Zlatan Ibrahimovic next club odds - Van Gaal is the deal breaker
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Potentially one of the biggest transfer deals of this summer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's contract is soon up and Premier League clubs are lining up to sign him. What Are The Odds checks out the big movers and who leads the chase and why.
The Swede, now 34 years-old and is entering the final months of his contract with Paris St-Germain, with clubs around the globe being linked with his signature. Talks of a move to the MLS and the now mega-rich Chinese Super League are inevitable, but it's believed that Zlatan would prefer to stay for at least one more year at a ‘top’ European club and potentially win major honours.
With it now being confirmed that Zlatan will leave the French champions at the end of the season the Premier League looks the most likely destination. Two of the top three contenders to sign him have long been linked with his signature, but potentially there could be a shock move on the cards, with high-flying West Ham confirming their intent on signing the player and London looking likely to be a real option, especially if the Hammers can push on for a Champions League spot.
Manchester United
Odds on Zlatan moving to Old Trafford had been floundering until yesterday when according to sources, Ibrahimovic claimed he would be interested in moving to United IF Louis Van Gaal leaves the club this summer. Bookmakers such as Sky Bet quickly reacted to the news and have bumped up his odds to 3/1 (4.00) favourites to sign.
The two apparently had a frosty relationship during the Swede's time at Ajax and apparently their relationship hasn't got much better since. However, the chances of Van Gaal departing the club are looking ever more likely after a 3-0 collapse at the hands of Spurs last weekend and 4th spot in the Premier League slipping further away.
West Ham United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is 4/1 (5.00) with Sky Bet to be a Hammer next season
The current favourites to sign the Swedish international are West Ham United. This hasn't always been the case, with Manchester United formerly tipped as the favourites (if Mourinho becomes manager), however over recent days quotes have surfaced suggesting that Zlatan would only consider a move to London, should he venture to the Premier League after his contract with PSG ends.
Sky Bet bookmakers are certainly backing the move have priced him at quite short at 4/1 (5.00) to make the move to Olympic Stadium this summer.
Arsenal
The Gunners are a club that Zlatan is believed to be an admirer of, and a move to North London with possibly the only club (out of these 3 contenders) playing Champions League football next season might just be the deal clincher.
His age may be a stumbling block for Arsene Wenger, who seemingly favours players in their prime, with age and long-term investment on their side. However, a one off marquee signing like Zlatan could be just the ticket to make Arsenal even more competitive at the top of the table. Odds of 6/1 (7.00) suggests this is a very real option, and perhaps if West Ham fail in their bid to get Champions League football, the Gunners may just top the queue.
Chelsea
A lot may depend on the stars aligning for Zlatan to arrive in West London this summer. Who will be the Chelsea manager beyond this season? Will Eden Hazard leave the Blues (as is increasingly specualted) - and if so, that may trigger a transfer frenzy. With Ronaldo speculated to leave Madrid to potentially PSG, which in-turn would fill the gap of Zlatan, meaning he could be heading to Chelsea? Maybe that's all a bit too messy, and odds of 6/1 (7.00) at Sky Bet suggest it's likely but probably the least likely due to Chelsea likely not having European football next season.
Tags: premier league , next club , betting odds