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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 Two is here.
Tottenham have rejected Real Madrid’s £81m bid for Gareth Bale. However, the 24-year-old winger has told the London club he wants to join the Spanish giants.
Full story: The Sun
What’s the story? This is the transfer that could define the season in the Premier League. If Spurs have indeed rejected an offer of what would be world record magnitude it shows that they are serious about getting to the top four and beyond.
Does it make sense? Yes. Bale is only going to get better so it’s not as if rejecting an offer this summer means that he can’t be sold for this kind of money next year. It’s not as if a lack of Champions League football is lowering the amount that he can be sold for. Spurs need to keep him for one last season and if they don’t crack the top four with a deep squad and Arsenal’s wobbles this year they would have to sell him.
Is the price right? This is obviously a lot and is more than his comparable value. But, he’s worth at least this to Spurs.
Will it happen? 4/10 – If Spurs have actually turned down this kind of money they are clearly minded to keep him around. He doesn’t seem the complaining type but he wouldn’t be the first to have his head turned by Real Madrid.
Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla has played down speculation linking him to a move to Atletico Madrid.
Full Story: ESPN FC
What’s the story? Loaded with money from the Falcao deal and with automatic Champions League qualification assured, Atletico have had a couple of dabbles at Cazorla.
Does it make sense? Arsenal obviously can’t sell Cazorla considering they are supposedly bidding over £40m for Suarez. Atletico do need a better option in attacking midfield though and have been linked with Gaston Ramirez also.
Is the price right? He’s probably worth something like £20m, maybe a touch more, but Arsenal cannot sell him.
Will it happen? 0/10 – He’ll be at Arsenal this season.
New Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is set to make another major signing. City have already spent more than £90m this summer on Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic, and Pellegrini now wants to sign Real Madrid’s £15m-rated, 30-year-old defender Pepe.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Really? I wouldn’t put it past City but this is absolutely crazy.
Does it make sense? No. Nastasic is just 20 and showed last season that he has the type of talent to become a top class central defender with Kompany next to him. Pepe is a decent player but not only no better than Nastasic, but 10 years older.
Is the price right? No. £15m for a 30 year old centre back who isn’t an upgrade on what you have is insanity. But then, so was £34m for Fernandinho.
Will it happen? 7/10 – Paying too much for someone never stops City, so why should it here?
Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino is ready to battle West Brom for the signature of Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair, 24.
Full story: The Sun
What’s the story? These are two of the five clubs we selected as possible landing spots for Sinclair a few weeks ago.
Does it make sense? Yes. Probably more so for West Brom who have a real need for more pace and goals in attack. However, if Southampton adjust their system slightly they may feel he can do a similar job for them.
Is the price right? There has been some talk about a loan but there’s no real reason for City to do that. He’s not going to figure in the first team any time soon so it’d make more Financial Fair Play sense to sell him. £5m is a decent price for all concerned.
Will it happen? 9/10 – He’ll end up somewhere else this year. Stoke have also been talked about, as have Everton.
Cardiff are ready to rival neighbours Swansea with a bid for Espanyol defender Hector Moreno, 25.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? Cardiff have been bidding manically on all kinds of players but so far have only got Cornelius who they over paid for and Brayford from Championship Derby.
Does it make sense? Swansea are building an enormous squad at the moment so they’re not afraid of getting players they don’t necessarily need. This keeps being talked about as if it’s to replace Ashley Williams but unless Liverpool or Arsenal lose their minds he’ll still be there. Cardiff badly need quality, especially in defence.
Is the price right? £7m is too much for Swansea to pay for a rotation option but Cardiff can afford it.
Will it happen? 5/10 – It depends whether or not he’s happy to be a rotation player at Swansea or to join a relegation battle at Cardiff. But, he’ll be on a fair pay rise so that could swing it.
