It is, arguably, one of the most anticipated occasions in any hardcore football fan’s calendar: the summer transfer window, which almost always creates plenty of intrigue and fascination – especially in Europe’s top leagues.
Added to the fact that now an increasing number of clubs are owned by billionaires, Financial Fair Play (FFP) notwithstanding, this makes for even more excitement among neutral fans. A summer international football tournament makes it even more interesting, a stage where players can put themselves in the shop window or one that unearths a number of gems.
Furthermore, sports betting enthusiasts go berserk, speculating on potential transfers, with many bookmakers creating numerous markets on where a player’s next club could be.
Factor in also that, with the football season over, fans take to Football Manager to try and create their ideal team, having become excited about the rumours that they read. This makes the summer months a great time to be a football fan. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at some of the most high-profile transfers that might happen this time around, especially with so many interesting questions raised.
Aspirational Arsenal?
Having fallen just short again in the title race, all eyes will be on the Gunners. Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta have formed a great relationship when it has come to identifying players, though it is clear that more additions are needed.
Of prime importance is the recruitment of a natural central striker. With Slovenian ace Benjamin Sesko having committed his future to RB Leipzig, attentions have reportedly turned to Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen, though there is a reluctance to pay the nearly £100m release clause for a player who only had one exceptional season. His potential, though, isn’t in question.
Feyenoord’s prolific forward Santiago Gimenez has also been linked with the Gunners. He could be a more logical choice, having consistently delivered, while his reported £40 million price tag would be a steal.
Then there is Joshua Zirkzee (recently called into the Dutch squad), whose value could sky-rocket over the next few weeks, with the Bologna forward on the radar of a number of clubs already. It could be the Gunners get both, especially with Zirkzee drawing comparisons to Dennis Bergkamp. Expect reinforcements in the centre of the park to partner Declan Rice. Martin Zubimendi and Atlanta’s Ederson could well become the subject of Edu’s attention soon.
Defensively, Arsenal seem sorted, though signing cover there and the aforementioned names would represent great business for the Gunners.
Toney To Tottenham?
Ivan Toney is seemingly a conundrum – as is Tottenham’s number nine role. Since returning from suspension, the Brentford striker hasn’t exactly pulled up trees, though his talent isn’t in doubt. He was linked to Spurs in the Spring, though they may have second thoughts based on his current form, while manager Ange Postecoglu certainly appears to be shrewd in the market.
🚨𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍! | Tottenham have reached an agreement on personal terms with Ivan Toney.
❌However Brentford have rejected Spurs’ opening offer of £40M.
💷Toney’s valuation is £65M but it‘s understood a £55M proposal would secure the deal.
🗞️[@TransfersDotCom]#THFC | #COYS pic.twitter.com/qEEqW8VB9T
— Last Word On Spurs (@LastWordOnSpurs) June 17, 2024
Other suitors could include Manchester United, Chelsea and West Ham United, while Newcastle United would be a curious prospect.
Olise on Blues Radar?
Having failed with a bid in the closing stages of last summer’s transfer window, Chelsea could yet again come back in for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, especially following the appointment of Enzo Maresca, with wingers a big part of the Italian’s system that won the Championship with Leicester City.
However, the Frenchman won’t come cheap. Chelsea has easily been the biggest spender of any Premier League club over the last two years, and any successful bid will likely be in the region of £60 million. At the moment the West London side appears to be the only club with geniune interest, despite a mild flirtation from Manchester United. Watch this space.
Who could Slot sign?
Stepping into the shoes of Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to be easy, though ex-Feyenoord boss, Arne Slot appears to be confident he can do well at Liverpool.
Surgery will likely happen at Anfield, with question marks over agening talismen Mohammed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker. Leeds United’s Dutch winger, Crysencio Summerville is reportedly fancied and with the Whites failing to achieve promotion, this season’s Championship Player of the Season could represent great value, even at £35 million.
Suggestions remain about Slot returning for former players and versatile defender Lutsharel Geertruida could fit the bill, as well as being a long-term successor to Van Dijk.
European Intrigue
In Europe, there will be numerous players on radars. Bayer Leverkusen will do well to keep all of their players after a stunning campaign, while Real Madrid, having signed Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer could well make a couple of big-money signings.
Bayern Munich are sure to respond after missing out on a league title for the first time in a decade, while Barcelona are always active. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is said to be of interest of the Catalan giants.
