We’re still in June but it looks as though the transfer season is set to spark into action in the coming hours and days. Financial concerns continue to tighten the collective purse strings of many clubs but it seems like the multi-million-pound transfers of James Maddison and Declan Rice are now imminent.
According to bookmakers.tv, betting sites have now closed their books on Maddison completing a £40 million move to Tottenham just weeks after being relegated to the Championship with Leicester City.
The transfer saga surrounding Rice’s signature isn’t quite at the same stage yet, but West Ham’s talisman is now as short as 1/20 to sign for Arsenal in a deal in excess of £100 million, with Manchester City 7/1 to provide one last twist.
If Rice’s departure from West Ham is inevitable, the identity of his replacements is far less certain. Kalvin Phillips had an inauspicious debut season at the Etihad, and if either the player or club decides to cut their losses then a move to east London (7/2) shouldn’t be ruled out.
Of the other midfield options, a swoop for James Ward-Prowse is seemingly most likely. The set piece specialist is expected to leave Southampton following their relegation with West Ham seen as the most likely suitors for his signature at 2/1 ahead of Fulham (5/1) and Newcastle (10/1).
Other replacements in the middle of the park may include one of Chelsea duo Conor Gallagher and Callum Hudson-Odoi, 6/1 and 12/1 respectively to do the reverse Frank Lampard, but one Chelsea player that certainly won’t be making that switch is Mason Mount, with a switch to Old Trafford the most likely outcome.