Is Arsene Wenger’s cautiousness in the transfer market holding Arsenal back?

With Paul Pogba seemingly close to a massive £100m move to Manchester United, it was only a matter of time before Arsene Wenger publicly made his feelings known on the matter.

Predictably, Wenger was not an advocate of such a hefty transfer fee, and whilst many will agree that Pogba is overpriced at £100m – no doubt including some of the United fans that desperately await his arrival – why should that matter to the manager?

Why aren’t Arsenal in for Pogba?

Much has been made of Arsenal being one of the most cash-rich club’s in the world in recent times. The Gunners are said to have over £150m in the bank which is ready to be spent, yet the North London outfit have still signed just two players this summer.

With that huge amount sitting in the bank, some might question why Wenger himself isn’t in the race for Pogba. It’s quite peculiar in itself that the hugely exciting midfielder is considering United as his next destination – an admittedly huge club – yet one without Champions League football for the coming season and one with a manager with it all to prove after a disastrous campaign with Chelsea last term.

Yet the story of the Pogba transfer has been so strange as only United have been in contention for the Frenchman’s signature for some time. Barcelona wanted him but couldn’t afford him, whilst Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is clearly a huge admirer, but the club pulled out of the race for the player some time ago – although it still wouldn’t be a surprise to see them try to clinch a deal.

Wenger is reluctant to pay the kind of transfer fees that Gonzalo Higuain (left) and Paul Pogba (right) have attracted this summer

That only leaves United, with other clubs like Bayern Munich and PSG not in contention for the player. But in truth, if Wenger wanted Pogba, he could have offered him the Champions League football which United can’t for next season and the same lure of Premier League football as Jose Mourinho’s men. By that logic, what’s to say the Juventus midfielder wouldn’t have considered an offer from the Emirates?

If not Pogba, why not Higuain?

In fairness, Wenger could be forgiven for his lack of interest in Pogba. After all, he has already signed a quality central midfielder in Granit Xhaka this summer and is now understandably pursuing targets in positions in greater need of reinforcements.

But does that let Wenger off the hook? Absolutely not. Whilst United edge closer to bringing Pogba back to Old Trafford, the Frenchman’s current club Juventus seem to have already gone out and spent the transfer fee they will receive for the midfielder on Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain is another player, if Pogba is indeed to follow in his footsteps, who has transferred for a ridiculously high fee this summer. The Argentine, though, has also been a long-term target for Wenger, with Arsenal having been close to a deal for the striker more than once in recent summers.

For Wenger to have let Higuain move to Juventus without even contesting his signature this summer, then, is even more ridiculous than the player’s excessive £79m transfer fee. The Arsenal boss could have significantly upgraded his options by recruiting the Argentine to the Emirates, but seemingly chose not to because the transfer fee was not to his liking.

Quite simply, Wenger is too idealistic when it comes to transfers. He seems to have relaxed his stance slightly on paying out hefty transfer fees in recent years, which has thus allowed him to better prepare for the season ahead by signing players like Granit Xhaka early this summer and Petr Cech at a similar time last year. In fact, I even suggested Wenger was becoming more ruthless as he signed the ex-Chelsea goalkeeper 12 months ago by strengthening in a key position.

Is Wenger afraid of a transfer risk?

Xhaka’s arrival represents a similar upgrade in a key position, but Wenger has dithered since, just as he did last summer. Arsenal didn’t sign anyone else after Cech last year, as the French manager claimed there was no-one else available that could improve his squad.

But the Arsenal boss has now proved, if it wasn’t evident already, that that statement isn’t true. It would be much more accurate if it read there was no-one available that could improve the squad at the extremely uncommon, reasonable price he craves in today’s mad market.

Shkodran Mustafi (left) could be the perfect long-term replacement for Per Mertesacker (right) at Arsenal

Indeed, the three times Wenger has paid out significant amounts on one player have still all ended in the Frenchman paying a very respectable fee for a high-quality player. He paid around £42m for the splendid Mesut Ozil three years ago when Real Madrid desperately needed to sell after Gareth Bale’s arrival for over double the price, whilst Barcelona needed to reduce their wage bill when Wenger got Alexis Sanchez for about £30m the following summer. And this summer, Arsenal persuaded Borussia Monchengladbach to cash in early on Xhaka, who had an ever lower release clause in his contract which would have become active next summer.

