Manchester City, Sunderland, Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham are the talk of the papers today.
All the rumour, gossip, and news you need to know from the last 24 hours
Stephane Sessegnon to Manchester City? It could happen according to today’s Daily Mirror ‘exclusive’. The paper report that Benin international is in Roberto Mancini‘s thinking, and he is willing to offer Adam Johnson in part-exchange. Johnson would be a terrific signing for Sunderland, but the Black Cats would be loathe to lose their star man. Arsenal and Tottenham have both previously been linked with the attacker, while French clubs PSG and Marseille are also interested.
The Mail report that Arsenal are ready to sign Uzbekistan midfielder Odil Ahmedov. The ambitious 24-year-old currently plays alongside Samuel Eto’o at Anzhi Machakala in Russia, and recently beat the Cameroon striker in fan poll as their best player. He is a central midfielder who can also play in defence, and he has publicly confirmed Arsenal as his most desired destination.
Many news outlets are reporting Real Madrid‘s interest in Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. The versatile Serbian international has been a lynchpin of Chelsea’s side over the past few seasons and they would hope not to lose him. Ivanovic told Spanish paper Marca that the interest has made him think, even though he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge. If Madrid step up their interest in the form of a serious bid, who knows what could happen with this one.
Another player a West London club will be desperate to hang onto now, and Fulham‘s Clint Dempsey. The American attacker has just one year left on his current contract, and after a superb season where he scored more than 20 goals, the time may be right for a move. Dempsey spoke this weekend of his desire to play Champions League football, and at 29 his time is running out. Arsenal and Roma are both linked with him by The Sun, while Manchester United have previously.
Despite not having a manager, Liverpool are reportedly in talks to sign a new winger. The man in question is Sochaux 22-year-old Ryad Boudebouz. The Algerian midfielder scored six goals and provided five assists last season, and stated that Liverpool initiated contact with his club. He said at the moment discussions are just preliminary, but clearly it is a case of watch this space.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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