Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 13th July: Part One

Real Madrid have made a £36m bid for Juventus and Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal, 26, who is also a target for Manchester United.

Arturo Vidal

What’s the story? Ooooh. Real Madrid have just completed the signing of the incredibly talented Asier Illarramendi to add to midfield, but this would be a massive signing.

Does it make sense? Yes it does. For all his gifts, Sami Khedira is not Arturo Vidal. Vidal is the best box to box type midfielder in the world. He’d be a big upgrade and add some serious drive to Real. His signing by Juventus coincided with their burst to back to back titles in Italy, and that was no accident.

Is the price right? Yes. Juventus are not poor but still not rich enough to turn down offers like this, but can turn down offers of less. Serious world class talent like Vidal doesn’t come cheap.

Will it happen? 6/10 – First time I’ve seen this connection but Real aren’t messing about this summer having laid out £34m on Illarramendi yesterday.