Wenger has never actually taken a risk by paying over the odds for a top quality player. He’ll happily get it wrong when there’s little money involved – see Marouane Chamakh, Yaya Sanogo and many more for example – but even then it’s for distinctly average players that really aren’t good enough to play for Arsenal. Ask yourself this – if the boss was forced to pay over the market value for players like Ozil, Sanchez and Xhaka – would they even be Gunners players today?

Centre-back signing now even more vital

So now that Wenger has missed the opportunity to sign what could have been a fantastic, albeit expensive, signing in Higuain, he simply cannot miss out on a signing that is more akin to the arrivals of Ozil, Sanchez and Xhaka. The two weakest areas of the Arsenal side are arguably in the striker’s role and at centre-back, so whilst Wenger might struggle to improve in attack after passing on Higuain, he has an absolute no-brainer signing staring him straight in the face in the latter position.

Shkodran Mustafi is just 24, has won the World Cup with Germany and was part of their Euro 2016 squad earlier this summer. He also has Champions League experience with Valencia and is arguably one of the best players in his position in La Liga.

Mustafi is available for around £25m despite having a £42m release clause in his contract, an incredible deal for a player that could be Arsenal’s first choice centre-back for a decade if things go to plan. Wenger really would be letting the club’s current playing staff and fans down if he turned down the Valencia defender. Thereafter, though, he needs to put the club’s needs on the pitch above those off it and start buying players that will truly improve his side – no matter what the price.

Opinion: Januzaj return shouldn’t affect United’s transfer business

After an underwhelming loan spell with Borussia Dortmund in the first half of the 2015/16 season, Adnan Januzaj has now returned to Manchester United.

It should be welcome news for the club, with Louis van Gaal’s side struggling to create many chances or score enough goals so far this campaign. Januzaj is the kind of player United could have done with having around on more than one occasion this term.

However, whilst Januzaj’s return will be considered as a positive thing, it shouldn’t be regarded as enough of an improvement on the current squad for this transfer window. United fans might hope to see the Belgium international back in in action for the first team against Sheffield United on Saturday, but new additions in similar positions would be welcomed with equal excitement.

Transfer speculation has suggested that United may move for players such as Lazio’s Felipe Anderson and Southampton’s Sadio Mane, but Januzaj’s return to the club might mean the Reds are no longer in the market for an attacking midfielder. Whether that’s actually the case remains to be seen, but the club’s fans will certainly hope it isn’t.

Even before Januzaj left Old Trafford for Borussia Dortmund on loan at the end of August, there was a clear need for the Reds to invest in new attacking talent. A move for Barcelona’s Pedro broke down before the player instead moved to Chelsea, and a late move for Southampton’s Mane unsurprisingly came to nothing.

There were various other moves said to be in the offing for the Reds, but the two aforementioned failed transfers were mooted even before Januzaj’s temporary departure. Anthony Martial’s arrival partly made up for the Belgian leaving, but even the brilliance provided by the young Frenchman has not been enough to supplement for the gaps in Louis van Gaal’s squad.

Jesse Lingard made an impressive breakthrough into the first team in October, but injury has delayed his progress. That has left United even shorter in attacking areas, and if the Reds want to end the season on a higher note than in recent weeks, as well as challenge for silverware in the FA Cup and Europa League, the squad will need to be better stocked in such positions.

Therefore, the Reds must not consider Januzaj’s return to prevent the club from persisting with potential transfers this month. It could be that there is no truth in rumours surrounding players like Felipe Anderson and Sadio Mane, but that does not hide United’s need for players of their type.

The squad wasn’t big enough before Januzaj’s departure in August, and that remains the case even after his early return to the club this month. This season’s performances are evidence of that lack of attacking options in the squad.

United might end the transfer window without any new signings, and it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if that proved to be the case. But if chief executive Ed Woodward and co. are not at least looking into potential dealings, it might be that the Reds will miss out on a Champions League place at the end of the season.

Chalobah transfer highlights implications of Premier League’s TV deal

In what was one of this summer’s most surprising transfer moves, Chelsea youngster Nathaniel Chalobah yesterday joined Italian outfit Napoli on loan for the season.

It is perhaps a surprise another Premier League side did not take on Chalobah, especially considering a potential home grown quota coming into place in the coming years.

Chalobah has played in the Premier League before, albeit only four times, but seems to have been ignored by English sides in the top tier this summer.

Despite that, Chalobah is still set to join a quality side in Napoli. The Italian side finished fourth in Serie A last season and will be playing in the Europa League this term, which will hopefully aid the Englishman’s development.

