Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 1st July Part Two: Higuain, David Villa 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?

Part One is here.

Arsenal fear being hijacked by richer rivals in their bid to sign Wayne Rooney, 27, from Manchester United and 25-year-old Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid.

Full story: Daily Star

What’s the story? Well realistically this is more to do with Real Madrid and Man United not selling rather than Arsenal not being able to afford it.

Does it make sense? Two new managers, both with differing sway on transfer policy, but nonetheless both with a say in what happens. Neither has had a chance to make a significant decision on them so if Arsenal were to sign them, they’ll need to wait.

Is the price right? £22m for Higuain is a bargain, even for Arsenal. Rooney will be much more of a problem. Huge wage, huge transfer fee.

Will it happen? 5/10 – Higuain seemed signed but now isn’t and Rooney is still a long way off.

Manchester United are clear to sign Argentina centre-back Ezequiel Garay, 26, after his club, Benfica, signed his replacement, Arsenal de Sarandi defender Lisandro Lopez, 23.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? United seem to be the main bidders on Garay. The only thing with this is, much of the negotiation seemed to be done before David Moyes arrived so presumably he will have approved this.

Does it make sense? Yes. United need a footballing defender to partner with a more rugged one. Garay makes sense as the long term successor to Rio Ferdinand in the footballing role.

Is the price right? Seems like it will cost at least £18m. Benfica are not an easy team to buy from so it could even sneak higher.

Will it happen? 8/10 – It’s been bubbling along for quite a while so seems like it will be tied up pretty soon.

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas has telephoned David Villa, 31, to try to persuade the Spain forward to accept an offer to move to White Hart Lane.

Full story: the Times

What’s the story? Ooooh telephoned huh? How cutting edge. Spurs seem to be trying to push for a striker and David Villa, who has already struggled for first team football, now has Neymar to compete with.

Does it make sense? Yes. David Villa would be a big upgrade on Defoe and Adebayor, bringing pedigree and consistency which is exactly what they need. Villa needs to be playing and scoring if he is going to have a big role to play at the World Cup. He was sat on the bench behind Fernando Torres for last night’s Confederations Cup final.

Is the price right? Hard to price David Villa. Maybe £10m or so? Given his age and contract situation it’s a little cheaper than his ‘true value’.

Will it happen? 7/10 – Now that Villa is on his way back from Brazil he can focus on his future. Spurs seem like as good a destination as any.

Former England goalkeeper Scott Carson, 27, will leave Turkish team Bursaspor to sign for Championship side Wigan in an £800,000 deal.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? Strange to think Carson was England number one only six years ago. Wigan have given up on Al-Habsi and won’t get Joel back now they are out of the top flight.

Does it make sense? Should be a tidy enough option in the Championship.

Is the price right? Yes this seems fair for a second tier keeper. If he could ever re-find the form that saw Liverpool sign him he could be a bargain.

Will it happen? 9/10 – Would probably rather start in the Championship than sit on a Premier League bench.

The Latics are also interested in tough-tackling Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing, 24, who is surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Spearing was pushed to the first team by Kenny Dalglish but immediately loaned out by Brendan Rodgers. He was good for Bolton in the Championship last season.

Does it make sense? Yes. Wigan do need some snap and bite in midfield to compliment the nice passers and Spearing is a good player at the second level.

Is the price right? Good value in the £1-1.5m range. Too much more and it’s getting a little on the expensive side.

Will it happen? 7/10 – New Wigan manager Owen Coyle was the manager who took him to Bolton. Wigan need bite and should have some money.