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Literally a day after Euro 2012, the rumor mill was already swirling with outlandish tales and near realities regarding the summer transfer window. In this ATL I'll run through the top signings and rumors from around the Premier League. Read on lads, read on.
Arsenal: While last summer was extremely harsh on Arsenal supporters with the sales of both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, this warm season could also bring similar uneasiness. The biggest story here is the transfer request made by Robin van Persie, the teams only consistent goal threat from last season. While his loss will be difficult to overcome in the short-term, his value right now might be the highest that it's ever been. Rather than overpaying Van Persie and worrying about his high injury risks, Arsenal can use transfer money to address other areas of concern. Arsenal made a previous splash on the transfer market this summer by buying Lukas Podolski and high-volume scorer Olivier Giroud from Montpellier as a possible replacement for Van Persie. Marouane Chamakh is rumored to be on the way out, and I think he could be more successful with consistent playing time.
Aston Villa: The only newsworthy signing here is the appointment of new manager Paul Lambert. Rumors are sure to include Darren Bent, although I'm not convinced that he'd thrive at a big club.
Chelsea: I'm actually scared. When City payed so much money on transfers that their reserves could finish top half of the league, I was worried. Now I'm frightened. Yes they've sold Drogba, but they could actually be better at the striker position next year with less competition for one position, and they'll be fine with the talents of Daniel Sturridge and Fernando Torres. What scares me is that they might actually have a plan in place after Lampard's Lads fade away. They already have purchased 23-year old winger Marko Marin from Werder Bremen and 21-year old Eden Hazard from Lille. With those two players set to solidify the wings for a very long time, Chelsea is looking to make at least one more big splash this summer. Amongst the possibilities, I've seen the names Hulk, Cavani, and even the seemingly ridiculous mention of Bastian Schweinsteiger. Oh yah, and that Modric kid. Sources tell me he's good too. In other news, Salomon Kalou has been linked with a few teams including Liverpool.
Everton: Not much here, just the the normal lack of cash and attempts to hold on to David Moyes.
Fulham: They've sold Danny Murphy and bought Mladen Petric.
Manchester City: So far this window has been quiet for the title winners, although I'm sure they'll get bored and sign somebody. While Lescott made improvements over the course of last season, I still think City should sign a world class partner in crime (and big, big alien heads) for Vincent Kompany.
Manchester United: At least us Liverpudlians have a new person to hate, this time in the form of a speedy Midfielder. Shinji Kagawa will be an interesting story to follow, and I'm curious to see how his style works out in England. Leighton Baines could be the next Fergie signing, although I can't envision him as a Red Devil (be quiet Michael Owen). Perennial sloth of the year candidate (SOY) Dimitar Berbatov has used all of the energy he saved from doing nothing over the past two years to open his mouth and voice his unhappiness over lack of playing time.
Newcastle: Newcastle have rather surprisingly sold Leon Best to Blackburn, and are in the hunt to capture Luuk de Jong from FC Twente.
Norwich City: They have recently extended the contract of impressive striker Grant Holt.
QPR: QPR is in the process of building a cage large enough for Joey Barton AND his ego. The Rangers also have bought Andy Johnson and have Fabio on loan from United.
Reading: Newly promoted Reading have signed Danny Guthrie from Newcastle.
Southampton: Nothing here really in terms of transfers.
Stoke City: Jermaine Pennant is in jail for drunk driving, never something you want to see. No notable signings yet, although I can only imagine the battering rams Tony Pulis wants to get this summer.
Sunderland: I think that the Black Cats could be good for awhile with some of the young talent they have. With Asomoah Gyan wanting out, a new striker may be sought out to play alongside Nicklas Bendtner.
Swansea City: Liverpool couldn't sign Sigurdsson (who was sold to Tottenham), which doesn't make Brendan Rodgers look very good. Other players that could be sold are Danny Graham and Scott Sinclair, the latter also being a Liverpool target.
Tottenham: On the positive side of things, Tottenham have retained Gareth Bale and signed Gylfi Sigurdsson. On the negative side, they sacked a brilliant manager which may also cause Luka Modric to leave. Even if Modric leaves however, Tottenham could easily contend for a Champions League position. I actually like AVB and hope him the best with his EPL second chance (just not against Liverpool).
West Brom: All that's really happened at the Hawthorns so far this summer is the signing of goalkeeper Ben Foster.
West Ham: The lovable Hammers are back up to the top again. Rumored transfer targets are Dejan Stankovic and a possible loan for Romelu Lukaku.
Wigan: Manager Roberto Martinez is preaching about how he plans to improve Wigan through it's academy, and Chairman Dave Whelan is trying to assure fans that a lack of transfer activity is nothing to worry about. Will this be the year that Wigan finally get relegated?
-Voice your opinions below.
-I didn't include Liverpool in this because this is an ATL.
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