Transfers and Gossip up to August 16th
As the leagues prepare to commence around Europe and the rest of the world, many will be looking to buy, loan or sell players. We catchup with the transfers and gossip up to August 16th with the help of top tier source Fabrizio Romano and other reliable sources.
Overviewing the transfers and gossip up to August 16th can be a huge help for fantasy managers around the world. Whether it affects Fantasy Premier League, UCL Fantasy or another Fantasy game, we look at what the deal could mean for the player or team from a fantasy point of view.
Lavia chooses Chelsea
David Ornstein broke the news that Romeo Lavia has chosen to join Chelsea. He also notes that Liverpool were interested but are now aware of the players decision. Ornstein also states that the fee is likely to be worth around £50m with add-ons.
Romeo Lavia is a 19-year-old Belgian who played his football for Southampton. Lavia plays in a central midfield and defensive midfield role. His signing could be a huge positive in terms of defensive investment for FPL and likely to help the Blues keep more clean sheets.
Raya completes his move to Arsenal
Fabrizio Romano confirms that David Raya (£5m) has now officially joined Arsenal. Raya was fantastic last season for Brentford – helping the Bees to keep 12 clean sheets in 38 matches. The Spaniard was also the highest scoring goalkeeper in FPL last season.
Raya’ move to Arsenal has multiple implications for FPL managers. One of the issues FPL managers face is that there could now be long-term uncertainty around who of Raya and Aaron Ramsdale takes up the number one role.
The departure of Brentford’ number one goalkeeper also means that Mark Flekken (£4.5m) will replace him in terms of minutes. With that in mind, Flekken could become a great option in his price bracket.
Zaniolo joins Aston Villa
Earlier in the week Fabrizio confirmed that Aston Villa had made a verbal agreement with Zaniolo. He also said the total package would be worth €27m with add-ons – loan deal with buy options clause. The deal is now complete and Zaniolo is an Aston Villa player.
Nicolo Zaniolo is a 24-year-old Italian international who has featured for his country in the latest round of the Nations League. Most of his recent football was played for Turkish side Galatasaray where he played in a central attacking midfield role and also scored five goals in 10 matches. There is no telling if he can cement gametime for Aston Villa so at this time could be a player worth monitoring in terms of FPL.
Manchester City in for Paqueta
Fabrizio also tweeted about the situation between Manchester City and West Ham. The English side are set to make a formal bid for Paqueta. The West Ham player remains a priority signing for them along with Jeremy Doku.
Lucas Paqueta is a 25-year-old Brazilian who plays most of his football in a central midfield position. Paqueta was fantastic last season which was his first in the Premier League after his move from Lyon to West Ham. There is no telling if Paqueta will cement gametime straight away but the situation could be worth monitoring.
Chelsea look to Olise
David Ornstein confirmed that Chelsea have activated Olise’ release clause and expect sign him. The deal would guarantee £35m for Crystal Palace. Ornstein also highlights the fact that Olise is still injured but is recovering.
Michael Olise (£6m) is a 21-year-old attacker who can play in the both a right-wing role and a number 10 role. Olise impressed last season for Crystal Palace and racked up two goals but a huge 11 assists. Olise will have competition in any position he is utilised and for that reason could be worth just monitoring early on.
Who are the most popular picks for FPL Gameweek 2? Check out our article here.