The transfer, however, highlights a difference in mentality between England and other European countries. The Premier League now offers such a major financial reward for being in the division that teams no longer seem prepared to take a chance on young players.

Instead, more clubs are looking for proven quality, demonstrated by the spending power shown by lowly and mid-table Premier League clubs this summer. The new TV rights deal comes into place next season and its value of £5 billion is clearly too much to miss out on for most teams, with the threat of relegation especially unbearable at this time.

That has allowed teams outside the top six to flex their financial muscle, seen in the arrivals of players such as Xherdan Shaqiri to Stoke City and Dmitri Payet to West Ham United.

“We hope he has developed here, albeit not on the pitch as much as he would have liked. He has, however, been an active part of the group and has been a credit to himself”

Sean Dyche on Nathaniel Chalobah’s time at Burnley

Understandably, to neutrals and fans of those clubs, this is regarded as fantastic for the Premier League. It will increase the competitiveness of the League and narrow the gap between the top six and the sides challenging to break through that barrier, which can only increase the division’s already huge appeal.

However, business as such is restricting opportunities for young English players in the domestic top flight, and thus restricting the number of players considered ready for the England national team.

For example, teams such as Leicester City and West Ham United have both signed central midfielders from other European teams this summer. Neither player has prior experience of Premier League football, yet these sides have both opted to place their trust in players proven at a high level in other leagues rather than give a chance to a young English player- like Nathaniel Chalobah.

That does not necessarily mean Chalobah is better than either of Leicester’s new recruit N’Golo Kanté, nor new West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang.

It does not mean Chalobah will become a better player than either of those new recruits to the Premier League either, even if Chelsea player was given the game time to fully develop. However, it shows young

English players’ opportunities to play in the Premier League are increasingly sparse, and that has to be a concern for the English national team.

Chalobah is just one example of many youth players that have been overlooked by Premier League sides. That it is happening to him, former England under 19 captain and now a regular in the under 21’s, does not bode well for other English youngsters.

Last game of the tour tonight vs Barca. #cfc #preseason #facials 🙊😂 https://t.co/jOwLC3kSo4

— Nathaniel Chalobah (@chalobah) July 28, 2015

Some might say Chalobah is not ready for Premier League football. The Chelsea youngster didn’t take his chance with Burnley last season, and then went on loan to Reading in the Championship.

However, that should not take away from the fact that Chalobah, and other talented English youngsters like him, are being overlooked by English sides. That a side like Napoli have signed him on loan is testament to the player’s ability, and shows sides from other European nations are much more willing to take a chance on a talented youth player.

The new TV rights deal might make the Premier League more competitive, more exciting and fuller of superstar names than ever before. However, as these aspects of the Premier League become more and more prevalent, youth players coming through the ranks of top English sides are getting fewer and fewer chances.

That will be something to bear in mind next summer should England fail to live up to expectations at another major European tournament.

Best Premier League transfer coups of the last decade

Yohan Cabaye joins Crystal Palace from Paris Saint Germain.

Crystal Palace pulled off one of the transfer coups of the summer this morning, as Yohan Cabaye’s switch from Paris Saint Germain was made official.

The French international will link up again with former boss Alan Pardew, with the two previously working together at Newcastle.

Whilst Crystal Palace look to have consolidated in the Premier League, finishing comfortably outside of the relegation zone in the past two seasons, not many would have anticipated Cabaye’s arrival at Selhurst Park.

The Frenchman represents a real step forward for the club, who must surely now be aiming for a top half finish next season.

Transfers of such shock and excitement are no stranger to the Premier League though- here are five of the best from the past decade:

Michael Owen to Newcastle United, August 2005.

Newcastle United fans were delighted by Michael Owen’s move to the club in August 2005. Regarded as England’s best striker at the time, the former Liverpool striker immediately showed the form worthy of his £16.8 million price tag.

He scored seven times in his first ten games but, tellingly of his career, that good form was interrupted by injury. He didn’t properly return for over a year.

His final two campaigns on Tyneside didn’t showcase the best of Owen’s ability, but he did provide a decent scoring return. Whilst ultimately not completely living up to his billing, the Englishman’s impact at Newcastle still left the fans with some great memories.

Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to West Ham United, August 2006.

This deal was later revealed to have more than a few issues with it, but it was another great deal conducted by Alan Pardew.

