Premier League News: Arsenal pursue Per Mertesacker & Chelsea target Inter Milan’s Mario Balotelli
Arsenal, who are trying to put the Cesc Fabregas saga to an end, have started looking to sign players ahead of the season. Wenger said that as usual, there would be no big money signings, but they nevertheless would be adding to the squad.
The Gunners are said to be getting ready to make a 10 million pounds bid for Per Mertesacker. Arsenal are currently pursuing Everton’s Phil Jagielka, but if the deal does not go through, the German international would be their next target.
Arsenal had been interested in the Everton defender Jagielka, but according to a British newspaper, manager David Moyes has rejected a 14 million pound bid from Arsenal. Wenger said that the club rates the defender very highly and would love to have him at Emirates. Wenger went on to say that if Everton is not willing to sell him then there is nothing that can be done.
Arsenal fears that Jagielka may be not in their reach, so now they have focused their attention on Mertesacker. Arsene Wenger earlier said that he expects William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre to depart before the season starts, so he is looking to cover at the heart of defence before the season begins.
The tall German defender was an integral part of Germany’s 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign. Germany ended 3rd in the tournament after beating Uruguay. Mertesacker has two more years left on his current contract with the German club Werder Bremen.
Arsenal has already signed Laurent Koscielny from the French club Lorient. The defender was signed for 10 million pounds, but Wenger is still looking for at least one more defender to strengthen his defence.
There is some more transfer news coming out of London, where Chelsea is reportedly perusing Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli. The Blues are believed to be prepared to sell off or even loan out Franco Di Santo to make room in the squad.
Currently, Chelsea has a full squad and according to Premier League rules they would have to make room for new players; it is believed that Santo, who spent last season on loan at Rovers, may have another stint there this season, as Chelsea continue to prepare a bid for Balotelli.
There are several clubs in England and other parts of Europe who are looking to sign the young Argentine. Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, and Bolton Wanderers are the clubs from England and FC Twente and Feyenoord are other clubs from Europe showing interest in the player.
Chelsea is determined to strengthen their attack ahead of the season; Chelsea won the Premier league after a gap of 2 years and are determined to defend their title. It was rumoured earlier that Chelsea is looking to sign Liverpool’s Fernando Torres, but after Liverpool’s clear hands off warning, The Blues have focused their attention on signing the young Italian front man.
Despite immense interest from Chelsea, there are number of other big names lined up for the signature of Balotelli. Another cash rich club, Manchester City, are also believed to be interested in the services of the Inter Milan striker.
Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti had earlier said that the club would welcome multiple bids. Moratti said that if more than one club comes calling, it would mean they would be able to get a good price for Balotelli.
The young Italian Striker has not been a big part of Inter Milan’s plans. He reportedly had a falling out with the former manager Jose Mourinho, and did not get too much game time in a treble winning historic season. Balotelli did not do himself any favours by openly admitting that he is a fan of rivals AC Milan.
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