Liverpool Secure Sahin On Loan

Barring the passing of a medical, Liverpool look to have secured Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid on a year long loan. The 23 year old has 31 international caps for Turkey to his name as well as helping German side Borussia Dortmund secure the Bundesliga title. 

A tidy acquisition by Rodgers I must say. Sahin had practically negative chances to impress at Real Madrid albeit injured for the bulk of the season. I'am extremely interested to see how he bounces back and if he can regain effectiveness in the heart of Liverpool's midfield. My question is does he start along with Gerrard and Lucas or will he operate from off the bench, time will tell. Also does this suggest Rodgers surrender in the Clint Dempsey deal, or does he look to pair up both midfielders in a new look Liverpool, we will see.

Arsenal Land Themselves Some Quality

Arsenal has added diminutive playmaker Santi Cazorla to their list of summer transfers. Jumping off the wage-withholding ship of Malaga, the Spanish international joins Lucas Podolski and Olivier Giroud as the newest players entrusted with showing their stuff at the Emirates. What a signing for the Gooners, seriously. He's such a tidy player, whether outside, in the middle, or supporting a striker, which most likely will be Giroud. 

It shows major intent, and in the done in the wake of Robin Van Persie's decision to not sign a new contract, saves Arsenal from looking like a feeble can't-hackit club. 

Think Arsenal will set up like this next season? Assuming RVP is gone.

Giroud

      Podolski         Cazorla         Oxlade-Chamberlain 

Arteta   Song 

   Vermaelen  Koscielny  Mertesacker    Sagna

Scezney 

Liver n' Onions: Andy Carroll, better with us than against us

With reports still somewhat swirling around the possible departure of Andy Carroll from Liverpool, I have been forced to ponder the fallout that would occur if actually leaves. Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers has made it  crystal that Carroll does not fit into his system, and that he is willing to ship the big lad out by any means necessary. Ok fair enough he dosen't fit into the style of play your trying to cultivate, yet here is the problem that occurs if you dump him. 


This is the same problem that occurred when Fernando Torres was firing for Liverpool, that is with Carroll gone Liverpools attack will be resting solely on the shoulders of Luis Suarez. What happens if god forbid he gets hurt?...Or more likely suspended. What happens then?  Looking at Liverpool's roster the lack of experienced or semi-experienced strikers is astounding. The newly acquired Fabio Borini is by nature a striker but I have my doubts on his ability to lead a line, when I have watched him he looks more suited to play off of a number 9 type. After that their is nothing that Liverpool could feel confidant putting out against the Premier League's elite. Carroll may not be first choice but what is the harm of having backup. Looking currently at Liverpool's squad I foresee the starting XI looking something like this:


4-1-3-2 or 4-4-2

Reina

Johnson  Skrtel   Agger  Enrique

Lucas

   Downing  Gerrard     Cole 

  Borini  Suarez 

A fluid forward line full of movement and interchanging of postions, which is not conducive to hitting Carroll's strong points. If that's not working Carroll is plan B. If new signings such as Clint Dempsey or Gaston Ramirez enter the fray, this shall change, but keeping Andy Carroll at the club can only help not hinder. I would also say that I'd rather have him with us than against us. 

Recollecting on the days of old, back when Torres walked Merseyside I remember the issue the team had in his absence relying on David N'gog for goals due to a lack of recognized strikers on the books. I don't want to see this happen again. 

Keep Carroll and get rid of the chaff i.e. Charlie Adam.

Chelsea's Big Brazilian Brut "Alex," Makes Move To PSG

Alex has moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of 4 million Euro's reuniting him with former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti. With the new arrival of Bolton's Gary Cahill at the Blues, Alex could see his already non-existant field time diminishing even more.

This transfer window has been a bit quite on a whole, and this deal is only one in a few that sees a slightly- high profile player move to a high profile club. All I am saying is he can hit a mean free kick, so  hold on to you Berets players of League 1.

