Who the hell is Kurt Zouma?

In a busy transfer January transfer window for Chelsea, it is understandable if the signing of AS Saint Etienne's promising centre back Kurt Zouma for a fee of £12 million slipped under the radar for many fans due to the high profile signings of Mohammad Salah and Nemanja Matic. Spending the remainder of the season on loan with St Etienne and despite becoming quite a notorious figure in France and Europe, the signing left many Chelsea fans asking: Who the hell is Kurt Zouma? 

Even with the importance of signing Matic and Salah, Zouma could prove to be the most vital transfer of the three. The potential that Kurt Zouma has shown since bursting onto the seen at just the age of 16 is astronomical and Chelsea have done very well to secure the sought after Kurt Zouma amid reported interest from pretty much all of Europe's elite.   

Zouma has been likened to Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly, due to his French nationality and physical prowess. Zouma stands at 6ft 2, weighs 13 stone and at just 19 years of age, is known for his upper body strength and pace which are two key strengths for a defender in today's modern game. Aerially dominate and good on the ball, Zouma has so far demonstrated the necessary qualities to develop into a top player at Chelsea.  

Zouma has gained much experience
playing in France's Ligue 1.

However, Zouma does have his weaknesses. A player who has previously struggled with injuries, is susceptible to spending time on the sidelines with problems that have previously slowed his development. Furthermore, Zouma is aggressive in the tackle, which some might consider a good thing, but means Zouma is a player often cautioned. In his short career, he has already been on the end of a ten match ban for a tackle which broke the leg and ankle of a opposing attacker. 

Making his debut for St Etienne at the tender age of 16 after graduating from their youth academy, Zouma has been the keen interest for many of Europe's top scouts. In Zouma's first season, St Etienne felt it was best not to put his name on the back of his shirt, in an attempt to prevent hype surrounding the player. This didn't last long however, as Zouma's performances soon saw him become well known as a top talent throughout France. 

Playing in a position which many consider to require vast experience, Zouma quickly adapted to elite level football and looked composed and comfortable straight from the offset. Zouma's quick footballing development has seen him mature at an alarming rate, a trait many top clubs were attracted to. The plaudits did not stop for Zouma, so much so he was once described by Saint Etienne legend Rocheateau as the "jewel of the academy."  

Zouma has represented France at every
level except senior since starting in the U16's.

Zouma spoke in January of Chelsea's interest and said that one of the reasons he decided to join Chelsea was because of the phone call he received from Mourinho. Zouma said:  "Mourinho called me, he clearly told me he wanted me, and I jumped at the chance. He called me at night, and he speaks French very well, I understood and responded but I had nothing prepared." It is clear Mourinho's famed man management was a major influence in Zouma's decision to head to Stamford Bridge.  

So what does the future hold for Zouma at Chelsea? With life after John Terry hard to imagine for many Chelsea fans, Zouma could well remedy the situation once Terry departs if he continues to develop at the rate he is currently doing so. The Frenchman has all the necessary traits and more to be a huge Chelsea player and having tied him down with a 5 year contract, we could well see Zouma fledge into a player that will be at the epicentre of Chelsea's successes. Zouma's potential is huge and Chelsea fans can be assured of a bright future defensively in Kurt Zouma. 

Moyes' Manchester: Where has it gone wrong?

On the 9th of May, the great Sir Alex Ferguson's replacement was revealed: David Moyes. Unfurled was the "Chosen one" banner across the Stretford End at Old Trafford, proudly sung were the chants and songs applauding Moyes' appointment and it once seemed Manchester United had appointed the man that many thought could potentially replicate the feats of Sir Alex Ferguson himself. Fast forward just a few months and the current situation is a polar opposite.

"Moyes out!" chants ring round Old Trafford during below par Manchester United performances, the media are in a constant frenzy with news on Moyes' teetering managerial position and even Sir Alex Ferguson has been on the end of abuse from fans for his part in selecting Moyes as his successor. In little time, the 26 year legacy Ferguson created looks to be crumbling at the hands of Moyes, so where has it all gone wrong?

Looking at previous track records, Manchester United appointed a mid-table manager in David Moyes, who has failed to win any major trophies, to manage a club that has been the most successful English side in previous years and will always expect silverware. Although at the time Moyes' performances at Everton made him look a good candidate, it is clear Moyes has been unable to acclimatise to the level Manchester United are at.

