Arsenal
The story so far Arsène Wenger beat Manchester United in the race to
sign Aaron Ramsey and the manager has held his nerve while Emmanuel Adebayor
has thrown his toys out of the pram. Adebayor can join Barcelona if the
price – £32 million – is right.
What happens next? Wenger has admitted Arsenal are a selling club, so
expect Adebayor and Alexander Hleb to leave. Samir Nasri is on his way from
Marseilles and could be followed by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Ajax for £18
million. Miguel Veloso and Roque Santa Cruz are also targets, while Nicklas
Bendtner could join AS Roma.
In Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff City, £5m), Francis Coquelin (Stade Lavallois,
free).
Out Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan, free), Jens Lehmann (VfB Stuttgart,
free).
Preseason matches July 19 Barnet (a). July 22 Szombathelyi
Haliadas (a). July 28 Burgenland XI (Ritzing, Austria). July 30
VfB Stuttgart (a). Aug 2 Juventus (h). Aug 3 Real Madrid
(h). Aug 6 Huddersfield Town (a). Aug 8 Ajax (a). Aug 9
Seville (Amsterdam). Aug 12 Boreham Wood (a).
Aston Villa
The story so far Gareth Barry’s impending departure, with Liverpool not
keen to meet Martin O’Neill’s £18 milion evaluation, has restricted
purchases. Justin Hoyte has decided to stay at Arsenal.
What happens next? Once Barry leaves – probably for £15 million, a £1.5
million add-on and Steve Finnan, the right back – Steve Sidwell will
complete a £5 million move from Chelsea. O’Neill should hear this week
whether David Bentley asks to leave Blackburn Rovers. Otherwise, James
Milner and Shaun Wright-Phillips will be pursued.
In Curtis Davies (West Bromwich Albion, loan made permanent, initial
£8m).
Out Damian Bellon (FC Vaduz, free), Patrik Berger (Sparta Prague,
free), Erik Lund (IFK Gothenburg, free), Olof Mellberg (Juventus, free),
Luke Moore (West Brom, £3m), Thomas Sorensen (released), Scott Carson (back
to Liverpool after loan).
Preseason matches July 10 FC Wil 1900 (a). July 12 FC Zurich
(a). July 15 Lincoln City (a). July 19 Intertoto Cup third
round, first leg (away to Odense or Turku). July 26 Second leg. July
22 Walsall (a). Aug 2 Reading (a).
Blackburn Rovers
The story so far Paul Ince, the new manager, is settling in, having
replaced Mark Hughes, and has yet to make a signing. Bradley Orr, the
Bristol City right back is a possible £350,000 target. However, Ince has
strengthened his backroom staff by recruiting the experienced Archie Knox,
61, as first-team coach.
What happens next? Full steam ahead at the Brockhall training ground
today as the players return from their holidays. Ince has to convince David
Bentley, the winger, and Roque Santa Cruz, the striker, that their futures
lie at Ewood Park. “This season is going to be a learning curve for me,”
Ince said.
In None.
Out Bruno Berner (released), Peter Enckelman (released), Stéphane
Henchoz (released).
Preseason matches July 14 Macclesfield Town (a). July 21 TSG
1899 Hoffenheim (in Kufstein, Austria). Guadiana Cup (St Antonio,
Portugal): July 25 Benfica; July 26 Sporting Lisbon. Aug
2 Wolves (a). Aug 9 NAC Breda (h).
Bolton Wanderers
The story so far Gary Megson, the manager, has brought in Fabrice
Muamba, the midfield player, below, and Johan Elmander, the
forward, for a total of £16 million, while Jussi Jaaskelainen, the
goalkeeper, will sign a new deal. Bolton have denied interest in Joey
Barton, the Newcastle United midfield player.
What happens next? Megson will want a couple more additions,
particularly if El-Hadji Diouf leaves. Another centre back could be on
Megson’s list, as well as a creative midfield player, but, having spent £30
million since January, the manager is close to what he wants.
In Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham City, £5m), Johan Elmander (Toulouse,
£11m).
Out Andranik Teymourian (Fulham, free transfer), Iván Campo (released),
Stelios Giannakopoulos (released), Daniel Braaten (Toulouse, exchange).
