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.
We sort through the most eye-catching transfer reports of the past 24 hours and give a balanced judgment on whether the move really will happen – and why.
Today’s edition features a rising Italian stallion, a seasoned Premier League striker who no-one would begrudge a big move, as well as a possible Liverpool departure.
AARON WAN-BISSAKA
Crystal Palace -> £60m -> Manchester United
Crystal Palace have placed a £60 million price tag on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the Daily Mail reports.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: The Red Devils desperately need a right-back, Palace have one of the finest emerging players in that position in the world. And United are keen to attract hungry, young players who still view a move to Old Trafford as the chance of a lifetime.
Wan-Bissaka has had a breathtaking breakout season during which he was the top-tackling defender on average, making 3.7 tackles per game, and seventh highest average interceptions at 2.4 per game, making him one of the most coveted young players in Europe.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Palace are attempting to price United out of the market by demanding £60m for the young defender in a bid to keep him at Selhurst Park. The Eagles already fear losing Wilfried Zaha this summer and will be determined not to lose both of their star assets in the same window. United have been a long-time admirer of the 21-year-old but executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has vowed not to dramatically overspend on either transfer fees or salaries.
Transfer predictor: 7/10
TANGUY NDOMBELE
Lyon -> £70m -> Tottenham
Tottenham are one of a number of clubs in the hunt for coveted combative Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Clubs across Europe are going to be falling all over themselves to try and land the 22-year-old midfield dynamo this summer – especially as Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas seems to be trying to start a bidding war.
Spurs would appear to be at the back of the queue with Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, United and Juventus all keen, although in Spurs’ favour is the promise of guaranteed playing time, the Premier League, and who wouldn’t fancy joining the club were they to be crowned kings of Europe?
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Clubs like PSG and United can blow Spurs out of the water financially, while Liverpool have reportedly already agreed personal terms. Spurs thought they had him in the bag last summer only for Lyon and Ndombele’s agent to pull the plug. And, with a lot more eyes on him this summer, the chances of him landing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would appear remote.
Transfer predictor: 4/10
THOMAS PARTEY
Atletico Madrid -> €50m -> Arsenal
The Express says Unai Emery was in Spain watching on as Partey appeared for Atletico Madrid against Levante on Saturday.
WHY IT CAN HAPPEN: Arsenal are in the market for midfield reinforcements following the loss of long-serving Wales pivot Aaron Ramsey to Italian giants Juventus on a free transfer. Lucas Torreira and Mateo Guendouzi impressed for the Gunners this season but remain raw and Emery will want to strengthen in that area as much as defence.
Partey has been linked with a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano with agent Jose Daniel Jimenez Pozanco putting clubs on notice by announcing his release clause, which stands at £43.5million.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Any deal could hinge on Champions League football. Partey is highly unlikely to take up an invite to join a Europa League soiree, so much will depend on Arsenal beating London rivals Chelsea in the Europa League final and qualifying for the elite continental competition.
Even if the Europa League isn’t a hindrance for the Ghanaian, United are keen and Old Trafford might be a more favourable destination, despite the debacle that was their season.
Transfer predictor: 6/10
