Carroll to Chelsea and Campbell to Toon?
Posted on June 6th, 2010 | 44 Comments |
Amazingly, none of it regards Steven Taylor, although there is still plenty of time for that to change throughout the day.
One of these pieces of transfer gossip seems to think that Chelsea are lining up a bid for striker, Andy Carroll, whilst the other thinks we are back in the market for Sol Campbell who is again available on a free transfer after his short term contract at Arsenal expire.
Campbell was heavily linked with a move to Tyneside last season after he walked out on Notts County. He was spotted at the ground at everything and apparently told people he was all set to join Newcastle. In the end he didn’t, and when his old club Arsenal came calling he scurried off back down South, although I will admit that he did play some blinders last season, to the surprise of a few who though he was perhaps a bit too old for the rigours of Premier League football. But the thing is, if this rumour was true, at 35-years old now, has Campbell got another season left in the tank? I mean, it’s that little bit easier playing in defence for an Arsenal side who can actually maintain possesion and keep the pressure off their defence as opposed to what it would be like for us next season, where the defence will arguably be our most called upon position.
There is no doubt that Campbell is a good defender, mentally, but will his legs keep up with what his head is saying? There is also the cost involved aswell, as he probably wouldn’t come to Newcastle for the 50p a week and a bag of sherbert that we would be willing to pay him.
Next up, Andy Carroll is apparently a transfer target for Chelsea, who are trying to buy up the next generation of stars in preparation for the new financial fair play rules that will come into full force in a few years time. Under those rules, Chelsea would suffer as they cannot compete with the like of Arsenal or Manchester United in terms of income, which means that they theoretically wouldn’t be able to spend as much to keep up with them.
Carroll is being eyed as a long-term replacement for Didier Drogba (I know, don’t laugh), who isn’t getting any younger, and if they could buy him now then they wouldn’t have to worry about theses new financial restraints that are being imposed by both the Premier League and UEFA.
Whichever way you package it, both of these are unlikely to happen. Carroll is happy at Newcastle, and Ashley knows he wouldn’t get away lightly with selling one of our local lads. As for Campbell, rehash of the story from last year anyone? That is my take on it, plus the fact he is getting on and wouldn’t fit with our apparent policy of building for the future.
It is still fun to speculate though, I enjoy it, especially when the links are as tenuous as the two covered here. I was expecting something this Sunday, and despite his undoubted potential, Carroll to Chelsea is stretching it a bit far.
Campbell can do one, no thanks.