A look at the possible outcomes of the 20 biggest transfer stories this summer.
Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
After an excellent first season in English football with Aston Villa, Christian Benteke has become one of the most in-demand players in this summer’s transfer market. The 22-year-old Belgian has been in prolific form for Paul Lambert’s side, showing a vast array of skills to drag them away from what looked like certain relegation. He looks made for a top side, and is unlikely to want to stick around at Villa Park in the bottom half of the table.
He has been linked with almost every club looking for a striker this summer. These include: Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Arsenal are probably out of the running now as they seem to have opted for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain, but the others all face losing key players, and Atletico in fact already have lost Radamel Falcao to Monaco. If the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Luis Suarez and Robert Lewandowski all make moves this summer, it is Benteke that these clubs will look to as replacements, and it could be a close-run thing in who eventually signs him, though Villa will presumably prefer not to sell him to another Premier League club if they can avoid it.
Benteke to: Arsenal 3/10; Tottenham 5/10; Liverpool 5/10; Atletico Madrid 6/10; Borussia Dortmund 6/10
Luke Shaw (Southampton)
This talented young left-back has had an excellent first season in the Southampton first team, establishing himself as first choice for the newly-promoted Premier League side immediately, and showing great ability and maturity beyond his years despite being only 17 years old.
His fine form has not gone unnoticed, and there is now a long queue of clubs chasing him this summer. Chelsea will perhaps be the favourites, as Shaw himself has admitted to being a boyhood fan of the club, and they need a long-term replacement for Ashley Cole, though it seems unlikely due to Cole’s presence that Shaw would become first choice immediately.
This might mean he picks moves to either Arsenal, Tottenham or Manchester United. Arsenal are known for giving young players a chance, though their interest appears to have dropped due to the improved form of Kieran Gibbs and the January signing of another left-back in Nacho Monreal. Spurs and United are the most likely to be looking for new left-backs to play immediately next season, so it could be a tussle between those two for this exciting English talent.
Shaw to: Chelsea 6/10; Arsenal 3/10; Tottenham 6/10; Manchester United 6/10
Thiago Alcantara (Barcelona)
Barcelona are hoping to persuade young midfielder Thiago Alcantara to be patient in his wait for first-team football at the Nou Camp, but at the moment he seems almost certain to join Manchester United. The young Spaniard is one of the most talented players to emerge from the club’s youth team in recent years, but has been unfortunate to be behind the world class trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas .
He will certainly be more valuable at Old Trafford, as manager David Moyes has been given the immediate task of replacing the retiring Paul Scholes. United are looking at a number of players to replace the influential playmaker, and Alcantara’s availability and price makes him the ideal candidate. Manchester City and Real Madrid have also been linked with the 22-year-old, but currently seem out of the running.
Alcantara to: Manchester United 8/10; Manchester City 2/10; Real Madrid 1/10
Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
Although Carlos Tevez seems to have resolved his issues with staying in Manchester, the Argentine striker has been linked with several clubs this summer as new City manager Manuel Pellegrini seems likely to reshuffle his squad upon arrival at the Etihad Stadium.
Tevez was not at his brilliant best in 2012/13, though he still showed glimpses of his great ability, and this has seen him attract attention from AC Milan, Juventus and Monaco. Milan tried hard to sign him last year though a move fell through. The Italians finished third in Serie A this season and could do with some strengthening upfront, particularly if they lose Stephan El Shaarawy, and Tevez could be involved in a swap deal if City pursue the young forward.
Juventus have been linked with several strikers as they look to win a third Serie A title in a row and progress in the Champions League, so it’s unclear how high Tevez is on their list of priorities. Monaco, meanwhile, are spending big and also targeting a vast array of big names this summer, and though they might not make Tevez a priority, they may be better placed financially to tempt him away from City.
Tevez to: AC Milan 6/10; Juventus 5/10; Monaco 7/10
Isco (Malaga)
Isco is certainly one of the best young players in the world at the moment, and will likely make a big move away from Malaga this summer for around £21million, with Manchester City and Real Madrid the two main contenders for his signature after meeting his release clause.
The 21-year-old is currently deciding between the two clubs, and despite initial concerns that he would not get enough first-team football at the Bernabeu, talks with the club may have persuaded him to remain in La Liga.
However, City have brought in Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini, and he will work hard to sign his former star player for his new club. Isco himself may also welcome the chance to continue playing under the Chilean, who gave him the chance to develop and play regularly at Malaga.
Chelsea and PSG had previously been linked with him as well, though they seem to be out of the running as City and Real have stepped up their interest. Chelsea in particular have no obvious need for him due to being well-stocked in the attacking midfield department.
