Top Transfer Rumours Of The Day: Balotelli, Courtois, Ozil, And More
1. Dries Mertens Held Talks With Chelsea
REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
What’s the story?
Speaking to Sky Sports, Mertens admitted that he spoke to Chelsea among many other clubs interested in signing him in recent weeks, before ultimately putting pen to paper at his current club and promising Napoli his immediate future.
Should the deal have taken place?
Mertens has been Napoli’s main man in attack after the departure of Gonzalo Higuain last season, and his impressive tally of 28 goals along with 9 assists helped the Serie A side finish in third place, one point behind second-placed Roma. The player has a limited few years left in his prime and staying at the club where he enjoyed the best season of his life is a decision well taken.
2. Mario Balotelli To Borussia Dortmund
REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
What’s the story?
According to super agent Mino Raiola, his client, Mario Balotelli is currently being looked at keenly by Borussia Dortmund, Marseille and Las Palmas, amongst other clubs, and a move to any one could very well be a possibility in the summer.
Should the deal take place?
The Italian striker has had a rejuvenating season in Ligue 1 with Nice, as he managed to last through the campaign and produce 15 goals during that time to help the side secure a third spot finish in the league standings. The player spent three seasons at Liverpool and AC Milan and prior to that, and his attitude and poor performances saw him sinking down the favoured ranks in world football. However, his impressive return has now seen him emerge as a top transfer target for new teams, but staying at a club that has helped him grow might be the wiser choice to make for now.
Possibility of it happening
Given Balotelli’s records of attracting negative media and his regular moments of stupidness on and off the pitch, signing him might not be a primary priority for any club, but the skill and abilities he possesses can help shift that decision in a positive direction, hence a 5/10 chance exists of him heading to one of the clubs interested.
3. Thibaut Courtois To Stay At Chelsea
Reuters / Lee Smith
What’s the story?
The Big Belgian goalkeeper recently spoke to Sky Sports News, where he said: “I am very happy and there is no doubt I will stay,” thus making his intentions clear for the years to come.
Should the deal take place?
The shot-stopper is currently one of the best in the world at what he does, and hence, has attracted Real Madrid’s interest as a backup option if they fail to sign David De Gea during the summer window. The lad clinched the golden glove in the season gone by, which proved his importance to Chelsea and their title winning campaign, and with him clearly being their number one choice in the squad, him calling out for a contract extension with the right terms is a good way to repay the faith that the Blues and Antonio Conte kept in him.
Possibility of it happening
With the player, literally, publicly asking for a contract, there is no way Chelsea will let him go any time soon, thus keeping his chances of staying at a solid 10/10.
4. Mesut Ozil To Stay At Arsenal
Reuters / Dylan Martinez
What’s the story?
Among rumours of him leaving the club, the Sun has come as breath of relief and fresh air for all Arsenal fans around the world, as it reported that the German world cup winner is ready to sign a new £280,000 weekly contract at the club.
Should the deal take place?
With Arsene Wenger extending his stay for another 2 years, much to the agitation of the fans, it is now of utter importance for him to turn things around at the club, and the presence of their best players like Ozil is a necessity for the procedure to take place. Despite 12 goals and 12 assists in his bag in Champions League and Premier League matches, the playmaker was at the centre of all things bad at the Emirates last season, and it might just be an incentive for him to stay and prove the haters and doubters wrong, and use his unmatched brilliance on the pitch to take Arsenal back to the glory days they so dearly miss.
Possibility of it happening
The deal seems to have an inevitability around it, and with no other clubs putting major offers on the deal, an 8/10 chance exists of him staying in London.
5. Marouane Fellaini To China
Reuters / Jason Cairnduff
What’s the story?
While speaking to VTM News, Marouane Fellaini showed hope for a move to China later in his career after claiming that he is Red Devil for now, but a move to the Far East might be an option in the future.
Should the deal take place?
Despite being split in opinion among the fans, Fellaini has been a crucial player under Mourinho, and with Champions League to play next season, he might be of greater help than ever to the Portuguese tactician at Old Trafford. However, his future in England remains uncertain as always, and China might be a good place to spend his final days playing football and earning the big bucks which attract everybody’s attention.
Possibility of it happening
An 8/10 for this one.
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.