David Moyes could face the chop if things
do not improve at Old Trafford.

Moyes' transfer business during the two windows he has been in charge has been poor and at time senseless. In the summer the squad clearly needed rejuvenating, despite winning the Premier League, Manchester United need new blood to compete with the spending of rivals who in truth posed little threat to the Red Devils in the previous season. Moyes decided to bring in Marouane Fellaini, a player he previously worked with at Everton, who was suited to the level Everton were playing at and due to signing him deadline day, looked like a panic purchase from Moyes.

In January, even more questions were asked of Moyes' transfer policies. Manchester United brought in Juan Mata from title rivals Chelsea for a huge fee of £37 million, a player who was not exactly needed in the squad. Granted, Mata does bring top quality to the side, but plays in a position that Manchester United couldn't accommodate the similar Shinji Kagawa to, playing just behind the striker. Although early to judge, Mata's performances so far since signing hardly warrant the fee paid for him and the money they spent immediately strengthened Chelsea as it aided them in signing Nemanja Matic.

It also seems David Moyes' man management is a problem at Old Trafford, as many stars have spoken about their disappointment so far this season and some have even questioned Moyes' tactics. In what has not been a clinical season by Robin Van Persie's standards, the Dutchman spoke out saying: "Our fellow players are sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in and when I see that it makes it difficult for me to come to those spaces as well." Van Persie went on to say: "Unfortunately, they’re often playing in my zones. I think that’s a shame.”   

Marouane Fellaini has not had the desired
impact people expected at Manchester United.

Each day it seems a player speaks about their disappointment over the season, but claim they are fully supporting Moyes. This begs the question, how many more poor performances at the hands of Moyes will the players be a part of before one speaks out at Moyes? Moyes himself has had to speak out and has penned a letter to fans asking for their support and expressing his disappointment with the season so far.   

Moyes has clearly made several tactical changes since arriving, although in recent weeks coming under much criticism  for his philosophy of getting crosses into the box. Although there isn't much wrong with the idea, Moyes does not have the players to carry out such a tactic. There is no big target man who can challenge opposing centre backs and win the ball and lacks the wingers to pick out the right man and is so far a tactic that has had little success.  

Many fans tried to tear down the banner after
the devastating 3-0 loss to Manchester City.

Manchester United are in a transitional period as they look to take a new direction with life after Sir Alex Ferguson and the fans understand this. The fans have tried to stick with Moyes, wanting him to succeed with the belief, if given time, he will do so. However, this has not been the case and recently with results like their 3-0 drubbing to local rivals Manchester City and just scraping past Olympiakos in the Champions League, many fans have had the right to speak up and demand changes. If results continue, do not bet on Moyes to make it to the end of the season and with the team playing as they are it could even get worse. Only time will tell how long Moyes will last at Manchester United and if he can turn things around... 

The tactical notebook: Mourinho's 4-2-3-1 formation explained

With the managerial merry-go-round forever spinning at Chelsea, Mourinho has brought stability to Chelsea with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. Many argue that Chelsea are too quick to jump the gun and sack managers when they haven't had enough time to unravel the winning formula, but it seems it has taken Mourinho no time at all to decide on a formation and tactics that work for Chelsea.

 Under previous managers such as Andre Villas-Boas and Rafael Benitez, there has been constant changes to the formation and tactics as they have been unable to find a consistently successful formation which has lead to their eventual sacking. Jose Mourinho arrived at Chelsea and it immediately became apparent the 4-2-3-1 formation he used at Real Madrid was going to be his deployed formation this year and it has brought immediate success, with Chelsea's results this season supporting that point.

So how does the system work? Mourinho has drilled into his centre backs that he wants them to put their defensive responsibilities first. Although he has encouraged them to contribute to moves, Mourinho has favoured Terry and Cahill in the centre of his defence over Luiz so he has that he has two assured defenders that will not go flying forward leaving the team exposed.

Returning manager Jose Mourinho has quickly
installed his philosophies into the side.

Mourinho's use of full backs are important to the 4-2-3-1 formation, as not only are they expected to be ever present when defending, but are also encouraged to get forward and support the attacking midfielder that plays in front of them. Mourinho has also introduced the notion of early crosses from out wide, with Ivanovic and Azpilicueta instructed to get balls in the box as well as combine with the creativity of the attacking midfielders.

