Arsenal are close to signing Brazilian star Bernard for $30 million, as the 20-year-old winger is reportedly having a medical in London on Friday. The Atletico Mineiro attacker is one of Brazil’s brightest young talents and following some brief yet promising appearances at the Confederations Cup earlier this summer, Bernard’s attacking nature would fit in well at the Emirates. A diminutive winger who can also play through the middle, Bernard has great close control and loves to pass the ball. Think of a slightly more attack minded Cesc Fabregas and you’ve hit the nail on the head. At the age of 17 he was playing regularly in Brazil and has improved every season. Could we soon see the tiny Brazilian magician work wonders for Arsene Wenger?
Nani is apparently in talks with AS Monaco over a $15 million move to the Ligue 1 new boys. The Portuguese winger has fallen way down the pecking order at Old Trafford and Nani is keen to play regularly before the 2014 World Cup. At 26 he’s coming into the prime of his career, but the winger has failed to live up to expectations at United. Dubbed as the “new Cristiano Ronaldo” when he arrived from Sporting Lisbon in 2007, Nani has shown his brilliance in brief flashes. But with Wilfried Zaha and others preferred by David Moyes, now is the right time to leave. Nani’s pace and direct style will suit French soccer and if he does leave, United’s fans will be left wondering what could’ve been.
Tottenham Hotspur could look to bolster their attack further, as they chase Lyon forward Lisandro Lopez after failing to sign the 30-year-old back in January. Lopez only has one year left on his Lyon deal and has requested a move this summer, so the French side will look to cash in while they can before the Argentine striker leaves for nothing. Lopez can play up front or on the wings and has scored 82 goals in 166 games since joining Lyon from FC Porto in 2009. With quick feet and an eye for goal, Andre Villas-Boas would get a top player at a knock down price. What’s not to like about this deal?
Liverpool have made a move to sign Valencia left back Aly Cissokho initially on loan with a view to a permanent deal. The French international joined from Lyon but with Valencia in financial turmoil, they’re looking to offload valuable talent and the defender could cost just $6 million in total. But would Cissokho demand a starting spot at Anfield? I’m not sure. Jose Enrique has been solid yet unspectacular since his switch from Newcastle, and maybe Brendan Rodgers wants a bit more athleticism from his full backs. 25-year-old Cissokho would certainly provide that.
Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones could leave the Britannia Stadium after returning from the Gold Cup with Trinidad and Tobago. Jones, 28, has scored goals wherever he has played but has fallen behind Peter Crouch and others with the Potters. With West Brom looking to replace Romelu Lukaku, this could be a very shrewd move from Steve Clarke. Jones knows the league, is strong, quick and powerful and can play the lone forward role superbly well. They could probably get him for less than $8 million too, which would be a steal.
