David Villa coming to America?
It looks like the Atletico Madrid and Spanish forward will be headed to New York City FC this summer. According to ESPNFC, a source with knowledge of the deal confirmed that Villa was set to sign a three-year deal. Both the club and the MLS have denied reports. Villa would be the club's first signee since it was officially announced as an expansion team last year. NYCFC isn’t expected to play until March 2015, and there are questions about what Villa would do until that date.
According to my sources in Spain, #AtleticoMadrid striker David Villa is indeed coming to #NYCFC on a 3 year deal. #MLS
— Ron Waxman (@RonWaxman) May 29, 2014
Balotelli on his way back to England?
The always-entertaining Mario Balotelli is possibly being targeted by Liverpool and Arsenal after the AC Milan striker said he was unhappy with the racial abuse and life in his homeland. The Italian striker said that he wants to move back to England, and Liverpool apparently will only be interested if they were to somehow lose Luis Suarez to Real Madrid. That rumor has started to settle down after Suarez told his teammates he was staying at Anfield.
Arsenal and Liverpool are considering making a sensational move for Mario Balotelli. (Source: Daily Star)
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 26, 2014
Di Maria to leave Real Madrid?
Angel Di Maria was an absolute nuisance for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Final. (Photo: @wearemadrid10 | Twitter) Angel Di Maria was an absolute nuisance for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Final. (Photo: @wearemadrid10 | Twitter)
The Champions League final man of the match may be looking for a new home. Los Blancos, Carlo Ancelotti and even Cristiano Ronaldo are all keen on keeping Di Maria, but according to UOL Sport, a source close to Di Maria said, "It is very likely that he will leave before the end of the World Cup in Brazil.” According to Express, Arsenal have already made a concrete bid for Di Maria, but cash-loaded Monaco and FFP violators Paris Saint Germain are also in the mix. There were also whispers about both teams from Manchester trying to land the Argentine, but it seems like the Gunners are in the lead on this one.
Real Madrid enter Arturo Vidal sweepstakes
After the last transfer rumor, it’s only appropriate to follow up with a rumor about whom Real Madrid could possibly find to replace Di Maria. Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has been eyed by Manchester United, but according to Italian sports daily Tuttosport, Real Madrid management have made contact with the Italian Champions regarding Vidal. Due to Los Blancos financial power, they are considered the favorites. Should Real Madrid lose Di Maria to any club, Vidal would be a perfect replacement. He and Andrea Pirlo are regarded as some of the best midfielders in the world, and if he linked up with Luka Modric and Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos would still be lethal. Sami Khedira could also be likely to leave Madrid, after Chelsea showed interest in the German midfielder.
Champions League winners Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on #Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal #RMCF
— Footie News (@Footie__News) May 27, 2014
Napoli want Mascherano
Manager Rafael Benitez is keen on being reunited with Javier Mascherano after working with him in Liverpool from 2007-2010. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis also said the club has joined the race for versatile Argentine. The midfielder who can also play in the defense is under contract until 2016 with a buy-out clause of 100 million Euros. “Benitez knows Mascherano well and esteems him," De Laurentiis said. "We are working on it but it's a difficult negotiation.” Napoli also want Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina, but it would be tough to sign both for the third place finishers of Serie A.
Napoli's hopes of landing on-loan #LFC goalkeeper Pepe Reina could be jeopardised by their approach for Javier Mascherano (Express)
— LFC News Channel (@Skuggz_LFC) May 27, 2014
Chelsea to add another striker?
Manager Jose Mourinho is apparently on the verge of offering £16 million for PSG winger Ezequiel Lavezzi. The Argentine would create a dynamic duo with Diego Costa who already agreed with the club. Lavezzi scored 12 goals and tallied up 11 assists in Ligue 1 and it appears because of PSG’s violation of FFP rules, Chelsea can get him a little cheaper. PSG bought Lavezzi for £21 million, but with the impending £50 million transfer for David Luiz, the French side will need to unload some players. If Chelsea can keep creative Belgian Eden Hazard, the Blues may have one of the best attacks in the Prem.
