Dimitar Berbatov won the Premier League Golden Boot this past season but he seems just about as wanted to Sir Alex Ferguson as a case of eczema.
The silky smooth Bulgarian, a Fantasy Premier League stud in the 2010-2011 season, is attracting suitors from all over Europe as Juventus, Roma, Valencia, and PSG line up for his services.
Berbatov was omitted from Manchester United’s Champions League Final Squad against Barcelona and it looks more and more likely that the 30-year-old is out the door, despite doing his best to stay focused and mentioning his commitment to the club this summer.
So, where will Berbatov land? Could he stay in the Premier League? I think I have the answer: What about a straight up Nasri for Berbatov move? Would that help both Arsenal and Manchester United?
Manchester United have already spent around £50m on Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea this summer – and are looking to spend more with Nasri their #1 target to replace Paul Scholes as a creative, attacking central midfielder. But can they afford Nasri’s £25m pricetag after already splashing out the cash to the aforementioned players? Perhaps not… So what about a good old fashioned ‘American style’ “trade” for Berbatov? Or as they call it in Europe, a “part cash – part player exchange” deal?
Berbatov is one of the most gifted players in Europe: his first touch gives me shivers, his last name rolls of the tongue after an overhead kick against Liverpool, or hat trick or two, but he’s clearly lost out to the Rooney / Hernandez partnership at Manchester United. Michael Owen, Macheda, Bebe, and Welbeck are also on the books. Could the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner really be surplus to requirements? Looks like it…
Now what do Arsenal need? A classy finisher to play alongside Robin van Persie? Yup. Someone to poach / finish / hold up play and allow RVP to work as a ‘withdrawn’ striker linking the midfield and attack? Yup. Who does that better than Dimitar Berbatov? Nik Bendtner certainly can’t carry that weight and while Chamakh is a nice Premier League player he will never be a 20 goal-scorer in this league – so what about Berbatov?
Nasri wants out. Let him leave. Get Berbatov in return. A win for Arsenal. Bring in a central defensive player and/or another midfielder and your summer spending is done. Manchester United want Nasri – so give up Berbatov. Your summer spending is done.
Could it really happen? Would these two managers allow their most technically gifted players to swap sides to title rivals? Probably not. But I think it would be very cool for the league, great for the rivalry, and a superb storyline for neutrals. The chances are slim, but I hope it happens – Nasri for Berbatov straight up. Who’s with me?
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Excellent idea. Both players need a fresh start.
And to quote: ‘it would be very cool for the league, great for the rivalry’.
sounds like a one sided swap to me. berbatov has only few years left while nasri is just peaking in his prime. also berba is overrated, goes missing in too many games. sure he gets the odd hat trick against the lesser teams, but he’s inconsistent. plus with the departure of fabregas, arsenal need a player like nasri much more than they need a striker.