The Premier League has already seen some big deals go through over the last couple of months, with Manchester City’s purchase of Rodri and Tottenham’s capture of Tanguy Ndombele so far leading the way. With under a month of the 2019 summer transfer window left, the 20 top-tier sides have little time left to bring in the new faces they need before the new campaign kicks off. Of course, as is usually the case, there is a whole host of names being linked with various different sides. Here, we look at the 30 biggest deals that look set to take place before the window shuts on August 8th…
Kalvin Phillips impressed with Leeds United in the Championship last season, and has caught the attention of Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites, who have already signed Jack Clarke from the Elland Road outfit this summer, are now looking at the 23-year-old to join him, according to The Mirror. However, Leeds’ £30m asking price may be an issue.
Probability: 4/10
Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli left Marseille at the start of this month, and is now a free agent. The Telegraph reported on July 8th that the Italy international had been offered to the Hammers. However, reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has said the deal is unlikely, and the Hammers have now brought in Sebastien Haller, so this one would be a surprise.
Probability: 3/10
Newcastle are not known for spending money, but they did finally break their transfer record in January after 14 years as they signed Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United. They could even go above that this summer, with the Toon linked to Hoffenheim’s Joelinton. Mike Ashley has reportedly even made £36m available for the Brazilian’s signature. With Kerem Demirbay and Nico Schulz having already left the Bundesliga club this summer, it remains to be seen whether they will allow another star to depart. However, this one doesn’t sound too far-fetched.
Probability: 7/10
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic had a fantastic season in 2017/18, scoring 14 goals in all competitions for Lazio. The last campaign was not so impressive, but there is no doubting that the Serbia international is an impressive talent. Manchester United appear to agree, and have been linked to the player. The Red Devils are reportedly pressing to get a deal done, with talks having been held with the Serie A club’s sporting director Igli Tare. A fee of €80m (£72.3m) has been mentioned. The Biancocelesti are also looking to sell, it is rumoured. No sum has yet been agreed, but this one could happen.
Probability: 7/10
Moise Kean has burst onto the scene in the last few months as he scored six goals in 13 games in Serie A for Juventus last season. However, with Cristiano Ronaldo in front of you, it is hard to see a path to the first team as a striker. This has led to speculation of a potential move away, with Everton mentioned. A report from Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claims the Toffees and Borussia Dortmund are the two favourites for his signature. With Kean a hot prospect at 19 years old, the Old Lady will not want to let him go cheaply.
Probability: 5/10
Clubs are always looking to find a bargain. It may therefore be no surprise that a number of clubs are after CSKA Moscow’s Fedor Chalov. Arsenal were linked to the Russia international at the start of June, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool also reportedly taking an interest since. Having finished as the Russian League’s top scorer last season, the 21-year-old is reportedly available for around £20m. At such a good price, he could very well move to the Premier League this summer.
Probability: 7/10
Norwich City earned a place in the Premier League last season thanks to their performances in the Championship and, as with any newly-promoted sides, it is vital that they hold on to their best players like Max Aarons. The 19-year-old full-back has been linked to Tottenham, who wanted him to replace the potentially-outgoing Kieran Trippier. However, the teenager is said to have agreed a five-year contract with the Canaries. Although Trippier could be on the move to Atletico Madrid, it seems unlikely that Aarons will leave Carrow Road. This summer, at least.
Probability: 2/10
Nicolas Pepe had a breakthrough season in Ligue 1 last season as he scored 22 goals for Lille. Add to that 11 assists, and it comes as little surprise that several clubs are interested in the Ivory Coast international. The 24-year-old is reportedly on the radar of Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton. The Toffees’ lack of Champions League football should see them struggle to sign him, whilst it remains unclear whether the Gunners’ reported €80m (£72.3m) offer will come to fruition. Anfield seems the most likely destination, with Lille president Gerard Lopez confirming the Reds have had talks with the former Angers man.
Probability: 6/10
PSG have so far been quiet during this summer transfer window by their standards. There has perhaps been a change in strategy, with solid rather than star names being brought in. The Ligue 1 champions reportedly have their eye on Everton’s Idrissa Gueye and are said to have made a €30m (£27.1m) bid for the Senegal international. With Fabian Delph having joined the Toffees and the 29-year-old already having handed in a transfer request in January, this one makes sense.
Probability: 8/10
Having burst on to the scene at the Copa America, Everton Soares was always going to be targeted by European clubs this summer. Arsenal have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old, with the club’s doctors reportedly having travelled to Brazil to assess the forward. A fee has apparently been agreed – €28m (£25.3m) up front which could rise to €40m (£36.2m) – so there seems to be quite a bit to this one.
Probability: 7/10
Tottenham have already smashed their transfer record this summer with the signing of Tanguy Ndombele, and there may be more big arrivals to come. AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo has been one name mentioned, with Spurs reportedly having lodged an offer of €27m (£24.4m) plus Toby Alderweireld for the 20-year-old midfielder. With the Giallorossi interested in the Belgium international, it could be an appealing offer. The Serie A side’s president Gianluca Petrachi has told all interested clubs that the youngster is not for sale, however, so Daniel Levy would likely have to up his bid.