Preseason fixtures July 25 Rochdale (a) July 26 Macclesfield
Town (a) July 29 Tranmere Rovers (a) Aug 1 Doncaster
Rovers (a). Aug 2 Chorley (a) Aug 4 Aris Thessaloniki (a)
Aug 8 AEK Athens (a).
Chelsea
The story so far Luiz Felipe Scolari has replaced Avram Grant, Peter
Kenyon, the chief executive, has signed a right back who can defend, Roman
Abramovich has seen what he has been missing at Euro 2008 and Deco has
signed for £90,000 a week.
What happens next? Didier Drogba is replaced by Samuel Eto’o
Andriy Shevchenko takes off to Barcelona, Branislav Ivanovic joins Juventus,
Steve Sidwell signs for Aston Villa or Newcastle United and Claude Makelele
moves to Paris Saint-Germain.
In José Bosingwa (FC Porto, £16.2m), Deco (Barcelona, £8m).
Out Hernán Crespo (Inter Milan, free), Harry Worley (Leicester City,
free), Ben Sahar (Portsmouth, six-month loan).
Preseason matches July 23: Guangzhou Pharmaceutical (a). July 26:
Chengdu Blades (Macau). July 29: Malaysia XI (Kuala Lumpur). Aug
1: Lokomotiv Moscow (a). Aug 3: AC Milan or Seville (Moscow).
Everton
The story so far It has been a summer of inactivity, although the
arrival of Steve Round as assistant manager suggests that David Moyes, the
manager, is settled. The club have played down reports that Andrew Johnson,
the striker, could leave.
What happens next? Moyes wants a couple of significant additions, but
there are few signs that any deals are close. A central midfield player is a
priority, but a move for Pablo Aimar, the Argentina and Real Zaragoza
midfield player, appears unlikely. Sébastien Bassong, the Metz defender,
says that Everton want him.
In None.
Out Lee Carsley (Birmingham, free), Stefan Wessels (released), Darren
Dennehy (Cardiff, nominal fee), Jamie Jones (Leyton Orient, free).
Preseason fixtures July 12 FC Sion (a). July 19 Cambridge
United (a). July 22 Preston (a). July 25 Nottingham Forest
(a). July 30 Chicago Fire (a). Aug 3 Colorado Rapids (a). Aug
9 PSV Eindhoven (h).
Fulham
The story so far There has been little interest in the seven players
who are no longer wanted. Rangers refuse to pay £4 million for Steven Davis
and the club still need to replace Brian McBride.
What happens next? Fredrik Stoor, the Sweden defender is set to arrive
for £1.5 million from Rosenborg. Per Ciljan Skjelbred, Marko Pantelic, Josip
Simunic, Dave Kitson, Mariusz Lewandowski and Luke Young are also targets.
In Zoltan Gera (West Bromwich Albion, free), Mark Schwarzer
(Middlesbrough, free), David Stockdale (Darlington, £600,000), Andranik
Teymourian (Bolton Wanderers, free), Toni Kallio (BSC Young Boys,
undisclosed).
Out Carlos Bocanegra, Ian Pearce, Philippe Christanval, Jari Litmanen,
Tony Warner, Simon Elliott, Ismael Ehui, Michael Timlin and Björn Runström
(all released), Brian McBride (declined new contract offer), Paul Stalteri
(returned to Tottenham Hotspur after loan).
Preseason matches July 15 Southend United (a). July 19 Celtic
(h). July 23 Busan I’Park (a). July 26 Ulsan Hyundai
Horangi (a). Aug 2: Birmingham City (a). Aug 9: Torino
(h).
Hull City
The story so far The wheeling and dealing of Phil Brown, the manager,
has borne fruit, with Geovanni, the midfield player, joining from Manchester
City on a free transfer. “It’s a tremendous coup for the club,” Brown said.
“I’m looking forward to working with a Brazilian international.”
What happens next? There are other irons in the fire, with Brown
talking to George Boateng, the Middlesbrough midfield player, and Emile
Mpenza, the former Manchester City striker. Delron Buckley, the Borussia
Dortmund midfield player, is on trial.
In Craig Fagan (Derby County, £750,000), Geovanni (Manchester City,
free).
Out Fraizer Campbell (returned to Manchester United after loan), David
Livermore (Brighton & Hove Albion, free), Jay-Jay Okocha (released),
Henrik Pedersen (released).