Liver n' Onions: Bellamy Blasts Back

Emerging from the holiday season a slight bit heavier, I recollect on the football feast that has taken place weeks prior to the new year. The holiday season is always a crowded one, where depths of squads and the fitness levels of players are tested. As for the Red side of Merseyside, Liverpool faced  a schedule that  pitted them against manageable opposition, only to emerge with a draw 0-0 draw against Wigan, and a one all with Blackburn. Hardly the Christmas/ Hanukkah wish of the Liverpool fan. Liverpool is a team that of late has struggled to put chances away, and when Liverpool faced Newcastle United on friday they would be without leading scorer Luis Suarez out due to suspension. 

One of the highest scoring fixtures in the Premier League era, former Newcastle player Andy Carroll would be looking to continue that trend leading the line for Liverpool in the Uruguayan's absence. A stop-start career since moving to Liverpool for a phenomenal fee of 35 million pounds, Carroll would relish the opportunity to sink  the magpies. Having been robbed of winner last week by Blackburn's keeper Mark Bunn, Carroll's frustration continued into this game as he mustered only one real notable chance but his header rocketed back off the bar.

The two teams came into this game 1 point different with Newcastle sitting below Liverpool in 7th. Newcastle scored first with a freak- like goal headed on initially by Yohan Cabye, resulting in a ricochet off of Liverpool's Daniel Agger and into the back of the net. Oh no…here we go again I thought as a less than spectacular record at Anfield this year has left me a skeptical and bitter man. Liverpool have been the embodiment of mediocrity of this season dropping valuable points against lesser opposition. This said my woes where short-lived as Liverpool leveled via Craig Bellamy blasting a loose ball of a corner past Tim Krul in goal. Without many notable saves from either of the keepers, this game looked destined for a draw, which would have made it 5 draws in the last 6 home games for the Reds. With one of the best defenses in the Premier League, breaking down the center back pairing of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel has proved a tough prospect.

Solid defending paired with a lack of scoring has been the formula for the bountiful draws that the reds have incurred his season. A formula foiled as once again Craig Bellamy hit a peach free kick that dodged traffic on its way into Krul's net. Bellamy had an immense game on the wing, starting in place of Maxi Rodriguez who performed well in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn, yet dropped this weeks dropped to the bench. 

Possibly the signing of the season, Newcastle's Demba Ba nearly leveled the match reaching a slide rule pass in the box which he chipped over Reina from a tight angle, but the Super Slovakian Skrtel was there to clear it off the line with emphatic style.  

Liverpool's central two of Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing operated well, with Spearing sitting the farthest back making the formation almost a  4-1-4-1 at times. Spearing was back from his Red card suspension and nearly paid the price for his tenacity again, as Cabaye straighten his leg and went studs up on a 50-50. With Newcastle deserving of being a man down, yet receiving no punishment Liverpool remained dominant in the center of the pitch. Adam was withdrawn and to the roar of fanfare from the crowd captain fantastic himself, Steven Gerrard emerged. Looking to put the injury woes of this year behind him Gerrard started the new year off right putting the game out of reach for Newcastle in the 79th minute running on to a Henderson pass and nut-megging Krul from an acute angle. Gerrard's goal made it 5 goals in his last 5 appearances against Newcastle, and now with a score of 3-1 the game was out of reach for Newcastle.

With the transfer window now open It's only natural that Dalgleish would look at his squad and take stock. The team has depth in most areas but with the injury sustained to Lucas and a Gerrard struggling with fitness and age, I wonder if some more reinforcements are needed. I have heard links with Fulham's Clint Dempsey, possibly looking to leave Craven Cottage in search of the next level. Versatile, hard working and an American International his introduction would be a seamless fit. American owner John Henry has brought footballing awareness to the States with his acquisition of Liverpool and with an American poster-boy of Clint Dempsey's stature, I would expect the American viewing audience to increase. Just say that the deal happened shits and giggles sake that would mean that with Landon Donovan returning to Everton on-loan,  come the Merseyside Derby on February the 25th we could see the best current American players face off against each other…Tasty.

