With just over a week left in the January transfer window, transfer speculation is going into overdrive as clubs look to complete deals in time and kick-start the second half of their seasons.
As the countdown to deadline day begins it can be hard to judge which proposed moves are likely to happen and which are pure fantasy.
Our transfer predictor runs the rule over some of the latest rumours.
JAMES RODRIGUEZ – Real Madrid to Arsenal
The Independent claim Arsenal have contacted Real Madrid regarding taking James Rodriguez, currently at Bayern Munich, on loan for the rest of the season.
Why it will happen: After an excellent first season in Munich James has seen his impact reduced in his second campaign, and injuries have allowed other players to go above him in the pecking order. A change of scenery might be needed.
Why it won’t happen: If Arsenal really need a brilliant creative midfielder whose defensive work rate can be lacking, they can just turn to the one they have on their bench. It’s hard to see what a team that can’t find a role for Mesut Ozil will do with James Rodriguez.
Predictor: The 27-year-old doesn’t fit the profile of player Arsenal manager Unai Emery is looking for, and Real Madrid would rather use the playmaker to land one of their own targets, such as Christian Eriksen. This move looks unlikely to happen.
Rating: 3/10
James Rodriguez never settled at Madrid, but is Arsenal the answer?
ALLAN – Napoli to PSG
Paris Saint-Germain‘s search for a holding midfielder continues as they remain in the hunt for Napoli’s Allan, though according to GianlucaDiMarzio, the Italian club want PSG to double their current offer of €50million.
Why it will happen: If the Ligue 1 champions want someone, they usually end up getting him. There may be Financial Fair Play concerns hovering over the club but having decided they need to bolster their midfield, it’s unlikely PSG will be deterred.
Why it won’t happen: It’s hard to see Napoli letting go of a key player in the middle of the season. They’d be more open to letting Allan leave in the summer, whereas PSG’s need is immediate – which gives Napoli the leverage in negotiations.
Predictor: Though PSG have the financial clout, Napoli are in no rush to sell and can hold out for more money, or refuse to part with their player altogether. This might rumble on into the summer but for now, it’s likelier that Allan will stay in Italy.
Rating: 5/10
Napoli midfielder Allan.
EDER MILITAO – Porto to Real Madrid
Real Madrid have jumped the queue in the race to sign Porto defender Eder Militao, with Goal reporting that the Spanish giants have a verbal agreement with the highly-rated Brazilian to sign him in the summer.
Why it will happen: Real Madrid’s defensive ranks have grown thin this term, with Nacho the only centre-back looking capable of providing cover for Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. The 21-year-old is one of Europe’s most sought-after prospects, fills a need, and is affordable.
Why it won’t happen: Because of his status as a coveted young player, Militao has plenty of suitors, having also been linked with a move to Manchester United. Madrid may have seemingly jumped ahead of the competition for the moment but expect other clubs to continue to challenge the La Liga club for Militao’s signature.
Prediction: United have plenty of other options for defensive targets while Madrid seem to have zeroed in on Militao. In all likelihood, this is a done deal.
Rating: 8/10
Eder Militao is a highly-rated defensive prospect.
CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI – Chelsea to Bayern Munich
After a week where talk of his future had died down, Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to dominate the headlines again with Sky Sports News claiming the Chelsea youngster has rejected the club’s latest contract offer, believed to be £85,000-per-week.
Why it will happen: Hudson-Odoi must have surveyed the landscape at Chelsea and realised how unlikely it is for him to get a first-team chance at a club that has not historically been good for its academy players. Simply put, Bayern have more to offer.
Why it won’t happen: Can Chelsea really afford to let what happened to Manchester City with Jadon Sancho happen to them? Hudson-Odoi may not have done much to earn a bigger deal than they’re offering but if he goes onto become a star in Munich, they will regret it.
Prediction: Chelsea are loaded in the positions that Hudson-Odoi can play, and have always been hesitant to promote youth. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, are stockpiling young talent as part of a squad revamp. The 18-year-old London native will soon be the latest addition.
Rating: 7/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi.
