Teams across Europe have started to finalise their list of potential signings in the critical summer transfer window that will critically determine their fortunes in the upcoming season. With a World Cup scheduled in the middle of the season, all top clubs face the dilemma of choosing between substitute players who can cover their first-choice squad in case of injuries and bringing in new and exciting talents to their dressing room.
The summer transfer window will open on June 10 across Europe and continue till September 1. However, the biggest signings are likely to be finalised in June and July itself, with the 2022-23 season starting in August across the continent.
Let us take a look at the top transfer rumours making the rounds so far:
ERLING HAALAND TO MANCHESTER CITY
The first major transfer signing of the window is likely to be announced at the Etihad Stadium as Erling Haaland was seen wearing the Manchester City kit this week. Pep Guardiola has been interested in the young sensation for the past few months and has reportedly shelled out £51.2 million for the 21-year-old.
It is set to be a busy transfer season for the Citizens this year as Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus are set to leave the club. Pep Guardiola is eyeing Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips as one of his top priorities, but it is likely to be a difficult negotiation after the Whites avoided relegation. Manchester City have also paid an extra £1.3 million for Julian Alvarez. with Pep Guardiola keen on having two strikers at his disposal for the busy season.
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI TO REAL MADRID OR BARCELONA
Barcelona are nearing an agreement to sign one of Europe’s best players in their quest to revive the club’s fortunes, with the Polish international reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the Blaugrana. It has been an open secret for months now that Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich to raise his profile. While the veteran star has been sensational once again this season in the Bundesliga, it is being felt that being stuck in Germany is lowering his chances of lifting European trophies.
While a verbal agreement has been reached, Real Madrid can spring up a surprise by offering better terms at the last moment. Carlo Ancelotti has to look for new players after Kylian Mbappe has turned down the offer from the Serie A winners, and the club definitely has the financial heft to sign Robert Lewandowski.
GABRIEL JESUS TO ARSENAL
After narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot this season, the Gunners are gearing up for a busy summer to bolster their squad. At the top of the list is Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus. Mikel Arteta has been in search of a No. 9 as both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are likely to leave this summer.
Arsenal will have a few problems to tackle as they don’t have access to the money that a Champions League spot will bring in. Arsenal are confident of Gabriel Jesus’ talents and value for money after the Brazilian made himself a regular in the starting XI for the Citizens in the last few weeks of the season.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU TO CHELSEA
Thomas Tuchel has been handed a healthy £200 million budget for the transfer window by the new owners as the Blues get ready to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool for trophies once more. At the top of their priorities is signing the young Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, with the Blues watching the French star’s career for the past few years.
Nkunku was awarded the Bundesliga Player of the Season award for his brilliant campaign, scoring 19 goals and providing 15 assists in 33 appearances for RB Leipzig. While Chelsea are expressing interest, RB Leipzig are keen on retaining the youngster for another season, and Thomas Tuchel will have to break the bank to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
PAUL POGBA TO JUVE OR PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN?
Paul Pogba is set to leave Manchester United this summer, with both Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain keen on signing the midfielder. Juventus are currently the favourites to close the deal, as Pogba has won four Serie A titles with the Italian giants and has the support from the management and the fans. But Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly making ready a big deal that is likely to lure away the French star, with the prospect of staying in his home country a big draw for the World Cup winner.
The 29-year-old had a miserable season with the Red Devils this year, and a move to either Juve or PSG will allow him to start fresh. Kylian Mbappe’s presence in Paris might push the veteran midfielder toward Juventus, and he is likely to take his time deciding between both opportunities.
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