Isco to: Manchester City 7/10; Real Madrid 7/10; Chelsea 2/10; PSG 2/10
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Leighton Baines has just had an excellent season for Everton, perhaps the finest of his career, and this has unsurprisingly made him a priority signing for David Moyes in his new job at Manchester United.
The Red Devils are considering a move for a new left-back this summer due to a slight dip in form from long-time stalwart Patrice Evra, who has been linked with a move back to his old club Monaco. As already mentioned, Southampton youngster Luke Shaw is one of Moyes’ top targets as well, but he may feel the more experienced Baines is a better option.
Strangely, no other clubs currently seem to be in for Baines, so United may decide to go unchallenged for the England international instead of fighting the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea for Shaw.
Everton won’t want to sell their star player, but if he does move it will almost certainly be for United rather than anyone else. He would fit in well at the club and should be within their price range, and of course he would presumably like to continue working under David Moyes.
Baines to: Manchester United 7/10
Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan)
Stephan El Shaarawy has had something of a breakthrough year for AC Milan, establishing himself as perhaps the best young player in Serie A with some exciting displays from the wing. Despite not exactly playing as a striker, the 20-year-old was one of Serie A’s leading goal scorers this season and looks like another Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in the making with his ability to score from almost any position.
His fine form saw him linked somewhat surprisingly with Arsenal in January, though he is surely out of their price range now. Mancheste City are very keen to sign him as they look to bolster their attack. As already mentioned, they could use Carlos Tevez as part of the deal and are one of the few clubs who could afford this big talent.
Milan have hinted that they could sell him for the right price, so it will be interesting to see if other clubs join the chase, though at the moment it seems like it will be City or nothing for the Italian international.
El Shaarawy to: Manchester City 6/10; Arsenal 1/10
Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
The reputation of Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal has risen over the last couple of years with his fine performances helping Juventus to two Serie A titles in a row. The 26-year-old is a great all-round footballer, capable of breaking up play and bringing the ball forward to join the attack. Despite primarily playing quite a deep role for Antonio Conte’s side, he has managed a highly impressive 13 goals and 10 assists this season, attracting interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.
United are looking for new midfielders in a bid to replace the retiring Paul Scholes and improve on the likes of Anderson and Tom Cleverley, though Vidal has said he is happy to stay with the Serie A champions, leading to United seemingly prioritising other targets such as Marouane Fellaini, Kevin Strootman and Marco van Ginkel. He would cost around £30million and Real Madrid will also move for him if they manage to appoint PSG’s Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager, as he is a long-time admirer of the former Bayer Leverkusen star.
Vidal to: Manchester United 4/10; Real Madrid 5/10
Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
Despite another good individual season for Real Madrid, talented Argentine winger Angel Di Maria appears to have fallen out of favour at the club, and could be the victim of a summer cull in this transfer window as they look to reshape their squad to put in an improved challenge against Barcelona for La Liga next season.
With 8 goals and 10 assists for Real this season, he has shown he still has an end product that could be useful to many clubs, and indeed he should have a long list of clubs queuing up for him this summer. With Real Madrid chasing Tottenham star Gareth Bale, Di Maria could be targeted in a swap deal, and would be a decent replacement for the Welshman at White Hart Lane.
However, Manchester United and Manchester City are also chasing the 25-year-old. United are in need of wingers after disappointing seasons from Nani and Ashley Young, and City’s new manager Manuel Pellegrini is said to be a fan of his among other Spanish-based players he knows well from his time in La Liga, though the signing of Jesus Navas may mean Di Maria is no longer urgently needed.
AC Milan are perhaps outsiders for his signature as well though much of that depends on whether or not the club sell the likes of Stephan El Shaarawy and Kevin-Prince Boatang. While he certainly looks likely to leave Real Madrid, it is as of yet unclear which club will finally sign him.
Di Maria to: Tottenham 5/10; Manchester United 5/10; Manchester City 4/10; AC Milan 2/10
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Having already sold Fernandinho to Manchester City this summer, Shakhtar Donetsk look set to lose another star player this summer as Liverpool have shown a strong interest in Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
The skillful playmaker has been one of the top performers in the Ukranian league for a number of years now, and looks ready to make the step up to the next level in the Premier League. His style of play would fit Liverpool well and his eye for goal should make him a threat for the Reds in their bid to put in a stronger challenge for a top four place.
Complications over his possible third-party ownership are currently slowing the move down, but many of the terms have been agreed for the 24-year-old to move to Anfield this summer for around £20million, and they are unlikely to face any competition for his signature, as there have been no other high profile transfer rumours involving the player. He will surely move to Liverpool, it is just a question of when.
Mkhitaryan to: Liverpool 9/10
Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
Another fine prospect coming through in German football at the moment is Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. The 22-year-old has shown great capabilities as a defensive midfielder for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season, though he has also shown some ability going forward as well, scoring four goals and providing three assists for his team-mates. One of his goals came from the penalty spot in the club’s Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich.
