The January transfer window is never the ideal time to do business, but that rarely stops clubs around the world from scrambling for reinforcements.
The winter market tends to expose desperation and this often leads to carnage, with logic replaced by overexcitement among Europe's wealthy elite. Just because you can Splashing £70m on a new centre-forward doesn't mean you MUST.
January often brings to mind some of the strangest and most intriguing transfer rumours, the vast majority of which will never come to fruition. However, this does not prevent supporters from believing in the fantasy, holding out hope that even the wildest dreams can sometimes come true.
Here are six of the most exciting transfer rumors to emerge over the past week – believable and less believable.
Despite possessing several already, Chelsea are said to be interested in adding more wingers to their squad in January. The Blues have been linked with Bundesliga duo Jamie Gittens and Mathys Tel of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively, but last week's hottest rumors suggest they are interested in recruiting Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.
The 20-year-old's future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain after an unconvincing start under Ruben Amorim and Chelsea. who have also been linked to Garnacho's teammate Kobbie Mainooapparently they are keen to take advantage. However, it's worth noting that Man Utd are not looking to sell the impressive youngster and are likely to only consider a hefty offer – especially one coming from a Premier League rival.
Ruben Amorim previously worked with Paris Saint-Germain star Nuno Mendes, taking charge of the defender on 47 occasions during their time together at Sporting CP. With Man Utd on the hunt for a new left-back, the 22-year-old has surprisingly been linked with a reunion with his former manager and compatriot.
Early reports suggested that Mendes was interested in making the move at Old Trafford in January, but subsequent rumors have revealed that the youngster may decide to sign a new agreement with PSG instead. It would be a major coup if Man Utd could make such a move, even if it now seems unlikely.
It's no secret that Real Madrid are chasing defensive reinforcements and despite a string of injuries to key players, the reigning Spanish and European champions look unlikely to strengthen their ranks during the January window. Additions will come this summer as they follow the tailgate.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies are full-back targets, it seems Arsenal ace William Saliba could be their preferred option at centre-back. Madrid already has contacted the representatives of the French according to recent reports, but it will undoubtedly take a giant fee to pry him away from the Emirates Stadium.
Much of the transfer discourse last summer surrounded Martin Zubimendi. The Euro 2024 winner was heavily targeted by Liverpool but rejected a move to Anfield already rejecting approaches from Barcelona and Arsenal. He decided to stay in San Sebastian with his boyhood club Real Sociedad.
However, it is said that Arsenal have “effectively concluded” an agreement for the deep-lying midfielder, with his £51m release clause set to be activated in the summer. Zubimendi is now set to leave Real Sociedad and joining fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta and former club-mate Mikel Merino seems too good an offer to turn down.
With Kyle Walker expected to leave Manchester City in Januarythe reigning Premier League champions must turn their attention to the replacements. The long-serving right-back has struggled this season, but he still boasts big shoes to fill, with the Cityzens having potentially identified their top target.
Reports suggest that Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso could soon be subject to one £54.7 million offer from Man Citywith the 24-year-old marked as a dream heir to the Walker throne. The versatile defender has impressed in Turin over the past two seasons and has provided three goals and six assists in all competitions during 2023/24.
Saudi Arabia's interest in Mohamed Salah is nothing new and Liverpool's Egyptian king has yet again been linked with a move to the Middle East. With Neymar expected to leave Al Hilal in the near future, the reigning Saudi Arabian Pro League champions are lining up a “lucrative contract” for Salah as they hope to secure his signature this summer.
The ruthless Liverpool winger sees his current contract at Anfield expire at the end of the current season and the 32-year-old is yet to negotiate terms for an extension. Beset by uncertainty over his Reds future, Al Hilal could finally lure Salah away from Merseyside with the promise of a staggering salary.