Real Madrid Transfers: 10 Most Unfounded Rumors as of July 1

Hey all, so this is the first in a series of transfer-season stories: each week (at least once, depending on the pace of the rumors) I'll round up the top 10 Real Madrid related transfer rumors. I'll do my best to cite my sources, even though some of them might look like this:

"Real Madrid to make huge splash for Ibrahimovic! 60 Million Euros and up!" --Some dude I met in a bar last night. 
 
So, without further ado, here are this week's Top 10 Real Madrid Transfer Rumors:

This article originally appeared on www.managingmadrid.blogspot.com. For more of Gabe's work, check out his websites, Managing Madrid and Jabroni Free Sports. 

1. El Kun To...Juve?!

Kun Agüero is apparently close to signing for Juventus! Marca.com attributes this shocking piece of information to "Italian sources." If true, this is too bad for Madrid--I like the way the young Argentine plays. He's really fast, and terrific on the counter attack. 

The good news? He "doesn't want to talk about it until after the Copa América," according to a later article, and his family "thinks he wants to play for Real Madrid."

2. Neymar to Madrid?!

Neymar "only wants to play in Madrid," according to Dani Alves. While this might sound like good news, Dani Alves is a notorious liar, so take this at face value. Seriously. 

And while we're on the topic, Dani Alves recently said that if he were in charge, he'd pay almost anything to "bring Neymar to Barcelona." 

In totally unrelated news, Dani Alves really enjoys pancakes, flapjacks, or, as people who remember the 2004 American presidential campaign know, "flip-flops."

3. ...Oh, No He Won't...Maybe.

Neymar "won't come to Europe for at least another year," according to his agent. This seems like a trick to try to drive up his asking price. I don't buy it for one second.

4. Well, He'll at Least Play the Club World Cup for Santos

Neymar "wants to play the Club World Cup for Santos," according to various sources. I buy this, but it might mean risking injury and driving up his price if he has a good competition. 

It also might give credence to the whole "he wants to prove that the best player in the world doesn't have to be in Europe" theory. See, I'd buy that if I didn't actually think that the best player in the world does have play in Europe (at least for a while). 

Well, unless they're Pelé. But I really, really, really don't think Neymar is Pelé.

5. Real Madrid Ahead in the Race for Coulibaly

Real Madrid is "ahead" in the race for 16-year-old Souleymane Coulibaly, a young phenom- dubbed as "the next Didier Drogba."

Who the hell knows if this is true--I don't even know what "ahead" means in this case.

Seriously, though. What does that even mean? 

6. Real Madrid to Sell Karim Benzema?!

My bartender the other night told me that los blancos are thinking about selling Benzema. It sounds like BS to me, though I've heard some speculation that Arsenal have asked about the young Frenchman. 

Could he be used in a trade to bring Cesc to Madrid? Will Madrid sell to Arsenal knowing full well that that they'll use the money to make a move for someone like el Kun? And that Barça might end up with Cesc in this scenario?

8. Real Madrid Looking to Deal Kaká?

Apparently, Madrid "is negotiating for Kaká," according to various sources, and Marca is reporting that both AC Milan and Inter are interested in buying the Brazilian midfielder's contract.

But for 30 million, no more. Seems like a big loss for Madrid, as I said in today's podcast.

My dad, co-host Jacques Lezra, disagreed, saying that selling Kaká helps Madrid by both injecting money into our transfer chest, and by removing a player who hasn't performed up to expectations. 

I understand where he's coming from, but still shy away from losing such a good player at such a loss. 

8. Fernando Gago Thinks "El Kun" Will Be "Great" on Madrid

According to Fernando Gago, "Kun Agüero would be a great player for Madrid."

I'm glad Gago agrees with me; unfortunately, I still think Gago should go play on some other team. 

Like back to Boca Juniors, my favorite Argentine team. 

9. Erik Lamela: River Plate's Jewel on the Cheap?

This isn't a rumor exactly, but more like something I wish: as River Plate went to "la B" in Argentina, it looks like some of their talent might be available on the cheap.

Madrid should consider looking into their center midfielder, 19-year-old Argentine Erik Lamela. He looked very good in the matches I saw.

10. Apparently, Chelsea Is Pursuing Every Single Player Real Madrid Wants

Apparently Chelsea wants to buy every single player Real Madrid wants to buy, according to various sources.

In other news, Chelsea's new coach, Manuel Villas-Boas wants to be Mourinho--but not in a cute "he's my idol" kind of way, but more in a "creepy stalker wear his skin like a suit" kind of way.

Too far?