Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 4th June: Mourinho’s targets, Rooney, Arsenal, Liverpool and more

The Gunners are considering whether to make a move for Swansea attacker Michu. The 27-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign with the Welsh side last term.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Surprisingly, this is the first Michu sighting in the transfer gossip. Arsenal would be interesting suitors as they do need more goals from midfield.

Does it make sense? As a back up plan but not as first choice. They’d be better off going for Jovetic and/or Rooney to be their number 9 and 10 but Michu would be an able deputy to both. Doesn’t have the refinement for the Champions League but he’s an excellent finisher in the air and on the ground in the Premier League.

Is the price right? Swansea would have every reason to hold out for £15m or so, although if it’s only Arsenal bidding, it might not get that high.

Will it happen? 4/10 – Only 4 at this stage because we’re so early in the Jovetic/Rooney process.

Liverpool are not deterred by the £22m valuation that Shakhtar Donetsk have put on Armenia international midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Mkhitaryan, 24, scored a record 25 goals in the Ukrainian Premier League last season.

Full story: the Guardian

What’s the story? With the seemingly inevitable exit of Luis Suarez, Liverpool need to find ways of replacing his goals and inventiveness. Mkhitarayan would be a strong option. He can play anywhere in the forward positions except as a central striker and positional versatility is important to Rodgers’ system.

Does it make sense? Yes. 25 goals from midfield in a good league and strong performances in the Champions League are evidence of his quality. He has the speed, technique, movement and intelligence which is necessary for Rodgers’ system to operate at maximum threat.

Is the price right? £22m is a lot but Shakhtar are a rich club. Willian got them £35m so they won’t sell cheap.

Will it happen? 6/10 – He suits the Liverpool system and fits in to their recent practice of signing unusual options. Coutinho and Iago Aspas were a little off the radar, so this could well happen.

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is stepping up his pursuit of Porto’s highly-rated Colombian forward Jackson Martinez, 26.

Full story: Metro

What’s the story? Spurs must sign a striker this summer. If they sell Gareth Bale, they will need a full attacking face lift. Martinez is a physical specimen and gets goals.

Does it make sense? Again, with £70m in their pockets Porto aren’t the club to try and buy from this summer. They’ve already sold two of their main weapons, so selling another of them just to store up more money seems needless. From Spurs’ point of view, Martinez could flourish in England with his combination of power and pace.

Is the price right? It’s going to be higher than before the Monaco deal. Why should they take less than £20m?

Will it happen? 5/10 – AVB knows Porto, but unless they sell Bale and have cash to spend over Martinez’s genuine value, it’s not going to happen.