Transfer Roundup – Arsenal and Tottenham Target Ajax Defender, No Chelsea Return For Lukaku, €10m Is The Price For Robinho

Transfer Round-up on Christmas day:

North London Neighbors battle it out for Ajax defender:

Last season Tottenham won the race to sign Ajax defender Vertonghen ahead of Arsenal and it looks like the rivals are in the market for another transfer battle. Though ,Toby Alderweireld, 23, have been linked heavily with a move to Tottenham to partner with his ex- team mate, Arsenal are interested as well. 

Alderweireld will be well suited for the Gunners as he is more a versatile player, who can play in the right back position as well as in the right hand side of the midfield. He is mostly known for his long passes and physical strength which will make him adapt to the English conditions quickly much like Vertonghen who has been excellent for Spurs this season. 

However, the Belgian youngster insists he is happier to stay with Ajax and also says that a move to England will only do good for his development. 

“Ajax is still a great club”, he told Belgian daily Gazet. Here my life would also be beautiful in football, right?  But I do not hide the sense that England would be an improvement.”

Sooner or later, Alderweireld will leave Ajax for another club but not this January transfer window.

No Chelsea Return For Lukaku:

On – loan Chelsea striker Lukaku wants to stay in West Bromwich Albion for yet another season. The striker who moved away from Stamford Bridge in search of more game time has so far had a decent season scoring 6 goals and an assist to his name. With Fernando Torres still struggling to find form, there was rumors circulating that Benitez is getting ready to re-call the striker. 

However, Lukaku insists he is not thinking of returning to his parent club any time soon and wants to focus on improving as a footballer during his time away from the European champions.

“They are doing well in the league so I don’t think they need me back,” he said. I know what is going on. For me, it is a one-year loan. Then, hopefully, it may be one year again because I need to play as much as I can in the next two years.  I have a manager [Clarke] who wanted me from the beginning of the season and I’ve a great rapport with him. It’s really good to have a manager that is challenging me mentally.”

 Flamengo to offer €10m for Robinho:

Want away AC Milan striker Robinho has received a new offer from Brazilian club Flamengo for a deal worth of €10m. Although his former club Santos was heavily linked with the player it looks like Robinho will be on his way to Brazil to  join Adriano Galliani as the move looks more than a possibility now. 

As reported by opovo.com.br, Flamengo are prepared to offer €10 million for the Brazilian.  €7.5 million will come from their new deal with Adidas, while the remaining €2.5m will be spent from the coffers of the Brazilian club. In 2010, Milan paid roughly €18 million to bring the former Santos and Real Madrid man from Manchester City but his value dropped since his arrival and a bid of €10 million certainly satisfies the Rossoneri.