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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 in to overdrive. This will give plenty of opportunities for transfer rumour and gossip. So how much of it is realistic?
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is determined to test Liverpool’s resolve over Luis Suarez with an improved £35m bid for the 26-year-old striker.
Full story: the Guardian
What’s the story? I can’t help but feel Arsenal are wasting their time here. Unless they sign Suarez it could be costly. What happens if they don’t get Suarez, which it’s hard to see them doing, and they then also miss out on Higuain or Jovetic.Does it make sense? No. Suarez has said that he wants to leave England. Moving to London is only going to intensify the media attention. Unless he’s lying of course and just wants to leave Liverpool…Is the price right? No. Liverpool seem to be trying to move away from stupidity in the market so selling Suarez for what they paid for Carroll is not going to be on the ‘to do’ list.Will it happen? 2/10 – I guess I can raise it from zero seeing as they do want to keep bidding. But why…?
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, 29, is an £8m target for French side Paris St-Germain.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? PSG are making a serious attempt to push for victory in Europe.Does it make sense? Not really. Reports suggest that Roma’s wonderboy central defender Marquinhos is coming to Paris for £30m so that would mean Ivanovic playing at right back. Not necessarily a problem in itself, except that they’ve already got Jallet and van der Wiel there.Is the price right? Decent price for PSG but I doubt Chelsea would sell in this range.Will it happen? 3/10 – Not a need and Chelsea are already thin at the back.
Arsenal look set to miss out on Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar, 33, who is closing in on a season-long loan move to Napoli.
Full story: Metro
What’s the story? Hmmm…Arsenal had apparently made Cesar their main goalkeeping target. Or did they? Who knows with Arsenal.Does it make sense? Yes. Napoli badly needed to upgrade on De Sanctis and Cesar was rated the best in the world at Inter in Serie A.Is the price right? A season long loan is a great idea. Gives them a chance to find a long term option whilst remaining competitive.Will it happen? 10/10 – Almost certainly now.
Tottenham are hoping to seal the signing of Twente winger Nacer Chadli, 23.
Full story: Times
What’s the story? Spurs are trying to add some more pace and menace to their attack and Chadli is very well regarded.Does it make sense? He’s probably going to have to play as a rotation option for the time being but he could eventually challenge Lennon.Is the price right? Twente aren’t in a great financial position but would still resist for offers above £8m.Will it happen? 4/10 – At the moment, I’d imagine Spurs are saving their money for a big push for Benteke or another striker.
Liverpool are ready to approach Bayern Munich to discuss a deal for winger Xherdan Shaqiri, 21.
Full story: Metro
What’s the story? Oh yeah, Xherdan Shaqiri! He was going to be a megastar but after moving to Bayern found himself welded to the bench more often than not.Does it make sense? It does actually. I like this. Signing Shaqiri would give Liverpool some genuine speed wide on the left which would allow the sumptuously gifted Philippe Coutinho to play centrally. He looked devastating there at the end of last season.Is the price right? Hard to see where he fits in at Bayern but that doesn’t mean he’d come cheap. At least £15m to get in to the conversation.Will it happen? 5/10 – He might see himself as a Champions League player or even want to prove himself at Bayern but their already enormous squad has got bigger with the addition of Thiago Alcantara. He’d be a sure starter at Liverpool though.
