Strikers available in the January transfer window – Part I

It is that time of the year again. Phones start ringing and queries are made. Media, like usual, is able to get the inside scoop and manages to come up with various transfer stories, some of which are half-baked, while others are complete and utter nonsense.

Like every year, a number of strikers are making the news nowadays. Some, who can actually leave their clubs, while others, who have a good laugh after reading these absurd news reports.

In this article, we analyse the transfer stories which involve top strikers from across Europe and try to make sense of them.

Edin Dzeko

Interested Clubs: Arsenal, Dortmund

Edin Dzeko on his way out?

Arrival of Stevan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo and latter’s hot form means that the Bosnian has to warm the bench yet again. Tevez and Balotelli’s exit pointed towards bigger things for Edin Dzeko and after the blazing start to the season, many thought that he will finally be able to make a mark on the Blue side of Manchester.

But as fate would have it, his form deteriorated and as a result, Negredo was chosen over him time and again, as the Bosnian had to make do with the place on the bench. This might have been disheartening for Dzeko as he was hoping for a major role in the squad rather than a part-time one.

On the other hand, Manchester City have a lot of options in his position and might not really miss him if he is gone. Plus, he will bring in a sizeable transfer fee which could be used for strengthening the team in other departments. Not that they need the money, but it makes sense for all the parties involved.

Arsenal and Dortmund are possible destinations for the striker and both the clubs could use a quality forward like Dzeko. Arsenal need a cover for Olivier Giroud and Dortmund need a direct replacement for the departing Robert Lewandowski.

Possibility of departure: High

Demba Ba

Interested Clubs: Arsenal, Fenerbahce

Demba Ba needs to move on

The out of favour Chelsea striker is bound to leave in January, after only one year at the club. He finds himself third in the pecking order, behind Samuel Eto’o and the revitalised Fernando Torres.

His form has been abysmal in front of the goal as he has failed to make any kind of impact in the limited game-time he has grabbed.

In the summer, Arsenal were heavily linked with a loan move for the striker with reports indicating that it was Jose Mourinho who blocked the move at the end moment as he did not want to strengthen his direct rivals.

January might be a different case altogether as plenty of other clubs have shown interest in signing Ba, with a move to Turkey highly likely. Mourinho might still not sell him to a rival club, but his departure is all but sealed.

Possibility of departure: Certain

Jermain Defoe

Interested Clubs: Newcastle United

Jermain Defoe – One step back, two steps forward

Since Roberto Soldado’s arrival, Jermain Defoe has found himself on the fringes of the first team. Defoe has not got the starts that he would have desired at the beginning of the season. And with the World Cup year in progress, he needs to prove his worth to Hodgson, which he cannot do from the bench.

To make it to Brazil, shifting ships will be his best call as he will get regular playtime and will be able to regain his form. However, Defoe has said time and again that he would like to stay at Spurs and fight for his place, which might not be a good move after all.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa were linked with Jermain Defoe in the summer and either of the two can make a move for him in January. Also, some panic buys by the top clubs might open up some spaces for him.

Oh, and Andres Villas Boas has claimed that Defoe is not really in his future plans. Adds to the confusion, right?

Possibility of departure: No idea

Radamel Falcao

Interested Clubs: Chelsea, Manchester United

Radamel Falcao – Over and out?

Yes, he just joined Monaco. Yes, he is being linked with a move away from France. It seems as if Radamel Falcao is not exactly enjoying his time at Monaco, despite being his team’s focal point.

The mammoth signing from Atletico Madrid has already warned the interested clubs over his availability in a recent interview, especially the ones based in England.

It seems as if signing for Monaco was a part of the bigger picture that was to get rid of the third party ownership of Falcao. This means that he is now free to make a move to any Premier League club, albeit to a sizeable transfer fee on the plus side of £50 million.

Chelsea and Manchester United have been heavily linked with the striker with the Blues from London in pole position to sign him. Jose Mourinho was spotted at Colombia’s game against Belgium, but whether he was there to scout Falcao, or his teammate, who is next on this list, remains to be seen.

Possibility of departure: Medium to Low

Jackson Martinez

Interested Clubs: Chelsea, Liverpool

Jackson Martinez – From Porto to London?

Another hot commodity from the factory of talents called FC Porto. The £35 million rated man has been on a goalscoring spree since last season and has caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs.

Even though his price might raise a few eyebrows, given his lack of experience at the top level, rich clubs will jump at a chance to sign this extremely talented prospect. FC Porto, as usual, won’t miss his services if he departs, as they have more able replacements ready to pounce on the chance.

Chelsea has been heavily linked with a move for the Colombian since Jose Mourinho’s visit to their friendly match against Belgium. Liverpool, on the other hand, are looking for a replacement should Luis Suarez depart. Funds will not be a problem for either of the clubs and Porto will happily accept a bid which matches their valuation of the player.

Possibility of departure: Medium

For other strikers who could leave their clubs in January, click here.