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As we move in 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?
Real Madrid want to sign Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale, 23, this summer and are prepared to better Spurs’ contract offer of £150,000-a-week.
What’s the story? Bale is going to be most desired of the players who could realistically move this summer. He’s certainly the best. Real Madrid love a marquee signing and whoever they turn to as Jose Mourinho’s replacement is surely going to be given some kind of gift as a signing. Imagine him with Ronaldo on the other side!
Does it make sense? Clearly, signing Gareth Bale is good idea. It’s not as if Real need him with Angel Di Maria a top class player in his own right and Mesut Ozil in the middle. But, it’s Gareth Bale.
Is the price right? I’ll say this until I’m blue in the face. Torres, Falcao, Cavani – £50m. Bale – £60m.
Will it happen? 4/10 – I wouldn’t bet on it, but equally, I won’t count it out. He has said he fancies playing abroad at some point and it will depend on who Spurs sign.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says that talks have opened with Manchester City over a deal that would see Edinson Cavani, 26, move to the English club with 27-year-old Edin Dzeko heading the other way.
What’s the story? Interesting, and perhaps Edin Dzeko could prove to be the bait that puts City ahead of Chelsea in this particular race. Cavani is exactly the player City need. He’s a huge physical presence as well as being technically excellent.
Does it make sense? Yes. City get their man, Dzeko becomes a starter for a Champions League team and Napoli get an approximation of Cavani for free. Winners all around.
Is the price right? Cavani is £50m. Dzeko is probably about £15m or so, maybe more. I’m sure a £35m plus Dzeko deal would satisfy both teams.
Will it happen? 9/10 – Cavani seems destined for City one way or another and this might just seal it.
Malaga’s Manchester City target Isco, 21, is now said to be interesting both Chelsea and Real Madrid.
What’s the story? Isco isn’t interesting Real Madrid only ‘now’. He’s been interesting them for about 18 months. Chelsea have so many of his type already. City however, do not.
Does it make sense? It does for City but I’m not convinced by the other two. Real have Ozil in what would be Isco’s spot, Chelsea have Mata. City have…Jack Rodwell?
Is the price right? Malaga got £15m for Santi Cazorla but are now in a slightly better financial position after their Champions League run so could resist that amount. £18-20m though, would be a different story.
Will it happen? 8/10 – Real Madrid: They don’t need him, but he’s Spanish and very talented which would override any need issues. 6/10 – Man City: Only if Real don’t get him. 1/10 – Chelsea: Never a 0 for Chelsea of course, but with the ‘three amigos’ already there and Schurrle on the, way it’s not happening.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to be monitoring Chelsea’s David Luiz, 26, who may not be wanted by Jose Mourinho if he returns to Stamford Bridge.
What’s the story? I’m not sure what I think of David Luiz. Some games he looks like the best ball playing defender in the world, some games he looks like a cart horse. He’s been better this year and put together extended spells of good form, but there’s still a concern with him on the field. Mourinho has never had his type in his defence. The nearest comparable is Lucio at Inter but David Luiz is more like a young Lucio. Mourinho prefers the rugged, no nonsense type at the back and lets the midfield play the ball.
Does it make sense? I’m not convinced it does but I see why they might. Barcelona simply cannot play Pique and David Luiz together. They are far too similar. But, his passing range would give them a different distributional dimension. For Real, do you really want to move Ramos out of the middle and allow David Luiz to partner 19 year old Rafael Varane? Is that really making things better?
Is the price right? Chelsea paid the best part of £24m for him which included the now £10m+ Matic being thrown in for free. They can’t sell for less than that but that is a big old fee for what could be either the best defender in the world or a liability.
Will it happen? 4/10 – Barcelona or Real Madrid: He’s no more likely to join either side as he fits the ethos of both clubs. Mourinho might not want him, but then again he may feel he can polish off the rough edges.
Fiorentina want around £30m for striker Stefan Jovetic, 23, who is a summer target for Arsenal.
What’s the story? This might actually be 30m Euros rather than pounds but that’s by the by. Jovetic would be a massive upgrade for Arsenal and a sign that they mean business. He scores a goal every three games, no mean feat in the defensively minded Serie A, supplies assists and is only 23. He’s fleet footed and very tricky. It’s also worth remembering that he’s done this in a Fiorentina side where he is really the only top class player so he gets all of the pressure and all of the defensive game planning in his direction.
Does it make sense? Yes. Although the caveat is that Arsenal also need to sign a striker to really get the best out of him. Imagine him with Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott either side, possibly supplying Higuain. Nice.
Is the price right? It’s a lot, obviously, but it’ll be worth it. Arsenal need to take action this summer to gain advantage amongst the turmoil of the managerial merry go round elsewhere.
Will it happen? 7/10 – It’s hard to say with any certainty that Arsenal will spend this kind of money but reports from Italy are that a significant offer has been made already.
Andy Carroll, 24, is stalling on a permanent move to West Ham after the Hammers agreed a £15m deal with Liverpool for the striker.
What’s the story? West Ham’s bid has been accepted by Liverpool who are willing to eat the eye watering £20m loss and move on. It seems like Carroll wants a crack at Liverpool or a bigger club than West Ham. He’s not got a sniff at Liverpool. He didn’t anyway but with the emergence of Sturridge and Coutinho the last ember has been extinguished. Is there really going to be any club he deems bigger that are interested?
Does it make sense? West Ham clearly have ambitions to go places but how much higher than about 6th can they go? However, their ambition is impressive. Carroll has done well in a side which suits his style but other than Everton, there isn’t another top 10 team where he could fit tactically, and they won’t want him.
Is the price right? Yes, slap bang in the middle of his range. He’s a physical specimen and causes chaos in most games. Hard to find that combination.
Will it happen? 10/10 – Once he sees they are the only option, he’ll sign up.
