Transfer rumor mill in European soccer

Sometimes in sports, the offseason is just as exciting and interesting as when the season is actually underway. And sometimes it's even more interesting. Such is the case with the summer transfer window in soccer, which is a bit different than American sports leagues.

Stateside, you see big names stay with a club for years and years. Kobe Bryant staying 20 years with the Lakers, Derek Jeter about the same with the Yankees, and of course there are more. Barry Bonds, Tom Brady, Tim Duncan, etc. But in soccer, not so much, which is why it's so much fun to read the summer transfer rumors. Let's take a look at who is rumored to move, and more importantly, where.

Paul Pogba

Juventus' French superstar may not be Juventus' for much longer. His name has been synonymous with rumors since last year, with Barcelona the club that came up most often. This summer however, another European giant, Manchester United are now pursuing his signature. Some media outlets are saying they are willing to launch a bid of over 100 million GBP - which would be a world record, or another bid in the form of big money plus Juan Mata (who will no doubt be shown the door now that Jose Mourinho is taking over).

The Red Devils have already made one big splash signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and I wouldn't think they brought in Jose Mourinho to coach a team in rebuild or influx. However they will also have to compete against Real Madrid's deep pockets, especially as Pogba's countryman Zinedine Zidane coaches Madrid. Word is that Zidane desperately wants Pogba to come to the Spanish capital, and it may be the best move for Pogba in terms of his development, learning from a legend.

Gonzalo Higuían

The Argentine has enjoyed a great run at Napoli since coming from Real Madrid. Always full of goals, he brought them to Napoli and it looks like he might be poised to join another top flight club this next season. Serie A rivals Juventus are reportedly trying to sign him. However Napoli set his buyout clause at 94 million EUR, which Juventus seems unlikely to meet without selling Pogba.

If Juventus can't bring him in, it looks like Arsenal is the club most likely to get him in uniform. The London club have been in hot pursuit, especially after missing out of Leichester City's James Vardy. 

Atlético Madrid were in the hunt early on in the offseason, but there is no way they will be able to afford him now.

Photo: Flickr/ Chris Dehr

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