Probability: 6/10
Harry Maguire has become a star for club and country over the last couple of seasons, and reached cult status as part of England’s team that made the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Such form has not gone unnoticed by Manchester United, who are reported to have agreed an £80m fee for the 26-year-old (£60m up front and £20m in add-ons). The centre-back is said to have told Leicester City manager Brendan Rogers and his teammates that he wants to leave the King Power Stadium this summer, but United don’t have a straight run at the former Sheffield United man: rivals Manchester City are still confident they can hijack the Old Trafford club’s deal.
Probability: 7/10
When Mesut Ozil joined Arsenal in 2013 for a then club-record fee, there was much excitement in the Arsenal camp. Whilst the stats show the 30-year-old has contributed to the Gunners, he is not the most popular of figures at the Emirates Stadium. Unai Emery is apparently desperate to move the former Germany international on this summer, with it even being reported that the London outfit would be willing to subsidise his huge wages to see him leave. So far, though, there is a lack of concrete interest, with Fenerbahce ruling out a potential move for the former Real Madrid man. There is more than enough time left though, and of course he could still move abroad after the English transfer market closes on August 8th.
Probability: 7/10
Brazil’s victory at the Copa America this summer was the 43rd trophy of Dani Alves’ illustrious career. At 36 years of age, he is in the twilight of his career, but he still has enough to give. He is currently a free agent after having recently left PSG, and there is no lack of potential suitors. Tottenham have reportedly made contact with the former Barcelona right-back, but Arsenal is apparently his favoured destination. Of course, his big wages could be a stumbling block, though with no transfer fee to worry about, they may be able to make it work.
Probability: 8/10
Southampton are used to their big name players leaving during transfer windows, with Liverpool a popular destination for former Saints. In the case of Mario Lemina, however, it is Arsenal and Manchester United who have been mentioned. As it stands, the Red Devils have distanced themselves from a move for the Gabon international. From a Gunners perspective, there is little fresh news of their interest but with Aaron Ramsey having left for Juventus, another midfielder for Unai Emery wouldn’t go amiss.
Probability: 6/10
Saint-Etienne’s William Saliba is hot property this summer, with London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham both chasing the 18-year-old. It appeared that the centre-back would sign for the Gunners, but Spurs tried to hijack the deal late-on and matched the Emirates outfit’s €30m (£27.1m) offer, with the Lilywhites’ bid more appealing in terms of the add-ons. However, the teenager still favours a move to Unai Emery’s side and Arsenal have aligned themselves with Spurs’ bid. His final destination may still be up in the air, but a move away from Ligue 1 for Saliba seems very likely.
Probability: 9/10
Toby Alderweireld has been an important figure at Tottenham since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2015 and played the full 90 minutes in all but one game in the Champions League as Spurs reached the final last season. However, with just one year left on his contract, there has been speculation of a move away from North London. AS Roma have been tipped as the likeliest destination, and the Giallorossi president Gianluca Petarchi has confirmed the Serie A club’s interest. Tottenham reportedly included Alderweireld in their bid for Nicolo Zaniolo, so they could be open to seeing him leave.
Probability: 7/10
To say Bruno Fernandes impressed last season would be an understatement. In 53 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, the Portugal international scored 32 goals and provided 18 assists… all from the midfield. This has piqued the interest of a number of clubs, including Manchester United. The Red Devils will reportedly table an offer for the 24-year-old within the next three weeks. In a boost for Ed Woodward and co, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool are said to have distanced themselves from a move for the player. It remains to be seen whether Fernandes will be added to the signings of Dan James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Probability: 7/10
Dani Ceballos’ impressive performances at the U21 European Championships earlier this summer showed exactly why Real Madrid signed him two years ago. But, with the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric ahead of him in Real’s midfield, playing time is currently limited, which is why a loan move would be beneficial to all parties. Arsenal are reportedly close to taking the 22-year-old to the Emirates Stadium for next season. The deal for the former Real Betis man will not include a purchase option.
Probability: 8/10
Chelsea’s transfer ban will likely see them be keener than usual to keep hold of the players they already have. That may even include Tiemoue Bakayoko, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan after a disappointing 2017/18 campaign in the Premier League. However, it is being reported that PSG are looking to take the former Monaco midfielder to Ligue 1 on a season-long loan with a view to a potential permanent transfer. The 24-year-old has already admitted that he would like to play for the French club at some point, and their sporting director Leonardo is reportedly a fan.
Probability: 6/10
With Romelu Lukaku already having expressed his wish to leave Manchester United this summer, according to his agent Federico Pastorello, it seems that the Belgium international’s time at Old Trafford is coming to an end. Internazionale are the team he has been most heavily linked with, and the Nerazzurri have reportedly agreed personal terms with the former Everton striker. The Serie A outfit will apparently tell the Red Devils that they will match the £75m asking price, as long as the deal includes bonus payments. Considering all this, it seems likely that the 26-year-old will be playing in Italy next season.
