The Hard Tackle takes a look at some exciting transfer stories around Arsenal, Everton, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.
The transfer window is about to kick into top gear, with many deals likely in the pipeline. Clubs across Europe will start rolling the paper sheets onto their fax machines not to miss the beat. The actual signatures and posing with club merchandise will be the later part. For now, it’s all stories and speculations.
Arsenal are heavily involved in this transfer window. The Gunners are yet to make a signing or even sell a player, but speculation is rife as more stories emerge by the day. We analyse the most relevant ones, with the same going for Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.
Chelsea, as always, are being linked with some big money moves. For a change, the Blues’ story revolves around not an Erling Haaland or Achraf Hakimi but someone young and different, and it’s not a signing; instead, the usual angle of loaning out of one of their top prospects.
The transfer roundup will also see Manchester United trying to be creative to get their main man, who has been chased for a year now, although they still have not made any significant strides towards signing him. Here they try to offer one of their players to get their primary target! Here’s what The Hard Tackle has compiled for this edition of transfer roundup
Arsenal, Everton keeping tabs on Philippe Coutinho
Barcelona are trying to raise funds through sales of some players deemed unwanted at the club. The likes of Samuel Umtiti, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho have no future at Barcelona, but recent injuries are wrecking the prospect of selling these players.
Philippe Coutinho’s name has featured as a Premier League target ever since he left Liverpool and subsequently underperformed at Barcelona. Now, according to Sport, Everton and Arsenal are linked with a move for the Brazilian. Arsenal had been hot on his trails last summer, only to be put off by the price Barcelona were seeking.
Arsenal could go back as they seek players who offer creativity and chance creation after missing those attributes from the players last season. They are also looking at options to replace Willian in the team, with the former Chelsea winger expected to leave after an underwhelming season.
Meanwhile, Everton can make do with a player of Coutinho’s quality, with the club seeking attacking reinforcements to add to current players such as Richarlison and James Rodriguez. However, owing to Coutinho’s affiliation with Liverpool, the player might not end up at Goodison Park.
Manchester United offer Donny van de Beek in the deal to sign Jadon Sancho
According to the Express, Manchester United are ready to explore yet another option to secure Jadon Sancho. This time the report reckons that Donny van de Beek could be included in the deal to bring the winger. The move may be to get Dortmund’s asking price significantly down to complete the transfer.
Having had a bid rejected by Dortmund earlier in the window, Manchester United were poised to offer Dortmund better terms. The winger remains Manchester United’s primary target, with the Red Devils now reportedly offering van de Beek in part-exchange for Sancho.
Dortmund are stubborn on their steep asking price, but Manchester United do not want to offer the entire amount in just cash. Including the Dutchman, who has found game-time hard to come by, is thought to likely bring the price down for Sancho.
While Dortmund are known to secure players of the Dutchman’s profile, it remains to be seen if they agree on such a deal. In all likeliness, Dortmund could reject such a proposal and stand firm on a cash-only sale. It could set Manchester United back a bit and drag the Sancho saga even further.
Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour a loan target for Norwich City
The Athletic are reporting about a possible loan move for Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour in the coming days. Although nothing is agreed yet, Norwich City are keen on taking Gilmour to Carrow Road for next season. Norwich believe Gilmour could gain substantial experience and also help them with life in the Premier League.
Gilmour has not seen a lot of playing time at Chelsea despite his flashes of talent whenever called upon. With the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic ahead of him, playing time is expected to be far more limited next season, so a loan might make sense for all parties.
However, Chelsea might keep him around and offer sporadic game-time due to his excellent showing at UEFA Euro 2020. But Norwich require a midfielder to replace Oliver Skipp, who returned to Tottenham after his successful loan spell with the Canaries last season, helping them win the Championship.
Arsenal sound out Alexander Isak
Arsenal’s reported search for a striker has left them fixated on Alexander Isak. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League giants have asked his representatives if the player would like a move to North London. There have been no concrete answers yet as Isak continues to star for Sweden at the UEFA Euro 2020.
Isak has been a tremendous presence in the Swedish side that qualified for the next round after their win over Poland. While the lanky striker is yet to open his scoring account in the tournament, his style of play and presence in the penalty box has attracted widespread interest from clubs.
Manchester United are reportedly looking at him if they fail to secure their primary striker targets. Arsenal, too, are interested, but maybe put off by Real Sociedad’s asking price of €60 million. Arsenal might be interested but may not afford to pay such a fee.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund also hold a buyback clause, something they may exercise and then sell him for a profit. We all know what Dortmund do with a player of value; Manchester United may attest to it. So if Arsenal need the player, they need to act fast and be clever in prising him away from Real Sociedad.
Tottenham table offer for Dusan Vlahovic
According to Calciomercato, Tottenham are weighing an offer for Fiorentina striker Dual Vlahovic, who they see as a potential addition to their squad. Vlahovic has multiple offers apart from Tottenham, with most coming from Italy and Spain.
Atletico Madrid are interested in Vlahovic, but if the striker intends to stay in Italy, then AC Milan or Juventus could be his next destination. Current club Fiorentina have slapped a €60 million price tag after an impressive season, wherein he scored 21 goals. However, no suitor is understood to be interested in that high price tag.
Vlahovic intends to leave Fiorentina in this window as he seeks a challenge at a bigger club. English football also interests him, and Tottenham are reportedly ready to make an offer. Spurs are already looking to strengthen the squad for next season and target Vlahovic as a backup or replacement for Harry Kane, who is looking to leave.
Spurs’ interest stems from their recent appointment of Fabio Paratici as Director of Football, overseeing their renewed search for a new manager. It is understood that Paratici liked Vlahovic when he worked with Juventus and wants to bring the striker to North London.
