Ten surprise transfer rumours ahead of January – could these really happen?
With the January transfer window edging nearer, more and more stories are emerging about which players could be on the move this winter, with some more unusual than others.
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It is often clear which teams are likely to be busy, and which areas they need to strengthen, but every once in a while some transfer sagas develop that steal the headlines as few could have seen them coming.
Some recent rumours fall into that category and could shock some this January if they do go through, with these ten picked out as our pick of the most likely to shock the footballing world if they become a reality…
10) Cech to Arsenal
In a surprise twist, Arsenal have recently been tipped as the favourites to sign out-of-favour Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech this January. The long-serving Blues star has lost his place to Thibaut Courtois this season, but remains a top class talent and one the club surely wouldn’t want to see sign for a rival. Still, it is thought that they would be willing to let Cech join Arsenal for around £7m.
9) Schurrle to Liverpool
Despite a decent first season at Chelsea with plenty of potential to improve in the future, Blues winger Andre Schurrle has been linked with a January exit from Stamford Bridge as well, with rivals Liverpool possibly set to pounce with a £25m bid.
8) Vertonghen to Manchester United
Despite not being a regular at Tottenham Hotspur this season after a dip in form, Jan Vertonghen has been surprisingly linked with a move to Manchester United, who are on the market for new signings in defence.
7) Milner to Arsenal
Despite recent talk that James Milner would sign a new contract at Manchester City, he is yet to commit his future to the club amid rumoured interest from rivals Arsenal. This would be something of a surprise particularly as the Gunners don’t look in need of midfielders in his position.
6) Berahino to Juventus
A player with plenty of potential, but West Bromwich Albion’s relatively unproven young striker Saido Berahino is already attracting plenty of interest from top clubs. Among them are Italian giants Juventus, which would certainly be a surprise move as English players are not known for moving abroad often.
5) Van Persie to Fenerbahce
After a slight dip in form this season, it has been suggested that Manchester United’s star striker Robin van Persie could make a highly surprising move to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce this January. Surely the Dutchman still has more to offer the club?
4) Mandzukic to Arsenal
Despite only joining Atletico Madrid from Bayern Munich this summer, Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic is back on Arsenal’s radar again ahead of the January transfer window. Surely he won’t be leaving his new club this soon, and where would he fit in at the Emirates Stadium?
3) Smalling to Arsenal
Although it has recently emerged that Louis van Gaal would block any attempt from Arsenal to sign Chris Smalling from Manchester United this winter, the England defender does seem to be one of Arsene Wenger’s top targets to improve his defence this January, even though he has hardly set the world alight during his time at Old Trafford.
2) Herrera to Bayern Munich
Another player supposedly on his way out of his club despite only joining in the summer is Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, who has become a surprise target for Bayern Munich and could move in a swap deal involving Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri.
1) Muller to Manchester United
With Robin van Persie possibly leaving, Manchester United could be lining up a shock deal for Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller. While it is claimed that this deal may be put off until the summer, there may be a chance of it happening earlier if van Persie does move to Fenerbahce in January. One of Bayern’s best players, this is no doubt an ambitious deal, but seemingly one Louis van Gaal has his eye on.