Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 19th 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?

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been told he can spend £40m on Liverpool’s 26-year-old striker Luis Suarez.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Very interesting. If Arsenal do meet this mysterious release clause that may or may not exist, it will put Suarez in an strange position. He said he wanted to leave Liverpool to get out of England so how can he possibly move to Arsenal? But then, maybe Mr. Suarez isn’t the man to rely on for that?Does it make sense? This would be a fabulous signing for Arsenal on the football pitch if they can handle the off field distractions that will follow him around.Is the price right? There was a theory that this was a release clause figure but no one really knows. It’s probably the right price for him considering he can score and make goals in such quantity.Will it happen? 4/10 – It seems to be sneaking away from completely impossible to somewhat improbable.Wenger’s pursuit of Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain, 25, has been hindered by Chelsea’s interest in the striker.

Full story: talkSPORT

What’s the story? But, Jose Mourinho said Chelsea only want Rooney right? Yeah, well perhaps he’s just playfully rocking the Man United boat from afar.Does it make sense? He’d be a great signing for either club. A truly world class striker with the style and physique to make him ideally suited for life in the Premier League.Is the price right? Real have decided they want £37m, which is still a fair price considering what the likes of Edinson Cavani or Suarez are valued at.Will it happen? 5/10 – Who knows now? He said he wanted to leave but Carlo Ancelotti might have persuaded him to stay. Chelsea and Arsenal both seem to be looking elsewhere.AC Milan are prepared to make a move for Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, 21, who is also a target for Liverpool.

Full story: talkSPORT

What’s the story? Are they? AC Milan seemed to be closing in on Keisuke Honda so they can’t need both. Liverpool seem to be waiting to see what happens with Suarez but I did select Eriksen as one of the five players they should be looking to sign.Does it make sense? He’d make sense at either team, offering a wide and creative range of passing and goal threat in behind a central striker.Is the price right? Ajax wanted £20m but no one seems willing to pay that. He only has a year left on his contract so could probably be had for £12-15m which would be excellent value for the buyer.Will it happen? 6/10: Liverpool – He’d be a logical signing but they can’t offer Champions League football. 4/10: Milan – Honda seems to be first choice, but this would climb rapidly if they miss out on the Japanese star.

Spurs have made an improved offer of £20m for Valencia striker Roberto Soldado after the Spanish club turned down an initial bid of £17m for the 28-year-old.

Full story: Daily Star

What’s the story? I’m increasingly unconvinced that Spurs aren’t that interested in Soldado for some reason. They don’t really sign players that are over 25 very often unless they are cheap (Clint Dempsey) so this doesn’t quite look right.Does it make sense? He’s a top quality player and would represent a big upgrade on the incumbents so it does football wise. I just get the impression they’d prefer Christian Benteke if they could make that happen.Is the price right? £20m is the top of the range. Too much more is a problem due to his age, but Spurs could just about justify paying this.Will it happen? 3/10 – I’m not seeing this as particularly likely right now, but if they get absolutely rebuffed by Aston Villa, they could well focus on Soldado.West Brom have rejected a bid of £850,000 for unsettled striker Peter Odemwingie, 32, from Dubai club Al Nasr.

Full story: Daily Express

What’s the story? I’m surprised at this. You’d think West Brom would want to get Odemwingie out of the club as soon as possible.Does it make sense? No. Odemwingie would love a big payday in the sun and he can’t be worth much more than this so they should just take it and get it over and done with.Is the price right? Yes. It’s more than zero.Will it happen? 9/10 – He’ll go eventually and vanishing to the Middle East for big wages would suit.

For part one, click here: Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 19th July Part One