Luis Suarez  is facing a possible 8 game suspension and Andy Carroll is struggling for form, plentiful draws, and a lack of goals being scored should be a sign to add another striker to the ranks. For me a loan deal might best suite the team as Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt will get their chances.  Rumors of swoop for Villa striker Darren Bent  has graced the pages of nearly every English news publication, the last couple days and it's a rumor I welcome.  The unsettled English international left Sunderland for Villa after just a short spell with the black cats, and now could be move again.

The eve of battle is upon us as Liverpool will face Manchester City tomorrow at the Etihad, a game that can be viewed on ESPN. Don't be surprised if you see  Steven Gerrard start from the beginning, proving once again his importance to the team against Newcastle. I think Dalgleish might go with Carroll and Kuyt up top together, with Downing and Bellamy on the wings. I see a tight game that ends in a 2-2 draw with some late heroics from a Liverpool player to salvage a point. Another draw is not what we're looking for but against City at the moment I would take anything.

That's your Liverpool fill for the week so enjoy it like you enjoyed your mothers pumpkin pie. Stay tuned for next weeks addition of Liver n'Onions

Liver n' Onions does Liverpool's deadline day summary.

Today it's all Onions on Liver n'Onions, as you can' t get more eye watering, breath spoiling, and layered than the transfer window deadline day.

I awoke this morning still slightly hungover from the 2 nights prior when I celebrated my 21st birthday, but my  head spinning, stomaching turning reality couldn't hold a flame to the head spinning induced from the transfer day deadline madness. I felt sick, even thought the excitement of moving players sets my teeth on edge. With a pro-active summer of signings, I did not expect Dalgleish to have dipped his toes into the market any further. I figured the releasing of players would be the ethos of the Scots approach to  the dwindling hours of the window. This he did but someone should have warned him not to do it after smoking a doobie. 

Quickly going to my bookmark bar I clicked Liverpool.com, opening to find:

Whaaaat? 

It's a bit of a broadside. I can only pin this on Dalgleish for not giving him playing-time. Not knowing the reasons, it looks like a player wanting to leave because he isn't getting to play, knowing full well he deserves to be on the pitch. Liverpool's best player last year, has been ousted by Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson. Where is the Logic in that?  Jordan is young and promising, but inexperienced. Charlie Adam has looked quality  early in the season, but picking him ahead of  Meireles is like choosing a donkey for the Kentucky Derby instead of a horse. All we did was help Chelsea securing a better player, than who they were after. Failing with a 40 million pound bid to sign Luka Modric, AVB should be counting his chickens that Ol' Arry stayed firm on not selling Modric, for they have secured a much better player for a bargain price of 12 million pounds. A shock to my system, which can only be remedied with Adam and Henderson stepping up in the big games. This result does not sit well with me at all. An exciting player, who I loved watching red, now will be seen in blue, which will only make me feel…blue.

A less gut wrenching piece of business sees Joe Cole sent out on a year long loan deal to Lille . The English man has a big task ahead of him adjusting to the culture, language and playing style of the reigning French champions. A good bit of business done by Lille,  adds depth the the strong squad, in which Cole will most likely play a substitute role, as he forages for form. This move sparked rumors of Eden Hazard jumping, with Cole serving as his replacement, but that looks like a bunch of bollocks. Adding some astuteness to the deal, is Liverpool trying to cultivated  first refusal on signing Eden Hazard, by paying 60% of Cole's wages for the next 12 months. Dalgleish and Damien Comolli hope to beat their competitors in courting the talented Belgium, with Cole clearly acting as a sweetener.

Christian Poulsen has left Anfield  to join league 1 side Evian after failing to break into the first team squad. A deal worth 4.5 million pounds has been finalized for the Danish International, who since the introduction Adam has had a reality check that playing time would be at a premium. 

David No'good has been snatched up by Bolton for 4 million pounds, finally relieving Liverpool fans from having to see that poser any longer, Good riddance .

