Following a month-long hiatus, the Premier League has returned with aplomb as we near the half-way stage of the season, and the need by some teams for further acquisitions in the winter is clear.
After some spectacular breakthrough performances at the World Cup, the inevitable transfer merry-go-round has begun churning ahead of the January window.
If the abundance of rumours are an indication of what may occur in the new year, the January window has the potential to be one of the most active in recent memory with a whole host of names seeking moves elsewhere.
We are taking a look at some of the likely players who could be on the move within the Premier League, as well as some of the names from overseas who could make the switch to England.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Arsenal’s transfer policy under Mikel Arteta and Edu has been largely based around bringing in young talent who can slot straight into the team, with a view to cementing their place for years to come.
The injury to summer signing Gabriel Jesus is a monumental hinderance on their quest for a first Premier League title in almost 20 years, and the Gunners may be forced to dip into the transfer market in January to bolster their attacking options.
Although not a striker, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, and the £60m rated winger is one of most sought after players in Europe.
Ornstein on Mudryk:
"A number of people with knowledge on the situation feel that there's a very good chance it will happen." #afc pic.twitter.com/5E5ztpJmxF
— Arsenal TSN (@ArsenalTSN) December 13, 2022
When questioned over a move away from Ukraine, the man himself said: “I think every guy dreams about the Premier League. Arsenal is a very good team with a very good coach. I like the way they play. It would be hard to say no [to Arsenal].”
Following a second approach yesterday by Arsenal following Shakhtar’s initial refusal, the Arsenal owners are seemingly backing Arteta and Edu following a stunning table-topping season so far, so this is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Pau Torres
Spanish central defender Pau Torres has consistently been linked with a move away from boyhood club Villarreal over the past few seasons, and at 25 presents a viable option for the future.
The likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs have both been keeping tabs on the ball-playing defender, but Aston Villa have emerged a new frontrunner in the race for his signature.
A reunion with former manager Unai Emery could swing a move in favour for the Claret and Blue, and Villarreal may view a sale in January as preferable given his current contract runs out in the summer.
Youri Tielemans
Another player who is entering the final six months of his contract is Leicester’s Youri Tielemans, who surprised everyone by staying put at the Foxes last summer.
A seemingly inevitable move to either long-time admirers Arsenal or Manchester United failed to materialise as Leicester stood firm over their valuation, but the Belgian’s desire to take the next step in his career is no secret.
If #Arsenal are going to sign Tielemans next summer, he should be brought forward. His form has returned for Leicester in recent months, he scores goals from midfield and he knows the Prem. That’s the sort of marginal gain that gets you over the line. #afc pic.twitter.com/m55mIuxKDA
— Adam Keys (@adamkeys_) December 14, 2022
They run the risk of one of the best midfield talents in the league exiting the club on a free this summer, but it remains to be seen which of the long-line of potential suitors have the funds to make an approach in January.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to be keen on acquiring the 25-year-old’s services, particularly with Jorginho and N’Golo Kante nearing the end of their respective contracts at Stamford Bridge.
Sofyan Amrabat
Morocco’s World Cup semi-final heroics have certainly caught the attention of the global football community, none more so than Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat who features in the vast majority of ‘Team of Tournament’ line-ups.
Unrelenting in his pursuit of the ball, the tough-tackling enforcer is just as comfortable when surging through the middle of the park with the ball at his feet, and his keen eye for a pass allowed Morocco to switch through the gears with ease.
Sofyan Amrabat 2022 – Complete Midfielderpic.twitter.com/sQyzxlTZyw
— fabian⚙️ (@fabiannsk) December 14, 2022
Although there is a long queue of admirers, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have been after a new midfielder for some time, and the lacklustre defeat to Brentford in their first game of 2023 highlighted their need for a battling, boisterous personality in the middle of the park.
With a reported £30m price tag, it may well be a shrewd winter addition while they gather the funds to make a heavily rumoured approach for Jude Bellingham in the near future.
Joao Felix
Joao Felix’s £113m move to Atletico Madrid in 2019 has been somewhat underwhelming despite a handful of purple patches, and Diego Simeone’s stubborn, defensive style looks to be incompatible with the Portuguese star’s undoubted attacking prowess.
Atleti CEO Gil Marin admitted his time at the club looks to be coming to an end, saying, “I think he is a top world-class player, but because of the relationship with the coach, his playing time, his motivation… it’d be reasonable to analyse an option for him to depart if one arrives.
“It’s reasonable to think that he might leave, although I’d love him to stay. But, that’s not the player’s plan.”
New contacts will take place this week for João Félix deal. Premier League clubs will have new direct talks with his agent Jorge Mendes 🔴🇵🇹 #transfers
Chelsea are focused on Enzo deal, Manchester United and Arsenal already had talks with Mendes. PSG, not in the race as of now. pic.twitter.com/x4CISwAC8m
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 2, 2023
Recouping a large chunk of the sizeable fee of three and a half years ago will be the Spanish club’s first priority, which may rule out a permanent January move away from Madrid.
However, with his desire to leave now public knowledge, the club are willing to let the Portuguese forward leave on a six-month loan deal providing the potential suitors pay the entirety of his £5.3m wage package for the season, as well as a £13m loan fee.
It is no secret Chelsea are in the market for a striker, so too Arsenal, but a six month loan deal that could set clubs back nearly £20m is the only snag in this otherwise attractive option.
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