The 10 huge transfer deals that could still be done this summer - including Man Utd and Spurs swoops
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Already, this has been a transfer window of monstrous proportions. With deals for the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo looming large in the Premier League, and with Saudi Arabia’s huge financial might finally flexing notable influence on the global stage, it feels like a watershed moment for the manner and scale with which business is conducted across the game.
But with a little over a fortnight left before the window shuts, there are still plenty of high-profile deals that could be completed. Here are ten from the Premier League to keep an eye on over the coming days...
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Hide AdLucas Paqueta to Manchester City
The treble winners are seemingly intent on prising the Brazilian playmaker away from West Ham before the transfer window closes, and for his part, it is understood that his head has been turned somewhat by their reported interest. A long-term injury to Kevin De Bruyne is only likely to intensify City’s pursuit, with a fee of around £85 million being touted.
Benjamin Pavard to Manchester United
By and large, this has been a really positive summer of transfer activity for Manchester United, but there are still a couple of pieces missing from Erik ten Hag’s jigsaw, and one of them is another central defender. Pavard is a World Cup winner with plenty of top tier pedigree and a decent amount of versatility to his game, and the prospect of a switch to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich remains a real possibility.
Romeo Lavia to Chelsea
This one is a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’, truth be told. After weeks of speculation, and a whole load of interest from Liverpool, it would appear that Lavia will be following Moises Caicedo to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth an initial £53 million, with a further £5 million in add-ons. With no European football for the Blues this season, his game time will most likely be limited initially, with Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez the first choice midfield pairing.
Michael Olise to Chelsea
Another one edging ever closer to completion, Chelsea look to have nabbed their man after triggering a £35 million release clause in his contract with Crystal Palace. Olise has the potential to become one of the most lethal attacking forces in the Premier League, and this could prove to be a huge coup for the Blues. Expect it to be wrapped up shortly. The Blues are already pretty well stacked for wingers, but could potentially use Olise in the number ten role currently occupied by England U20 star Carney Chukwuemeka.
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Hide AdA goalkeeper to Chelsea
With Kepa Arrizabalaga having been unveiled as a Real Madrid player, expect Chelsea to swoop for a goalkeeper before the end of the window too. Reports suggest that both Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel are targets, although at this stage it is unclear which, if either, the Blues will opt for. They could well, in fact, opt to stick with Robert Sanchez as their new number one, and bring in a fresh backup option.
Joao Cancelo to Barcelona (or Arsenal?)
After falling out of favour at Manchester City, Cancelo was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich last season, and the chances are that he will complete a permanent move away from the Etihad in the coming weeks. Barcelona has looked like his most likely destination for the longest time, but there are persistent rumours that Arsenal could launch a bid to hijack the deal in the dying embers of the window.
Romelu Lukaku to Tottenham
Far less certain than others on this list, but there has been talk of Tottenham making a sensational bid to sign Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian’s time at Stamford Bridge looks to be well and truly over, and the chances of him making a return to Italy have diminished as the window has dragged on. For their part, Spurs need a striker following Harry Kane’s exit, and could turn to west London in their efforts to replace him.
Marc Cucurella to Newcastle United
Cucurella has struggled to make the kind of impact that Chelsea might have expected from him following his big money move from Brighton last summer, and already there is speculation surrounding his potential exit. Newcastle United are said to be considering a loan bid, although there are also claims that Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney remains a target.
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Hide AdSofian Amrabat to Mancheser United
Another area of the pitch that Manchester United are understood to be keen on strengthening is the centre of midfield. Amrabat has been linked with an exit from Fiorentina for quite some time now, and his combative, energetic style of play feels like exactly the kind of added bite that would serve the Red Devils well over the coming campaign.
Cheick Doucoure to Liverpool
And finally, after being frustrated in their efforts to sign both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Liverpool could now turn their attention to Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure. Whether the Eagles would be willing to sell another one of their most prized assets having already lost Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise this summer, only time will tell, but it is understood that Jurgen Klopp’s men are also monitoring Fulham’s Joao Palhinha as a sort of contingency plan to their contingency plan.
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