Although signings have already been made, plans for further acquisitions are yet to be set in stone as clubs anticipate the official opening of the window on July 1.
We look at five sizzling targets linked with the Premier League as teams look to turn the formality of the rumour mill into hiring the best in Europe.
Edinson Cavani – Napoli, Striker
The Uruguayan is being closely monitored by both Chelsea and Manchester City who both aim to seal a £50m buy for the forward. His dynamic finishing has seen him score on 78 occasions in 104 appearances in Naples since his move from Serie A rival Palermo in 2010.
Aside Radamel Falcao, Cavani has been one of the most wanted players on the planet as he continues to exhilarate. His admiration of Spanish giants Real Madrid may sway him towards Los Blancos.
The striker’s abundant goal scoring tally has been rewarded with 51 caps on the international stage.
Robert Lewandowski – Borussia Dortmund, Striker
A host of clubs have shown a distinct level of interest in the Borussia Dortmund talisman, including Manchester United, Chelsea and European and German champions Bayern Munich.
Having spent the first five years of his certified playing career in his native Poland, Lewandowski moved to Dortmund in 2010 for a fee reported around £4m. His value has rose considerably following his most successful season yet, most notably cataloguing four goals in the Champions League semi final first leg victory over Real Madrid at the Westfalenstadion.
Lewandowski has the aptitude to hold the ball up to feed in fellow attackers whilst offering versatility in turning defenders inside out and scoring from all corners of the oppositions half.
He will not be renewing his contract with Dortmund, with Lewandowski himself confirming his desire to depart amid strong interest elsewhere.
Isco – Malaga, Midfielder
The star of the UEFA European Under-21 Championships, Isco stated he would only make his choice on his future after the tournament. Despite a reported offer from Manchester City, the attacking midfielder has seemingly has an agreement in place to join Real Madrid.
With a buy out clause of £35m, Isco is the hottest youngster on the planet. The attacking midfielder can run at defenders, create a goal from nothing and illustrates willingness to give man of the match performances ever time he steps onto the field of play.
Isco has been catergorised as Malaga’s saviour through the club’s financial turmoil, helping the south coast side reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in Los Boquerones’ debut elite campaign.
Gonzalo Higuain – Real Madrid, Striker
It seems Gonzalo Higuain has been around for a lifetime. The 25-year-old, nicknamed El Pipita is known for his speed, agility and splendid striker rate.
Despite recurrent injury concerns, the Argentine has dictated the goal scoring criteria both in Spain and on the international stage, scoring 107 in 187 games at the Santiago Bernebeu and 20 in 32 performances for his country.
Arsenal look to have agreed a deal in principle over rivals Spurs and Serie A champions Juventus for £25m. The Gunners approval has grown sufficiently in recent weeks after the striker confirmed he will be leaving Madrid after his final game on June 1 following five successive years at the club.
Leandro Damiao – Internacional, Striker
Despite missing the UEFA Confederations Cup due to picking up an injury on the eve of the tournament, the Internacional striker is wanted all over Europe.
The 23-year-old has been tailored by Tottenham Hotspur, whilst the list continues to invite Barcelona and Inter Milan. Spurs apparently agreed a deal twelve months ago but the lingering nature of the arrangement has placed doubt on a move to White Hart Lane.
Not as vibrant in front of goal in contrast to fellow Brazilian Neymar and previous heroes Ronaldo, Romario and Ronaldinho, but Damiao offers strength and much deliberation around the eighteen yard area, initiating the play of team mates which would fit nicely with the skills inputted by the likes of Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe should he join Spurs this summer.
Summary of transfer speculation
As transfer debates continue to mount, star-studded players including the five above seem to be diverted by interest abroad. The prospect of playing for either Barcelona or Real Madrid seems more alluring over the dismal weather that England has to offer. With financial heavyweights including the lucrative expansion of AS Monaco also seems to be a preference due to high wages and a sumptuous lifestyle.
Gonzalo Higuian’s move to Arsenal guarantees some belief that English football still has something to offer but attention from elsewhere reveals how clubs in the Premier League will have to dig deep to find resourceful players.
