The hot issues of this early mercato concern very big names, like Ronaldo, Mbappé, Verratti or Dembélé. But finally nothing moves for them, and it could be like that until the transfer market closes.
Ronaldo looks a little less angry
This is the file we were not expecting. But very irritated by the accusations of tax evasion of which it is the object, Cristiano Ronaldo would have decided to leave Spain and therefore Real Madrid. If the decision of the quadruple Ballon d’Or seemed irrevocable at the beginning of mercato, it would have evolved a little. His upcoming interview with Real leaders, who do not want to let their best player go, could reassure the Portuguese. It is in any case, according to the Spanish press, the strong trend of the moment.
Mbappé, the choice of reason?
The future of Cristiano Ronaldo could depend on that of Kylian Mbappé. Courted by Real Madrid, but also by the PSG, who are willing to put mad sums on him, the young crack nevertheless could remain one more season in Monaco. The ASM wants to extend it, with an enormous salary increase in the key. The prospect of an assured playing time, within a framework he knows perfectly, could also weigh in the scales within a year of the World Cup in Russia.
Verratti, the PSG does not want to let go
The soap opera is endless. But he could give birth to a mouse. For many weeks, via his agent, Marco Verratti is doing a sap job to prepare for his departure from PSG to FC Barcelona. Recently, the Italian milieu put pressure on its leaders, claiming in essence a wage upgrading and recruitment to match their ambitions. Not very classy, but given the current situation at the PSG, it is hard to see the Parisian leaders cede to the desires of departure of their master.
Dembélé, it’s not
Like Mbappé, Dembélé is just as frightened of the defenses as the leaders of the biggest European clubs. But Dortmund, where he arrived last summer, intends to take advantage of the talent of the 20-year-old winger. Michael Zorc, the sporting director of the Borussia, said he was very clear: “Out of the question”.
Sanchez too greedy?
It may be the one with the most chances to move this summer. But they are not that obvious. Under contract until June 2018, Alexis Sanchez has a proposal for an extension on behalf of Arsenal, which finally seems to want to be ambitious on the transfer market. Too expensive for Bayern Munich, by the admission of President Uli Hoeness, the Chilean is less for Chelsea and Manchester City, but it is hard to see Arsenal let him slip to the competition. The PSG could benefit, but the case is far from won.