Phillip Degen's contract has been terminated, which is no great loss to the squad, and it just clears out some dead weight.

 Dani Pacheco has also been offloaded, with the Spanish striker joining Atletico Madrid.

Now for the newcomers…

The Liverpool hierarchy seem to have been studying their math of late…coming up with this complicated formula: Uruguayan team + 4th place finish in World Cup 2010, Winners of Copa America = Good Uruguayan players. Liverpool's signing of Sebastion Coates is putting that formula into action. Signing  from Nacional, a player who at this years Copa America was voted "best player" after commanding performance  after commanding performance. Fellow country-men Luis Suarez  played an important role in bringing the 20 year old to Anfield, that and a fee of 7 million pounds. I see this man "Coates," "Fitting" into Dalgleish's system just fine.

The Nutter with the Putter.  Yes, it happened. Bellamy will be making his second bow at the Merseyside club. If you want more please  read my piece in the WFD kick about section on the  " nutter," because it's  nut-rageous.

The "Nutter with the Putter, " returns to Anfield?

I awoke this morning the the sweet, yet surprising chirping of  The "Nutter with the Putter,"possibly making an Anfield return. Known as Craig Bellamy, only by reputation, as the name on the birth certificate most appropriately is I'am F***ing nuts, has been linked with a move back to Liverpool, after years of team hopping around England. This moniker that the fiery Welshman has coined, is due to the infamous "team building" trip Rafa Benitez's Liverpool took to Portugal, ending in Bellamy settling a dispute with John Arne Riise by brandishing a 9- iron. If your a fan of football, it's common knowledge that Bellamy is loose-cannon, but a player that he can come up with the miraculous on the pitch. At City he was one of their best performing players, leaving the likes of Robinho and Adebayor  looking shite . Phil Mickelson's return, sorry...ahhhh Bellamy's return to Anfield would be a interesting move to say the least, a move that could play dividends for player and club. Signing for Manchester City 2009, Bellamy played an important role in their move to relevance, but since then has been loaned out to hometown club of Cardiff City in the Championship. In my mind, and in the mind of Welsh international manager Gary Speed, Bellamy is a player is too good of a player to be mucking it around in the second level of British Football. A player capable of terrorizing defenses as he did Barcelona that European night in 2007,  pipping a 2-1 result against the European Champions. A result that would not happen in this current archdiocese, even with Bellamy back at Anfield.




Like Balotelli, Bellamy is what you would call a misunderstood genius. A player that needs the arm around the shoulder from that influential manager. As a boy- hood supporter of Liverpool, Bellamy gave them a few good years in his first stint, and with this latest rumor has the chance to  giv'em some more, or that is the hope at least. It's a gamble from Dalgleish but if any manager can inspire the Liverpool fan in Bellamy, it's him. An unpredictable player to say the least, who is just as likely to take a golf club to your dome piece, then listen to you. With the talent at Liverpool, he'd probably be no more than a squad player Merseyside, but with his Welsh work-man-like determination, could be a regular fixture if he impresses. Players that have played with Craig, say he's one of the most determined player they have ever lined up with, but with this high-point there comes a downsides. Don't EVER try to cut him in line at a chip shop, for you will get stuffed. John Arne Riise knows this first hand, being taught with the comforting utensil of a golf club. Don't ever insult his mammie or you'll get stuffed. Don't ever comment him on his silly accent or .....you get the picture. One interesting flash point that could erect is the friendship or -lack there of- with Andy Carroll. Two extreme egos, competing for a striking role, who both love a good time and a few pints. The Welshman is know for his quick spurts of pace, to which forming a partnership with Suarez would make a forward line that you could lose like your pair of spectacles.

Lukaku Completes Chelsea Move.

