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 potential signings for Tottenham, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
RYAN SESSEGNON
RUMOUR: Fulham -> £25m -> Tottenham
Tottenham are set to swoop for Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon over the coming weeks, the Daily Mail reports.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Sessegnon was heavily linked with a switch to Spurs last summer but Fulham’s £50m asking price was deemed too much. However, the North London side are confident of landing the 19-year-old in the summer for a cut of the cost. Following their relegation to the championship, the Cottagers are ready to cash in on their prized asset.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Only something drastic breaking down at the last minute can see this deal not getting over the line.
PREDICTION: 7/10
ROMELU LUKAKU
RUMOUR: Manchester United -> £75million -> Inter Milan
Manchester United have told Romelu Lukaku he can leave the club this summer amid interest from Inter Milan, the Sun reports.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: With Lukaku very much out of favour at Old Trafford, a move to the Serie A would be an ideal change for a player who looks low on confidence. And with Mauro Icardi rumoured to be leaving the San Siro, Lukaku would be the ideal marquee signing.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Juventus are also monitoring Lukaku’s situation and could join the race for his signature. If a deal is on the table from the Turin side, the 26-year-old may opt to sign with them instead, because of the lure to win trophies and playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
PREDICTION: 7/10
BEN CHILWELL
RUMOUR: Leicester -> £71million -> Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have made a move for Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell, according to the Sun.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Diego Simeone is seeking to replace Lucas Hernandez and Felipe Luis, who are both leaving the club in the summer. At just 22, Chilwell would the ideal replacement to thrive at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium for years to come. A lifestyle change away from the UK may also be hard to turn down.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The La Liga side could face competition from Manchester City, who have been keen to sign the England defender to replace Benjamin Mendy. The decision to stay in his home country could also put Chilwell off making the move to Spain.
PREDICTION: 3/10
