Transfer Talk

He has had one great season and one-and-a-half mediocre campaigns since he joined Arsenal in January 2006.

He is also prone to occasional hissy-fits both on and off the pitch, as fans of Monaco and Togo will testify.

Yet somehow the world of Premier League hype has deemed him worth more than legendary Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, who even in a "disappointing" season still managed to score 20 goals in 24 matches.

And now Chelsea are understood to have entered the race for the £30 million (yes, that's 30) African hitman as they look for a replacement for the Inter-bound Didier Drogba, although Arsenal would rather flog Adebayor to Milan or Barca than their London rivals.

"Yes, I am still under contract to Arsenal," he said. "But it's up to the directors to satisfy my demands or I'll leave.

"Milan are a big club but… they are not playing in the Champions League.

"Barcelona have made a good financial offer."

Charming.

Still, with Gunners target Obafemi Martins understood to have a release clause of £13 million, Arsene Wenger will have a speedy replacement and almost enough money to sign Liverpool target Gareth Barry, who The Sun reckons will only be allowed to leave for a whopping £18 million.

The kitty generated by Barry's sale – Aston Villa will not accept a player-swap – will help fund a bid for Fraizer Campbell, who Hull City also want to take on a second season's loan from Manchester United.

The Tigers' attempts to bring their squad up to something approaching Premier League scratch could be about to take another early blow, with Werder Bremen reported to have entered the race to sign nippy PSG full-back Bernard Mendy.

The erstwhile France international has, however, expressed a preference for a return to England, where he spent a season on loan at Bolton six years ago.

But then again, he has probably never spent time in Hull.

Banik Ostrava, meanwhile, have responded with bemusement to reports that Fulham have entered the race for Czech striker Vaclav Sverkos, with a spokesman for the club saying he was "surprised" at the rumour and that the only "specific" interest has been from Russia.