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It has been another busy week for transfer window activity in the English Premier League, with Arsenal having all but completed the double signing of Kai Havertz and the in-demand Declan Rice and Spurs adding James Maddison to their midfield ranks.
These three deals alone will have cost in excess of £200 million once they’re concluded, with the Gunners still having to agree on precise payment terms with West Ham in relation to the Rice deal.
However, we’re expecting many more movers and shakers in the coming weeks, so let’s take a look at the very latest transfer speculation and potential big-money deals!
Where is Moises Caicedo Headed?
Last January, Arsenal also lodged a formal £75 million bid with Brighton for their 21-year-old
midfield star Moises Caicedo. While the Gulls were able to reject the move, both parties entered into an agreement that would allow Caicedo to move for a substantial amount this summer.
However, Arsenal’s signing of Rice for around £105 million means that they’re unlikely to return for Caicedo, leaving the way clear for Chelsea to act on their interest in the player.
For much of the summer, the Blues have been focused on trimming their squad under new boss Mauricio Pochettino, with Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and even Mason Mount having been moved on. However, they now seem determined to add Caicedo to their ranks, although an initial £60 million offer has already been rejected by Brighton.
Using the Rice deal as a barometer, Brighton is thought to want £100 for their coveted midfield star.
However, it’s thought that an offer of £80 million could be amicably agreed upon, especially with Caicedo likely to push for the move and personal terms, not an issue.
How Will West Ham Spend Their Rice Windfall?
The sale of Rice will leave West Ham with a dramatically increased transfer budget, with some of this likely to be spent on Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.
Like Maddison, the 25-year-old Barnes was a standout performer last season despite the Foxes being unexpectedly relegated from the EPL, contributing 13 goals and one assist in 34 league appearances. In all competitions, Barned produced 16 goal involvements in 40 games, and the Hammers are reported to have had a bid of between £35 and £40 million provisionally accepted.
Barnes is also reported to have agreed personal terms with West Ham, and this is a deal that could well go through in the coming days.
The Hammers are also keen on Fulham’s Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha, with the 27-year-old enjoying an excellent season in 2022/23. However, the Cottagers want £60 million for the player, and West Ham would have to smash their club transfer record to complete the deal.
Is Mehdi Taremi a Target for Manchester United?
Despite securing Mason Mount for a fee of around £60 million, it’s thought that Manchester United may not have much cash remaining in their kitty (unless they offload one or two players, of course).
While the club is also thought to be keen on purchasing Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana as a
replacement for the now out-of-contract David de Gea, it’s the centre forward position that arguably needs the most urgent attention.
To this end, the club is reported to have bid for Atalanta’s 20-year-old Danish striker Rasmus
Hojlund, although this has been rejected by the club. They’re also being heavily linked with FC
Porto’s 30-year-old centre forward Mehdi Taremi contributed 31 goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season and has scored 80 goals in just 147 games for the Portuguese giants.
While some may see this as another uninspired signing of an ageing striker, United are desperate to bolster a forward line that lacks a prolific number nine. Taremi will also provide a cheaper alternative to Tottenham’s Harry Kane, with Ten Hag looking to keep his options open in the marketplace.
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