The two holding midfielders in Mourinho' 4-2-3-1 are the key to the set-up as they are base of stability in the side. The holding midfielders are expected to contribute to the attack by playing pin point passes, but their main task is to break play down, prevent counter attacks and dictate in the middle of the pitch. Mourinho knows this is a key position, so much so he was willing to spend £20 million on Matic to ensure they are strong in this role.

Mourinho's made it clear early on in the season saying he wanted to build the team around Oscar in the number 10 role. He said: "I want to build with Oscar as my number 10. I want the other two players, from the side (wings), to adapt to that reality and to learn how to do things that they were not ready to do before." The number 10 role in Mourinho's formation is expected to contribute defensively as well as being the key point in the attack who plays the clever through balls. Mata's failure to contribute defensively was Mourinho's reason for dropping the Spaniard until eventually letting him go.   

Andre Villas-Boas, who was not a success at Stamford Bridge,
now manages Zenit Saint Petersburg of Russia.

The two wingers on either side of the number 10 are given the freedom to attack and be creative. They are given offensive freedom, encouraged to take players on and create goals scoring chances. All 3 attacking midfielders in the formation are given freedom to interchange positions during attacks full of flair and incisiveness. However, wingers are expected to contribute a high work rate, track back and aid the full backs when defending, something both Hazard and Willian have added to their game this year.  

The lone striker at the helm of the attack is arguably tasked with some of the hardest roles to fill. Mourinho expects his striker to work hard, closing down the ball when defenders have it up the pitch. When attacking, the striker has been told to hold up the ball and feed the three that play in behind him as well as making forward runs dragging defenders away and creating space. The is a task that Mourinho has faith Eto'o can do this season and is slowly starting to show he is capable of this.  

Mata failed to adapt to Mourinho's tactical set-up
and soon left after becoming a part player.

In Chelsea's 4-2-3-1, all players are expected to contribute to both phases of the game twinned with Mourinho's underlined philosophy of a high work rate from all players. The formation has already seen stars axed as they are unable to adapt such as Mata, but has also seen players flourish such as Azpilicueta, Oscar and Hazard. All though the question does remain, will Mourinho's formation bring success to Stamford Bridge this year?  

Where is the next destination for Valdes?

Barcelona's loyal servant Victor Valdes has already admitted he is going to leave the Catalan giants when is contract expires this summer. However, one thing Valdes is yet to reveal is where he will decide to play his football for the remaining years of his career. With the rumour mills going into over drive regarding Valdes' next destination, who are the teams circling the Spaniard?

The 32 year old broke the news that he was not going to renew his contract with the club he has been at for his whole career back in May but since then there have been a number of clubs linked to the goalkeeper. Valdes said: "I consider that my cycle as a Barcelona player will come to an end when my current contract expires in 2014. In January, I said I could see myself playing in other leagues, getting to know something different and looking for different sources of motivation." 

Major interest comes from the Premier League with Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all linked with Valdes, who has already spoke of his interest in playing in England. "The Premier League is a very attractive league, which I have followed for years," said Valdes. Manchester City are one of the favourites to sign him, with Manuel Pellegrini seeing him as the perfect signing to provide competition with Joe Hart following Hart's high profile errors this season.   

Valdes is a icon at Barcelona, having been in
the first team for 12 years now.

Arsenal's interest in Valdes is fairly new, with reports suggesting Wenger wants to replace current number one Wojciech Szczesny  following the Polish goalkeeper's recent poor performances. Valdes would be a perfect fit for Arsenal as he would cost nothing and fit right into Arsenal's current wage structure. However, Arsenal getting into Europe this year will be a huge factor in Valdes' decision to head to the Emirates.   

Although having just signed Simon Mignolet this season and despite the Belgian having a good debut season at Anfield, Brendan Rogers may decide to bring in Valdes to add experience as Liverpool look to enter the Champions League after a long absence from the competition. Valdes would provide competition for the number one spot, but will not join Liverpool if he is not guaranteed first team football. Although Valdes would be an improvement in the goalkeeping department, Rogers may decide to keep faith in Mignolet.   

Could Valdes be on Manchester City's shopping list
to add competition for Joe Hart? 

Interest in Valdes does not just come from England either, as free spending Monaco are tracking the Spaniard. Lacking a top goalkeeper to fit their current project, Valdes would be the perfect signing for Monaco as he would add experience and top quality to a side defensively weak.With the money Monaco have recently come into under new owner Dmitry Rybolovlev, Valdes' wage demands would not be a problem either and a deal looks likely. 

