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 Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Lyon.
BRUNO FERNANDES
Sporting -> €50 million (+ bonuses) -> Atletico Madrid
Calciomercato reported that Atletico Madrid are chasing the highly sought-after Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes. Portuguese outlet A Bola suggests the Spanish club have made a €50 million plus bonuses offer to Sporting.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN:
Atletico are in need of a squad revamp and, in Fernandes, they have found a player who is reportedly liked by manager Diego Simeone. The fact that the Madrid club are willing to go heavy on him is testament to their conviction in acquiring the player.
With the Argentine’s hunches on young players usually bearing fruit, it’s more than likely that the midfielder will flourish at Atletico.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN:
Atletico are offloading heavily and with a huge cash influx, the transfer fee is unlikely to cause any harm to this transfer.
But Fernandes is closely followed by other top clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. The latter two could provide the youngster with a far superior financial offer. Atletico need to act quick.
Transfer rating: 6/10
FILIPE LUIS
Atletico Madrid -> free transfer -> Lyon
French club Lyon could rope in Atletico Madrid veteran Filipe Luis as a quick fix after losing left-back Ferland Mendy to Real Madrid, according to L’Equipe.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN:
At 33, it’s unlikely the Brazilian will be the first choice left-back at a club like Atletico next season. Luis was previously linked to Barcelona to play second fiddle to Jordi Alba, but the prospect of more minutes at Lyon could sway the odds in the French side’s favour.
The absence of a transfer fee also removes half the complications surrounding the transfer.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN:
The defender admitted to Marca recently that he is still unsure of his future. Luis has not ruled out extending with Atletico, has admitted that the club is in his heart and he is currently happy at the club.
The veteran is unwilling to negotiate until the Copa America concludes and a lot can happen before that, including the arrival of new suitors. Lyon have just begun negotiations and there is a long way to go before this move is finalised.
Transfer predictor: 5/10
LUCAS TORREIRA
Arsenal -> €50 million -> AC Milan
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is tipped to make a return to Serie A with AC Milan preparing a bid for the Uruguayan, according to Corriere dello Sport.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN:
The player admitted in an interview recently that the language barrier has prevented him from feeling at home in north London, hence hinting at a move away from Arsenal.
Torreira has already worked with incoming Milan manager Marco Giampaolo during the pair’s time together at Sampdoria. The midfielder could be tempted at the prospect of returning to familiar territory, should Milan make this a priority in the transfer window.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN:
The negotiations could be very complicated for this move. Reports suggest that Milan could approach Arsenal with an offer that also includes a swap involving Ivorian Franck Kessie. The midfielder is valued at about €30 million which means this could be a cash plus swap deal.
However, there are no suggestions that Arsenal are interested in Kessie or if they are looking to offload Torreira. The Uruguayan was one of their best players last season and the club could go to lengths in order to keep him.
Transfer rating: 5/10
