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 Chelsea, PSG and Napoli.
MAURO ICARDI
Inter Milan -> €75 million -> Napoli
Napoli are preparing a bid to sign Inter outcast Mauro Icardi, according to AS.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Inter boss Antonio Conte confirmed last month that Icardi would not be part of his plans for the new season. And with Napoli set to table an offer, it gives the 26-year-old a much-needed escape route as well as a chance to secure regular first-team football again.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Icardi still hopes to earn a second chance at Inter but will have to accept he must leave if he wants to play. Roma and Juventus are both interested in taking the Argentine away from San Siro should a deal with Napoli not go through.
TRANSFER RATING: 7/10
BEN CHILWELL
Leicester -> £70 million -> Chelsea
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard believes Leicester defender Ben Chilwell is the long-term solution at left-back at Stamford Bridge, according to the Sun.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: Lampard will have to wait until next summer to get Chilwell as the Blues are currently under a transfer ban, but the 23-year-old would be the ideal replacement to thrive at Stamford Bridge for years to come. With Marcos Alonso considering his future, it’s even more reason to sign the England international.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: The West London side could face competition from Manchester City, who have been keen to sign Chilwell to replace injury-prone Benjamin Mendy.
TRANSFER RATING: 6/10
SERGE AURIER
Tottenham -> £23 million -> PSG or AC Milan
PSG and AC Milan are interested in Tottenham full-back Serge Aurier, according to the Daily Mail.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN: The Ivory Coast international has made it clear to his Spurs team-mates that he would welcome a chance for a fresh start outside of England. A move back to Paris would be an easy transition having spent three years there from 2014-2017.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN: Spurs only bought Aurier from PSG in 2017 so it is unlikely the Ligue 1 champions would want to re-sign him. A switch to AC Milan could be an ideal option plus it’s a fresh challenge.
TRANSFER RATING: 5/10
