The transfer market is an exciting time for football fans. Exhilarating and heart-wrenching in equal measure that is, unless you’re an Arsenal fan waiting it out for Arsene Wenger to sign a center forward (But wait, he’s finally signed someone hasn’t he?) or a Rossonero still patiently waiting for your poorly run club to find a capable central midfielder. For fans of the aforementioned clubs, it’s best to keep your fingers crossed for the last week of the transfer market and hope your club manages to pull a rabbit out of the hat.
In this piece we look at the bigger picture, though, and take a look through the squads of the top European clubs to come up with one dream signing that they would fantasize pulling off before the window slams shut.
Chelsea: Kostas Manolas
Chelsea have already had a series of offers rejected for their defensive targets including the star Roma central defender, but the Romans ouster from the Champions League qualifying round could turn the Greece international’s head. Manolas is 25 years old and approaching the peak of his career, and a transfer to English shores and the mentorship of Antonio Conte might just be able to tempt him to force Roma into a sale.
He isn’t the only one of the shortlist though, as the Blues look to complete a deal for a proven defender before the window slams shut.
Also Read: Chelsea interested in star Serie A defender
Likelihood Rating – 2/10 (This signing will most likely remain an unfulfilled dream for Antonio Conte)
Inter Milan: Ezequiel Garay
It’s been a while since Inter started flirting with the Argentine defender, and this might finally be the time for them to make the deal happen. Zenit St.Petersburg have always made it clear they will give Inter no discounts though and they will have to cough up a substantial fee for the 29-year-old defender’s services. While Miranda has been outstanding for the Nerazzurri at the back, Murillo has been less reliable of late and Andrea Ranocchia is a terrible backup. All of which mean that Garay’s services are needed.
Likelihood Rating – 6/10 (Inter’s interest in Garay has always been clear. If they could make some money off Marcelo Brozovic, a move for Garay could be possible.)
AC Milan: Milan Badelj
Milan’s need for a dynamic central midfielder couldn’t possibly be more acute, with Montolivo putting in one torrid performance after the other. The club have pursued several targets only to be rebuffed for various reasons, and Fiorentina have already turned down their approach for Badelj without even wanting to quote a fee.
Badelj himself has made his intention of moving to the Rossoneri clear numerous times, with his agent recently saying that anything could happen until the window closes. The Croatian would bring a much-needed energy and dynamism to Milan’s midfield, something they urgently need to be competitive in Serie A.
Likelihood Rating – 5/10 (How many times has Galliani said Milan’s market is closed before pulling a rabbit out of the hat on deadline day?)
Napoli: Nikola Maksimovic
Lorenzo Tonelli, Napoli’s new center back signing of the summer is already shrouded under a mysterious injury and Raul Albiol’s best days are perhaps behind him. So even if the talented Kalidou Koulibaly stays, the feeling is he needs a higher quality center back to compete in the Champions League and Serie A.
It’s been clear to the Napoli hierarchy that Maksimovic is that player, but Torino have been an immensely difficult club to negotiate with. Successive offers have been refused, but Napoli will still hope to close the deal for the Serbian defender.
Likelihood Rating – 9/10 (Napoli will surely get this deal over the line, Chelsea will continue to monitor proceedings very closely, though.)
Barcelona: Alessandro Florenzi
Dani Alves was never going to be an easy player to replace, and even though the Catalans already have Aleix Vidal on their roster, it was Sergi Roberto who was reinvented as a right back for Barca’s first league match. Florenzi’s link to Barcelona is fairly hypothetical in nature, but it would be a fascinating fit on paper.
The Roman could play at right back, has great technique and gets up and down the pitch like no other player. He can also play in midfield, and anywhere across a front three, qualities that would make him an intriguing addition.
Likelihood Rating – 1/10 (Okay, honestly this is hard to see happening. But Barcelona’s director Ariedo Braida has been a big fan of the Roman and you never know.)
Real Madrid: William Carvalho
Remember when Real Madrid sold Claude Makelele and struggled for years? Well, the situation isn’t quite like that, and the Blancos have been imperious in recent years but defensive midfield is still an area they’re short of players in. Casameiro has got a lot of playing time, because he’s a quality player but also because Madrid simply don’t have an alternative in the middle of the park.
Madrid were earlier linked with N’Golo Kante, meaning that they’re not completely oblivious to their need for a player with his characteristics. They’ve already missed out of the Frenchman, but William Carvalho would be a more than able alternative.
Likelihood Rating – 3/10 (So they haven’t really been any credible links on this transfer, but it would only take an injury to Casameiro to make Madrid realize they don’t have another defensive midfielder. Enter Carvalho.)
Atletico Madrid: Diego Costa
Atletico’s need for a center forward who can hold up the ball was as clear as ever in their opening La Liga match. Kevin Gameiro is a quick and technically proficient player, but he’s not someone who can batter opposition defenses and hold up the ball, attributes that Atletico need for their style of play.
It was no secret that they’d been pursuing Diego Costa all summer and even though that pursuit seems to have reached a dead end, there might yet be a possibility in bringing him back to the Vicente Calderon.
Chelsea have been keen on bringing back a former player of their own in Romelu Lukaku, and if this unlikely transfer were to take place, Costa could find himself on a plane to Madrid soon after.
Also Read: Conte uncertain over Diego Costa’s future
Likelihood Rating – 2/10 (Another most likely unfulfilled dream on our list. But Diego Costa can’t be too thrilled by the flak he recieves on English shores and Batshuayi has been in great form. Never say never.)
