IF the latest instalment of the FA Cup has proven one thing it’s that some clubs need to strengthen their squads – and quickly! With THIRTEEN Premier League sides knocked out already, which clubs need to strengthen, and where?
5️⃣ years ago today…. pic.twitter.com/P2BXufxryF
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) January 28, 2019
Daniel Sturridge – Tottenham Hotspur (9/1)
One of English football’s great ‘what if’ stories, Daniel Sturridge’s ill-luck with injuries is enough to soften even the most hard-hearted of pragmatists. However, there is no doubting that when fit he remains one of the most dangerous forwards in English football, which is where Tottenham could step in. A season that started so well is in danger of collapsing in just a few weeks as Harry Kane’s understudies have failed to live up to expectations Sturridge, with his pace and eye for goal, would fit into Pochettino’s ‘high-energy’ style and at around £12m his cost would suit Levy’s pocket as well. A gamble, given his fitness record, but surely one the north Londoners have to take.
Likelihood of transfer: * (out of a maximum five *)
Inter are prepared to take Mesut Ozil off Arsenal – but only if the Gunners agree to pay half of the his wages
(Source: Daily Star)
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/gPvb0owlSq
— Goal (@goal) January 28, 2019
Mesut Ozil – Inter Milan (5/2)
Despite reports hinting that a deal may have stalled the belief in some quarters that Denis Suarez (dropped for Barca for the Copa del Rey and a recent follower of the Gunners on social media) has intensified. Which is all well and good, but where does this leave Mesut Ozil? Inter Milan have stepped up their interest in the world cup winner, initially on load, but Arsenal would have to pay half of his £350k-a-week wages. Still, his departure could facilitate Suarez’s move…
Likelihood of transfer: ***
Forgotten Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater is nearing a switch to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Deal is expected to be a loan, with an obligation to buy for £12M. pic.twitter.com/atP8u1lyUh
— Chelsea Nation. (@Chelsea_EST1905) January 21, 2019
Danny Drinkwater – Fenerbahce (3/1)
This transfer isn’t quite as mad as it first seems. The England international wants first team football and suitors in the Premier League seem to have gone quiet on the former Leicester man, who was high on Fulham’s radar until their interest cooled. (See our previous article)
Fenerbahce have since emerged as frontrunners for his signature after capturing former teammate Victor Moses on Saturday, and it’s thought Drinkwater would be up for the move, despite the Turkish giants currently sitting in 17th place and battling relegation.
Likelihood of transfer: ***
According to reports; Arsenal have offered Chelsea a loan deal to sign defender Gary Cahill until the end of the season with an option to buy in the summer for £10m. #AFC ready to pay his full wage plus bonuses and will pay #CFC £2m. Talks ongoing. #transfers pic.twitter.com/hvVoVkN06l
— London Sources™ (@LondonSources) January 28, 2019
Gary Cahill – Fulham (17/20)
Fulham have shipped 51 goals in the Premier League and sit in 19th place, seven points off Newcastle in 17th. They desperately need a leader at the back, a defensive stalwart to help plug those holes and keep the sinking ship afloat. Chelsea want him out. Cahill wants first-team football. Chelsea and Fulham have agreed on terms. Surely, it’s a done deal?
Well, no! It seems Arsenal are considering a shock move for him after an injury to Koscielny rules the France international out for the season and Cahill is dithering on a move. Given Arsenal’s lack of funds, though, west London seems the likelier destination and a deadline day transfer on the cards.
Likelihood of transfer: ****
West Ham are interested in signing Jonjo Shelvey from Newcastle if they can sell Pedro Obiang to Fiorentina for £10m. (via Ken Dyer) pic.twitter.com/nepBmZBFFJ
— West Ham Fan Zone (@WHUFCFZ) January 14, 2019
Jonjo Shelvy – West Ham (3/1)
Forget rumours of a straight swap involving Shelvey moving south and Andy Carroll returning to Newcastle. The big man is still an icon with the Toon faithful, but it’s unlikely Rafa will take a gamble on a player who remains injury-prone, especially with the Magpies locked in a relegation scrap. Rather, Manuel Pellegrini believes he can return Shelvey to the type of form that saw him earn international recognition and he sees the 26-year-old as the perfect replacement for Pedro Obiang, who is wanted by Fiorentina, the Italians willing to pay a straight £10m fee for his services.
Likelihood of transfer: ****
Make sure you check back for our final transfer updates and markets at the end of this window!
