This summer we have seen several high profile transfers that have been taken place and few deals didn’t materialize as anticipated. Some protracted sagas took all forms of nasty twists and turns while there have been big money transfers as well.
Real Madrid have yet to finalize the deal for Tottenham’s winger Gareth Bale, though they’re ever closer to sign him up. Likewise, the same can be said about Willian’s transfer to Chelsea. Here, we take a look at five major deals that can shake up the transfer window in the last five days.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
The 27-year-old was already an unhappy figure towards the end of last season. His relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson went beyond repair, while the new manager didn’t boost up his confidence either by stating him to play the role of second fiddle to Dutchman Robin van Persie.
Chelsea have had two unsuccessful bids for Rooney while on Monday night Mourinho has given him an ultimatum to decide on his future within 48 hours. United are reluctant to sell him to any rival club, even if he hands in a transfer request.
Expected fee: £35-40 million
Likelihood: Low, rather very low. United will never sell a world class player to a potential title challenger so late in the transfer window.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Ideally Benzema should now be the focal point of Madrid’s attack, since Gonzalo Higuain has departed for Napoli, leaving him operating as the primary striker in the squad.
But the arrival of Gareth Bale can shake up the system drastically. Coach Carlo Ancelotti might be tempted to shift Cristiano Ronaldo as forward to accommodate other attacking players including Bale, while there are some suggestions that young Alvaro Morata is more than ready to spearhead the attack for Los Blancos, which could force the French striker way out of the club.
Arsenal are thought to be interested in him but his agent has confirmed that his client hasn’t received any offers and certainly is looking to stay. But, anything can happen, should Bale arrive.
Expected fee: £40 million
Likelihood: Slim chance, but the possibility remains never-the-less.
Mamadou Sakho (Paris Saint-Germain)
The 23-year-old highly rated France international plays mainly as centre-back though can also be deputized as left-back if necessary. The dual cover is what Liverpool desperately need badly at the moment – hence Sakho is an ideal player in Brendan Rodgers’ plans.
The Reds suffered double blows with injuries to Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho against Notts County in the Capital One Cup, leaving Rodgers no options than to make an incursion in the transfer market.
Estimated fee: £10-12 million
Likelihood: High possibility. The Reds need him and he needs to move on as well.
Juan Mata (Chelsea)
Now, this has to be the most odd inclusion in this list. Since, the arrival of Jose Mourinho, the Spaniard’s future has been well speculated in the media. He has been linked with Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal throughout the summer at various point of time. And although, Mourinho has said time and again that Mata is integral to his plans, speculations about his future don’t seem to wither away.
There are even suggestions that he might be used as a player plus cash swap deal for Rooney. Chelsea already had an avalanche of attacking midfield players, but the summer signings of Andre Schurrle and Willian, have cast fresh doubts over the future of Mata.
Expected fee: £30-35 million
Likelihood: No. There might be some hints the media have got, but one must give credence to the manager, especially when he has quashed such rumours on more than one occasion.
Mesut Ozil: (Real Madrid)
The Germany international’s future is hanging in balance at the Bernabeu. If Gareth Bale is signed, which is a high possibility; Ozil could be one of the few players, who might be shown the exit door.
The 24-year-old has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal in recent weeks. The Gunners really don’t need a player like him as they already have Santi Cazorla playing on that position. But, such is their situation; Arsene Wenger needs to buy a marquee name to appease the angry and frustrated fans.
Likewise, United need central midfielders in their ranks, which unfortunately is not the position where Ozil plays. The signing of the German would leave the attacking midfield areas more congested, as United are already struggling to give Shinji Kagawa regular game time. Hence, Ozil is like a shiny toy in the market, which the Red Devils can really do without.
Expected fee: £30-35 million
Likelihood: Chances are there, should Bale arrive at Real Madrid. United probably won’t go for him, which means Arsenal have a chance to snap him up.
Which of the five players could really make a move in the last few days? Want to add any more high profile names to it? Share your views below…
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