The 2016 European Championship is heading closer to the knockout stages, while the Copa America has already reached the semi-finals, but that has not stopped the top clubs in Europe from dipping their hands into the transfer market to get deals done.
Prices of players generally increase after major tournaments and some clubs have already completed deals. Contract talks and approaching players and their agents will be going on extensively at the moment, but getting deals signed during the ongoing Euro 2016 and Copa America will be very difficult, as players are required to undergo medicals.
Here are some of the main completed transfer deals and top transfer rumours from the past two weeks.
Done deals:
1. Miralem Pjanic – AS Roma to Juventus for £25.4 million (approximately Rs 250 crore)
The Bosnian attacking midfielder's signing by Juventus was a surprise to many, especially AS Roma fans. A fee of £25.4 million seems reasonable for a player of Pjanic's ability. Capable of scoring spectacular goals from long range, Pjanic is known for his playmaking skills as well. The 26-year-old was part of the Roma side for the last five years, so Juventus will be adding an extremely accomplished Italian Serie A player to their ranks.
2. Nicolas Gaitan – Benfica to Atletico Madrid for £19.7 million (approximately Rs 194 crore)
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder from Argentina moved from Benfica to Atletico Madrid for £19.7 million. Constantly losing their best players every year, Gaitan is seen as an astute signing by Atletico. Working under fellow Argentinian Diego Simeone could help Gaitan, who can also play as a winger, reach a higher level.
3. Joey Barton – Burnley to Rangers for free
Joey Barton moved from newly promoted Premier League side Burnley to the newly promoted Scottish Premiership side Rangers. Barton is still considered a fine talent despite many believing he has not fulfilled his career potential due to on-field and off-field misconduct. The 33-year-old will add considerable know-how to the Rangers in their quest to become Scottish champions once again.
4. Sofiane Feghouli – Valencia to West Ham for free
The French-born Algerian winger signed on a free from La Liga outfit Valencia to Premier League risers West Ham. While he struggled for game-time at Valencia last season, Feghouli will hope to have a good debut season for the Hammers in their first season at the Olympic Stadium.
Rumours:
1. Paul Pogba – Juventus to Manchester United/Manchester City/Chelsea/Real Madrid/ Barcelona
Paul Pogba is considered the main man for Italian club Juventus, but his future has always been under speculation. With the Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona keenly interested in signing him, the question might come down to what price Juventus quote. His agent Mino Raiola has reportedly claimed that Real have contacted Juventus for a potential transfer. Still only 23 years old, the France midfielder has his best years ahead of him and that is what these clubs want.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Free agent
Unlike Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic does not have his best years ahead of him. However, there is no disputing the fact that the 34-year-old is still a major force in football. After not extending his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, he is technically a free agent and can choose which club he wants to join. Manchester United seem to be front-runners and are one of the only clubs that can afford his astronomical wages.
3. Jamie Vardy – Leicester City to Arsenal
Last season's Premier League Player of the Year has been in the transfer news despite being with the England national team in France for Euro 2016. Though he is 29 years of age, Vardy brings a unique style of play as a centre-forward. This has attracted Arsenal, who reportedly activated a release clause in his contract. But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently said he believes that Vardy will stay with the Premier League champions.
4. Alvaro Morata – Juventus to Chelsea/Manchester City
Chelsea and Manchester City have been touted as possible destinations for Spain's Alvaro Morata. The striker has done well for Juventus these last two seasons and is seen as Spain's first option as a No 9. Tactically flexible and seen as team player, Morata could almost fit into any team's system. Juventus, though, will not part with him easily.
5. Daley Blind – Manchester United to Arsenal
Daley Blind was a defensive mainstay for Manchester United last season, but that was under Louis van Gaal, who was sacked at the end of the season. Now, Jose Mourinho is in charge and he has already bought Eric Bailly to partner Chris Smalling at centre-back. Blind is versatile enough to play at left-back and central midfield and it is this quality that Arsenal are interested in. His passing and distribution are his plus-points and he has not allowed a lack of height and physique to affect his play.
6. John Stones – Everton to Manchester United/Manchester City
He was billed as England's greatest hope in defence exactly a year ago, but at the moment John Stones' stock is slightly lower. However, that hasn't stopped the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United from pursuing the 22-year-old. Stones' less than ordinary season can be pinned on Everton having a poor campaign of their own. But he is still English and Everton will ask for a significant fee if they do have to sell.
7. Marco Verratti – Paris Saint-Germain to Arsenal/Manchester United
The highly-talented Italian midfielder has been a subject of transfer speculation for a few seasons now. Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing the 23-year-old, but he is highly valued by Paris Saint-Germain. Getting players from PSG when they don't want to sell might prove to be incredibly difficult for the Premier League clubs.
8. Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder has attracted attention from Jose Mourinho and Manchester United. Borussia Dortmund are adamant they will not sell one of their best players, despite reports suggesting Mkhitaryan wants to move after three seasons in Germany.
9. Victor Wanyama – Southampton to Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur seem to be keen on signing powerful central midfielder Victor Wanyama from Southampton. According to various reports, the deal is almost done. The 24-year-old Kenyan has played for Southampton for the last three years and knows the Premier League very well. Tottenham will be gaining an experienced and still young midfielder.
10. Nolito – Celta Vigo to Manchester City
The Celta Vigo forward has been linked with Manchester City after a fine season in the Spanish La Liga. Currently playing with the Spanish national team in Euro 2016, Nolito can be seen as a good buy for City. New manager Pep Guardiola worked with him briefly while at Barcelona and it looks like he wants to get him on board at City.
