Transfer predictor: Aleksandr Golovin to Juventus gets an 8, while Thiago Alcantara to Real Madrid is just a 5

David Cooper - Writer 14:19 22/06/2018
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  • The transfer window is well and truly open.

    With the rumours growing in pace and volume during this ‘silly season’, it can be difficult and painstaking to separate the stories of some legitimacy from the rest of the white noise.

    Fortunately, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do it for you.

    Below, you’ll find some of the latest transfer news churned out of the rumour mill broken down and analysed for your benefit along with our calculated predictions.

    ALEKSANDR GOLOVIN – CSKA MOSCOW TO JUVENTUS

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    Serie A champions Juventus are continuing to push for Russia and CSKA Moscow playmaker Aleksandr Golovin and are close to sealing a €25 million (Dh107m) switch, according to Tuttosport.

    Why it will happen: A move west from Moscow should appeal to Golovin as he looks to make the next step in his promising career and Juve had a long track record of developing prospects into superstars.

    Why it won’t happen: Russian players have rarely moved abroad in recent years. Plus, Juve could get priced out of the fight if the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea strengthen their interest.

    Prediction: If Golovin is serious about leaving Russia, then Juve is the perfect place for him. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri added a further attacking edge to the team last season and his skills would compliment this approach.

    Rating – 8/10

    KOSTAS MANOLAS – ROMA TO CHELSEA

    US Sassuolo v AS Roma - Serie A

    Incoming Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has big plans for his new posting and these include a €36 million (Dh154.1m) move for Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas, according to Corriere dello Sport.

    Why it will happen: The affordable and set fee required to prise Manolas away from the Eternal City seems too good to be true. At 27 years old, the Greece international is coming into his prime.

    Why it won’t happen: Manolas resists the attentions of Russia’s Zenit St Petersburg last season and could do the same again. Roma appear to be building momentum after last season’s run to the Champions League semi-finals and great uncertainty surrounds Chelsea at present.

    Prediction: The presence of an affordable release clause means that if Chelsea are serious, there is nothing Roma can do to stop this move. Manolas is a quality player, who looks a natural replacement for the ageing Gary Cahill.

    Rating – 7/10

    THIAGO ALCANTARA – BAYERN MUNICH TO REAL MADRID

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    Mateo Kovacic’s determination to leave Real Madrid and attain regular football could see the Champions League holders turn to Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara, according to Marca.

    Why it will happen: Julen Lopetegui has handed starts to Alcantara at both youth and senior level for Spain. He’s clearly a huge fan of the midfielder – something that can’t be said for Bayern anymore as the Bundesliga champions have reportedly put him up for sale.

    Why it won’t happen: The fee is pretty steep for what would likely be a substitute midfielder. Also, Madrid are rumoured to be keen to convince Kovacic that his long-term future lies at Santiago Bernabeu.

    Prediction: There appears to be too many question marks around this move at present. Alcantara has ties to Barcelona, Madrid want Kovacic to stay and the price is big. But Alcantara is a classy performer and will tempt most teams in Europe. One to watch.

    Rating – 5/10

    23 06 Transfer predictor

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