Transfer Talk | Robinho | Arshavin | Drogba

Let take a quick look at all the transfer rumours. But I'm afraid it wouldn't be that quick.So those who don't like going through all the gossips, just skip everything and read just the last paragraph. Others don't blame me if you find somehting totally derisory. So let's move on...Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Real Madrid forward Robinho after sporting director Frank Arnesen met with the player's agent."It's true that Chelsea are interested in signing Robinho," Robinho's representative Vagner Ribeiro told Spanish sports daily AS. This might have some truth in it, but I'm not betting on transfers in the league.

The Mirror claims that Zenit St. Petersburg have accepted a ₤12million bid from the Blues, and that Arshavin will arrive in London later this week to agree personal terms and undergo a medical. There are chances that Roman has fell for his compatriot after the Euro's but it seems Arsenal too are in the race. So there are reports that Roman urged Scolari to buy Arshavin. But I don't find the necessity in buying another midfielder unless we're planning to sell both Ballack and Essien. Arshavin doesn't suit to the Chelsea style of play and at 27 years of age, cannot be called a 'promising youngster'. Tell me there are late bloomers in football but then I would keep telling you our midfield is already surplus and doesn't require another signing, youngster or not. Daryl in The Offiside also discusses about the possibility of such a transfer.

The Sun reports that Chelsea are prepared to offer FC Barcelona £18m plus the services of out-of-favor winger Florent Malouda in exchange for Samuel Eto'o.The Cameroonian striker, who had the best minutes/goals ratio of all Liga forwards last season, is surplus to requirements at Camp Nou and seems likely to move on. There are also reports that Chelsea may sell Drogba to get funds for other transfers. I didn't know Chelsea was in desperate need of money. There are also reports that Sheva will be sold, but then some reports say he's already back from vacation to impress Scolari.

Chelsea have tried to persuade Lampard to stay in London with an improved £140,000-a-week contract. If this is true, then Lampard will become the highest paid footballer in Britain, inching closer towards Kaka. John Terry is currently the highest earner at Chelsea, with Germany skipper Michael Ballack and striker Andriy Shevchenko earning around £130,000 a week at the club. This comes after Jose said yesterday that Frank may see out his contract at Chelsea.

Chelsea have released Hernan Crespo after his contract with the club expired. The Argentine international joined The Blues from Inter Milan in 2003 for a fee in the region of £17 million. Meanwhile Ben Sahar joined Portsmouth on a 6-month loan deal. The 18 year old became the first signing of Portsmouth this new season. Experince in the top league would do him a world of good to him and is a good move from the club. Another youngster, Jimmy Smith has signed for Sheffield Wednesday for a six month loan period. Smith is a very promising player and the 21 year old is the second player to arrive at Hillsborough this summer. He played just one match for the Blues.