The build up to this World Cup has been as much about who may not be there as to who will be there. Players have been ruling themselves out of matches or getting serious injury scares. It seems that a high proportion of these players, often influential players, are based in England and play in the Premier League.
Arsenal captain and Spanish international, Cesc Fabregas has been the subject of a lot of transfer speculation linking him with a return to his home-club, Barcelona. Today, Barcelona have confirmed that despite the imminent World Cup, they have made a formal written offer to Arsenal for the transfer of Fabregas.
Spanish forward David Villa has signed for Spanish Champions Barcelona from Valencia in a £34Million transfer, which will see him link up with international team mates Xavi, Iniesta and possibly Cesc Fabregas. Villa has played for Valencia for five seasons now, scoring 108 goals in 164 appearances. However, his scoring record for Spain is even more impressive, with the striker finding the back of the net 36 times in just 55 appearances. Villa is closing in on Raul’s 44 goals – which is currently the highest in Spain’s history.
Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi shone in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over arch rivals Real Madrid, which was settled eleven minutes after half time with a Zlatan Ibraminovic goal. The Swede might not be going to South Africa next summer, but the talented forward volleyed home a left footed shot after good work down the right by Daniel Alves.
Real Madrid have closed the gap on European and La Liga Champions Barcelona after a 2-0 victory over city rivals Getafe – whilst Barcelona drew 1-1 with Osasuna after a very late Gerard Pique own goal. Elsewhere Villareal, who had got off to an awful start, thumped Tenerife 5-0.
French International forward Franck Ribery looks like he will be staying at Bayern Munich as both European Cup final managers reveal their interest has cooled over the past few weeks. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that his club ‘explored’ the idea of signing the player, whilst Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola believes that the signing would be ‘impossible’.
Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are rumoured to be involved in a transfer deal between European Champions FC Barcelona and Internazionale. It is being reported that Swedish striker Ibrahimovic is to be transferred to Barcelona in exchange for Samuel Eto’o and cash, believed to be in the region of £35Million. Aleksandr Hleb is also part of the deal – with the Belarus International going on loan to the Serie A champions for a year.
Stuttgart manager Markus Babbel says Klaas-Jan Huntelaar would be the perfect replacement for Mario Gomez, who has joined Bayern Munich, and is confident in signing the Dutch forward – who is yet to play in a World Cup Finals. The move could be exactly what is needed for the striker – who will no doubt be looking to South Africa next summer and considering the competition now at Madrid – a move to Germany will be welcomed.
Atletico Madrid’s young forward Sergio Aguero looks like he is set to stay at the Vicente Calderon next season as his club reveal they are yet to receive a big money bid for the young Argentinian. Manchester United and Chelsea were both linked to the youngster - with interest cooling of late with United signing Michael Owen and Chelsea signing young Daniel Sturridge.
No sooner than Karim Benzema had joined Madrid, as reported yesterday, Franck Ribery has declared that he wants to leave Bayern Munich for, yep you guessed it, Real Madrid. So far, Madrid have spent £80 Million on Cristiano Ronaldo, £56Million on Kaka, £35 Million on Karim Benzema and around £16Million for Raúl Albiol.
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