Preseason matches July 14 North Ferriby United (a). July 15
Winterton Rangers (a). July 19 KV Oostende (a). July 22
Chesterfield (a). July 26 Crewe Alexandra (a). July 29
Oldham Athletic (a). Aug 3 Heart of Midlothian (a). Aug 9
Osasuna (h).
Liverpool
The story so far Rafael BenÍtez’s pursuit of Gareth Barry, the Aston
Villa midfield player, has entered a third month, while any move for Robbie
Keane the Tottenham Hotspur forward, will also be a drawn-out process.
Philip Degen and Andrea Dossena, both full backs, have been recruited.
What happens next? Peter Crouch, the forward, is on his way to
Portsmouth and Steve Finnan, the right back, may be used as a makeweight in
yet another offer for Barry. A successful move for Keane would be unlikely
to leave much left to do for BenÍtez.
In Philip Degen (Borussia Dortmund, free), Andrea Dossena (Udinese,
undisclosed).
Out Harry Kewell (Galatasaray, out of contract), John Arne Riise (AS
Roma, £4m), Anthony Le Tallec (Le Mans, free).
Preseason matches July 12 Tranmere Rovers (a). July 16 FC
Lucerne (a). July 19 Wisla Krakow (a). July 22 Hertha
Berlin (a). July 30 Villarreal (a). Aug 2 Rangers (a). Aug
5 Valerenga (a).
Manchester City
The story so far Much of the summer has been taken up by the club’s
chase for Ronaldinho and Jô, the Brazil players, with the latter arriving in
a club-record deal last week. Mark Hughes’s housekeeping has also resulted
in the departures of Andreas Isaksson, the goalkeeper, and a string of
fringe players.
What happens next? Ronaldinho appears unlikely to be signed and Hughes
may move for his own targets. More midfield players may be on the agenda and
City are also desperate to shed some of their forwards. The club have been
linked with an improbable move for Colin Kazim-Richards of Fenerbahçe and
Turkey.
In Jô (CSKA Mosow, undisclosed).
Out Andreas Isaksson (PSV Eindhoven, undisclosed), Paul Dickov
(released), Geovanni (Hull City, free), Emile Mpenza (released), Sun Jihai
(Sheffield United, free).
Preseason matches July 26 SV Hamburg (a). Aug 2 Stockport
County (a). Aug 6 Celtic (a). Aug 9 AC Milan (h).
Manchester United
The story so far United’s summer has been a tale of men sitting on
beaches. A move to Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo appears no closer, but
United have been far from busy in their search for new talent.
What happens next? Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he is planning
to make only one signing, which would probably be a powerful forward, with
Roque Santa Cruz, of Blackburn Rovers, and Dimitar Berbatov of Tottenham
Hotspur, possible targets. Ronaldo’s departure would result in more
arrivals.
In None.
Out Gerard Piqué (Barcelona, undisclosed).
Preseason matches July 12 Aberdeen (a). July 19 Kaizer Chiefs
(Newlands Stadium, Cape Town). July 22 Orlando Pirates (Absa
Stadium, Durban). July 26 Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs (tbc). July
27 Portsmouth (tbc). Aug 2 Espanyol (h). Aug 4
Peterborough United (a). Aug 6 Juventus (h). Aug 10
Portsmouth (FA Community Shield, Wembley).
Middlesbrough
The story so far The arrival of Marvin Emnes and Didier Digard means
that Gareth Southgate, the manager, can sport the metaphorical cigar when it
comes to the remainder of his summer transfer dealings. There could be one
more new face, but, unless there is an unexpected departure, it is not a
necessity.
What happens next? George Boateng, the former captain, is talking to
Hull City and Lee Cattermole is unsettled. If Southgate is good to his word,
he will resist the temptation to sign an experienced goalkeeper and stick
with what he has between the posts.
In Marvin Emnes (Sparta Rotterdam, £3.2m) Didier Digard (Paris
Saint-Germain, £4m).
Out Fábio Rochemback, Lee Dong Gook, Gaizka Mendieta (all released),
Mark Schwarzer (Fulham, free).
Preseason matches July 18 York City (a). July 22 Celtic
(Algarve Challenge Cup). July 24 Vitória Guimarães (Algarve
Challenge Cup). July 29 Carlisle (a). Aug 2 Hibernian (a).
Aug 5 Darlington (a). Aug 8 Sparta Rotterdam (a).
