The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Maicon to Chelsea
According to Sportitalia’s transfer “expert” Alfredo Pedulla, the Brazilian’s move to Stamford Bridge is “very probable”. He adds:

“It will be the week of the interweaving with Chelsea. Inter should be led to accept by having Deco and Ricardo Carvalho added in the negotiation.”

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Maicon can’t seem to make up his mind and we don’t see any reason to take this guy’s word as gospel. (In other words, we have no idea if this is true.)

Karim Benzema to Arsenal
Real Madrid have reportedly offered Lyon £27m for their prized striker and Manchester Utd have also registered an interest, but Professor Wenger believes the presence of French team-mates William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Mikael Silvestre will tempt him to North London.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: We can’t see Arsenal offering the kind of money necessary to lure the 21-year-old who has said he is happy to spend another year in Ligue 1 anyway.

Tuncay to Aston Villa
The Daily Mirror believe Martin O’Neill is set to rescue the Turk from the Championship with a £5m bid. They will also cover his £65,000-a-week wages.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: O’Neill is said to admire his “unpredictable skills”, and Tuncay would certainly be welcome in Villa’s relatively small squad.