Calling True or False on the Hottest Premier League Transfer Rumours

The Premier League 2012-13 season is tied up, so it's time to start considering the hottest transfers of the summer.

Countless names will be linked with moves to and from England's top division. As momentum builds towards the summer transfer window, which rumours can we believe will actually take place? Let's take a look at a recent handful of links to start deciphering exactly that.

Edinson Cavani to Manchester City

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has been remarkably open about this potential transfer.

ESPN reported the club has entered negotiations with Manchester City for striker Edinson Cavani. An agreement would most likely see Edin Dzeko move the other way, although Borussia Dortmund's previous interest in the Bosnian forward could scupper a deal. As reported by ESPN at the beginning of May, Dzeko remains an option for the German club.

Manchester City would be smart to broker a swap-deal for Cavani. Not only would this lessen the transfer fee, but eliminating Dzeko's £120,000 per week wages could be extremely important with the FIFA Financial Fair Play rules coming in next season.

Cavani has netted 36 goals and produced four assists in 41 games this season. Carlos Tevez could also be on his way out of the Etihad, according to ESPN, so Manchester City will be looking to replace the Argentinian with a hard-working forward. Cavani fits the bill perfectly.

Verdict: True

Gareth Bale to Real Madrid

Each year a transfer story continues to loiter.

Even after The Guardian reported Gareth Bale is set to sign a bumper £150,000 per week contract at Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid's scouts appear to be on the lookout once again.

The Independent suggests Bale could be brought in to replace the potential transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, while The Daily Express says Madrid president Florentino Perez could use Pepe, Marcelo, Gonzalo Higuain or Angel Di Maria as makeweights in a deal.

A player of Bale's talents will continue to garner interest from Europe's elite across the summer. Spurs' failure to qualify for the Champions League could play a huge role in any move away. The Welshman certainly has unfinished business at White Hart Lane and will be disappointed to leave without helping his side topple Arsenal.

Verdict: False 

David Luiz to Barcelona/Real Madrid

David Luiz's 2012-13 season really took off in the latter stages. His versatility and ability to score tremendous goals has seen the Brazilian emerge as one of Stamford Bridge's biggest stars.

Jose Mourinho remains favourite to take over from interim manager Rafael Benitez, especially after Real Madrid confirmed he will leave at the current campaign's conclusion. The Daily Mail reports Mourinho's first move upon his London return would see Luiz join either Barcelona or Real Madrid.

ESPN also indicates Mourinho doesn't rate Luiz's defensive capabilities and could be shifted to La Liga during the summer. Would Chelsea fans back this decision? Luiz's popularity is at an all-time high right now and it would certainly be a bold move by the incoming manager to move him along.

Verdict: False 

Stevan Jovetic to Arsenal

Arsene Wenger finally has big money to spend. The Gunners boss had to sit and watch as Robin van Persie joined Manchester United last season, but now he can finally replace the Dutch striker with a star signing of his own.

While Metro reports Arsenal are closing in on highly rated Stevan Jovetic, The Daily Mail believes his £25 price tag is considered too high by the Emirates club. With Juventus also interested in the striker, Arsenal could be forced to look elsewhere if Jovetic's cost heads towards the £30 million mark, according to The Daily Mirror.

With this in mind, The Telegraph suggests Arsenal could be set to launch bids for Gonzalo Higuain or Karim Benzema. Wenger obviously wants to keep his options open and won't be held to ransom over Jovetic's transfer. It's likely Fiorentina would rather see the Montenegrin move to England instead of a Serie A rival, so a deal could definitely be on the cards.

Verdict: True 

Thiago Alcantara to Manchester United

With Paul Scholes' retirement confirmed, David Moyes will be looking to strengthen Manchester United's midfield as a matter of priority during the summer.

Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara has struggled under a lack of opportunities at the La Liga side and was linked with a move to Old Trafford back in March, according to The Daily Mail. Such reports have intensified recently, with Goal.com suggesting the English club could be tempted into luring the £15 million player away from the Camp Nou.

The stylish midfielder would be an excellent addition to the Premier League champions, as detailed by B/R's Sam Tighe right here. He has made just 15 starts in all competitions across the last year and will feel the need to be playing more regularly with the 2014 World Cup approaching.

Thiago's arrival could potentially upset the likes of Tom Cleverley, who will undoubtedly lose game time if a deal is struck. Could Thiago be set to join Michael Carrick in the United midfield? What a clash of styles that would be. 

Verdict: False

Which transfers do you think will come true? Let me know in the comments section and be sure to follow me on Twitter right here:

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All statistics in this article are courtesy of WhoScored.