The summer transfer window is in full swing especially with Premier League clubs racing to get deals over the line before their August 9 deadline.
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.
MATEO KOVACIC – REAL MADRID TO CHELSEA
Mateo Kovacic.
Chelsea are the latest to pursue Mateo Kovacic after the Real Madrid midfielder turned down Manchester United, Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim.
Why it will happen: Kovacic is unlikely to build on the playing time he enjoyed at the Bernabeu last season and has to move to feature regularly.
Why it won’t happen: A striker should remain Chelsea’s priority after missing out on Gonzalo Higuain to AC Milan. The Blues have other midfield talents within their ranks who could step up.
Prediction: Maurizio Sarri may not have complete faith in the likes of Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek and may push for the move but the club call the shots and will be unwilling to spend big money on a Real Madrid substitute. Kovacic as well may prefer a move to Serie A where former team Inter Milan are reportedly interested.
Rating: 5/10
MILAN SKRINIAR – INTER MILAN TO MANCHESTER UNITED
Milan Skriniar.
Milan Skriniar says his future is in Inter Milan’s hands after admitting he is flattered by Manchester United’s interest.
At the moment it could well take a crazy bid for Inter to sell their prized asset, though Skriniar, in an interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport, was happy to rule out ever moving to another Italian club.
Why it will happen: Skriniar is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe and United are desperate to sign a centre-back to partner Eric Bailly.
Why it won’t happen: United appear to be deep in their pursuits of Yerry Mina and Toby Alderweireld while Inter will surely want to hold on to the promising youngster for longer before they cash in.
Prediction: It’s a little late in the window for United to launch a bid for Skriniar who is probably only making himself available for a move beyond next season.
Rating: 2/10
DOMAGOJ VIDA – BESIKTAS TO ARSENAL
Domagoj Vida.
Arsenal are looking to bolster their defence before the summer transfer window shuts.
Why it will happen: Unai Emery isn’t content with the centre-backs at his disposal and is keen to add a no-nonsense defender to his back-line.
Why it won’t happen: Arsenal are short of funds and may run out of time to raise them by selling a couple of fringe players.
Prediction: Vida would enjoy the prospect of a Premier League move at the age of 29 but it’s up to Arsenal to make it happen.
Rating: 6/10