One of the most intriguing news was that Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus was being pursued by Arsenal. Which leads to the question, is Jens Lehmann not good enough for the Gunners? He would make the top 5 goalkeepers list in the world. His World Cup performance at times was a bit patchy but when it came to crunch time he delivered. Is Arsene Wenger just trying to yank Lehmann's chain by dangling the Buffon gambit? Buffon has indicated that he likes home cooking and is contemplating moving to AC Milan. In exchange Juventus might be offered Christian Abbiati, the AC Milan reserve goalkeeper. If that is the case then AC Milan will be in a position to trade DIda. Man U is reportedly interested in acquiring him.
Gianluca Zambrotta is being pursued by Chelsea. But indications are that he is interested in remaining in Italy and playing for AC Milan. Zlatan Ibrahamovic is rumored to be joining Inter Milan and the latest is that Patrick Vieira might be his companion there. Alessandro Del Piero is not moving and has thrown his lot in with Juve in good times and bad times. Pavel Nedved is interested in prolonging his soccer career and is being pursued by Tottenham Hotspurs.
Chelsea was also interested in Fabio Cannavaro but he is most likely moving to Real Madrid with the ex-coach of Juventus, Fabio Capello who has taken over Real's reins.
Goalkeepers are hot commodities and the only reason that Arsenal is probably pursuing Buffon is that he is 10 years younger than Jens Lehmann with many more productive seasons to go. The same dynamic drives Man U to get Nelson DIda on board as Edwin Van Der Saar approaches the twilight of his career.
In the end I have a feeling that most of the Serie players in the relegated clubs will migrate to other top tier Serie clubs like Inter, AS Roma, Perugia, and even AC Milan, which has been penalized by point deductions but not with relegation. The rest will find their place in La Liga.
Tomas Rosicky lands up with the Gooners and Pavel Nedved might join the Spurs. These Czech team mates will be asked to go head to toe in the EPLs bitterest rivalry. The EPL season already looks very promising!
Arsenal is the best team...I don't know why Buffon would resist Arsene Wengers offer to join Arsenal. I beleive he will join, Oh...Fuck of to the guy who thinks buffon wont join Arsenal...JA!!!
buffon is 6 years younger not 10
and perugia are not a big club !
shutup davo
Buffon's the man!
Jules, I think the reason that this is intriguing is that Lehmann will probably feel that he is at the top of his game- after years of being Kahn's understudy. He is also a big reason why Arsenal made it to the Euro finals. If there is talk of Buffon being brought in then Lehmann better plan on moving off somewhere else, even if ultimately Buffon does not sign up with Arsenal.
You've answered your own question. Lehman is 10 years older than Buffon. So why the confusion?
I love philosophical debate, from people right at the cutting edge of English Language debate.
Buffon will not join Arsenal so stop dreaming.