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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?
Part One is here.
Arsenal have been linked with Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, 25, but the Spanish club are ready to use him as bait, along with £20m, to try to sign Luis Suarez from Liverpool.
Full story: The Sun
What’s the story? I’ll have to deal with this but hopefully it sorts itself soon. Liverpool would be beyond crazy if this offer was made, but it won’t be won’t be.Does it make sense? No. The package is ridiculous for Real which I’ll deal with below. Liverpool would be in dreamland to get themselves £20m and a player of the same standard.Is the price right? Real Madrid have said that they want £20m for Higuain so this would mean they are offering £57m for Suarez. Uh huh? Whether or not he has a £40m release is unknown but he’s certainly not worth that.Will it happen? 0/10 – These big player swap rumours never come to pass. Hard to see why Higuain would drop out of the Champions League considering how many clubs in that competition have shown interest.
Cesc Fabregas has told friends that if he returns to the Premier League then his destination will be former club Arsenal.
Cesc Fabregas
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Well, obviously. But, he’s not for sale and doesn’t want to leave so this is something of a moot point.Does it make sense? Arsenal have first refusal on Fabregas if Barcelona ever allowed him to leave and in no world would they turn that down.Is the price right? Barcelona paid £35m so it’s not exactly going to be less. He’s a £40m+ player. Arsenal can’t buy two of those at once.Will it happen? 2/10 – Not this summer, but maybe in future.
Liverpool have agreed a season-long loan deal with Napoli for goalkeeper Pepe Reina and will shave £4m a year off their wage bill should the 30-year-old eventually make the move permanent.
Pepe Reina
Full story: Daily Telegraph
What’s the story? After signing Mignolet this was always inevitable.Does it make sense? Yes. For Liverpool fans wondering why not just sell? Perhaps no one is offering them enough money. Also, next summer Barcelona will be needing to replace Victor Valdes so could have money to spend on Pepe Reina.Is the price right? I feel like Reina is using this to try and delay for a move to Barcelona so a loan for Napoli makes sense as they’ll get his best without committing to the contract long term.Will it happen? 10/10 – It’s going to happen.
Norwich City are lining up a shock move for 29-year-old former Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez, who is now at Catania but spent last season on loan at Sampdoria.
Maxi Lopez
Full story: talkSPORT
What’s the story? Why is this a ‘shock’? Did it put the people the wrote this in to shock? Mid table Premier League team look to mid table Serie A team for affordable striker because they need goals? I can’t contain my shock!Does it make sense? He’s not become the star he was supposed to but he’s a big man and poses a threat. In the less shackled environment of the Premier League he could find his goal scoring boots again.Is the price right? Probably no more than £4m. Any more is too much.Will it happen? 5/10 – It could do. Not necessarily a massive priority I wouldn’t have thought. Why not spend a little more on Darren Bent, regardless of his now ancient Ipswich career.
Switzerland midfielder Gokhan Inler, 29, wants to stay at Italian club Napoli and will turn down any clubs from the Premier League interested in him.
Gokhan Inler
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Napoli seem like, Cavani aside, they are far more interested in signing players than selling and seem to be wanting to try and win Serie A.Does it make sense? Yes. I’d be surprised if Chelsea and Man United didn’t have a look at him because he’s one of the best powerful midfielders in the world. But, if he feels like Napoli are going in the right direction, and everything points towards them doing so, it’s a good place to be.Is the price right? He’d probably be £20m in terms of value but Napoli would be able to ask for an amount that no one would pay given they’ve got £55m in their pockets from PSG.Will it happen? 10/10 – He’ll stay at Napoli.
