The latest gossip, rumours and damned lies

A cursory glance at the headlines this morning suggests Garry Cook [pictured above with something very overpriced] and Manchester City have learned nothing from the embarrassing Kaka saga. Several papers claim the Eastlands side have already failed to land David Villa, David Silva and Gianluigi Buffon, while bids are reportedly being lined up for Shay Given (for whom Newcastle want £!4m!), Carlo Cudicini and Thierry Henry. One of the more feasible deals, however, is a reported swap with Chelsea…

Didier Drogba and Robinho switch-a-roo
The Star, The Sun and The Mirror have all noticed that Didier Drogba wants to leave Chelsea, and that Robinho is a little unsettled, so naturally they have put two and two together. Big Phil only has Wayne Bridge’s transfer fee to play with, so will have to offer Le Drog, Alex, Salomon Kalou or Florent Malouda if they want Robinho to come to the club he should have joined several months ago.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: With the amount of players and offers being touted at Manchester City, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether this is real or a fabrication. However, one thing does stand in the way - FIFA rules stipulate that a player must have “just sporting reason” to move to a third club within twelve months. Is “I regret chasing the money and joining an international laughing stock” a “just sporting reason”?

Andrei Arshavin to Arsenal
The quick and efficient transfer of the Zenit star is nearly over, say Sky Sports. Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has said the club will offer absolutely no more than £15m, and insists they maintain a “plenty more fish in the sea” attitude. Hence, it’s now or never for the Russians, who face the prospect of a player who will buy out his contract if the deal stalls.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Will somebody wake us up when he arrives in London, please?

Manuel da Costa to Chelsea
The Daily Mirror say defender Da Costa has failed to settle in at Fiorentina, and Chelsea have shown an interest. AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus were all chasing his signature last year, apparently.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Big Phil is interested in a Portuguese player? Quelle f-ing surprise.