There are a few months yet until the summer transfer window comes along but there’s still plenty to talk about as clubs lay the ground work for potential deals once the current campaign is concluded.
There are more than enough stories for football fans to sink their teeth into.
Here’s a look at some potential transfer deals that could go through when the market reopens for business in June.
EDEN HAZARD
Real Madrid are set to face stiff competition from Manchester City for Eden Hazard.
Pep Guardiola is keen to add the Belgian to the wealth of attacking talent at his disposal but the Citizens would have to pay a British record fee of £150 million (Dhs 772.39m), according to the Daily Star.
Hazard’s current deal at Chelsea runs for another two years but are yet to reach an agreement for an extension.
While the Blues would be reluctant to sell to a direct rival, the prospect of acquiring Sergio Aguero in exchange is appealing as Roman Abramovich is said to be an admirer of the Argentine.
RATING: 6/10
VERDICT
If Hazard were to leave Chelsea but decide to stay in England, City would be his most likely destination. The current league leaders should have no problem affording his transfer fee or wages.
Having been beaten to Alexis Sanchez by Manchester United, Hazard’s arrival would more than make up for it. It also offers Pep Guardiola a route to life without Aguero, which seems absurd but the Spaniard has never fully taken to the prolific striker, who doesn’t seamlessly fit into his philosophy.
Eden Hazard
CHRIS SMALLING
Arsenal are considering a £25 million (Dhs 128.82m) move for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, the Daily Star report.
The English centre-back has struggled for form this season while Phil Jones and Eric Bailly are seen as Jose Mourinho’s first-choice partnership in central defence.
The Portuguese is also reportedly lining up a bid for Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld in the summer, a move that could see Smalling fall further down the pecking order.
RATING: 7/10
VERDICT
Chris Smalling is a competent centre-back, he’s just not top notch. In fairness, he has had spells of real quality but those have been few and far between.
At Arsenal though, there’s no question he’d be first-choice.
Chris Smalling
MICHY BATSHUAYI
Chelsea have ruled out the possibility of selling Michy Batshuayi to Borussia Dortmund, the Daily Mirror claims.
The striker has enjoyed a dream start to his loan spell at the Bundesliga club, prompting them to inquire about securing his services on a permanent basis.
However the Blues insist the Belgian has a future at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea though are still interested in bidding for Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic who is also a Manchester United target.
RATING: 5/10
VERDICT
It’s no surprise that Chelsea are reluctant to sell Batshuayi after his great start at Dortmund. They hold all the cards and don’t need to. However, the striker only needs to look at the clubs history of owning young talent, but never affording them a chance at the Bridge, choosing to send them out on loan every year instead.
Having tasted life in the thick of the action at Dortmund, there’s every chance he may attempt to force a move through if he isn’t given assurances of more playing time back in west London.
Michy Batshuayi
