On the 31st July 2013 what were the stories that dominated the football landscape? Including Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Let’s cast our eyes back to this exact day, the 31st July 2014, but a year earlier.
What were the main tales from that day? What big events were happening in Premier League football?
Here are some of the big scoops from the 31st July 2013…
Bernard botch
A year ago today and Arsenal looked like officially missing out on Brazilian international Bernard. The diminutive playmaker had been impressing for Atletico Mineiro in his homeland and Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were believed to be interested.
However Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk blew them out of the water with their bid said to be in the region of £22 million.
Confusion soon reined as Bernard Tweeted a picture of himself in London a week later, fuelling the Arsenal rumours again. However it soon emerged his stop at Heathrow was simply a refuel – so he could travel to Donetsk and complete a £22.5 million move to Donetsk on the 8th August last year.
A year on and the Ukrainian unrest has seen him linked with a summer exit – but Arsenal are no longer keen on the player.
Mou wants Roo
Chelsea were readying a £40 million move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney – as it looked like months of speculation were finally turning into solid interest in his services.
Rumours persisted that Rooney was unhappy at Old Trafford – even though their had been a change of management at the club.
Chelsea had reportedly already had a £27 million bid for the player rejected by United. He ended up staying at United, and Chelsea signed Samuel Eto’o as a last minute alternative.
Cesc up for a fall
Manchester United began pondering a club record bid to sign former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.
It didn’t, and a year later Fabregas is now a Chelsea player.
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