The transfer window has been quite slow this summer due to international tournaments, but with the Copa America ending and the Euros also coming towards an end things are likely to change now. Premier League clubs will now be hoping to complete deals quickly, but how many of them will really happen? Like always, Sportskeeda have compiled some of the best rumours doing the rounds, and we will try to make some sense out of it.
#1 Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Manchester United
Sky Sports in England reported Manchester United are close to signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a deal for £26.3m, whilst German website Ruhr Nachrichten reckon Borussia Dortmund want €40m that converts to £33m. Ruhr Nachrichten also believe the Armenian star will earn around €12m per season at Old Trafford.
Experts say: German journalist Raphael Honigstein suggested on Twitter Borussia Dortmund have sent an official to Manchester, and that a deal is nearly done.
Our take: Regardless of the fee, Mkhitaryan could be a brilliant signing for Manchester United. Going by the reports in the English and German media it does appear that the Armenian star could be close to signing for Manchester United, except if his agent, Mino Raiola, has other plans.
Chances of it happening out of 10: 8/10
#2 Romelu Lukaku to Arsenal
Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli claimed Arsenal have turned their attention towards Lukaku, after failing to complete a deal for Jamie Vardy. Giulianelli says Arsenal made an ‘informal contact’ with Everton to sign the Belgian star, but his price tag of £50m could be a problem.
Experts say: Experts don’t really have anything to add, maybe because they don’t really have the time to address every rumour the Italian journalist casually tweets.
Our take: Mr. Giulianelli is the same journalist who believes Arsenal also want to sign Dele Alli, so we don’t really need to add much about his credibility. Everton are in no rush to sell Lukaku, with three years left on his current deal. The Merseyside outfit are likely to demand a huge transfer fee should he leave this summer. Arsenal might very well be interested in signing him, but at the moment there doesn’t seem to be anything in it.
Chances of it happening out of 10: 3/10
#3 Hector Bellerin to Barcelona
Dani Alves’ departure to Juventus has forced Barcelona to look for a replacement, and they’ve turned their attention towards a La Masia product. Spanish journalist Guillem Balague reckons Barcelona are interested in signing him and believe they can complete a deal for him, but Arsenal don’t think they’ve any chance.
Experts say: Spanish media have reported Bellerin to Barcelona rumours quite a lot, but nobody seems to be confident about it happening.
Our take: It’s very unlikely Bellerin would want to leave Arsenal this summer, after establishing himself in the first-team last season. More than anything else, Arsenal don’t really need the money, and we really doubt they’d want to sell one of the best young right back in Europe. Barcelona can try as much as they want, but they’re likely to return empty-handed.
Chances of it happening out of 10: 1/10
#4 Nampalys Mendy to Leicester City
French newspaper L’Equipe report Leicester City have agreed a fee of €16m plus bonuses with OGC Nice to sign Nampalys Mendy. The player is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Premier League champions in the coming days after he completes his medical examinations.
Experts say: Media in France seem to be quite confident about this one happening, and L’Equipe are really reliable. Although English media seem to be quite silent on this.
Our take: This one looks like a done deal, as the player has been linked to Leicester for a while now. Mendy has already played under Claudio Ranieri at AS Monaco, and both of them seem to be keen on a reunion. The 24-year-old just has one year left on his contract and was always expected to leave this summer. Apparently, West Ham also made an offer for the French midfielder, but the chance of playing in the Champions League with Leicester should’ve been tempting.
Chances of it happening out of 10: 9/10
