TRANSFER ROUNDUP: Moyes Signs Two More Former Players, Koeman Wants Keane And More
Wenger Confirms He Won’t Be Signing Any More Players This January
Reuters / Matthew Childs
Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he won’t be signing any new players in the current transfer window, much to the dismay of Arsenal fans.
The fans believe the team needs to add a few players to mount a genuine title challenge this season, but their French manager believes his current squad is good enough to pip rivals Chelsea for the Premier League crown. Arsenal were, in fact, linked with several world-class players in the current window, including the likes of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
But when Wenger was asked about this specific transfer speculation, he responded: “Because he’s French? Maybe there are some noises that he would leave Madrid, but as I just told you, there is no need for us to buy any strikers. In the summer window? That’s not my worry at the moment. My worry is the next game against Watford.”
The 67-year-old further added: “On our front, we have a big squad and we are not in need of buying. On a general front it has been very quiet. That shows that there are not many players available who can strengthen English teams. I believe that number-wise and quality-wise, we have what is required to do well. Now it’s down to us to perform and to produce with the quality of our focus, the quality of our ambition and desire to produce the performance in every single game.”
Bournemouth Boss Refuses To Give Update On Chelsea Man
Reuters / Peter Cziborra
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has decided to remain coy about a move for Chelsea’s Asmir Begovic.
Chelsea’s wantaway back-up goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Bournemouth for the past week or so, with the Blues already lining up his potential replacements. However, with just one day to go before the January transfer window comes to an end, the Bournemouth boss has refused to give any updates on this particular transfer.
Speaking to the media, the Cherries boss stated: “I never comment on individual targets from our perspective. We’ve been active in the market, looking for players, but I wouldn’t give you any clarity on a position. I’m not going to give you anything on [Begovic] I’m afraid. Sorry to disappoint you.
“This is the most difficult transfer window I’ve been involved in; the pool of players is so small. We have been looking, but we’ll see what happens. Any player has to benefit the team.”
Ronald Koeman Confirms Interest In Former Man United Defender
Reuters / Jason Cairnduff
Everton boss Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Everton are interested in signing former Manchester United, and current Burnley defender Michael Keane.
The young center-back has attracted interest from several English clubs, with Chelsea and Manchester United themselves being reported as interested parties. And now, the Toffees seem to have joined the race, and will be involved in a transfer battle to land the player’s services in the summer, if not on the deadline day on Tuesday.
When asked about his interest in the 24-year-old, Koeman said: “Yes, he is one of that list, like some more defenders. But I heard he is on more lists, in different teams.”
The Dutchman further added: “We know what we want and if we don’t get the players we want, we don’t sign players to get numbers in in the squad. If we sign a player, it is really that player who brings what we don’t have and who brings a lot of quality to the team. If it is not possible today or tomorrow, then we will wait to the summer, and that is more easy than in January.”
Moyes Signs Two More Players From His Former Club
David Moyes has completed the signing of two more players from his former club Everton, in the form of Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson.
Both players, who have been out of favour at Goodison Park for quite some time, have now left the Merseyside to join Sunderland for a reported fee of around £7.5m combined. Oviedo, a left back, will be straightaway replacing Patrick van Aanholt, who left the Black Cats to join Crystal Palace on Monday. The former FC Copenhagen player, who was brought to Everton by Moyes himself, has signed for Sunderland on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Gibson, on the other hand, has signed a contract that will run only until the end of next season. As talented a midfielder that he is, the Irishman has only managed to start 5 Premier League games in the last 4 seasons, and will therefore have to prove his fitness first if he is to make an impact at his new club.
Chelsea To Swap Costa For Griezmann
REUTERS/Susana Vera
Chelsea seem to be the newest club to have entered the race to sign Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann next summer.
The French ace has already been linked with almost all the top clubs in Europe, but Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Manchester United are currently being dubbed as the frontrunners in the race for his signature. However, the Blues may end up claiming the top spot now, as reports suggest manager Antonio Conte is preparing to swap current forward Diego Costa for the Euro 2016 topscorer.
A few weeks ago, the media was rife with rumours suggesting Conte has fallen out with his controversial striker, and that Costa is on his way out of the Stamford Bridge club. The speculation grew when Costa was dropped for a game, but things got calmer following his return to the first team. However, things between the duo may not be too great after all, as the Italian is planning to use the 28-year-old to sweeten Griezmann’s path to London.
Atletico Madrid, who would be in desperate need of firepower once their star attacker departs the Spanish capital, are more likely to accept Chelsea’s player-plus-cash deal, as opposed to United’s cash-only deal. But with the Red Devils have enough financial resources to seriously outbid the Blues, only time will tell how this saga unfolds.
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