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As we move in to the off-season, an unprecedented amount of managerial movement around Europe will surely see an already frantic transfer market go into overdrive. This will give plenty of opportunities for transfer rumour and gossip. So how much of it is realistic?
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been given the go ahead to move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis says the club can afford the England international.
What’s the story? This one has been bubbling along for a while. It’s unusual for Arsenal to conduct business in public but Mrs. Rooney wants a move to London and he wants to play as a striker.
Does it make sense? It would be nice for Arsenal to take someone else’s star but Rooney will want a pay rise which they haven’t historically given. But, if Gazidis is saying they can, then that wouldn’t be a factor which could be key. They offer everything else Rooney wants.
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Is the price right? £30m and £200k a week but it would be a big splash for Arsenal to make.
Will it happen? 3/10 – It could easily be that they are just doing the usual ‘we have money’ routine.
Liverpool are lining up an ambitious move for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, 29, as a replacement for Luis Suarez.
What’s the story? Where’s this come from? The only reason to lose Tevez is so that he can move to Argentina or maybe Spain if he’s culture sick.
Does it make sense? No. Sure, on the pitch, Tevez would be a good replacement for Suarez. He’s got the technique and attacking threat to slot in to Suarez’s old position. But he was only agitating to leave City so he could leave England, rather than join a club further down the food chain in the same country.
Is the price right? Really hard to value Tevez, perhaps £15-20m at a guess?
Will it happen? 0/10 – No chance. If he leaves City it won’t be to another English club.
Arsenal have moved ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United in the battle to sign Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 25.
What’s the story? I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Fellaini is a name that gets linked to everyone but actually no one is bidding on. He’s got a release clause so if anyone was that keen, they’d have activated it to steal a march.
Does it make sense? It’d be odd for him to choose Arsenal over United and Chelsea unless they were for some reason the only ones who would guarantee first team football. I really don’t see how he fits at any of these.
Is the price right? The release is £24m and by the sound of it, Everton won’t take anything less.
Will it happen? 3/10 – I don’t see Fellaini moving in this window unless David Moyes doesn’t get anyone else he wants in midfield.
Norwich have made an enquiry for Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey but the Reds may want up to £8m for the England Under-21 international.
What’s the story? Shelvey is coming in to an important season for his development. He’s shown flashes of talent without looking like a star to be, and if he isn’t playing regularly at Liverpool, he might get stuck in the ‘decent’ category. Norwich need goals from midfield.
Does it make sense? It’d probably make more sense if it was a loan, and I dare say this is what Norwich will have proposed the deal as. But he’d give something they don’t have and if he has a great season, he could yet be Gerrard’s successor.
Is the price right? £8m would be way too much. I’d be amazed if Norwich are trying to buy him rather than loan.
Will it happen? 4/10 – Maybe on loan but not unless Liverpool build up their paper thin squad.
Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is set to scupper the Reds’ chances of signing Real Madrid forward Jose Callejon. Benitez wants to bring the 26-year-old to his new side Napoli.
What’s the story? Callejon is a quality player, somewhat lost in the array of star forwards at Real Madrid. Liverpool are looking for technical attackers with pace. Napoli might need more pace if Cavani goes.
Does it make sense? Yes. Although Callejon has talked about battling for a spot at Real, he’s fighting an uphill battle, especially if Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez arrive. He’d give fresh attacking impetus to Liverpool or Napoli.
Is the price right? £8-9m is about right for the pedigree.
Will it happen? 7/10 – He could easily be squeezed out, but is just as likely to go to either of these. Maybe Napoli are slightly ahead with the advantage of Champions League football.
Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is ready to move on after the 24-year-old Belgian signalled he would not sign a new deal with the club. Mignolet has been linked with a move to Liverpool and Arsenal.
What’s the story? Mignolet was outstanding for Sunderland last season, pretty much their only player who stood out. He’s one of the top keepers in the league. Liverpool, and especially Arsenal, are on the lookout for a keeper.
Does it make sense? Opinions differ as to whether Sunderland are about to enter a renaissance or be the high profile sinking ship of next season. Mignolet clearly thinks the latter. He’d be a great option for either club linked to him.
Is the price right? Early talk of £6.5m seems incredibly cheap. Up it to £9m though, and Sunderland have a big decision. If Arsenal in particular are going to properly address their biggest weakness, they’ll need to spend.
Will it happen? 8/10 – It’s a matter of time. Keepers can be replaced cheaply lower down the league. Mark Schwarzer could be a free agent soon for example.
Another Belgian could be coming to the Premier League as Tottenham and Liverpool both chase Nacer Chadli. The FC Twente winger, 23, is valued at around £8.5m and wants to play in England.
What’s the story? Chadli and Cagliari’s Radja Nainggolan are pretty much the only elite young Belgians not now in England. Chadli has searing pace and is very direct. He’s a tad raw but has explosive potential.
Does it make sense? Yes. He’s been vocal about wanting to leave Twente who have fallen away over the last couple of years. Liverpool need to replace the explosiveness of Suarez and Spurs may need to do the same with Bale.
Is the price right? £8.5m is spot on. You are paying for the raw tools and looking to shape them to suit your requirements. Definitely worth a try.
Will it happen? 9/10 – He’s moving this summer and both Liverpool and Spurs have been linked for a while. This will go up a notch if they sell their respective stars.
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