Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 31st May: Suarez, Chelsea, Barcelona, Arsenal and more

Fulham are on the verge of signing Netherlands international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, 30, in a £3m deal from Roma as they move to replace Mark Schwarzer.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? This has been close for months and finally settles in. Schwarzer was good last year but is the wrong side of 40.Does it make sense? Yes. Stekelenburg’s star has waned over the last 5 years but he’s a decent keeper at a good price with plenty of football still to come.Is the price right? Can’t complain, solid value.Will it happen? 10/10 – Close for weeks, now to be sealed.

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Sunderland are weighing up a move for Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster, 25, if current first choice Simon Mignolet, also 25, leaves this summer.

Full story: Daily Record

What’s the story? Forster has been exceptional for Celtic over the last couple of seasons and may want to play in England to push his chances of making the World Cup squad (if England qualify).Does it make sense? If they do sell Mignolet, perhaps to Arsenal, then he’d be a worthy replacement.Is the price right? This could be a sticking point. The last goalie Sunderland bought from Scotland was £8m Craig Gordon which was a disaster. Celtic might ask for that though.Will it happen? 7/10 – If Mignolet goes, obviously 0/10 if not.

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Manager Paolo Di Canio has agreed a deal to sign Lazio centre-back Modibo Diakite, 26.

Full story: Sunderland Echo

What’s the story? Not many know Lazio better than Di Canio who badly needs to improve his central defence. Diakite is massive, good in the air and an athlete. Exactly what you need in the Premier League.Does it make sense? Yes. He has the tools that can be moulded alongside John O’Shea. Will be desperate to prove himself again after a long suspension.Is the price right? He’s free, so yes.Will it happen? 10/10 – Seems to be a done deal.

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Bayern Munich’s Germany striker Mario Gomez, 27, is a target for Italian clubs Napoli and Fiorentina.

Full story: Kicker

What’s the story? Gomez doesn’t fit for Pep Guardiola, there’s no doubting that. But he should be very desirable. He does have his well know weaknesses but if supplied properly he’s a proven goal machine.Does it make sense? Napoli may need to replace Cavani and Fiorentina to replace Jovetic so I guess that’s the link. However, I think he’d be an excellent signing for Arsenal who just need a big physical pure finisher like Gomez.Is the price right? Bayern paid £30m but he’s worth nothing like that now. If someone dangles them £18m or so it’ll be tempting. I doubt Fiorentina’s capacity to spend that on a single player, Napoli only could if they sell Cavani. Arsenal however…Will it happen? 2/10 – Fiorentina: Too much money 7/10 – Napoli: a good replacement for Cavani. He’s almost certainly leaving though.