Struggling to pick out the facts from the figures? Reality from the rubbish? Sense from the silly season?
We’ve got you sorted in our daily dose of the Transfer Predictor, where we round up the latest rumours with an analytical spin.
Today’s edition features potential signings for AC Milan, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN
RUMOUR: Nice -> €35m -> AC Milan
Sporting director Leonardo remains confident that a renewed push for the Nice wide man will gain reward this summer, according to Calcio Mercato.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The Rossoneri targeted a January deal, but couldn’t agree a price with Nice. France Under-21 winger Saint-Maxim has since glowingly spoken about the club to Gazzetta TV, adding “he’s ready to move up a level”.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Anything seemed possible for the summer when Milan looked poised for a Champions League return. This dream, however, has hit the rocks. Financial Fair Play restrictions will bite hard if they miss out sixth-successive campaign. Saint-Maximin’s return of three assists and six goals in 31 Ligue 1 appearances this term may also attract bigger fish.
TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 5/10
KURT ZOUMA
RUMOUR: Chelsea -> £30m -> Everton
The Liverpool Echo has reported that Chelsea are planning to welcome the France defender back for pre-season training, delivering a blow to Everton who want to make an impressive loan move permanent.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Zouma has grown into a Premier League force at Goodison Park, after a long recovery from 2016/17’s serious knee injury. The Toffees need defenders of Zouma’s quality, while Chelsea may still be tempted by banking a big fee.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: There is a void at centre-back for the Blues. Gary Cahill is going and David Luiz is yet to agree fresh terms. Andreas Christensen may also pursue greater first-team opportunities. This move really is in the balance.
TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 5/10
ANDRE SILVA
RUMOUR: AC Milan -> €38m -> Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers have made the Sevilla loanee one of their main transfer targets for the summer as they aim to gatecrash the Premier League’s top six, according to the Daily Mirror.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Strong connections to super-agent Jorge Mendes have seen a Portuguese enclave created in the West Midlands. Silva is unlikely to return to parent club AC Milan, who are looking to cash-in on a forward whose struck 11 times in 40 matches for Sevilla this season.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The Rossoneri are determined to break even on the €38m fee paid to Porto in June 2017. But is Silva still worth such a fee? Especially with Mexico’s Raul Jimenez already tied up by Wolves.
TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 6/10
