Transfer Lies and Slander - 6/30/10

Arsenal might just win at knifey-spoony after all! Pic via Daily Telegraph.

IN: 

Laurent Koscielny – The Sun says the deal is done for the Lorient center back at £8.5 million. The Daily Mail says it's £10 million. The Daily Telegraph has the former number. The deal should probably be done by the end of the week. Let's get the Gooner chant machine going!

Mark Schwarzer – That Telegraph article above lists Schwarzer as Arsenal's next number one target signing once the Koscielny contract is inked.

Joe Cole – It's between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to sign the former Chelsea midfielder. With England out of the World Cup, this deal should be complete within the next two weeks.

Loic Remy – This story has been around before (where I made a good number of Nice puns), but the Nice striker still would like to be a Gunner. Nice's asking price remains too high.

Mario Balotelli – The Inter Milan 19-year-old striker's stay at the San Siro is uncertain and he admits that Arsenal is "a great team."

Madjid Bougherra – The Algerian defender from Rangers in the SPL has spent time in England at Crewe Alexandra, Sheffield Wednesday, and Charlton Athletic, but only his brief stay in South-East London was top flight. With a Koscielny deal essentially done, I can only see this move happening if Sol Campbell departs.

OUT:

Henri Lansbury (LOAN) – Newcastle United is keen on the 19-year-old midfielder, who spent last year in the Championship on loan at Watford, and appeared for the Gunners in the final match of the year against Fulham.

William Gallas – Essentially out the door already, the conversation on his free agent singing appears to now be between Panathinaikos and PSG.

Sol Campbell – Arsenal's policy on contracts with 30+ players might have cost them Sol Campbell, as the big center back is looking for more than a one year deal. It looks like Celtic are willing to offer one.

Eduardo – The Brazilian-born Croatian has struggled with form since his catastrophic leg injury, and after the signing of Chamakh, it appears he may be surplus to necessity at the Emirates. Aston Villa is interested in him to replace the possibly departing John Carew.

Jay Simpson – The 21-year-old reserve forward has spent the last three years away from Arsenal on loan at Millwall, West Brom, and QPR, but as he desires consistent first-team football, he might have to depart the Gunners. A bevy of teams are interested.