WITH over £2 billion spent in the transfer window already, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the majority of the big-money moves had already happened this summer. However, we’re taking a look at just a few of the huge deals that could be complete this week:
Matthijs De Ligt to Juventus:
This transfer saga feels like it’s been going on since January and Mino Raiola has enjoyed every second of it. First he was definitely joining his former Ajax teammate Frankie De Jong at Barcelona, then he looked destined to solve Manchester United’s defensive woes. Next it was certain he’d join Paris Saint-Germain and earn eye-watering amounts of money but finally, after a helping hand from Cristiano Ronaldo in the UEFA Nations League, it looks like he’s decided to join Juventus.
Sky Italy have reported that personal terms has been agreed on a 5-year contract worth £10.7m-a-year. The Italian champions have made a low opening offer of £58m despite Ajax already agreeing a £67m fee with PSG. Don’t expect this one to drag out much longer though once Juventus match that offer.
Likely to be done this week: 9/10
Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona:
On May 16th, Atlético Madrid found out that Antoine Griezmann was planning to release another documentary 'La Decision 2.0'. They told him to stop making documentaries and forced him to announce that he was leaving the club.
On June 12th, Atlético’s CEO Gil Marin confirmed that Antoine Griezmann would join Barcelona this summer. On July 1st, his release clause at Atlético dropped from €200m to €120m.
These never-ending Antoine Griezmann transfer stories are poised to come to an end this week though when Barcelona announce his signing and the French striker will finally achieve his dream of playing with Leo Messi.
Likely to be done this week: 7/10
Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United:
Manchester United and Ed Woodward have so far completed deals for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, with their attentions now turned to a new midfielder and a new centre-half. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Bruno Fernandes has already agreed to join the Red Devils on a contract worth £100,000-a-week.
Miguel Pinho, the player’s agent, is in England to help finalise the move and the Portuguese midfielder is due in Manchester for his medical. However, with four years left on his current deal, Sporting Lisbon are demanding at least £50m.
The club’s president Federico Varandas admitted: “It could be the most expensive sale of Sporting. The most expensive so far was João Mário, for €40m. There have been only talks for Bruno Fernandes, for now.”
It has long been reported that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants his transfers targets to be signed, sealed and delivered before jetting off on their pre-season tour on Sunday so expect this one to get over the line quickly.
Likely to be done this week: 7/10
Wilfried Zaha to Arsenal:
Arsenal want Zaha and Zaha wants Arsenal. More often than not that means a deal will be done. However, Arsenal aren’t a normal club. Arsenal are Arsenal and you just know conflicting reports about transfer budgets and transfer targets have Robbie from AFTV losing his sh*t with DT, Claude and the gang.
So where do we start? BBC’s David Ornstein has widely reported that Arsenal’s transfer budget for the summer is just £45m. So when Crystal Palace valued Wilfried Zaha at £80m, you’d be forgiven for thinking that any transfer for the winger was dead in the water.
However, Sky’s Kaveh Solhekol has since had this to say on the matter: “What I have been told is that it suits Arsenal that people think they only have £45m, because when they get into negotiations over a player, the selling club is going to think Arsenal don’t have much money. What I have been told is that this is a bit of a smokescreen and Arsenal can go up to £70m to buy Wilfried Zaha. £70m is the point at which they would walk away. A deal that would be worth £70m in total. We just have to take it with a pinch of salt that Arsenal only have £45m.”
£40m. £60m. £80m.
✍️ Whatever the price, signing Wilfried Zaha could prove far too costly to Unai Emery's Arsenal | @gunnerblog | #AFC https://t.co/BlqW1UN2cQ
— Unibet (@unibet) July 2, 2019
Wilfried Zaha’s brother has made it clear what the Ivorian wants to do: “Given all Wilfried has given to Palace to help them remain a PL club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European Football for the club he’s supported since childhood.
Wilfried will always hold Crystal Palace and their fans in the highest regard and all the support they've given means the world to him. It’s my brother’s dream though, to play for Arsenal.”
With that being said, it looks likely this transfer will happen. It’s just a question of when but with Arsenal’s questionable budget tactics, we predict this one will rumble on slightly longer.
Likely to be done this week: 3/10
