EPL

With most of the football matters now settled apart from the Champions League Final and the Championship Playoff Final, the media now turns its attention to the transfer market. Of course, the rumours rumble along all season in the background, but now it is time for them to take centre-stage. Most will be fantasy and invented by tired hacks that have column inches to fill, but those journalists who actually take the time to substantiate their claims will find that readers will take more interest in their articles.

All of which brings me to a past favourite; Carlos Tevez. The latest rumours have arisen because of the earlier rumour that Radamel Falcao has agreed to move to Manchester City for around £54m! If that is true, then it seems logical that Tevez will want out from City, as his appearances will be limited. However, if that is the case, where would he go?

Sunderland face their final match of the English Premier League campaign this afternoon of May 19, 2013, when they travel to Tottenham's White Hart Lane, but a few months ago the side looked less than thrilled to face the end of the season as relegation was looming.

The Black Cats looked a team on the brink of relegation close to two months ago. A club that had appeared to have been rejuvenated under Martin O'Neill last campaign was simply looking to be falling apart under the former Aston Villa and Celtic boss.

Despite having made key signings of Steven Fletcher, Adam Johnson and later Danny Graham, all three failed to be the saviors of the side that were believed to be the ones to get them into the top half of the table.

With Sunderland appearing to be a sinking ship in March, Martin O'Neill was given his marching orders and former West Ham Striker turned manager Paolo Di Canio was appointed as his successor.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is continuing to build through youth, as he prepares to sign Auxerre youth Yaya Sanogo and FC Barcelona academy prospect Josimar Quintero.

Despite rumors of a sizeable transfer kitty and links to several high-profile stars, Wenger is adhering to his faith in developing youngsters. That policy, dubbed "project youth" by its critics, has delighted and infuriated Gunners supporters in equal measure.

When it works, as in the cases of Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, it is heartily endorsed by Arsenal fans. It is seen as the hallmark of Wenger's genius in the transfer market and the field of player development.

When it fails, as in the cases of Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson, Wenger's belief in building through youth is targeted as the main reason for Arsenal's prolonged trophy drought.

Many believe it is next to impossible for Arsenal to credibly contend for the major prizes, with Wenger's young fledglings competing against established starts at other clubs.

Arsenal`s and Arsene Wenger`s first signing of the summer transfer window will be the France U-21 International Yaya Sanogo from French Ligue 1 club, Auxerre. Wenger has stated today that talks are at an advanced stage and he expects the deal to be the first of a number of signings this summer. It has been suggested that without the millstone of debt from the new stadium around their necks, the Arsenal board have sanctioned spending of around £100m to update the current squad.

Wenger was also asked about speculation surrounding a bid for Wayne Rooney, The Manchester United striker, however, Wenger replied:-
"That is not even a question at the moment. We have not gone into that. At the moment we have no interest in anybody, we have only one interest and that is of course Sunday's game."
Of course there is a bit of tension at the Emirates with their final match of the season away at Newcastle, with their manager already saying that his team will be full strength and playing to win, to protect the integrity of the clubs reputation.

The saga of Frank Lampard`s contract has finally been settled and he has this morning signed a one year extension. It is thought that Rafa Benitez may had some input into the change of mind, but Chelsea insiders are saying that incoming manager Jose Mourinho made it a condition of his appointment that Lampard and Terry are part of the deal.

Originally, it was thought that Lampard would be allowed to leave at the end of his current contract in the summer and there were rumours that LA Galaxy had been in touch with his agent about a possible move to the United States, however, his wife, who has her own separate career, was not keen to uproot.

The situation surrounding Terry is slightly different in that he has suffered a dramatic loss of form and it may be that he will leave with Lampard at the end of next season.

All that remains now is for Mourinho to make it official that he will be the next Chelsea manager.