Finalizing his move today from Anderlecht Lukaku officially becomes Drogba#2.
The 18- year old Belgium has completed his move to the West London club, for a believed fee of 25 million Euros. Diet Drogba will be available to play against West Brom come Saturday and speaking of Drogba, this must be the final straw after seemingly 2nd in the pecking order after Torres. Lukaku will wear the number 18 shirt this year.

Rat's off a sinking ship. "aka" The Arsenal

Now with Cesc out, and Nasri seemingly on his way, Wenger turns to Lille once again targeting Eden Hazard to replace the fleeing talent. The talented Belgium would be a valued asset at many clubs, showing fantastic skill in the french league last years, guiding Lille to a League 1 title. Although the rumors are flying like the shit towards the fan, after already signing Gervinho from Lille, the loss of Hazard, would be hugely detrimental to the french side, rendering the deal a no-go. Before Wenger gets a Hazard- primarily a winger- forward, when they have the likes of Arshavin and Walcott, a silky footed playmaker is who they should be after. It's worrisome times for the Arsenal, with the likes of City and Liverpool strengthening. Their is the question... with Fabregas out, will Nasri step up and take his place, or will he jump ship as well? It's either going to be rat's off a sinking ship, or a separation for the wheat from the chaff. Heavily linked with a transfer to City looming, the Gooners should be crossing their finger's that the Frenchy stays. 

When Joey Barton exposed the corruption at club Newcastle, he seemed certain to leave but after that skirmish between the maligned midfielder and Gervinho, I believe Joe has ruined his chances.  If I where Arsenal I would make an offer prying Alberto Aquilani from Liverpool. Seems to be excess, and seemingly wants to go. He has yet to prove his worth in England but he is a tidy playmaker that Arsenal would do well to sign. If they could afford his wages- which should not be a problem- a swoop would be a economical one, clearing the Italian off Liverpool's books.

Dirty Harry.

 Harry Redknapp has been watching his fair share of Gun-Slinger films this summer as he's modeled his transfer policy after the trigger happy, " Shoot first, ask questions later, "philosophy. With envious amounts of depth in his attacking options, his boys seem to lack gun-powder. Harry has deemed players like Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko dead weight at the club, and will look to offload them. Throwing Peter Crouch and Jermaine Defoe into that mix and you have four quality strikers that scored a total of 17 goals between them last season. With one or two bound to vacate White Hart Lane before the English season kicks off later this month, Harry's Spurs have been linked with everyone besides Jesus Christ himself. 

Uncle Harry was chasing American-born Guiseppie Rossi with reckless abandon, but prying him away  from Villarreal proved too much of a task. A clinical goal scorer who racked up 32 goals in all competitions, has confirmed that he is staying at the Spanish outfit, a must since the recent departure of Santi Carzola to Malaga. 

Another target for Harry's six-shooter is Uruguayan talisman Diego Forlan. On the back of a strong finish in the World Cup in 2010, and a Copa America Championship, Forlan has been linked to Spurs since the beginning of the summer, as he looks desperate to leave current club Athletico Madrid. He was put up for sale at the price of  7 million Euro's by Athletico,  a bargain for the still influential yet aging playmaker. If Harry really wanted him, he could get him, but an unsuccessful run with Manchester United from 2001-04,  still looms over the strikers head. The key...I think so. Proven goal scorer, influential presence, and a decent price...go git'em Arry! 

Harry has even resorted to pursuing former Spurs player Dimitar Berbatov, as the Bulgarian's future is in question at United. The joint top scorer in the Epl last year, finds it near impossible to get a starting berth at United, due to the rise of Javier Hernandez. Berbatov has been accused of being a lazy player by United fans, a style that Spurs fans hold near and dear to their heart. A return would be welcomed by many, but in my opinion Berb's needs to seek new pastures, like signing for interested club PSG. 

