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.
JORGINHO
Chelsea -> €60m -> Juventus
The centre midfielder’s agent has refused to rule out a reunion with mentor Maurizio Sarri at Juve, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Sarri and Jorginho have been joined together since the former arrived at Napoli in June 2015. The Brazil-born, Italy international is critical to ‘Sarri-ball’ – which makes links to his new club, Juve, make perfect sense. Jorginho’s unique talents may mean he is surplus to requirement when Frank Lampard, as expected, takes over at Stamford Bridge.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Juve continue to be linked with an ambitious move to bring back Paul Pogba from Manchester United, plus interest has reportedly already been registered in Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Will they want Jorginho, if either of those ambitious targets are attained? Chelsea’s transfer ban, subject to appeal, may also make them reluctant to sell any more players after the high-profile exit of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid. Meanwhile, in Miralem Pjanic Sarri may already have the deep-lying playmaker he desires.
Transfer Predictor: 6/10
RODRI
Atletico Madrid -> €70m -> Bayern Munich
Bayern are determined to compete with Manchester City and land the Spain international because of their determination to craft a Champions League-winning squad, according to AS.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The defensive midfielder’s release clause and desire to depart Atleti, for a second time, mean an exit appears inevitable. Pep Guardiola’s philosophy was meant to appeal most to Rodri, but Bayern are pressing hard. They’ve already landed France defender Lucas Hernandez from Atleti this summer and want to make it a double. Bayern’s impressive rebuild is making them a team to fear, once again. Rodri would be central to this.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The Spanish connection at City must, surely, hold significant influence. Also, would you rather work with Guardiola or Niko Kovac? If it comes down to financials, City are also able to pay more in wages.
Transfer Predictor: 4/10
KIERAN TIERNEY
Celtic -> £20m -> Arsenal
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has identified the emerging Scotland international as his top target for left-back, according to the Daily Mail.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The Gunners are targeting excellent young players, who can drive them back into the Champions League. Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac did not overly impress last term, meaning an improvement in the position is sought. Tierney has wowed at Celtic and at 22-years old, offers significant resale value.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: A limited summer budget for Arsenal is estimated at £45m – Tierney would take up nearly half of this amount. Left-back, also, is not a priority position for the club. Tierney has stated in the past he sees himself as a potential one-club man.
Transfer Predictor: 6/10
