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Premier League action is currently on recess, on account of the last international break of the year, and the scouting and recruitment machinery of Premier League clubs has kicked into action.
The January transfer window is fast approaching, and this hiatus had given PL clubs a much needed break to assess their season so far and make a call on fixing their squads by making a substantial investment on new recruits this January.
There is only a 5-point gap between table-toppers Manchester City and fourth-placed Tottenham, so a successful transfer window can be the difference in determining whether a top-four club pushes for the title or is limited to fight for a Champions League spot.
In little over a month the transfer window becomes active, and some big transfers are expected. Although a major overhaul at any of the PL clubs seems unlikely.
But over the years, the January transfer window has been gaining importance, with clubs not reluctant to splash the cash to secure top players. Key players like Lucas Moura, Aubameyang, and Laporte all joined the Premier League last January.
So we can expect similar big money moves in the PL next January as well. Thus lets take a look at the 4 potential transfer targets whose moves this January could set the Premier League alight.
#1 Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent days.
The Borussia Dortmund academy graduate is out of contract in 2020, and with contract negotiations between the club and player failing (h/t Dailymail), Dortmund are looking to cash in on the highly rated forward.
Though die Schwarzgelben have been off to an explosive start in the Bundesliga this season, the American hasn't been that much utilised this campaign, probably due to the meteoric rise of another young talent, Jadon Sancho.
Chelsea are believed to be the front-runners in landing the 20-year-old who recently claimed that he would like to play in England one day, fueling speculations (h/t The Guardian).
He is an exceptionally talented player, and could be a perfect backup for Willian or Hazard. He is versatile upfront, and can play in a more central attacking midfield role as well.
He could provide Sarri with the speed, work-rate, and creativity on the flanks, or through the middle, given The Blues are ready to shell out £70 million for the rising Bundesliga star.
#2 Lorenzo Pellegrini
Jose Mourinho is reportedly keeping an eye on the 22-year-old Roma midfielder to bolster his options at the center of the pitch.
Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has now established himself as a regular starter for Italy, has been in fine form for AS Roma this season.
He has scored 2 goals and amassed 5 assists in all competitions for I Giallorossi, prompting Manchester United to meet his £27million release clause this January.
Pellegrini is a central midfielder who can fit in the box-to-box role as well, providing the Red Devils with a crucial link between attack and defense.
He could also prove to be a good alternative to Mata for set-piece situations, with his current free-kick and corner duties with Roma helping him improve his dead-ball skills.
Corriere dello Sport recently reported that (h/t Football Italia) agents of the player and Manchester United directors had a meeting where a proposal of doubling of the player's wage was put forward.
#3 Diego Godin
Despite being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, Diego Godin chose to stay at Atletico Madrid.
But with his contract set to expire next June, Manchester United are confident of landing the center-back when the transfer window opens in little over a month's time.
The Red Devils find themselves languishing at eighth in the league standings, and one of their glaring weakness has been a leaky defense that has conceded 21 goals so far.
With Ed Woodward ready to pay £20 million for the 32-year old, a move from Madrid to Manchester seems imminent for the Uruguayan, Dailystar reports.
Godin is one of the most solid centre-backs in Europe who has a no-nonsense approach to his game. His presence at the heart of Jose Mourinho's defense would be a boost not only to the defense's morale, but to the entire team as well.
He is a threat from set-piece situations as well. He has already been on the scoresheet 2 times in LaLiga this season for Atletico Madrid.
#4 Nicolas Pepe
Lille OSC, a Ligue 1 club that barely survived relegation last season are on a roll this season. They occupy the second position in the league standings, though they are a whopping 13 points behind league leaders PSG.
Well, one might naturally ask what the club has done to transform its fortune in just six months? The answer is a solid defensive play matched by a good attacking performance so far led by the 23-year-old Nicolas Pepe.
The Ivorian winger has been on fire this season, scoring 8 goals and notching up 7 assists for his teammates in just 13 league games.
He has a strong left-foot, his pace leaves the opposition defense stunned, he is nimble with the ball at his feet, and of course knows how to finish.
Recently, he has been linked with Arsenal, and an injury to Danny Welbeck may force Emery to opt for this winger who may cost £45 million, The Sun reported.
He could really flourish in the Premier League, at a time when wingers like Hazard, Salah, and Sterling are already taking the league by storm.