Manchester United’s search for a new midfielder has seen them linked with the German international, and he certainly looks like he’d be an improvement on the likes of Anderson in the middle of the park, as well as providing something a bit different from Michael Carrick.
Barcelona are also said to be interested, though it is unclear where he would fit in at the Nou Camp due to Sergio Busquets’ undisputed status as first choice in the club’s defensive midfield position. Gundogan is a rising star of the game and would probably not settle for a place on the bench, which would surely see United edge Barca out if these two clubs are in for him.
Gundogan to: Manchester United 5/10; Barcelona 3/10
Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
Marouane Fellaini is attracting a lot of attention this summer after his finest season in an Everton shirt. The Belgian midfielder was moved into a more attacking role by David Moyes this season, adding more goals to his game and looking like one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League, with his strength and skill making him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
With Moyes moving to Manchester United, it is no surprise that he has looked into bringing the 25-year-old with him to Old Trafford. However, he will also face competition from Arsenal, who are understood to have made significant progress in signing the midfielder.
Chelsea were linked with him earlier in the summer, but seem to have cooled their interest, so it seems that it will be between Arsenal and United for Fellaini’s next destination, as he surely won’t remain at Goodison Park after looking like taking them as far as he possibly can.
Fellaini to: Arsenal 7/10; Manchester United 6/10; Chelsea 2/10
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
One of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer will surround the future of Manchester United star Wayne Rooney. The England striker has submitted a transfer request at Old Trafford after spending much of the season playing second fiddle to Robin van Persie in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, which has forced him to play out of position in midfield or out wide.
This is certainly not the best use of Rooney’s immense talent, and the possibility that he might be available has attracted strong interest from top clubs all around Europe and England. It could be the right time for Rooney to move on and start afresh, but with the transfer stories coming thick and fast it’s hard to know who are the true favourites to land him.
The clubs linked with him so far include Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal. Bayern Munich were also mentioned but have ruled themselves out of approaching the former Everton man. Barcelona may not find a place for him in his preferred position, having already signed Neymar this summer, and of course United will not want to sell him to an English rival, despite Chelsea and Arsenal both said to be showing a strong interest. Real Madrid and PSG therefore seem the slight favourites, and their financial ability in the transfer market will do them no harm.
Rooney to: Real Madrid 7/10; PSG 7/10; Barcelona 4/10; Chelsea 5/10; Arsenal 4/10; Manchester City 4/10
Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina)
This long-running story has to come to a conclusion at some point, and there seems little chance that Fiorentina will keep hold of their star player Stevan Jovetic this summer.
The Montenegro international has been one of the most impressive forwards in Serie A over the last few years, and his form has many clubs chasing him this summer, with varying degrees of success depending on what you read.
Arsenal were believed to be close to signing him on several occasions, though competition from the likes of Chelsea, Juventus and Manchester City may have seen them priced out of a move and turn to other targets.
Fiorentina do not want to sell to an Italian rival, so Chelsea will be the current favourites to land him, as they are desperate for new strikers to replace Fernando Torres and Demba Ba for next season, and Jose Mourinho supposedly expressing a strong liking for the 23-year-old target man.
Jovetic to: Chelsea 7/10; Juventus 6/10; Arsenal 4/10; Manchester City 5/10
Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)
Despite an impressive goals-to-games ratio for Real Madrid, Gonzalo Higuain appears to have been placed on the transfer list this summer. The club are set to undergo a major clear-out ahead of next season, starting with a change in manager after Jose Mourinho left to re-join Chelsea. Higuain is a notable victim of the axe, and could be available for just £22million, in a move that should be finalised once a new manager has been brought in to approve the deal.
Recent talk suggests Arsenal are the favourites to sign him, though once again they have come up against Juventus for the Argentine striker. With Juve also chasing Jovetic and Tevez, Arsenal currently seem the most likely candidates to land the 25-year-old, and he would be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ starting lineup, with the potential to become the club’s best striker since Thierry Henry.
Higuain to: Arsenal 7/10; Juventus 6/10
Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
It has been another excellent season for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski. The Pole has scored 36 times for Jurgen Klopp’s side, helping them to a great run to the Champions League final, and his four goals in the 4-1 semi-final win over Real Madrid was perhaps the best performance of his career.
The 24-year-old was linked with Manchester United last summer, though they eventually opted for Robin van Persie. They could renew their interest this year as they face the possible departures of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, though they will be rivalled by fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as perhaps Barcelona according to recent rumours.