It took some time for the Argentine duo to adapt to the Premier League, and the duo left in very different circumstances. Mascherano played only seven times for West Ham United before leaving for Liverpool in January 2007, but Tevez left a hero.

Albeit in controversial fashion, Tevez’ goal on the final day of the season- away to Manchester United- won them the match and kept them in the Premier League. Sheffield United, who were relegated in their place, had claimed West Ham should have had points deducted for the transfer of the Argentine duo, which would have then kept them in the division instead.

Tevez only scored seven goals in 29 appearances for West Ham- but his contribution towards the end of that campaign will be forever remembered by the club’s fans.

Robinho to Manchester City, September 2008.

In a deal which marked the beginning of Manchester City’s new found wealth, Robinho moved to the Etihad in a transfer which shocked the Premier League.

City were alleged to have beaten Chelsea to the Brazilian’s signature for a fee of around £32.5 million. His first season was a great success, as he brought excitement to City fans as well as an impressive 15 goals.

His second campaign was underwhelming in comparison, scoring only once before being loaned to Santos half way through the season. He was then sold to Milan and Robinho’s time in English football was over.

The Brazilian didn’t live up to the hype which had surrounded him on his arrival, but his signing was incredibly important in the club’s new era nonetheless.

Rafael van der Vaart to Tottenham Hotspur, August 2010.

Rafael van der Vaart in Champions League action for Tottenham Hotspur.

Another of Real Madrid’s stars completed a move to the Premier League in August 2010, although Tottenham’s recent qualification to the Champions League surely played its part in the move.

The Dutchman was an immediate hit at White Hart Lane, and he enjoyed two marvellous seasons in North London. Playing in the number ten role, van der Vaart provided numerous goals and assists.

He also helped Spurs to the Champions League quarter-finals in his debut campaign, before losing out to Real Madrid. Perhaps one of the greatest transfer coups in the Premier League era, van der Vaart is still well remembered by fans of the North London side.

Bojan Krkic to Stoke City, July 2014.

Bojan Krkic was tipped to be the next star of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, and played several times for the first team in his four seasons with the senior squad.

He moved to Stoke City last summer though, and despite having his season finished early on through injury, he brought some moments of real excitement to the fans.

His signing represented the continuing change in style of play at the club, as Mark Hughes looked to change from predecessor Tony Pulis’ more direct approach. Much promise remains for Bojan though, and the Spaniard will look to build on his promising start next season.

Arsene Wenger showing necessary ruthless touch ahead of title charge

Arsene Wenger: his Arsenal squad looks to be taking place.

For many years, Arsenal struggled to seriously put themselves in contention for major honours in domestic and European competition. Their tendency to finish fourth in what seemed like every season, combined with their inability to win trophies and knack of losing their best players was an amusing sight for opposition fans.

Things have gradually changed on all fronts though, with Arsenal finishing third last term, winning successive FA Cups and now signing top quality players themselves- rather than selling them on.

And a key aspect in that eventual change in transfer policy has not only been signing world class talent, but also ridding their squad of average players, too.

Arsene Wenger has this week lost two players befitting of their period of mediocrity, in Abou Diaby and now Lukas Podolski.

The club are now also upgrading their options in key positions, too. Whilst Arsenal had a solid goalkeeping pairing in Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina, the arrival of Chelsea’s Petr Cech will provide a huge boost in that department.

Abou Diaby and Lukas Podolski were solid players for Arsenal, but are now elsewhere due to the club’s increasing quality in the squad.

Wenger is now showing a ruthless touch befitting of past champions, most recently shown by Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea last season. The Portuguese moved on players like Fernando Torres and Frank Lampard last summer, whilst replacing them with proven quality in Diego Costa and former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

Whilst the rebuilding process at the Emirates looks to have taken much longer than Mourinho’s project across London, Arsene Wenger’s squad looks to finally be taking shape.

Indeed, their potential starting team is in stark contrast to that of three years ago in 2012/13- their last trophy-less season.

The starting team in their first game of that campaign- at home to Sunderland- looks significantly weaker than how the side could line up next term.

Arsenal starting XI vs. Sunderland, August 18^th 2012: Szczesny: Jenkinson; Mertesacker; Vermaelen; Gibbs: Arteta; Diaby; Cazorla; Gervinho; Podolski: Walcott.

It could be argued that as few as TWO of those players would remain in the Arsenal starting XI at the start of this season, with a further four of those players having the left the club and various others’ futures uncertain.

