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As we move in 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?
Arsenal are monitoring Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney’s situation, with the club ready to alter their wage structure to bring in a big name. The 27-year-old is also being linked with Paris St-Germain, Monaco and Chelsea.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Strangely, this seems to be gathering some momentum which is unexpected for so many reasons. After all these years of financial prudence, are Arsenal ready to shatter it all for 27-year-old, out of form Wayne Rooney?Does it make sense? If they’re talking about investing this much money then they’d surely be better off getting involved in the Cavani/Falcao bidding. It’s not as if Rooney is a bad player mind, but it’s such a big change of policy that it poses quite a risk.Is the price right? Arsenal have never paid more than £19m for a player and no one is on more than £100k a week. Rooney would be £30m and at least demand £200k a week. Two years ago that would be fair, but now?Will it happen? 5/10 – I’d have given this a 0 last week but it seems that Arsenal are indeed ready to seize the initiative in the market
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Incoming Manchester United boss David Moyes wants to bring Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 25, with him to Old Trafford.
Full story: The Guardian
What’s the story? I’m not convinced by this. It’s an easy link to make of course but Fellaini’s talents can’t be maximised at United. Plus, if Moyes really wants to show he can manage United it’s not advisable to just sign Everton players.Does it make sense? No. Answer me this; what is Fellaini’s best position? Is he a forward, able to use his physical presence to impose himself? Is he a scrappy midfielder who looks to intercept or retrieve the ball before giving it simply and not getting near the goal? Exactly. Where does he fit?Is the price right? Everton paid £15m and given the above questions it’s hard to pay more, if even that.Will it happen? 2/10 – The Everton link gives it a chance but if Moyes arrives, sells Rooney then signs multiple Everton players, he is putting a rod firmly up the back of his shirt.
Jose Mourinho, who is leaving Real Madrid, wants Luka Modric, 27, to follow him to Stamford Bridge if the Portuguese is appointed manager of Chelsea. Mourinho’s first job back at the Blues will be to make a £30m offer for former Tottenham playmaker Modric.
Full story: The Sun
What’s the story? Modric was wanted by Chelsea previously but chose Real Madrid? Maybe. Has someone on the sport desk thought, ‘you know who needs a flair player. Chelsea’?.Does it make sense? Not really. They’ve got Mata, Hazard and Oscar in situ. I guess perhaps they could use Modric deeper but they haven’t struggled to score goals this year, just to stop them. He won’t help them do that. Not to mention the fact that Real have no compulsion to sell him and to Mourinho of all people.Is the price right? £30m last summer. Do we think they’d sell at a loss? Is there any way Chelsea can justify spending that much on someone they don’t need in the new financial fair play climate?Will it happen? 3/10 – You can never tell with Chelsea but I don’t see why they’d go for someone they don’t need or how they’d get him out of Madrid.
Real Madrid are poised to test Liverpool’s resolve over striker Luis Suarez, 26, with a bid for the Uruguayan, who is also said to be a target for Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? This is the first time we’ve seen him linked to Madrid but it makes some sense. They’re looking at unloading Higuain for sure and there’s murmurings from Spain they may allow Benzema to go too. Suarez would be their replacement.Does it make sense? Yes, quite a lot. Suarez is capable of something different and Real don’t really have anyone like him. He does have certain attributes in common with Ronaldo and Di Maria but offers invention and surprise in central areas. It’d be a big risk for Liverpool to sell and Rodgers is no better than 50:50 in the market so far, but if they trust Sturridge they could invest the money elsewhere.Is the price right? Somewhere in the £30-40m region given what other strikers are being talked about for and that it will be hard for Liverpool to sell.Will it happen? 8/10 – If any club can turn Suarez’s head and force Liverpool’s hand it’s Real Madrid.
Fulham are preparing to make a £4m move for Aston Villa’s 29-year-old striker Darren Bent.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Last summer, Fulham somehow pinched Berbatov and if they can add Darren Bent this year they’ll be doing well. Despite having a lot of strikers, none of them are that good and Bent is an upgrade. He’s lost his place for, first, financial reasons and then the emergence of Benteke at Villa, but he’s still good for 15 goals in the Premier League.Does it make sense? Yes. His pace and angled runs would give Berbatov a target and allow the loping Bulgarian to drop deeper and exert more influence.Is the price right? Yes. £4m is what they paid for Berbatov too. £8m for both, when they could each cost that would be amazing business if he finds his form.Will it happen? 8/10 – He could move back to London and get first team football. Villa might haggle for more money though.
Swansea City insist they have had no contact from Arsenal over a possible move by the Gunners for 28-year-old defender Ashley Williams.
Full story: Metro
What’s the story? And nor should they. I’m surprised this Williams to Arsenal chatter is so hot. He’s 28, he’s not quick and Arsenal have a settled central defence which was the second tightest in the league last year.Does it make sense? They’ve got a good central defence. Williams is inferior to Mertesacker and Koscielny so he’s not starting.Is the price right? I’ve seen £10m which is insane. Probably worth about £5m at most.Will it happen? 3/10 – It doesn’t fit the Arsenal buying ethos but it’s hard to ignore how much attention it’s getting from credible sources.
Stoke City have rubbished reports linking goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 25, with a move to Liverpool.
Full story: Liverpool Echo
What’s the story? Firstly, Stoke need to appoint a manager before rubbishing anything. Secondly, they bought Jack Butland in January. What are they planning on doing with him if they keep Begovic?Does it make sense? Begovic plays for Stoke, for whom he is detailed to smash the ball long. For Liverpool, he would need a more subtle distribution range. He may well have it but has never had to show it. Also, Liverpool would need to move Reina before considering a replacement.Is the price right? Goal keepers don’t attract big fees unless they are truly exceptional. Begovic isn’t in that category. The £15m you see bandied about is far too much, especially if they sell Reina for less.Will it happen? 3/10 – A lot of hurdles to overcome first, not to mention the poor fit. But Liverpool are such a wildcard in the market.
