Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Arsenal look keen
to reinforce their offensive options before the window closes, with both
Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema having been linked to the Emirates
Stadium. Both men represent ambitious targets for Arsene Wenger, who
appears keen to secure an upgrade on Olivier Giroud. Pierre-Emerick
Aubameyang might be a more realistic prospect, and certainly boasts the
class to spearhead a title charge, even if BVB would likely require a
considerable fee.
Alex Song: Cameroon midfielder Alex Song is
one of the elite performers who looks certain to move this summer but
who hasn’t yet secured a transfer. The former Arsenal man looks unlikely
to force his way into Luis Enrique’s plans at Barcelona, and West Ham
United—who took the player on loan last term—appear desperate to secure
his signature. However, the Hammers may yet face competition from one or
two of the EPL’s bigger dogs.
Sadio Mane: Perhaps Sadio Mane didn’t
demonstrate the kind of consistency Southampton might have hoped for in
his maiden campaign in England, scoring 10 goals in 30 outings. However,
Manchester United certainly saw enough to pique their interest, with
the Red Devils being heavily linked with a move for the Senegal
international over the last few weeks. Southampton have demonstrated a
valuable ability to secure big money for their stars, and Mane would be
no different!
Victor Wanyama: Another Saints player linked
with the exit door is Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama, who is reportedly
wanted by his former coach Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur.
The East African powerhouse could have a transformative effect on the
Spurs midfield, and could bring the intensity and presence that the
Argentine coach craves. However, the south-coast club would be loath to
lose another key player and are unlikely to let Wanyama leave without a
fight.
Nicolas N’Koulou: According to L’Equipe,
Cameroon centre-back N’Koulou has asked for a transfer away from
Marseille. The talented stopper is a fan favourite at the Stade
Velodrome, but may yet add his name to an exodus from the club that has
included the likes of Andre Ayew, Giannelli Imbula, Dimitri Payet,
Andre-Pierre Gignac and coach Marcelo Bielsa. Arsenal have been linked
to the Indomitable Lion.
John Obi Mikel: Opportunities appear to be
hard to come by at Chelsea, where Jose Mourinho’s interest in Paul Pogba
and the growing prominence of Kurt Zouma make the outlook bleak for
Mikel. Besiktas are understood to be keen on the player, having failed
with a move to bring Liverpool enforcer Lucas Leiva to Istanbul.
Yannick Bolasie: Pochettino isn’t purely keen
to improve his midfield options, and is also looking to bolster his
offensive line—particularly in light of the departure of Roberto
Soldado. Harry Kane hasn’t yet hit the heights of last season so far
this term, and looks desperate for support. DR Congo international
Bolasie would offer just that, and could provide a goal-threat from out
wide not currently offered by Spurs’ litany of flankers.
Sofiane Feghouli: Despite Valencia’s
insistence that Algeria playmaker Sofiane Feghouli is not for sale,
there is surely a price that would tempt the Spanish heavyweights to
sell. Fenerbahce have been linked with his signature, and were reported
to have agreed terms with Los Che earlier in the month. The attacking
midfielder can feature on the right, as well as in the hole, and would
offer invention as well as the kind of dribbling ability that can
thoroughly unsettle a defence.
Gervinho: Earlier in the summer, the Cote
d’Ivoire forward was linked with a move to Al-Jazira, only for the move
to break down after the player had demanded a private beach and a
helicopter to move. Since then, Aston Villa have posted interest in the
attacker, and while talks with AS Roma are understood to have broken
down, Tim Sherwood may yet make another move for the player, having
seemingly not yet reinforced his offensive line adequately.
Kevin-Prince Boateng: He may have lost some
of his lustre, but Kevin-Prince Boateng would certainly represent a
high-profile addition to any club who can manage to secure his
signature. Despite Schalke’s insistence that they won’t release the
player on a free transfer, The Guardian understand they have done just
that, although a mooted move to Sporting Lisbon subsequently collapsed
due to a disagreement over the player’s image rights. He brings
undisputed baggage, but still only 28, he surely has something to offer.
Emmanuel Adebayor: There appears little doubt
that Emmanuel Adebayor has reached the end of the road at Tottenham
Hotspur. After a dismal campaign last season, he has been overlooked so
far by Mauricio Pochettino this year as the Argentine coach looks to
offload the lucrative backup. Aston Villa are keen—with Sherwood clearly
hoping he can revive the Togo frontman’s flagging career.
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