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It would not be a summer transfer window without Manchester United becoming embroiled in a transfer saga that shows no sign of ending. Thomas Muller, Gareth Bale, Arturo Vidal and Sergio Ramos are to name just four players who have been pursued by the Old Trafford hierarchy in the past, only to end up empty-handed despite dominating the rumour columns across newspapers and websites. Paul Pogba is the latest big-name player to be linked with a money-spinning return to Manchester United, and although a deal which could exceed £100 million is rumoured to be drawing ever closes as each day passes, there are other potential Premier League transfers that deserve the same level of coverage.
Other teams are looking to strengthen in order to compete this season, with the quality across the board continuing to rise in a division in which anyone can beat anyone on their day. The ever-increasing level of financial revenue through broadcasting deals has provided clubs with greater opportunities to attract top quality players, but although some would argue that the modern day market is spiralling out of control through excessive transfer valuations, the Premier League has always attracted the best around. Making a statement of intent via the transfer market can make a big difference to the title odds on Coral’s website, and with just under a month left to go until the close of this summer’s transfer window, the following deals could have a big effect.
Andre Ayew – Swansea to West Ham
West Ham were one of the standout performers in the Premier League last season, with Slaven Bilic transforming the Hammers into a team capable of beating anyone. Fantastic away-day victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City illustrate just how good they have become, but although they let an opportunity to finish in the top four slip, it is clear that the future is bright at West Ham.
Moving to the Olympic Stadium is just part of their long-term project to become a force to be reckoned with, with their ambition filtering through to their transfer targets. Bilic has already brought five new faces to the club, along with sign Manuel Lanzini on a permanent deal, but keeping France star Dimitri Payet, who attracted interest from Real Madrid after a number of outstanding performances at Euro 2016, could turn out to be their best piece of business. However, this could be matched if West Ham are able to bring Andre Ayew to the Olympic Stadium, having missed out on the Ghanaian striker last season as he opted to join Swansea instead on a free transfer.
Francesco Guidolin will not let his star striker go cheap, having already sold Eder to Lille and allowed Bafetimbi Gomis to join Marseille on a season-long loan. Rumours that West Ham are willing to meet Ayew’s £20 million valuation means that it is looking more likely that Bilic will get his man, but any potential deal may be held up by Swansea’s efforts to find a replacement. Signing a player of Ayew’s quality would make West Ham even greater value on Coral to finish in the top four, and with Diafra Sakho believed to be on the verge of moving to West Brom, the Ghana star would be the perfect replacement.
Joao Mario – Sporting Lisbon to Liverpool
Portugal may not have won many admirers for the way in which they managed to win Euro 2016 after winning just one game within ninety minutes, but Joao Mario was among a number of players who stood out for the Selecao. The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence in the last two seasons, with the 23-year-old becoming an integral player for club and country; his fantastic work rate, combined with an excellent reading of the game and wonderful technique stood out throughout this summer’s tournament, and although his club are adamant that none of their star players, which also include Rui Patricio and William Carvalho, are available for transfer, their hand may be forced if one of the clubs interested in his services make an offer they cannot refuse.
Inter Milan remain heavily linked with a move for Joao Mario, but recent speculation suggests that Liverpool have made a big move to bring the Portuguese star to Anfield. It appears that Jurgen Klopp remains in the market for more players, having already signed seven new faces in an effort to improve Liverpool in all areas of the pitch. His managerial prowess could shine through in his first full season in charge, but their chances of success this season would certainly improve even further if they were able to add Joao Mario to their midfield options.
Sporting are believed to be holding out for £50 million, having rejecting Liverpool’s offer of £33.5 million. It remains to be seen whether Klopp will make another move for Joao Mario, but with Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United all likely to be keeping an eye on proceedings, Liverpool may have to move quick if they want to take their summer spending to over £100 million.
Jonny Evans – West Brom to Arsenal
Arsene Wenger has made no secret of his desire to bring a centre-back to Arsenal after losing Per Mertesacker for the first few months of the season with a serious knee injury. The German’s absence leaves the Gunners short of options in central defence, with Laurent Koscielny, Gabriel Paulista and Calum Chambers the only players who are currently available for selection. Arsenal fans would argue that it is one of a number of areas in which the squad is short of, but tightening up at the back could be just what they need if they harbour any aspirations of winning their first title since 2004.
Highly-rated defender Rob Holding may have arrived from Bolton, but Wenger appears unlikely to thrust him straight into the action and would rather wait until the 20-year-old is ready. Ashley Williams is rumoured to be on Arsenal’s radar, but recent reports suggest that Wenger may make a move for a defender that he was unable to sign last summer – Jonny Evans. The Northern Ireland international joined West Brom and became an integral part of Tony Pulis’ team, having left Manchester United after nine years at the club; they were reluctant to sell Evans to one of their title rivals, but Arsenal now have an opportunity to finally get their man.
