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Every now and then a transfer takes place that shocks football: Sol Campbell leaving Spurs as a free agent to sign for Arsenal, Fernando Torres’ switch from Liverpool to Chelsea, Carlos Tevez ending his time at Manchester United for neighbours Manchester City. Well, at 34, Frank Lampard’s best days are arguably behind him, but moving from Chelsea to Arsenal would still represent a big surprise. The Life’s a Pitch team assess whether a move is likely. And while they’re at it, they rate the chances of Man Utd bringing in Athletic Bilbao’s Oscar de Marco and Shane Long trading West Brom for Liverpool.

“I’d give this seven out of 10,” says The Mirror’s John Cross on the Lampard to Arsenal rumour. “When Arsène Wenger was asked about Frank Lampard he was very, very coy. When he wants to deny something, then he’ll do it. [But] he chose not to. Arsenal know, from the summer, that Chelsea are a club that want to cut their wage bill – Arsenal were offered Michael Essien. If the offer is there with Frank Lampard, I think it’s something that would interest them greatly.”

The Sunday Mirror’s David Walker is less sure that Man Utd are determined to sign 23-year-old midfield enforcer De Marcos. “A lot of the big English clubs have looked at him. Alex Ferguson and his coaching staff and scouts are looking for the next kingpin of the midfield. De Marcos is one of those ‘maybes’. They’re looking at it. Is it the one that they push over the line? At the moment, I’d give it a six.”

The chances of Long wearing a Liverpool kit for the second half of the season are even less likely, according to the Guardian’s Dominic Fifield. “He would be ideal for Brendan Rodgers’ team. He’s such a wonderful worker, runs the line, industrious and has a good finish. So, for Liverpool: ideal, perfect. And a good price at £12m. But for West Brom: no chance. Why would they sell him? I just don’t see that happening. I think West Brom would resist it all the way. So, four out of 10.”

Watch the full video discussion by clicking on the play button in the image above.

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Liverpool v Fulham, 4.30pm, 22 December, ESPN
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