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With only six days remaining in the January transfer window, anxiety and expectations are at an all-time high. While we are not expecting the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to make a move, we are still anticipating some movement in January.
Some wantaway stars are eager to find a new home this winter and top European clubs are desperate to fulfill their wishes.
Here are five high-profile transfers that could be finalized in the dying embers of January 2022.
#5 Nicolas Tagliafico to Barcelona from Ajax
La Liga giants FC Barcelona are desperate to get a left-back in the January transfer window and are chasing multiple leads. Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico is reportedly at the top of their wishlist and the Catalan giants are hoping to sign him in the next six days.
The Blaugrana believe Tagliafico would be a great addition to their squad, capable of filling in effortlessly for veteran full-back Jordi Alba.
Eredivisie outfit Ajax are not exactly thrilled with the idea of parting ways with their flying full-back. However, Barcelona are hoping to cash in on the good relationship between the two clubs to finalize the deal sooner rather than later.
The 29-year-old left-back is also believed to be smitten with Barcelona’s advances and has asked Ajax to keep an open mind.
Italian side Napoli, Ligue 1 giants Marseille and Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Chelsea are also interested in Tagliafico. The player, however, is only dreaming of Barcelona and is eager to make the transfer a reality.
Ajax would want the transfer fee in January itself, but the Catalonians are pushing for a loan deal with a purchase option.
#4 Jesse Lingard to Newcastle United from Manchester United
Manchester United are seemingly filled to the brim with wingers and wide forwards, which has made life difficult for Jesse Lingard.
Due to a lack of regular playing time, Lingard, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United, has reportedly handed in a transfer request and wants to leave United in January itself. The 29-year-old has made just 14 appearances in all competitions in the current campaign, scoring twice and setting up one more.
The Red Devils, who would need to amass a decent sum to go after their summer transfer targets, are not opposing Lingard’s sale. Unfortunately, no club is ready to offer a transfer fee for a player who will become a free agent in six months.
Fellow Premier League club Newcastle United have emerged as the Englishman’s possible destination. They have reportedly offered a big loan fee for the player after seeing their first loan offer shot down by United.
West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the forward, but United are reluctant to loan him out to a direct top-four rival.
#3 Tanguy Ndombele to PSG from Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is seemingly on the move. If the rumor mill is to be believed, the French midfielder is looking to leave Antonio Conte’s side and could end up moving back to France.
Former Spurs and current Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly looking to improve his midfield options and has inquired about Ndombele.
With summer signing Georginio Wijnaldum still struggling to find his feet in Ligue 1, the Parisians need a capable midfielder who can balance PSG’s top-heavy squad.
Pochettino, who originally brought the France international to Spurs from Lyon in 2019, believes Ndombele is exactly what his PSG team needs.
The Ligue 1 leaders, however, are not interested in buying the player right now and are only chasing a loan deal. Discussions are being held over the player’s salary at the moment.
#2 Alvaro Morata to Barcelona from Atletico Madrid via Juventus
Alvaro Morata is one of the biggest enigmas in modern-day football. The Spanish international has rarely been able to score goals for fun, but he always seems to be on the wishlist of top European clubs.
As of January 2022, FC Barcelona are the ones chasing the former Real Madrid man’s invaluable signature.
As per reports, Xavi’s men are trying hard to get a centre-forward in January and have set their sights on the Atletico Madrid loanee. Morata, who is currently on loan at Juventus, has been in mediocre form for the Bianconeri this season.
He has scored eight goals in 29 games across all competitions, which is hardly impressive for a player supposedly in his prime.
His sub-par form, however, has not discouraged Xavi’s side, who appear to be serious about signing him this month.
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is believed to be blocking the move as he doesn’t want to lose another striker without signing a replacement first.
#1 Dusan Vlahovic to Arsenal from Fiorentina
Premier League giants Arsenal are still chasing Dusan Vlahovic, with the Gunners trying to finalize his transfer before the end of the month. The Fiorentina sharpshooter, who has 17 Serie A goals to his name this season, possesses the quality to solve Arsenal’s anxiety in front of goal.
Mikel Arteta’s side have endured a horrendous start to the year, failing to register even a single win in five matches across all competitions. More frustratingly, they could not find the back of the net in four of those five fixtures.
It is believed that Fiorentina don't have an issue with the transfer, but the player himself is waiting to make an informed decision. The likes of Juventus, Manchester United and Manchester City are all interested in the player, which is complicating the deal further for the Gunners.
If the move does not come through, the north London outfit could go after Real Madrid outcast Luka Jovic to improve their performance in front of goal.
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