Posted by With the transfer market in most parts of Europe still open till Monday, October 5, clubs are expected to still be in the market to strengthen their sides for the 2020/21 football season.
It is expected to be a wary affair, with clubs careful about the financial instability caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We take a look at the five top transfers that could happen before the window closes.
THOMAS PARTEY TO ARSENAL
Thomas Partey has a release clause of €50 million in his contract. A very appealing value considering how insane the transfer market has become in recent years.
However, Arsenal are reluctant to pay the €50m and have tried to negotiate, a move Atlético are unwilling to succumb to.
According to reports, the Los Rojiblancos have already rejected a €25 million plus player bid from Arsenal and are only willing to allow Partey go should Arsenal pay the release clause.
Thomas Partey is also wanted by Juventus and PSG. Nevertheless, the player sees himself playing for Arsenal or Atlético Madrid this season.
THIAGO ALCANTARA TO LIVERPOOL
Thiago has just a year left on his contract with Bayern Munich and is unwilling to sign a new one.
The Spanish international enjoyed a fine 2019/20 season with Bayern Munich, helping the Bavarians win the treble, including the UEFA Champions league.
In spite of that, the 29-year-old wants a new challenge and Bayern who would not want to lose him for free are bracing themselves to let him go.
Thiago is valued at €30 million by the Bayern and has been targeted by Klopp, who will like to have his aesthetic passing with exceptional dribbling ability in his midfield. Talks currently on going between the two clubs.
The 29-year-old has also been linked with Manchester United and Barcelona.
HOUSSEM AOUAR TO ARSENAL
One of French Ligue 1’s top performers Houssem Aouar looks set to be leaving France after enjoying a fine season.
The French international, who is of Algerian descendant is regarded as one of the best young players in the world and has justified the hype with scintillating performances against Juventus, Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions league.
Arsenal have shown great interest in the player and Olympique Lyonnais value the player at €60m. Lyon’s Sporting director Juninho Pernambucano recently divulged that compatriot and Arsenal’s Sporting director Edu Gaspar has been in contact with him over the player.
Further reports indicates that Lyon last month rejected a €35 million plus player bid from Arsenal, with the player reported to be Guendouzi. A player Juninho revealed doesn’t fit their profile.
According to L’equipe, Aoaur has told Lyon he wants to leave. He is also linked with Manchester City and Juventus.
KOULIBALY TO MANCHESTER CITY
Isn’t it surprising that Koulibaly is still a Napoli players despite the plethora of clubs he gets linked with in every transfer window?
Howbeit, it looks like this this window will be Koulibaly’s last at Napoli. The towering center-back is heavily touted by Pep Guardiola who who wants to bring in another center back to strengthen the City defense that conceded 35 league goals last season, 12 more than they did in their historic 2018/19 season.
And with John Stones failing to develop, Otamendi now unreliable and Eric Garcia wanting to leave to Barcelona, Pep Guardiola will now have just Nathan Ake and Laporte as available and reliable senior center-backs. A situation that has prompted the Spanish manager to open his Cheque book and bring in another center-back.
Having seen numerous bids already rejected by Napoli, Manchester City are preparing a new bid for Koulibaly. Napoli have made it clear to City that they won’t accept anything less than €75 million.
JADON SANCHO TO MANCHESTER UNITED
Sancho is regarded as one of Bundesliga’s Superstars since he joined Borussia Dortmund from Manchester City in 2017, and it is no surprise why it is so. In just 32 games last season, Sancho scored 17 goals and provided 16 assists.
The 20-year-old’s performances has made him a target for Manchester United who are looking to end their long standing right wing problem, but that won’t come on a silver platter.
Sancho is willing to join Manchester United and has already agreed personal terms with the club, with the stumbling block now being the transfer fee. The player is priced at €120 million by Dortmund who are unwilling to accept anything lower than that.
Even so, Manchester United are confident a move will happen before the window closes.
OTHER DEALS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Sergio Regulon to Manchester United
Declan Rice to Chelsea
Memphis Depay to Barcelona
Guendouzi to PSG
Gini Wijnaldum to Barcelona
Sokratis to Napoli
Lautaro Martínez to Barcelona
Alexandre Lacazette to Atlético or Juventus