The transfer window has just opened, but the clubs have been working on several deals for a while now. In our new section on transfer rumours, we’ve been trying to analyze the top rumours of the day. Today we take a look at the rumours linking Manchester United to Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Chelsea to Kalidou Koulibaly, and Pablo Zabaleta is apparently close to leaving Manchester City.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian star has declined to sign a new contract at Borussia Dortmund and has just one year left on his existing deal. The 27-year-old has 23 goals and 32 assists to his name this season, and has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. According to the latest report in The Mirror, Manchester United have submitted an offer of £28m, after a bid of £19m was rejected. Jose Mourinho has reportedly made Mkhitaryan his primary transfer target this summer, and it remains to be seen if the Premier League giants can convince Borussia Dortmund.
Twitter says:
Experts say: Fabrizio Romano says talks are ongoing for Mkhitaryan between Raiolo and Manchester United, but it’s Borussia Dormund’s decision to make.
Our take: This one could very well drag on all summer. The latest report in German newspaper Bild suggests Mkhitaryan’s agent, Mino Raiola, threw a chair during contract renewal discussions with Borussia Dortmund, and it seems both sides are at war. The player will certainly leave Borussia Dortmund, but it remains to be seen, if he gets his wish granted this summer or next summer on a free. The Bundesliga club bosses have made it quite clear they’re not prepared to let him go this summer, after the departure of Mat Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan, so any interested club might have to make a big money offer to have any chance.
Chances of it happening out of 10: A move to the Premier League – 6/10, but it remains to be seen, if Raiola has been using Manchester United, or they’re genuinely interested. Arsenal and Chelsea can also pull off a surprise.
Kalidou Koulibaly
The Napoli star has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, but it was never going to be easy. The Serie A club have rejected a bid of £19.2m, and are holding out for £30m, The Mirror reports. Koulibaly earlier revealed “I have not talked to [Antonio Conte] but that may be soon. The game in England could be suitable for me but I like Italy. I do not press for a transfer but I hope to sign a renewal with Napoli or we proceed to other solutions.”
Twitter says:
Experts say: Reports in Italy suggest Koulibaly wants to leave, but it won’t be easy to negotiate with Aurelio De Laurentiis, and we would want to agree on that.
Our take: The 25-year-old earlier launched an attack on Napoli, in an interview with L’Equipe, and accused Napoli of ‘trying to make money out of his’. This was always going to land him in some trouble, and Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has made it clear the player should remain at Napoli for the next few years to ‘pay the club fine in millions for his interview’, as few commercial deals collapsed due to his comments.
Koulibaly’s comments in the media has only made a deal even more difficult, and De Laurentiis is not a man who can be easily convinced. Chelsea are going to find it very difficult to complete a deal for the Senegalese defender, except if they’re ready to accept De Laurentiis’ demands.
Chances of it happening out of 10: 4/10
Pablo Zabaleta
Another report in The Mirror suggests Roberto Mancini is keen a reunion with Manchester Citty defender Pablo Zabaleta, and wants him at Inter. His agent was reportedly in Milan last night in the hope of finalizing a deal.
Twitter says:
Experts say: James Robson of Manchester Evening News reckons Zabaleta’s time at Manchester City is up, and the player could move to Inter.
Our take: Zabaleta has another year left on his contract, and has lost his place in the starting XI to Sagna after a series of injuries. The player’s agent has previously revealed AS Roma are also interested in signing him, and several other clubs. A move to Serie A is very likely, although it remains to be seen if it’s going to be Inter or Roma. Both Spaletti and Manici are keen on signing the Argentine star, and his time at Manchester City could very well be over.
Chances of it happening out of 10: 9/10
