The end of the transfer season is almost upon us, and several big moves that were expected to be made have yet to happen, and big teams have yet to strengthen In key positions. Arsenal still need a striker and a center back, Real Madrid need another forward, Manchester United need a center mid and center back, and Barcelona need to sign everybody they can before their ban starts. Some big names have been floated around all summer, and here’s a look at 5 who have more than 70% chance of moving teams.
5. Cavani to Arsenal
This one is 5th not because it a lesser profile transfer, but because it has a slightly less chance of happening. Wenger denied all rumors yesterday in a press conference and when asked if Falcao was going to London he said “no, he’s out of our price range” with a wry smile. Although Cavani is in the same price range, Cavani joining may be more likely, as Arsenal will have to face less stiff competition for his signature. Plus, Wenger’s smile may have been a telling one, and he acted as he does when Arsenal are about to make a key signing.
4. Daley Blind to Manchester United
‘Blind Panic” is the title the Sun gave to this rumor, and that is what it feels like at Old Trafford. Despite needing a center back and center mid, they continue their infatuation with wanting to sign wing backs. Albeit, Blind can play at center back and as a defensive center mid, but what is best position? Wing back. Don’t worry, I know the Sun is not reliable, the Guardian has also reported Van Gaal is so desperate he is willing to spend 20 million pounds to sign Blind- so this definitely could happen.
3. William Carvalho to Arsenal
Getting a center back is a must for Arsenal. With Vermaelen gone, the Gunners only have Mertesacker, Koscielny, and Chambers. That is nowhere near enough center backs to have, especially after Mertesacker’s run in the World Cup and Koscielny’s niggling injury. 22 year old William Carvalho has been linked with a move to London all summer, however, Arsenal may have not acted soon enough, as it is now reported United are also interested in his services. But, with the prospect of Champions league football, Carvalho should go to Arsenal.
2. Arturo Vidal to Manchester United
This is less likely to happen than Blind to United, but it’s more necessary. Vidal told his teammates today that he isn’t going anywhere, but United must try anything to pry him away, as they really have no high quality center mids except for Herrera and Carrick. Although he said he’s staying, we’ve heard similar things throughout the summer, only to read the next day that he is leaving. United apparently had a 43 million pound bid rejected according to 101 great goals, but the caliber of player Vidal is and the money Ed Woodward says they have should be enough for United to act and get his signature. It is rumored the Red Devils may turn their interest to William Carvalho, but if they are hoping to be in the top four, they need to sign someone with more experience.
1. Falcao to Real Madrid
Yesterday, it was reported that Real have renewed their interest in Falcao and there’s no surprise there. Sid Lowe, a Guardian correspondent, when speaking to ESPNFC earlier this month, said this move will definitely happen before the end of the window and he was extremely confident about it. Having only Benzema– who sometimes forgets how to finish- is not enough for Real Madrid to compete for titles like the Champions League, they have to have more than one forward. So much for FFP though.
