Player Focus: Premier League Transfer Rumour Round-Up
Filipe Luis’ forgettable year in England was brought to an end on Tuesday when the left-back was sold back to Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian arrived at Chelsea as one of the finest in his position in world football, yet was forced to contend with a peripheral role, with the unassuming César Azpilicueta emerging as first choice left-back for the Premier League champions last season. Luis’ return to Spain means the Blues are in the market for a new defender, with Baba Rahman linked with a possible move to Stamford Bridge of late.
However, rumours of the Ghanaian’s move to Chelsea have cooled, with reports now suggesting the West London outfit are keen on bringing Brazilian Alex Telles to England. The 22-year-old made 19 league starts in Galatasaray’s title-winning campaign, gaining a WhoScored rating of 7.01. While he did not stand out a great deal when pushing forward, Telles’ defensive displays helped Hamza Hamzaoglu’s side to the title.
The young defender averaged a commendable 2.2 tackles per league game last season, while 2.7 interceptions per match was the third best of all Galatasaray players, matching his WhoScored strength of ‘ball interception’. José Mourinho preferred Azpilicueta remain disciplined at the back last season to allow Branislav Ivanovic to provide an offensive threat from deep, so Telles’ performances at the back will have appealed to the Blues boss. At his age, there is room to develop his game with time and his capture would likely improve last season’s strongest defence in the Premier League.
With Enner Valencia set to miss the start of the season due to his participation at the Copa America and Andy Carroll yet to return to fitness following an ankle injury, West Ham remain in the market for a new striker. Having been linked with a host of names, the latest to rise to the fore is Fenerbahce’s Moussa Sow. The 29-year-old marksmen bagged 14 league goals in the Super Lig last season, but his time with the club could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.
The acquisition of Robin van Persie has threatened Sow's place in the Fenerbahce team. In the striker, though, West Ham would gain themselves a versatile attacker, who is capable of playing on the left or right wing or as the lone frontman in what is expected to be Slaven Bilic’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. The Hammers boss will also be well aware of Sow’s ability having managed Besiktas for two years prior to his appointment as West Ham boss.
A conversion rate of 15.2% was a respectable return for the Senegal international, who would thrive with the creative exploits of Dimitri Payet operating behind him. At 29 years of age, Sow is in the peak of his career and after three years in Turkey could be keen to try his hand in the Premier League. With just a year to run on his current contract, Fenerbahce may look to cash in on the striker rather than risk losing him on a free next summer, in what could be an astute piece of business by the Hammers.
Premier League newboys Bournemouth have been active in the transfer market so far, bringing in Christian Atsu, Sylvain Distin and Tyrone Mings as they aim to stave off relegation at the first time of asking. However, the capture of Max Gradel would really provide a statement of intent from the Cherries. The Ivorian is thought to be on the verge of securing a switch to Dean Court for a reported £4m, a snip considering his performances for Saint-Etienne last season.
2015 has been a blistering year for Gradel, who has scored more goals in Ligue 1 (13) after the winter break than any other player. His WhoScored rating in 2015 (7.86) is also the third best in France’s top tier, so for Bournemouth to snare him for an initial outlay of £4m would be something of a coup. The 27-year-old will certainly provide a direct offensive threat on the left, while his versatility means he is capable of playing on the right or as the lead striker, potentially making him an invaluable asset to Eddie Howe.
The Ivory Coast international is clearly confident at chancing his arm, with his average of 3.3 shots per game last season the fourth best in Ligue 1. This will benefit Bournemouth in their attempt to consolidate their place in England’s top tier. An average of 1.8 tackles per game is also an impressive return for an attacker, who is capable of robbing the opposition of the ball in advanced positions having won possession in the final third a respectable 24 times last season. His acquisition would certainly improve Bournemouth’s attack and strengthen their quest to remain in the Premier League.
