The Stone The Builder Refuses: Crouch signs with Portsmouth to create partnership with Defoe

The summer transfer window has finally gotten into full swing. Weeks of media hyped speculation and rumours have all of a sudden been replaced with factual evidence of players moving to new clubs. Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has decided to return to his old team Portsmouth to help form a goal scoring partnership with Jermaine Defoe. This partnership is an interesting one because both players have one major thing in common. They both have no problem finding the net, but remained overlooked by their former clubs and were both forced to sit unhappily on the bench. There move to Portsmouth has granted them the opportunity to literally shove goals into their former clubs faces and become regular placements in Capello's English squad. The two players already have an history of playing well together. According to statistics provided by Sky Sports, they haved appeared together 7 times and have netted 10 goals. Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp and England manager Fabio Capello will be hoping that these two can continue develop their partnership infront of goal so they can be utilized for both their club and country.

Physically the two could hardly be any different. Defoe a short player just reaching 5ft 7 inches while Crouch towers at 6ft 7 inches. Both players have a knack for using their feet to score amazing goals. Crouch despite his height however is not known for his aerial capabilities, while Jermaine has scored a few goals using his head. Defoe moved to Portsmouth on a loan turned permanent deal from Tottenham during last season's January transfer window and Portsmouth soon began to see returns for their investment. He made just 11 appearances and scored 7 goals. He score in almost all his first games for the team. Redknapp his hoping that Crouch have a similar start to his return to Portsmouth. The last time he donned the Portsmouth blue and gold he made 37 appearances and scored 18 goals. At that time Portsmouth did not have the calibre of players in its roster that it has now. With midfield service from players like Diarra and Kranjcar we can expect him to surpass his old goal scoring tally. This partnership should be very interesting to watch come next season and beyond.

Finally Samir Nasri becomes a Gunner

Young French Algerian prodigy Samir Nasri has finally completed one of the most anticipated transfer deals this summer. Earlier today Arsenal FC presented pictures and news of the midfielder becoming Arsenal's second signing for the summer. Fans waited anxiously, visiting the club's website for news of the transfer conclusion. I am more than elated to see Nasri finally wearing the red and white jersey. I was watching a International game, and noticed Nasri coming off the bench. It only took me a matter of minutes to come to the conclusion that his game suited Arsenal perfectly. I felt that his passing and quick pace would attract Wenger and dreamed that he would be signed. It was a great surprise to know that Arsene and I were on the same page. Nasri brings to the club great promise in regards to midfield service and attacks at goal. He is a versatile midfielder, that is able to play on either wing or set in central midfield. His attributes are his amazing dribbling skills and precise passing. He is also not afraid to take shots at goal. He is expected to replace an outgoing Alexandre Hleb and may see himself in a supporting striker role, that was once held by Hleb. He could also be utilized on the left wing freeing up Rosicky to take up his favoured central midfield role, alternating with Fabregas.

Nasri's started his football career as a youth player at the French club Olympique Marsielle after he was scouted at a small club his parents allowed him to join. He became apart of Marsielle at the young age of 9 and joined the senior squad in 2004. During his time in the senior squad he made 121 appearances and scored 11 goals. Despite his lack of goal scoring for the club his passes contributed to the success of the club and enplacement in European competition. In 2007 he won the French Lique One Young Player of the year award. Nasri has also been selected for both the French youth and senior teams. The French manager selected him as a substitute for his Euro 08 squad. Nasri has made 12 appearances for the senior squad and has scored twice. Nasri's decision to join Arsenal should present the frenchman with a great opportunity to develop his game with a manager who is known to bring the best out of young talent. His experiences in the Premiereship should also provide positive growth. I am happy that he has decided to join Arsenal and look forward to his contribution.