Spanish newspaper Marca writes Inter and Real Madrid are discussing the possibility of a swap deal between Inter midfielder Santiago Solari and Real’s Antonio Cassano. In Solari’s case it would be a comeback to his former club, whereas Cassano, at odds with the merengues, would be more than happy to return to Serie A and work with a manager who has always been a fan of his.
Real Madrid are willing to include fullback Cicinho in their offer for Chelsea winger Arjen Robben.
The Blues are holding out for £15m, having already rejected £13.5m bid for Robben.
The Dutch winger's father Hans and lawyer Tom Smith are negotiating with both clubs to try to rush through the deal for Robben to fly home from Chelsea's training camp in Los Angeles and join Real's pre-season in Austria.
Real sports chief Pedja Mijatovic said: "Chelsea have never indicated they want a player.
"We would be happy to change if they did, but this transfer will probably only involve cash."
Real Madrid are reported to be lining up a swoop for Andriy Shevchenko and will offer Brazilian striker Ronaldo as part of the deal.
Shevchenko is continuing to struggle with his form at Stamford Bridge and according to reports in Spain, Real are keen to offer him a route out of the Premiership this January.
| The Ukranian striker has been continually linked with a return to Italy with former club AC Milan but Chelsea have always denied the rumours and insist he is going nowhere. |
| Now Real are said to be in the hunt and are ready to throw Ronaldo into the deal in an effort to persuade Chelsea to sell. |
| Chelsea are unlikely to entertain the idea though as Ronaldo is cup-tied in the Champions League this season and would not be able to figure for the Blues when play resumes in February. |
Brazilian international Julio Baptista has joined Arsenal from La Liga side Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee, with Gunners forward Jose Antonio Reyes joining the Spanish side in a reverse move.
Baptista (24) can play in midfield or as a forward and has been a target of the Club for some time, attracting attention with performances in Spain with Sevilla where he scored an impressive 38 goals from 63 appearances in two seasons, including five goals in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup campaign. Nicknamed ‘the Beast’, Julio joined Real Madrid last season and scored nine goals in 45 appearances which include the Champions League fixtures against Arsenal.
The 24 year old has also made 18 international appearances for his country scoring three goals, and while not called up for the 2006 World Cup was a member of Brazil’s winning squads at both the 2004 Copa America and also last year’s Confederations Cup.
Arsenal and Spain forward Jose Antonio Reyes appeared in all five competitions last season making a total of 110 appearances scoring 23 goals, and to date has won championship and FA Cup honours with Arsenal.
Reyes (22) has made 21 appearances for the Spanish national side and made one appearance at the 2006 World Cup, setting up the only goal in the win over Saudi Arabia.
Arsène Wenger, Arsenal manager said: “Julio Baptista will be a great addition to our squad. He is a powerful young international and is a versatile footballer who can operate both in midfield and as a striker. He has shown his potential over the past few seasons in Spain with both Real Madrid and Sevilla and we’re looking forward to him joining us. While welcoming Julio we would like to wish Jose the best of luck for his time in Spain.”
Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes and Real Madrid's Julio Baptista are close to swapping teams, news reports said on Wednesday.
Citing Reyes' agent, Herminio Menendez, news agency Efe said the two clubs were holding talks aimed at agreeing on an exchange before the transfer deadline at midnight Thursday.
Madrid has made earlier cash bids to sign Reyes but Arsenal's insistence on a reported fee of €18 million (US$23 million) halted any deal.
However, it appears that by offering Baptista Arsenal is much more interested.
The London club hoped to sign Baptista from Sevilla a year ago although the Brazil midfielder instead chose to join Madrid in a €20 million (US$25 million) deal.
However, Baptista is regarded as dispensable by Madrid coach Fabio Capello, who took charge in July and has already brought in four new players - Juventus' Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson, Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Lyon's Mahamadou Diarra.
A deal would end Atletico Madrid's hopes of signing Reyes. Madrid's crosstown rival has also had offers rejected.
The 22-year-old forward has not played for Arsenal this season and would be eligible to play for Madrid in this season's Champions League.
Reyes, who joined Arsenal from Sevilla in January 2004 and who last year extended his contract to 2011, has long since shown interest in a return home.
In February 2005, the Spain international was kidded into acknowledging his desire for a move during a mock interview staged by a Spanish radio station.
Last month, he told the Spanish press he was keen to leave Arsenal for Madrid, saying he hadn't adapted to life in England, the language or the climate.
Reyes said last weekend he wouldn't play again in the English league and suggested he didn't mind which Spanish club he joined.
