Harry Redknapp admits Luka Modric could leave, as long as he gets time to replace him. Chelsea join Arsenal in the race for Juan Mata. QPR’s new owner Tony Hernandes wants Scott Parker at Loftus Road and Theo Walcott has faith in Arsene Wenger. Here’s today’s Scribbles:
Harry Redknapp has admitted he would consider allowing Luka Modric to leave Spurs. Far as he’s concerned, though, it has to happen sooner rather than later in order to give him the time to bring in reinforcements:
He’s had his head turned. I want to see him here at the start of the year, but if he goes then you get three or four players in. They’re your options: get the money and get four players and, in all honesty, have a better team, or keep Luka, who is a fantastic player.”
“There’s no chance the chairman will sell him on the last day of the transfer window. He did that with Berbatov a few years ago and ended up with no strikers. He won’t do that again.
Redknapp reckons his move for former Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor will be looked upon favourably by Spurs fans. Adebayor sparked controversy a couple of seasons back by running the length of the pitch to celebrate a goal for Man City front of the Gunners fans and Redknapp reckons that will win the Tottenham supporters over. Having already acquired William Gallas from the Gunners in his time at White Hart Lane, Redkanpp clearly doesn’t let the club’s North London rivalry affect his transfer thinking:
Arsenal fans hate him so Tottenham fans will love him. He’s got an advantage by upsetting them. He’ll be a hero.
Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race for Valencia’s Juan Mata. The Blues have been relatively quiet in the summer transfer market so far but are aiming to pip Arsene Wenger’s side for the playmaker’s services as Andre Villas-Boas looks to bring in more creativity. Reports suggest Chelsea are on the verge of a double transfer raid on Villas-Boas’ old club Porto. Joao Moutinho and Alvaro Pereira were key components of the Portuguese club’s brilliant 2010/11 season and the Chelsea boss is determined to wrestle them away before the transfer deadline in 13 days time.
With Arsenal decimated by injuries and suspension, young Carl Jenkinson looks set to start at right-back against Liverpool on Saturday. Bacary Sagna will move to left-back to step in for the inured Kieran Gibbs and with such a depleted line-up looking likely for the Emirates match, Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez will be heading to the Gunners with plenty optimism.
Tony Fernandes’ imminent takeover of QPR’s is set to spark a host of new signings at Loftus Road. Bids for Scott Parker and Shaun Wright-Phillips are already rumoured to be lined up as Neil Warnock looks for reinforcements ahead of the end of August deadline.
It‘s been a tough old week for Arsene Wenger, but at least he has the support of Theo Walcott. The Arsenal winger expressed his faith in the Gunners boss and suggested dressing room morale hasn’t been affected by the recent Cesc Fabregas upheaval.
I am sure the boss has got players coming – I don’t know – but if you sell one of your best players I am sure he has got options coming in. But the mood is very good. We got a very good result at Newcastle I thought, especially going down to ten men.
Man City’s Nedum Onouha is a wanted man. Three Premier League club are after the full-back’s services, with Everton, Blackburn and QPR all eyeing up a bid. Onouha spent last season on loan at Sunderland but is clearly not part of Roberto Mancini’s plans for the season ahead and is set to leave the Etihad Stadium before the end of August.
Wigan have been linked with a move for Peter Odemwingie. The West Brom forward, however, used his official Twitter feed to assure Baggies fans that he will leave only for a top side. Arsenal and Spurs are also rumoured to be hovering.
