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Monday Football

12 November 2007

by Jerrad Peters

INTER Milan are targeting Tomas Rosicky. The 27-year-old Czech Republic midfielder has battled persistent injury problems over his time at Arsenal, but seems to have found a place in Arsene Wenger's squad at the moment. Inter had already expressed an interest in the player over the summer, offering striker Adriano in a swap-deal for the former Borussia Dortmund player. Rosicky arrived at Emirates Stadium last may in a 6.8M-pound move from the Bundesliga club. A transfer to Milan would probably be worth upwards of 10M-pounds to the Gunners' coffers.

As unlikely as it may seem, Wenger may be presuaded to sell Rosicky after Christmas. The Arsenal manager is hoping to sign Croatian midfielder Luka Modric when the winter transfer window opens. Just 22-years-old, Modric is seen as a younger, quicker version of Rosicky. He is also a two-footed, left-sided playmaker. Currently with Dinamo Zagreb, Modric caught Wenger's attention when Dinamo faced Arsenal in the third qualification round of the Champions' League last summer.

Inter, meanwhile, are desperate to off-load Adriano. Once commonly viewed as one of Europe's premier goal-scorers, the 25-year-old Brazilian has struggled since the World Cup. His fitness and committment have come into question this season; and Nerazzuri boss Roberto Mancini has preferred each of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hernan Crespo, Julio Cruz, and David Suazo to the Brazilian. Manchester City are thought to be among the leaders for Adriano's signature. In comments yesterday, the striker said, "I have spoken to the club and I am moving in January. My first choice is Manchester City." City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson would be likely to dangle Rolando Bianchi as bait for a possible swap arrangement.

The storm is only growing in Bavaria at the moment. After drawing 2-2 at home to Bolton Wanderers, midweek, Bayern Munich lost 3-1 at defending champions Stuttgart on Sunday. Bolton's fateful visit to Allianz Arena, however, has alerted the German club as to Trotters club captain Kevin Nolan. Chained to the doghouse throughout the brief rein of Sammy Lee, Nolan has claimed his usual place in the Bolton midfield under new manager Gary Megson. The 25-year-old has long been rumored to be seeking a transfer from the Reebok. And in Bayern, he may have found a club which can offer the neccessary wages and ambitions.

Paul Jewell could find himself back at Wigan before the end of the month. The former Latics manager left the JJB Stadium after the 2006-2007 season, citing exhaustion and a desire to get away from the game for a spell. However, after failed attempts at luring Alex McLeish and Stuart Pearce to the club, chairman Dave Whelan has turned back to Jewell. After leading the Latics into the Premier League and keeping them in the top flight for two seasons, Jewell courted offers from both Bolton Wanderers and Norwich City and is considered a likely replacement for Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough.

Chelsea are tracking the progress of Feyenoord midfielder Jonathan de Guzman. The club's interest is a result of the recommendation of scout Piet de Visser. The 73-year-old coached at the top level in Holland for 35-years and is currently employed in a scouting capacity for both Chelsea and PSV Eindhoven. He was behind the Blues' acquisitions of John Mikel Obi, Alex, and Salomon Kalou. De Guzman, a creative, attacking midfielder, left Toronto, Canada at the age of 12 before joining the Feyenoord accademy. He has yet to declare his international status -- with both Holland and Canada jostling for his rights. His brother, Julien, is a defensive midfielder for Deportivo La Coruna and a stallwart of the Canadian national team. Jonathan is 20-years-old and could command upwards of 8M-pounds on the open market.