't seem impossible today," Wenger said, according to The Mirror.

Complete Article

[Saint Troy]

I'd like to see Wenger tap up every player on Barcelona, really get those #######s in the spanish press humming. I'm pretty much reserved to Wenger talking a big game, then getting a Frenchman on a free. Yes, I am disillusioned.

[Addick]

While I'd like Wegner to open up his wallet, I don't think he should go spending stupid money. However, if he were to do so I think this kid might be one of the few justifications.

Bring Me The New Drogba!
Chelsea Cheif Abramovich Closes In On £20m Lukaku Deal

26 May 2011
Daily Mail
John Edwards

Roman Abramovich has taken time out from his search for a new manager to tie up a £20million deal for teenage striker Romelu Lukaku.

Sportsmail understands the Chelsea owner consulted senior members of his Stamford Bridge staff earlier this week about Lukaku and agreed that they should press ahead with a move, despite the void created by Carlo Ancelotti's sacking.

Chelsea have already been assured by the 18-year old's advisers that he sees his future at Stamford Bridge, and Abramovich is now in the process of agreeing a fee with Anderlecht.

Complete Article

[Addick]

I'd actually like to see Arsenal chase Klose, he's two things we need; experienced and a fox in the box.

Everton Join Tottenham In Race To Snap Up Bayern Munich Star Miroslav Klose

27 May 2011
Daily Mail
John Edwards

Everton have joined the race to sign Miroslav Klose after he rejected Bayern Munich’s latest offer of new terms.

Bayern were confident they had finally found a solution to the contract stand-off after presenting him with a one-year deal that would automatically kick in for a further 12 months, if he made at least 20 appearances next season.

But his agent was due to meet Bayern bosses on Friday to tell them he will not budge from his initial demand for an agreement that would guarantee him another two years at the Allianz Arena.

That has increased the likelihood of a move for the 32-year old World Cup marksman, and Sportsmail can reveal that the four serious contenders for his signature are Juventus, Valencia, Tottenham and Everton.

Complete Article

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Addick

When they say 'reveals admiration', it sounds like we're playing Football Manager.

hahahah

I thought the exact same thing when I saw that

[d_phaneuf]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...955333,00.html

The Welsh winger, a revelation at Spurs this term, had been linked with a move away from North London in the summer, despite penning a new long-term deal at the club back in March.

Bale has reportedly turned heads across Europe, with Inter Milan and Real Madrid among those thought to be interested following his UEFA Champions League heroics for Tottenham this term, including his infamous hat-trick at the San Siro.

But the 21-year-old has reassured fans he intends to remain at Spurs and help them fight to better this season's fifth-placed Premier League finish.

When asked by Sky Sports News if he was staying at the Lane next season, Bale replied: "Yes, I just signed a new contract recently.

"I fully believe that we've got a good enough squad to challenge for the fourth spot next season."

[Locke]

Jesus. If Spurs land Klose and keep Bale they will be scary next season. A guy who can cross the ball in and a guy who knows what to do with a cross.

[d_phaneuf]

ya I think what most likely happens with Spurs this summer

first, the cull, Keane/Bentley/Jenas etc.

and bringing in

Parker
one of Marin/Hazard
one of Klose/RNV

and then a younger striker, hoping for Leandro Damiao from internacional (he is friends with Sandro who came out and said he recommended him to Levy, and internacional and Spurs have a partnership) all ready has a cap for Brazil. But Barca want him as well, hope at this point he chooses playing time

but it could also be someone like Moussa Sow, Adebayor, Falcoa, Llorente etc.

should be a busy summer

[Addick]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

first, the cull, Keane/Bentley/Jenas etc.

and bringing in

Parker
one of Marin/Hazard
one of Klose/RNV

It's funny because I was thinking that Arsenal need to do something very, very similar. I find it a bit odd that Spurs are interested in Klose, it seems as though they should be looking at a long-term solution. For Arsenal, I could see them brining in Klose and his replacement but I thought Spurs would want more of an all-in-one immediate solution.

[Addick]

Might as well share my transfer window hopes.

Chalrton is easy so I'll start with them.

Out: Entire Squad
In: Norwich's Entire Squad


On to the Arsenal.