Harry's most recent pot-shot has been directed at Athletic Bilbao's monstrous striker, Fernando Llorente. The broad-shouldered Spanish International nick named "El Grandee, "has been chased by many clubs including Spanish giants Real Madrid, but has yet to be tempted away from his home town club of Bilbao. Harry will find this task a difficult one, but nevertheless will try to work some magic, as he is certainly capable of conjuring some, seen with last-minute acquisition of Rafael Vander Vaart last season. Tottenham and Bilbao meet in a friendly match this Saturday, where Harry will have ample opportunity to whisper some sweet nothings to Llorente, in an attempt to commandeer the wondrous talent.

Others rumored to be on Harry's hit list include Emmanuel Adebayor, Mirko Vucinic and Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo. 

When Spurs kick off their first league match against Everton on August 13th, Harry's front line may consist of new blood, but questions remain on wether or not he can secure some deals before the window closes. Crouch had a terrible season in front of goal, but with the introduction of Vander Vaart, Crouch's primary role is to play a moving back-board for the Dutch-man. Crouch is a useful player to have for these purposes, but he's not a 20 goal a-season player.  Pavlyuchenko was signed after a good showing in the 2008 Euro's for a Russian side that punched high above their weight. Ever since he signed for Spurs he has seemingly wanted to leave, but with an influx of game time under Harry he has stuck around longer than expected.  A talented player who on the off-hand comes up with the miraculous, has yet to justify regular game time. Former captain Robbie Keane seems a definite departure,  Jermaine Defoe has been linked with a move away, but come season's start he should still be wearing the lillywhite kit.

Hopefully for Spurs fan's, Ol'Arry wrangles a new striker, who can score consistently, remains injury free, helping to  bring the forth spot to North London. If he fails to do so he will be stuck with the same Ol' cowboys...So I have to ask Spurs fans one question..."Do you feel lucky? Do ya?"

Check  out this post and other works at http://www.worldfootballdaily.com/

Transfer Talk 7/26/11

Fiorentina look set to swoop for want-away Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani, as he is now seen as excess, with their growing depth in midfield . Once Rafa Benitez's 20 million pound signing, Aquilani's stock has dropped significantly, due to injury and lack of performance at Liverpool. Though, after a successful loan spell at Juventus, he has his desires set on playing in his home country of Italy. Juventus had the option of buying him when his loan expired for the price of 8 million Euro's, but they declined. A decision in which then coach Luigi Del Neri ended up rooing. If Aqulani is not bought by the viola, he looks set to join the team on loan, a move which will be vastly welcomed by both sides involved.

Wigan play-maker Charles N'zogbia looks set to finalise his move to Aston Villa this week, seeing the Birmingham side beat suitors, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sunderland to land Wigan's most instrumental player last season. The fee is rumored to be around 9.5 million pounds, a decent sum for a player that will bolster the ranks at Villa, and replace recent departure's Ashley Young, and Stewart Downing.

Spain's newest super club Malaga continue to sign quality players with their quest in securing Villarreal's midfielder-winger hybrid Santi Carzola. The Spanish International, who also is being tracked by Arsenal, has been valued by Villarreal at a fee of 30 million Euros, but  he looks like he will be bought for 20 million + bonuses. Carzola could be fantastic at Arsenal,  working well in their system, with his skill, his pace and adaptability. He will be the newest addition at the Spanish Man City (Malaga), joining a team, based off recent signings, emphasizing width and experience.

Lastly, Sergio"Kun" Aguero's transfer prayers might be answered, not by a magic genie, but by the big spending Man City. Besides City, El Kun is being chased by Spanish giants Real Madrid, but Mourinho seems to have given some slack to that pursuit, with his pleading cries for Santos' Neymar.  The Manchester spenders  have accepted  a 60 million pound price tag, for the Argentinian who scored 20 goals in 32 appearances last season for Athletico. The speedy forward would be a serious loss for the Madrid outfit, and on top of that, co-striker Diego Forlan has reiterated that he would like to leave as well. The forlorn Forlan and the want-to-go Aguero both might be heading to the Premier League, with Tottenham in for Forlan. It has been reported that Aguero will travel to London on Wednesday to meet with Man City's representatives.

