Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 7th June: Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and more

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.

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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.

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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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