Top 10 Deals That Could Materialise In The Final Week Of The Transfer Window
Reuters / Charles Platiau
The transfer window of summer 2017 has been a crazy one to say the least, and its two-month duration has simply flown by. With August reaching its end, it implies that the market will officially shut within the coming week. This is now the most exciting time for football fans, as things heat up intensely and their favourite clubs engage in transfer activity like never before.
Some teams might already be done with their business, and would have no interest in the days to come, while many, on the other hand, will be desperate to bring in their targets as soon as possible and ensure that disappointment is not all they’re left with.
With a frantic week ahead in the world of football, here is a look into the top 10 transfer deals that could still take place, and prove that without even being played, why this is the greatest sport in the world:
1. Philippe Coutinho To Barcelona
Reuters / Carl Recine
Never before have Barcelona been so desperate to sign a player, but such are the tough times that the Catalan club find themselves going through. With Neymar gone to PSG, the Spaniards are eager to find an able replacement, and who better than a fellow Brazilian to do the job? However, things have not been easy for the Spanish side, as Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have ensured that their midfield maestro goes simply nowhere.
With bids worth a staggering £120 million being rejected by the Reds, it is clear that Coutinho is an integral part of the Merseyside outfit’s plans for this particular season. However, the player did apparently hand in a transfer request recently, and that keeps the hopes at Nou Camp alive. One of the most complicated deals of the summer still hangs in the balance, and has kept everyone on the edge of their seat. The player is currently out of action due to an injury, but the question of his return to Anfield will be answered in the week to follow.
2. Alexis Sanchez To Manchester City
Reuters / Michaela Rehle
Similar to the Coutinho situation, Arsene Wenger has made it clear that Alexis Sanchez is not for sale this season. However, the player’s willingness to win trophies and play in the Champions League could see him making a move away from the Emirates in the next few days. Manchester City have constantly been linked with the player for a while now, and in order to compete with the Red Devils, his presence might be exactly what they are currently missing. The Chilean is in the final year of his contract at the club, and whether he will sign an extension is something the world is waiting to see.
3. Danny Rose To Manchester United
Reuters / Matthew Childs
The player publicly claimed that his ambition is to win trophies as soon as possible, and dropped big hints of his desire to not play for Tottenham Hotspur this season. Manchester United need a quality left-back in their ranks, and were immediately linked with a shock move for the Englishman. However, Jose Mourinho is more or less happy with the squad he has built, and is ready for this campaign, so the pursuit of Rose seems highly unlikely. But given the player’s quality and willingness to be a part of the World Cup next year, anything is still possible.
4. Virgil van Dijk To Liverpool
Reuters / Paul Childs
The Southampton man is probably one the most sought after defenders in England right now, and his desperation to leave the Saints has made him a prime target for clubs more than one. However, Liverpool have a fine history of buying players from Southampton, and are tipped to do the exact same with Virgil van Dijk. The Reds need to strengthen their defence up big time, and who better than one of the Premier League’s finest to do so?
5. Diego Costa To Atletico Madrid
Reuters / Dylan Martinez
One has to feel sorry for Diego Costa and his current situation with Chelsea. After being their top scorer in a title-winning campaign last season, the player was told that his requirements were surplus to the squad via a text message by the manager. Ever since, the striker has had a manic summer, and finds himself in the middle of nowhere. Atleti are a side interested in bringing their former star back to Spain, but the asking price from the London club is stopping the deal from reaching a positive conclusion. Not long is left for things to get sorted out, and for the sake of a top quality striker, we surely hope they do.
6. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain To Chelsea
Reuters / Hannah McKay
The player is in his final year at the Emirates, but he still remains a key figure for Arsene Wenger’s side. Given his versatility to play at wing-back and in attacking positions, it is no surprise that he is a wanted man at Stamford Bridge. Conte’s team currently do not look like a side ready to defend their League crown, but the addition of this pacey Englishman for £35 million could just as well fix that.
Update: Deal Done (Liverpool)
7. Kylian Mbappe To PSG
Reuters / Jean-Pierre Amet
Out of all the transfer rumours out there, this one falls into the category of most likely to happen. After guiding Monaco to the Ligue 1 title with his goals, assists, and pace last season, the club from Paris is eager to bring him in and do the exact same at literally any cost whatsoever. The French forward is rumoured to be nearing a move to Unai Emery’s side for a jaw dropping £182 million. With an almost similar amount spent on Neymar, is it fair to say that PSG’s desperation to win the Champions League is resulting in them almost buying it.
8. Ousmane Dembele To Barcelona
REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Skipping training with Borussia Dortmund, being offered approximately £150 million for a transfer, and Barca looking to fill Neymar’s gap, one can almost bet this deal will be taking place this summer. Barca are desperate and how, and the fact that Dembele is one the finest young talents in the sport, it all makes sense.
Update: Deal Done
9. Danny Drinkwater To Chelsea
Reuters / Carl Recine
With the Champions League to compete in and the added pressure to defend their League title, Chelsea are looking to sign players that will help them do the job. Drinkwater has been a key individual for Leicester, and was integral when the Foxes won the League last year. Antonio Conte is eager to get the England international to Stamford Bridge, and with a new £32 million bid being launched in that attempt, it does seem likely that they will land their man in the days to come.
10. Jonny Evans To Manchester City
Reuters / Peter Cziborra
Once a red of Manchester, Evans could soon be heading to the blue side with a £30million move to the Etihad assumed to be around the corner. After having initial bids rejected, Pep Guardiola is ready to make an offer West Brom will not be able to turn down. City want to win the title this season, and a proven League winner with all his experience might be a crucial signing to help them achieve that goal.
Written by Vikram Gupta 
An attacker with his words, and defends each of them with pride. A love for the game which goes hand in hand with his will to forever write. A graduate in the course of advertising and a hopeful to be author. Herrera for the win.