This Summer’s True Transfer Targets

By Brian Lofrumento | 22nd June 2009

This Summer's True Transfer Targets | read this item

zlatan-ibrahimovic Plenty of transfers are floating about this summer, but almost all of them revolve around familiar faces. Premiership Talk takes a look at this summer’s hottest targets.

David Villa

Real Madrid have already clinched the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, and David Villa appears to be next on the list. The Spanish striker may be busy right now in South Africa, but his stock is the highest valued this summer. Valencia have issued a hands off warning, but that won’t stop the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Potential Destinations: Real Madrid remain the firm favorites, with Villa himself saying that he’d prefer to stay in Spain. Liverpool would love to pair Villa up with national team teammate Fernando Torres, while Chelsea are also planning a cheeky bid.

Franck Ribery

Bayern Munich find themselves wrapped up in yet another transfer saga, and Franck Ribery’s stock has been on the rise rapidly since May. Some say that Ribery is the only player capable of replacing Cristiano Ronaldo’s role on the Manchester United flanks, but a whole host of clubs are lining up moves for the French winger.

Potential Destinations: Manchester United appeared to be firm favorites a week ago, but Sir Alex Ferguson has put a smokescreen up and played down his immediate interest. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are now courting the “next Zidane” but are facing stiff competition from Chelsea.

Karim Benzema

Yet another French star that is being chased this summer, Benzema is one of the youngest and most exciting talents up for grabs. Lyon have constantly insisted that their most prized asset is not for sale, but recent remarks from Lyon suggest that Benzema has a price.

Potential Destinations: Manchester United remain the firm favorites, especially since Carlos Tevez’s exit. It may sound like a cliche, but Real Madrid are also in the running for the French striker. Manchester City and Chelsea have been interested in the past, and with their money you can’t rule them out.

Samuel Eto’o

If reports are to be believed, Eto’o is already closing in on a move to Manchester City. The Barcelona striker is being viewed as one of the bargains of the summer at just £25 million, and while City remain firm favorites his future could reside away from English shores.

Potential Destinations: Manchester City lead the way so far, as Mark Hughes is keen to link Eto’o up with Robinho. Inter Milan have thrown their hat in the ring, though, to cope with the potential exit of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. As always, Chelsea could be in the running.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Inter Milan have slapped a massive price tag on the Swedish striker, saying that he is “better than Kaka but not better than Ronaldo.” Clubs will be a bit hesitant to pick up Ibra this summer, as his bundles of talent have never truly been put on display on the club or international stage.

Potential Destinations: Barcelona have been the only club thus far to publically state their interest in Zlatan, and it looks like it’s Barca or bust. Don’t put it past one of the big money clubs to make a cheeky bid, though.

Antonio Valencia

Wigan clearly are ready to cash in on Valencia, with owner Dave Whelan calling his winger a “steal.” Real Madrid and Manchester United have confirmed their most sincere interest in the winger, with bids already tabled weeks ago. Whelan has also hailed his winger as “better than Franck Ribery,” so you can bet your bottom dollar that Wigan will be expecting a princely sum of money.

Potential Destinations: As mentioned above, United and Real are the two front runners, but Sky Sports have suggested that an unidentified third party has been thrown into the mix.

Carlos Tevez

Tevez has been playing for Manchester United for the past two seasons, but he will never become a Manchester United player. The Argentine striker has seen his two year loan deal come and go, and after rejecting a five year contract from the defending Premier League champions it’s time for him to find a new home.

Potential Destinations: Tevez and his agent have ruled out a move to Liverpool, and Manchester City have jumped to the front of the queue. It looks like a deal is only days away, but Chelsea are also interested in Tevez.

While this is not an exhaustive list by any stretch of the imagination, it serves as an excellent sign that we’ve got an exciting and dramatic summer ahead of us. Players like Ashley Young and Javier Mascherano are also being touted as potential Premier League transfers out, so stay tuned.

Which player would you most like to see in the Premier League or at your club? Tell us your thoughts!

Reader Comments

The below views are those of our readers and do not reflect the opinions of Premiership Talk or its employees.

niall says:

July 5, 2009 at 3:51 am

i think we should put in a bigger bid for franck ribery while we should also make a move on the best right back in the world who is maicon. i also think we should also link up the best striker duo fernando torres and david villa. making a move on ronaldinho and kaka also would improve our chances in the premier league and the champions league. the following would be good also

xavi, nesta and sergio ramos and this woul be the line up hoped to achive.

—————————–cech————————————-

ramos————-terry———–nesta——————-maicon——

ribery————lampard———xavi—————–ronaldinho—–

——————————-kaka———————————–

————————torres—————————————-

——————————-david villa—————————-

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