Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 14th 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

Jose Mourinho wants former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, 35, to return to Stamford Bridge from Galatasaray

Didier Drogba

Full story: Sunday Mirror

What’s the story? Haha. No he doesn’t.

Does it make sense? No. It’d be a final hurrah with the old band but Chelsea are moving to a younger core which Mourinho seems to be on board with.

Is the price right? It’s pretty irrelevant.

Will it happen? 1/10 – Why would it? Mourinho is already going back to his old club and to prove himself so he’s not going to be doing that by bringing back all the old boys from last time.

Arsenal have told Gonzalo Higuain, 25, to hurry up and decide if he wants to join them after growing frustrated with the Real Madrid striker delaying his proposed move to north London.

Gonzalo Higuain

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? This one just drags on and on. Are Real Madrid delaying selling Higuain? Do they not want to sell him at all? Does he not want to move?

Does it make sense? Arsenal are being made to look foolish and impotent in the market at the moment so they need to hurry them up.

Is the price right? It was thought the £22m fee had been agreed which is outstanding value.

Will it happen? 5/10 – Who can possibly say?

Striker Edin Dzeko, 27, will stay at Manchester City and be a “very important player”, according to manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Edin Dzeko

Full story: Sunday Telegraph

What’s the story? I guess he has to say this seeing as they haven’t managed to sign another striker.

Does it make sense? Dzeko is very talented and has shown that he can score goals in the Premier League so they might want to give him the chance to prove himself.

Is the price right? Considering that City paid the best part of £24m for him they’ll want to get proper value from him.

Will it happen? 8/10 – City seem to have missed out on all the strikers who would represent an upgrade on Dzeko so he will probably end up starting.

Everton and Newcastle have been told they will have to pay £5m for Porto defender Rolando, 27, if they want to sign the Portugal international.

Rolando

Full story: Sunday Express

What’s the story? Rolando was highly rated a couple of years ago but lost his place to Mangala last season at Porto.

Does it make sense? Not really. Rolando is a big unit but limited. This is why he lost his job at Porto. Everton have signed Alcaraz so are fine for central defenders. Newcastle don’t really need another athletic but unreliable option at the back.

Is the price right? It’s about right. Maybe a bit expensive.

Will it happen? 3/10 – These teams don’t seem like obvious landing spots.

Harry Redknapp is set to beat Premier League opposition in the race to sign £5m-rated Celtic striker Gary Hooper, 25, for Queens Park Rangers.

Gary Hooper

Full story: Mail on Sunday

What’s the story? This is another odd one. Celtic turned down £8m from Norwich in January. Hooper has said he wants to leave to try his luck in the Premier League.

Does it make sense? He’d be a good solid signing for a QPR side looking to get promoted back to the Premier League.

Is the price right? I don’t get why Celtic are selling now but not at £8m?

Will it happen? 9/10 – It’s very likely unless there is a last minute intervention from a Premier League side.