Are These Players Coming to the Premier League? A Look at the World’s Media

Chelsea are the latest club to be linked with a move for French international Hatem Ben Arfa according to The Times.

The former Newcastle United player is out of contract at present club Nice at the end of June and has been linked with a host clubs in recent weeks including Liverpool.

Ben Arfa has in the past been accused of lacking application while playing in the Premier League.

Former team mate at Hull City James Chester  said of the Frenchman “I’m not sure his attitude was to the level of everyone else. He could have used a bit of magic and scored us a goal but again, you just wanted to bang your head against a wall.”

If Chelsea’s interest is genuine then they would need to move swiftly as there are reports in L’Equipe that Barcelona are in advanced talks to bring the player to the Camp Nou.

The same report also claims the Stamford Bridge club have already reached an agreement for 28 year-old Belgian international Radja Nainggolan of Roma.

This comes coincidentally amidst media reports that Nemanja Matic may be leaving Chelsea with Juventus a rumoured destination for the Serbian.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder João Mário according to A Bola.

According to the newspaper 23 year-old Mário has a deal with the Portuguese club until 2020 but there is  a €60 release clause in the contract.

The report suggests though that Sporting may be willing to negotiate a lower fee for the the transfer of the player if he were to move this summer.

The path from Portugal to Manchester United is a well trodden one with many players having made the move to Old Trafford in the past.

Manchester United target Joao Mario in action for Portugal u19s [Image: Catherine Kõrtsmik]

Portland Timbers forward Fanendo Adi is attracting the attention of Crystal Palace according to reports in America.

The Nigerian under 23 international has been with the MLS side since from Danish side Copenhagen in 2014 and helped his present club the MLS cup last season.

Since joining Portland Timbers Adi has played 65 times scoring 31  goals.

Fanendo Adi is imposing forward standing 6 ft 4 inches and is known for his ability to hold up the ball and link play.

Unfortunately though Adi may not qualify for a work permit under the present guidelines which may scupper any potential deal.

Staying with Crystal Palace, they are also interested in bringing FC Twente centre back Joachim Andersen to Selhurst Park according to Dutch media.

The Dane joined from FC Midtjylland in 2014 and is presently contracted until 2018.

Belgian newspaper HLN report Everton have been watching Bjorn Engels repeatedly since his return from injury.

The young Belgian defender is in line to replace Vincent Kompany in the Belgian squad for the Euro 2016.

The Manchester City broke down again midweek during his sides midweek defeat in the Champions League semi-final versus Real Madrid and is a major doubt for the tournament.

The 21 year-old Club Brugge defender has also been attracting the attention Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

A move to the Premier League may be imminent with such high profile suitors monitoring.