A look at 20 transfer deals that look likely this summer.
20) Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City to Atletico Madrid)
With Atletico Madrid looking for a new striker to replace Diego Costa after his move to Chelsea, and Manchester City reportedly setting an asking price of around £25m for inconsistent Spanish forward Alvaro Negredo, a move for the former Sevilla man to return to La Liga with Atletico this summer seems likely. The 28-year-old had an up-and-down first season in English football with City, helping them to the title with nine goals in the Premier League, and 23 in all competitions. Still, Negredo hit a poor run of form towards the end of the campaign as he failed to end a long scoring drought, and it could be that the club will allow him to leave if Atletico continue to step up their interest in him.
19) Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich to Juventus)
After becoming unsettled at Bayern Munich, Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic looks like being another big name on the move this summer, with a long queue of clubs interested in snapping him up. Premier League sides such as Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the 27-year-old, but with the Gunners chasing other targets and the Blues bringing in Diego Costa, it could be that Juventus will now be the favourites to bring him in. The Italian giants could have plenty of money to spend from sales of their own players this summer, and Mandzukic would be a useful addition to the team’s options upfront.
18) Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal to Manchester United)
In what could be a somewhat controversial move, Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is seemingly edging ever closer to completing a move to rivals Manchester United in a deal worth around £11m. The Belgian centre-back could seal his move to Old Trafford after returning from international duty at this summer’s World Cup, as new United boss Louis van Gaal seeks to bring in reinforcements at the back after the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Although it will be another blow for Arsenal fans to see one of their key players leave for United, Vermaelen has not been a regular in the side for much of the last year, and it could make sense to bring in a reasonable fee from his sale.
17) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea)
Supposedly available at a bargain price of just £7m, Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon international only joined Dortmund last summer, but is seemingly unsettled in Germany and his club have decided to allow him a move elsewhere. Chelsea are his strongest admirers as they seek to continue bringing in new attacking players, and a move could be done in the near future for this talented player to arrive at Stamford Bridge.
16) Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich to Liverpool)
A supremely talented attacking midfield player who hasn’t really been given a chance at his current club, Xherdan Shaqiri could be on his way from Bayern Munich to Liverpool this summer as he seeks regular first-team football. The Swiss international caught the eye at the World Cup this summer, and with his side now out of the competition, he could be ready to open talks over becoming the latest exciting addition at Anfield this summer, with Brendan Rodgers looking for new players in attack to help maintain his side’s big improvement in 2013/14.
15) Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United to Arsenal)
A move that is surely set to be officially announced in the next couple of days, Arsenal are strongly tipped to be signing Newcastle United right-back Mathieu Debuchy as a replacement for Bacary Sagna. With the Gunners losing the long-serving Sagna on a free transfer to rivals Manchester City, a new signing in that position has been a priority for Arsene Wenger, who has seemingly identified Debuchy as the best possible player to come in. The 28-year-old has impressed in his time in the Premier League, and looks a bargain for just £8m, providing the north London giants with a quality new attacking option from the back next season.
14) Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina to Barcelona)
One of the finest attacking midfielders in Europe this season, Fiorentina look likely to lose Colombian international Juan Cuadrado to a bigger club despite fully purchasing the player’s rights from previous co-owners Udinese. The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Juventus have all been linked with the skillful 26-year-old in recent times, but it seems likely that Barcelona will make him one of their many new signings this summer. The versatile wide-man can fill in at either right-back or on either flank in attack, and could be a useful signing in a number of areas for Barca as they look likely to sell the likes of Dani Alves and Alexis Sanchez.
13) Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid to Chelsea)
After being locked in talks for much of the summer so far, Chelsea are surely not far away from completing a deal to sign Brazilian left-back Filipe Luis from Atletico Madrid. Having already signed Diego Costa from the Spanish champions, Blues boss Jose Mourinho has also been keen to bring in a replacement for Ashley Cole on the left-hand side of his defence, with Luis proving one of the most impressive players in Europe in that position last season as his side won La Liga and reached the Champions League final.
12) Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton to Arsenal)
One of many players who could be on the way out of Southampton this summer, French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has become one of a number of high-profile Arsenal targets, according to recent reports. The 24-year-old has been a highly impressive performer for the Saints since their promotion to the Premier League in 2012, and would fit in nicely into Arsenal’s team and their style of play. Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested, but the offer of Champions League football at the Emirates Stadium next season will surely make the Gunners the favourites to land him in this transfer window.
11) Sami Khedira (Real Madrid to Arsenal)
Another top class midfield target for Arsenal, Sami Khedira could be on his way out of Real Madrid this summer to join his fellow countryman and former club team-mate Mesut Ozil at the Emirates Stadium. The German international has struggled for injuries this term and found himself out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu. With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, it is thought that £18m could be enough for Arsenal to snap him up, which would surely represent one of the bargains of the summer if it goes through.
