HomeFive of the BestFive top drawer players hoping for a transfer before the window closes

Five top drawer players hoping for a transfer before the window closes

There are just days remaining of the summer transfer window, but as the deadline fast approaches there are still several leading names hoping for a switch of clubs.

Harry Kane has failed in his bid to engineer a move to Man City this summer, announcing via his social media that he will be remaining with Spurs for the upcoming campaign, though there are still plenty more high profile names still seeking a summer switch.

Here are five top-drawer players hoping for a transfer before the window close.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo’s omission from the Juventus side for their season opener has ramped up the speculation surrounding his future, rumours of a departure from Turin having been tentative before his shock selection as a substitute.

Whether the decision came from Ronaldo or manager Max Allegri remains unclear with contrasting reports, but potential destinations for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continue to be discussed.

Ronaldo signed for Juventus in a club-record โ‚ฌ100m deal from Real Madrid in 2018 and has already scored over a century of goals during his three seasons with the Bianconeri, winning every available domestic honour and finishing as the league’s leading scorer in 2020/21.

However, there is a sense that an exit could suit both parties with Juventus in need of a rebuild following a disappointing campaign last term, finishing fourth and relinquishing a nine-year grip on the Serie A title.

 

Finding a destination for Ronaldo could prove difficult, however, given the finances of securing a player who – whilst still amongst the best in Europe – will turn 37 mid-way through next season.

Paris Saint-Germain have been mentioned as potential suitors should Kylian Mbappe leave, in a move that would open up the prospect of a fascinating partnership with long-term rival Lionel Messi at the Parc des Princes.

Reports have also speculated that Manchester City have been approached in a deal that would stun the Premier League given Ronaldo’s previous allegiances across the city.

Jules Kounde

Chelsea continue to monitor a deal for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde as Thomas Tuchel finalises his squad for the new season, the centre-back having emerged as the leading defensive target for the European champions.

The west Londoners are keen to add the promising defender to their options, though Chelsea’s bloated squad has made a deal difficult to conduct so far.

Any deal for Kounde is likely to hinge on the future of Kurt Zouma, who has held talks with West Ham over a proposed move to the London Stadium – though personal terms are believed to have held up the transfer.

Chelsea need to offload Zouma before pursuing a move for Kounde, given the presence of four senior centre-backs at Stamford Bridge alongside the early season emergence of Trevoh Chalobah.

Kounde’s contract at Sevilla contains a release clause of around ยฃ68m, though Chelsea will be hopeful of lowering that asking price despite seeing player-plus-cash approaches rejected by the Spanish side.

Chelsea’s business for the remainder of the window is set to be dominated by outgoings, with the likes of Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater and Tiรฉmouรฉ Bakayoko amongst those surplus to requirements.

Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe’s future has been oddly quiet for much of the window in comparison to transfer sagas elsewhere, but with just days left to conduct business PSG now face a huge dilemma.

Mbappe has turned down the opportunity to sign a new deal at the Parc des Princes and will become a free agent next summer unless his stance changes, leaving PSG with a decision on whether to run that risk or cash-in on their leading light in the coming days.

Real Madrid have made their move with an initial bid of โ‚ฌ160m (ยฃ137m), a seemingly fair approach given the availability of the France international for nothing next summer.

PSG have however stated that that is not a price they are willing to do business at, and it remains to be seen if Los Blancos will return with an improved offer or wait to land him on a free in 12 months.

Mbappe’s desire to leave PSG – who boast arguably the most talented squad in Europe following the arrival of Lionel Messi this summer – to move to an ageing and transitional Real Madrid side will raise eyebrows, but the forward has made no secret of his boyhood ambition to play at the Bernabeu.

The prospect of spearheading a new project in the Spanish capital is believed to appeal to the 22-year-old, who after four Ligue 1 titles and three consecutive divisional Golden Boots may feel now is the right time to embark on a new challenge.

Saul Niguez

Saul Niguez has been a regular in the gossip columns throughout the summer after expressing a desire to leave Atletico Madrid in search of a new challenge.

The midfielder came through the club’s academy ranks and has played a prominent role in their recent success, including forming part of the side crowned as La Liga champions in 2020/21.

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Saul has become frustrated with his role under Diego Simeone however, often becoming a victim of his own versatility with the 26-year-old utilised in a variety of positions.

Seeking regular football in his preferred central role, the Spain international is understood to have been offered to Premier League clubs with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all linked at different stages of the summer.

It appears the latter are now heading the queue to secure a deal before the transfer deadline with reports having suggested the west London side have approached Atleti over an initial loan deal.

Saul’s potential arrival would see him join an embarrassment of riches in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, alongside the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount.

Bernardo Silva

Whilst most of the headlines have centred around incomings at Manchester City this summer with the record-breaking arrival of Jack Grealish and pursuit of Harry Kane, there are several stars reportedly unhappy at the Premier League champions.

Pep Guardiola confirmed earlier this summer that Bernardo Silva was one of ‘two or three’ players keen on an Etihad exit, the midfielder having seen his place threatened with the ยฃ100m arrival of Grealish.

Since being named as City’s Player of the Season following an excellent 2018/19 campaign, the Portugal international has failed to kick-on from those performances and reach an elite level.

The 26-year-old’s numbers have dropped in each of the past two campaigns and he managed just two league goals last term, his desire for an exit seeing the star linked with a host of clubs.

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Silva is believed to have turned down the chance to be included as part of a swap-deal for Harry Kane, whilst suitors such as Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona perhaps lack the finances to secure a permanent deal this summer.

AC Milan have been linked in recent days, as the Rossoneri look to strengthen their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League stage this season.

Aymeric Laporte is also understood to want to leave and is eyeing a return to Spanish football, but the financial situations at clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid make a deal appear difficult during the current window.

Read –ย Five PL players who’ll be ‘like a new signing’ this season

Read Also –ย Five attainable centre mids who’d massively improve Man United

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