Jack Butland to West Brom
Promising young goalkeeper Jack Butland was signed by Stoke in January before being loaned back to former club Birmingham City for the rest of the season. Presumably intended as a replacement for Asmir Begovic, Butland completed his switch to the Britannia this summer, though he looks to be second choice behind the Bosnian who has ended up staying at the club. Another loan move seems increasingly likely for the 20-year-old, who would certainly get into most Premier League teams. West Brom looks like being his destination, due to an injury sustained by Ben Foster. Talks are ongoing, and Butland is unlikely to still be at the club by the end of the transfer window.
Micah Richards to Arsenal
After struggling for first-team football for much of last season after losing his place to Pablo Zabaleta, Micah Richards has been linked several times with a move to Arsenal. However, with Manchester City now short of defenders, they may be more willing to offer him the regular action he wants. Still, the Gunners are short of defensive options themselves, and may revive their interest in the versatile 25-year-old, who could do a job for them both at right-back and centre-back.
Lacina Traore to Monaco
This highly promising young striker looks set to be the latest to move on in Anzhi Makhachkala’s recent fire-sale, which has seen star players such as Willian and Samuel Eto’o leave the club for Chelsea. A six foot eight target man, Traore has all the skills to make it as one of the top strikers in Europe, and could be another high-profile signing made by big-spending Monaco this summer. A move is yet to be confirmed, but it seems that Claudio Ranieri will be keen to get another player in before the end of the summer.
Vicente Guaita to Arsenal
Arsenal’s search for a new goalkeeper could also take them to Valencia, after they were recently linked with their goalkeeper Vicente Guaita. Although the 26-year-old is not always first choice at the Mestalla, they certainly seem to value him highly, and are said to be demanding close to £25million for him. Arsenal are not known for spending big on goalkeepers, or indeed on anyone, but if Wenger fails to bring in his other options then he may be tempted to splash out late in the day for the Spaniard.
Bafetimbi Gomis to Newcastle
It’s been a quiet summer for Newcastle in the transfer market, but there are suggestions that they will look to pull off some late deals. Manager Alan Pardew has said he feels his squad could do with another striker, and they have been linked throughout the summer with prolific Lyon star Bafetimbi Gomis. The Magpies have done well in their recent transfer business in France, and Gomis looks like another player who could make the step up to the Premier League and shine at Newcastle.