With a number of clubs already linked to Barcelona's departing number one, expect many more clubs to look at the possibility of bringing in Valdes. With many Catalan icons departing this year such as captain Carlos Puyol, president Sandro Rosell and Victor Valdes, expect a multitude of changes at the Nou Camp too. 

Mourinho chases summer striker solution

Despite the good form Chelsea have been in this year under returning manager Jose Mourinho, the final piece of the jigsaw is missing: a world class striker. This is something Mourinho himself has conceded and said: "The problem is with Chelsea is I lack a striker." Many are tipping Chelsea to rectify the situation in the summer, but who could be on their way to Stamford Bridge?  

At the moment, the current side have three strikers all vying for the one striker role in Mourinho's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. Samuel Eto'o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba all are in competition for that role with Mourinho favouring Eto'o as his main striker this season. However, a constant criticism of Chelsea is all three of these strikers are not weighing in with enough goals for a side that is attempting to win the Premier League. Eto'o is on seven goals so far this season, Torres four and Demba Ba managing three, hardly enough goals for a side like Chelsea.  

Although a high profile signing is likely, could Chelsea's solution lie in on loan striker Romelu Lukaku? Having proven himself in previous seasons as a striker who can score a multitude of goals the answer may well lie in the young Belgian. Strong and powerful and in the mould of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, the comparisons are inevitable, but there is a cloud of uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. A self-confessed Chelsea fan, Lukaku opted not to stay at Stamford Bridge this season and with major European clubs looking at him, he may choose to leave.  

Here today, gone tomorrow? Eto'o may
decide to leave Chelsea come summer.

So who are the names linked with a move to London? Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa is a name that is consistently linked with a move. A clinical striker who is currently on 22 goals this term, is in the form of his career, so much so earning his first cap for adopted country Spain. Costa is making headlines across Europe's papers for his goal scoring exploits but striking a deal for him could prove difficult. Atletico Madrid are likely to ask for Thibaut Courtios in exchange, with manager Diego Simone saying: "Any price for Courtios would be cheap."

Monaco's injured striker Radamel Falcao has been a player courted by Chelsea for years. A poacher by trade, Falcao has been hailed as Europe's best striker. Having made a surprise move to bankrolled Monaco which has seen  him suffer a slow debut season in France, Mourinho has already spoke of his interest in the Columbian. Mourinho said: "I need a striker, Falcao needs a club. A player like him cannot play in front of 3000 fans." A player of Falcao's calibre will come with a heavy price tag and a deal is unlikely having assured fans he isn't moving.  

Heavily linked with Chelsea, a move could
be on the cards for Costa.

A major surprise signing could come in the form of infamous Italian Mario Balotelli from struggling AC Milan. Having previously worked under Mourinho at Inter Milan, a reunion could well be on the cards as Mario Balotelli has been facing a lot of criticism for lack lustre performances of late. A composed and lethal striker, Balotelli has scored 11 goals in a disappointing season. AC Milan could look to cash in on the controversial forward in the summer to fund a squad rejuvenation. However, Balotelli may not want a move back to England and may opt to stay in Italy or move elsewhere.

Whoever Chelsea do bring in during the summer, expect to see a new front man come in next season. Mourinho recognises something needs to be done and with the transfer kitty Chelsea are likely to exercise, expect them to spend big in typical Abramovich fashion.

A Milan meltdown

In a season to forget for the Rossoneri faithful, it seems AC Milan are currently in a slump that keeps getting worse. A fourth straight defeat for new manager Clarence Seedorf on Sunday, crashing out of Europe and stars such as Mario Balotelli and Kaka not performing of late has seen the Milan ultras voice their displeasure. Are things going to get worse before they get better at the San Siro?

Sunday saw the AC Milan team bus face a barrage of vocal abuse and banners from ultras as it pulled up to the San Siro to face Parma. However, the team's performance did nothing to remedy the situation. Ten man Milan lost 4-2 to Parma after Abbiati was sent off in the opening five minutes. The performance that ensued did nothing to please fans, despite at one point drawing the score to 2-2.  Vice- president Adriano Galliani said: "I am disappointed and its definitely not pleasing to see the fans against the team and part of the club, but I continue to smile."

