With the January transfer window nearing a close with not too many major signings, one can only wonder what type transfer business with happen over the summer with big names being linked to a move to big clubs. Here are a few.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN TO MANCHESTER UNITED
Perhaps the most talked about transfer rumor over the past couple of months is Frenchman Antoine Griezmann heading to The Theater of Dreams. With fellow international compatriot Paul Pogba making his move to Old Trafford last summer, that could be a big factor in persuading the Atletico Madrid star to leave the Red and Whites and join the Red Devils. Also, with manager Diego Simeone’s future still unclear at Atletico Madrid could see Griezmann heading for the exit door sooner rather than later.
POSITIVES
Having one of the most talented footballers in the world on your team is a positive itself, but Antone Griezmann offers threatening pace as well as being able to play a variety of postitions-central or wider on the pitch. Griezmann’s talent along with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s strength and decisive finishing could make them the most lethal and skillful attacking duo in the Premier League.
NEGATIVES
Yes, Griezmann offers a lot to this current Manchester United team, however with plenty of young talents on the bench, the arrival of the Frenchman could harm their progress. One big name is Marcus Rashford. As much as United fans would like to see Griezmann at their club, they definitely don’t want to see Rashford leave. With the young striker needing as much game time as possible, Griezmanns arrival will probably harm that. Also, with Martial on the fringes of the first team after an explosive first year at Old Trafford, Griezmanns arrival could only push the fellow Frenchman out of Manchester United which is something that no United fans would want as well. The strikers arrival will also mean Rooney will probably be leaving his beloved club at which he joined at only 18 years of age after being linked to the Chinese Super League.
CONCLUSION AND RATING (1-10)
8- Griezmann will probably end up going to Manchester United in the summer transfer window. Despite the negatives of this move, Griezmann just has to much to offer and has already established himself as one of the best players in the world and with United still struggling and only in sixth place on the table, Griezmann will probably be in a United jersey next season to boost their confidence of their first league title ever since manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
ARTURO VIDAL TO CHELSEA
Another big name being linked with the Premier League is the Chilean, Arturo Vidal. This time however, the player is linked to league leaders Chelsea. After Chelsea’s revelation this year after a dissapointing 2015/16 season in which they finished 10th after winning the title the year before, Conte will be looking to strengthen his squad.
POSITIVES
The Chilean would provide major stability and balance in Chelsea’s midfield. Vidal is lethal both in attacking and in defending and with Antonio Conte’s new 3-4-3 formation, that is a quality they need in their midfielders.
NEGATIVES
The Chilean’s arrival would force either Nemanja Matic or Cesc Fabregas out of the club and with both in good form that would be a loss for Chelsea. Chelsea are also in a brilliant run of form despite the loss against Spurs and I don’t see any reason to mettle with that. Conte’s squad seems very balanced at the moment and if Vidal arrives that means he would partner with N’Golo Kante in the central of the field and with both of them more attack minded that could leave the Chelsea defence vulnerable at times unlike Nemanja Matic who is a pure central defensive midfielder.
CONCLUSION AND RATING
5- This move could very well happen however the midfielder has a 56 million euro price tag and with Diego Costa’s future uncertain at the London club, Chelsea could use that money to invest in a proper forward that fits their requirments. Also with Xabi Alonso looking to retire at the end of the season, I don’t see why Bayern Munich would sell Vidal.
PHILLIPE COUTINHO TO BARCELONA
This is definitely a rumor that has died down a bit over the past couple month especially ever since Coutinho signed a new contract at Liverpool a couple days ago. However, when Barcelona come a-calling the deal usually gets done.
POSITIVES
With Barcelona still looking for the perfect partner to replace Xavi along side Iniesta and Busquets, after the unconvincing performances form Ivan Rakitic and Andre Gomes, Liverpool’s star man could be the answer. The Brazilian can also play in a variety of postions including on the left flank in place of Neymar in case of an injury.
NEGATIVES
Although Ivan Rakitic hasn’t been in top form he is still a lethal player who enjoyed a great first two season at the club and even benched Barcelona legend Xavi during some games in his first season. Andre Gomes also hasn’t been performing well however, he is still 23 and it is his first year at the Catalan club. Denis Suarez has also been in wonderful form and at only 23 years of age Enrique has called him “the heir to Harry Potter Iniesta” and Barcelona will want to give the young Spaniard as much playing time as possible.
CONCLUSION AND RATING
6- I can only see this deal happening if Barcelona sell one of their star midfielders during the summer. With Rafinha, Denis Suarez, Andre Gomes, Ivan Rakitic and Arda Turan competing for playing time, Barcelona need to sell before they can buy and the only two midfielders linked with a move away are Rakitic and Arda Turan. The Brazilian will also not come on the cheap and Barcelona also need to strengthen their defense before buying another midfielder. However, with Iniesta getting older and Ivan Rakitic and Arda Turan seeming to be headed for the exit door, the Brazilian could very well be arriving at the Camp Nou. And when Brazilian legend Rivaldo says you would be a great fit a one of the best clubs in the world, you just have to go and see for yourself.
THE BRITISH TIDE 
Sheesh, Griezmann wold be perfect for United.
LikeLike
quality article. I think Barca need a better defense as well
LikeLike
very well!
LikeLike
very terrible article!!11 poorly constructed. probably little truth behind any of the claims
LikeLike