The Premier League summer is open for business, though international transfers cannot go through until FIFA’s system opens on June.
Here, we assess the first five candidates linked with a summer switch, and the destinations
Alex Sandro
Juventus left-back Alex Sandro could be on his way to Manchester United this summer, according to reports in Italian newspaper La Stampa. The Brazilian appeared close to a switch to Chelsea last summer, with the London club having several bids rejected by Juve. However, with Luke Shaw out of favour at Old Trafford, Manchester United are said to be closing in on his signature.
Sandro helped Juventus to a fourth double in a row under Massimiliano Allegri in 2017/18, recording a career-best four goals and four assists.
Alfie Mawson
England centre-back Alfie Mawson could leave relegated Swansea this summer. The Guardian reports that both West Ham and Southampton are keen on the 24-year-old, who would cost around £20m, while Tottenham and Arsenal have also been linked. Mawson was one of the few shining lights in Swansea’s season to forget, earning his first international call-up before minor knee surgery ruled him out of the World Cup.
Alvaro Morata
Spain striker Alvaro Morata arrived at Chelsea last summer amid high expectations but, after a quick start, injuries and a loss of form took their toll. By the end of the campaign, Morata found himself second choice to January recruit Olivier Giroud. Now it seems his former club Juventus are offering him an escape route, according to The Independent. It remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea are willing to sell just 12 months after bringing Morata in from Real Madrid. Antonio Conte told reporters after the FA Cup final that Morata remained an “important player” – but Conte’s own future is in doubt.
Anthony Martial
After being dislodged from the Manchester United starting line-up by January signing Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial missed out on selection for France’s World Cup squad – sparking suggestions he could be looking for a fresh start away from Old Trafford. Whether Martial opts to stick it out and fight for his place or look for a move elsewhere will be one of the talking points of the summer.
Antoine Griezman
After being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, it now seems Antoine Griezmann is Barcelona-bound. The Atletico Madrid ace, who has scored more than twice as many goals as anyone at the club this season, is off to the World Cup with France this summer but could be returning to new surroundings, according to continued reports in Spain. Intriguingly Griezmann’s potential move has sparked speculation that Leicester’s Jamie Vardy could be his replacement at Atletico…