Out
Alumnia - If you don't know why, you don't belong in this thread.
Arshavin - On a team that doesn't give many spots to experienced players he is an absolute waste. Not everyone can be a vocal leader but they can lead by example. With his immense skill he'd provide a great example but he simply can't be bother on most afternoons, evenings, and nights.
Bendtner - It's sad as if he tried a bit harder this wouldn't have to be the case. However, he's gone as far as he can with us. Neither can the club do more for him nor could he do more for the club.
Denilson - He's gone as far as he can with us. Neither can the club do more for him nor could he do more for the club.
Diaby - He's gone as far as he can with us. Neither can the club do more for him nor could he do more for the club.
Fabregas - I think it's time to cash in. I'm not sure he's the type of guy to protest with his play but he wasn't close to his exceptional standard this year, maybe the saga is starting to take its toll; let's not let it spread. With Nasri hopefully starting to find his 'Cesc' stride, it might be the perfect place in the replacement cycle.
Rosicky - Past his due date and our limited number of veteran spots need to be fully utilized.
Squillaci - Absolute ####.
Vela - He's gone as far as he can with us. Neither can the club do more for him nor could he do more for the club.

In:
Benzema - Could be a beast that Wegner could unlock.
Hazard - With Nasri moving into the centre of the park we'd need a speedy trickster for the left flank.
Parker - English. Can lead. Can tackle.

Instead of Benzema:
Klose - Would provide much needed experience and ability. If we pursue him we'd need to bring in a younger player for him to tutor and eventually be his replacement.
Lukaku - Although most definitely out of our price range, would be an excellent protégé for Klose.
Wickham - Might be an excellent protégé for Klose.

Just in case:
A competent CB. Maybe Vertonghen?

[cheevers]

Originally Posted by Addick

Might as well share my transfer window hopes.

Chalrton is easy so I'll start with them.

Out: Entire Squad
In: Norwich's Entire Squad

I like BWP and Semedo, otherwise I wouldn't mind massive turnover. Have already made some good signings and being linked with some decent players, a weird feeling that I believe to be optimism for the next season is starting to come over to me.

Any reservations about having the former Charlton judas Parker playing for your other favorite. I personally still like the guy but I know a lot of Addicks fans still hate him for ruining our chance at Europe.

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Addick

It's funny because I was thinking that Arsenal need to do something very, very similar. I find it a bit odd that Spurs are interested in Klose, it seems as though they should be looking at a long-term solution. For Arsenal, I could see them brining in Klose and his replacement but I thought Spurs would want more of an all-in-one immediate solution.

I think it's more of a replacement for the current strike force, the only one that I would trust to get back his scoring touch is a healthy defoe next year.

and I think Keane is 100% gone, and both Pav and Crouch 75% gone

and 4 strikers is too many, especially when Rafa plays as a 5th midfielder so much.

So I think they bring in one guy for the present/future (they are linked with so many)

one veteran goal poacher for a year or two (RVN or Klose)

and keep one of the current 3, likely Defoe

[Addick]

Originally Posted by cheevers

I like BWP and Semedo, otherwise I wouldn't mind massive turnover. Have already made some good signings and being linked with some decent players, a weird feeling that I believe to be optimism for the next season is starting to come over to me.

Any reservations about having the former Charlton judas Parker playing for your other favorite. I personally still like the guy but I know a lot of Addicks fans still hate him for ruining our chance at Europe.

Personally, I really like Reid. However, there is something in the water at the Valley or Sparrows Lane. There is an attitude and level of complacency that seeps into the players and it results in our mid-season collapses or general failure. It must be rooted out before we can move forward and I think the only way to ensure this is through a complete overhaul.

I've been aware of this complacency for a while, which is why I wasn't in the hate Parker camp. That being said, I did enjoy his failings at Chelsea and thought it was just. It's interesting because when Arsenal was first linked with him I actually felt a little resentment and brushed him off as unnecessary. Now, Arsenal's need is dire and he's grown into a quality player.

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

So I think they bring in one guy for the present/future (they are linked with so many)

one veteran goal poacher for a year or two (RVN or Klose)

and keep one of the current 3, likely Defoe

Okay, now I can see it.

[Locke]

It looks like Dimitar Berbatov is going to be available after his Champions League snub. Theres word in there about swapping him with Luka Modric from Tottenham, although I sincerely doubt they'd go for that.