Analysing the Transfer Gossip: 29th July – Part One

Arsenal could be disappointed in their chase for midfielder Bernard, 20, after the player’s father confirmed that Brazilian team-mate, 27-year-old striker Hulk, has persuaded the youngster Porto would be a better club at which to develop.

Bernard

What’s the story? Well, if Hulk is advising on how to make a career on an inflated reputation it’s worth listening to, but Bernard is not Hulk. Bernard has got some elite level talent.

Does it make sense? Not hugely. He’s only going to want to move to a bigger team anyway so he may as well skip out the middle man. Normally players go to Porto as a stepping stone to bigger things, but he doesn’t need to go through that first phase.

Is the price right? Mineiro want the best part of £21m for their star asset and he does seem to be worth it at the price. Porto have money left over from Moutinho and James Rodriguez’s sales. Arsenal should easily be able to do this, but they haven’t done anything so far.

Will it happen? 8/10 – Other clubs seem to be stepping aside to leave Porto to it. They’ll regret that when it comes to buying him off them though.