Ten huge deals involving Premier League clubs that we think will happen this summer.
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William Carvalho: Sporting Lisbon to Man United
Few outside his home country of Portugal were familiar with the name of William Carvalho a year ago, but a meteoric rise has seen him called up to his national squad and linked with some of the biggest clubs in football. Carvalho’s excellent passing range and intelligent positioning illustrates his considerable potential. Man United have reportedly already agreed a deal to sign the powerful enforcer.
Eliaquim Mangala: Porto to Manchester City
Eliaquim Mangala has found himself one of the most sought after central defenders in Europe this season after an excellent campaign. Combining great strength and superb technical abilities, Mangala has forced his way into the France starting XI and should star at the 2014 FIFA World Cup this summer. Man City almost signed him and Porto team-mate Fernando on January transfer deadline day but couldn’t agree a deal. A summer move looks almost certain.
Will Hughes: Derby County to Liverpool
The intense blondness of Will Hughes’ hair means he was always going to stand out on the football field, but the 19 year-old has managed to gain notice thanks to an impressive skillset. As well as good height and physical presence, Hughes is a cultured passer who plays with his head up at all times. He seems destined for the top of the game and a move to Anfield is on the cards.
Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea to Tottenham
There are few 20 year-olds who have already scored 30 league goals in one of Europe’s top five leagues, but Romelu Lukaku has shone in each of his two seasons on loan away from Chelsea. If Jose Mourinho elects to bring a big name striker to Stamford Bridge this summer, Lukaku may seek his chances elsewhere. The Belgium international’s loan club Everton would dearly love to sign him but are unlikely to have the cash, making a move to Tottenham almost certain.
Julian Draxler: Schalke to Arsenal
Draxler’s Bundesliga club are desperate to keep hold of one of Europe’s most talented playmakers, but Arsenal are perhaps as desperate to sign him. He’s very fast and loves dribbling at his fullback, and it would be interesting to see if Arsenal developed him into an out and out striker, as Arsene Wenger did with Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie in the past.
Luke Shaw: Southampton to Chelsea
The 18-year-old left back is wanted by a host of top clubs, reportedly including Real Madrid, but Chelsea look set to land the Saints starlet, who was a Blues fan as a youngster. Despite his tender years, Shaw has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League and is likely to boost his reputation further with a place in Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad.
Diego Costa: Atletico Madrid to Chelsea
Costa is proving this season that he’s a pretty special footballer. He’s notched over 30 goals in all competitions, and is physically powerful and robust. He loves a scrap at the top of the back, and is as entertaining for his individual battles as he is for his composure in front of goal. With a proven and in form striker up top, Chelsea could seriously challenge on all fronts next term.
Loic Remy: QPR to Arsenal
The French striker has carried loan club Newcastle this season and proved he is good enough to be playing for a Champions League club. Some clubs on the continent want Remy but Arsenal need a new forward and the Emirates appears to be his most likely destination. The France international is great in the air but has the technical skills to fit into Arsene Wenger’s slick side.
Yevhen Konoplyanka: Dnipro to Liverpool
We want to see this happen just so we can find out how good the Ukrainian flyer actually is! He very nearly joined Liverpool on transfer deadline day in January, and scored a thunderbolt against England back in 2012. Spurs also want to sign the winger, who could finally be given the chance to test his mettle in the Premier League, but a move to Anfield appears more likely.
Alvaro Morata: Real Madrid to Arsenal
Arsenal have reportedly already agreed a deal in principle to sign the Real Madrid youngster for next season. The Spain Under-21 international has once again found himself warming the substitutes’ bench at the Santiago Bernabeu and following the recent emergence of fellow Spanish starlet Jese Rodriguez, Morata has actually fallen further down the Los Blancos pecking order of late. He is a physical striker, who can finish.
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