Struggling to pick out the facts from the figures? Reality from the rubbish? Sense from the silly season?
We’ve got you sorted in our daily dose of the Transfer Predictor, where we round up the latest rumours with an analytical spin.
We sort through the most eye-catching transfer reports of the past 24 hours and give a balanced judgment on whether the move really will happen – and why, or why not.
Today’s edition features activity involving Juventus, Chelsea and Real Madrid:
IVAN RAKITIC
Barcelona -> Exchange -> Juventus
Juventus have proposed an exchange deal with Barcelona that will see them land Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic and Germany’s Emre Can head the other way, according to Tuttosport.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Liquid cash is in short supply for both giants after extensive summer investments, but a desire to improve their squads remain before September 2’s deadline. This is why Juve sporting director Fabio Paretici made the proposal on Monday – with both footballers also refusing to rule it out. Barca have declined to improve Rakitic’s contract, despite five years of stellar service. The Croatian’s quality will appeal to Juve, who continue to desire refinement in midfield. Can failed to make any impact in 2018/19’s debut campaign, but his stock remains relatively high after excelling at Liverpool.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
There are so many moving parts. Finding a mutual agreement on valuations of the two midfielders will require extensive negotiation, never mind then agreeing personal terms etc. Rakitic is also continually linked with becoming a makeweight in a part-exchange deal to bring Brazil superstar Neymar back to Barca from Paris Saint-Germain. He’s also regularly voiced his contentment about life in Spain. Can may also want another season in Turin to showcase his true quality.
TRANSFER RATING: 4/10
LUKA JOVIC
Real Madrid -> Loan -> AC Milan
AC Milan are prepared to change strategy and pursue a bold loan move for Real Madrid new boy Luka Jovic, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Rumours persist that Jovic has failed to impress Los Blancos head coach Zinedine Zidane, despite only joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for €60 million in June. This once-unlikely scenario could gain further traction if Neymar is extracted from PSG before the close of the market. Milan’s failure to strike a permanent deal for Atletico Madrid forward Correa has put a loan operation on the table for Jovic.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Jovic has been emphatic in his dismissal of exit rumours, telling Serbian publication Novosti after Saturday’s competitive debut off the substitutes’ bench at Celta Vigo that: “I laughed at those reports.” The freshness of his arrival at Santiago Bernabeu and Milan’s failure to compete in the Champions League make this move a distinct long shot, at present.
TRANSFER RATING: 2/10
TIEMOUE BAKAYOKO
Chelsea -> Loan -> Monaco
Monaco are facing a tough task in convincing Chelsea to sign off a loan return for defensive midfielder Bakayoko, according to RMC Sport.
WHY IT WILL HAPPEN
Bakayoko has proven a disaster since a £40 million move was agreed from Monaco in August 2017. A repeat arrangement of 2018/19’s temporary stint at AC Milan is on the cards again after he did not feature in any competitive match-day squads under new boss Frank Lampard. Bakayoko is eager to return to Monaco, where he’ll experience a familiar environment and plenty of opportunity to play. It could bring out the best in him, once again.
WHY IT WON’T HAPPEN
Chelsea are reluctant to sign off the arrangement as they are not convinced Monaco is the best showcase for Bakayoko’s talents. They want to recoup their spend and cannot see how this scenario will play out at Monaco. This provides opportunity for other suitors.
TRANSFER RATING: 6/10