Analysing the Transfer Gossip: 22nd July

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 could turn to Swansea’s Ashley Williams, 28, to cope with their growing defensive crisis.

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? Yep, or they couldn’t. And they won’t.Does it make sense? They are thin at centre-back so they need help but spending the amount that Swansea want for Williams is not something Arsenal do. He’s 28 and will be fourth choice when everyone is fit.Is the price right? The rumoured figure is £10m. That is a crazy amount. He’s a good player but he won’t start, so spending that much on a back-up is ludicrous when they can’t get a striker.Will it happen? 2/10 – It depends how desperate Arsenal get later in the window but this is so unlike them that it’s hard to picture.

The Gunners could also revive their interest in Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, 25, who is stalling on a move to Napoli because he is keen on a move to London.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? Again, when were they not in the chase for Higuain? If they really have abandoned this to try and get Luis Suarez then they are playing an absurdly risky game.Does it make sense? They can get Higuain for less than Suarez. He’s got a better goal scoring track record. He’s younger. He doesn’t cause any problems off the pitch and he’s gettable. But Arsenal seem infatuated with Suarez for some reason.Is the price right? Even at the new price of £37m it still makes sense. 107 goals in 187 games for Real Madrid. What more proof of his quality do they need?Will it happen? 4/10 – This was near enough done a few weeks ago apparently but it seems that Napoli are in the lead at the moment.

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Tottenham target and Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, 28, after Spurs had an initial bid of £17m rejected.

Full story: Daily Star

What’s the story? Not really a surprise. Liverpool are possibly going to need to replace Suarez so it makes sense to have a look around.Does it make sense? The problem with going out and signing Soldado is that it’s the type of move a club expecting to reach the top four this year would make. Liverpool don’t have a squad that can do that. He’d be a great signing for Spurs, bringing them the incisiveness and consistency upfront,which they need to take advantage of their excellent supply line.Is the price right? It’s in the right range. It’d be too much if they get above the £20-22m range though given his age.Will it happen? 3/10: Liverpool – they are a little paralysed by the Suarez affair. 7/10: Spurs – They are pretty much on their own in the bidding now unless Liverpool do get involved so if they find the right price with Valencia it should happen.

Bundesliga side Hamburg are preparing a £6m bid for 27-year-old Everton striker Nikica Jelavic.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Jelavic came to Everton, went on a goal scoring tear then couldn’t get near last season. He’ll be the back up to Arouna Kone this year, so might want to move to battle for a spot in the Croatia World Cup squad.Does it make sense? Yes. Jelavic could find the Bundesliga more to his liking and a desperately disappointing Hamburg team need a proper goalscorer if they are to avoid another flirt with relegation.Is the price right? Yep. You pay it and hope that he finds his shooting boots again.Will it happen? 7/10 – It seems like the kind of deal that easily could happen. It might depend on whether or not Everton find someone else to cover Kone that Martinez is confident in.

West Ham are interested in bringing Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker, 32, back to Upton Park if their wage bill allows it.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Parker won a player of the year award at West Ham but has really lost his legs. Running himself in to the ground at Euro 2012 seems to have had a very negative impact on him.Does it make sense? No. They’ve got other players in central midfield already who are better in Diame and Noble. Parker would be an expensive substitute and no more.Is the price right? £1-2m sounds about right.Will it happen? 7/10 – It could do. West Ham seem to be stuck in the market this summer so if they get a chance to sign the popular Parker they might snaffle it even though he’ll add nothing.