10) Luis Suarez (Liverpool to Barcelona)
One of the big stories of the summer, Luis Suarez looks all set to be confirmed as a Barcelona player in the next few days, regardless of whether or not Alexis Sanchez moves in the other direction. The Uruguayan has made headlines for all the wrong reasons again with his bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, but there’s no doubt that the Catalan giants will be signing themselves a truly world class talent who is at the top of his game at the moment. The 27-year-old had a superb season for Liverpool in 2013/14 as they just missed out on the title, scoring 31 goals in 33 games to finish as top scorer in this country and double Footballer of the Year.
9) Mario Balotelli (AC Milan to Liverpool)
With Liverpool set to lose a world class striker, there are now suggestions that they could look to rival Arsenal for the signing of AC Milan star Mario Balotelli to fill that gap upfront. The controversial Italian international would certainly be a like-for-like replacement for Suarez in terms of both his superb ability and his unpredictable character. Unhappy with life in Serie A, a return to England seems likely for the former Manchester City man, with Liverpool surely the favourites at the moment with the money they could bring in from Suarez’s sale.
8) Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona to Arsenal)
A vastly under-rated player, Alexis Sanchez looks likely to be let go by Barcelona this summer as they pursue other big-name targets. The Chilean forward, who shone for his country at this summer’s World Cup, was in fine form for Barca last season despite a poor campaign from the club overall, and would make an excellent addition for any top side. Arsenal are seemingly his preferred destination next season, and he would undoubtedly be a brilliant addition to give Arsene Wenger more options upfront.
7) Arturo Vidal (Juventus to Manchester United)
Arturo Vidal‘s reputation has risen and risen in recent months and a fine showing for Chile at the World Cup finals in Brazil looks to have made him a priority transfer target for a number of top clubs this summer. Manchester United are in need of new midfielders and could be ready to offer as much as £45m for the 27-year-old, as well as Portuguese winger Nani in return. Although expensive, Vidal looks a necessary addition to this currently average-looking United midfield, and could help Louis van Gaal’s mission to take the Red Devils back to their dominant best in 2014/15.
6) Paul Pogba (Juventus to Chelsea)
In another sensational move, Juventus could also be ready to sell French starlet Paul Pogba. The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the world, and although the Italian giants have been keen to keep him, it is now thought that they could accept offers in the region of £60m for him. Chelsea are ready to meet that asking price and still look to be in the market for new midfielders despite the signing of Cesc Fabregas, with Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos also emerging as one of their top targets. In what would be the biggest transfer fee in Premier League history, Pogba’s arrival at Stamford Bridge would surely make Jose Mourinho’s excellent new-look side title favourites next season.
5) Radamel Falcao (AS Monaco to Real Madrid)
After just one season with AS Monaco, Radamel Falcao could be heading back to La Liga with Real Madrid, who have seemingly ended their interest in Luis Suarez to focus on signing him instead. The prolific Colombian has been one of the best strikers in the world in recent seasons, and previously shone for Real’s local rivals Atletico Madrid. Unhappy with life in Ligue 1, Falcao could be allowed to move to the Bernabeu for around £60m, in what would be a great signing for the Champions League winners.
4) Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich to Real Madrid)
Real Madrid are reportedly edging closer to completing the signing of German playmaker Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich. The 24-year-old has been unable to settle a contract dispute at the Allianz Arena and has made the decision to quit the club for a move elsewhere. The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United had also been strongly linked with him in recent times, but a big-money contract offer from Real looks to have swung it in their favour as they build a superb-looking new side for 2014/15.
3) Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester United)
After a slightly disappointing first season with Paris Saint-Germain, Edinson Cavani could be available this summer after also being the subject of much transfer speculation this time last year. The likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have been linked with the Uruguayan goal machine in the past, but Manchester United now look to be his strongest suitors as they eye major new recruits to fire them back to the top of the Premier League next season. Cavani could be a great option upfront to replace the declining Wayne Rooney and compete with the injury-prone Robin van Persie, so it would not be that surprising to see the 27-year-old lining up at Old Trafford next season.
2) Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid to Manchester United)
Another exciting potential addition for United, Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria could be available for just £40m this summer, despite his superb form for the club in their double-winning season this term. The Argentine looks set to be one of several players currently on the books at Real to make way for new big-name investments this summer, and this has alerted a number of Premier League sides to his availability. United appear to be the favourites and are most in need of new wingers, making this a perfect deal for new manager Louis van Gaal as he takes on the difficult job at Old Trafford.
1) James Rodriguez (AS Monaco to Real Madrid)
With Di Maria and others on the way out, Real Madrid could use the significant transfer funds brought in on launching a big-money offer for AS Monaco star James Rodriguez. The Colombian international has been a stand-out performer for his country at this summer’s World Cup, and is currently top scorer in Brazil despite his side’s exit this week. The 22-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best young players in the world and would make an excellent addition for any top club, but his desire to play for Real Madrid makes them the big favourites at the moment.