Analysing the transfer gossip - 5th April
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?
Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, 24, could be sent back to Newcastle in a swap deal with Hatem Ben Arfa, 26.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Fascinating. I like rumours of this type because they make you think. Carroll is fizzling back towards his Newcastle form at West Ham and is idolised on Tyneside. Ben Arfa would look pretty with Suarez and Coutinho. I like.
Does it make sense? Absolutely. Not from a financial stand point because Liverpool are taking a ludicrous loss but he’s persona non grata anyway. With all the quality Toon have on the flanks supplying him and Sissoko hunting for knock downs, he’d be a great option. For all the stick he gets, he’s still an absolute menace when he’s on it and deployed correctly. Ben Arfa is exactly the kind of player Rodgers can fall in love with.
Is the price right? They’re both worth something in the £12-15m area and are both prone to injury so a straight-up swap makes sense.
Will it happen? 7/10 – I hope so but I’m dubious.
QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar, 33, could be heading to Serie A giants AC Milan in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? When QPR go down, Cesar isn’t going to want to hang around. Milan need a keeper in the worst way.
Does it make sense? Yes. Cesar is still more than good enough to thrive in Serie A.
Is the price right? It won’t be much, so yes.
Will it happen? 7/10 – It makes a lot of sense if Milan choose Cesar as a relatively cheap option.
Borussia Dortmund are believed to be interested in 21-year-old Chelsea striker Kevin De Bruyne.
Full Story: The Sun
What’s the story? De Bruyne could be the odd man out in the Chelsea re-shuffle. He’s got all the talent he needs but are they committed to him? It would be a typical Dortmund move to swoop in on someone else’s oversight.
Does it make sense? It makes a lot of sense for Dortmund, who may have to re-tool if some of their big names are sold. De Bruyne could be a great prospect for Chelsea if they believe in him and give him game time.
Is the price right? Chelsea paid £7m but that’s probably still about where he is. Maybe £8-9m.
Will it happen? 5/10 – We need to see what direction Chelsea want to go in from next season, but if he’s cast off, then a move to Dortmund would be on the cards.
Russian side Zenit St Petersburg are eyeing a move for Newcastle’s Italian defender Davide Santon, 22.
Full story: talkSPORT
What’s the story? Santon has improved steadily at Newcastle and has been one of their more consistent players this season. Zenit are always looking at making statements in the market.
Does it make sense? Maybe. He could be an upgrade at left back and Newcastle have shown they can replace players cheaply. If they were to sell any of their main men, they’d prefer to lose Santon.
Is the price right? Newcastle paid £5m. Is he worth more than that? Probably not. Newcastle do not sell players at a loss nowadays.
Will it happen? 5/10 – Not unless Zenit pay through the nose. Mind you, they paid £50m for Hulk…
Michael Essien, 30, believes he will return from Real Madrid to Chelsea in the summer as he is not convinced his loan deal will be made permanent.
Full story: Metro
What’s the story? Essien could have been used by Chelsea this year, and he can next year. They’re not overburdened in central midfield.
Does it make sense? I didn’t get why he was loaned out in the first place. He’s still better than Mikel or Romeu so why sell him? He’s still got plenty in the tank as proved by Mourinho picking him first choice in the Champions League. If he goes to Chelsea then Essien sure isn’t going anywhere.
Is the price right? Hard to put a price on Essien really. But Real aren’t short of cash.
Will it happen? 5/10 – He could easily be at either next year.
Fulham, Southampton and Wigan are battling to sign 20-year-old Chelsea and Belgian international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on loan next season.
Full story: The Sun
What’s the story? Hahaha. Excellent.
Does it make sense? Well, he’s first choice for Atletico Madrid and about to play in the Champions League so yes, of course he wants to go to Wigan.
Is the price right? Chelsea need to make a plan for Courtois – do they want to keep farming him out or do they want to use him?
Will it happen? 0/10 – of course not.