The result saw Milan slip places in Serie A and now currently lie in the bottom half of the table in 11th place, as Europe next season looks increasingly unlikely. Seedorf's honey moon period as he takes his first ever managerial job is over and fans are starting to become increasingly concerned with AC Milan's fortunes. It is unlikely that a change in management is going to happen any time soon, as Seedorf will be given time to rejuvenate the squad. It is unfair to judge Seedorf's managerial skill set based on inheriting a below par side that has under performed this year from former manager Allegri.

AC Milan face a real test if they are to get into
Europe for next season.

It seems as if many of AC Milan's stars are on the verge of jumping the sinking AC Milan ship this summer, with Mario Balotelli expected to be sold to raise funds. Expect to see the money raised for the infamous Italian to be pumped straight back into the side. If this does not happen, AC Milan's hierarchy can expect a huge fan backlash.

The current AC Milan side are a far cry from successful sides that have existed in the Rossoneri's history and with the history Milan has, it is no wonder fans are so outraged with the performance that their beloved side have produced this season. Manager Clarence Seedorf believes that the current season is lost, but assured fans it will not be the same next season. He said: " We will start a new project next season and our objective is to bring Milan back to the top again."

"We have to build a new team and make Milan competitive again.
We will have to try and do just that in a intelligent way."

Will AC Milan ever return to the formidable side that has been at the fore front of Italian football? The answer is yes. However, this could take years, especially with the current squad at Clarence Seedorf's disposal. Fans of AC Milan are going to have to put up with the results this season, but can build on them for next season. Do not expect AC Milan to be a completely reinvigorated side next term either, as the process of restoring AC Milan to its former self will not happen over night, it could take many seasons.

Chelsea's loan policy: A working system?

It is not odd in today's footballing world for clubs to have a multitude of players out on loan. However, something that has caught the eye around Europe is the amount of first team and reserve teams players Chelsea currently have loaned out for the season. The players Chelsea have out on loan currently total at 28, ranging in ability and squad status. A number of first team players such as Romelu Lukaku, Victor Moses and Marko Marin are spending the season at different clubs as well as promising reserve teams players like Nathaniel Chalobah, Thorgan Hazard and Billy Clifford. But does this system benefit or hinder Chelsea?

From Chelsea's perspective, loaning out so many players can be hugely advantageous. Its gives players who may not get the first team opportunities or game time at the club both of these things. It can also give young players a footballing education as they become integrated in the different types of football played in Europe, ranging from the passing culture of Spain to the defensive culture of Italy. The loaning system means players are unlikely to become disillusioned and unhappy at the club due to a lack in football but also allows Chelsea to get a closer look at how their players cope playing regular first team football and gives them a chance to impress.

A promising youth product in his third spell at
feeder club Vitesse Arnhem: Patrick Van Aanholt

However, the system has drawbacks. Having so many players on loan at one time can make the club look indecisive in it's choice of players, with many critics saying Chelsea are purchasing players they do not even need. Chelsea currently have players out on loan that have been consistently sent out despite never having represented the club, most notably Thibaut Courtois. Repeatedly sending out a player on loan can make them feel unappreciated at a club, running the risk of losing them completely. For example, Scott Sinclair was a player who was considered to have top potential but was consistently sent out on loan and due to a lack of first team promise at Chelsea, he left for Swansea.

Many critics of Chelsea's tendency to loan policy accuse the Blues of ruining the game and not properly nurturing home grown talent but leaving it for other clubs to do. Critics point to the success that Vitesse Arnhem have had recently after becoming a feeder club to Chelsea. Vitesse Arnhem have been doing well in Holland with several players from Chelsea on loan there and playing a major role in their squad such as Lucas Piazon and Patrick Van Aanholt to name a few.

Could Courtios be a example of how Chelsea's
loan system can be beneficial? 

With the recent policy to look towards youth in an attempt to replace the "old guard" that existed at Chelsea, it would be hard to unlock the potential many of the players Chelsea currently have out on loan without sending them out in the first place. When Thibaut Courtios joined Chelsea he would never have dismantled Cech from his number one spot, but by sending him out on loan to a competitive side he has managed to fledge into a top keeper that could pose a threat to a position Cech has held for a decade.  

With Chelsea's preference to youth likely to continue as they build for the future, the loaning system at Stamford Bridge is likely to continue and maybe even grow. It has its advantages and its drawbacks, but it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will profit from the loaning system or lose some of their most promising players.

