Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 20th 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?

---

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 26, is ready to break his promise that he would not leave the Reds for another Premier League club to join Arsenal.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? So Luis Suarez isn’t the saintly figure who we could take at his word? Blimey.Does it make sense? It’d make sense, football wise for Arsenal. Suarez would give them a legitimate threat around the penalty box. Arsene Wenger seems to be okay with the numerous headaches that come with having Suarez but are the fans?Is the price right? It sounds like Arsenal have upped their bid to £40m now but that Liverpool want to get £55m. For his footballing qualities compared to others in the same price range it’s okay but you just can’t invest that much in a guy who is always on the brink of getting suspended for a year.Will it happen? 5/10 – It’s creeping it’s way up from zero. There may or may not be a £40m release clause and if there is, and Arsenal trigger it he may move. However, this could also be a tactical ploy from Suarez to try and alert Real Madrid that he is wavering.

Arsenal are interested in signing Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata, 25, with the Spain international’s future under scrutiny since Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge as manager.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Since when is Juan Mata’s future at Chelsea under scrutiny? Was that when Jose Mourinho said that he’s not for sale or when he won the club’s Player of the Year prize last year when he was involved in over 50 goals?Does it make sense? Obviously having Mata in the team makes sense for Arsenal but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Why would Chelsea sell their most important player?Is the price right? Has to be worth at least £40m just for the relentless consistency of goal output that he manages.Will it happen? 0/10 – Nope. It wouldn’t anyway but Arsenal haven’t signed anyone of note yet so how can this be the first?

Tottenham and Liverpool are in a battle with three other clubs to sign highly rated 20-year-old Brazilian winger Bernard, who is set to quit his current club Atletico Mineiro.

Full story: The Independent

What’s the story? Bernard has been linked with a lot of teams and various times he’s been reported as having near enough signed for all of them.Does it make sense? Possibly an over active agent trying to fire up interest. There will certainly be plenty of that, it’s just a case of finding the club that wants to take a £15-20m plunge on a 20 year old Brazilian. But, both teams could use his inventiveness and goal scoring and if he went to Spurs who better to learn the art from than Gareth Bale?Is the price right? It’ll end up being at least £15m with add ons. But, he’s capable of scoring 10 and making at least 10 which is a rare talent.Will it happen? 6/10 – I feel like he might well move this summer but with so many clubs seemingly only interested at this stage it’s hard to be too firm on it.

Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger, 28, has emerged as a target for Spanish league champions Barcelona.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? PSG have told Barcelona that Thiago Silva is not for sale so they are now scouting for alternatives.Does it make sense? Yes and no. Although Agger’s elegant ball playing style certainly marks him out as someone who would suit Barcelona, I wonder whether signing another passer at the back is what they need when replacing the battling Puyol?Is the price right? £12m is the rumoured figure. It’s about right for a now 28 year old Agger who has slipped from the level he found in the early years of his Liverpool career. But, Liverpool can’t really sell at this price. If they lose Suarez then they definitely won’t need to sell Agger.Will it happen? 4/10 – It wouldn’t be the first time Liverpool have sold to Barcelona but if they sell Suarez and Agger then they are really chancing their arm on Rodgers’ young players.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew wants to sign 27-year-old Lyon forward Bafetimbi Gomis and pair him with Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, 29, in a new-look attacking partnership at St James’ Park.

Full story: The Times

What’s the story? It’s not up to Alan Pardew though right? Isn’t that why Joe Kinnear was appointed as Director of Football? Do Newcastle even know themselves?Does it make sense? Yes. With Papiss Cisse seemingly wanting to leave the club, more of which here later, it makes sense to plan on how to replace him. Pardew seems to want to revert to his trusted 4-4-2, even though it doesn’t suit his players, and these two look like a dynamic strike pairing. They’d combine pace and power and look capable of 10-15 goals each.Is the price right? If rumours than Gomis is available for £4m are true then it’s unfathomably cheap. He hasn’t failed to get to double figures in goals in his career since 2006. Likewise, with Christian Benteke now re-signed, Aston Villa need to get David Bent and his starters wage off their bill so seem to be willing to listen to offers of £5-6m. Again, very cheap for a proven scorer. If Newcastle get them both for £10m it will be sensational business.Will it happen? 9/10 – There aren’t many other suitors for Bent surprisingly and Newcastle’s good record in recruiting from France should work in their favour.