Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 9th June Part Two – Higuain, Di Maria, Bony and more

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 in to overdrive. This will give plenty of opportunities for transfer rumour and gossip. So how much of it is realistic?

There is a huge bundle of transfer gossip today so I’ve had to split this in to two parts. Part One is here

Arsenal plan to make three club record breaking bids this week for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, 25, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, 22, and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, 24.

Full story: Mail on Sunday

What’s the story? This can again be filed under ‘Arsenal are bidding for everyone’?! Add these to Rooney, Fellaini etc. Arsenal need a top striker and a goal keeper more than anything but if they could get quality midfielders like Gundogan and Bender it makes sense to try.

Does it make sense? Higuain certainly does. Real Madrid are letting him go, possibly cheap, and he is a world class player. Bender is a top notch destructive midfielder but, depending on what resource they have available it’s hard to make a case that he has positional importance. Gundogan would be the gem. A gloriously elegant and rangy midfielder who would be an enormous upgrade on Arteta.

Is the price right? Higuain would be £20m which would be a bargain. Bender is apparently the same money according to German sources which is fine for him, as long as Arsenal plan on getting players from elsewhere too. Gundogan could easily be more like £30m.

Will it happen? 8/10 – Higuain: Wenger tried to sign him from River Plate at 18 and they offer him everything he needs. 6/10 – Bender: Not convinced on how high up the list he is but they’ve been linked for some time. 2/10 – Gundogan: Hard to picture a scenario where Dortmund let him leave if Lewandowski joins Gotze on the way out.

Manchester City will make a £30m bid for Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria, 25.

Full story: Sunday People

What’s the story? Di Maria could only possibly be available if Madrid sign Gareth Bale but he’d be an interesting option. If City decide to go for him over Isco that is.

Does it make sense? Yes. City had a major lack of width last season so pairing Di Maria with Navas would immediately rectify that. This would be much more of an impact signing than either of their two captures so far. For Real, it doesn’t unless they sell Bale and keep the likes of Callejon around.

Is the price right? Hard to know given City spent £34m on Fernandinho. Di Maria should be worth more in a sane market, but then Di Maria isn’t worth £35m.

Will it happen? 2/10 – Too many ifs, buts and maybes.

Tottenham are vying with Borussia Dortmund to sign Brazil and Atletico Mineiro winger Bernard, 20.

Full story: Sunday Mirror

What’s the story? Bernard is the latest hot shot off the Brazilian production line and is a tricky creative attacker. Spurs may be creativity deficient if Bale leaves.

Does it make sense? Bernard has been linked more heavily with Dortmund who have much greater prestige than Spurs. This is a top top talent and he would fit in beautifully with Dortmund’s system. He’d be the direct replacement for Bale positionally.

Is the price right? You can’t sign Brazilian youngsters on the cheap. Anywhere north of £12m is probably necessary to even get in the discussion. Both clubs can afford that.

Will it happen? 6/10 – Dortmund: They seem to be pursuing Kevin De Bruyne more energetically at the moment. 2/10 – Spurs: He’ll surely want Champions League football?

West Ham are considering whether to make a £12m move for Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony, 24, as doubts persist about their move for Liverpool’s Andy Carroll, who spent last season on loan at Upton Park.

Full story: Sunday Telegraph

What’s the story? Long time no see for Wilfried Bony and this column. West Ham have been watching him for a long time and Carroll’s ludicrous wage demands might mean they turn to him.

Does it make sense? Yes. Other than not having the Premier League pedigree, Bony is Carroll’s superior in every way. He’s fast, strong and good in the air but is also a ruthless finisher.

Is the price right? £12m is about fair considering he has only shown what he can do in Holland but he has shown very well.

Will it happen? 7/10 – The Carroll deal seems to be hitting the rocks and Bony has been on West Ham’s radar for some time.

Playmaker Stephane Sessegnon, 29, wants to leave Sunderland. The Benin international has been valued at £8m by his club, with Champions League qualifiers Marseille said to be interested in buying him.

Full story: Sunday People

What’s the story? Sessegnon was bad last year. The main creator in a team that had no creativity isn’t exactly a way to make yourself an unmissable signing.

Does it make sense? Marseille are preparing for the Champions League by scraping about in Sunderland’s bin?

Is the price right? Maybe he’ll come back to life in France and this money is on the borderline of being acceptable.

Will it happen? 7/10 – Di Canio has kept his powder dry so far but seems desperate for a clear out. Especially of the lazy players and Sessegnon isn’t the hardest of workers.