 

Eric Thohir's Inter Milan summer spending spree

Inter Milan owner Eric Thohir has promised fans that the club will be bringing in new faces this year in what has been a difficult opening season in Mazzari's reign. The new owner has so far brought in Hernanes from Lazio and has secured Vidic from Manchester United on a Bosman too, but who else could the bank rolled Indonesian businessman be looking to bring in?

Thohir wants to purchase a number of new faces in the summer. He said: "We’re building a team for the next few years. With Hernanes I think we have leadership in the middle. With Vidic we have a leader in the defence. We might add a few players for next season. I think we need to create stability in the team but I think by next season the average age of the team will be 26.5 years old." 

One of the main objectives that Thohir has repeatedly underlined is that the club is going to look to bring in youthful players in an attempt to combat the ageing players they currently have in their ranks. The current Inter Milan squad is begging for an injection of fresh legged youthfulness to replace veterans such as Zanetti, Samuel, Cambiasso and Milito.   

Mazzari with Thohir's financial backing, could be very
active this summer in the transfer window.

But so far Thohir's transfer business has come under question from fans and critics. Thohir has so far failed to replace the ancient stars that exist in the squad, but has instead added to them in the signings of 29 year old Hernanes and 32 year old Vidic. Although good signings, neither of them fit the overhaul that Thohir has underlined for the club.  

Furthermore, the potential swap deal involving Fredy Guarin and Juventus' Mirko Vucinic was orchestrated by Thohir and made very little sense. Although Thohir did pull the plug on the deal due to fan reaction, he was the man who had sanctioned the transfer. Swapping Fredy Guarin who is one of the top midfielders in Europe, for a second rate Vucinic who cannot get into the first team of Juventus was a deal that did not benefit Inter Milan in the slightest.  

So who could be heading to the San Siro in the summer? Thohir could be on the verge of a Barclay's Premier League raid as he looks to bring in a number of high profile players from England's top flight. Names such as out of favour Manchester United winger Nani and Southampton's Gaston Ramirez are mentioned as possible targets, with Inter Milan contacting Manchester United about Nani in the past. One of the weaker positions in the squad is the right back position and Inter Milan have highlighted out of contract Bacary Sagna of Arsenal and Newcastle's Mathieu Debuchy  who earlier in the month cast doubt over his long term future at Tyneside as possible targets.   

Sagna is out of contract this summer. It is reported he is asking for
 a pay rise for his loyalty to the club and a testimonial included in his new contract

Mazzari reportedly wants to bolster the fire power he has at Inter and is keen on either Manchester City's Edin Dzeko or Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, with the latter looking more likely due to a lack in game time. Arsenal's Lukas Podolski is also thought to be a player that Thohir wants to bring in to add direct attacking flair to the side. It is not just players from England that Thohir is considering, as Inter Milan are linked with Lyon's want-away striker Baftembi Gomis who could be available for a fee around £10 million. However, the most audacious move could come in the form of Chelsea's record signing Fernando Torres, with a reported £20 million bid being readied to bring in the Spaniard.

Not only could Thohir bring in players, but he may also feel a change in management is needed. He has made no secret of his admiration for Ajax coach Frank De Boer, although has played down rumours suggesting the Dutch manager will be taking the Nerazzurri hot seat. Thohir has claimed there has been no contact with De Boer by saying: "He is a good coach but there are no negotiations open with him. I don't know him and I have never met him."  

Could Inter Milan make a surprise move for Fernando Torres? 

Whatever happens at the San Siro this summer, be prepared for a transfer window full of activity from the Nerazzurri. A number of players could be heading to Italy and with the form Inter Milan are currently in it is more than needed. Watch this space.... 

A Barcelona legend's departure: Carlos Puyol

On Tuesday, Carlos Puyol announced in a press conference that he would be leaving Barcelona when the current season ends, cancelling the final two years remaining on his current contract. The loyal defender has only played for the Catalan club since joining the academy in 1995 and making his first team debut in 1999. There is no doubting that Puyol is a legend at the club, having made 593 club appearances. But what does the future hold for Puyol? 

In his press conference, Puyol explained his decision for wanting to leave the club. The 35 year old said: “The reason we called you in was because I want to announce I will be leaving Barcelona at the end of this season. The club knows and we have agreed on the terms. We will end my contract and cancel the two years I had left."  

"After the two last and very aggressive operations I have had I am finding it very hard to get back to the level I want for myself. It is harder than I expected and harder than what I was told by the doctors. So that is why I am taking this decision.”  

