The Hard Tackle takes a look at the latest transfer news surrounding Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
We are into the thick of the action this summer, and while the world’s attention is fixed on UEFA Euro 2020, there is a lot of work happening in the transfer market as well. The traditional ‘Big Four’ in the Premier League have a lot of ground to make in order to establish himself as one of the top teams in Europe.
Arsenal, in particular, have been left in the wayside in recent years and desperately need to step up to catch up to their other ‘Big Six’ rivals. As for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp will be keen on getting the Reds back among the very best in the Premier League, and to that end, the signing of Ibrahima Konate has already been completed.
Manchester United continue to look up under the tutelage of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and will have to continue investing to bridge the gap to Manchester City. Finally, Chelsea will be eager not to let the ball drop after their triumphant UEFA Champions League campaign in 2020/21. With that in mind, let’s delve into the latest transfer happenings surrounding the Premier League bigwigs.
Liverpool plotting Jadon Sancho hijack
Another summer transfer window has arrived, and the constant links between Manchester United and Jadon Sancho have become a major talking point once again. However, the Red Devils could well be looking over their shoulders, for according to a report by Anfield Central, bitter rivals Liverpool are looking to steal a march on them.
Manchester United have already stepped up their efforts to sign Sancho this summer, with the player himself hopeful of completing the switch to Old Trafford. There is no denying the fact that his addition could go a long way in solving the long-standing issue that is the right-wing. However, the entry of Liverpool complicates matters.
As per Anfield Central, the Reds have made contact through an intermediary to propose a deal for Sancho. The report adds that Liverpool are ready to offer a deal without any add-ons, offering to pay two-thirds of his transfer fee upfront, with the remaining being paid in the second instalment. If true, Manchester United will have been jolted in pursuit of Sancho, and it remains to be seen if they can beat their rivals to the signature of their priority target.
Achraf Hakimi favours PSG over Chelsea
From Liverpool and Manchester United to Chelsea and like the Red Devils, the newly-crowned UEFA Champions League winners could be in for a blow in pursuit of one of their key targets. We are, of course, talking about Achraf Hakimi, who, according to French journalist Romain Collet-Gaudin, favours PSG over Chelsea.
Chelsea might already have a solid right wing-back option in the form of Reece James. Still, Thomas Tuchel is keen on having two quality options in every position to rotate his troops more efficiently in what is set to be another gruelling campaign in the 2021/22 season.
To that end, Hakimi is a player who has been heavily linked with Chelsea in recent times, but PSG are also in the mix. Now, though, Chelsea have been handed a major blow in the race to sign the Inter Milan defender, who prefers joining PSG over Chelsea this summer. While he is open to a move to Stamford Bridge as well, his preference would be the French giants. Chelsea, therefore, need to move quickly to land Hakimi.
Arsenal, Manchester United tracking Ivan Perisic
Back to Manchester United, and it has emerged that we could well be back in 2018. For the Red Devils are being linked with a possible move for Ivan Perisic. Indeed, as per German outlet Fussball Transfers, the 32-year-old features on United’s wishlist, with Arsenal also showing an interest.
Arsenal, amid a period of transition, appear set to enter the market for a winger this summer, with Willian’s acquisition on a free transfer from Chelsea proving to be a dud. As a result, the Gunners have been linked with several wingers this summer, including Jonathan Ikone, a Liverpool target.
Why Manchester United would want to sign Perisic, though, is quite a mystery, considering they could have the choicest of options to act as an alternative for Jadon Sancho, including Kingsley Coman, who has been linked with United and Chelsea. According to the report, Arsenal have made an enquiry for Perisic as well, and it looks like they could launch a move for the Inter Milan winger.
Kieran Trippier hopeful of joining Manchester United
Finally, we end with one of the running themes of this article, as we bring the roundup to a close with yet another rumour pertaining to Manchester United. This time, it concerns a defender who is starting to become an important target for the Red Devils – Kieran Trippier. And according to Football Insider, the English international expects a switch to Old Trafford.
The report has suggested that Trippier has already told his England teammates that he will join Manchester United this summer. In fact, the 30-year-old has already started house hunting in Manchester as he prepares for a return to the Premier League.
Manchester United have already had a bid rejected for the English international, with Atletico Madrid keen on recouping around €40 million for him. However, with Trippier himself expecting the move to see the light of the day, it could well be a formality to see him make the switch to Old Trafford.
