Just eight days left in the January transfer window and clubs across Europe are inching closer to landing their transfer targets for the month.
The rumours are flying thick and fast as deadline day approaches, with speculation over potential deals going into overdrive.
Here we’ve rated four of the latest updates to hit the rumour mill.
PAULO DYBALA – Juventus to Real Madrid
The Sun claim Real Madrid are readying a £90million bid for Juventus playmaker Dybala as they view the Argentine as one of the key pieces of an upcoming squad rebuild.
Why it will happen: Los Blancos need to make a statement signing, and Dybala, one of the best young players in Europe, fits the bill. Juve’s interest in out-of-favour Madrid playmaker Isco could make a deal easier, as the two clubs could simply do a swap deal.
Why it won’t happen: Juventus are under no pressure to sell and would be silly to let go of Dybala anyway, given his talent. He was unsettled at the club last season but looks to have gotten past that phase.
Prediction: Juventus won’t part with Dybala unless Madrid prepare a huge bid, more than the £90million currently being reported.
Rating: 4/10
ELSEID HYSAJ – Napoli to Chelsea
Napoli right-back Elseid Hysaj is being linked with a move to Chelsea, according to The Mirror, with the Albanian being viewed as a replacement for Cesar Azpilicueta.
Why it will happen: Hysaj has played under Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri at both Napoli and Empoli, and has thrived under the Italian’s tutelage. He’s also currently out of favour at Gli Azzurri, and Chelsea have a need to fill at right-back.
Why it won’t happen: Napoli are known to be tough negotiators and may price Chelsea out of a move for now. Hysaj is currently rated at £45million and the Blues may not want to pay that much for a full-back.
Prediction: Sarri is getting restless over the lack of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge and the club have every motivation to keep him satisfied. Hysaj is a right-back he knows and trusts. Expect the powers that be to seal the deal.
Rating: 7/10
FRENKIE DE JONG – Ajax to Barcelona
The twists and turns in the transfer saga of Frenkie de Jong continue as it’s Barcelona again being linked with a move for the Ajax midfielder, with Goal reporting that the Spanish club are ready to outbid Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Why it will happen: Barcelona still seems to be the most natural fit for De Jong, and he’s mentioned his desire to play for them. Plus, according to the report, Barca are set to tempt him with a deal worth €16million a year in order to beat their rivals to his signature.
Why it won’t happen: Even if Barcelona are ready to up their offer on personal terms for De Jong, it won’t matter unless they can also beat the transfer fee PSG and Man City are offering Ajax. And they won’t beat either club in a bidding war.
Prediction: This one will continue to rumble on until possibly well into the summer. Barca, PSG, and City are three of the richest clubs in Europe, making this a fierce competition, and if it comes down to money Barca will simply be outbid.
Rating: 5/10
GELSON MARTINS – Atletico Madrid to Newcastle
Newcastle have emerged as a shock destination for Atletico Madrid winger Martins, with AS claiming the club are readying a £4.3million loan bid.
Why it will happen: Manager Rafael Benitez desperately needs an injection of quality in his squad, especially in attack, and Martins would provide that. Plus, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley would be able to quieten the critics of his reign if he is able to pull off this transfer coup.
Why it won’t happen: Here’s who Newcastle are reportedly competing with for Martins: Arsenal and Monaco. Both clubs can offer more money. And would Martins rather join a team mired in a relegation battle – which would be the case at both Newcastle and Monaco – or one fighting for a Champions League spot?
Prediction: If these are the three clubs involved, then Arsenal are the clear favourites. This would be a stunning signing for Newcastle but one that is unlikely to happen.
Rating: 1/10
