Things change in the blink of an eye in football. The Football Whispers Index takes the latest transfer rumours and gives them a score out of five; the higher the score, the more realistic and reliable the whisper.
Here are today’s top five emerging whispers for the summer. And keep an eye on Transfer Talk for all the latest gossip.
Alexis Sanchez to Chelsea
Arsenal’s top scorer Alexis Sanchez looks certain to leave the Emirates this summer and, although the north London club’s hierarchy would rather sell their star abroad, the Chile international is reported to be attracted to Antonio Conte’s style of football. Sanchez has scored 24 goals for the Gunners in all competitions but has been exasperated with his teammates numerous times this season, and the 28-year-old has yet to agree a new deal. Manchester City are also in the running for the forward’s signature, but according to the Daily Telegraph, Sanchez would prefer to remain in London.
Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona
Liverpool’s Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho is a top target for Barcelona, with the Catalan side reportedly already planning how they’re going to coax the 24-year-old away from Anfield. According to Spanish daily Sport, Barca are prepared to offer Coutinho more than the £200,000-a-week he signed up to at the start of this year, while the Premier League club would demand a similar fee to the £65 million they received for Luis Suarez in 2014. However, with a number of players expected to leave Camp Nou at the end of this season, the Blaugrana may offer a player-plus-cash deal to reduce the transfer fee.
Joshua King to Tottenham Hotspur
Mauricio Pochettino is in the market for back-up striking options this summer, with Bournemouth’s Joshua King emerging as a potential transfer target. The 25-year-old has hit 15 league goals for the Cherries this season, including 11 in his last 12, and is the second top scorer in England’s top division. The north London club are on the hunt for a new frontman to support Harry Kane following Vincent Janssen’s disappointing first season at White Hart Lane. The Dutchman has scored just one goal from open play in the league in 24 appearances. King, who has earned 27 caps for Norway, is also considered a homegrown player as he came through the Manchester United youth system, another bonus for Tottenham when bearing in mind Premier League and Champions League rules.
Johan Djourou to West Ham United
West Ham are preparing to make a swoop for former-Arsenal defender Johan Djourou should current club Hamburg decide to let him go at the end of this season. The 30-year-old is out of contract at Volksparkstadion this summer and has been dropped from the first team squad, providing a boost to Slaven Bilic in his pursuit of the Swiss centre-back. Bild reports that the defender is one of several players told they must train with the under-21s or alone.
Jermain Defoe to Bournemouth
Bournemouth are confident that they are in pole position to land Jermain Defoe this summer. The Sunderland striker — who has netted 14 goals in the Premier League this season — is available on a free transfer this summer and won’t be staying now they have been relegated. Meaning the Cherries are planning to offer the 34-year-old a lucrative contract in order to lure him to the Vitality Stadium. Given Tottenham’s interest in Joshua King, Eddie Howe will be keen to add striking options to his squad in case his current top scorer leaves the club.
Tagged with: betting news • football • footballnews • sport betting