Sneijder for Scholes....Manchester United agree to 35.2 million pounds for Wesley Sneijder.

It looks like it wont take Sir Alex Ferguson very long to find a replacement for the retired Paul Scholes, as the transfer fee for Inter's Wesley Sneijder was agreed today. The Ajax academy graduate has spent time  playing for Ajax first team, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and now possibly for Manchester United....not a bad resume is it? There is no denying he is one of the best midfielders in the game and with a soft spot in Man U's center of midfield, he will slot in nicely. One thing I will be interested in seeing is how he works with Wayne Rooney. Man U's number 10 likes to drop deep from his forward position, to collect the ball and spray passes around. The one he played last night at Gillette Stadium to Fabio was sublime! Rooney often plays behind Chicharito in a 4-4-1-1, a position that Sneijder operates in well also. Sneijder is very much a similar player to Rooney, less so in an attacking sense where Rooney is considered a forward, but none the less possesses similar attributes, with dynamic passing abilities and skills from a dead ball situation. Sneijder and Rooney also posses the same mental toughness and work ethic. Sneijder has been the driving force for Inter Milan and his International team Holland for years, and if the transfer goes through he will undoubtedly show that same drive and work ethic at Old Trafford next year. With the introduction of the Dutch maestro and influence in midfield for United will bring the best out of the players around him, providing more excellent service and a attacking engine. With Sir Alex stating that he wants to back competing for the Champions League, the acquisition of Sneijder looks to increase those chances 10-fold. 

Nah Nah Nasri

          Samir Nasri seems set to join Manchester City for ₤ 19 million and all I can say is Nasri DON'T DO IT!  Nasri joins the list of Arsenal players that have become disillusioned with the going-ons at Arsenal. He has stated that he wants to win trophies, which at the north london club, seems far from happening any time soon. Nasri has linked with a move to both Manchester clubs, United looking for a replacement for Paul Scholes due to his recent retirement. This deal with United looks to be all but over, with United chasing Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan, City has taken up the reigns in securing the silky french midfielder. As a huge fan of Nasri I think that going to City would be a poor decision in the advancement of his career.  City beat Arsenal last season in securing 3rd place, forcing arsenal to go through a Champions League play-off. Nasri views Arsenal to be on a downward slide, with some of their talent leaving and their captain Fabregas being constantly linked with a move to Barcelona. A move to City would give him Champions league football, money, and a chance to play on a title contending team. City, with the talent they have will no doubt be strong contenders for the title, and Nasri has stated " he want's to win trophies." But with the midfield City has I ask,  will Nasri start? I think he works best playing in the center of midfield, distributing  passes and making sly runs into the box. Coach Mancini likes  to play a  4-2-31 formation with, Yaya Toure  looking really good playing in the middle of that 3; the position Nasri should occupy. If Mancini pushes Toure  back into that holding 2, Nasri would be in his natural habitat and could do well. He was used out on the wing sometimes for Arsenal, but City in that formation are way to narrow,  with Nasri wanting to come inside every chance he gets, they would be as straight as Sean Connery. If City unloads some chaff: James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Patrick Viera, Nasri could one of the first on the team sheet.  If Nasri could get his first choice position week-in week-out  at City It might be worth a shot, but the smartest decision would be to stay at Arsenal.

With the back- in- forth transfer saga of Fabregas to Barca, will end without a doubt in the Spanish international returning home. You cannot keep a player that doesn't want to play for your team. With Fabregas destined to  go, Nasri would be the focal point for Arsenal. Someone to build the team around. Arsenal may not be building to the extent that most Gunner's fans want, but with the signing of Gervinho, and the money they could get for Fabregas, they are certainly making some strides forward. Nasri is a fantastic footballer,he's young, pacey and is constantly compared to Zidane, which is whatever… but he can really lead a team with his play. With Nasri in the center, Wilshere behind him, Walcott on the right, Gervinho on the left, RVP and Chamakh up-top makes for a line-up thats hard to scoff at.  Nasri without a doubt would be captain by January if he stays at Arsenal, where at City he's another cog in the wheel, where at Arsenal, he is the Wheel.

