While this summer’s window is some way off the excitement we’ve enjoyed in previous years, this month could see a flurry of activity, with the Premier League’s big guns Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United still looking to strengthen.
Here are five deals that really could happen this month…
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Arsenal ready to clinch £55m Edinson Cavani signing as Wenger gives up on Karim Benzema
5. Kevin De Bruyne to Manchester City
Sky Sports reported on Monday that the Citizens had offered Wolfsburg £47m for the signature of their prised playmaker.
De Bruyne hugely struggled to cement a position during his two-year spell with Chelsea, but his performances last season – in which he produced a record tally of 21 assists in a single Bundesliga campaign – may have earned him a return to the Premier League.
Despite his influence at the Volkswagen arena, it would be naive not to question his ability in England’s top flight having failed to make an impression first time.
Nonetheless, Manuel Pellegrini seems convinced.
4. Pedro Rodriguez to Manchester United
Reports are continually claiming that Pedro’s 11-year spell at the Camp Nou is coming to a close.
The Red Devils appear to be leading the chase, with it today claimed that the Premier League giants could be set to confirm his signing on Wednesday.
Despite the ongoing speculation, this deal feels far from reaching its conclusion.
However, with another season on the Barca bench a likelihood, a move to Old Trafford could certainly revive his career.
3. John Stones to Chelsea
Everton are set to reject a third £30m bid from the Blues, with the Toffees said to be confident that the centre-back won’t force a move to Stamford Bridge and is content with staying at Goodison Park.
However, reports in the Daily Mail have claimed that an offer in excess of £35m – if Chelsea are willing to offer such a price – would prove difficult to turn down.
This move may thus boil down to just how high the reigning Premier League champions value Stones, and whether they want their man now.
2. David De Gea to Real Madrid
It is a disgrace that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has allowed this ongoing saga to continue into the start of the new season.
With van Gaal having been open in admitting that Real’s interest is true, De Gea’s future could have – and should have – been concluded at the end of the previous campaign.
Los Blancos have allegedly made a take-it-or-leave-it offer of £21.2m for the 24-year-old, which may – finally – see United grant the goalkeeper a return to the Spanish capital.
1. Karim Benzema to Arsenal
While reports are claiming that Arsene Wenger may have put a move for Benzema on hold, instead targeting Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani, the Frenchman is the ideal signing for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham United proved that Petr Cech isn’t the acquisition that will finally deliver the Premier League title to north London.
The Gunners’ attack was – worryingly and surprisingly – without ideas.
They have become predictable in front of goal, and much better than Olivier Giroud is desperately needed.
Benzema’s move to the Emirates should not be ruled out.
