European Transfer Round-Up August 8
European Transfer Round-Up
As the transfer window in England is getting very close to closing for the summer, the big clubs are quickly trying to wrap up their dealings.
A number of Premier League sides are leaving it late to add to their squad, with the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton expected to do business before the window slams shut.
Blues in desperate need of a Keeper
Chelsea look like having to make a last-ditch deal to sign a goalkeeper, with Thibaut Courtois set to leave for Real Madrid.
Reports claim the Belgian international has not turned up for training in the last couple of days and is on the brink of a move to the Spanish capital (Real 2.30 to win La Liga).
If that deal is concluded, then the FA Cup holders (15.00 to win Premier League) are expected to look to Spain to find Courtois’ replacement, with Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga understood to be their top target.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has been coy over the transfer talk, although he has described Arrizabalaga as a “very good goalkeeper”.
Spurs continue Grealish chase
Tottenham are believed to have increased their offer to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish, hoping that £25million will be enough to persuade Villa to sell.
Spurs (1.74 Top Four Finish) have until 5pm on Thursday to wrap up a deal but it looks like they may need to improve their bid further, with the Championship club valuing the forward at closer to £40million.
Speaking about Grealish’s future, Villa boss Steve Bruce stated this week: “We are all trying our best to hang on to him but, at the moment, there is no decision to be made as they are not at the figure where the owners are even blinking.”
Everton in race for defender addition
Marco Silva is still working hard on adding new players to his Everton squad, with a centre-back now top of his wanted list.
The Blues (4.50 Top Six Finish) are close to completing a deal for Brazilian playmaker Bernard on a free transfer and once done, Silva will then turn his attention to defensive reinforcements.
Everton’s top target would appear to be Colombia international Yerry Mina, but they are yet to agree a deal with Barcelona for the 23-year-old.
Having allowed Ashley Williams to leave on loan, the Merseysiders are desperate for reinforcements with Manchester United star Marcos Rojo and Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma understood to be the other options.
Wolves seal deal and seek another addition
Newly-promoted Wolves have completed the record-signing of Adama Traore from Middlesbrough, in a deal believed to be worth £18million.
The Spanish Under-21 international becomes Wanderers’ fifth signing of the close season, after putting pen-to-paper on a five-year contract.
Traore might not be their final addition though, with Nuno Espirito Santo now entering the race to sign Swansea star Sam Clucas.
The midfielder turned down a move to Burnley earlier this week and Wolves (1.90 Top Ten Finish) are expected to step in and try and seal an £8million deal.