Having now sold Podolski and released Diaby, it is now important that Arsene Wenger improves his options in those positions to put his side in a good position to challenge for next season’s title.

In defensive midfield Francis Coquelin has been a revelation, though needs some support in that department. In attack meanwhile, an upgrade may be needed on frontman Olivier Giroud to seriously contend on all fronts next term.

Potential Arsenal starting XI for 2015/16 season (without further new signings): Cech: Debuchy; Mertesacker; Koscielny; Monreal: Coquelin; Cazorla; Ramsey; Ozil; Sanchez: Giroud

Wenger has also seen players such as Johan Djourou, Nicklas Bendtner, Chu-Young Park and Marouane Chamakh leave in the past few years, as Arsenal have ridden their squad of lesser quality players.

If Arsenal can improve in defensive midfield, attack and possibly in central defence too, then they will have to be considered genuine title contenders.

That will truly eliminate any suggestion that they are simply not good enough to challenge for the League. The pressure will be on Wenger for his side to continue improving not only off the pitch, but on it as well.

Seamus Coleman transfer could prove difficult for Man United

Seamus Coleman: Everton and Republic of Ireland right-back is a transfer target for Manchester United

With Dani Alves signing a new contract at Barcelona, Nathaniel Clyne edging closer to Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly closing in on Fabinho, quality right-backs are becoming even more difficult to find this summer.

With all three of those names being closely linked with Manchester United at various points, Louis van Gaal may now have to search deeper into the realms of the market to find a new right-back.

#MCFC expected to clinch signing of Monaco & Brazil right back Fabinho in the coming days. Two clubs close to agreeing on fee, say L’Equipe

— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) June 28, 2015

One player yet to move on, however, is Everton’s Seamus Coleman. A player that offers almost as much as attack as in defence, the Ireland international’s credentials might appeal to van Gaal.

Recent press reports have suggested as much, though Man United might face a struggle in landing the Irishman.

Everton, who haven’t finished in the Premier League’s top four in over a decade, sometimes see their players express a desire to move on and play at a higher level.

Current players Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas have both expressed a wish to play in the Champions League this year, whilst past Goodison favourites Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini both pushed through moves to Champions League sides in recent summers.

However, pushing through those moves was not a simple task- with both having to make transfer requests on deadline day to make their respective transfers possible.

Leighton Baines was also subject of interest from United at one stage, but did not agitate for a move and Everton therefore held onto their man.

David Moyes wanted to bring Everton pair Fellaini and Baines to United in summer 2013, but failed with the Merseyside club’s strong stance at holding on to their better players. The Belgian only moved after holding talks with boss Roberto Martinez and then pushing through the move himself.

Baines chose not to push through a move to such an extent, and Everton were therefore comfortable to resist any advances from United- no matter the monetary value.

With reports now suggesting that Everton will have the same stance over Coleman this summer, United must be prepared for a difficult transfer saga to get their man.

Likewise, Coleman must be ready for an ugly looking exit from Goodison if he does want the United move, in the same fashion most recently experienced by Arteta and Fellaini. Neither of the departed Everton duo are now looked upon with much fondness by the club’s fan base.

Money won’t be much of an issue to United this summer, but that Coleman’s contract has four years to run could make it a hefty fee, too.

It seems there needs to be a mutual interest between United and Coleman in making this switch happen- and soon- if it is going to happen. Louis van Gaal will want the player to be a part of his pre-season squad so his side can hit the ground running at the start of the Premier League season in August.

Brendan Rodgers’ recruitment strategy must improve for Liverpool to succeed

Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge: Are they Brendan Rodgers’ only successful signings at Anfield?

Having lost the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and Capital One Cup, and with Champions League qualification looking unlikely, Liverpool’s season has been nigh on disastrous. Other than an impressive unbeaten run between two defeats to Manchester United, Brendan Rodgers’ side have struggled to reach the heights of last season, despite signing several new players last summer.

Rodgers had to adapt his side earlier this season after several of those signings failed to make an immediate impact. In a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United last December, the Liverpool boss set out his team in a 3-4-1-2 formation which, despite the result, looked much better than the tired 4-4-2 diamond formation he had been employing.

Liverpool looked to have a better balance in that formation, with that structure allowing them to play with the pace and intensity that took them so close the League title the season before.

In the twenty-three games before that defeat at Old Trafford, Liverpool had won eight, drawn six and lost nine. In the next twenty-three, before they lost to Manchester United at Anfield, Rodgers’ team won fifteen, drew six and lost only two.

