Can We Coax Any Of Europe's Top Ten Most Wanted?
By Nu Mad
Updated Wednesday, 2nd July 2008
What did you think of Euro 2008? Any player you fancy for the Toon?
Arsene Wenger once said: "Never buy a player based on his performances in a tournament".
And it appears to have caught on, because not many clubs are flashing their chequebooks following the end of the competition.
In truth, Wenger's targets were already set. He didn't learn any more about Samir Nasri because of France's appalling showing and it certainly hasn't put him off pushing through a £13.5m deal for the 20-year-old winger.
Kevin Keegan wanted the signing of Andrei Arshavin done BEFORE the start of Euro 2008, but something went wrong somewhere. Now we have no chance.
Here are Europe's Top Ten Wanted Men (according to the Independent):
1 Andrei Arshavin (Russia) Striker (27)
Background: Barcelona have now made their move for the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker, who has been one of the stars of the tournament, even if his burgeoning reputation took a dip in the semi-final defeat to Spain. Fantastic dribbling ability, combined with an eye for a pass, both short and long-range, and a knack for scoring goals make for a rare talent. And he's quick. Only question mark is over his temperament.
Price: £20m -- which has gone up in last few weeks.
Prediction: He'll join Barcelona unless they get cold feet.
2 David Villa
(Spain) Striker (26)
Background: His hat-trick in Spain's opening game made everyone sit up and take notice, but Villa's reputation is well established. Valencia will sell, but only at the right price. He has all the attributes needed for a top striker, although his lack of height and physical presence may concern some.
Price: £20m.
Prediction: He'll stay in Spain. Either join Barça or Real Madrid or, less likely, remain with Valencia.
3 Arda Turan
(Turkey) Left-winger (21)
Background: Galatasaray have dismissed claims that the new golden boy of Turkish football is for sale -- at the same time placing a price on his head. The player's agent has said that he is keen to go and would prefer a move to Italy.
Price: £10m.
Suitors: Newcastle United, Juventus, Milan, Arsenal.
Prediction: Newcastle appear to be in the lead, but may get gazumped as bigger clubs are now circling.
4 Roman Pavlyuchenko
(Russia) Striker (26)
Background: Spartak Moscow have said he is not for sale -- but their resolve should be tested. Top scorer in Russia for past two seasons and has struck vital goals in this competition -- as well as the two that beat England in qualifying last year. His tireless work rate and bravery caught Wenger's eye.
Price: £8m.
Suitors:
Celtic, Manchester City, Barcelona, Seville, Arsenal.
Prediction: Barça could take him -- may make sense if they want to help Arshavin settle.
5 Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
(Holland) Striker (24)
Background: Ruud van Nistelrooy's understudy at the Euros but has scored 87 goals in 97 league starts for Ajax in last three seasons and many feel it's time for him to move on, although Marco van Basten's imminent arrival at the Dutch club may change that. Believed to have set his heart on joining
Manchester United.
Price: £25m.
Suitors: Internazionale, Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Roma.
Prediction: Has already rejected a move to Inter. Appears set for the Premier League, if he leaves Ajax but it may not be United.
6 Karim Benzema
(France) Striker (20)
Background: His club form has been astonishing; his international form a disappointment. Although he signed a new contract with Lyons in the spring, and appears set to stay for another year, especially as the French club have sold Hatem Ben Arfa, a huge offer could sway things. Another powerful, quick striker with an eye for goal and a powerful shot, he would certainly prosper in the Premier League.
Price: £30m.
Suitors: Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Milan.
Prediction: Price is too high and may have to stay where he is for another year. But United may go for it.
7 Miguel Veloso
(Portugal) Midfielder (22)
Background: Has declared he wants to leave Sporting Lisbon and, although he had a disappointing Euro 2008, and there is a high buyout clause in his contract, he should be granted his wish.
Price: £20m.
Suitors: Milan, Arsenal, Juventus, Manchester United.
Prediction: Will leave -- probably for Italy.
8 Yuri Zhirkov
(Russia) Left-back (24)
Background: Or is he a winger? Hard to tell with his bombing runs forward, willingness to attack and high energy.
Always the caveat that it's hard to know how a Russian will perform in another country, and is highly paid at his present club, CSKA Moscow.
Price: £12m.
Suitors: Roma, Chelsea,
Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Bayern Munich, Celtic.
Prediction: If one of the big clubs -- especially Chelsea really do come calling -- it will be hard for him to resist.
9 Ivan Rakitic
(Croatia) Winger (20)
Background: Quick, tricky winger who plays for Schalke in the Bundesliga. Has said he will honour his contract, which runs until 2011, but is attracting interest across Europe after his confident displays, especially against Germany. Can play on either flank but mainly on the left.
Price: £10m.
Suitors: Juventus, Internazionale, Chelsea.
Prediction: Would be hard to resist a move -- with Juve the most likely destination.
10 Valon Behrami
(Switzerland) Right-sided midfield (22)
Background: Unhappy at Lazio and desperate to leave -- he's even talked about exploiting the so-called Webster Clause -- he's a talented player who still performed well, along with Gokhan Inler, despite Switzerland's disappointing campaign.
Price: £5m.
Suitors: Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Seville,
Sunderland, Liverpool.
Prediction: Will come to Premier League.
