In the Premier League in particular, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are still keen to do business going into the final days. Chelsea are looking to capture Luka Modric if possible, and possibly use Yossi Benayoun as a makeweight in any such deal. Benayoun has said he wants to leave Chelsea and is expected to depart, with Arsenal now having made an enquiry for the Israeli. His experience and quality would be useful for the North Londoners, but should that move fail, they could look at Liverpool’s Raul Mereiles. Despite being one of Liverpool’s best players along with Luis Suarez this calendar year, Kenny Dalglish is not a fan of the Portuguese, and is happy to let him go for £11 million plus. Chelsea have also been in for Mereiles, and have had an offer of £7 milion plus Benayoun turned down.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have some serious business to do in the next day. Park Chu Young and Andre Santos should be confirmed as new signings today, leaving the club to complete their deadline day business for a midfielder and centre back. Gary Cahill looks the most likely signing in defence at the moment, with a bid closer to Bolton’s £17 million valuation expected, though whether Arsenal will meet that or not is highly doubtful. If that fails, Wenger could turn to Chelsea’s Alex, who is available for £10 million, and offers title winning experience and strength. Per Metersacker could also join if those options fail.
In midfield, they could press ahead with a move for the highly rated Marvin Martin, the new French international who is one of Europe’s most promising attacking midfielders. Hopes of signing Mario Gotze from Borussia Dortmund or Eden Hazard from Lille look slim. And they still have an interest in Yann M’Vila of Rennes, though the 21 year old is valued at £25 million plus by his club.
Elsewhere, Tottenham will be looking to wrap up a deal to bring Scott Parker to White Hart Lane, in a move which could pave the way for the exit of Wilson Palacios to Stoke. Palacios may not be the only player making the trip up the M6, with Peter Crouch also heavily linked with Tony Pulis’s side.
Other teams looking to make signings include Newcastle, who are still on the hunt for a forward to complement Demba Ba up front. They could be joined in the transfer market for a forward by Bolton Wanderers, who want to add another option up front alongside Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic. David N’Gog could sign from Liverpool, whilst Shaun Wright Phillips is attracting the interest of Owen Coyle as well. But QPR are also in for his services, and they are looking to do business as they try and spend some of new owner Tony Fernandes’ cash before the deadline passes. Scott Dann could be brought in to solidify at the back, but if Arsenal’s other bids go awry they could also come back in for the Birmingham man.
All seems set then for an exciting transfer deadline day as a host of clubs look to do crucial business as they hope to put together squads to challenge for success this term. As one eminent TV chef might put it were he given a role presenting the drama tomorrow, deadline days don’t get tougher than this.