It could be suggested therefore, that Rodgers has proven an ability to be tactically flexible this season. His previously successful 4-4-2 diamond system wasn’t working at the beginning of the season, though his change to a 3-4-1-2 kept his side in contention for the Capital One Cup, FA Cup and a Champions League place in the league, all amidst a weak challenge at the Europa League.

Despite that, a criticism which has been levelled at Liverpool recently, and Rodgers himself has recently highlighted, is an inability to perform in big games. The Anfield side have lost Cup semi-finals this season, as well as vital clashes in the League in the last year. Their defeat to Manchester United last month was a major dent to their Champions League hopes, whilst dropped points against Chelsea and Crystal Palace last term cost them the League.

That lack of a big game mentality, combined with being the first Liverpool Manager since the 1950’s to have not won a trophy in his first three seasons in charge, has led to some questioning Rodgers’ position as boss.

Whilst that may be merited, the strides that Rodgers’ Liverpool side have made in his near three years in charge have nevertheless been incredibly impressive. He has brought an attractive brand of football to the club, as well as bringing back Champions League football and taking them as close to the League as they have been in almost twenty-five years.

However, Rodgers cannot, realistically, afford another season to capitulate in the manner in which the current one has. An extended failure to win trophies and secure Champions League football will bring further pressure, and potentially even worse consequences for the Northern Irish Coach.

And the only way in which Rodgers can rectify this is to drastically change what is a dreadful record in the transfer market. That record is not only unimpressive at Liverpool, but not much better at Swansea, either.

Rodgers has signed eighteen players in his time as Liverpool Manager that have gone on to play in the first team, though only two can genuinely be qualified as successful. Phillippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge have both had devastating impacts at their peak under the former Swansea Manager, though the same cannot be said for the rest of those signings.

Whilst hope will remain for players such as Emre Can, Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana and Alberto Moreno, all of whom signed last summer, as well as Mamadou Sakho and Joe Allen, the Liverpool boss has largely failed to recruit players of a standard befitting of the club or his style of football. Not many fans will recall the signings of players such as Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto, Fabio Borini or Mario Balotelli in years to come.

It is of paramount importance, therefore, that Rodgers and his backroom staff amend their recruitment policy this summer. If Liverpool are to win a trophy next season, gain Champions League qualification, or succeed on both fronts, then players of good enough quality and with suitable attributes must be signed to push the club to a higher standard.

It was a huge mistake for Brendan Rodgers to sign a static striker in Mario Balotelli last summer with the pace and intensity he demands of his teams. His decision to bring in three players from Southampton wasn’t much better, considering his side were preparing for their first Champions League campaign in almost five years.

Those mistakes can be forgiven. However, if Rodgers makes the same mistakes this summer, it is unlikely the club’s fans or staff will be as understanding this time next year. With that in mind, the Liverpool Manager needs to be ready for what will undoubtedly be his most important transfer window yet this summer.

Where should Tom Cleverley move next?

Could Cleverley push Leon Osman out of the Everton side?

Reports this morning suggested that a wide range of clubs were interested in signing Tom Cleverley. Arsenal and Tottenham were some of the biggest sides linked to him, with German side Schalke also apparently tracking him.

Roberto Martinez is a long term admirer of Cleverley, and so it was no surprise to see the England international linked with Everton. Aston Villa are also reportedly keen on making his loan deal a permanent move.

Though with Cleverley having endured a difficult start to his career with Manchester United, it is vitally important for him to make the correct choice when choosing his next club. Once a regular in the England side, Aston Villa’s number eight’s next move might determine whether he will ever play at international level again, having been absent from Roy Hodgson’s side for over a year.

So, with so many options available to the once promising youngster, where is his future best placed?

Arsenal

Cleverley might not be the most appealing name to many Arsenal fans, though with several midfielders of their own often unavailable through injury, the Man United youth player might be a better option for cover in Arsene Wenger’s squad than players such as Mathieu Flamini and Abou Diaby.

Having won the Premier League with Man United and playing in the knockout rounds of the Champions League, Cleverley’s experience might be another enticing aspect of any potential transfer for Arsene Wenger.

And with new home grown player rules pending, Cleverley’s presence in an Arsenal squad would be welcome in that sense, too. However, having largely struggled towards the end of his Manchester United career when starting regularly, Cleverley might be better off avoiding the pressure of playing for a club as demanding as Arsenal.

