AS the madness of the festive fixture schedule begins to settle, a new form of insanity invades the senses and leaves managers, players, and fans alike giddy with hope: the January transfer window. So, who's going where?
Cengiz Under – Arsenal
A new year, a new start for the Gunners, who have stagnated in recent weeks after making a flying start to life under Unai Emery. With Aaron Ramsey edging ever closer to a reported move to Juventus in the summer (he's 6/4 to go there in this window), and Mesut Ozil remaining an infuriating enigma, seemingly not trusted by the new boss, Arsenal are in desperate need for a goal-scoring, creative midfielder. Step forward Cengiz Under. The Turkish international plays primarily as a right winger but can adopt a more central role when needed. He has six goals and six assists for Roma already this season, and a £55m offer could persuade the Italian giants to part with his services.
Likelihood of transfer: *** (out of a maximum five *)
Mario Balotelli could be set for an unexpected return to the Premier League with Newcastle United interested in signing the striker. (Mirror) pic.twitter.com/7OrS7AmEDv
— EPL Bible (@EPLBible) January 4, 2019
Mario Balotelli – Newcastle
Let’s face it, if Newcastle are going to stay up they need a striker, and quickly. The North East giants aren’t quite in the last chance saloon, but could they be willing to take a risk on an enigmatic player who delights and frustrates in equal measure? Perhaps. The Italian international has not featured for Nice for five weeks and has since been banished from the training ground by manager Patrick Viera. Yet to get off the mark this season, the 28-year-old had bagged 33 goals in 46 Ligue 1 starts and if Rafa can get him firing he just might be the man to solve Newcastle’s lack of goals. And, if it all goes totally to pot, he'll always have a night out at the Bigg market!
Likelihood of transfer: *
[Sport] | Denis Suarez negotiates his Barca exit to the Premier League
The Catalans are hoping to sell him with Watford, West Ham and Everton interested. pic.twitter.com/j5JsK1L1bE
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) January 4, 2019
Denis Suarez – West Ham
The Hammers spent heavily in the summer and, if the rumours are to be believed, Pellegrini could yet get a little more of chairman David Gold’s bullion as he eyes up a possible move for Barcelona’s Denis Suarez. The 24-year-old Spanish international has had a major falling-out with the club’s hierarchy and with just 18 months left on his contract he can be had for as little as €10m (£9m). Versatile and creative, he can play anywhere across the middle and whilst he isn’t the most combative of players, he could be the fulcrum West Ham desperately need. Pellegrini will have to be quick, though: Arsenal and Chelsea are also circling!
Likelihood of transfer: **
At £35m, Danny Drinkwater's signing for Chelsea has cost them £2.33m per appearance or £1,036 per second.
Wow. pic.twitter.com/Ymdfz4WszI
— Football Memes (@FootballMemesCo) January 3, 2019
Danny Drinkwater – Fulham
Another player imbibing at the last chance saloon, England’s forgotten man Danny Drinkwater has found life hard at Chelsea. Part of a vibrant Leicester side who won the Premier League, the world seemed to be the midfielder’s lobster, until his ill-fated move bit him in the backside. A creative, driving force, the 28-year-old badly needs a move to reignite his international hopes after playing just 30 minutes of the Community Shield for Chelsea under Sarri. The arrival of Pulisc will see him drop even further down the rankings and a reunion with Ranieri would seem ideal. Fulham need a proven leader who understands the Premier League if they are to emerge victorious in their battle against relegation and Drinkwater certainly fits that bill. A £12m bid should be enough to secure his services.
Likelihood of transfer: ****
According to a report in the Italian publication, Tuto Mercato Spurs are interested in bringing Frank Kessie into North London as the Ivorian is desperate for Champions League football. pic.twitter.com/OTzyenSexF
— Hotspurs_Hub (@Hotspurs_Hub) January 3, 2019
Franck Kessie – Tottenham Hotspur
Both Chelsea and Tottenham are said to be interested in the 22-year-old Ivory Coast international, with the north Londoners seeing him as a potential replacement for Moussa Dembele. Currently on loan at AC Milan, Atalanta are said to be willing to listen to offers of around €30/40m to secure an immediate release, though AC have an option to buy him for £19.5m at the end of the season,
With three goals and assist already this season, his athleticism, drive, and ability on and off the ball will certainly remind Spurs fans of Dembele, but whether he arrives as a late Christmas present from chairman Daniel Levy remains to be seen.
Likelihood of transfer: *
Make sure you check back for regular transfer updates and markets throughout this crazy, glorious window!
