It's January, and the transfer window is open. Which players are likeliest to move before the window closes at the end of the month? David Amoyal rates the top rumours from around world football.
Gelson Martins to Arsenal: 40 percent
After his controversial move from Sporting Lisbon, Gelson Martins has failed to gain a spot in Atletico Madrid's starting XI, pushing Los Colchoneros to consider loaning out the Portuguese winger. In the background, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on this situation, as Unai Emery is looking for a winger to bolster his team, with the manager having said Arsenal can only complete loan signings in this transfer window. Should the possibility to bring Martins to the Emirates for the next six months become more concrete, the Gunners would be ready to pounce.
Emil Audero to Arsenal in summer: 35 percent
After striking gold with midfielder Lucas Torreira, Arsenal are once again tracking a Sampdoria player. The Gunners are looking for a long-term answer in goal, given Petr Cech's imminent retirement, and Audero has been one of the best in Serie A this season. Making a deal for the youngster is a bit complicated though as Sampdoria hold an option to acquire him on a permanent basis from Juventus at the end of the season. If that wasn't enough, Juventus also own a buy-back clause of €15 million should Sampdoria exercise their option. Considering that Juventus have both Wojciech Szczesny and Mattia Perin under contract long term, Arsenal could get a deal done for the 22-year-old should they make a substantial bid.
Julian Weigl to PSG: 35 percent
Thomas Tuchel's cry for reinforcements in midfield didn't fall on deaf ears, as PSG are searching the market for a new addition to their squad in that position. Borussia Dortmund's Julian Weigl is No. 1 on the French club's shortlist, having already worked under Tuchel during the coach's spell at Dortmund. The German club seem determined in their desire to keep the midfielder until the end of the season, but a large offer could soften BVB's position. PSG are also pursuing Everton's Idrissa Gueye, Napoli's Allan and Zenit St Petersburg's Leandro Paredes as other options.
Matteo Darmian to Juventus: 70 percent
The Italian full-back is on the margins of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad and Manchester United are reportedly looking to move him during the January window, having extended his contract to increase his value. Juventus have been interested in acquiring Darmian since his time at Torino and are looking for a potential replacement for Leonardo Spinazzola, who is looking to leave on loan to get more consistent playing time. Boss Massimiliano Allegri says Spinazzola will stay, but if he changes his mind then a loan with an option to buy could be on the cards.
Weston McKennie to Liverpool: 15 percent
The Texan's performances in the Bundesliga with Schalke have not gone unnoticed by many big clubs. The 20-year-old U.S. international is reportedly being eyed by Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp, who has made no secret of his appreciation of players with box-to-box characteristics. There were rumours of a £20m bid from Anfield, however that seem a bit premature as sources have told ESPN that McKennie is not one of their targets at present.
Patrik Schick to Tottenham: 15 percent
After hiring a motivational coach, the Czech striker's performances for Roma have improved considerably. That said, it's not surprising to see him linked to Spurs who are desperately looking for striker help as Harry Kane recovers from injury. While Roma had considered loaning Schick out to his former club Sampdoria a few weeks ago to help increase his transfer value, they are now determined to keep him until the end of the season to bolster their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Nicolo Zaniolo to Real Madrid in the summer: 20 percent
Roma's 19-year-old midfielder has been one of the revelations of the Serie A season after being included in the deal that brought Radja Nainggolan to Inter Milan. Zaniolo made his professional debut at the Bernabeu last year and since then Real Madrid have been monitoring him. While Zaniolo recently changed agents, his short-term priority is to extend his contract and get wages more in line with his value. Roma would also like to keep him for at least another season to better gauge his transfer value.
Andrea Belotti to West Ham: 20 percent
With Marko Arnautovic potentially leaving either for China or to join Tottenham, the Hammers are pondering their options up front. While Torino have lowered their €100m asking price from two years ago for Belotti, they still are demanding at least €60m for the Italian. West Ham aren't likely to meet that and are also considering Celta Vigo's Maxi Gomez.
Davide Zappacosta to Lazio: 35 percent
After failing to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, the wing-back could be returning to Serie A during the January window. Lazio are interested in acquiring him but are currently unwilling to bow to Chelsea's demand to include a forced option to buy for €18m. But Zappacosta's agent Alessandro Lucci has an excellent relationship with both clubs so there's a chance he'll be able to broker a deal, especially since Lazio are set to move on Martin Caceres.
Alex Telles to Atletico Madrid in the summer: 40 percent
With Lucas Hernandez targeted by Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid are starting to test the water for a suitable replacement. Los Rojiblancos are monitoring the situation of Porto left-back Alex Telles, who has a €40m release clause in his contract, and have reportedly already met with the Brazilian's agent. The club are now expected to approach Porto in order to negotiate a discount on the left-back's clause.