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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?
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, 31, have been given a massive boost with the Spanish side interested in signing Real Sociedad player Asier Illarramendi, 23, as a replacement.
What’s the story? Interesting. Alonso’s contract runs out next summer and seems disinclined to sign a new one. Asier Illarramendi is an almost carbon copy of Alonso with his passing range and the defensive responsibility. He is one of Spain’s elite prospects and the star man in a vibrant Sociedad side.Does it make sense? Yes. Chelsea are grooming Nathaniel Chalobah to be their playmaker in their incredibly talented team which could soon dominate Europe. However, he’s still a few years away from being ready so Alonso could do the job in the meantime.Is the price right? Illarramendi could cost Real Madrid up to £25m which could look cheap in a few years time. Alonso would probably cost nearer to £10-12m given his contract situation.Will it happen? 10/10: Illarramendi to Real. 5/10: Alonso to Chelsea. He seems like a sublime option for the next couple of years to prepare Chalobah properly and Real might let him go but it’s a little early to commit too much more. Plus, newly signed Frank Lampard in the making Marco van Ginkel does need game time too.
Everton and Tottenham look set to battle it out as they attempt to sign Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu, 19, on loan.
Full story: Independent
What’s the story? Deulofeu is one of the best prospects, maybe the best, at Barcelona but he needs first team football if his progress is to continue towards superstardom.Does it make sense? Everton make more sense at first look, unless that is, Spurs can guarantee that he’ll be starting opposite Gareth Bale in which case Barcelona would probably prefer that he learns from the Welshman. Likewise, Mirallas and Deulofeu at Everton could cause serious problems for teams.Is the price right? Can’t go wrong with a loan.Will it happen? 8/10: Everton – they are the early favourites 6/10: AVB is a renowned coach and Barcelona will be intrigued to see him play alongside Bale.
West Ham have agreed a £6.7m fee to sign Colombian striker Duvan Zapata, 22, from Argentine club Estudiantes.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Zapata has had a good season in Argentina having scored 13 goals in 31 games and at 6’1? with pace, makes for an interesting Premier League option.Does it make sense? It’s not an obvious fit. Allardyce plays 4411 with Nolan behind Carroll so where would Zapata fit in? Nolan isn’t skilled correctly to play as one of a two man midfield so someone is missing out.Is the price right? It seems fair given what he’s achieved so far and the talent he could yet unlock.Will it happen? 8/10 – Usually these are the kinds of signings that tend to be reported accurately as his name is so far off the radar that it’s hard to just put 2 and 2 together.
Napoli will move for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, 27, if they miss out on top target Stevan Jovetic, of Fiorentina.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Napoli are being linked with everyone at the moment, all these forwards are presumably to replace Edinson Cavani who now seems to be heading to PSG as they aim to show they have the pull to attract serious players when bidding against the biggest teams.Does it make sense? Dzeko makes more sense than Jovetic who would be a downright bizarre choice of replacement considering they are such different players. Dzeko is more like for like and could fit well with Insigne, Hamsik and newly acquired flyer Mertens.Is the price right? £23m for an unsuitable Jovetic seems a waste but £12-15m for Dzeko could work. Problem is though, City only have him and Aguero at the moment so they’re light as it is.Will it happen? 6/10: Jovetic – Fiorentina have just signed Mario Gomez and don’t seem desperate to sell. 3/10: Dzeko – It could well happen eventually but certainly not until City sign a replacement. Also, with Napoli having negotiated hard on Cavani City may not be of a mind to sell to them.
Loic Remy, 26, could play for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship next season as other clubs show little interest in the France striker.
Full story: London Evening Standard
What’s the story? Oh yeah. Loic Remy, we’d forgotten about him. One of the few salable assets in QPR’s pile of junk and made a good impression in his months in the Premier League.Does it make sense? I guess the problem is his wage. The types of teams that might look at him probably can’t afford £60k a week that he’s on at QPR.Is the price right? He has an £8m release clause which really should be intriguing teams. Considering Dwight Gayle cost Palace £8.5m and Tom Ince is going to cost someone £8m it’s really tempting. The issue though, is the wage.Will it happen? 5/10 – I think he’ll leave QPR but maybe not until the end of the window when someone has missed out on other targets. The price is too tempting for someone like Newcastle or even Cardiff.
Spanish club Levante want to sign Arsenal’s 29-year-old striker Marouane Chamakh.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? Oh wow, someone wants Chamakh?Does it make sense? It does actually. Levante were one of the lowest scorers in La Liga last season so are at least attempting to add goals. Whether they are or not is up for debate but he has scored previously. (Amazingly for Arsenal fans, but it’s true)Is the price right? Arsenal would take about £3-4m which they’re getting for BendtnerWill it happen? 5/10 – More likely to be a loan at this stage but it could well end up permanent.
