Real Madrid: Calling Fact or Fiction on the Big Summer Transfer Rumours

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No sooner than January has the chance to say hello to February do we become littered with rumors of summer moves.

Well, it's now March and tales of transfers are in full swing as the Spanish domestic season heads into its last 10 games.

Because of the size of Real Madrid, they're affected by this nonsense more than most and, even though their manager's future remains uncertain, speculation surrounding arrivals and outgoings is rife.

In the crazy world of money-laden football it's impossible for us to really know what is going on, but the following slides attempt to seek out the rumors with substance and the ones which you can disregard...

Gareth Bale to Spain? Fact

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There have been too many links for too much time to suggest this is merely a rumor.

Whether it will happen this summer is another matter.

But, while Gareth Bale flutters his eyelashes at Los Blancos (via the Daily Mail) and former Madrid President Roman Calderon states they're interested (via The Sun) this one will continue to run.

Radamel Falcao to Cross the City? Fiction

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There is no doubt Real Madrid would love to see the Colombian striker make the hop across the city to the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, speculation this week (via The Express) suggests Los Blancos would have to pay up to $20 million more than any other club to sign him—due to an "anti-Madrid" clause.

Add in that Atletico have closed the gap on their rivals this season and Falcao, a highly religious man, may feel it too toxic to to get in bed with their neighbors.

Edinson Cavani the New No.9? Fact

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This one is one of the tougher ones to call.

It's sporadically reported that Madrid maintain an interest in the Napoli striker (via The Express), but all it takes to cool off that interest is for Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema to finish the season firing.

Benzema has been suggested as a make-weight in the deal, but there's a lot of things which need to happen for it to be finally forced through.

Cristiano Ronaldo Leaving? Fiction

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In a recent interview on Spanish blog AlbaEspana, journalist Sid Lowe suggested that there will be a real battle between Jorge Mendes—Cristiano Ronaldo's agent—and Real Madrid.

With just over a year left on the Portuguese forward's contract, Mendes will meet with the club this summer to discuss his client's future.

But as much as it may suit the super agent for Ronaldo to move on, it makes much more sense for him to renew at the Bernabeu.

Although this story could get bigger as we move towards next season...

Time Up for Raul Albiol? Fact

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It's recently been reported in the Express that Arsenal have an interest in the Real Madrid centre-back.

Signed from Valencia in 2009, the 27-year-old has dropped further down the pecking order since the emergence of Raphael Varane this season.

Although it may not be Arsenal that prompts his exit, a return to Valencia may make more sense for the Spanish international.

A Swoop for Isco? Fiction

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Isco possesses the talent to be a Real Madrid signing but his timing could maybe be better.

Largely linked with Los Blancos via gossip sites, no established media have yet to really take on this story.

And with Cristiano Ronaldo on the left, Mesut Ozil in the middle and Luka Modric starting to show some form it appears hard to place Isco at Madrid just yet.

Kaka Departing? Fact

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It's best to steer clear of reading about Kaka's future—there's always so much speculation (I realize the irony).

He was supposedly close to rejoining AC Milan in January, only for the deal to fall through.

If an opportunity for him to move comes up in the summer which suits him and Madrid, despite his recent good form, expect the Brazilian to depart at last.

Angel Di Maria to England? Fiction

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In January the Metro linked Angel Di Maria with both Chelsea and Manchester United and at the time, with the Argentinian slightly out of form, it seemed believable.

The Mirror also linked him with the Red Devils, but also with PSG in France.

Now though, he's played himself back into form with wonderful performances against Manchester United and Barcelona.

Still, depending on the management situation, he isn't a shoe-in to be in Spain next season.