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.
Let us know your thoughts via Twitter and Facebook.
MAURIZIO SARRI – NAPOLI TO CHELSEA
Maurizio Sarri is set to be appointed as Chelsea’s new manager on a three-year contract this week, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Why it will happen: After weeks of negotiations, it looks certain Sarri will take the reins at Stamford Bridge for next season. His football in Naples was scintillating and he is open to a significant pay rise from his current £1.3 million (Dh6.4m) salary per year.
Why it won’t happen: The Blues are struggling to negotiate a compensation package with the Serie A side – especially as they need to pay off the final year of Antonio Conte’s £9m (Dh43.8m) salary. It may be a better idea for them to hold on to Conte until the end of the 2018-19 season.
Prediction: Expect Sarri to be in the hot seat at Stamford Bridge for the start of next season, unless something drastic breaks down in the negotiations this week.
Rating – 8/10
N’GOLO KANTE – CHELSEA TO PSG
Paris Saint-Germain are ready to table a mammoth £90 million (Dh439m) bid for the Chelsea star, according to the Mirror.
Why it will happen: The Ligue 1 champions have been linked with a move for Kante for over a year now, and will do everything in their power to have the 27-year-old as the fulcrum of their midfield for next season.
Why it won’t happen: Kante is tied down at Stamford Bridge until 2021, and is considered a huge asset for the West London side. He may opt to stay depending on who is unveiled as the club’s new head coach.
Prediction: A return to his homeland is bound to happen at some point, but it may all come down to who is announced as Antonio Conte’s successor before any further decision is made on his future.
Rating – 7/10
FRENKIE DE JONG – AJAX TO BARCELONA
Barcelona have contacted Ajax over their highly-rated midfielder, according to AS.
Why it will happen: De Jong is being viewed as a long-term target for the Catalan giants in the wake of Antoine Griezmann’s decision to stay at Atletico Madrid. And with the potential to win silverware at the Camp Nou, it looks like a difficult move to turn down for the young Dutchman.
Why it won’t happen: With many frontline players ahead of him, the youngster may opt against a move to Spain due to a potential lack of minutes next season.
Prediction: The 21-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most promising players in the world, but another year at Ajax may help further his development.
Rating – 3/10
