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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?
Paris St-Germain will attempt to convince Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas to become their new boss by making an £85m bid for 23-year-old Spurs star Gareth Bale and also trying to sign Chelsea defender David Luiz, 26.
What’s the story? Well, well, well. I’ve written on how PSG may lose their place in the pecking order this summer but this would shake all of that off. They’ve got the money and beating Real Madrid to a player would make a huge impact.Does it make sense? We can now invoke the ‘Bale rule’ as in, it always makes sense to sign Gareth Bale. However, if he won’t force Spurs to sell him to Real Madrid, is he going to do it for PSG?Is the price right? Yep.Will it happen? 2/10 – Hard to write PSG out completely but unless AVB goes there and Real can’t find the money, it’s not happening.
AC Milan hope to sell Brazil forward Robinho, 29, to Santos this week in order to fund a move for Manchester City’s Argentina striker Carlos Tevez, 29, who is also wanted by Juventus.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Robinho, the great unrealised talent. At one point he was going to be the best in the world but despite some impressive achievements in his career; 5 league titles in 3 countries, 3 trophies with Brazil, it still feels as if he’s winding down a career of what could have beens. Tevez would be an excellent addition, the slower pace of football would suit him perfectly.Does it make sense? Yes. Robinho gets to go home and Tevez can escape Manchester, removing headaches for both selling clubs in the process.Is the price right? £8m a piece should be fine.Will it happen? 9/10 – makes sense for all concerned
Barcelona are set to make a £9.5m move for Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny, 27, after giving up on Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany, Paris St-Germain’s Thiago Silva and Chelsea’s David Luiz.
Full story: Marca
What’s the story? As I profiled here; Arsenal cannot sell Koscielny. Barcelona are touring the top centre backs looking to fill their biggest hole.Does it make sense? Certainly for Barcelona but absolutely not for Arsenal.Is the price right? Absolutely not. All of these options they’ve given up on have been valued at £30m+ and yet Koscielny is £9.5m? That’s pretty much what Arsenal paid.Will it happen? 5/10 – You can’t really rule it out. The apparent Arsenal assault on the transfer market hasn’t happened yet, maybe it’ll go the other way after all?
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti claims Tottenham are interested in 26-year-old Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarin.
Full story: Sporting Life
What’s the story? Spurs are, by all reports, looking to choose between Guarin and Paulinho. Both are athletes, both score goals and that makes them complete modern midfielders.Does it make sense? Yes. Guarin showed at Inter last season why expectations of him were so high as a youngster. Full of drive and threat.Is the price right? Inter want £21m for Guarin. It’s a big price but if Spurs want to show Bale and AVB that they have the ambition to keep them both, it could be necessary.Will it happen? 6/10 – Spurs have always been willing to make big purchases and Guarin is thought to be AVB’s first choice.
Aston Villa are making moves to bring in Sevilla left-back Antonio Luna, 22, and Aalborg BK forward Nicklas Helenius, 22.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Villa are quietly doing some really good transfer business at the moment and signing these two would continue that. Luna has been in and out of the Sevilla team but is well thought of and Helenius is a big physical striker with goals in Denmark.Does it make sense? Yes. They need a left back, Joe Bennett is not a Premier League standard player, and may need an imposing presence up front to replace Christian BentekeIs the price right? Luna would be about £1m and Helenius £4m. It’s a good range for Villa to be buying in.Will it happen? 8/10 – These are very Villa type signings and they don’t tend to get linked with players they’re not talking to.
