The summer transfer window for all international deals is well and truly open!
With the 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.
EDEN HAZARD – FROM CHELSEA TO REAL MADRID
Eden Hazard is on Real Madrid’s radar.
Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Eden Hazard and are ready to splurge on the Chelsea star should they fail to lure Neymar to the Santiago Bernabeu, according to Marca.
Why it will happen: The Belgian has shown his quality at this World Cup, staking a claim again to achieve the levels the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi regularly do. That will have piqued Madrid’s interest and Hazard has already expressed his desire for another move as well.
Why it won’t happen: Chelsea know exactly what they’ve got in Hazard and won’t let him go easily. Meanwhile, the situation at Madrid is a little uncertain with a new coach and personnel changes to come.
Prediction: Ronaldo’s future is in doubt as he may be on his way to Juventus while Paris Saint-Germain will demand an enormous fee for Neymar. Hazard would make a lot of sense for Madrid.
Rating: 6/10
ADRIEN RABIOT – FROM PSG TO BARCELONA
Adrien Rabiot is on Barca’s shopping list.
Barcelona have been in pursuit of Chelsea winger Willian this summer as they look to bolster their ranks and the latest player to pop up on their radar is Adrien Rabiot.
The PSG midfielder is among their chief candidates for a role in midfield, claims Mundo Deportivo.
Why it will happen: With the departures of Andres Iniesta and Paulinho, Barcelona are short in midfield. Rabiot has been integral to PSG in the past season, pointing to his maturity. He seems primed for a move.
Why it won’t happen: Simply put, Barcelona are linked with some players of higher profile, Christian Eriksen for one.
Prediction: He doesn’t seem like a priority for Barcelona, maybe one of their alternatives. However, Paulinho’s move came out of the blue last summer. It could go either way.
Rating: 5/10
RIYAD MAHREZ – LEICESTER CITY TO MANCHESTER CITY
Riyad Mahrez.
After a failed move for Riyad Mahrez in the January transfer window, Manchester City have now agreed a £60 million deal with Leicester City for the highly-rated Algerian, according to the Daily Mail.
Why it will happen: Well, it almost did, not too long ago. Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the playmaker and looks likely to get his man this time around.
Why it won’t happen: The only way it doesn’t go through is if Leicester up the price and City are unwilling to meet it… or Messi suddenly decides he wants to play at City, rendering Mahrez surplus to requirements.
Prediction: This should be done and dusted sooner rather than later.
Rating: 9/10