5 Loan moves that could be ideal in the ongoing January transfer window

Manchester City v Southampton - Premier League
Manchester City v Southampton - Premier League

#3. Mauro Icardi to Juventus

Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats
Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

With just one league goal since September, it's perhaps no surprise that Mauro Icardi's personal life has drawn more headlines than anything he's done on the pitch.

The last time the Argentine scored more than 12 league goals in a season was all the way back in 2017-18 when he hit a career-best 29 for Inter. His expected goals per 90 also dropped from 0.8 to 0.4 in the previous year.

However, Icardi's natural goal-scoring instincts won't have disappeared overnight and a change of scene could do the striker some good. With Juventus reportedly interested, a move back to Italy could be best for both parties.

The Bianconeri are in desperate need of goals and following the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, they have clearly missed his movement inside the box. Someone with Icardi's skill set could provide a good resolution. Juventus, after all, are creating a fair number of chances but are currently ranked 11th in Serie A for goals scored.

With the top four spot within touching distance, Juventus could find an answer to their goalscoring troubles in Mauro Icardi.


#2. Anthony Martial to Sevilla

Manchester United v Everton - Premier League
Manchester United v Everton - Premier League

Anthony Martial has been firm on his desire to leave Manchester United, notifying manager Ralf Rangnick at the end of December. The Frenchman has made just one start in the last three months and has also struggled for form since his superb 2019-20 season, when he scored 17 goals in the Premier League.

Sevilla have been most strongly linked with his signature. But at the time of writing, there appears to be doubts over whether the Spanish outfit can land him. However, there's no doubt that he would be an asset to the Andalusians. Currently second in La Liga, Sevilla is the only team close to Real Madrid this term.

Furthermore, with goals spread around the side and Alejandro Gomez seeing his attacking numbers drop off, there is certainly space for a player of Martial's caliber.


#1. Georginio Wijnaldum to Arsenal

RB Leipzig v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League
RB Leipzig v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Another player who, like Icardi, has struggled at PSG this season is Georginio Wijnaldum. He ranks eighth for the minutes played in Mauricio Pochettino's squad and has been played out of position in recent games.

Wijnaldum is reportedly open to a return to England. Whether PSG would sanction such a move is another matter. But there are certainly a few clubs who could do with his experience and technical ability in the centre of the park.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with a loan move for the Dutch international. With Thomas Partey away at AFCON, ball retention already looks like an issue for Arsenal in the central midfield.

Former club Newcastle United have also been linked with the 31-year old. However, it would be surprising to see him willingly swap the Champions League knockouts for a Premier League relegation battle.

While Wijnaldum's best option may well be to stay in Paris, should he become available on loan, the Emirates would be a good destination.

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