Bit of Italian business: Gohkan Inler signs for Napoli

Napoli have added some steel to their midfield after last season securing a spot in  the Champions League. Gohkan Inler, the turkish born swiss international shone at Udinese last year  helping them secure fourth spot in Serie A.  As a bright star in their midfield transfer speculation was rife amongst Italy, but it was Napoli that secured his signature after a month long tug-of-war with Udinese.  This signing is a promising sign for Napoli fans after the vultures where looming to pick off their top talent after their success year last year.   Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik and Edison Cavani who arguably was the best player in Italy last year, where all linked with moves away from Naples. Mouths where watering...and let them salivate. After Napoli's great season last year it was inevitable that bigger clubs, with more money and more prestige would come in with deals for these marquee players. Lavezzi was and is being pursued by Manchester City, Cavani has said he is open to a move Real Madrid, and Hamsik has said that a move to AC Milan would take his game to the next level.

 Gokhan Inler will be a good signing for Napoli, and hopefully the trident of terror, (Cavani, Lavezzi, Hamsik) will stick around and try their hand in the Champions League next year, playing for the team that got them there.

Malaga's Shopping Spree

I would argue that people are attracted to success. Whether this is a physical attraction or an admiration, for an individual, or an organization. If you are new to the game of soccer, and lets say you are looking to support a club. Naturally you will be drawn to where the game is played at the highest level, for it gets the most attention, and therefore it will be easier to follow it. If you grow up in Hull, you are most likely going to support Hull City, that's your hometown team, you most likely have an allegiance to that team, but for someone from America wants to support a team from Europe, with no ties to any team, they will go for the club that is best value for their time. For example If you where to wander into the game just this last year I would almost with 100% assurity say you would become a Barcelona supporter….Why? Because of the fore-mentioned reasons. They won the Champions League, won there domestic league, and has some of the best footballers in the world playing for them, most who play for the Spanish National Team, who are the reigning World Champions. You may call it hopping on the old band-wagon, but this is what people do. The best working example of  this would be Manchester City. Ever since their sugar-daddy oil sheik started pumping (pun intended) money into the squad they have been able to fund ridiculous transfer fees and wage bills, attracting top talent from around the world. After a few building years they seem to have somewhat of a cohesive unit that last season started to show what they are capable of. Next season they will be sure-fire contenders for the title. With all this excitement going on up at Eastlands, new soccer fans with no ties to Manchester are slapping down the cash to get those baby blue Silva kits, so they can parade around the pub and claim they liked City, before they where good. That is Band- wagoning. For the loyal City supporters…all I can say is, Lucky Sons of Bitches.

A similar situation is happening at Spanish club Malaga, recently bought by Qatari investor Abdullah ben Nasser Al Thani. The Andalucia  club that finished 11th last year has been busy this summer in signing experience and talent, signing  Ruud van Nistelrooy on a free transfer. A player high in miles but who score 95 goals in 150 appearances at Manchester United. Ruud will be joined at Malaga by his once international colleague and Hamburg teammate, Joris Mathijsen. Malaga have also signed Jaoquin from Valencia, an intelligent winger, who I always thought was overlooked in terms of the Spanish National team. Martin Demichelis, will join the side from Bayern Munich  as will Lyon defender Jeremy Toulalan. Out of Malagas new signings the grey haired defender (age 27) is the best pick-up, he's a level headed, intelligent tidy player, who can marshall a midfield or hold down a back-line. Left back Nacho Monreal signed for the club at a fee of € 6 million, as did Roma's Julio Baptista for €2 million, after falling down the pecking order at his last club. If you are new to the game and looking to support a team in Spain besides Barca or Real, Malaga would be a good option. It may take a few years for the squad to settle, but hold firm until Robinho shows up at the club, at which point you drop them like a bag of stones, for dark times surly lie ahead.