More than halfway through January, the winter transfer window has remained unusually quiet, with there being more speculation than action at this point over various proposed moves.
The rumour mill remains in overdrive, however, with news of potential deals flying thick and fast.
We’re running the rule over four of the latest transfer rumours doing the rounds, with our analysis and predictions below.
GONZALO HIGUAIN – From Juventus to Chelsea
Juventus striker Higuain will join Chelsea on loan next week until the end of the season, according to Daily Star Sunday.
Why it will happen: Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud have struggled for form at Stamford Bridge and the Blues will be enticed by the prospect of signing a proven marksman in Higuain.
Why it won’t happen: Higuain may well be past his best and the 31-year-old has failed to fire on loan at AC Milan, scoring just six goals this campaign.
Prediction: The Argentine may be aging but should still deliver in the short term, given Morata’s poor form this past season.
Rating – 9/10
NABIL FEKIR – From Lyon to Liverpool
The Frenchman has fuelled talk he could be on his way to Liverpool next summer, according to French publication Le Progres.
Why it will happen: Liverpool are still seeking a like-for-like replacement for Philippe Coutinho in order to given them more options in attack and would be willing to pay the £60 million fee required to secure the 25-year-old’s services.
Why it won’t happen: The Reds pulled out of a potential deal during the summer due to concerns over an old knee injury that Fekir suffered. Could the same concerns remain?
Prediction: It may rumble on for a bit, but Liverpool seems like a good fit for Fekir. It just depends whether Lyon would accept a bid for one of their star players.
Rating – 4/10
SEBASTIAN RUDY – Schalke to Man City
Manchester City are set to make a surprise loan move for Schalke star Rudy, according to Sunday Express.
Why it will happen: Pep Guardiola wants cover for midfielder Fernandinho and knows the German well from his time at Bayern Munich.
Why it won’t happen: West Ham’s rising star Declan Rice and Wolves gem Ruben Neves are more long-term options. Guardiola may act against the move due to Rudy’s dire form this season.
Prediction: It wouldn’t be a bad move to sign the 28-year-old, especially if City need an emergency solution until the end of the campaign.
Rating – 5/10
DENIS SUAREZ
Arsenal are set to sign Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez this week, the Star reports.
Why it will happen: The 25-year-old has struggled for first-team action at the Camp Nou and has decided he needs to leave the club in order to get more playing time.
Why it won’t happen: Only if something drastic happens. A late swoop from another team or if negotiations over personal terms collapse.
Prediction: The Gunners may well bite the bullet and meet the £20 million asking price for the Spaniard who could be a real star under Unai Emery.
Rating – 8/10
