The Premier League transfer window is now open and the market in the rest of Europe will spark into life soon.
With the transfer rumours growing in pace and volume during this ‘silly season’, it can be difficult and painstaking to separate the stories of some legitimacy from the rest of the noise.
Fortunately, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do it for you.
Below, you’ll find some of the latest transfer news churned out of the rumour mill broken down and analysed for your benefit along with our calculated predictions.
NEYMAR – From PSG to Real Madrid
Neymar is keen to move clubs again this summer following his word record transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain last year.
The Brazilian is now desperate to leave the French capital for Real Madrid, according to Goal.
Why it will happen: Madrid need a successor to Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar seems groomed for the job. The Portuguese could play even more often as a striker now with Neymar out wide and Karim Benzema dropped. It seems like the next logical step for the Brazilian.
Why it won’t happen: PSG will be in no mood to sell. Part of the reason for signing Neymar was to raise their profile as a European powerhouse. What does it do to their reputation if he can be bought off them 12 months on?
Prediction: The Parisians will fight tooth and nail but Madrid have barely spent in the transfer window and are due a splurge.
Rating – 6/10
Neymar
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI – From Bayern Munich to Chelsea
The Telegraph reports that Chelsea are prepared to make an audacious move for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski this summer. After delivering a poor title defence and missing out on a Champions League spot this season, the Blues have made the Bayern hitman their prime target.
Why it will happen: Lewandowski has won all he can in Germany and may be eager for a new challenge. Chelsea are desperate for a star name to help them compete in the league again.
Why it won’t happen: If the Pole is on the move, Madrid would be his preferred destination. Chelsea won’t be in the Champions League next season and for a player of his calibre, that plays
Prediction: It can’t be ruled out but it’s very unlikely that Lewandowski would choose to drop down to the Europa League.
Rating – 4/10
Robert Lewandowski
ANTHONY MARTIAL – From Manchester United to Tottenham
After failing to secure regular football at Manchester United and subsequently missing out on France’s World Cup squad, Anthony Martial is seemingly poised to leave Old Trafford and Tottenham appear to be his most likely destination, according to the London Evening Standard.
Why it will happen: Missing out on the World Cup squad could prove to be the final straw. He’s bound to get more playing time at White Hart Lane.
Why it won’t happen: Spurs may not be willing to match United’s asking price who will try to keep him and hope that he eventually lives up to his potential.
Prediction: United will be inclined to give him more time to blossom but if the Frenchman has grown impatient, a move to Spurs looks likely.
Rating – 7/10
Anthony Martial