The January rumour mill is in full swing, and it never fails to disappoint, with some crazy transfers reportedly on the cards. Let's take a look at some of the biggest and most surprising transfers that could materialise come the end of the window.
Viktor Gyokeres
Only six months on from his departure from Coventry City, Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres could be on the move again, with Stamford Bridge his potential destination. The 6ft 2 Swedish poacher has enjoyed a dazzling start to his time in Portugal, netting 20 times and recording a total of 30 goal involvements in 24 appearances, across all competitions. Those who watched him at Coventry City won't be surprised to see him pick up where he left off in the Championship. This form hasn't gone un-noticed, with European giants reportedly circling for his signature. Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign the 25 year-old, however a reported bid of £73 million has been rejected by Sporting CP. The Blues haven't been scared to splash the cash in recent times, so may go back in with an improved offer, one that the Portuguese side won't be able to turn down, with a possible figure fivefold the estimated £20 million fee they paid in the summer being offered. Chelsea are also long-term admirers of Osihmen, and may also look to pursue Villa's Jhon Duran, if they can't sign Gyokeres, which is another deal to keep an eye on.
Ronald Araujo
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired 25% ownership of Manchester United, there's been an abundance of players linked to the Red Devils, since they're now expected to have an influx of cash to splash in this window. One player who could be a Manchester United player by the end of this window is Barcelona's Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan centre-back would fill a gaping whole in Ten Hag's squad, as defence is an area that is evidently lacking in both quality and depth for his side. Araujo has already accumulated 133 appearances for Barcelona at the age of 24, and has become a mainstay in the first-team, which makes a departure seem unlikely, however the Blaugrana's financial difficulties mean they are often open to selling. He is currently valued at 70 million euros by Transfermarkt, so may be out of United's reach this window. However this hasn't reportedly deterred Man United as of yet, so a deal could be struck by the end of the window, and if it is, it'll be a big one! Ten Hag could also reportedly add another former player of his, in Matthijs De Ligt, to this United team, as an alternative to Araujo. However the fee demanded is likely to be in the same ballpark as Araujo's.
Ousmane Diomande
One of the most exciting, young defenders in Europe currently is another Sporting Lisbon player on this list, Ousmane Diomande. At only 20 years-old, he's caught the attention of top-clubs, and looks like a generational talent. He has shown such mature performances at his time in Lisbon. He is strong in the tackle, and even better on the ball. He has some of the best ball carrying stats for defenders in the whole of Europe, attempting (on average) 80 passes per 90, with a 90.7% pass completion rate. He would be well-suited in a team that play from the back, as he's completed 5.77 progressive passes per 90. Although aerially he needs to improve. But his potential is limitless. So it's no surprise to see clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool scouting the Ivory Coast international. However, Newcastle United looks to be his most likely move, and they may move in for him this window. However concerns around FFP may hinder their attempts. However Diomande's next move only seems a matter of time now.
Joshua Zirkzee
A name that may surprise a few to see linked with such top clubs, especially to those who haven't been following his season, is Joshua Zirkzee. He has struggled to settle in recent seasons and live up to the high expectations placed on his head when he joined Bayern Munich. He struggled to break into the first-team for Bayern and was loaned out to Parma in 2021, where he only went onto feature 4 times. However a loan to RSC Anderlecht in 21/22 saw his career kick-start again, scoring 15 times and assisting 7 in 32 starts. A loan the next season to Bologna was made permenant for a reported £8 million fee, seeing him leave Bayern after 5 years at the club. This season he's really kicked on at Bologna, scoring 8 times and assisted 4 in 22 appearances, which has shown he still has great promise. He is a physical, strong striker that would be well suited to the Premier League, with the right mentorship. If reports are to be true, it may be Arteta or Ten Hag the manager to do this, as both Arsenal and Manchester United are admirers of the Dutchman. He would be one of the most affordable options on this list as well, as he's currently valued at just about £30 million. This could be a deal that materialises by the end of January.
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