The transfer rumour mill is a fast-paced smattering of elements of truth mixed up with a whole lot of smoke. Nonetheless, sifting through the mess can be fruitful (sometimes), so let’s take a look at the transfer turnstile that was today.
Transfer Turnstile
1. Rooney Returns to Everton
Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney heading home to Merseyside would be quite the story. Actually, it’s one that makes a lot of sense given his history with the club and being entirely out of favour at Old Trafford. Questions over how he would fit into the wage structure abound, but his undeniable pedigree might be what’s needed to take Everton to the next level. With the club consistently on the fringe of European football spots available in the Premier League, there is certainly a lot of work to be done.
Wayne Rooney will reportedly complete a free transfer move to Everton by the end of the week.
It’s the gossip: https://t.co/zQLFz0ftjU pic.twitter.com/sqpSKvhxoW
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 4, 2017
2. Mahrez or Lemar to Arsenal
With rampant speculation over at least three of Arsenal’s key ingredients from seasons past, there are many looking to virtually fill their void. Riyad Mahrez and Thomas Lemar are two names that have popped up recently, and continue to make their daily rounds in Gooner-sphere. Either would be welcome additions to any side, but it is said that Lemar’s price tag is far too steep, especially after the reported deal for Alexandre Lacazette. Enter Riyad Mahrez, seen as a cheaper alternative though perhaps not directly interchangeable. With reports that Santi Cazorla’s injury persisting, any touch of creativity would be a good thing at The Emirates this season.
Mahrez to Arsenal… official announcement expected this week. #AFC
— Dale O’Donnell (@ODonnellDale) July 2, 2017
3. Morata to United
Spanish paper Marca report that Manchester United are hotly pursuing Alvaro Morata. Reports indicated the club are prepared to spend €70million but indicate Real Madrid will accept nothing less than €90m. With the club finding their way through the back door into Champions League, it will be important to replace outgoing players, most importantly Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with quality. Morata would fit the bill, and give Mourinho a proven scorer. What is a bit of a concern is that his best goal tally in a season is only 15. At €70million (or Real’s proposed €90m), one would think there would be more goal-scoring efficiency for the price.
They have hired someone who has signed him before!
???https://t.co/ZfpV70c2DM pic.twitter.com/wWH3x6HITj
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) July 4, 2017
4. Mbappe to PSG
L’equipe (yesterday) and The Sun are both reporting that Kylian Mbappe and his father have met with Paris Saint-Germain. It’s not a secret that the 18-year-old Monaco star has been the target to watch in the early-goings of the summer. With other clubs in the waiting, it could be that Mbappe is the domino that sets off a chain reaction. We wouldn’t put much stock into anything in the media on this one until there are official acknowledgements. We do know several other clubs, Arsenal and Real Madrid included, have already made offers.
Kylian Mbappé et son père ont rencontré les dirigeants du PSG https://t.co/SODMYmzUS9 pic.twitter.com/QLGBs3VCdD
— L’ÉQUIPE (@lequipe) July 3, 2017
5. Naby Keita to Liverpool
If rumour becomes reality, the money being talked about for a Liverpool move for Guinea International Naby Keita would shatter Bundesliga records. Being instrumental in RB Leipzig’s second-place run, Keita has age on his side, which makes the deal seem at least worth discussing. Having already signed Mohamed Salah earlier this window, it would be quite a statement. With Champions League football back on the table, Liverpool might return to being a very attractive desination for those wanting to play at Europe’s highest club level.
Naby Keita is worth £70million but I’m not sure Liverpool will pay that much – Raphael Honigstein.https://t.co/nDgPINgTxP
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) July 4, 2017
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