Fantasy Premier League

Wild Speculation

Mon May 19 06:42PM

So, what have the world's "reporters" dreamed up for us today as they wait on something real to report from either the transfer market, the Champions League Final, or Euro2008?

Arsenal looking at Aquilani (Holding Midfielder, Roma) who would cost somewhere around £12M.  There is at least a quote here from the player's agent substantiating Arsenal interest.  He certainly fits a need (The Next Flamini) although he would be more expensive than the typical Wenger acquisition.  Seems like there's a remote possibility of it happening.

Barca still sniffing around K2 with RSC the replacement target?  Probably baseless but as successful as RSC was, I have a hard time seeing him as an Arsenal player.  I also have a hard time seeing Barca going for K2 when Drogba and Berbatov are both available and they still have Eto'o, Henry, Messi, et al on the books.

Seems that Liverpool may be lowering the price on Scott Carson from £10M to £6M which still seems a little steep for a good-but-not-yet-great keeper. 

Very curious that the Barry-to-Liverpool rumors seem to have faded a bit.  Wonder if that is the presence of Chelsea in the mix or his desire to stick with the cause and see if Villa can push through to the Champions League on the strengh of their young talent and a few key acquisitions this summer.

Pique back to Barca for £6M.  I'm sure this rumor will circulate when people are bored regardless of its validity since the media seem bent on assuming that every player from the continent wants to leave England at the first opportunity.  It does get me thinking that Sir Alex can probably finance a really good player from his spare parts bin (Evans, Pique, O'Shea, Silvestre, Kieran Lee, and Park Ji-Sung).  That's probably about £20M worth.

Zoltan Gera "wants his situation sorted out quickly" with a lot of clubs interested.  As much as I love the name, I'm not sure why the excitement - people get excited about Gera a lot but I've not seen much in the way of results on the field.

Liverpool interested in Downing?  Point 1 - We all like Downing as a fantasy player because he puts up lots of points.  Point 2 - He would be an upgrade over anyone who played the position for Pool this past season.  Point 3 - he's exactly the sort of player that Everton or Spurs usually end up with - a good Premier League player who isn't up to competing at the highest level.  Point 4 - they could probably do better for £12M if they didn't buy English (sure he plays on the right but wouldn't Pool rather have Joaquin from Valencia for the £11M Everton are offering than Downing for £12M?). Hard to see this one happening.

OVER THE WEEKEND

My favorite rumor over the weekend (because it makes some sense for once) was Barry to CHE for Ferriera and Sidwell.  If I were Villa, I'd want a little more from Chelsea for my prized asset (maybe some cash or another player who is surplus to requirements at the Bridge but probably cash). 

There's interest in Faddy at Sunderland and Pompey - I'd love to see Faddy at Sunderland as they try to make the leap to the top half of the table next season.  He and Kenwyne Jones would be dynamite together on set pieces.

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