There is never a dull moment in the world of transfer rumors, and it looks set to be a busy summer for the Premier League’s big boys – here’s the latest from the transfer market
Alexander Isak has struggled for Liverpool this season(Image: Getty Images)
With the Premier League season drawing to a close and the World Cup on the horizon, soccer supporters are set to be treated to a flurry of transfer news and speculation.
The summer window is just weeks away from swinging open, and it promises to be a hectic one. All of the Premier League’s heavyweights will be eager to secure deals, and potentially swiftly, to sidestep paying the so-called World Cup tax on players who dazzle in North America come June and July.
The likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea will all be active over the coming months, with billions expected to be splashed across Europe. Liverpool.com brings you a round-up of the latest transfer news and rumors…
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Joao Pedro has barely had time to settle in at Chelsea, but according to reports from his homeland, Barcelona views him as a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, who appears to be heading to Saudi Arabia.
Globo Esporte reports that Barca sporting director Deco has intensified his pursuit of Pedro.
Chelsea, for its part, is said to have no desire to sell. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who is being mooted for a return to the Premier League, is also reportedly on Barca’s radar.
Bargain fee emerges
Manchester United’s close ties with the Atalanta “supermarket” could prove instrumental in securing a cut-price deal for midfielder Ederson.
Ederson could be on his way to Manchester United this summer(Image: Getty Images)
The New Balance Arena has been a frequent destination for United scouts in recent years. Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund have both moved from the Serie A outfit, giving them a 50 percent success rate, though the latter appears set to remain at loan club Napoli.
Having been quoted nine-figure sums for players on their midfield long-list, such as Elliot Anderson, the highly-regarded Ederson, 26, could be snapped up for the bargain price of £43 million ($57.4 million), according to reports in Italy.
Gunners want Hammer
West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes appears destined to depart the Hammers this summer, regardless of the outcome of the club’s relegation battle.
Manchester United and PSG have both been linked with the Portuguese star, but Arsenal are also in contention to secure the 21-year-old, according to The Times. Arrivals at the Emirates Stadium are expected to be balanced by departures, with out-of-favor midfielder Christian Norgaard likely to be shown the door.
Liverpool’s Isak solution?
Having splashed around $600 million last summer only to see the team’s performances deteriorate considerably, Liverpool is poised to open the checkbook once again this summer, with strengthening the forward line among its top priorities.
RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and PSG’s Bradley Barcola have surfaced as potential targets, but another Leipzig player, Antonio Nusa, who operates on the left flank, could prove crucial in unlocking the full potential of Alexander Isak, according to The iPaper. The Norwegian might be available for £50 million ($66.7 million), though his price tag could soar if he impresses at the World Cup.
Tottenham faces bidding war
Tottenham’s transfer activity will naturally depend on whether the club is competing against Arsenal or Lincoln next season.
With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven potentially departing regardless, defensive reinforcements will be necessary. Sassuolo center-back Tarik Muharemovic, 23, has emerged as a target, with his club apparently keen to spark a bidding war for the Bosnian, who is also attracting interest from Juventus and Inter Milan, according to Sky Italia.