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 Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen:
MAURO ICARDI
Inter Milan -> €65m -> Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s men are among a group of clubs to register interest in the Inter rebel, according to gianlucadimarzio.com.
Why it will happen: The marriage between the Nerazzurri and their troublesome former captain broke down even before this summer’s arrival of Antonio Conte. But with the Italian disciplinarian now in situ and Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku brought in for a club-record fee, an exit seems inevitable. Atleti failed to tie up a move for Valencia and Spain forward Rodrigo a fortnight ago. Icardi could be their next target.
Why it won’t happen: The intransigence of Icardi and his wife/agent Wanda Nara is infamous. They will only leave on their terms – if at all. Other clubs are also lurking around the occasional Argentina striker, sensing a bargain prior to September 2’s deadline. These include Serie A champions Juventus and Ligue 1’s Monaco.
Transfer Predictor: 3/10
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
Tottenham -> €80m -> Paris Saint-Germain
PSG have identified Denmark playmaker Eriksen as a possible replacement for Neymar if a blockbuster return to La Liga does, belatedly, go through, according to Le Parisien.
Why it will happen: A chasm in the PSG attack will be ripped open if their Brazil superstar departs. A cash element to the mooted part-exchange deal with Barcelona or Real Madrid will leave the Ligue 1 champions with an ability to further invest. Eriksen is usually deployed on the right wing for Spurs, boasts supreme technical quality and is within the last year of his contract. PSG sporting director Leonardo is also a long-term fan.
Why it won’t happen: PSG have plenty of options. They are pushing to include reluctant France winger Ousmane Dembele in the deal, possibly on a one-season loan. Juventus and Argentina forward Paulo Dybala remains another option. Money could also be spent on Icardi, whose required to support Uruguay centre forward Edinson Cavani. Eriksen also made it clear to suitors Manchester United earlier this month that he only wanted a move to La Liga.
Transfer Predictor: 4/10
JAN VERTONGHEN
Tottenham -> €15m -> Bayer Leverkusen
The Belgium centre-back’s drop out of the Spurs XI and expiring contract has alerted the interest of Leverkusen, according to kicker.
Why it will happen: Vertonghen has fallen dramatically out of favour at Spurs this term. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has not handed the 32-year-old a minute of Premier League action in 2019/20, which is a huge decline from his guaranteed-starter status when fit since joining from Ajax in 2012. With only a year left on his contract, now may be the time to push Vertonghen towards the exit door. Wait any longer and he’ll probably leave on a free transfer. Peter Bosz’s side sense a bargain.
Why it won’t happen: Spurs understudy Davinson Sanchez, in particular, has endured a shaky start to the season. This may force Pochettino to turn back to his experienced defender. With the transfer window closed in the Premier League, Spurs’ inability to bring in a replacement is another major obstacle.
Transfer Predictor: 6/10