The transfer window has opened, and teams across Europe will be looking to make additions to their squads, whether big or small, in order to achieve their respective targets come the end of the season. You don’t have to look too far to see a plethora of transfer rumours circulating online about most clubs.
For Arsenal, the priority seems to be a striker, particularly given Gabriel Jesus’ injury record, whilst for Manchester United, the issues at the ring-wing position seems to be the area of the pitch that most fans want to see Erik ten Hag dip into the market to solve.
With a busy few weeks most certainly ahead, we highlight six of the biggest transfer rumours circulating right now, looking at the likelihood of each move coming to fruition.
Kalvin Phillips to join Newcastle – 11/10
If you’d told Kalvin Phillips that, less than a year after joining Man City, that he’d end up winning the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League, he’d have been over the moon, but things really didn’t work out too well for the former Leeds United midfielder after his move to Manchester.
Even when Rodri has been unavailable, mainly due to suspension, Pep Guardiola has been unwilling to trust Phillips with a slot in the first team, so a move in the January transfer window really seems likely.
We’re going for Newcastle at 11/10 as our pick for Phillips’ club come February 3. Due to FFP restraints, Eddie Howe’s side are unlikely to be able to make any big-money permanent signings, so a six-month loan move for the England international may work for both clubs, as well as the player.
Sandro Tonali’s ban, as well as some incredibly unfortunate injuries, may sense Newcastle quite short in the middle of the park, so a move for Phillips definitely makes sense for them, and it’ll give Kalvin the chance to get regular football ahead of Euro 2024, with a spot in England’s 23 man squad surely on the line.
Casemiro to any Saudi Pro League club – 5/2
Ladbrokes have put any club in the Saudi Pro League as the most likely option for where Casemiro will be playing his football come February 3, ahead of PSG at 20/1.
At the price of 5/2, we’re picking Casemiro to end up playing the second half of the season in Saudi Arabia, and it could be a signing that makes a lot of sense for all parties, including the player.
Casemiro has barely featured for Man United this season, mainly due to injuries, but he unfortunately looked like a shell of the player we saw at Real Madrid when he has started for Ten Hag so far this campaign.
Perhaps it’s time for the Brazilian international to cash in and move to Saudi Arabia, with one of the PIF owned clubs likely being able to afford his wages and transfer fee, neither of which are likely to be cheap.
It’s time for Man United to attack the transfer market, but with FFP constraints, they’re going to need to sell before they can buy, and Casemiro could be seen as a sacrifice in order to free up some cash.
Raphael Varane to Real Madrid – 10/1
This one is a long shot, admittedly, but given Real Madrid’s defensive injuries woes, a move for Raphael Varane could be around the corner.
Eder Militao and David Alaba are both expected to be missing for Real Madrid for the remainder of the season, so while the midfield and attack for Los Blancos are stacked with depth, the same cannot be said for the defence.
So, with Varane out of favour at Man United, and the club needing funds, perhaps they could offer the Frenchman back to the club they bought him for in the summer of 2022.
Whether a full-time transfer or a short-term loan, Varane playing for Real Madrid once again come February, at the price of 10/1, represents a pretty interesting bet for punters.
Michael Olise to Manchester United – 8/1
As mentioned, Manchester United are going to have to sell players before they can buy anyone else. Should they manage to pull any deals off, fans are hoping that the right-wing position is addressed by Ten Hag and his recruitment team.
The signings of Anthony and Jadon Sancho haven’t worked out, so it’s a position that Man United need to look at once again, which is why Ladbrokes has placed the club as the favourites to sign Michael Olise by February 3.
With INEOS coming into the club, Olise’s chances of playing for the Red Devils by next month have been priced at 8/1, representing another interesting bet for those interest. Liverpool are priced at 10/1, whilst Chelsea are at 16/1, but due to the competition for places the Frenchman would have at both clubs, a move to Man United seems the most likely for the Crystal Palace winger.
Ivan Toney to Arsenal – 2/1
Next of our picks is Brentford’s Ivan Toney, whose ban is set to finish culminate in just a few weeks. Arsenal are currently winless in four games, only scoring two goals during that period, and many fans are calling for the club to buy a striker.
The feeling amongst fans of the Gunners is that if Mikel Arteta wants to win the Premier League this year, beating Liverpool and Man City to England’s top prize, he needs to sign a world class striker with the ability to put the ball in the back of the net.
Whilst Victor Osmihen has been touted, the current favourite is Toney, who could end up playing his next game for Arsenal, despite Brentford being reluctant to sell. At a price of 2/1, Toney to play for Arsenal by February 3 could be worth a punt.
Conor Gallagher to Tottenham – 6/5
From Arsenal to their North London rivals Tottenham, the club look set to make several additions to their squad in January, which isn’t too surprising considering just how depleted Ange Postecoglu’s side have been this campaign due to injuries.
Timo Werner looks set to join on a six-month loan, and a defender is almost definitely set to be added to Ange’s ranks, but our last pick looks at a potential addition to Spurs’ midfield.
Conor Gallagher, who has captained Chelsea in the majority of games this year, is being touted for a move away from Stamford Bridge so Todd Boehly can make more signings, and we’re highlighting Tottenham at 6/5 as our pick for the England international’s club come next month.
All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
