The summer transfer window is poised to bring big changes and an overwhelming amount of speculation just like it does every year. Below is the fourth installment of a series of articles that examines the speculation and the fantasy relevance of each possible move.
David Villa - Valencia : Villa is one of the top targets this off season as it appears he is destined to leave Valencia at the end of the year. Valencia's finances have led many to believe that they will sell off most of their quality players in order to cut payroll and Villa likely will fetch them the most money in return. Villa is a quality finisher, and paired alongside Fernando Torres, he helped lead Spain to the EURO 2008 title. Villa has caught the eyes of the largest and most wealthy clubs, and it is sure to be a battle between them to determine where David Villa will end up.
Where He Will End Up: The list has narrowed considerably but still has three or four worthy contenders. Manchester City is involved as they try and buy any superstar they can with their newly attained limit-less budget. Chelsea has also shown an interest yet they seem to be keen to find a forward similar to the one they are likely replacing (Drogba) and that role would probably be fitted more for Zlatan than Villa. The two biggest teams in Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona, are both in contention as well. Valencia has the mindset that if they sell him, they don't want to face him, which would make more sense to send him to England. However, it is yet to unfold what will happen but my money is on that Villa will wind up somewhere in Spain, his home country.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Inter Milan: Zlatan has been as dominant a striker as can be in Series A in Italy, and has accumulated a plethora of goals for Inter Milan. However, the rumors have swirled that he is looking to play somewhere else in the '09/'10 season and is not content to remain at Inter. This situation is one of the hardest to decipher for there is not too much information out there at this time. Inter would love to keep him for he is lethal in front of goal, however they have been discouraged by his performances on the big stage such as his lackluster efforts in Champions League games. A striker of his immense quality and capability to finish seemingly impossible efforts at goal will make him a huge target in the off season.
Where He Will End Up: If he does indeed leave Inter, do not be surprised to find him at Chelsea or Barcelona. With the talk that Drogba will leave Chelsea at this season's end, Zlatan is a capable replacement and plays in the same manner that Didier Drogba does. Barca is seeking a physical, tall power forward and Zlatan definitely fits that bill. I feel the only way Inter will retain his services is if there are no major changes in the front office or to their head coach. Seeing as there is guaranteed to be a shakeup in both areas in the off season, Zlatan is probably headed out and there is sure to be a large bidding war for his efforts.
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