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Hello and welcome to the Premier League transfer news and rumours of the day! Here are the top stories of the day surrounding the English clubs…
#5 Poch wanted signings
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has bemoaned the lack of signings at the north London club following their winter window. The Londoners haven’t signed a single player in the last two windows and Pochettino has addressed the issue.
He stated that sometimes his idea doesn’t match with that of the club and will have to make-do with the squad that he has despite wanting new faces at the club.
“I said in the last press conference not always my idea is the same as the club’s or the chairman’s or the people that are in the club,” Pochettino said.
“In the moment we take some decisions because sometimes we are forced. I wanted to strengthen the squad but if we cannot strengthen and cannot sign I need to stick and be with the progress of the club.”
The former Espanyol manager then expressed the reason of his disappointment as he claimed that the Lilywhites are in a good position in the league and would not have had any excuses for not challenging for the title had they made some signings.
“I am disappointed because we are in a good position.
“And with more help from some players, we cannot use the excuse we aren’t a real contender. We will dream, we will fight until the end to be as high as we can.”
However, he ended on a positive note, claiming that he has a strong squad with whom he is happy to work and win titles despite not signing anyone.
“I am happy to work with my squad, I have a good squad, but always I am open to add more quality. You need to improve, if we can’t add I am not going to be sad.
“I am going to be happy to work with my players and I am so positive that we can win without or with [new] signings.”
#4 Pochettino didn’t want new signings
So the earlier slide claimed that Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino wanted signings because the Argentine himself said so. However, it seems as Harry Redknapp knows the former Southampton manager more than the Argentine knows himself.
The former Tottenham manager confidently claimed that the current boss of the Lilywhites didn’t want anyone new as he already has a great squad at his disposal that is filled with some of the finest midfielders and defenders. Redknapp actually went as far as claiming that he knows this as a “fact”.
“He has got a fantastic squad there. They have got fantastic centre-halves and midfielders galore,” former Lilywhites boss Redknapp said.
“Pochettino didn’t want any players. I know that for a fact. He is happy with his squad and they have proven him right.”
Seems like ‘Arry has a crystal ball with him.
#3 Paul Merson thinks Arnautovic will go
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has given his opinion on the Marko Arnautovic case at West Ham. The Armenian was set to leave the club in the winter market but signed a new contract instead.
It has been reported that his wages have skyrocketed, which is the reason why he ultimately stayed. And according to Merson, the whole thing is a “farce”. He believes that the Hammers became desperate and gave him what he wanted and that he could still leave in the summer.
"Marko Arnautovic signing a contract extension at West Ham is a farce – and I think there’s a massive problem there with or without him. They got desperate and threw more money at him to stay. They are only delaying the inevitable because this will all come back up again in the summer and I won’t be shocked if he goes,” he said.
#2 Liverpool
Hertha Berlin chief Michael Preetz has claimed that the club want to sign Marko Grujic on a permanent transfer. The Serbian was the first signing made under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp but things didn’t go down as well as the German would have hoped.
As a result, he has been more out than in the team. Last season during the second half, he played for Cardiff City on loan. This season, he is at Hertha Berlin, where he has been quite impressive despite injuries.
“First and foremost, we’re happy that we have Marko. I’d always prefer that a player helps me out for a year than not at all. We’ll certainly talk to Liverpool about the next season,” Preetz said.
“All the guys can help us make a difference in a season when something extraordinary is possible. That is our goal, and it would be wonderful to successfully take the next step together.”
#1 Chelsea
Chelsea might have gotten Gonzalo Higuain in the team but they do look a bit understaffed in midfield. They let go of Cesc Fabregas but couldn’t bring in a replacement and that might change in the summer.
According to reports, Chelsea are looking at the option to bring in Saul from Atletico Madrid. They are apparently willing to invest €150 million.
Meanwhile, this report from Spain claims that Chelsea have won the race to sign Mauricio Pochettino from Spurs. They are 'close to completing' a deal and Real Madrid, who had targeted the Argentine, will have to look elsewhere.
The compensation fee to bring Pochettino at Stamford Bridge is said to be around €30 million. It was initially at €45 million but Levy is said to be considering €30 million.
For more Premier League transfer news and rumours, visit our EPL Transfer News page!
