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Real Madrid (+£178m of talent) or Barcelona (Treble Campiones): Who will reign supreme?

With Cristiano Ronaldo set to be unveiled wearing the number 9, many Madridista fans imagined that CR..9 would play a more of a forward role for the Bernabéu faithful. This was no concern for Madrid fans, as Ronaldo has shown that he can excel as a target man (i.e. Champions League Semi-Final 2nd Leg vs. Arsenal). However, with another 30 million pounds that Florentino Perez imagines Real Madrid can afford to spend, the side was able to attain the signature of 21-year-old French striker, Karim Benzema. Real Madrid has now spent £178 million for four players: Cristiano Ronaldo (£80), Kaka (£56), Raul Albiol (£12), and now Benzema (£30).
Real Madrid will not be the only major club in Spain making improvements to their team,
Catalan rivals FC Barcelona are currently pursuing Valencia striker David Villa.

Karim Benzema: Where will he play next season?

The Lyon wunderkind’s future has been in doubt this summer, and while the Lyon gaffer, Claude Puel, would love to have the 21-year-old stay in Ligue Un for one last season, he has admitted that Benzema could leave if a big offer is made. Puel had previously issued a somewhat jokingly response to Benzema’s transfer options by telling Sir Alex Ferguson that they would sell Benzema for Cristiano Ronaldo, and an additional 40 million euro transfer fee.

Well now that Ronaldo is out of the question, Lyon have succumbed to reality. Puel stated, “He’s an exceptional player, but we also know the finances of a club.” Lyon would place a price tag of around £30 million for the young French striker. Puel later added, “They say you can’t hold back a player against his will but, faced with a huge transfer and the wishes of a player to leave, you have to consider everything.”

The mind struggles to imagine Real Madrid spending the money to attain his services, however, Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal are also eager to add the Lyon playmaker.

Karim Benzema Highlights

Chelsea Secure Yuri Zhirkov For £18m

The twenty-five year old Russian international’s long anticipated move away from CSKA Moscow may finally occur as Chelsea have offered a reported £18m for the Ballon d’Or nominee. Zhirkov is expected to arrive in London on Wednesday to sign a four-year contract with the blues. Chelsea have pursued the left-sided midfielder after Guus Hiddink recommended the CSKA star to Chelsea owner and fellow Russian, Roman Abramovich. Current Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was able to deter Zhirkov’s well-known interest in a possible FC Barcelona transfer to secure the Euro 2008 star’s future at Stamford Bridge. It will be the first major summer signing for the London club and is expected to be followed by Manchester City wonderkid Daniel Sturridge and Ross Turnbull from Middlesbrough.

Zhirkov on display for his nat'l team in Euro 2008 against Spain.

Zhirkov is not necessarily guaranteed a starting spot in Chelsea’s Premier League campaign as both Joe Cole, who is returning from injury and Frenchman Florent Malouda both play the same left midfield position. Zhirkov is most adept at left wing but he could pose a threat to the role of Ashley Cole if Ancelotti decides to play the Russian at left-back, where he often plays for the Russian National Team. The deal should be completed within a few days and he is expected to join his new teammates at pre-season training on Monday.

Amazing Goal by Zhirkov for CSKA Moscow against Hamburg in the UEFA Cup