Last summer’s expected whirlwind of transfer activity never really materialised, or at least not to the tremendous scale that was anticipated. Granted Paul Pogba’s record breaking move to Manchester United raised the nation’s eyebrows while their securement of veteran genius Zlatan Ibrahimovic got the pulses racing. Elsewhere though pragmatism ruled aside from the odd extortionate purchase of a top class centre back.
This time out things will be much different; this time out we can confidently predict a multitude of big-money buys that will delight and astound as the top six look to rebuild in key areas and target only the very best.
With some well-established superstars of the Premier League also set to move on this summer there could well be a vacuum for some exciting new talent to emerge as household names in one of the biggest, most competitive leagues in the world. These four are certainly ones to watch.
Kylian Mbappe
The 18 year old is the hottest property in Europe right now which shouldn’t surprise considering he looks the finished article even with just 34 professional games to his name.
A prodigy of the famous Clairefontaine academy the powerful, deadly striker has demonised defences this term from Marseilles to Manchester City and is arguably the finest talent to emerge from France since a certain Thierry Henry.
Chelsea reportedly head the queue and such is Mbappe’s incredible promise Monaco could pluck an astronomical figure from the stars and there will still be several leading clubs waving their chequebooks around in a desperate clamour for his signature.
Antoine Griezmann
Logical thinking intimates that Manchester United – Griezmann’s keenest suitor by some distance – need to qualify for next season’s Champions League if they are to have any hope of snagging the French wonder and even then it will be an immensely difficult task.
The Atletico Madrid forward is versatile in the best possible sense in that he is equally as devastating in whatever position he’s employed and another sensational campaign has seen him top many major club’s shopping lists. A much-publicised £85m release clause won’t put many off, not when it involves a player who boasts a one in two scoring record in La Liga and the best assists stats of anyone outside of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Leon Goretzka
Ask any Arsenal fan and they will lay claim to insider knowledge that the in-demand German is definitely Emirates bound. How much of that is wishful thinking is not certain but what we can determine is that the rumours linking the Schalke ace to Arsenal are far more substantial than to any of their rivals.
Should Arsene Wenger get his man then the Gunners will have a real gem with Goretzka’s impressive stats this season making him a sure-fire punt to greatly improve what they presently have. Even if the infamously cautious coach misses out he can always check out these betting offers that source the top ten free bets.
William Carvalho
It feels like the Portuguese defensive midfielder has been linked with English clubs since he was in the womb but recent reports suggest he is finally on his way, to a Liverpool side desperately in need of strength in depth.
The 25 year old’s quality is not in doubt having already amassed 31 caps for his country and playing a central part in Portugal’s European Championship win back in July. A question mark remains though about his pace, particularly in a team known for their quick pressing.
Another altogether more intriguing query concerns who might depart to make way for the combative Sporting player.
