The Footy Mumble: Neymar in Europe, Lampard for Asia?

Arsenal in for Wilfried Zaha

Arsenal continue to be linked with forwards, and after being linked with a scarcely believable move for Falcao, it’s time for them to be linked with someone on the other end of the pay scale (and more within their reach, might we say?).

No surprise that it is another youngster, in the form of Wilfried Zaha, who plies his trade for Crystal Palace as of now.

Zaha would cost Arsenal £12 million, and is seen as a direct replacement for Theo Walcott who is yet to sign a new contract, despite having less than a year left on his current one.

Cole escapes ban

Ashley Cole, who has been in the midst of controversy for calling the F.A a ‘bunch of tw***’, has escaped a ban from the F.A, despite being charged for the same.

After his outburst, Cole’s England future was thrown into doubt, and the issue assumed more significance considering he was on 98 caps, and also in light of Terry’s retirement last month.

However, the F.A has confirmed that the defender is free to play for England in their next two World Cup qualifiers, and there are indications he will escape with a heavy fine.

Owen Coyle sacked by Bolton

Bolton have gone the way of Blackburn and Wolves in sacking their managers after being relegated to the Championship.

Coyle was considered to be lucky to stay on after the relegation and after a dismal start even in the Championship, his luck seems to have run out.

Mick McCarthy seems to be the favourite to take over with the bookies, with Roy Keane, surprisingly not too far behind.

Rivaldo wants Neymar out of Brazil

Brazil legend Rivaldo has said that compatriot Neymar has to move out of Brazil in order to play with the best stars in the world.

He added that Neymar would gain invaluable experience ahead of the 2014 World Cup, by playing in Europe.

“You need experience at the World Cup and the best way to gain experience is to play against the best, which is the case in Europe”, Rivaldo told Terra.

Neymar’s Brazil team-mates have already switched or in the process of switching to Europe, with Oscar moving to Chelsea earlier this summer and Lucas set to move to Paris Saint Germain in the January transfer window.

Frank Lampard to China ?

After Drogba and Anelka, Frank Lampard could be the next to catch a flight to China, if rumours are to be believed.

The midfielder’s contract situation has seen him linked with an exit from Chelsea all year, and China could be the ultimate destination for a bumper pay package.

Chinese sides Shanghai Shenhua and Beijing Guoan are reportedly interested, and allegedly willingly to pay up to £12 million a year.

However, the Sun claims that the midfielder is looking for a new challenge rather than money, which would make MLS side L.A Galaxy the favoured destination, if Lampard indeed decides to leave Chelsea.