Summer transfer window: the silly season

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Kylian Mbappe of AS Monaco celebrates as he scores their second goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Manchester City FC and AS Monaco at Etihad Stadium on February 21, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Kylian Mbappe of AS Monaco celebrates as he scores their second goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Manchester City FC and AS Monaco at Etihad Stadium on February 21, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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The summer transfer window is now open which means three months of rumors, speculation and hope for football fans

It happens every year. The moment one season ends, the silly season begins. I am referring to the summer transfer window. It has acquired this nickname for several reasons. First is the crazy amount of money that is spent by clubs trying to improve their squads. Then there’s the ridiculous number of unsubstantiated transfer rumors that are reported on an almost daily basis.

Keeping up with the headlines can be difficult. As a result knowing which stories to believe can be confusing.

For example, in May it was reported that Antoine Griezmann had confirmed that he would be joining Manchester United this summer.

This week The Sun reports that Griezmann will “snub” Jose Mourinho’s side and remain with Atletico Madrid.

Top transfer targets are being linked with multiple sides

Then there’s the Alexis Sanchez soap opera. In just the last month it’s been reported that:

  • Manchester City is confident that the club will sign the Chilean.
  • Bayern Munich

    is growing increasingly confident that Sanchez will sign for the German champions.

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  • Antonio Conte will make bringing Sanchez to Chelsea his top priority.
  • Sanchez will remain with Arsenal as the London club prepare an increased contract offer.
  • Another name that has been linked with a number of teams is Kylian Mbappe. The 18-year-old Monaco striker is in demand and one of the summer’s hottest targets. Here are some of the stories making the rounds about the player this week:

    • Arsene Wenger will offer £120m to bring Mbappe to north London.
    • Manchester United have submitted a bid of £113m to sign the Frenchman.
    • Real Madrid will beat out other sides in pursuit of Mbappe.

    Next: Manchester United trying to pip Chelsea

    Other players receiving a lot of attention this summer include Romelu Lukaku, Alexandre Lacazette, Joe Hart, Alvaro Morata,  James Rodriguez and Virgil van Dijk.

    The silly season is a long one. Therefore rumors will continue to swirl all summer long. The only way to know for sure which stories are true is to see which roster these players are on when the transfer window closes on September 1st.