10 biggest transfers that could happen this summer

With leagues across Europe coming to an end, the focus will naturally shift towards the summer transfer window. It is expected to be a wary affair, with clubs careful about the financial instability caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea are expected to make big-money signings. Players like Jadon Sancho and Jan Oblak have been linked with moves away from their respective clubs.

On that note, look at the ten biggest transfers that could happen this season.

#10 Jan Oblak | Atletico Madrid to Chelsea

Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak has been linked with Chelsea

It is no secret that Chelsea are on the lookout for a goalkeeper. Having paid €80 million to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao only for him to endure a poor season, the Blues have decided to sort out the goalkeeping department.

Recent reports have suggested that the club have highlighted Atletico Madrid shot-stopper, Jan Oblak, as an option. The Slovenian is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having produced world-class performances consistently for his club.

The 27-year old will not come cheap, however. Atletico Madrid are reportedly demanding €120 million for the former Benfica man and it remains to be seen if Chelsea cede to their demands.

Oblak has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past. Arrizabalaga, on the other hand, is attracting interest from Valencia.

Ajax's Andre Onana, Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Paris Saint-Germain's Alphonse Areola are other goalkeepers being considered by Chelsea.

#9 Kalidou Koulibaly | Napoli to Manchester City

Similar to Chelsea, Manchester City need centre-backs. John Stones has failed to develop as expected, while Nicolas Otamendi is no longer reliable. That leaves Aymeric Laporte and young Eric Garcia as Pep Guardiola's only other options.

Kalidou Koulibaly is one name which has been linked persistently. The Senegal international has earned the reputation as one of the finest defenders in Italy, with his physicality and ball-playing ability earning rave reviews.

Napoli are said to be willing to deal for their star asset, but will demand a hefty fee for the 29-year old. A fee of €100 million has been touted, while Manchester City willing to pay up to €65 million.

Koulibaly has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in the past. Bournemouth's Nathan Ake is another centre-back who has attracted interest from the Cityzens.

Also Read: 10 footballers who are too good for their current clubs

#8 Thomas Partey | Atletico Madrid to Arsenal

Thomas Partey has been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid

One rumour which refuses to go away is Thomas Partey to Arsenal. The Gunners said to be big fans of the midfielder and are reportedly willing to splurge money on him. With the London-based club looking for suitors for young midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, Arsenal potentially have a spot in midfield which needs to be filled.

Partey is an Atletico Madrid academy graduate. The Ghana international has been in fine form this season and has arguably been Atleti's best midfielder. A defensive powerhouse, Partey has enhanced his reputation this season and could move on this summer.

Atletico Madrid are willing to let go of the player if the price is right; Partey has a release clause of €50 million in his contract.

The former Mallorca man has also been linked with Manchester United. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have also targeted Lyon's Houssem Aouar and Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini.

#7 Declan Rice | West Hm United to Chelsea

Declan Rice has been linked with a return to Chelsea

Chelsea have already begun their summer shopping, having already confirmed the signings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. But the club are targeting more players.

Declan Rice is one such name. The former Chelsea academy player has been one of West Ham United's best players, acting as a defensive midfielder. The England international produced excellent tackle and interception numbers this season and is capable of playing as a centre-back if needed. With Chelsea looking to sell Jorginho, on paper Rice would seamlessly slot into the No.6 position.

The 21-year old is also known to enjoy a good friendship with Mason Mount and that would help his settling-in process. West Ham United reportedly want in excess of £70 million for their star asset.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are other clubs that have shown an interest in Rice.

#6 Sandro Tonali | Brescia to Inter Milan

Sandro Tonali has been Brescia's best player this season

Regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Italy, Tonali has had an excellent first season in the top-flight with Brescia.

The 20-year old has been Brescia's best player and looks ready to make the step-up. An excellent passer whose creativity stands out, Tonali has put up decent defensive numbers as well. Although he has been compared to Andrea Pirlo, both have disputed that claim.

With Brescia fighting relegation, Tonali won't cost an arm and a leg. Inter Milan are leading the line for his signature and the Italian is set to cost around €50 million.

