AFR Transfers

By Eric Beard, writing from Barcelona

Spanish paper MARCA reported today that Chelsea are preparing to place a 59 million euro bid for the Arsenal captain this summer. The article states that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich believes Barcelona cannot match the wages he is ready to offer Cesc.

This is not going to happen, of course. Let’s get that out of the way. But Arsenal fans, don’t be upset by some Madrid-based banter, this is brilliant news. We all know that there will come a time in Cesc’s career, whether it be this summer or the next, when Spain’s number 10 returns to Catalunya. Competition in the transfer market is never a bad thing is it?

Last summer, with the media buzzing every day about Cesc’s move to his homeland, the bids from the Blaugrana were nothing short of a disgrace. They started with a 29 million euro bid and eventually worked their way up to 40 million euros. If it didn’t appear a completely disgraceful valuation then, it certainly does now after this winter’s transfer window (i.e. Fernando Torres for £50m and Andy Carroll for £35m).

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By Matthew Coombs, writing from the University of Bangor

Everytime the transfer window draws close, I start to fantasise about players who might head over to the greatest league in the world (discounting the Blue Square Bet Premier). I dream of watching them on Match Of The Day, and having Gary Lineker wax lyrical about them.

The majority of these players will be those I’ve seen on Football Manager or FIFA, but some will just be tearing up their respective leagues outside the virtual world. I’m going to try and make them possible, so you won’t have the likes of Messi and Xavi etc.

Without further ado. Let’s get tucked into it.

1) Marek Hamsik - The Slovakian playmaker comes in top of my wishlist. In a Napoli team that is on the rise, Hamsik has been one of the main engines in the upwards force ,who along with the likes of Cavani and Lavezzi have turned Napoli in to a force to be reckoned with. Exciting to watch even on his bad days, Hamsik is a player who I’m sure would be welcomed amongst any of our top flight teams. However, I have a feeling it could only be the big money of Man City who could tempt him away from his beloved Naples.

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