Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 24th July Part Two

As we move in to the off-season an unprecedented amount of managerial movement around Europe will surely see an already frantic transfer market go in to overdrive. This will give plenty of opportunities for transfer rumour and gossip. So how much of it is realistic?

Part One is here.

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 26, is considering his future with the Spanish club after Manchester United made a second bid for him.

Full story: Sky Sports

What’s the story? Is he now? The weird things is, Sky Sports seem to be the only outlet pushing this story as something that could absolutely happen. Even the papers seem to be giving up on this even if Man United aren’t just yet.

Does it make sense? He forced his way out of Arsenal to play for his beloved Barcelona. Now that he is only one or two years from being the main man in midfield why would he want to leave?

Is the price right? Barcelona keep rejecting offers and Arsenal have a right to match anything anyway. It’s all a bit muddled with Fabregas having various reported release clauses and sell on clauses but ultimately Barcelona can’t lose him and Thiago Alcantara in the same summer.

Will it happen? 2/10 – How can it? Contrary to perceptions in England Fabregas has only ever been an important player for Barcelona getting minutes and goals.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, would consider signing for Arsenal if a transfer to Chelsea falls through.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? ‘If a transfer to Chelsea falls through’?! Huh? There are two reasons for him not to go to Chelsea and both would eliminate Arsenal too. United don’t sell stars to English teams and don’t have sufficient quality in support of Van Persie if the Dutchman gets injured to allow them to sell Rooney.

Does it make sense? As at Chelsea, he’d be a good footballing fit but little else does.

Is the price right? £20-40m apparently so it could be anything.

Will it happen? 2/10 – Arsenal are focusing on Suarez and United don’t sell in England.

Valencia have told Tottenham that striker Roberto Soldado, 28, can leave, but only if his 30m euros (£26m) release clause is met.

Full story: Daily Express

What’s the story? It’s pretty much Valencia’s stance now and is a fair one from their point of view. Spurs need to get themselves a proper striker to take the burden off Bale.

Does it make sense? He’d be a great addition for Spurs but they will be getting a bit nervous about the price. Soldado is a mature sophisticated forward on top of his potent finishing. A nice combination to be excellent in front of Spurs’ forward line.

Is the price right? £26m is too much for him given his age and lack of speed. It sounds pernickety, but it’s probably about £5-6m too much to be comfortable with.

Will it happen? 8/10 – It kind of depends on what Spurs are willing to offer because Soldado seems willing to move to them if they push hard enough. He’s one of the few remaining available players of this quality so it’s worth trying hard for.

Benfica want 40m euros (£34m) for winger Eduardo Salvio, 23, as they attempt to ward off interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham.

Full story: Daily Express

What’s the story? Yes, they do. As we found out last week.

Does it make sense? Benfica are one of the clubs that hold the key to the transfer market because of their abundance of talent. However, a high price tag isn’t necessarily to ward off buyers as to extract an enormous fee. Either way, they’ll be happy.

Is the price right? Well it’s obviously too much but then why on earth should they sell. They’re sat on a stockpile of money and talented players, so why not keep them and try to finally win the Portugese League?

Will it happen? 0/10 – Nope.

French league club Monaco have made a new move for 26-year-old Manchester United winger Nani.

Full story: The Times

What’s the story? This is exactly as I predicted five weeks ago

Does it make sense? Yes. Having hilariously shelled out £52m each on Falcao who turns out to be 29 years old and Hulk, who turns out to be Hulk, they need some longer term investments.

Is the price right? Man United have said they want a very reasonable £8.5m. Very surprising it hasn’t been taken up so far.

Will it happen? 7/10 – They’ve got the money and the ‘why not’ attitude so, why not?