Friday’s Transfer Rumor Roundup: Benzema, Ozil, Di Maria to Arsenal, Fellaini to Manchester United

Joe Prince-Wright

Aug 30, 2013, 8:02 AM EDT

Getty Images Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has told Roberto Martinez that he wants to leave the Toffees, as Manchester United continue to monitor the Belgian internationals situation. Fellaini, 25, has already been the subject of two bids from David Moyes and with his latest revelations United could well come in for a third and final bid before the transfer deadline.
And another Everton player is still rumored to be heading to United, as England left back Leighton Baines could be included in a double swoop by former Everton manager Moyes. The deal for Everton’s prized assets could reach $54 million as United are expected to table to a bid today but would Baines be a regular for the Red Devils? With Patrice Evra still in fine form at the age of 32 it’s hard to see Baines coming straight into the starting lineup ahead of the French veteran.
Arsenal are still planning to strengthen their side as the transfer window comes to a close, with manager Arsene Wenger aiming to bring in three Real Madrid stars. Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil have all been targeted by the Gunners but there’s one snag: it all hinges on Madrid’s deal for Gareth Bale being done before the deadline. Spurs are dragging their heels on the Bale deal so that their North London rivals can’t plan to bring in three top internationals from Madrid. The deal to bring all three to the Emirates would cost a whopping $105 million and would silence all the doubters that Wenger has had throughout a summer of transfer struggles. Can it be done?

Can Arsenal really seal a triple swoop for Benzema, Ozil and Di Maria?

On a smaller scale, Arsenal have also bid for St. Etienne midfielder Josuha Guilavogui after putting in an offer of $12 million. The 23-year-old is a holding midfielder, which raises a few eyebrows after Wenger only added former Arsenal stopper and fellow Frenchman Mathieu Flamini yesterday. But French international Guilavogui can also play at center-back and this move could considerably strengthen Arsenal’s options in midfield and defense.
Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry could be heading to Merseyside, as Everton aim to tie up a season-long loan deal for the 32-year-old. Barry hasn’t featured for City this season and his time at the Etihad appears to be over. Roberto Martinez could see Barry as a cheap replacement if Fellaini does move to Manchester United however one stumbling block is that Barry’s wages of $180,000 per week is way out of Everton’s wage structure. A compromise must be met.
And another player Martinez is aiming to attract to Goodison Park is one of his former Wigan players, James McCarthy. The Republic of Ireland international dazzled under the Spanish coach at the DW Stadium and could be reunited with Martinez at Everton. A bid is about to be tabled and McCarthy could be another direct replacement for Fellaini. Would Everton fans be happy with that? The 22-year-old midfielder is crafty and diligent in the engine room but may struggle to replicate Fellaini’s goalscoring threat.
As for City, their need for a new central defender has become abundantly clear in recent weeks and Pellegrini has his eye on FC Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala. The 22-year-old French international has a $60 million buy-out clause in his contract and Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester United have all been following his progress closely. Maybe City will spend big one more time before the window slams shut, the Citizen’s could certainly do with some defensive reinforcements.
FC Schalke are set to sign AC Milan attacker Kevin-Prince Boateng to boost their Champions League hopes this season. Boateng, 26, was born in Berlin but represents Ghana at international level and can operate across midfield and attack. The former Hertha Berlin, Tottenham and Portsmouth midfielder has shone in recent seasons at the San Siro but a move back to the Bundesliga seems like a done deal. Schalke’s marquee addition could see them surprise plenty of people in the Champions League this campaign.
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