The silly season has returned with the opening of the January transfer window, and plenty of football’s biggest stars across Europe could be on the move over the next month. Players such as Kieran Trippier and Ferran Torres have already switched allegiances in the first week of the window, and here are five more players who could be transferred in January.
▶ Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal
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Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has been on the chopping block at the Emirates Stadium ever since Mikel Arteta stripped the Gabon striker of his captaincy and banished him from the playing squad in December. With Arsenal thriving without their talisman, Aubameyang has been reportedly placed on the for-sale list, and there could be plenty of suitors for the former PL golden boot winner.
Although Aubameyang’s £350,000 a week wages might represent a stumbling block over a transfer, the likes of Newcastle United and Juventus have expressed interest in signing the Arsenal forward, and Aubameyang could be shifted out on a loan basis with the option to buy in the summer.
▶ Anthony Martial – Manchester United
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Having fallen below Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood in the pecking order at Manchester United, Anthony Martial is desperate to find a move away from Old Trafford to resurrect his playing career.
The Frenchman has only scored one goal in his 202 Premier League minutes this season and has handed in a transfer request to leave Manchester United in this window. Several clubs in Spain, including Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, have reportedly approached the Red Devils to sign the talented attacker, while the newly-rich Newcastle United could also break the bank for Martial and make him the poster boy for their Premier League renaissance.
▶ Kylian Mbappe – PSG
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PSG already turned down Real Madrid’s €180 million offer for Kylian Mbappe in the summer of 2021, but with only six months remaining on his contract, the Ligue 1 leaders will have to sell their crown jewel in January if they wish to get any money in return for the French superstar.
Mbappe has already expressed his desire to join Real Madrid as a free agent, and with Lionel Messi and Neymar already at the club, PSG could opt to sell the French forward in this window rather than letting him walk away for nothing in June.
▶ Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona
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Barcelona are in a dire financial crisis with over €1 billion in debt, and the Catalan club need to sell players to raise funds if they wish to rebuild the squad. Ferran Torres has already been purchased for €55 million from Manchester City, but without significant sales the Spaniard can’t even be registered to play for Barcelona this season.
The one player Barcelona could sell to raise funds in January is Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who was purchased from Ajax in 2019 for £65 million. Although the 24-year-old is one of the most complete midfielders in world football, Barcelona have an abundance of talent in that position, and De Jong could be used as a makeweight to strengthen other areas of their squad.
▶ Dusan Vlahovic – Fiorentina
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Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic is one of the hottest properties in world football after his stellar start to the Serie A season for Fiorentina, scoring 16 goals in 18 games. With only 18 months left on his contract, the Italian club may look to cash in on their prized asset this January, and there are plenty of suitors across Europe looking to sign the young forward.
Although Fiorentina have set a steep asking price over €80 million, clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona and Juventus have expressed interest in the 21-year-old, with the Gunners already reportedly tabling a bid worth £45 million along with Lucas Torreira.
[Featured Image Credit: Frenkie de Jong]
Shivaan Shah