Pogba to Real Madrid, €60m replacement to Man United: Predicting the top 10 unresolved transfer sagas of the summer, including Zaha-Arsenal, Neymar and more

We’ve seen some big-name transfers already this summer as the likes of Eden Hazard, Tanguy Ndombele, Adrien Rabiot and numerous others have had their futures resolved.

But there are still many stories and sagas that remain up in the air – some perhaps nearing a conclusion, and some not.

MORE: Manchester United star Paul Pogba increasingly tipped for transfer to Champions League giants as odds tumble

So, we’re going to stick our necks on the line and attempt to predict some outcomes here as we look at ten of the main players still being linked with moves.

Here’s our ten, with predictions – let us know if you agree or disagree…

1) Paul Pogba

Let’s start with what could be the biggest name to depart the Premier League this summer as Manchester United star Paul Pogba’s future remains in doubt.

The Frenchman’s agent Mino Raiola has been quoted by the Times as admitting that his client is seeking a move away from Old Trafford this summer and that that process has begun.

Will Paul Pogba leave Manchester United this summer?

The two names that keep cropping up – Real Madrid and Juventus, but we’re increasingly sure if he goes anywhere it’ll be the Bernabeu.

Telefoot claim the player himself favours a new challenge at Real instead of a return to his former club, while it’s also worth noting that with Juve signing two midfielders in Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot this summer, there is surely no need to go and splash the cash on Pogba.

2) Romelu Lukaku

A move to Inter Milan has looked on the cards for some time now for Romelu Lukaku, another big name who could be leaving United this summer.

And despite some talk of interest from Juventus, Calciomercato claim the Belgium international would still prefer to join Inter.

This makes sense due to the Antonio Conte connection, with the former Chelsea manager looking ideal for his style of play and perhaps more likely to use him week in, week out.

3) Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt in action for Ajax in the Champions League

Despite Juventus looking the clear favourites for Matthijs de Ligt for some time, recent reports suggest this saga could yet take another twist.

According to Sport, the Italian giants now fear Barcelona could hijack the move late on – and in fairness, the move to the Nou Camp always seemed the most logical next step for the young Dutchman.

This is a tough call, but given how long it’s taken for Juve to get this over the line, it does seem like there’s got to be a chance for someone else to swoop, and Barcelona would surely love to have him come in alongside old Ajax team-mate Frenkie de Jong.

4) Harry Maguire

With United perhaps set to bag potentially a huge sum of money from the sales of Pogba and Lukaku, that should mean they can eventually afford to land Harry Maguire.

A swap deal has been rejected as Leicester hold out for £85m for their star centre-back, according to the Sun, and we think MUFC will eventually come up with the cash.

Why? They need a centre-back and are running out of options. They’ll be well aware of the success of their rivals Liverpool since they splashed out on Virgil van Dijk, and will likely feel Maguire could have a similar impact at Old Trafford.

Whatever the price, this deal looks a must for the Red Devils.

5) Bruno Fernandes

This one has dragged on and on, but a recent claim made by Jornal de Noticias, as translated by Sport Witness, is that €60m-rated Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes is seduced by an offer from Manchester United.

The Portugal international looks exactly what the Red Devils need in the middle of the park, especially if, as we expect, Pogba leaves for Real Madrid.

Tottenham have splashed out on Tanguy Ndombele, Manchester City have signed Rodri, Liverpool don’t need him – all signs point towards Old Trafford next for Fernandes.

Bruno Fernandes in action for Portugal

6) Youri Tielemans

In what could be one of the finest pieces of business by a club outside the established big six, Leicester City look set to win the race for Youri Tielemans.

The latest from the Leicester Mercury is that a deal is now edging closer, with Tielemans just awaiting the green light to link up with the Foxes for pre-season.

There had also been talk of Man Utd being in the running for Tielemans, as the Evening Standard linked him as one of a number of potential Pogba replacements, but it seems he was not a priority.

7) Neymar

A player whose reputation is rapidly deteriorating, Neymar is being linked with a number of big moves this summer, though we’re starting to think PSG are going to be stuck with him.

Neymar’s transfer to Barcelona has reportedly stalled

The latest from Telefoot is that a transfer to Barcelona has stalled, and you’d have to think a number of Barca fans will be breathing a sigh of relief.

There are superior, more consistent, more focused players out there who could cost less and bring less of a media circus with them. We can’t see PSG managing to offload this guy.

8) Wilfried Zaha

Linked strongly with Arsenal by the Daily Mirror and others, we’re sorry to say we don’t think Wilfried Zaha will get his move away from Crystal Palace this summer.

The 26-year-old doesn’t currently seem to be attracting interest from anywhere else, but the Gunners surely just can’t afford this signing.

They’re also not the most organised transfer negotiators, so good luck to them trying to persuade Palace to let another star go after already selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United.

Zaha has been strongly linked with a transfer to Arsenal

9) Sean Longstaff

According to the Times, United are finally lining up a £30m bid for Sean Longstaff.

This saga is another that’s dragged on, but it surely can’t be much longer before this long-term target becomes the subject of some actual negotiations. And we think they’ll eventually get their man.

The 21-year-old looks a quality young player who’d fit the bill for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who’s also signed British youngsters in Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James this summer, and who looks in need of upgrades on the likes of Nemanja Matic and Fred, even if Pogba doesn’t leave.

10) Nicolas Pepe

Despite some links with Liverpool, as per L’Equipe, as translated by Sport Witness, we don’t think this one quite adds up.

Nicolas Pepe is undoubtedly a top class forward who’d improve most top clubs, but it doesn’t make sense for him to be a priority for Liverpool, who already have Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to choose from up front.

LFC also angrily rejected links with Pepe, according to ESPN, so the Ivorian will either stay put or head to Inter Milan, also mentioned as strong suitors by L’Equipe.

Lille star Nicolas Pepe