Any potential move to the Emirates would likely see Cleverley used on a rotational basis, though he would be constantly under pressure to perform when selected. It would represent a similar situation to the one he found himself in at Manchester United, which may have contributed to his stalling development.

Tottenham Hotspur

The playing time which Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb have had this season might be an encouraging sign for Cleverley, should he be contemplating a move to Spurs. That, along with a Manager quickly developing a track record of giving chances to English players, could be a perfect fit for the England international.

With Mauricio Pochettino using higher profile names such as Etienne Capoue and Paulinho on a more sporadic basis this season, that selection policy may serve as greater incentive to join Spurs for Cleverley.

However, like Arsenal, Tottenham is a big club and could provide a similar high pressure scenario to that Cleverley played under at Manchester United. Tottenham’s recent managerial record shows little sign of stability too, whilst being a club less likely to qualify for the Champions League on a regular basis.

Schalke

Playing abroad seems to be a rare opportunity for English players in the modern game, but if Schalke’s interest is real, it may be Cleverley’s best chance of playing on the continent.

Cleverley claimed last year that people didn’t appreciate his ‘Spanish’ style, and whilst this opportunity is in Germany, the Bundesliga would certainly be more suited to the stereotypical Spanish player. It would allow the current Villa man to show off more of his technical attributes in a division which is not considered as physical as the Premier League.

And whilst Schalke aren’t on course for a Champions League place next season, the German side seems like the only destination Cleverley could realistically be playing top level European Football most seasons as a first choice player. The England international would not have as much competition for midfield places in Germany, perhaps suggesting he would be a more important player in their squad.

Despite that, Schalke’s interest might be centred around Roberto di Matteo being the current manager. The former Chelsea midfielder has a great knowledge of the English game, after having several playing and coaching roles in England. Any potential managerial departure, however, and a subsequent change in style, might leave Cleverley’s place in jeopardy.

Everton

A reunion with former Manager Roberto Martinez, under whom Cleverley played at Wigan, could be just the confidence boost the England international needs. Especially, that is, in a team which places less pressure on its deep lying midfielders to provide regular direct contribution to goals.

Everton also have something of an aging midfield, with both Gareth Barry and Leon Osman now in their thirties, so Cleverley’s arrival could be a welcome injection of freshness in the Toffees’ engine room.

The club also seems to be very patient with their Manager’s, having employed David Moyes for over a decade, and sticking with Martinez this year in a difficult season. That could be the perfect environment for Cleverley to settle and eventually excel.

However, if Cleverley is hoping to play in the Champions League, then he isn’t likely to with Everton. The Merseyside outfit are unlikely to offer regular Champions League football in the way that Arsenal or Schalke could, and Tottenham would probably propose a greater chance of Champions League qualification than the Toffee’s too.

Aston Villa

Having found some form under recently appointed Tim Sherwood, making his loan switch to Villa a permanent one would be a sensible option for Cleverley at the very least.

Making the switch permanent, and working under Sherwood, would provide a stable environment for Cleverley to potentially excel in.

But if Cleverley remains set on playing in Europe once again, let alone the Champions League, then Villa would be unlikely to match his ambition, realistically.

Unless Tim Sherwood can mastermind an FA Cup success for Villa this season, then Villa, and potentially Cleverley too, will be without European football for the foreseeable future.

Can Spurs really challenge for the title?

It sounds ridiculous. A team that has only finished in the top four twice in the Premier League era and hasn’t won the league title for fifty-two years, surely, could not be in with a chance of winning the title again anytime soon. Andre Villas Boas played down his team’s chances of success only the other day, too, so despite Spurs’ summer spending spree Tottenham aren’t under any pressure to push for honours more than usual this season, according to their manager at least.

Ironically though, of course, is that Spurs’ source of money for signing a host of top quality players this summer from selling one of their own, Gareth Bale. His individual brilliance and extra-ordinary finishing from outside the area gave the team a major boost, so much so that he, and Tottenham, was rewarded for his fantastic season. The Welshman got his dream move and Daniel Levy negotiated a fantastic 86 million pound fee for the club, as-well as bringing in approximately another 20 million from the sales of Steven Caulker, Tom Huddlestone, Clint Dempsey and Scott Parker.

