Anderson Talisca snubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool
Brazilian striker's scorching form attracted Premier League attention, but he only has eyes for Benfica
The latest player to rule out a transfer to England in the New Year is 20-year-old Brazilian Anderson Talisca.
The young forward made the move from Bahia to Benfica in the summer and has set Portugal alight with his sharpshooting skills. Now his blistering form has come to the attention of the Premier League with the Daily Express reporting that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all put the South American scorcher on their January wishlist. But in an interview with Portuguese rag O'Jogo, the Brazil under-23 international pooh-poohed the idea of a New Year move to the Premier League."I am thinking only of Benfica," declared Talisca. "I know I have and am able to learn much from this wonderful group, with its supporters and with the coach." In other news, the Daily Star says that Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is on the radar of Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. With United's defence leaking like Edward Snowden the Dutchman is desperate to restore some order to the Old Trafford back four and that could mean a January swoop for the 23-year-old Koulibaly. He began his career with French club Metz before moving to Genk and then securing a transfer to Napoli last summer, where he primarily plays at centre-back.Koulibaly is contracted to the Italian club until 2018 so the Star predicts that if United do intend to prise him away from Naples it's likely to entail "a hefty price tag".Elsewhere Talksport report that AC Milan are back in the hunt for Liverpool midfielder Suso. The Italian outfit first expressed a liking for the 20-year-old playmaker last month, only for their interest to dim when the extent of his groin injury became apparent. But with Suso likely to be fit again next month, reports in Italy suggest that Milan gaffer Filippo Inzaghi is "readying a post-Christmas offer" for the Liverpool star. Talksport say that the Reds could well accept a cash bid for the youngster rather than see him leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.Finally, Arsenal's ability to slump faster than a midterm Democrat is already having repercussions. They had been linked with a move for Bayer Levekusen's Christoph Kramer but it seems likely the playmaker saw the highlights of the Gunners' pathetic 3-3 draw with Anderlecht on Tuesday.That would certainly explain the statement issued on Wednesday by Kramer's agent, Emanuele Marchetti. "For the moment he is very happy and settled in Germany," he said when asked about a possible move in the New Year.
Indeed, according to Metro, Arsenal aren't the only club known to be tracking Kramer – currently in the second season of his two-year loan spell with Borussia Monchengladbach – with Napoli also interested. And Marchetti indicated that Italy was Kramer's preferred destination, saying: "If things changed, Napoli would be one of the first clubs to be informed."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - December 21, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - losing it, pedal to the metal, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Three fun, festive activities to make the magic happen this Christmas Day
Inspire your children to help set the table, stage a pantomime and write thank-you letters this Christmas!
By The Week Junior Published
-
The best books of 2024 to give this Christmas
The Week Recommends From Percival Everett to Rachel Clarke these are the critics' favourite books from 2024
By The Week UK Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
Thomas Tuchel to become next England football manager
Speed Read 'Divisive' German coach hopes to lead the men's team to victory
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man Utd win the Carabao Cup: how Erik ten Hag has ‘transformed’ the Red Devils
feature United lifted their first silverware since 2017 after beating Newcastle at Wembley
By Mike Starling Published
-
Pros and cons of VAR in football
Pros and Cons String of mistakes has put new technology under the microscope
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published