More of the summer transfer gossip with Torres and Joe Cole plus more news about Fabregas, Ashley Cole, Patrice Evra, Guti and a new Arsenal keeper (Handanovic?).

Fernando Torres

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The Torres saga continues, although we’re getting contradicting declarations and speculations – according to some British pundits, Chelsea put out a bid of 40 million pounds that got rejected by Liverpool. Yesterday morning it has been reported that Chelsea are mounting up a 50 million pound bid in order to get the talented yet often injured striker. However, Carlo Ancelotti has stated he has no need for new strikers, pleased with having Drogba, Anelka, Kalou and Sturridge.

Cesc Fabregas

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Fresh off World Cup glory, Cesc is quiet about his future, letting everyone else do the talking. Barcelona, who have taken out huge loans at several Spanish banks last week and have already spent considerable sums on transfers the last two years (notably Ibrahimovic and David Villa) have already been rejected a few times by Arsenal this summer, with Wenger being adamant about the fact his talented midfielder will stay in London. Wenger seems to be quite infuriated by the media pressure being put on Cesc by Barcelona players who keep repeating the words: We’d like to see him here, it’d be great for him here. They even dressed him in a Barca shirt! Anyhow, Saturday evening reports about Barca going for one final 40 million bid, take it or leave it style.

Real Madrid Left Back – Ashley Cole? Patrice Evra?

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This is something that has been going on since last mid-season. Real really want a left back, a natural one at least. Ashley Cole is their first option, with rumors of him being tired of the tabloids and the constant prying in his personal life, which has been quite rocky, especially this last year. Carlo Ancelotti has stated again, yesterday, that Cole is happy with Chelsea and won’t be leaving. Some sources suggest that a 30 million bid for the 29 year old will be enough to get Ancelotti to sing a different tune. Coincidence or not, Patrice Evra has put up his house for sale, and Madrid have reportedly approached United for the French defender who made quite a few headlines for the wrong reasons in South Africa during the World Cup.

Guti

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Would you believe that Guti will be turning 34 this fall? It seems that every summer and every transfer window also brings with it the rumors about Guti leaving Real Madrid, a club Guti has been with since the age of 8 and has been capped 517 times at the senior team since 1995. Still, Guti himself has said that the rumors about Besiktas are solid and he would love to go there and join his former head coach (also winning a title with him in 2007-2008), Bernd Schuster. Maybe he’s tired of trying to fight for his place with yet another new manager.

Arsenal Keeper Saga – Now Handanovic?

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According to reports that were buzzing around Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Barnet, Manuel Almunia (33) is on his way out of the club, but that doesn’t mean Wenger is pleased with some up and coming young keeper. Both Mannone and Fabianski have gotten their chances last season but were from consistent. After turning down the Schwarzer rumors, Handanovic seems to be the next target, although he didn’t have a great World Cup or 2009-2010 with Udinese. Still, Handanovic’s agent said that Handanovic will only leave Udinese to one of eight shortlisted clubs, with Arsenal being one of them. An offer from London has yet to arrive.

And Finally, more Joe Cole

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We heard about Spurs, Arsenal and Man City, with Harry Redknapp’s club looking the closest to getting the 28 year old. A new challenger has emerged that last couple of days – Roy Hodgson and Liverpool. First, rumors about Liverpool offering Joe Cole 90,000 pounds a week, 4.7 a year, to travel up north and leave cosy London. Hodgson has spoken about the transfer, saying he has talked to Cole but it’s far from over. Cole needs to find a team fast to get himself ready for the new season, as all the clubs (not Liverpool, their match was rained out last night) are beginning their pre season matches.