'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The winter transfer window is set to close in less than five days. This window has been quite eventful so far. Clubs generally use the chance to strengthen their weak areas and prepare for the remainder of the season.
Some clubs have been quick to act. Others, meanwhile, have been slow to party and have yet to get their preferred deals over the line. A sense of panic and hurry has gripped the football world as we have only a few more days until the transfer deadline.
Another reason for this could be the lack of the best quality players in the market in January. Hence, a lot of clubs prefer to sign players on loan for the rest of the season.
On that note, let's take a look at five high-profile players who could move on loan before the transfer deadline.
#5. Donny van de Beek - Manchester United
Donny van de Beek has had a very underwhelming period at Manchester United so far.
The Dutch midfielder signed for Manchester United in 2020 from Ajax. He found himself out of favor almost immediately under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He has struggled for game time at the club and has only recently received a few chances to play.
He has played just 50 games in all competitions for the club since joining, most of them as a substitute.
Under new interim manager Ralf Rangnick, Van de Beek has received a few chances, either to start or to come off the bench. His impact on games has been lackluster and several reports suggest the Dutchman is looking for game time elsewhere.
Crystal Palace have shown interest in signing the player on loan, with both parties looking to benefit from his situation. It depends on whether Manchester United will allow Van de Beek to leave on loan, provided favorable terms are agreed.
#4. Arthur Melo - Juventus
Arthur Melo has been in high demand ever since the transfer window opened on January 1.
The Brazilian midfielder is currently with Juventus, where his services are seemingly expendable. Melo is an excellent midfielder who doesn't seem to fit the Old Lady's system and has been on several clubs' radar over the past few weeks.
Arsenal have shown the most interest of all, seeking to sign Melo on a loan deal to galvanize their midfield. The 25-year-old would be a welcome addition to the club and would certainly help the Gunners in their challenge for a top four spot.
Juventus are on the lookout to sign a replacement, only after which they will allow the Brazilian to depart on loan. As the situation is yet to show any serious progress, it looks increasingly unlikely that the deal will be completed in the next four days.
#3. Alvaro Morata - Juventus
Alvaro Morata has been linked incessently with Barcelona ever since the start of the window.
The Spaniard is currently on loan from Atletico Madrid at Juventus and has been the subject of several rumors ever since the window's commencement.
The 29-year-old has featured for several clubs during his career and brings a world of experience. This includes Barca's rivals Real Madrid as well.
Morata has scored eight goals and made five assists in 29 appearances for Juventus this season in all competitions.
With Barcelona going through a severe financial crisis, their biggest concern has been about registering Morata to play for the side. Having already signed Ferran Torres, Barcelona will struggle to find room on their wage bill for a player of Morata's caliber.
#2. Jesse Lingard - Manchester United
Jesse Lingard is desperate to seal a loan move away from Manchester United.
The Englishman has found himself on the bench for the majority of Ralf Rangnick's tenure as manager so far. He is eager to get regular minutes under his belt ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Several clubs have shown interest in signing the midfielder, especially those from the Premier League.
Newcastle United have looked the most interested, especially backed by a much larger financial war chest from their new owners. The deal has progressed well but has so far failed to go through, as an agreement is yet to be reached on the loan fee.
It all comes down to whether the two clubs can agree on the loan fee to be paid.
#1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Arsenal
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has had a dismal last three months.
Ever since the Gabon international was the subject of some disciplinary issues at Arsenal, his career has gone downhill. Stripped of the club captaincy, Aubameyang has now found himself in 'football exile'.
Aubameyang has yet to feature for the club ever since the incident and has reportedly been training alone. He was also left out of the club's training camp in Dubai and looks set to depart the club soon.
Arsenal did receive an offer from a club in Saudi Arabia for the striker, but it seems that Aubameyang's preference is to stay within Europe. Several clubs have shown interest, including the likes of AC Milan and Barcelona.
Only the next few days will tell if Aubameyang will seal a last-minute loan or remain at Arsenal.
