Analysing the Transfer Gossip: 29th July – Part One

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?

Bayern Munich are ready to offer £40m for Chelsea defender David Luiz, 26 after boss Pep Guardiola put out feelers for the player while he starred for Brazil at the Confederations Cup.

David Luiz

What’s the story? Seemingly Guardiola was unhappy that an albeit weakened defence shipped four times to Borussia Dortmund at the weekend and is trying to immediately do something about it.

Does it make sense? Not desperately. He’s probably going to have to play Javi Martinez in central defence to accommodate all his midfielders,and Dante was arguably their most important player domestically last season. Then there are Boateng and Badstuber to think about too. Plus, Chelsea won’t sell.

Is the price right? It’s in the area where it would force Chelsea to think but unless Mourinho doesn’t want him they won’t sell. You may have noticed over the last ten years that Chelsea aren’t short of cash.

Will it happen? 2/10 – Very unlikely. I think Mourinho will fancy moulding David Luiz as he did with Sergio Ramos and Lucio.

Liverpool pursue a loan move for versatile Benfica defender Lorenzo Melgarejo, 22, and see him as possible cover for Jose Enrique.

Lorenzo Melgarejo (R)

What’s the story? It seems that Liverpool are looking for someone who can operate in a few positions and Melgarejo can play in every position along the left flank.

Does it make sense? I don’t see why Benfica would loan out their starting left back. Sell him perhaps, but literally no reason to loan him.

Is the price right? Nope. He’s worth £5-6m, maybe more, so why on earth Benfica are loaning him to sit on Liverpool’s bench is beyond me. Think again wherever this came from.

Will it happen? 1/10 – Not in this form but maybe if Liverpool are willing to pay.

Crystal Palace want to sign Arsenal‘s Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh, 29, on a six-month loan deal.

Marouane Chamakh

What’s the story? But doesn’t Ian Holloway not loan players? He thinks it’s a scandal.

Does it make sense? Oh I see. It’s OK now that Palace are in the Premier League, because they have such a wretchedly unprepared squad. And being the small club, it’s OK?

Is the price right? How can it be? Ian Holloway doesn’t loan!

Will it happen? 0/10 – Not if he is serious about not loaning anyone. (Maybe 8/10 in reality. They need a striker and Chamakh can possibly do an OK job)

Arsenal could be disappointed in their chase for midfielder Bernard, 20, after the player’s father confirmed that Brazilian team-mate, 27-year-old striker Hulk, has persuaded the youngster Porto would be a better club at which to develop.

Bernard

What’s the story? Well, if Hulk is advising on how to make a career on an inflated reputation it’s worth listening to, but Bernard is not Hulk. Bernard has got some elite level talent.

Does it make sense? Not hugely. He’s only going to want to move to a bigger team anyway so he may as well skip out the middle man. Normally players go to Porto as a stepping stone to bigger things, but he doesn’t need to go through that first phase.

Is the price right? Mineiro want the best part of £21m for their star asset and he does seem to be worth it at the price. Porto have money left over from Moutinho and James Rodriguez’s sales. Arsenal should easily be able to do this, but they haven’t done anything so far.

Will it happen? 8/10 – Other clubs seem to be stepping aside to leave Porto to it. They’ll regret that when it comes to buying him off them though.

Trabzonspor have confirmed former Chelsea duo midfielder Florent Malouda, 33, and defender Jose Bosingwa, 30, will finalise their respective moves to the club on Monday night.

What’s the story? Giving credence to the idea that Turkish league is where fading players go for one last paycheque.

Does it make sense? It sure does for them. Malouda might be different but giving Bosingwa a big contract and expecting effort and passion is what QPR tried and that didn’t go at all well.

Is the price right? Both free agents but no doubt on huge wages.

Will it happen? 10/10 – One last big pay day.

Read part 2 of today’s transfer gossip here.

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