Transfer Predictor: Christian Eriksen's £50m Man United switch a 7, Arsenal's swoop for Daniele Rugani a 6

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  • Eriksen's future is still in the air

    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, or why not.

    Today’s edition features moves for Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton.

    CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN

    Christian Eriksen

    Christian Eriksen

    Tottenham -> £50m -> Manchester United

    Manchester United have opened talks with Christian Eriksen over a summer move from TottenhamThe Independent says.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN

    United’s midfield is severely lacking quality and in Eriksen they would get a creative playmaker proven in the Premier League and capable of chipping in with goals. The Dane stands to secure a lucrative deal at Old Trafford and would ease pressure on Paul Pogba to be the sole creative force.

    At 27, Eriksen could legitimately produce his best for another five years and fits nicely into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s desire to press in the opposition’s half. He also comes with a wealth of experience that United’s young squad can benefit from. The Red Devils aren’t going to get a midfielder of his calibre for £50m anywhere else and Daniel Levy will be desperate to avoid losing the player for free next summer.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    You have to question the midfielder’s motivation behind the switch. In north London he’s part of settled squad operating within a strong structure and enjoying Champions League football. None of that yet exists at United. He may decide to wait until the end of this window for Real Madrid to make a strong bid.

    He could even opt to endure a season on the sidelines and then move on a free transfer next summer, making him all the more appealing to clubs across Europe.

    TRANSFER RATING: 7/10

    DANIELE RUGANI

    Daniele Rugani

    Juventus -> £37m -> Arsenal

    Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Daniele Rugani but are still negotiating a transfer fee with Juventus, according to Sport Italia.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN

    Signing a centre-back remains a priority for the Gunners given William Saliba has returned to Saint-Etienne on loan and Laurent Koscielny has completed a move to Bordeaux.

    They seem to be priced out of a move for Dayot Upamecano and Rugani appears to be a more affordable option. The 25-year-old has been on the fringes of the Juventus first team and Matthijs de Ligt’s arrival this summer only reduces his chances of establishing himself.

    WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN

    Again, Arsenal’s financial limitations stand in their way. Juventus are reportedly unsatisfied with a £37m which is supposedly tied to a tedious payment structure as well that may include an initial two-year loan. The Gunners stand a real chance of signing Rugani but they’ve got to loosen the purse strings.

    TRANSFER RATING: 6/10

    WILFRIED ZAHA

    Wilfried Zaha

    Crystal Palace -> Player + cash -> Everton

    Everton are determined to persist with their pursuit of Wilfrid Zaha despite having another bid rejected, according to the Telegraph.

    WHY IT CAN HAPPEN

    Zaha has been vying for a move away from Selhurst Park all summer and at Everton there appears to be an ambitious project coming together. The addition of the Ivory Coast winger would only boost an already exciting looking Toffees attack. Palace are playing hard ball but should be keen to cash in on Zaha.

    WHY IT CAN’T HAPPEN

    It may be a little late in the window for Roy Hodgson to find a replacement should Zaha leave. Their survival this season could hinge on the 26-year-old’s contributions. A latest bid of over £52m plus Cenk Tosun has already been rejected. How much higher would Everton want to go?

    TRANSFER RATING 5/10

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