The top rumored Premier League transfers yet to be resolved

The end of the summer transfer window is still a long way off. But with the Euros now firmly in the background and the start of the European club season just a few weeks away, it’s more or less clear what the top stories of the next month will be.

Some deals have already been completed. Some were wrapped up back in June. One of the biggest stories, that of N’Golo Kante’s future, already has an ending, and it’s a sad one for the reigning Premier League champions.

But there’s plenty still to come, especially in England, where so many top teams need re-tooling. Here’s what to watch over the next 40 days:

Paul Pogba is probably going to Manchester United

United has reportedly made multiple offers north of €100 million for the Juventus midfielder, and all signs point to the two clubs hashing out a deal. Pogba will likely become the most expensive player ever, and he’ll rejoin the club he left five years ago. Paying €100 million for a player they ushered out the door looks bad for the Red Devils, but Pogba has developed into a world-class central midfielder, which is exactly what Jose Mourinho needs. Pogba’s France teammate, Blaise Matuidi, has also been linked with United, but the Pogba deal is almost across the finish line.

Will Arsenal actually buy a striker?

Olivier Giroud has averaged more than 20 goals per season for Arsenal in his four years in London, but there’s a ubiquitous (and probably rational) feeling that he’s not quite good enough. Arsene Wenger needs to win the league. He hasn’t done so in 12 years. A first-rate striker would bring him closer to ending the drought. However, as has become so frustratingly clear for Arsenal fans, Wenger won’t splurge if the value isn’t there. He already missed on Jamie Vardy, who signed an extension at Leicester. The top three remaining options appear to be Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata, Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette and Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi. But Morata might be staying at Madrid, and Lacazette might be too pricey. Icardi is realistic, but the Argentine is no guarantee to be a significant upgrade on Giroud (though the two are different players).

What about Julian Draxler to Arsenal?

Probably not happening, despite the rumors. Wolfsburg’s sporting director has said it’s absolutely not happening. If Draxler, 22, continues to perform at a high level, his years at the German club are probably numbered, but it looks like he’ll stay for at least one more. Plus, the last thing the Gunners need right now is more attacking midfielders on top of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and others.

Chelsea needs a partner for Michy Batshuayi

And that partner probably isn’t Diego Costa — who, incidentally, has been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid. New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has reportedly been in pursuit of Morata and Romelu Lukaku — who Chelsea sold to Everton for £28 million two summers ago. But more on Lukaku later. Conte probably sees Batshuayi, who joined Chelsea from Marseille earlier in July for £32 million, as the mobile, field-stretching striker in a partnership with a physically imposing aerial threat. Whether it’s Lukaku or someone else, Chelsea needs to find that physical presence. The latest rumor is that the Blues want Edinson Cavani from Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea also wants a center back

The Blues are reportedly pursuing Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese international will draw some comparisons to current Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma due to their combinations of size, mobility and versatility. Koulibaly could presumably play either on the right or in the middle of a back three. Conte also apparently wants to poach Leonardo Bonucci, but it’s unlikely Juventus would part with the Italian defensive maestro.

Is John Stones going to Manchester City?

The better question is probably, “Why hasn’t this happened yet?” Stones has said he wants to leave. City is reportedly ready to bid in excess up to £50 million. And Stones wasn’t actually that good last season. Sure, he has a lot of potential as an athletic, ball-playing center back. And that’s why Guardiola wants him, because that’s what Guardiola likes. Also, £50 million is a massive sum of money that Everton could use to fortify a squad that is surprisingly thin. But losing Stones really wouldn’t be that big of a short-term loss. Ronald Koeman and his new club would be wise to let Stones go.

Is Lukaku going anywhere?

Lukaku has admitted that he’s ready to leave Everton. Most recently, Chelsea has been rumored as a destination. Lukaku’s father said back in March that his son would be playing at either Manchester United or Bayern Munich. The issue here is that, unlike Stones, Lukaku is a massive contributor for Everton, and is probably irreplaceable in the short term. Without the Belgian, the Toffees would risk slipping into mid-table obscurity, if they’re not already there.

Leroy Sane is probably going to Man City

The 20-year-old’s move to the Etihad seems to be more a matter of “when” and “for how much” than anything else. Guardiola recently confirmed City’s interest in the German winger, and Schalke’s sporting director has confirmed that Sane wants to leave the club. The question is the transfer fee, which could rise above £40 million or even £50 million.

Jurgen Klopp will continue to reshape his Liverpool squad

ESPN’s Miguel Delaney had an interesting line in a recent article: “Sources say the only players [Klopp] would keep in an ideal world are Emre Can, Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana and Divock Origi, although the Daniel Sturridge case still provokes such debate.” That’s in addition to Sadio Mane and the other recent additions of course, but still, that would leave a remarkable list of players Klopp wants to replace. Joe Allen looks to be on his way out. Reports suggest Newcastle’s Georginio Wijnaldum will be the next arrival for somewhere around £25 million. After that, expect Klopp to look abroad for a defender and maybe another midfielder or attacker.

Christian Benteke to …

Crystal Palace? Maybe? Probably? Palace desperately needs a striker, and Benteke would be a great fit. The Belgian underwhelmed in his debut season at Anfield, and the Reds appear ready to part with him. This one has been at the forefront of the rumor mill since the beginning of the window.

Will Leicester keep Riyad Mahrez?

Manager Claudio Ranieri claims the answer is yes. “Everybody here is happy and, yes, he wants to stay,” Ranieri said after a recent friendly. “No other players will go away – we will stay together. Riyad will stay with us for all of the years.” Leicester could still use some depth, but the Foxes’ biggest task this offseason was keeping hold of their “big three” of Mahrez, Vardy and Kante. They’re 1-for-2 so far. If Mahrez stays, 2-for-3 has to be considered a resounding success.

Players who are too good for the Championship

Aston Villa, Newcastle and even Norwich have Premier League-quality players who were dragged down to the Championship. Aside from Wijnaldum, Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko is the most obvious example. Villa has Jordan Ayew and Jordan Amavi. Norwich City’s Robbie Brady has been linked with Leicester. Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic could be on the move, too. These players don’t belong in a second division. Whether it’s loans or permanent transfers, all should get moves to the Premier League or other top European leagues.