As the January transfer window readies to close in the next 24 hours, transfer talk has been dominating the headlines.
We here at Pro Soccer Talk have been following the Julian Draxler to Arsenal rumors quite closely, and after word that the Gunners’ chief transfer negotiator had reportedly been sent to Gelsenkirchen to (presumably) work out a deal for the 20-year-old maestro, it now appears that Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has zero inclination on selling his prized product.
Sticking with Arsenal, reports are raging that they’re on the verge of signing Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic, with some tabloids even reporting that the two clubs have already agreed terms on a loan deal. Seeing as Juventus are running away with the Serie A title, it’s not entirely implausible.
Over on the white side of North London, Tottenham have apparently joined the race to bring Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk winger Yevhen Konoplyanka to the Premier League, just three days after Liverpool noted their interest. It would be a bold swoop for Timmy Sherwood, especially since Brendan Rodgers just had the rug pulled out from him in the Mohamed Salah deal. Provoke the cracked-lipped gaffer at your own peril, Spurs.
Konoplyanka’s link to Tottenham is strengthened by word of Lewis Holtby’s discontent at White Hart Lane. Naturally, the Germany international is desperate to be a part of his country’s 2014 World Cup run and the good-humored winger knows he won’t get there with his tuchus firmly planted on the bench. Borussia Dortmund and Schalke are the likely destinations.
To the west side of London, despite Jose Mourinho’s protestations that he’s done doing business in this transfer market rumors are percolating that he could add to his center-back ranks with 19-year-old St. Etienne defender Kurt Zouma weighing heavily on his mind.
With all this business getting done, David Moyes wants in and word has it he’s close to bringing in Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos (pictured). After showing his displeasure at being subbed off during the 2-1 win over Stuttgart, Kroos’ future in Bavaria was thrown in the air when manager Pep Guardiola said: “He [Kroos] is an important player, but things can move fast in football…. Here today, gone tomorrow.”
Up at Sunderland, Gus Poyet’s transfer raid continued Thursday when he signed Argentinian striker Ignacio Scocco. Having already signed Scocco’s compatriots Santiago Vergini and Oscar Ustari, as well as Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso, the Black Cats appear locked and loaded going into the final stretch of the season.
Speaking of done deals, word out of Crystal Palace is that the Eagles have made their first major signing of the transfer window, penning the highly-rated Thomas Ince to a loan deal from parent club Blackpool.
