The ten biggest full-back deals that are set to go down this summer.
This summer there seems to be a whole magnitude of rumours flying around for full-backs, both left and right. Everyone wants at least one, and some of Europe’s biggest clubs are preparing themselves to dip into the market to bring one on board. Here are just ten of the biggest…
10. Yuto Nagamoto – Inter Milan to Tottenham Hotspur
The Japanese international has been building a strong case for himself as Inter’s first choice left-back, not bad considering he’s been at the San Siro since 2011. However, Inter are set to undergo a massive rebuilding project this summer as they are armed with Erick Thohir’s millions. With that in mind Spurs have been keeping tabs on his availability as they look to solve a problem they’ve had in that position all season. He could cost Spurs a decent amount, though, as the Italians value him at just over £12m.
9. Ashley Cole – Free Agent to Liverpool
After eight years at Stamford Bridge, the veteran England star has been released by Chelsea and has found himself in a position he’s never been in before. Many had tipped the Blues to offer him one more year, whilst others believed he would be heading Stateside to Major League Soccer. However, he could be offered salvation from Liverpool, who have had their own problems at left-back ever since Jose Enrique’s injury. Brendan Rodgers would surely be tempted to grab him on a free, but Cole most likely wouldn’t get the long-term deal he desires.
8. Dani Alves – Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain
Despite only just turning 30, and not losing any of his powers, Barcelona have already put the wheels in motion for replacing him. Seemingly ready to entrust the role to Martin Montoya, the Spanish giants will offer him up to Ligue 1 moneybags Paris Saint Germain, along with €30m, to prize young centre back Marquinhos away from the Parc des Princes. The move will likely be completed before the World Cup kicks off in two weeks time.
7. Marcos Rojo – Sporting Lisbon to Liverpool
The Argentine international has been impressing for Lisbon’s second side this term, with powerful displays along the left flank. Comfortable either defending or going forward, he has chalked up a number of assists to beef up his numbers. Brendan Rodgers has been alerted to his availability after initially earmarking him for his versatility (Rojo can also play at centre-back) but he will have to act fast as Arsenal have also registered their own interest.
6. Serge Aurier – Toulouse to Arsenal
With Bacary Sagna edging closer to the exit door this summer, the Gunners will be in desperate need of a new right-back to take over from where the Frenchman left off. Arsene Wenger is known to be a fan of the Toulouse star, who has responded in kind by proclaiming himself as an Arsenal fan. The 22-year-old has been included in the Ivory Coast’s squad to travel to the World Cup next month, and Wenger, who has been known to drag his feet in the transfer window, will be able to get a better look at him on the top stage.
5. Filipe Luis – Atletico Madrid to Chelsea
With Ashley Cole departing after eight successful years, the Blues have some mighty big shoes to fill in his absence. Many had tipped Cesar Azpilicueta to continue in the role he usurped from the England star, but instead Jose Mourinho has been in talks with the Atletico star after being impressed with his consistently excellent form on the left side of Atletico’s defence.
4. Nathaniel Clyne – Southampton to Arsenal
The young Saints star has been yet bother name linked with the vacant right-back slot at the Emirates, as Arsene Wenger looks to add him to a big money triple assault on the south coast club this summer. Impressed with his tenacity and maturity, the Arsenal chief sees him as the ideal man to take over from Sagna and grow into a future fan favourite over the next few years.
3. Alberto Moreno – Sevilla to Liverpool
Originally a target for Manchester United, the young Spaniard has continued to impress Premier League sides now that the Red Devils have moved onto other targets. Liverpool are the team credited with the most interest as they look to solve their problems on the left flank, and are reportedly willing to offer £16m plus young playmaker Suso to the Andalusian side as part exchange.
2. Bacary Sagna – Arsenal to Manchester City
Sagna’s future with the Gunners has been up in the air for some time now, but he has finally admitted that he is set to depart the club for current Premier League champions Manchester city. Unable to get the deal he wanted at the Emirates, he has moved on to a club willing to pay him an obscene about of money for a very long time. He’s been in good form this season, but perhaps Arsene Wenger did know what he was doing by refusing to give him a longer deal.
1. Luke Shaw – Southampton to Manchester United
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence over the past two years, so much so that he has found himself in England’s World Cup squad ahead of seasoned veteran Ashley Cole. However, as it is with young talent coming from smaller clubs, the bigger sides get wind of them and they’re sold before they can truly leave their mark. The same thing is set to happen to Shaw, as Manchester United will follow up their initial interest from January with a massive £30m bid this summer.