The summer transfer window is well underway, but with the spate of international tournaments grabbing the attention of some of this summer’s biggest targets, there is still a lot to do. Which players are most likely to switch before the 2019-20 campaign? David Amoyal rates the top rumors from across world football in the latest edition of our Summer Rumor Rater.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Manchester United: 30%
Although the Serbian international has had an odd season, he will not be sold at last summer’s price as Lazio is in strong financial shape (at least compared to other Serie A clubs), he is still only 24 years old and he was named the best Serie A midfielder last season. President Claudio Lotito is aiming for a € 90m repayment but while Manchester United is one of the few clubs that can afford it, they still have to take concrete steps to sign him. This would likely change should they sell Paul Pogba either Juventus or Real Madrid, who are now favorites to sign the French midfielder.
Dejan Lovren to AC Milan: 40%
episode Ignazio Abate and Cristian Zapata‘s leaving after their contracts expire Rossoneri are looking for a center back, a need that is brought about by the questions surrounding Mattia Caldara‘s fitness. Milan have met with the Croatian defender’s agent on several occasions but it remains to be seen whether they are ready to meet Liverpool’s € 25million prize amid financial fair play constraints.
James Rodriguez to Atletico Madrid: 25%
After spending generously in the first phase of the transfer window, Real Madrid are focused on departures. The Colombian international is determined to reunite with Carlo Ancelotti but at the moment Napoli is offering to pay just € 10m on a one-year loan with an option to buy in 2020 € 40m to acquire him permanently but Real Madrid are reluctant to potentially reinforce its rivals after the sale Marcos Llorente. However, Atletico’s entry into the race has spurred Napoli to action and they have sent sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli to Spain to finalize the deal.
Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus: 80%
Dutch defender’s agent Mino Raiola recently confirmed in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he has made a personal arrangement with the Serie A champions. He also pointed out that Ajax agreed last year to let De Ligt go for at least € 50m in return to keep him for the 2018-19 season, but now they are looking for a higher return. Juventus are optimistic about closing the deal later this week as De Ligt pushes to join, especially after a recent phone call with manager Maurizio Sarri.
Samuel Umtiti to Paris Saint-Germain: 40%
With their main defense target De Ligt moving closer to Juventus, PSG leave no stone unturned in their search for a possible alternative. One name on the Paris-based club’s radar is that of Barcelona center-back Umtiti, who struggled with injuries last season. The player appreciated by the Blaugrana With € 60million, he has made it clear that he wants to stay at the club but the situation could change if Barca increased their offer to sign again Neymar. The Catalan club could capitalize on PSG’s interest in Umtiti and try to add him to the list of players who could be involved in a proposed deal for the Brazilian star.
Lucas Vazquez to Arsenal: 40%
Coach Unai Emery is particularly keen to bring more options on the wings to restore his signature 4-2-3-1 formation. In that regard, Real Madrid’s youth product could be a safe bet, allegedly priced at € 35million. The 28-year-old Spaniard who faces tough competition for a place in Los Blancos Starting XI, could consider moving to the Premier League to bolster his hopes for a place in the Spanish squad for Euro 2020.
Mauro Icardi to Naples: 30%
Inter’s Executive Director Beppe Marotta has made it clear that the Argentine striker is no longer part of the club’s plans. However, Icardi and his wife / agent Wanda Nara have no intention of leaving Italy and that limits their choice of viable destinations. Juventus have been watching the situation for some time but they would have to move Gonzalo Higuain‘s huge salary from the payroll first, and Paulo Dybala is not interested in an exchange. Napoli, on the other hand, are ready to offer Icardi a massive deal while putting Inter on hold to avoid selling their former captain to their fiercest rivals.
– When does the transfer window close?
– Anatomy of a transfer: what is real and what is not
– In Tottenham’s summer shopping frenzy
Radja Nainggolan to Shanghai Shenhua: 55%
Icardi isn’t the only star on her way out at Inter following the club’s decision to get rid of those prone to distractions. Accepting the fact that he is not part of Conte’s plans, Nainggolan is now open to moving to China, where he will be followed by both Shanghai Shenhua and Dalian Yifang after Barcelona rejected a swap deal Arturo Vidal. There doesn’t seem to be a significant market for the Belgium international in Europe and a move to China would bring him a significant deal at the dawn of his career.
Maxi Gomez to Westham: 65%
The sale of Marko Arnautovic to Shanghai SIPG completely turned the tables for Uruguay’s striker Maxi Gomez in the race between Valencia and West Ham. The Spanish club were confident that their offer of 15 million euros for the striker’s economic rights Santa Mina and defender Jorge Saenz’s two-year loan would have been enough to get Celta Vigo to sell Gomez. However, the proceeds from the Arnautovic sale could prove to be the extra fuel the Hammers need to meet Celta’s € 50 million asking price and get the deal across the border.
Diego Costa to Everton: 30%
The Toffees are considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, who is far from untouchable at the Spanish club, especially after the signings of Joao Felix and Alvaro Morata. Although Everton owner Farhad Moshiri would like to make the Spanish international into the marquee of this transfer window, it remains uncertain whether the 30-year-old would be open to a return to the Premier League.
