A BUSY week on the transfer market was once more dominated by Chelsea. Two long-running sagas seem to have reached a conclusion: Ukrainian super-striker Andrei Shevchenko will leave AC Milan for Stamford Bridge, with William Gallas and Hernan Crespo travelling the other way in part-payment.
Hotly sought after Nigerian talent, John Obi Mikel, will also become a Chelsea player. The 19-year-old Nigerian, originally signed for Manchester United, before changing his mind in London, but it now appears that Blues owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to pay the player’s former club Lyn Oslo 3.5 million euros, as well as compensating United with a staggering 14.6 million euros! Striker, Eidur Gudjohnsen, is set to replace Henrik Larsson at Barcelona, while Carlton Cole has packed his bags and moved across the capital to Spurs for three million euros.
Prolific goal-scorer, Andy Johnson, is leaving Crystal Palace. Both Wigan and Bolton are prepared to meet the 8.5 million euro asking price, but the 25-year-old will, in all likelihood, accept a third offer from Everton. West Bromwich do not want to sell their star centre-back Curtis Davies, but look set to do so as a bidding war escalates between Arsenal and Spurs. The Gunners are looking for quality replacements to compensate for the departure of Robert Pires and the retirement of Dennis Bergkamp. One player who has already joined the Champions League finalists is Tomas Rosicky. The 25-year-old Czech international midfielder has arrived from Dortmund for 10 million euros and was hailed as one of Europe’s most gifted young players nine years ago. Tottenham’s Edgar Davids is planning a return to Ajax Amsterdam where he started his career, and the on-loan Mido has gone back to AS Rome.
In Portugal, former Benfica legend, Rui Costa has returned to the Stadium of Light from AC Milan on a one year contract. At the same time, ex-Newcastle misfit Robert is trying to negotiate his exit from the Lisbon club – the French international is believed to be heading for Turkish side Galatasaray. Simão is said to be on his way to Chelsea.
On the managerial front, Ian Dowie has left Crystal Palace for Charlton, and Martin O’Neill is being linked with Middlesbrough. Former Benfica coach Jupp Heynckes has taken charge of German Bundesliga club Monchengladbach, while ex-Sporting manager Laszlo Boloni will swap Rennes for Monaco in France’s top division.
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