As this international window comes to a close, silly season continues unabated.
Today's transfer rumours are spread throughout the Premier League, with kernels of truth dotted amongst the landscape.
(A reminder that, as always, the Balls Bullshit-O-Meter measures the validity of a transfer rumour with its scientifically approved formula of measuring the smell of the bullshit emanating from the morning reports. A "1" is a fresh meadow, with a "10" setting off nuclear toxicity alarms throughout the land.)
Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham to Tottenham Hotspur)
Ryan Sessegnon has told Fulham he will not be signing a new contract offered to him by the club and looks set to leave ths summer, Sky Sports News understands.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 7, 2019
Despite relegation with Fulham, Ryan Sessegnon's stock is still as high as it was 12 months ago. Having informed Fulham that he would not be renewing his contract, Spurs are in pole position to sign the 19 year-old winger, according to The Guardian.
PSG and Manchester United are also interested in the England U21 international. However, Sessegnon has expressed an interest in working under Mauricio Pochettino, particularly due to the Argentine's track record of developing English talent.
Fulham have set an asking price of £45 million, but due to Sessegnon's precarious contract situation, Spurs will not pay more than £25 million.
Bullshit-o-meter: 2/10 - the sweet smell of success
Leon Bailey (Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea)
Daily Mail | #Chelsea have revived their interest in Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey but must wait for transfer ban appeal before moving for £80m rated winger. #CFC pic.twitter.com/hxWtsTdHxB
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) June 8, 2019
Yes, I'm aware that Chelsea have a transfer ban. However, it appears that Chelsea are continuing to chase transfer targets in the hope that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturn their ban. According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have revived their interest in the Jamaican winger in order to replace Eden Hazard and the ageing pair of Pedro and Willian.
Chelsea's interest in Bailey is, of course, circumstantial. There's a hope that even if their appeal to CAS is unsuccessful, their transfer ban will be frozen for this summer. Either way, it's probably safe to assume that Leon Bailey is a Bayer Leverkusen player for the start of the Bundesliga season.
Bullshit-o-meter: 10/10 - the rotting carcass of Financial Fair Play
Harry Wilson (Liverpool to Derby County)
As per the Derby Telegraph, Liverpool have priced Welsh international Harry Wilson at £21 million. Following his season-long loan at Derby last season, the Rams were said to be interested in bringing Wilson back to Pride Park. However, Wilson has also piqued the interest of Derby's Championship rivals, Leeds United.
However, both Championship clubs are only interested in loan deals for the 22 year-old. Jurgen Klopp's decision to cash-in on Wilson has alerted the likes of Hoffenheim, Red Bull Leipzig, Valencia and Getafe. They have joined a number of Premier League clubs in chasing Wilson's signature.
With Klopp looking for a permanent move for Wilson, it seems unlikely that he will line-out for Derby next season.
Bullshit-o-meter: 9/10 - preposterous levels of stank
Jordan Veretout (Fiorentina to Arsenal)
🇫🇷📰 | #AFC
Arsenal have approached Fiorentina for Jordan Veretout. [@lequipe] 🥈 pic.twitter.com/aCVv6hujFC— afcSource™ (@afcSource) June 9, 2019
Arsenal have made a last-ditch attempt to sign Fiorentina midfielder Jordan Veretout. L'Equipe have reported that Arsenal are chasing the former Aston Villa man as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsey. Veretout had been in advanced talks with Napoli before Unai Emery attempted to hijack the move.
However, Veretout, who is also on the radar of Roma and Sevilla, has made it known that he wants to play Champions League football next season. Thus, Arsenal's Europa League capitulation, plus their lack of financial flexibility, looks to have worked against them.
Bullshit-o-meter: 6/10 - slight whiff
Maxi Gomez and Stanislav Lobotka (Celta Vigo to West Ham United)
West Ham are working to bring Stanislav Lobotka and Maxi Gomez to the club from Celta Vigo. The deal for Gomez returns more alive than ever and with Lobotka, a double negotiation worth over £53.4m.
[@DiMarzio] pic.twitter.com/mHmzavBWNJ— West Ham Central (@WestHam_Central) June 8, 2019
The classic double deal. The buy one, get the other for a discounted price. It's hard to gauge in an inflated transfer market what represents value, but West Ham are eyeing a £54 million deal for Celta Vigo duo Maxi Gomez and Stanislav Lobotka. The rumour, broken by Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio, is a continuation of West Ham's interest in Gomez from January.
West Ham are planning to spend over £100 million, similar to last summer's levels. However, players such as Angelo Ogbonna, Chicharito and Pedro Obiang may need to make way in order to facilitate that.
Bullshit-o-meter: 7/10 - double the deal, double the stench
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Mainz to Newcastle United)
Another rumoured Bundesliga target:https://t.co/gmzIdsZGFZ
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) June 10, 2019
After we reported on West Ham's interest in Alexis Claude-Maurice on Thursday, another French U21 international could be set for a move to the Premier League. According to the Sunday edition of L'Equipe, Newcastle have tabled a bid for the Mainz striker. However, there is also interest for a host of Premier League clubs, including Southampton, Watford and Everton.
With Rafa Benitez's future as Newcastle manager up in the air, Mateta's Newcastle future looks similar. The tumult behind the scenes at St James's Park looks set to stymie any potential moves the Magpies can make.
Bullshit-o-meter: 7/10 - boiled nonsense