Newcastle United
The story so far The swoop for Jonás Gutiérrez, the Argentina winger,
has silenced supporters who had begun to grumble about the lack of signings.
Gökhan Inler, the Switzerland midfield player, could soon follow and Steven
Taylor’s commitment to a new long-term contract has also improved the mood.
What happens next? Now Kevin Keegan has dipped his toe in the transfer
market, expect him to dive straight back in with gusto. The manager would
happily bring in a further three players, but whether that happens depends
on the financial leeway that he is afforded by Mike Ashley, the owner.
In Jonás Gutiérrez (Mallorca, undisclosed).
Out David Rozehnal (Lazio, £2.9m), Lamine Diatta, James Troisi, Peter
Ramage, Stephen Carr (all released), Emre Belözoglu (Fenerbahçe, £3m,
pending national service).
Preseason matches July 19 Hartlepool United (a), July 26
Doncaster Rovers (a), Aug 1 Hertha Berlin (Multi Media Sports Cup,
Majorca). Aug 3 (Multi Media Sports Cup, Majorca). Aug 6
PSV Eindhoven (h). Aug 9 Valencia (h).
Portsmouth
The story so far Should finally have a plot development, with Peter
Crouch signing from Liverpool this week for an improved bid worth £10
million. Ian Wright has also tried to introduce a new character by advising
Shaun Wright-Phillips, his son, to leave Chelsea for Fratton Park.
What happens next? Plenty, according to Peter Storrie, the chief
executive, if anyone is still awake. “Most things will happen in the next
few weeks,” he said. “Harry [Redknapp, the manager] wants as many players as
possible. That could also mean one or two who perhaps thought they would
move on might think again.”
In Glen Little (Reading, free), Ben Sahar (Chelsea, six-month loan).
Out None.
Preseason matches July 16 Exeter City (a). July 18 Swindon
Town (a). July 22 AFC Bournemouth (a). July 25 Winner of
match between Nigeria XI and Nigerian Premier League XI (Abuja, Nigeria). July
27 Manchester United (Abuja). Aug 4 Oxford United (a). Aug
5 Havant & Waterlooville (a). Aug 10 Manchester United (FA
Community Shield, Wembley). Aug 11 Gosport (a).
Stoke City
The story so far Tony Pulis is bidding £1.5 million for Jonathan
Walters, the Ipswich Town striker, with Rob Hulse, of Sheffield United,
another target. Pulis is an admirer of Lee McCulloch, the Rangers forward,
and Marton Fulop, the Sunderland goalkeeper.
What happens next? Rudolph Austin, the Jamaica defender, should sign
from Portmore United once the work-permit logistics are finalised. Pulis is
likely to persist with his move for Anthony Gardner, of Tottenham Hotspur.
In None.
Out Marlon Broomes (Blackpool, free), Russell Hoult (released), Dominic
Matteo (released).
Preseason matches July 18 Newcastle Town (a). July 29 Notts
County (a). Aug 2 Shrewsbury Town (a). Aug 5 Southampton
(a). Aug 8 Osasuna (h).
Sunderland
The story so far In his short spell in management, Roy Keane has become
adept in the art of brinkmanship, so fans are not losing sleep over the slow
progress. There will be plenty of arrivals before the August deadline, but
it could be the end of this month before the action starts.
What happens next? Other than a goalkeeper, Sunderland are in need of
quality additions in all departments. The capture of Darren Bent would be a
good start and if anyone can persuade the forward to swap London for
Wearside, Keane can. Expect half a dozen arrivals.
In None.
Out Greg Halford (Sheffield United, loan), Stephen Wright, Stanislav
Varga, Ian Harte, Andrew Cole (all released). Four youth players have also
been released.
Preseason matches July 20 Sporting Lisbon (a). July 23 Vitória
Setúbal (a). July 28 Cobh Ramblers (a). July 30
Nottingham Forest (a). Aug 3 Ajax (h). Aug 7 Athlone Town
(a). Aug 9 Shamrock Rovers (a).
Tottenham Hotspur
The story so far With some of this summer’s transfer budget spent in
January and a further £28 million committed since, the club want to balance
the books with sales. Manchester United are unwilling to pay £32 million for
Dimitar Berbatov, having offered £24 million for the Tottenham and Bulgaria
forward last summer. Expect a deal closer to £27 million.