Tonali has previously been linked with a move to Juventus, who were said to be extremely interested as well. Manchester United and Liverpool were also mentioned as potential destinations for the youngster.

#5 Lautaro Martinez | Inter Milan to Barcelona

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez is Barcelona's primary transfer target

A transfer saga which looks set to last the entire transfer window, Lautaro Martinez to Barcelona has been going on for some time now.

Barcelona are in a precarious position financially and were not willing to activate the Argentina international's €111 million release clause which expired a few weeks ago. However, the Catalan club have highlighted the striker as their primary transfer target for the summer and see him as the heir to Luis Suarez's throne.

Latest rumours have reported that Barcelona would be willing to offer €70 million and Junior Firpo to Inter Milan, a deal which the Italians are considering.

The 22-year old has been linked with moves to Manchester City and Real Madrid as well.

Also Read: Top 10 midfielders in La Liga this season (2019/20)

#4 Thiago | Bayern Munich to Liverpool

Thiago could leave Bayern Munich this summer

Thiago has one year left in his contract with Bayern Munich and the influential midfielder has declined to sign a new one.

Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, Thiago has been a vital player for the Bundesliga giants. Aesthetically pleasing with exceptional dribbling ability, the Spain international has earned praise from across the world for his style of play.

However, the 29-year old wants a new challenge and has highlighted Liverpool as a potential destination. Talks are ongoing, but Bayern Munich are bracing themselves to let go of the midfield magician.

Apart from Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are other Premier League clubs that have shown an interest. A return to Barcelona has been touted as well.

#3 Jack Grealish | Aston Villa to Manchester United

Aston Villa are fighting relegation this season, and captain Jack Grealish has been their best player.

The England U-21 international has played in a variety of positions for his boyhood club, including midfield positions and on the left-wing. His creativity and attacking prowess have stood out, with his dribbling ability a nightmare for opposition defenders.

Grealish's leadership skills have also been in full display, despite Villa's position in the Premier League table this season.

Manchester United have shown a keen interest in bringing him to Old Trafford this summer and an £80 million move has been touted. Some reports suggest that the deal is already done.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is also a fan of the 24-year old and has expressed his admiration for Grealish's talents before.

#2 Kai Havertz | Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea

Kai Havertz in action for Bayer Leverkusen

One of Bundesliga's best and brightest, Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz looks set to leave the club after a spectacular season.

The German international is regarded as one of the best young players in the world and his performances have justified the tag. Havertz has operated in a number of positions this season, ranging from central midfield to striker and has been in fine form.

Chelsea are interested in him and have already begun negotiations with the German side for his signature. The 21-year old, for his part, wants to move to London as well. A fee of €80 million has been touted.

Havertz was also linked with Real Madrid for some time. Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich also conducted talks with the club, but Chelsea are leading the line to sign one of football's brightest talents.

#1 Jadon Sancho | Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United

Jadon Sancho is a target for Manchester United

Another Bundesliga young player who could be on his way to England. Jadon Sancho has been one of Borussia Dortmund's star players since he joined the club in 2017 and looks set to leave this summer.

The England international has been suggested as a future Ballon d'Or winner by many and it is easy to see why. The winger has pace, trickery and final-third quality and had double figures for both assists and goals in the league this season.

Manchester United see Sancho as the solution to their long-existing right-wing problem. However, Borussia Dortmund want €120 million for their superstar and it will be interesting to see whether United pay that much.

The 20-year-old has also been linked with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

Also Read: 5 Real Madrid players who could leave this transfer window

About the author

Abhinav is a journalist who covers football at Sportskeeda. An avid football fan and long-suffering supporter of Manchester United, he currently writes previews, covering football leagues across the world. Armed with a good understanding of SEO and journalism guidelines, Abhinav possesses a strong knowledge of football and footballers. He loves a good transfer rumor and loves discussing the sport with his friends and family.

He's also pursuing a Master's Degree in International Relations.

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Edited by Vishal Subramanian