Romelu Lukaku to Robert Lewandowski – Top 10 deals expected to take place in July

The summer transfer window is picking up momentum, with Europe’s top clubs stepping up their efforts to reinforce their squads.

Several high-profile deals have already been made, with dozens currently in the making.

Here’s the list of the ten most exciting transfers expected to take place in July.

#10 Vitinha – Porto to Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain are on the cusp of landing Portuguese midfield dynamo Vitinha from Porto in a deal worth around €40m.

Vitinha has already arrived in Paris to undergo his medical tests before putting pen to paper on a multi-year contract.

The 22-year-old’s arrival bodes well for PSG’s hopes of revamping their midfield options following another heartbreaking Champions League season.

#9 Raphinha – Leeds United to Chelsea

Raphinha’s future has been one of the hottest topics this summer.

Leeds United won’t be able to fend off high-profile suitors and have reconciled with losing the 25-year-old after two years.

Although Barcelona have struck a personal agreement with the player’s agent Deco, Chelsea have a deal in place with the Whites.

It is now up to Raphinha to decide whether he wants to wait for the Camp Nou outfit to raise funds to finance his move.

The reality is different, though, as he may have no other option but to accept the Blues’ offer.

#8 Richarlison – Everton to Tottenham Hotspur

Here we go! You know what it means when Fabrizio Romano drops this claim.

Richarlison is on the verge of becoming Tottenham Hotspur’s fourth summer signing after Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma.

Spurs have agreed on a £50m deal with Everton for the Brazilian forward to move to north London after four years at Goodison Park. 

#7 Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea to Inter Milan

A year since rejoining Chelsea in a blockbuster £97.5m deal, Romelu Lukaku is heading back to Inter Milan as a flop.

The Italians have already found an agreement with the Premier League powerhouse for the Belgian striker to return to Giuseppe Meazza on a season-long loan.

Despite his abysmal season-long spell in west London, Lukaku was an absolute beast in Serie A for two years.

The 29-year-old flourished in Lombardy, with many expecting him to lead Inter’s bid to reclaim domestic supremacy from AC Milan next season. 

Lukaku’s return to the Nerazzurri is only a matter of paperwork. 

#6 Matthijs de Ligt – Juventus to Chelsea

Widely considered one of Europe’s most talented defenders, Matthijs de Ligt is ready to call time on his Juventus career and move on to new pastures.

Barcelona and Manchester United are the Dutchman’s long-term admirers, but the emergency at Chelsea has made the Blues the leading candidates to sign the ex-Ajax man.

Thomas Tuchel’s men have parted with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, leaving a substantial hole in their backline. 

Defensive reinforcements top Chelsea’s list of priorities, and de Ligt seems to be their man of choice. 

Juventus chief Maurizio Arrivabene has handed the Pensioners’ hopes of landing the highly-rated centre-back a boost.

“It’s impossible to keep players when they want to leave the club – but all the three parties in the negotiations have to be satisfied,” he said, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.

#5 Raheem Sterling – Manchester City to Chelsea

Talks between Manchester City and Chelsea over Raheem Sterling’s move to Stamford Bridge have gained momentum over the past few days. 

Pep Guardiola has deemed the England international surplus to requirements and is ready to cut him loose in the summer. 

Sterling has 12 months left to run on his current contract and will be available on a cut-price deal.

Tuchel is reluctant to pass on such an opportunity to strengthen his attacking department and the new ownership structure is ready to back him in the summer.

There is a feeling that Sterling will be wearing the blue shirt next term.

#4 Gabriel Jesus – Man City to Arsenal

Gabriel Jesus’ long-awaited switch from Man City to Arsenal is a mere formality. 

Weeks of negotiations have finally come to fruition as the Gunners have agreed to pay £45m to make the Brazilian their new No9. 

Despite his mixed stint at the Etihad Stadium, Jesus is a proven Premier League material and should be a massive coup for Mikel Arteta’s side.

After Alexandre Lacazette’s return to Lyon on a free transfer, the 25-year-old should be an uncontested starter in north London. 

#3 Paulo Dybala – Juventus to Inter 

Paulo Dybala’s trophy-laden seven-year stint at Juventus is nearing its end.

After refusing to commit to a new deal, the Argentine will leave Turin as a free agent in July. 

Though several foreign sides have displayed their interest in his services, the left-footed forward has his heart set on joining Inter.

Negotiations between the parties are underway, and it’s only a matter of time before his switch to Meazza becomes official. 

#2 Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona to Manchester United

Frenkie de Jong has failed to live up to the billing since his completing €75m move from Ajax in 2019. 

Often played out of his comfort zone, the 25-year-old midfielder has been a shadow of a player that was named a generational talent in Amsterdam.

He may soon have a chance to get his career back on track by reuniting with his ex-boss ten Hag at Manchester United.

The Red Devils are closing in on de Jong’s a win-win deal. 

#1 Robert Lewandowski – Bayern Munich to Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski has informed Bayern Munich of his desire to kickstart a new adventure elsewhere.

The world’s best striker has emerged as Barcelona’s top target, with the Catalans already taking all the necessary steps to get the deal over the line.

Lewandowski’s wish to link up with Xavi’s men should facilitate his move to La Liga despite Barca’s lack of financial muscle.

The Spaniards are unable to adhere to Bayern’s demands, but the player’s will should make the difference.