Antoine Griezmann will be the summer target for a cluster of Premier League clubs - with Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton joining Arsenal in the race for the 23-year-old French winger. Griezmann has excelled for Real Sociedad this season and it is understood that the Spanish club will listen to offers around the £20million mark. Paris St Germain were believed to be the favourites to sign Griezmann whose form prompted France manager Didier Deschamps to call him up for full international duty in March for the friendly match against Holland. Griezmann is now set for a place in the World Cup squad that goes to Brazil. The strong French influence at Arsenal would be a major attraction for Griezmann but manager Arsene Wenger is likely to focus his attention on a central striker. Liverpool are planning a £6m move for David Marshall if Cardiff are relegated at the end of the season, according to reports from the Metro. The Scottish stopper has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a terrible campaign for the Bluebirds, who are now facing a difficult last three fixtures as they look to move out of the relegation zone. Marshall has been ever-present for both Malky Mackay and now manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with his performances attracting attention from Tottenham in recent weeks. Now Liverpool have also entered the race, with Brendan Rodgers keen to draft in a goalie to challenge current number one Simon Mignolet and provide cover for next season. If Cardiff stay up the Northern Irishman knows that he may struggle to convince the 29-year-old to be a backup man at Anfield, but he is confident that the chance of staying in the top tier may be alluring if the South Wales side fail to beat the drop. A fee of £6m could be enough to convince controversial owner Vincent Tan to sell the glovesman, and would barely make a dent on Rodgers' own transfer budget - which will be boosted by added Champions League revenue. Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have both shown an interest in signing Hakan Calhanoglu, according to the Turkish starlet's father. Calhanoglu has been one of the breakthrough stars in the Bundesliga this year and Hamburg subsequently moved to extend his contract to 2018 in February. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been monitoring the progress of the 20-year-old, who has scored 10 goals and grabbed three assists in a dismal season for the Bundesliga strugglers. His father, Huseyin, has now revealed that 10 clubs, including both Spanish capital sides, have made enquiries about his availability, although he refused to disclose whether any of the Premier League clubs have made a move. He told AS: "We accepted an offer to renew his contract with Hamburg until 2018, but until now there have been 10 different clubs showing interest and Atletico is one of them. Real Madrid have even spoken to the representative of my son, Bektas Demirtas, and they think of him for next year."
We definitely need two new full backs in the summer. Aspas is likely to go - he's not a youngster so can't see him going out on loan. He didn't cost much so not a problem. Borini will be a good solid back up when he returns - his movement off the ball is brilliant but he has a lot to work on. But he is young, getting good experience in the league and has done reasonably well.
Yes please to Greizman. From what I've seen (which is limited) he looks pacey wing player but also able to come inside and score goals. Still very young as well with lots of room for improvement. Marshall, he's been brilliant this season and Cardiff will probably already be down without him. Brilliant shot stopper, similar to Mig. Not too sure what he's like on crosses/distribution though? £6m for someone that could genuinely compete for 1st team place isn't too bad. He'd probably get game time in Cups as well. Never heard/seen the last guy.
How about Fabregas for CM? I get the feeling if he left Barca, he prob wouldn't return to England unless it was to Arsenal but no harm in testing the waters. Quality player with CL and Prem experience. Offers goals and composure as well as being able to press opposition given the way Barca play. 26 so hitting his prime and doesn't seem to be the most appreciated player at Barca at the moment. Pedro or Sanchez as a wide option? Both being rotated with Neymar being preferred to them and both lightning quick with an eye for goal. Could be a good option to play across all 3 positions at the top end.
Can't see it sticking. They'll appeal, get a slap on the wrist and told if it happens again they'll get a transfer ban. Just like Chelsea...
Fabregas has looked pretty average at Barca...not really done much. I'd prefer we looked for some lesser known talent and not spunk 30mill+ on a name.
My personal changes for next season would be Borini/Suso/Illori return from their respective loan deals and become squad fillers plus a number of new signings; - preferably a first choice GK as Mignolet has not been good enough of late, but i will accept a second choice addition to the squad - A RB to challenge Johnson, maybe replace him as he isnt getting any younger - A LB as Jose Enriques isn't Champions League material - A CM who plays well box to box, someone like Strootman who we missed out on last year - A Winger like Greizman or Alexis Sanchez or Pedro as mentioned previously Sell; Jones, Aspas, Reina, Assaidi, Coates, Enrique or Johnson (whoever would raise more money/free up wages) Loan; Alberto, Kelly, Texeira A bit football manager, not sure we will be able to sell all these players and not sure we have the cash to bring in 5 first teamers but I can dream
You want someone to challenge Johnson but a new LB as Enrique isn't CL quality?! Enrique, when fit, is one of the best full backs in the league and streets ahead of Johnson. Pace, power, composure, decent in attack. He sometimes takes 1 too many touches but he's our best full back and der CL quality.
We have to take into account ffp and try and avoid the ban that looks possible in 15-16, so bringing loanees back stifles the freedom to buy in quality to cope with European football, sadly most will be sold on wherever possible for the highest price.
Eriksen has looked good and bit gutted we didn't try for him in summer. Not seen anything from Paulinho to suggest he's any better than current although maybe that's cos it's first season playing in Europe. He's a regular in Brazil 11 so must hd be something about him. Can see Spurs wanting silly money though and more likely to sell others before them.
Eriksen yes, shame he will cost more than the £12 mill odd we could have got him for, but i think he will be worth it. Paulinho, not sure i am that impressed to be honest, what about the forgotten one Lamela, although heard he had a dodgy injury, back i think.
This. If we could keep Flanno and Enrique permanently fit and available I wouldn't want us to sign anyone!
I ripped Arsenal and Man Utd fans last summer because of the Fabregas talk, I certainly don't think we will go for him or even stand a chance of getting him TBH. He's at his boyhood club which is one of the best around and playing. Why would he leave? One reason would be to test yourself in a different environment but that rules England out since he's been here and done it. Levy would want £40m+ for them! I wanted Eriksen and would still love us to get him but it would be a signing to compete with Coutinho rather than with him now.
Eriksen is a talented player but it's clear he's poor off the ball due to his lack of effort and tracking back. Paulinho would be a very good signing IMO but I rather we target the likes of Lars Bender now. Enrique being a good player is a myth - he's injury prone, dwells on the ball, loses possession and is actually poor defensively. All he is good at is using his body strength to shield the ball. And there is no way I would ever have Enrique and Flannagan as our first team full backs - both are decent squad players to have but we need upgrades.