Spurs fans must have been relieved to see the 100 million they received in transfer fees re-invested in the playing squad. Big money coming in doesn’t necessarily mean it being spent on other new players- Manchester United spent only 21.5 million of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 80 million fee in 2009. Fortunately though, Daniel Levy didn’t disappoint. Paulinho, Erik Lamela, Roberto Soldado, Christian Eriksen, Nacer Chadli, Etienne Capoue and Vlad Chiriches- seven full internationals, have signed for the White Hart Lane side. Suddenly, the Spurs squad looks exciting and has quality in depth.

Andre-Villas Boas has two good players in every position- something every top club aims to have. They finally have some depth in the forwards position with Soldado, Defoe and Adebayor available as-well as a quality number ten type player in Christian Eriksen, with Lewis Holtby and Gylfi Sigurdsson also vying to play in that role.

If Spurs’ summer signings are successful at White Hart Lane it looks like they will become a team with great balance flowing right through it- they don’t look especially weaker anywhere on the pitch, although Danny Rose and Kyle Naughton will be heavily relied upon this season and might come under some pressure.

Spurs have spent their money and bought quality all over the pitch- similar to Manchester City’s approach at the start of their current wealthy ownership. They came into a lot more than a solitary 100 million of received transfer fees but they weren’t an established top side. Spurs have been playing European Football for the last few seasons now and have finished in the top five in each of the last four seasons. City came in to the money without that kind of established threat like Spurs’, a team that could and, still can beat anyone else in the League on their day. City though, went on to win the FA Cup in 2011 and Premiership in 2012 and are now one of the very best sides in the country.

City went on to start winning trophies only three years after they were taken over and, they were nowhere near that kind of success before their new ownership. Yet they went on to win trophies pretty quickly and become a threatening side.

So how much time will AVB get before Tottenham expect more? The manager might have written off their chances for this season but, with continued investment and allowing potential superstars such as Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela to develop within the team, as-well as their other new signings, it really wouldn’t be so ridiculous to start expecting big things from Tottenham Hotspur as early as next season, perhaps even, title contenders?

Suarez set to swap Liverpool for London?

Will Luis Suarez be playing at the Emirates next season, despite his wish to escape the English Media?

Luis Suarez seems increasingly likely to be granted his wish to leave Liverpool this summer, although the chances of him staying in England are becoming more and more possible, despite the striker blaming the English Media for the reason he wants to leave.

Real Madrid looked like a potential destination for the Uruguayan, however after Real Madrid triggered a thirty-two million pound release clause in Asier Illarramendi’s contract, formerly of Real Sociedad, it seems that perhaps due to the way the club has spent its money, Suarez isn’t a prime target for them.

And with both club president Florentino Perez and  assistant manager Zinedine Zidane declaring their admiration for Gareth Bale, another of Real’s targets, it certainly would be fair to question whether Real could afford both Suarez and Bale, which according to media speculation could set them back at least 100 million pounds.

Suarez though is wanted in England, despite his desire to escape the English press. Both Chelsea and Arsenal are in the market for a striker and certainly seem interested, especially the latter, with manager Arsene Wenger apparently set to table a 35 million bid, which would smash their record transfer fee.

There is no doubt that Suarez will be of interest to Real Madrid but a move to Spain will ultimately depend on how highly the Madrid club prioritise the transfer of the Liverpool striker among their other targets. Having already spent almost a combined 60 million on Isco and Asier Illarramendi alone, as-well as capturing the Dani Carvajal and Casimiro for suspectedly smaller amounts, can Real really afford both Suarez and Bale?

It seems as though Suarez is not Madrid’s priority transfer target. However, Arsenal’s interest is looking increasingly serious. They seem to have cemented their interest with a formal offer whilst Madrid are reportedly yet to bid for him. It seems obvious who prioritises the move more…

Arsenal may not seem one of the most attractive moves away from his current club but they can offer Suarez Champions League football, a competition which Liverpool hasn’t qualified for in the last four seasons.

Despite Arsenal’s lack of sliverware in recent years signing Suarez would be a real signal of intent to their Premiership rivals about their ambitions for the season ahead and, with managerial changes at Chelsea and both Manchester sides, it seems Arsenal will have their best chance to genuinely challenge for honours domestically in the last few seasons amongst inevitable transitional periods at their rivals.

So if Suarez is going to contradict his wish to leave England and stay in the Premier League there is a very interested side in Arsenal, which could actually prove to be a very smart move for him as it looks like they could challenge for the league next season. However, a move to any other Premier League side will surely seriously anger Liverpool fans in what might be one of the most surprising transfers of the summer window.