Carlos Puyol's career at Barcelona is one full of trophies
and has won La Liga an impressive six times.

Puyol also went on to reveal what he planned to do in the summer regarding his future and said: "I don't know what I will do after 30 June, but I'm sure that in the summer I will rest." A telling note to takeaway from this statement is the use of the word "rest." With the World Cup approaching this summer and much debate whether Puyol will be on the plane to Brazil, the use of "rest" is Puyol's way of saying he will not be part of Brazil 2014. 

What are the future avenues Puyol's career could now go down? Many are speculating that Puyol will leave Europe and try his hand in leagues such as Malaysia and Qatar. Other reports suggest America will be the Spaniard's next destination, reuniting with former team mate Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls. However, a surprise move could be Puyol to AC Milan, a club he has always spoke fondly of and a league which suits ageing centre backs, with the World Cup winner turning 36 in April.  

Although in the press conference he did say he would rest and then decide what he will do, this does not rule out the possibility of retirement. Puyol has been ravaged by injuries in the past seasons, with his knee proving to be a major part in his inability to perform like he used to. Twinned with his growing age, Puyol may call time on his career to preserve his health. If he is to retire, do not be surprised if in the future he is in some form of coaching role at Barcelona or another club.   

Adios! Puyol has chosen to end his 19 year
spell at Barcelona  in the summer. 

With a centre back departing in the summer, could Barcelona be preparing to replace Puyol with another curly haired centre back in Chelsea's David Luiz? Barcelona have been long term admirers of the Brazilian and have previously made contact with the London club over a move. It does seem Barcelona will move for a centre back in the summer and Luiz could be the top of their transfer targets.

Whatever Puyol decides to do in the summer, he will always be remembered as the lion heart legend at the centre of Barcelona's defence. He is a player that epitomises the values Barcelona spend years trying to ingrain in their famous academies. He has always given his all and stayed loyal to Barcelona and was someone that any member of the squad could turn to. The tributes that have flood in for the centre back show how highly regarded he was at Barcelona, the most touching coming from Gerard Pique that described Puyol as "my guardian angel." His departure marks an end of a era for Barcelona as fans, staff and players alike as they celebrate his club status as not only a leader and a world class player but as a legend too. 

Antoine Griezmann: On the move come summer?

The transfer columns have been in a frenzy over Antoine Griezmann this season. In what is so far yet another impressive year for Real Sociedad, the Frenchman has quickly established himself as one of the best players in La Liga. The tricky winger has 19 goals to his name so far this season, a statistic that is not to be sniffed at considering he is still only 22 years of age. Could Griezmann be on the move come the summer? 

Speaking to Telefoot, Arsene Wenger spoke of his long term interest in Griezmann saying: “Yes, we follow him in great detail. He attracts other clubs as well. But we follow him, he is a known commodity." The Arsenal boss' comments on Griezmann have many reports suggesting he will be subject to a series of bids from the Gunners. Arsenal are not the only London club that are linked with him too, with Tottenham supposedly monitoring his situation. 

However, it will not just be Arsenal who are likely to go after him. Wenger himself has conceded that other clubs are "attracted" to him and top European clubs such as PSG and Juventus are also both expected to battle it out for the winger, with many tipping PSG to be favourites to land him. Griezmann maybe swayed by PSG as he would get to return to his native France. 

Where will Griezmann be next season?

Interest in the winger does not only come from outside of Spain, but inside too. Many reports in Spain suggest that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Griezmann, despite already having arguably some of the best wingers in the world at their disposal.   

Amid rumours he was heading towards the exit door of San Sebastian in January, Griezmann assured Real Sociedad fans he was not leaving, but does have a wait and see attitude in the summer. He said: "I am happy at Real Sociedad, I am very relaxed about the situation. I want to finish the year here and then we will see." 

Real Sociedad crashed out of the Champions League.

A clever and versatile winger, Griezmann not only scores goals from out wide and in other attacking positions he is deployed in but also contributes with a number of assists. Quick with a low centre of gravity allowing him to execute intelligent passes and turns, Griezmann has been in the form of his career this year, so much so he has landed his first senior international call up ahead of France's friendly against the Netherlands. 

With the year Griezmann is having, he is very likely to be one of the most sought after players in Europe and come summer be subject to a few huge bids from high profile clubs. Real Sociedad face a fight to hold on to Griezmann, one they are likely to lose but the question remains: where will Griezmann be playing his football next season?