Real Madrid has three players whose names have been bandied about in the transfer market for some time:  Esteban Granero, Raul Albiol and Kaká.  The transfer window gives the press fodder to make wild statements based on supposed “insider sources”.  Yet for the fans, it is often a time to hold their breath and pray.   When all is said and done, they frequently are mumbling something along the lines of…how could my team do something so mind-numbing, stupid, insane, brilliant, or earth-shattering.  You can choose.  It frequently depends on the team you follow.

So, let’s start with Esteban Granero.  I have read several reports (or wishful thinking pieces) that Arsenal is interested in him.  Arsenal could use him.  The only reason they are in the upper half of the Premier League is courtesy of Robin Van Persie’s sizzling goal scoring record.  Injuries and a lack of performance by some players have made their fans question their abilities and Granero would be a good fit.  According to Granero’s agent, however, it is not Arsenal, but Liverpool preparing a bid.  Is it a wise decision for Madrid to sell him, however?  Xabi Alonso is the man José Mourinho wants in the midfield, but at 30 years old, he won’t be there forever.  Granero has shown glimpses of brilliance and with consistent playing time he could be a strong addition to any team.  He could also be the eventual replacement for Alonso.  Perhaps sending him on loan would be a wise decision for José, but a transfer, I think not.

Now, let us move on to Raul Albiol.  He was a starter at Valencia, but has been relegated to the Real Madrid bench for the majority of this season, playing in only 5 league games.  He is strong enough to be regularly called up for the Spanish National Team (albeit as a part of the bench), yet he has minimal minutes and has barely seen the pitch for Madrid.  It would not be a shock to see him transferred, but with Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Carvalho all having injury spells this year, it would not be the wisest move to transfer a player with the experience and versatility of Albiol.  Rumor has it that he is also one of the most adored players in the locker room and that says a lot for a team full of big “personalities”.

And that brings us to the third transfer target:  Kaká.  Rumors have abounded about his departure, almost since his arrival.  He is expensive and has not performed to the expected standards, at least in terms of the Madrid media. After being subbed at half two games in a row recently, a transfer seemed all but imminent.  However, this past weekend, he came on in the second half against Mallorca and made a significant impact, allowing Madrid to make a comeback.  Maybe he isn’t going anywhere after all.

So all this begs the question…will they or won’t they?  When it comes to transfers, José Mourinho has been adamant.  He was quoted, as recently as last week, that “[Madrid] will finish the season with the same players we have.”  Of course, we will have to take that statement with a grain of salt.  I am fairly certain Manchester United’s coach, Sir Alex Ferguson, made a similar statement two days before he brought Paul Scholes out of retirement.  If that’s the case, perhaps there is a return for Raúl in the works!  [My transfer window flare is asserting itself…and if you believe that statement, I have a bridge…]

As for the other big question…the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals start on Wednesday in Madrid.  Will they or won’t they beat Barcelona is a question that won’t likely be answered until the second leg in Barcelona.  And if I were a gambler, I would say the transfers won’t be answered until after that as well.