8 major transfers that we think could still happen this week

 

As we enter the final days of the January transfer window, Joshua Jones looks at eight deals that could still go through before Wednesday's 11pm deadline.

Rumours swirling into the last week is all part of the fun - or gnawing agony - of the winter transfer window. Yet aside from all the crazy late deals you hear talk of, there are some that might genuinely happen. We're not saying all of these definitely will, but from the almost-certain moves to the ones with strong potential, these eight have a far better chance than most. 

Looking increasingly likely. With the Alexis Sanchez saga finally put to bed last week, Arsenal still need a replacement for the Chilean. Talks are understood to be ongoing between the north London club and Aubameyang’s side Borussia Dortmund, with a club-record deal quite possibly confirmed today (Monday 29 January).
The pace and attacking talent he would bring to the Emirates could make Arsenal’s season. But alongside stumping up a record fee, the deal could still involve Olivier Giroud going the other way.

This one seems to be on again, then off again, then back on with regularity. The latest word is Roma chief Umberto Gandini hinting that an agent is holding up the deal - and if that can be overcome, there's no reason why the business can't be completed. A move for Dzeko certainly makes a lot more sense than Chelsea’s somewhat bizarre links with big front-men Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch and Ashley Barnes.
The 31-year-old Bosnian is proven in the Premier League, netting regularly for Roma and fits the 'strong target man' mould Chelsea seem to be after. But doesn’t everyone talk about Alvaro Morata’s headed goals record?

Reports circulated earlier this month that Brazil international Lucas Moura was being shown around the Tottenham training complex. The PSG winger has made just six appearances this season, unsurprisingly considering the somewhat formidable front three Unai Emery has at his disposal in Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and some fellow called Neymar.
If there was one player Spurs could do with, it would be a winger. With the club seemingly uninterested in Riyad Mahrez (or at least unwilling to meet Leicester's valuation), Lucas could be a suitable fit, reigniting his club partnership with Serge Aurier.

Barring any late mishaps, this one looks nailed-on. Pep Guardiola splashed £123.5m on full-backs last summer when he brought in the trio of Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo. Now it's time to invest a chunk of change in the middle of his defence.
John Stones is probably Guardiola’s favourite central defender and although Nicolas Otamendi has been largely superb this season, Laporte will further bolster a thin central defence. Club captain Vincent Kompany cannot be trusted with his injury record, and if they are going to play three at the back, the French 23-year-old would slot in well.
A £57m transfer fee would break City’s record, but that seems like an excellent price for one of the hottest young defenders in world football.