Transfer predictor: Paul Pogba swap deal to Juventus a 4, William Saliba to Arsenal a 6

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  • 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 Predictorwhere 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 potential signings for Everton, Juventus and Arsenal.

    ANDRE GOMES

    Andre Gomes

    RUMOUR: Barcelona ->  €20m -> Everton

    West Ham have made an offer to Barcelona for Andre Gomes after his impressive season-long loan at Everton, The Times report.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Everton finished the season strongly and Gomes was a big part of that. He established himself at the heart of midfield and both club and player will want to extend their relationship. Meanwhile, Barcelona have little use for the Portuguese having signed Arthur and Arturo Vidal last summer while already adding Frenkie de Jong to the mix. With little to no interest from other clubs, the Toffees should feel confident.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: It’s a long summer and if Barcelona want to be clever, they’ll hold out for a higher fee. They signed the midfielder from Valencia in 2016 for €35 million, plus €20 million in add-ons. In an attempt to recuperate some of that, they may put Everton off.

    TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 8/10

    PAUL POGBA

    Paul Pogba

    Paul Pogba

    RUMOUR: Manchester United -> Swap deal -> Juventus

    Juventus are planning on offering Manchester United a player-exchange deal involving Paulo Dybala and Alex Sandro to re-sign their former star Paul Pogba, according to the Express.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Juventus want to be more dynamic with that play and Pogba would certainly help that by complementing Miralem Pjanic in midfield. Cristiano Ronaldo would no doubt benefit from the Frenchman’s creativity and passing as well. He would be returning to a familiar environment and be guaranteed trophies while pushing for the Champions League instead of constantly having his attitude questioned at Old Trafford.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: With Ronaldo already on their payroll, Juventus may struggle to meet Pogba’s current wages. United won’t let him go without a fight as well. The star midfielder is recognised as a world class talent by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching staff who know he would be difficult if not impossible to replace. Also, the likelihood of two players going the opposite way, especially talents such as Sandro and Dybala, seems low. When does that ever happen?

    TRANSFER PREDICTOR: 4/10

    WILLIAM SALIBA

    William Saliba

    RUMOUR: Saint-Etienne ->  €30m -> Arsenal

    Arsenal are interested in signing Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba who is priced at €30m by the French outfit, though a loan back for one season could also be part of the deal, le10sport report.

    WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Saliba does seem like a young talent who would benefit from a move to Arsenal where he could develop at a good pace while also getting plenty of exposure. The chance to play in the Premier League should appeal to the player while staying at Saint-Etienne for another season on loan – should it be agreed – would give him time to build his confidence in Ligue 1.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Arsenal need defensive reinforcements as soon as possible and if the French club insist on a loan back deal, the Gunners may take their business elsewhere. Meanwhile, the likes of United and Benfica are also said to be monitoring the situation.

    TRANSFER PREDICTOR:
     6/10

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