What happens next? The club travel to Spain for a training camp, so we
may begin to learn Juande Ramos’s formation for this season. He preferred to
use wingers at Seville, but the club’s best players are along the spine.
In Luka Modric (Dynamo Zagreb, £15.8m), Giovani dos Santos (Barcelona,
initial £4.7m), Paul-José Mpoku (Standard Liège, undisclosed), John Bostock
(Crystal Palace, fee to be decided), Heurelho Gomes (PSV Eindhoven, £7.8m,
subject to work permit).
Out Radek Cerny (QPR, free), Joe Martin (Blackpool, nominal), Simon
Dawkins (Leyton Orient, loan).
Preseason matches July 28 Norwich City (a). July 30 Leyton
Orient (a). Aug 1 Celtic (Rotterdam). Aug 3 Borussia
Dortmund (Rotterdam). Aug 10AS Roma (h).
West Bromwich Albion
The story so far Tony Mowbray, the manager, is ahead of the other
promoted teams in having already signed Gianni Zuiverloon, the Holland
Under21 right back, and Graham Dorrans, the Scotland Under21 midfield player.
What happens next? Mowbray still wants a central defender and has been
linked with Abdoulaye Méïté, of Bolton Wanderers. Kevin Phillips, the
forward, is set to leave for Birmingham City unless he is offered a two-year
contract.
In Roman Bednar (Heart of Midlothian, £2.3m), Michal Danek (Viktoria
Plzen, loan extended), Graham Dorrans (Livingston, £100,000), Kim Do Heon
(Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, £550,000), Luke Moore (Aston Villa, £3m), Gianni
Zuiverloon (Heerenveen, £3.2m).
Out Martin Albrechtsen (Derby County, free), Curtis Davies (Aston
Villa, loan made permanent, initial £8m), Zoltan Gera (Fulham, free),
Bostjan Cesar (Marseilles, returned after loan).
Preseason matches July 22 Shrewsbury Town (a). July 23
Cheltenham Town (a). July 26 Ipswich Town (a). July 29
Northampton Town (a). Aug 1 Hereford United (a). Aug 5
Walsall (a).
West Ham United
The story so far Dull compared with last summer. The signing of Holmar
Orn Eyjolfsson, the 17-year-old defensive player, does not set the heart
racing, but he will ensure that more replica shirts are sold in Iceland. The
hunt continues for two full backs and a centre back.
What happens next? Gianluca Nani, the technical director, has a steep
learning curve to get to know players in England, so many of those under
consideration are from his native Italy. He likes Valon Behrami, the Lazio
and Switzerland winger who can play as a full back, as a replacement for
Lucas Neill, who has a year left on his contract. In Holmar Orn
Eyjolfsson (HK Kopavogur, nominal).
Out Nolberto Solano (released).
Preseason matches July 17 Hampton & Richmond (a). July 20
Columbus Crew (a). July 24 MLS All-Stars (Toronto). July 29
Peterborough Utd (a). July 30 Cambridge Utd (a). Aug 1
Southampton (a). Aug 4 Ipswich Town (a). Aug 9 Villarreal
(h).
Wigan Athletic
The story so far Much frustration for Steve Bruce, the manager, but he
has captured Daniel de Ridder, the Dutch winger, from Birmingham City. Bruce
could return to St Andrew’s for Olivier Kapo, the winger in a £3.5 million
part-exchange deal that may involve Ryan Taylor or Antoine Sibierski as a
makeweight.
What happens next? Ivan Klasnic, the Croatia and Werder Bremen striker,
is close to joining on a free transfer, subject to a medical. John Mensah,
the Rennes centre back, is another potential recruit. However, the
prospective year-long loan of Amr Zaki, the Zamalek and Egypt forward, has
collapsed.
In Daniel de Ridder (Birmingham City, free).
Out Julius Aghahowa (Kayserispor, undisclosed), Salomon Olembé
(released), Josip Skoko (released), Marcus Bent (returned to Charlton
Athletic after loan), Maynor Figueroa (returned to Deportivo Olimpia after
loan).
Preseason matches July 19 FC St Veit (in Austria). July 22
Eintracht Frankfurt (in Austria). July 25 Hannover 96 (in Austria).
July 29 Barnsley (a). Aug 2 Sheffield Wednesday (a). Aug
5 Hibernian (a). Aug 10 FC Utrecht (a).
