Arsenal Khedira boost thanks to Guilavogui loan move
Midfield merry-go-round could push German World Cup winner towards the Emirates
If you are after an example of the complex chain reactions that take place in the transfer market each summer, then look no further than the Daily Express's explanation why Arsenal's failure to sign Josuha Guilavogui could have a silver lining.
The paper explains that the Atletico Madrid man is set to join Wolfsburg in Germany on a one-year loan with a view to making the deal permanent next summer. The Gunners were interested in the player but Arsenal's loss could also turn out to be Arsenal's gain.
As the paper explains: "Guilavogui plays in a similar position to Brazilian [Wolfsburg] star Luiz Gustavo, who has emerged as a target for Real Madrid. Real are looking a Gustavo as a possible replacement for unsettled German international Sami Khedira, who is another option for Wenger."
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So it seems that by missing out on Guilavogui Arsenal have increased their chances of signing Khedira.
Southampton fans might need to study the 'happiness equation' pretty soon after Goal.com's revelation that Tottenham are still set on Saints' duo of Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez and are happy to play a game of brinkmanship as the transfer deadline starts to approach.
Having already seen their squad this summer stripped like a bather on nearby Bournemouth beach, Southampton fans are desperate to hang on to French midfielder Schneiderlin and England striker Rodriguez. But Goal.com says that, despite the Frenchman's £25m price tag, Spurs are still confident of getting their man because they know of Schneiderlin's alleged desire to move to White Hart Lane.
What's more the Lilywhites believe Saints will drop their asking price to £18m rather than hang on to a player who "has made it clear he wants to leave". Goal.com claims that Schneiderlin believes Southampton have "broken promises" and is adamant he won't play for Ronald Koeman's side this season. As for Rodriguez, he is also expected to head for the exit and into the arms of Spurs manager (and former Saints boss) Mauricio Pochettino.
Meanwhile the Daily Star says that Manchester United have been handed a "boost" in their bid to sign Thomas Vermaelen. The Arsenal defender had seemed set to agree terms with Barcelona but now the Catalan giants have reportedly "switched their attention" to Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng. A deal is expected to be agreed imminently leaving United boss Louis van Gaal poised to move for Vermaelen, despite Arsenal's reluctance to sell to one of their Premier League rivals.
Still with United and the official club website has "confirmed a deal has been finalised" with FK Vojvodina for goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic. It was announced in May that United had agreed terms with the Serbian Under-19 international who, despite having only recently turned 17, stands a whopping 6ft 7in tall. Now Vojvodina president Zoran Scepanovic has given the move his blessing, telling a press conference in Serbia: "After lengthy talks that have taken place over the past month, we have finally completed negotiations on Monday and we can officially inform the public that our young and promising goalkeeper has joined Manchester United." Milinkovic will remain at Vojvodina for coming season as he continues his development.
And there's confirmation, too, from Sunderland that Jack Rodwell has completed his transfer from Manchester City. Reporting the news, Sky Sports says that the England midfielder has signed a five-year contract and has joined for an undisclosed fee, although Sky reckons it is around £10m. The 23-year-old, who has three international caps, becomes Sunderland's fifth close-season signing as Guy Poyet continues his summer spending spree.
Finally, BBC Sport is one of several media organisations to report that Pepe Reina has agreed a deal with Bayern Munich. The German club made an announcement on Twitter on Tuesday night, declaring: "Goalkeeper Pepe Reina set for move from @LFC to FCBayern. Medical to follow."
The 31-year-old Spanish shotstopper lost his place at Anfield under Brendan Rodgers to Frenchman Simon Mignolet and spent last season on loan at Napoli. The Italian club had been linked with a permanent move for Reina but baulked at Liverpool's £3.95m release clause.
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