Analysing the Transfer Gossip: 26th April 2013

There’s always plenty of transfer talk throughout the season. So how much of it makes sense, and how much of it is just rumour?

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Pep Guardiola is set to sell winger Arjen Robben, 29, when he takes charge of Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the summer.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Guardiola needs to find room for Gotze and any other new signings and the feeling is that Robben’s dribble-no-pass style won’t mesh.Does it make sense? Meh. Robben is capable of destroying any team on his day, as Barcelona witnessed on Tuesday, so getting rid of him doesn’t make a bundle of sense really. I get that he doesn’t really fit the Guardiola style but why get rid?Is the price right? He’d still be worth a fair chunk and they surely wouldn’t be short of takers. Someone like Man City or Arsenal could easily be tempted by a go at £15m, even given his age and injury history.Will it happen? 5/10 – I’m not convinced they want to sell him but if they do, they won’t be short of takers.

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Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes winger Gareth Bale, 23, will remain at the club if they qualify for the Champions League.

Full story: The Guardian

What’s the story? For obvious reasons, Bale is about as exciting a proposition to buy as there is in the game right now. However, if Spurs get to the Champions League he will surely be happy to stay at the club where he is adored.Does it make sense? Any amount of protestation to the contrary won’t stop chatter about him leaving, another year outside the elite competition may well be one too many. But, Levy is a very tough negotiator and will surely not take less than market value.Is the price right? Falcao, Cavani and Torres – £50m. Therefore, a 23-year-old multi dimensional Bale is worth more.Will it happen? 3/10 – Probably not this summer, but if they don’t show signs of pushing on to win the league it will be very hard to keep him.

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Swansea captain Ashley Williams insists he is focused on the Welsh club despite reports of a move to Arsenal.

Full story: Sky Sports

What’s the story? Williams has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool because of his solid displays this year.Does it make sense? Absolutely not. I can’t be clearer on this. Arsenal do not sign 28-year-old players, much less players who are not an upgrade on what they have. Chico Flores has probably been better than Williams this year as it happens.Is the price right? £6-8m or so. Tooooo much.Will it happen? 0/10 – Zero chance.

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Udinese defender Medhi Benatia, 26, wants Manchester United to make a bid for him this summer.

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? How many players wouldn’t want United to bid for them? Benatia has improved immensely at Udinese and the centre of the defence is a question long term.Does it make sense? Kind of. I feel he makes more sense for Chelsea, but he’s a good player.Is the price right? Udinese are hard to buy from, so it could reach £8-12m depending who else gets involved which is about right.Will it happen? 2/10 – This doesn’t strike me as a Ferguson type signing.

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Barcelona are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, 24, and Santos’s 21-year-old attacker Neymar.

Full story: Marca

What’s the story? Barcelona might feel the need for a refresh despite cantering to La Liga and the Champions League semi-finals. Rumours of their demise are greatly exaggerated. It’s a better season than Manchester United who are receiving all kinds of praise…Does it make sense? To an extent. Hummels is world class at centre back and would be a massive upgrade. Can Neymar mesh with Messi? I’m not convinced but it could be unstoppable.Is the price right? Neymar could be £50m or so which is too much for someone unproven outside of the Brazilian league which although good, isn’t the Champions League. If Dortmund lose Gotze and Lewandowski as it looks will happen I can’t see any bid short of £25-30m even tempting them to sell Hummels too.Will it happen? 8/10 – It’s Barcelona we’re talking about