Lewandowski’s first choice, however, was Dortmund’s rivals Bayern Munich, though his club have blocked the possibility of this move. It remains to be seen if he will see out his contract with his current club and move to the Allianz Arena next summer, or if he will settle for a move to one of the many other clubs interested in him. It could be a close call, and much will depend on how other transfers go, with City and Chelsea in particular perhaps favouring other players before Lewandowski.
Lewandowski to: Manchester United 6/10; Chelsea 5/10; Manchester City 5/10, Barcelona 4/10; Bayern Munich 1/10
Edinson Cavani (Napoli)
Edinson Cavani has undoubtedly become one of the best strikers in the world over the last few years, with an excellent record of 104 goals in 138 games for Serie A side Napoli. The Uruguayan has the ability to score a variety of goals, and generally looks an all-round world class performer, ready to make the step up to a bigger club this summer.
The main contenders for his signature have been Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid, as there are few others that could afford his massive £54million minimum release fee clause.
However, the latest developments suggest that City are unwilling to meet that asking price, and Real Madrid now look like the favourites to sign this supremely talented forward, despite him previously expressing his doubts over playing in Spanish football.
It remains to be seen how much of a challenge Chelsea will put in, and whether or not City are bluffing somewhat in an attempt to bring Napoli’s asking price down. Both clubs will also look to offer players in exchange, such as Fernando Torres or Edin Dzeko, and it is clear there is still some way to go before this move is finalised. A decision is currently expected in early July.
Cavani to: Real Madrid 6/10; Chelsea 4/10; Manchester City 3/10
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
The most expensive player of all time could break his own transfer record this summer, as he seems unsettled at Real Madrid, rejecting speculation that he would sign a new contract with the club.
Ronaldo has been sensational in his time in Spain, but may have played his last game for the famous club, with Manchester United, PSG and Monaco all interested in making big-money offers for the Portuguese forward.
The 28-year-old initially left United for Madrid in 2009 for a world record £80million, and would now cost more like £85million. Realistically, only PSG and Monaco can afford that transfer fee, but United are hoping to try Real’s hand by offering players in return as well as cash, though the Bernabeu giants may be unconvinced by the likes of Nani and Javier Hernandez. A swap deal involving Rooney has been mentioned, and could be the most realistic option.
It would certainly be huge news to see Ronaldo back in the Premier League, and he would presumably favour a move to his old club ahead of the French league, but a lot lies now in the ability of United to persuade Real to sell him for less than their incredibly high asking price.
Chelsea have also been linked with him due to the Jose Mourinho connection, though the new Blues boss has suggested he will not be spending vast amounts of cash this summer due to new Financial Fair Play regulations, and Ronaldo himself may not be keen on tarnishing his reputation with the Old Trafford faithful by joining their rivals.
He could of course still stay at the Bernabeu, as club president Fiorentino Perez has said he would make Ronaldo the best-paid player in the world to stay in the Spanish capital.
Ronaldo to: Manchester United 5/10; PSG 5/10; Monaco 5/10; Chelsea 2/10
Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
A real blow for Liverpool this summer could be the loss of star player Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan has had his best season yet for the Reds and is understandably keen to move on to bigger things, with Real Madrid said to be leading the chase for his signature.
Suarez scored 30 goals in all competitions for Liverpool, many of them stunning solo efforts as he has lit up the Premier League. He certainly looks like he could play in almost any team in the world on this form, and his desire to escape the English press is also a factor in his desire to move abroad.
However, Manchester City may also be interested, and will look to persuade him to remain in England, as they currently seem likely to miss out on their other main targets such as Edinson Cavani. It could be a long shot, however, as Liverpool won’t want to sell to a rival and Suarez has specifically said he wants to leave the country. This looks like putting Real Madrid firmly in the driving seat to sign him.
Atletico Madrid are also plotting an ambitious move for him, and they will be boosted by their lucrative £51million sale of Radamel Falcao to Monaco, though it is unclear if Suarez himself would view that as enough of a step up. Bayern Munich are another big name chasing him, and may be more to his liking. They will also be keen to sign a top striker after seemingly missing out on Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski.
Suarez to: Real Madrid 8/10; Bayern Munich 6/10; Atletico Madrid 5/10; Manchester City 3/10
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
Spurs winger Gareth Bale has had the season of his life in 2012/13, and could become the most expensive player of all time if he joins Real Madrid or PSG this summer, with both clubs willing to pay as much as £85million for the Welshman.
There has of course been interest in England as well, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City possible outsiders to sign the former Southampton man, although he seems somewhat out of their reach financially and Spurs will not want to sell him to any of their rivals.
Much of what happens with Ronaldo will also affect the Bale deal, as PSG or United will presumably not look to sign them both, and Real will be even more determined to sign him as a replacement if they lose the Portuguese star.
Bale to: Real Madrid 7/10; PSG 7/10; Manchester United 5/10; Manchester City 3/10