The summer transfer window has officially opened and the rumour mill has hit overdrive, with constant speculation set to circle until the window slams shut in September.
We’ve decided to look at some of the notable names grabbing the headlines right now, looking at five wingers who are in high demand this summer.
Raphinha
Raphina’s performances across two seasons at Leeds have piqued the interest of leading clubs, with interest high in the Brazilian both from England and across Europe.
The 25-year-old has been an excellent addition at Leeds since signing from Rennes in 2020, establishing himself as one of the best creative talents outside the Premier League’s big six clubs.
Last season the winger scored 11 league goals in a struggling Leeds side, finishing as the club’s leading scorer as Jesse Marsch’s side narrowly avoided relegation.
What a night for @LUFC's Raphinha as he bags a brace! ????
A fantastic second on the night of his first goals for Brazil ???????? pic.twitter.com/Q2m8jYINKe
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 15, 2021
A drop into the Championship would reportedly have seen a relegation release clause of just €25m (£21.4m) activated, but Leeds’ position has been strengthened after securing Premier League status for another season.
Barcelona have been linked as Ousmane Dembele nears an exit, whilst both Tottenham and Arsenal are understood to be considering moves for a player valued in excess of €50m (£42.7m) at Elland Road.
Raphinha is keen to test himself in Europe as he looks to cement his place in Brazil’s plans ahead of the Qatar World Cup, having scored three goals in nine appearances since his international debut in 2021.
Antony
Another name hoping to play a prominent part in Brazil’s World Cup campaign, Antony has been linked with following Erik ten Hag to Manchester United.
The Ajax winger has seen his reputation flourish since swapping Sao Paulo for Amsterdam, winning back-to-back league titles and providing 42 goal involvements in 78 appearances for the Dutch champions.
The 22-year-old could fill a problem position for the Red Devils on the right flank, whilst his flair and flamboyance will appeal to fans who have become frustrated with the club’s mundane football in recent campaigns.
???????? Antony putting on a show in Lisbon ????@AFCAjax | #UCL pic.twitter.com/h6FMdLGYEX
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 15, 2022
Antony has also been full of praise for Ten Hag’s methods, suggesting he could be open to working again with the Dutchman in the Premier League.
“Every player under his guidance becomes a better player thanks to his training. Ten Hag wants to do everything to make their team play well. He has many qualities, he knows how to improve the players he coaches,” the winger told De Telegraaf.
Manor Solomon
Fulham are closing in on a transfer coup after sealing Premier League promotion, with the Cottagers nearing a deal for Shakhtar Donestsk winger Manor Solomon.
The 22-year-old has previously been linked with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham, having impressed in the Champions League for the Ukrainian side, including scoring home and away against Real Madrid in 2020/21.
Fulham are getting closer to signing Manor Solomon on a permanent deal from Shakhtar Donetsk. Final details now discussed on player side, while Fulham are also pushing on João Palhinha from Sporting. ⚪️⚫️ #FulhamFc
Wolves want Palhinha since long time but Fulham are on it too.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 16, 2022
Solomon – who has scored six goals in 31 appearances for Israel and is comfortable across the final third – will come in as a replacement for Fabio Carvalho, who has signed for Liverpool in a deal worth an initial £5m.
The deal is believed to be for a cut-price fee in the region of £7m, with Shakhtar handed a future sell-on clause of 15%, as a result of the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele is at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war after turning down Barcelona’s offer of a new contract, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea competing for the winger’s signature.
Dembele has turned down the proposals from his current club and his deal is set to expire this summer, the financial situation at Barcelona having impacted the offer on the table at the Camp Nou.
His status as a free agent has alerted Chelsea, where he could reunite with former Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.
After two assists in Barcelona's win against Celta Vigo, Ousmane Dembélé leads La Liga in assists with 13 this season ????
He's missed 16 games ???? pic.twitter.com/AHb9JuNwJq
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 10, 2022
Dembele starred during a single season under Tuchel’s management at Dortmund, being named as the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Season in 2016/17 before his €105m move to Barcelona.
His time with the Spanish side has been plagued with injury problems, but he played a prominent role in the club’s turnaround under Xavi last season to finish as La Liga’s leading assist provider.
He provided 13 assists in just 15 league starts, creating a goal every 108 minutes on average, and would provide an injection of quality into a forward line that has flattered to deceive at Stamford Bridge.
Moussa Diaby
Moussa Diaby’s brilliant season at Bayer Leverkusen has turned heads across Europe, with the winger’s output exploding to fire the Bundesliga side to Champions League qualification.
The 22-year-old – who came through the ranks at PSG before joining Leverkusen as a teenager -provided 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions in 2021/22.
Newcastle are known to be admirers as the Magpies look to invest their new-found wealth, whilst both Arsenal and former club PSG have been credited with an interest.
.@MoussaDiaby_19's first attempt: ????
His second: ______________ (your turn, #Bundesliga fans!) pic.twitter.com/o1reAlR7hI
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) June 14, 2022
Leverkusen are reluctant to lose a player valued in the region of £60m however, with the club’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, having said the club intend to keep hold of the eight-cap France international.
“For sure we want to keep Moussa for as long as possible,” Rolfes told the Express.
“I know a lot of scouts have been sitting on our tribune during our matches because we have a lot of interesting, exciting young players with high potential.
“It’s the same with Patrik Schick. We do not have any offers for him but we are not even looking for that at the moment. We would like to keep him and play with him next year in the Champions League.”
Read – Five full-backs being chased by Premier League clubs this summer
Read Also – A young player from each top six side we’d like to see get a chance next season