The January transfer window is one of the most exciting periods in the football calendar, a time for teams to scramble to bolster squads and make strategic decisions as they aim to strengthen or rescue their seasons.
For fans, the transfer window is a whirlwind of speculation, surprise announcements and blockbuster deals that can change the trajectory of their favourite sides, and the January window is no exception.
In this article, we take a closer look at five of the biggest potential deals that could take centre stage in the English Premier League this January, exploring the players and the rumours that may be on the horizon:
Arsenal – Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal have reportedly been in the market for a striker for a number of transfer windows, with reports suggesting that they seriously considered moves for both Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen in the summer.
These rumours have only been strengthened with Arsenal’s creativity and goalscoring from open play often lacking so far this season, with their biggest threat undeniably coming from their amazing set-piece ability.
With this, reports have suggested that they may dip into the market for a striker, with Gyokeres – the world’s highest scoring in 2024 – the most likely candidate. The Swede does have a release clause in the summer, meaning Sporting may accept a slightly higher bid in January, and the Gunners may have to pull the trigger if they wish to capitalise on Manchester City’s Premier League struggles and win their first title in over 20 years.
Bet on Gyokeres to Arsenal at Bet9ja
Chelsea – Victor Osimhen
Another team that have been in the market for a striker is Chelsea, who have similarly been linked with moves for the likes of Gyokeres and Osimhen in recent windows, with them reportedly coming close to signing the Nigerian in the summer before talks ultimately broke down.
Osimhen eventually made a loan move to Galatasaray, but reports are stating that Chelsea may be back in the market with the striker’s asking price reportedly slashed from over £100 million to around £75 million, though Chelsea would also be required to pay the loan termination fee to Galatasaray.
While Osimhen has himself stated that he would like to be in Turkey until the end of the season, it would be hard to see the Nigerian staying at Gala if Chelsea made a serious move for the world-class forward.
Osimhen to Chelsea in January @34.00
Liverpool – Joao Pedro
Liverpool may not have expected to be back in the market for a striker after signing the likes of Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez in recent seasons, but with the latter failing to hit the heights expected of him, while the former is better from the left, the Reds are reportedly set to move for a new number nine.
Joao Pedro is the reported target of choice, with Liverpool expected to once again deal with Brighton & Hove Albion having already signed Alex Mac Allister and coming close to getting Moises Caicedo in recent years.
The Brazilian netted 20 times in 40 appearances across all competitions for Brighton last season, while injuries have meant he has only featured in 10 games this campaign, still managing four goals and three assists in that time.
With Pedro also able to play anywhere across the front four, while his link up play could perfectly facilitate the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, this is a move that could be perfect for Liverpool.
Manchester City – Bruno Guimaraes
Manchester City are firmly in crisis mode after their abysmal run of form in recent weeks, having remarkably triumphed in just two of their last 14 matches across all competitions, losing a massive eight times in that span, making for Pep Guardiola’s worst run in his managerial career.
A large reason for this is the absence of Rodri in the midfield, with the Ballon d’Or winner likely to be out for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury, while the rest of the midfield is aging, with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic all in their 30’s.
This has seen teams easily break through their legless midfield, meaning fresh reports have speculated that Man City will be in the market for a number of industrious midfielders in the January window as they aim to halt their negative momentum.
With City having spent so little in the previous summer window, they are reportedly dealing with a huge budget for January, meaning they have been linked to some of the best midfielders across Europe, including one Bruno Guimaraes.
The Newcastle United midfielder has been sensational since joining from Lyon in January 2022, with the Brazilian not only brilliant on the ball but also one of the hardest-working midfielders in the league. For this reason, Man City might be prepared to spend big on Guimaraes, who would undoubtedly command a substantial transfer fee to lure him away from Newcastle.
Manchester United – Alphonso Davies
The arrival of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United has meant there has been a reshuffle of tactics and system at the club, with the Red Devils now deploying a 3-4-2-1, with the wing-backs some of the most important players.
While the personnel on the right side are perfectly capable, with the likes of Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot, Amad Diallo and Antony all appearing there, the left side has been a point of contention for Amorim.
The absence of Luke Shaw to injury, while Tyrell Malacia returns from his 18 month absence, has meant Dalot has been used on the left, and while a capable player, it is clear that the system requires an explosive left-footed player to hold the width.
This has meant Man United have been linked with a variety of left-backs in recent weeks, with Rayan Ait-Nouri and Milos Kerkez two consistently suggested targets, but the biggest rumour has seen Man United linked with Alphonso Davies.
Davies is reportedly the target of both Man United and Real Madrid with the Canadian’s contract running out in the summer, meaning Bayern Munich could be open for a sale in January, while negotiations for a Bosman transfer in summer can also begin in the new year.
If Man United are to beat Real Madrid and make Davies their first statement signing under Amorim then they must work fast in January, and the Red Devils will be eager to bring in a player that would fit the role perfectly for Amorim’s system.
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