Analysing the Transfer Gossip: 17th May: Arsenal, Rooney and Spurs
There’s always plenty of transfer talk throughout the season. So how much of it makes sense, and how much of it is just rumour?
Arsenal are plotting a summer move for unsettled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, who has asked to leave the Premier League champions.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? Sorry, does that say Arsenal are trying to buy Wayne Rooney? It has been put in to print that Arsenal are trying to buy Wayne Rooney. Wayne Rooney? Arsenal? Wayne Rooney?
Does it make sense? Erm, no…obviously not? Wenger’s last 27-year-old, £30m plus purchase on £200k a week was…?
Is the price right? Not unless Arsenal are planning to abandon their cherished transfer policy. £30m is a big step given his current form. If Arsenal do truly have the money and do go for Rooney and Fabregas, then I will be delighted to be proven wrong.
Will it happen? 2/10 – It does make tactical sense, he would be a great fit on the field. But this is uncharted financial waters for Arsenal.
Both Tottenham and Chelsea have made approaches for Southampton’s 17-year-old defender Luke Shaw. The England Under-21 left-back has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents.
Full story: The Times
What’s the story? Luke Shaw is regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects and both Spurs and Chelsea are going to need a left back soon with Ashley and Benoit Assou-Ekotto on the way to their end.
Does it make sense? Yes for Spurs and Chelsea, no for Southampton. If they are truly serious about surviving and even more so, thriving, in the Premier League, they have no reason to sell. They’ve already sold Walcott, Bale and Oxlade-Chamberlain in recent years, not a bad front three if they’d kept them, so letting another go is not a good idea.
Is the price right? There isn’t an equitable price to be found here. He’s not worth more than £5-6m given his position and lack of games. If you add the ‘potential’ premium it goes up to about £9m and then the English premium and it’s up over £12m. Is that wise for a 17-year-old left back?
Will it happen? 4/10 – Spurs seem to have moved away from this type of buy. If this was 5-6 years ago they’d be first in the queue. 7/10 – Chelsea: they have the money and are collecting some top young players. I quite fancy Manchester United to make a run at him if they can’t get Baines.
Spurs are close to completing a deal for Barcelona striker David Villa, 31.
Full story: talkSPORT
What’s the story? Hmm. Spurs do like a bargain but don’t like paying huge wages. Is Villa either of those things?
Does it make sense? Football wise it certainly does, he’s still a huge upgrade over what Spurs have. Financially, not so much.
Is the price right? No one really knows what Barcelona are planning. They could very well go all in with the next rich crop of young players or keep Villa knocking around for another year. £12m? Perhaps?
Will it happen? 4/10 – It’s a little early to commit to anything Barcelona wise. Perhaps even Spurs wise if Real Madrid or Man United offer something outlandish for Gareth Bale.
Manchester United face competition from Bayer Leverkusen as they target a move for £25m-rated Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, 25.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Gaitan was the star of Benfica’s ultimately unsuccessful European campaign this year. Man United do need a bit of attacking sparkle although you would question where he quite fits. No chance of a move to Leverkusen though. They’ve just sold Schurrle, presumably the reason for this rumour, but don’t have the wherewithal to immediately shell it all out again.
Does it make sense? If Ferguson was in charge then perhaps, but Gaitan doesn’t make sense for Moyes really. He’s not exactly a hard worker which Moyes values.
Is the price right? It’s an awful lot, but Benfica have no need to sell. Compared to other players sold by them and Porto recently (Ramires, David Luiz, Hulk, Falcao, Di Maria) it’s certainly right.
Will it happen? 2/10 – Not an ideal fit for Moyes.
Manchester City have moved for Spain and Seville winger Jesus Navas, 27, as they rebuild ahead of next season.
Full story: The Times
What’s the story? Jesus Navas gets homesick playing in other parts of Spain, never mind other countries, never mind living in another country. A country which is cold and wet and where he can’t talk Spanish. This would be a major bust.
Does it make sense? No. He can’t be purchased outside of Seville which is why he’s still there at 27. Not even a great tactical fit given he’s a pure winger which City don’t have personnel to play.
Is the price right? He’s worth more to Sevilla than any one else so the £15m-ish that it would take is too much for such a risk.
Will it happen? 6/10 – Having said all of that, it could very much still happen. City might think they can maximise him and Navas might want to show that he can play outside his won town.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Fulham are tracking Watford striker Matej Vydra, 21, who has yet to decide whether to return to parent club Udinese, stay at Watford or move elsewhere.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Yeah, he’s not making any decisions in this really. He belongs to Udinese and they will decide where he plays. He’s not even vaguely ready to play for Arsenal or Spurs.
Does it make sense? Guess. If Watford go up, it’s highly likely that he will play for them in the Premier League next year. If not, why wouldn’t Udinese want him in Serie A?
Is the price right? I know this will be familiar to regular readers, but Udinese always sell top assets at the peak of their value. They wait for them to reach that before cashing in rather than chasing the immediately available cash. See Alexis Sanchez, Isla, Kwadwo Asamoah, Inler, Jankulovski etc.
Will it happen? No.
West Brom boss Steve Clarke is offering Wigan striker Franco Di Santo, 24, a chance to stay in the Premier League.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Lukaku for Di Santo? Blimey…
Does it make sense? Clarke worked with Di Santo at Chelsea so knows what he is all about. And that is; basically no goals ever and then a hat trick of sublime goals once a season.
Is the price right? I don’t get why they would choose him of all strikers but considering the wealth of players Wigan will want to keep from their relegated squad he’d be first out the door if an offer of £2-3m came in.
Will it happen? 6/10 – He’s certainly cheap enough and West Brom shop quite tidily.