Two high scoring, big name superstars are apparently on the move to the big boys of England.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said his goodbyes to Paris Saint-Germain and multiple sources say that the 34-year-old Sweden international is currently finalizing a deal to move to Manchester United. The general agreement between Ibrahimovic and Old Trafford has reportedly been reached, with the two sides currently hammering out a one-year-contract.
A deal is expected to be closed before the start of the 2016 European Championships. (Here’s more on that)
The other deal involving a big name striker going to an English giant is Jamie Vardy and Arsenal. As of now, this transfer is also not completed. It’s been widely reported that the Gunners have triggered his release clause, and wish to speak with Leicester City about striking a deal. Some have gone so far as to say that Vardy will undergo a medical at Arsenal tomorrow, but that claim is far from verified.
Here’s a separate post with more on this potential transaction.
Claudio Ranieri when asked about Arsenal's approach for Jamie Vardy: "It's all true." (Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport)
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 4, 2016
BREAKING: Sky sources: Arsenal are interested in signing Jamie Vardy and would like talks with Leicester. #SSNHQ https://t.co/Y3cwbuWkxz
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 3, 2016
The Foxes are holding out hope that they’ll be able retain their ace of aces, with the decision reportedly up to Jamie Vardy himself. Another indicator that this deal could actually be on is the official Arsenal FC homepage itself.
The Gunners’ homepage has a section that updates daily with a collection of news story links, and on Sunday they shockingly linked two Sunday back page transfer gossip stories pertaining to four players, including Jamie Vardy.
If both Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford and Vardy to the Emirates go through as planned, then you would have two giant “statement signings” to kick off the summer transfer window. These two deals would symbolize two big clubs, who are expected to compete for Premier League titles on a regular basis, taking bold steps to try and get there.
Ibrahimovic would be exactly what the United attack needs, because he’s many things, and one thing he’s definitely not is boring. The Red Devils attack was highly criticized this season, and rightfully so, because it was so dull.
Arsenal didn’t sign a single outfield player last summer transfer window, and their fans were obviously unhappy about that; rightfully so. To the Gunners credit though, they have been active this silly season since day one, signing Granit Xhaka just days after the season concluded.
Vardy would certainly be the “splash signing” that their fans are looking for.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram