We are just days into the January transfer window and Premier League clubs have already started doing business. Wolverhampton Wanderers recently confirmed an agreement to land Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha and this has been followed by Liverpool and Chelsea signing Cody Gakpo and David Fofana respectively.
Judging by the recent activity, it could end up as one of the busiest winter transfer windows yet. Chelsea were the highest spenders during the summer following their takeover and it seems the new owners are prepared to go on another spending spree.
Fofana could be the first of many signings for the west London giants as they are close to landing Andrey Santos and Benoit Badiashile. There is also talk of interest in World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez but the Blues are not alone with Liverpool and Manchester United also keen.
The Argentine is one of the most sought-after young midfielders in world football and Benfica president Rui Costa has opened the door for a transfer by confirming that the 21-year-old can leave in January, provided any club is willing to trigger the € 120 million release clause in his contract.
Chelsea seem the most interested in Fernandez at the moment but United could make a genuine attempt to land him as they would not want to lose another key target to their rivals. The Red Devils recently saw Liverpool hijack their pursuit of Gakpo, who was Erik ten Hag’s main winter target.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Newcastle United are also likely to enter the market for new recruits. The Gunners require a striker but also seem keen on pursuing a versatile forward. It is now widely known that Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk is their priority target for next month.
If they manage to secure a quick deal, they could turn their attention towards Atletico’s Joao Felix to fill the striker void after Gabriel Jesus’ injury. The Portuguese is available on a short-term loan. The Gunners’ main competitors for the player could be United, who are also eyeing a striker after the untimely departure of Cristiano Ronaldo by mutual consent.
Newcastle could also strengthen multiple positions in the New Year. They find themselves in uncharted territory at the moment. The club are currently third in the table and have a genuine chance of qualifying for the Champions League with more spending at the turn of the year.
With wealthy Saudi Arabian owners, it won’t be a surprise if the club have some marquee signings planned. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest deserve a mention as they are eyeing more additions to the squad. The newcomers made a stunning 22 signings last summer and owner Evangelos Marinakis has confirmed that the club will make at least two purchases this winter.
