Tottenham and Arsenal are said to be battling it out for Chelsea’s Juan Mata, after the Spanish international was left on the bench during Monday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United. José Mourinho stated Mata would not leave, but the 25-year-old midfielder may want to move elsewhere in London to become the focal point of Arsenal or Spurs’ attack. Mata’s father, also his agent, watched Arsenal’s win over Fenerbache at the Emirates on Tuesday night. Have the Gunners jumped ahead of Spurs?
German international Mesut Ozil, 24, is edging closer to the exit door at Real Madrid after throwing a tantrum when substituted on Monday against Granada. Ozil is reportedly top of Arsenal’s wishlist but the Gunners must be prepared to pay Ozil’s wage demands of $300,000 per week. The attacking midfielder would certainly shine in North London, but is he worth breaking the bank for?
Eliaquim Mangala could arrive at Old Trafford this week, as David Moyes aims to strengthen Manchester United’s defense. The 22-year-old FC Porto defender would add extra cover and competition across the backline, with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic both injury prone in recent years, it might not be a bad idea to add the highly-rated French international.
Another player Real Madrid and Arsenal are reportedly chasing is Sevilla midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia. However the 20 year-old could be heading to Monaco for $25 million, according to these reports in France. The French international holding midfeilder has said to have bought out his contract at Sevilla, as he’s part owned by Doyen Sports Investments - the same company who have a stake in Radamel Falcao. So a move to Monaco would make sense.
Elsewhere Manchester United are giving Chelsea a taste of their own medicine, by offering a deal worth $45 million for Brazilian defender David Luiz. The 26-year-old attack-minded center back would be a highly unlikely addition to Moyes’ United squad, however he is looking to strengthen at the back and stranger things have happened.
Sam Allardyce continues to wheel and deal in the transfer market and Honduran international striker Roger Rojas, 23, could join on loan from Club Deportivo Olimpia. Rojas has impressed for Honduras in their recent World Cup qualifying campaign and the Hammers need extra cover up front to challenge Andy Carroll. Big Sam loves a big bargain, and Rojas could become a star at Upton Park.
If Newcastle United do lose French midfielder Yohan Cabaye to Arsenal this week, Alan Pardew has Wigan’s Irish international James McCarthy lined up. The 22-year-old midfielder would love a return to the Premier League following Wigan’s relegation and move to the Magpies would suit everyone. Will the Latics let him leave for $15 million?
Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria could be heading to Turkish giants Galatasaray, after the two clubs have reportedly agreed a fee for the Argentinian international. Di Maria, 25, may see his minutes diminish considerably at Madrid when Gareth Bale arrives. Seems like a lucrative switch to Istanbul could be on the way.
Crystal Palace may turn to QPR’s controversial midfielder Joey Barton, with the 30-year-old Englishman set to cost $5 million. Barton excelled on loan at Marseille last season but the hotheaded Liverpudlian has not yet received an offer from the French club to return to Ligue 1 and Everton were rumored to be interested. He will want a move away from QPR and the Championship if possible, but are Palace the right club?
