The Premier League is fast heading to its busiest period as teams continue to battle at the top as well as the far end of the league table. Be it, Chelsea or Sunderland, every team has their eyes set on the January transfer window which would see them bring new players and hope to end the season on a high.
Amongst all the transfers making the headlines, we take a look at Morgan Schneiderlin, Julian Draxler and Eric Dier’s proposed January moves in our in-depth analysis of Premier League transfer rumours for December 16, 2016.
Morgan Schneiderlin to Everton
As per the latest reports from The Telegraph, Everton have contacted Manchester United over a possible January transfer move for midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin. Everton have tracked Schneiderlin in recent weeks and given the player’s broken relationship with Jose Mourinho, The Toffees are confident of signing the Frenchman in January.
Experts Say: One of the most trusted reporters in terms of Man United transfer scoops, Duncan Castles has given a go-ahead to this deal and expects Man United and Everton to settle on a part-payment deal to let Schneiderlin leave Old Trafford at the earliest.
SK’s take: It is not a secret how Morgan Schneiderlin is Jose Mourinho’s fifth or sixth choice midfielder at Manchester United right now. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is tipped to quit the club in January manages to find a place in the 18-man Premier League squad ahead of Schneiderlin.
It is enough to indicate that the Frenchman will indeed leave United and Everton may seem like the only option for him right now. Tottenham were once interested, but they are now keen to work with their current squad and not bring in any new players in January.
Manchester United will want to recoup most of the 24million they spent on Schneiderlin but Everton could come with a part-payment mechanism to sweeten the deal and complete the transfer.
Chances of this transfer happening – 7/10
Julian Draxler to Arsenal
Perhaps the most talked about transfer in European football right now as Julian Draxler prepares to find a new club for himself in January. According to RMC, Arsenal have submitted their initial offer but PSG are currently leading the race as they have submitted the biggest offer for the German international.
Experts say: According to RMC and France Football, Arsenal are confident of signing Draxler due to Mesut Ozil’s involvement in the deal who famously convinced Shkodran Mustafi to join Arsenal earlier in the summer. Ozil wants Arsenal to match PSG’s offer which will allow him to convince Draxler to pick Arsenal over PSG.
SK’s take
Although Draxler is the kind of player who will make Arsenal a better side, I do not see Arsene Wenger make a £30 million investment on an attacking player in January. Wenger seems content with the squad he has and will refrain from going in a bidding war against PSG.
Having said that, Ozil’s personal involvement is something which is intriguing as a failure in signing Draxler could have major implications of Arsenal missing out on Mesut Ozil as well, who is yet to sign the contract extension with the North London club.
Chances of this transfer happening – 5/10
Eric Dier to Manchester City
The Times have linked Eric Dier to a shock Tottenham exit with Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Manchester City interested in signing the Englishman. The Times believe that Dier is not happy with being constantly asked to play in defense while his preferred position in central midfield. However, Man City are currently leading the race as per the latest odds from the bookmakers with the Citizens priced at 3/1 to sign the Spurs man.
Experts say: According to Daily Star, Dier has not improved on his last season’s form for the North London side and Mauricio Pochettino is unsure of Dier’s development into a top player. With Victor Wanyama settling in for Spurs, Pochettino is open to the idea of letting Dier go if he manages to sign a proper replacement.
SK’s take – While the transfer may appear as a likely one to move ahead but given Dier’s current form, it looks very unlikely that a big team would gamble on the Englishman. Manchester City are still not happy with their midfield options so it could open up an opportunity for Pep Guardiola to hold talks with the player and convince him for a move to the Etihad. Ilkay’s Gundogan long-term injury could play a part in Dier’s move to Manchester City in January or perhaps the next summer.
Chances of this transfer happening – 4/10
