Anzhi Transfer Rumors: Top 10 Players Linked to Big-Spending Russians

Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala has been bombarding the transfer rumor scene ever since they swooped to sign Samuel Eto'o this summer, making him the highest paid footballer in the world at a sum circling £300,000-a-week.

Eto'o himself has even been in the press claiming that all the biggest stars are lining up to join him in the frozen tundra of the former Soviet Union:

“I am happy that more players are thinking about coming.

Many of them are important players and they have been linked with clubs here.

That is a big victory for Anzhi and the club is giving an opportunity for Russian football to attract stars.

I have to tell you that practically every day I get a message or a phone call from a high profile player who wonders whether there are opportunities to come here, because the truth is the future of football is in Russia.

Furthermore, I believe that leading up to the World Cup here in 2018, the quality of the league will be better.”

Somehow, I do not see that many people signing up to join a club in a relatively obscure league compared to the major European leagues of England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. But, money talks, and who am I to say I would rather play for glory than sell my sole.

While we can laugh all we want, the fact that Anzhi are throwing ridiculous amounts of money around can not be ignored and they're likely to get at least one or two big names, though most of them in the latter part of their career.

All of that said, let's recap all the big names linked with Anzhi recently.

The linking of Steven Gerrard to Anzhi is one of the worst rumors to be bantered about. Then again, most all of them have been awful.

There is really no way that the Liverpool Captain is going to leave the club that is his heart and soul, nor a manager he grew up idolizing.

The linking of Frank Lampard with the Russian side is almost as laughable as Steven Gerrard. However, Lampard has a few years on Gerrard, and is more likely to be pushed into a move sooner.

If he were to be forced out due to his age and Andre Villas-Boas hoping to rebuild his own Chelsea side, a big pay day might be the next best option for the last contract of his career.

Really, who thought this up?

There is no way Cristiano Ronaldo is trading the Spanish capital for a Moscow training ground before a thousand—mile flight to each match of the season, even if he might have eluded to it with this comment:

"In football, you never know what can happen in the future. So if one day I go and play in Russia, do not be surprised."

Arsenal's Russian winger Andrey Arshavin is probably one of the more likely possibilities. With the Gunners in need of funds to rebuild, they could be willing to listen to offers.

Arshavin has turned into a shadow of his former self, one that once blasted four goals against Liverpool in a single match at Anfield no less.

His days at the Emirates could be numbered.

Nearing the end of the summer window, Anzhi were linked with a massive offer for Barcelona's 27-year-old fullback, Dani Alves.

However, why would he leave a newly—signed contract back in March with the best team in the world at the moment?

Answer: He wouldn't.

Manchester United captain, Nemanja Vidic, has seen little action so far this season. And with the upstart youngsters in Red so far having been phenomenal it could be possible for Sir Alex to at Least consider discussing a major money transfer.

With his sights in January possibly to return to Welsey Sneijder, a major sale could help to bankroll that addition. But the likelihood of it is slim to none as a healthy Vidic is one of the most dominating central defenders in the league.

They will need his ability to chase down Manchester City.

Arsenal out of favor center back Sebastien Squillaci is a definite possibility to join Anzhi if they come calling.

Arsene Wenger will be desperate to add to his defense and the sale of Squillaci, as well as Arshavin, could help push forward a bid for Gary Cahill.

Tottenham's out—of—favor forward, Roman Pavlyuchenko, is expected to be out of London in January and could fancy a big payday with Anzhi, if they come calling as has been rumored.

Chelsea and England left back, Ashley Cole, is one of the latest major players to be linked with Anzhi. Cole continues to prove he is one of, if not the best left back in England, and it would take a massive bid to pry him away from Roman Abramovich's side.

Granted, it would be interesting to see two Russian billionaires trade funds and players.

FC Porto striker Hulk also could be a target in January that Anzhi return for. According to Goal.com the Russian side missed out on a £76.2 million bid for the Brazilian born player.

While the fee seems to be vastly out of proportion for what his believed quality is, I would be surprised to see FC Porto turn down that much cash a second time around.