Five Premier League swap deals that may still be done including Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal

The 2021/22 Premier League campaign is less than three weeks away and the top clubs are looking to bolster their squads ahead of what could be one of the most competitive campaigns for years. But with astronomical transfer fees being demanded, teams may have to look to swap deals in their quest for further additions.

Man City raced to the Premier League title last season as they finished 12 points ahead of fierce rivals Man Utd.

Liverpool faltered but managed to secure third-place, while Chelsea completed the top four.

And with all the top teams needing reinforcements, swap deals could be the way forward.

Man Utd – Paul Pogba for Saul Niguez

Man Utd are long-time admirers of Athletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez but have been unwilling to meet the player’s £129m release clause.

The Spanish club are now willing to sell for much less than that in order to balance the books in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

One player they could offer Athletico is Paul Pogba, who has struggled to recreate his France form for United and has long been the subject of criticism from pundits

Pogba is in the last year of his contract at Old Trafford and Man Utd may be willing to use the midfielder to get their hands on Saul.

However, it is unlikely that Pogba would want to go to Athletico, with a move to PSG a more realistic proposition.

Man Utd – Jesse Lingard plus cash for Declan Rice

Declan Rice had a fantastic Euro 2020 with England as he helped his country to the final, where they lost on penalties to Italy.

Rice looks every bit the international midfielder and would provide United’s back four with the protection it needs.

But with 131 Premier League appearances under his belt at the age of 22, Rice will not come cheap and could cost around £100m.

One player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could offer West Ham is Jesse Lingard who had a sensational spell on loan at the London Stadium last season.

Lingard scored nine goals in 16 appearances for the Hammers and David Moyes would love to sign him permanently.

Lingard, however, is valued at less than £20 million and has signalled his intention to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.

Chelsea – Hakim Ziyech plus cash for Erling Haaland

Chelsea have made no secret of their desire to land Erling Haaland this summer, with the Borussia Dortmund striker thought to be keen on the move.

Chelsea’s Champions League success last season was built on their strong defensive platform under Thomas Tuchel and there is no doubt they need a goalscorer.

Reports have suggested Chelsea could offer £130m for the Norweigan, but apparently Dortmund want more.

The Stamford Bridge club could whet Dortmund’s appetite for a move by offering them Hakim Ziyech as part of the deal.

Ziyech only arrived at the club last summer, but failed to impress and scored a measly two Premier League goals.

Man City – Bernardo Silva plus cash for Harry Kane

Harry Kane is Man City’s number one target as they look to replace record goalscorer Sergio Aguero.

Kane is keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium as he looks to end his quest for silverware but Tottenham are playing hardball with their prized asset.

City will likely have to offer well over £100m to get their man but could offer Bernardo Silva to Spurs to get the deal over the line.

Silva was a key player for Pep Guardiola last season, playing 26 Premier League games and starting the Champions League final as City lost to Chelsea.

But with time pressing, the Premier League champions may have to offer Spurs one of their key players in part-exchange.

Arsenal – Ainsley Maitland-Niles plus cash for James Maddison

Arsenal are desperately lacking attacking flair and could solve their creativity issues with the purchase of James Maddison from Leicester City.

Maddison has been a stand-out performer for the Foxes since moving to the club from Norwich in 2018, racking up 21 goals and 21 assists in 98 Premier League games.

With a hefty price tag on his head, Arsenal could help fund the transfer by offering Ainsley Maitland-Niles in exchange.

The midfielder has been a bit-part player for Arsenal and spent the second-half of last season on loan at West Brom.

The 23-year-old played 15 games for the Baggies but could not stop the club being relegated to the Championship.

source: express.co.uk