The Latest Transfer Nonsense, Part XXIV

By: Inara | June 6th, 2007

And now for your pleasure, the latest (mis)information published by the French media.

DEPARTURES

* Just when we thought that Florent Malouda would not be walking alone, suddenly Liverpool’s direct competitors start fueling the fires. Chelsea’s Didier Drogba is once again trying to lure his BFF to his club while Arsenal will try to “hijack” Malouda’s transfer to Liverpool. Malouda, on the other hand, doesn’t care where he ends up as long as he gets the hell out of dodge.

* Eric Abidal’s obvious transfer to Barca is stalling because the Catalans offered 10 million euros (ha!) while Aulas wants 20. Perhaps Real Madrid will bid 15 so we can all move on with our lives.

* Tiago looks to be on his way out now that the club is pursuing other central midfielders (see below). Possible destinations include Juventus, AC Milan, and Barcelona. Juventus have already transmitted an offer, which was rejected. Aulas stated that Tiago is also worth 20 million euros and won’t let him go cheaply.

* Juventus want Cris. Tribal Football claims that it would take Cris five minutes to sign for Juve, but according to Aulas, Cris wants to stay at Lyon. And yes, he said Cris is also worth 20 million euros (I guess Lyon adds a tax on player prices).

* Claudio Cacapa has caught the eyes of Newcastle. It helps that he would leave on a free transfer this summer, and at 30 years of age with six titles under his belt and lots of CL experience, he would be a smart buy for a club looking for an experienced defender.

* Gregory Coupet still hasn’t signed an extension. I’m wondering just what’s going on in his life.

* Everyone wants Alou Diarra. So far, Juventus, Galatasaray, AS Roma, Bolton, Portsmouth, Everton, Newcastle, and now Bremen are interested in the World Cup finalist. Interesting, Lyon would like him to stay as he’s still better than most other available (and affordable) DMs out there, but Diarra doesn’t seem interested in forgiving the club for what Houllier did to him.

ARRIVALS

* Lazio’s Gaby Mudingayi has attracted some interest from Lyon. However, Lazio just qualified for the Champions League, so his departure seems unlikely unless for a bigger club. And he’s not even as good as the man he’d be replacing, Alou Diarra.

* Old Reliable Roy Makaay is on his way out of Bayern Munich this summer. PSV is interested, but he prefers France and Spain. Lyon are interested but are concerned about meeting his salary requirements.

* The ongoing transfer saga that is David Trezeguet has started up again. Lyon have always been interested - and still are - with Milan, Valencia, and even Barcelona keeping tabs on the player. Lyon might have an edge because they have three players Juve are interested in (Diarra, Cris, and Tiago - see above). Perhaps a trade would be arranged.

* Sochaux’s Karim Ziani could be persuaded to follow Alain Perrin’s footsteps and unpack his bags at Lyon. It seems clear that he’ll leave this summer, with several clubs after this right winger. Often seen as a successor to Franck Ribery, Marseille have been hot on his trail for weeks, but Lyon’s interest in the player will complicate matters.

* Just when Abdul Kader Keita was practically at Lyon, the talks stall for two reasons. First, Lille want to make sure they can milk Lyon for as much money as possible. And second, Keita is concerned about the fact that Lyon haven’t done anything about Wiltord or Govou (one of them has to leave to clear up a spot). However, these details should be worked out because unless something goes drastically wrong, Keita will be an OL player next season.

* On the other hand, Mathieu Bodmer’s transfer from Lille was completed much more easily, and according to sources, he’ll be presented by Lyon this Friday, along with Keita (I hope).

* Because Lyon doesn’t feel secure without a new Brazilian signing every year, the club is looking in the direction of Flamengo’s Renato Augusto. Corinthians right back Eduardo Ratinho, on the other hand, probably won’t be coming since Anthony Reveillere and Francois Clerc will be at the club next year.

* Frederic Kanoute of Sevilla could perhaps be tempted to return to his formative club. A graduate of OL’s academy, he failed to impress and was subsequently sold to West Ham. After a few unimpressive years in England, he’s blossomed into a possible Golden Boot winner at Sevilla. Lyon are now kicking themselves in the rear for not realizing that Kanoute wasn’t a failure but a late bloomer, and would now like to make amends by bringing him back home. Kanoute has often said that if Lyon contacted him, he wouldn’t know how to react.

* Since it’s obvious that Ricardo Quaresma won’t come to Lyon, the club has turned to another Porto player, Lucho Gonzales, who is seen as a possible replacement should Tiago or Diarra leave.