Transfer news from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Jermain Defoe has agreed a move to Toronto FC. The deal has been in the pipeline for a couple of months now – but the full details and confirmation from Tottenham Hotspur had not yet been clarified.
Today though it has been made clear that he will be a Toronto player from 28th February – in time for the start of the new MLS season.
Defoe said this of the exciting new challenge in his career:
“I have had a fantastic time here and the fans have always been amazing to me. I am grateful for the opportunity for myself and my family to experience living overseas and for me to play in the MLS with a contract that will take me to the age of 35. I have no doubt I shall be coming back as a fan supporting the team in the years to come too.”
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Alvaro Morata this month – as the club struggle with an apparent striker crisis. Last night saw Carlo Ancelotti refuse speculation linking his striker with a move away from the Bernabeu – and Arsene Wenger has poured cold water over the rumours:
“We are not in talks with Real about anybody. I do not want to speak about any specific names.”
Wenger has also confirmed that Tomas Rosicky is in line for a new contract at The Emirates. He has been in excellent form for the club in recent weeks, but his contract expires in the summer.
But Wenger stated on the topic:
“He will stay here. He is a marvellous player – an Arsenal player.”
Real Betis are ready to make a move for Manchester City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon this month.
The Romanian got a taste of first-team football this season during Joe Hart’s drop in form – but has since gone back to being number two at the club.
Betis are said to be willing to spend £414k on the stopper.
Wolfsburg seem to be on the verge of snapping up Kevin De Bruyne from Chelsea. The Belgian midfielder has not been a regular at Stamford Bridge this season – despite an impressive term on loan with Werder Bremen last season.
Yesterday saw reports in Germany claim the deal was done – but Wolfsburg director has said that is not the truth, although admitted the move is not a long way off:
“We can’t announce a deal yet and we aren’t in a desperate mood, though we would not be talking to Chelsea, if we had totally opposing views. The matter of which club Kevin would move to – unlike before Christmas – is no longer doubtful – that will be the VfL [Wolfsburg].”
image: © thearcticblues
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