5 big name transfers that can still happen before the transfer window runs out

The 'fuss and buzz' of the transfer window is set to continue this summer as European heavyweights march on in the battle to achieve the most impressive signings from the football transfer market.

Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated the transfer window so far with his shocking decision to leave Los Blancos and secure a famous transfer to Juventus in the Serie A. In order to take on a new challenge, the Portuguese ended his 9-year spell in Spain and completed a mega £88 million switch to the Italian top flight - so far the biggest move of the summer.

However, considering the activities of many elite clubs in the market, more of such deals are still expected to happen before the closure of the transfer window. With several clubs still determined to make marquee signings of their own, we take a look at five big-name transfers that could still happen before the window shuts:

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#5. Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea to Real Madrid)

The goalkeeper is closing in on a return to La Liga

Following an average outing in the Premier League last term in which Chelsea finished fifth and failed to secure a spot in the upcoming UEFA Champions League, many players are expected to depart the London outfit this summer.

According to the reports, Belgian international Thibaut Courtois is heading towards the exit door as the Chelsea ace looks to join Real Madrid before the end of the transfer window.

The goalkeeper has been a long-time target for the European champions who intend to sign him as a replacement for the inconsistent Keylor Navas. In fact, a deal worth £31 million is reportedly in the making as Julian Lopetegui works towards strengthening his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Courtois would come as a decent signing for Real Madrid. He had a successful World Cup campaign, claiming the Golden Glove for his incredible performances throughout the tournament.

#4. Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich to Manchester United)

The defender looks set to leave the Bundesliga

Unlike the previous summer, Manchester United have been quiet in the transfer market this time, with former Shakhtar Donetsk superstar Frederico Rodriguez (also known as Fred) the only notable signing at Old Trafford so far.

However, Jose Mourinho recently revealed that he has submitted his wish-list to the club. Reports suggest that the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager has included Bayern Munich superstar Jerome Boateng among his top targets for the summer.

With the Red Devils in need of an experienced superstar to partner with Eric Bailey at the heart of the defense, the German international would be a decent option for the club to sign ahead of the next campaign.

Boateng remains a realistic target for the Premier League giants, having reportedly hinted at his intentions to leave the Allianz Arena recently. However, Manchester United will need to meet the club's £50 million valuation of the player in order to sanction a deal.

#3. Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona to Arsenal)

Dembele could link up with Aubameyang at Arsenal

Barcelona superstar Ousmane Dembele is one of the few players that could secure a big-money transfer before the closure of the transfer window this summer. With rumors of a potential move to the Premier League intensifying during the past few days, the French youngster could end up switching to the English top flight before the window runs out.

Dembele was signed as a replacement for Neymar after the Brazilian left Barcelona to complete a world-record transfer to Paris Saint Germain last summer. But after failing to cement his place in the team amidst injury issues last season, the 21-year-old is reportedly re-considering his future in the Catalan capital.

Premier League giants Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign the former Borussia Dortmund winger as they plan to strengthen their attack ahead of the upcoming campaign. If the reports are to be believed, the player himself is looking forward to linking up with his former teammates Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the Emirates stadium this summer.

#2. N'Golo Kante (Chelsea to Paris Saint-Germain)

The World Cup winner is reportedly on PSG's radar

France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in style, maintaining a decent level of performance from the beginning of the tournament till the end. Special credit for that would have to go to Chelsea superstar N'Golo Kante who ran riot in the middle of the park, producing scintillating displays and guiding his nation towards glory.

The 27-year-old's performances have reportedly earned him a lot of interest from Paris Saint-Germain, who intend to add him to their star-studded squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. The Parisians are desperately aiming for the UEFA Champions League trophy and they believe the Chelsea ace would improve their chances in Europe's top competition.

According to the reports, a deal worth £100 million is being prepared by the Ligue 1 champions. If Kante ends up joining Thomas Tuchel's side this summer, the midfielder would link up with some of his international teammates including the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Presnel Kimbempe and Adrien Rabiot for the upcoming campaign.

#1. Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich to Barcelona)

The playmaker could be set for a return to his former club

Bayern Munich superstar Thiago Alcantara could end up securing a move to his parent club FC Barcelona before the transfer window runs out this summer. After the recent departures of Andres Iniesta and Paulinho from Camp Nou, the Catalans are desperate to strengthen their midfield and they are reportedly keen to bring their former ace back to the Catalan capital.

Alcantara would be well-suited to the Barcelona style of play, having represented the club during his youth days. His decent passing, incredible dribbling skills, creativity and ability to control the game from the middle of the pitch are what the Catalans need at the moment - and they are reportedly planning a €70 million deal to sign the star this summer.

The move would favor all parties as Alcantara himself has his sights set on a return to his home club, while Bayern would also be glad to sanction his sale due to the presence of too many midfielders in their squad. Barcelona would also be happy to welcome one of their esteemed products back to Camp Nou.