Probability: 8/10
Most people who have watched Crystal Palace in recent seasons would agree that Wilfried Zaha has been one of the Eagles’ most influential players. Arsenal certainly do, so much so that they want to sign him this summer. They have already had a bid of £40m rejected, and were reportedly preparing an offer of £40m plus Mohamed Elneny, Callum Chambers and Carl Jenkinson. The Ivory Coast international does want the move, according to his brother, but Palace manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that the Gunners are nowhere near the valuation the Selhurst Park outfit have of the 26-year-old. Arsenal’s small transfer budget is likely to be an issue.
Probability: 5/10
Arsenal are clearly very interested in taking Celtic’s Kieran Tierney to the Emirates Stadium this summer. They first bid £15m for the Scotland international, but the Bhoys were less than impressed. The second offer of £25m was also rejected, but that has not deterred Unai Emery and co. Although they are losing patience, it is being reported that the Gunners will make one last attempt to sign the 22-year-old. Whilst Tierney has been with the Glasgow-based club since the age of seven, a move south of the border makes sense if he wants to advance his career.
Probability: 7/10
Malcom signed for Barcelona just last summer from Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, but the Brazilian could already be off during this transfer window, it appears. There are two Premier League clubs in particular who have been linked to the winger: Everton and Arsenal. The Toffees were reportedly preparing a bid for the 23-year-old earlier this month, whilst the Gunners have apparently met with his representatives. However, more recently, the trail has gone a bit quiet. Malcom is too good a player to be sat on the bench at the Camp Nou, so a move seems likely, but neither of the two outfits mentioned have made a killer move as of yet.
Probability: 7/10
It says a lot about the state of the current transfer market that a 27-year-old centre-back with just one international cap could leave his current club for £45m. But that is the case with Lewis Dunk, with Leicester City having reportedly agreed a deal with his current club Brighton and Hove Albion for said sum. However, those claims appear to be wide of the mark, with more recent updates stating that the Foxes are yet to even make an official approach for the former Bristol City defender. Brendan Rogers may need to bring a new face into his back-line should Harry Maguire complete his rumoured move to Manchester United, but surely the 2016 Premier League winners can find better value for money elsewhere?
Probability: 5/10
The Giovani Lo Celso to Tottenham rumours have been a constant this summer, but there doesn’t appear to be anything concrete so far. However, the reports all point towards a Spurs switch. At the start of the month, the deal was apparently “80%” complete, and the Lilywhites are also believed to have already agreed personal terms with the Argentina international. More recently, it has been said that the 23-year-old attacking midfielder has handed in a transfer request to Real Betis. The La Liga outfit, though, will not accept anything less than €60m, and would prefer a fee closer to €100m.
Probability 7/10
When Diego Costa returned to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea in January of last year, he was amongst the best strikers on the planet. However, the move has not gone to plan for the Spain striker, and a move this summer could be on the cards. West Ham and Everton have been linked to the 30-year-old forward. But, with the Hammers having completed the signing of Sebastien Haller, it seems unlikely that they will bring in the Brazil-born marksman as well. The Toffees, though, are still in the race. But, if they truly are keen to sign the two-time Premier League winner, they will not be happy to hear about recent updates claiming that Flamengo are looking to reach an agreement.
Probability: 6/10
When you are signed as the most expensive in the history of football, it is always going to be hard to live up to the hype. And whilst Paul Pogba has not done too badly at Manchester United, many expected more. There has been intense speculation around his future, with his name mostly linked with Real Madrid. The World Cup winner is reportedly Los Merengues’ priority this summer, and his agent Mino Raiola has confirmed that the 25-year-old wants to leave Old Trafford. However, Real Madrid have already spent £272.70m this summer, and the latest news is that the Red Devils are asking for €200m (£180.5m) for one of their star assets. Even for Real, that may be a step too far.
Probability: 6/10
Not content with targeting one Premier League star, Real Madrid are also looking at taking Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Denmark midfielder has already confirmed he is considering a move away from North London and the playmaker’s agent has reportedly met up with Real Madrid to discuss the La Liga clubs plans for the player. Add on that the 27-year-old has been house-hunting in Madrid, and a move looks on the cards. The rumours have gone quieter more recently, but Mauricio Pochettino has refused to rule out the former Ajax man moving on.
Probability: 7/10
Philippe Coutinho joined Barcelona in January 2018 for a huge amount, but his time at the Camp Nou has been at times underwhelming. As such, he has stated his intent to leave the Spanish club this summer. Surprisingly, it is his former team Liverpool who appear to be registering a solid interest in the Brazil international. It has been reported that the Reds have made an offer of a two-year loan followed by a purchase option of £88m, with Coutinho himself apparently agreeing to the proposal. However, the La Liga champions are believed to be using the former Internazionale man as a pawn in their attempts to take Neymar back to Spain.
Probability: 5/10