The best players that are linked with moves in the New Year.
This article was originally published on the always excellent Fanatix.
The January transfer window is often derided by many Premier League managers but it is a time for clubs to tweak their squads after seeing what works and what doesn’t in the previous months.
As always some of the biggest names in the game have been linked to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, so here are the top 10 biggest potential deals.
Leighton Baines
Club: Everton.
Linked with: Manchester United.
The Red Devils made a strong bid to try and bring the Everton man to Old Trafford in the summer and with Patrice Evra likely to depart United next summer, will try and swoop again in January.
Diego Costa
Club: Atletico Madrid.
Linked with: Arsenal, Liverpool.
After the departure of Radamel Falcao to AS Monaco the 25-year-old has stepped up to the mark and has been in lethal form in front of goal, with the Gunners now leading the race to sign the striker.
Julian Draxler
Club: Schalke 04.
Linked with: Arsenal.
This 20-year-old has been making quite a name in the Bundesliga and has openly admitted that a switch to the Emirates Stadium would interest the attacking midfielder.
Edin Dzeko
Club: Manchester City.
Linked with: Arsenal.
The north London side are in desperate need of some attacking support for Olivier Giroud and with Dzeko enduring a lack of opportunities with City, this is a very realistic option.
Radamel Falcao
Club: AS Monaco.
Linked with: Chelsea.
The Blues are the only club that could realistically afford the Colombian – except perhaps City – and with both Jose Mourinho and Falcao sharing an agent this deal could well be on.
Robert Lewandowski
Club: Borussia Dortmund.
Linked with: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United.
For most people’s money the Dortmund star will be heading to Bayern Munich next summer, but the Yellow and Blacks could be tempted by a sensible offer from the Premier League.
Jackson Martinez
Club: FC Porto.
Linked with: Chelsea.
With Mourinho desperately wanting a new striker the 50-year-old has turned to former side Porto and their 27-year-old South American hit-man.
Ivan Rakitic
Club: Sevilla.
Linked with: Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United.
According to many reports it’s Stamford Bridge that is the Croatian’s desired destination, but United certainly hold a certain kudos as well.
Marco Reus
Club: Borussia Dortmund.
Linked with: Arsenal, Manchester United.
There is a well documented release clause in the German’s contract – although there is a debate over when this becomes active – and England’s elite are keeping an eye out.
Paul Pogba
Club: Juventus.
Linked with: Arsenal, Manchester City.
The former United starlet has made a big name in Italy since leaving the Red Devils and now the top clubs are looming for the talented midfielder.
This article was originally published on the always excellent Fanatix.
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