Transfer Predictor: Verratti to Man United gets an 8, Medhi Benatia to Arsenal is a 7

David Cooper - Writer 12:54 03/06/2018
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  • The Premier League transfer window is now open and the market in the rest of Europe will spark into life soon.

    With the transfer 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 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.

    MARCO VERRATTI – PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN TO MANCHESTER UNITED

    Why it will happen: The Red Devils are desperate to sign a new midfield enforcer and the 25-year-old certainly fits the bill, given there have been widespread rumours over the Italian’s Parc des Princes future. United have more clout than most sides and could afford his £75 million (Dh 367m) valuation.

    Why it won’t happen: Real Madrid have also long been linked with the combative defensive midfielder and a switch to the Spanish capital may prove too irresistible for Verratti. Jose Mourinho needs quality, but is he tall enough and big enough for his ideal United midfield?

    Prediction: He is set to end his six-season stay in Paris and is likely to be the centre of a bidding war this summer.

    Rating – 8/10

    Verratti is one of Europe's most highly-rated midfield talents.

    Verratti is one of Europe’s most highly-rated midfield talents.

    MEDHI BENATIA – JUVENTUS TO ARSENAL

    Why it will happen: Unai Emery is an admirer of the Moroccan and is desperate to strengthen the heart of the Gunners’ defence. Benatia’s experience and pedigree would be just perfect.

    Why it won’t happen: The defender does not want to discuss his future until after the World Cup which could potentially mean the north London club face competition for his signature.

    Prediction: Juventus are pursuing Atletico Madrid stalwart Diego Godin and rising Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt, so if either of those deals comes to fruition, Benatia will be all but surplus to requirements and free to move to Arsenal.

    Rating – 7/10

    Morocco's defender Medhi Benatia reacts during the friendly football match between Morocco and Ukraine at the Stade de Geneve stadium in Geneva on May 31, 2018. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)

    Benatia will marshal Morocco’s defence in Russia.

    RADAMEL FALCAO – MONACO TO AC MILAN

    Why it will happen: The 32-year-old is somewhat of a veteran now in the sphere of European football and could view this as possibly the last move of his career. He has previously stated how he would not pass-up the opportunity to play for the Rossoneri club.

    Why it won’t happen: Monaco have not exactly gone on the record to state that they would be happy to sell their star striker so expect the Ligue 1 club to hold out for big cash from Milan, should they come calling.

    Prediction: The Colombian forward may see this as the final challenge of a largely illustrious career and is set for talks after the World Cup.

    Rating – 7/10

    Radamel Falcao has a proven goal record.

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