Evans’ ability to provide excellent cover at left back may encourage Wenger to make a move for the experienced defender, with a reported bid around the £15 million mark likely to test the water. West Brom are highly unlikely to sell one of their best players, with Pulis placing high priority on building solid foundations from the back; Evans is certainly an integral part of the current backline, but he may be swayed by the opportunity to move to a club who could challenge for the Premier League title this season.
Other teams are looking to strengthen in order to compete this season, with the quality across the board continuing to rise in a division in which anyone can beat anyone on their day. The ever-increasing level of financial revenue through broadcasting deals has provided clubs with greater opportunities to attract top quality players, but although some would argue that the modern day market is spiralling out of control through excessive transfer valuations, the Premier League has always attracted the best around. Making a statement of intent via the transfer market can make a big difference to the title odds on Coral’s website, and with just under a month left to go until the close of this summer’s transfer window, the following deals could have a big effect.
Andre Ayew – Swansea to West Ham
West Ham were one of the standout performers in the Premier League last season, with Slaven Bilic transforming the Hammers into a team capable of beating anyone. Fantastic away-day victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City illustrate just how good they have become, but although they let an opportunity to finish in the top four slip, it is clear that the future is bright at West Ham.
Moving to the Olympic Stadium is just part of their long-term project to become a force to be reckoned with, with their ambition filtering through to their transfer targets. Bilic has already brought five new faces to the club, along with sign Manuel Lanzini on a permanent deal, but keeping France star Dimitri Payet, who attracted interest from Real Madrid after a number of outstanding performances at Euro 2016, could turn out to be their best piece of business. However, this could be matched if West Ham are able to bring Andre Ayew to the Olympic Stadium, having missed out on the Ghanaian striker last season as he opted to join Swansea instead on a free transfer.
Francesco Guidolin will not let his star striker go cheap, having already sold Eder to Lille and allowed Bafetimbi Gomis to join Marseille on a season-long loan. Rumours that West Ham are willing to meet Ayew’s £20 million valuation means that it is looking more likely that Bilic will get his man, but any potential deal may be held up by Swansea’s efforts to find a replacement. Signing a player of Ayew’s quality would make West Ham even greater value on Coral to finish in the top four, and with Diafra Sakho believed to be on the verge of moving to West Brom, the Ghana star would be the perfect replacement.
Joao Mario – Sporting Lisbon to Liverpool
Portugal may not have won many admirers for the way in which they managed to win Euro 2016 after winning just one game within ninety minutes, but Joao Mario was among a number of players who stood out for the Selecao. The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence in the last two seasons, with the 23-year-old becoming an integral player for club and country; his fantastic work rate, combined with an excellent reading of the game and wonderful technique stood out throughout this summer’s tournament, and although his club are adamant that none of their star players, which also include Rui Patricio and William Carvalho, are available for transfer, their hand may be forced if one of the clubs interested in his services make an offer they cannot refuse.
Inter Milan remain heavily linked with a move for Joao Mario, but recent speculation suggests that Liverpool have made a big move to bring the Portuguese star to Anfield. It appears that Jurgen Klopp remains in the market for more players, having already signed seven new faces in an effort to improve Liverpool in all areas of the pitch. His managerial prowess could shine through in his first full season in charge, but their chances of success this season would certainly improve even further if they were able to add Joao Mario to their midfield options.
Sporting are believed to be holding out for £50 million, having rejecting Liverpool’s offer of £33.5 million. It remains to be seen whether Klopp will make another move for Joao Mario, but with Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United all likely to be keeping an eye on proceedings, Liverpool may have to move quick if they want to take their summer spending to over £100 million.
Jonny Evans – West Brom to Arsenal
Arsene Wenger has made no secret of his desire to bring a centre-back to Arsenal after losing Per Mertesacker for the first few months of the season with a serious knee injury. The German’s absence leaves the Gunners short of options in central defence, with Laurent Koscielny, Gabriel Paulista and Calum Chambers the only players who are currently available for selection. Arsenal fans would argue that it is one of a number of areas in which the squad is short of, but tightening up at the back could be just what they need if they harbour any aspirations of winning their first title since 2004.
Highly-rated defender Rob Holding may have arrived from Bolton, but Wenger appears unlikely to thrust him straight into the action and would rather wait until the 20-year-old is ready. Ashley Williams is rumoured to be on Arsenal’s radar, but recent reports suggest that Wenger may make a move for a defender that he was unable to sign last summer – Jonny Evans. The Northern Ireland international joined West Brom and became an integral part of Tony Pulis’ team, having left Manchester United after nine years at the club; they were reluctant to sell Evans to one of their title rivals, but Arsenal now have an opportunity to finally get their man.
Evans’ ability to provide excellent cover at left back may encourage Wenger to make a move for the experienced defender, with a reported bid around the £15 million mark likely to test the water. West Brom are highly unlikely to sell one of their best players, with Pulis placing high priority on building solid foundations from the back; Evans is certainly an integral part of the current backline, but he may be swayed by the opportunity to move to a club who could challenge for the Premier League title this season.
