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The summer transfer window proved to be futile for many clubs as a number of them missed out on their major targets. On the other hand, some clubs were unable to renew the contracts of their star players and may have to sell them in January before they leave on a free transfer.
Many clubs will try to strengthen their squad to keep up with other teams as the competition between clubs of different leagues has increased all over Europe. And these five players could be crucial to deciding where titles end up.
#5 Ander Herrera to Atletico Madrid
Manchester United star Ander Herrera is on the verge of moving back to the Spanish La Liga, with Atletico Madrid set to sign him on a free transfer according to the Spanish outlet AS Diario.
Atletico Madrid have long been admirers of Herrera and is said to have renewed their interest in the midfielder. They believe that they can convince Herrera to return to Spain and an deal has almost been agreed upon.
The 28 year-old midfielder is out of contract in the summer and would reportedly be keen on a move to the Wanda Metropolitano after nearly four years at Old Trafford.
Despite being named United’s Player of the Season for the previous campaign, Herrera has found himself on the bench for the most part of the current season. He has started just five Premier League games this term as Jose Mourinho has favoured a paring of Paul Pogba and new signing Nemanja Matic.
However, United are keen to keep Herrera at the club and can activate an automatic renewal clause that adds an additional year to his contract. But it wouldn't come as a surprise if he joins Atletico if United allow him to leave.
#4 Danny Rose to Manchester United
Manchester United see Danny Rose as a solution to their issues at left back and are reportedly preparing to make a bid in January for the player. Rose damaged his knee ligaments against Sunderland in January and later had a surgery in May which kept him out for 10 months.
During his recovery, he made a controversial statement that he would be open to offers from other clubs because he wants to be paid his true worth. And since that incident, the Tottenham defender is said to be fuming after being left out of the North London derby against Arsenal at the Emirates with Mauricio Pochettino benching him.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Rose wants a move away from Spurs and Manchester United will be the favourites to sign him. The defender is also keen to return to the northern part of England where he comes from (he hails from Doncaster).
#3 David Luiz to Real Madrid
According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, David Luiz has agreed a deal with Real Madrid as he doubts his future at Stamford Bridge under the Italian manager. Luiz and Conte fell out after Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to AS Roma in October, with the 30-year-old struggling to win back his place.
Andreas Christensen has taken Luiz's place in the Chelsea team and his performances have been so good that Luiz's return has become uncertain. The Brazilian had returned to Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2016 for £34 million but is now fighting for a place in the starting lineup.
He was named in the PFA Team of the Year last season which attracted the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. And Real have been alerted to Luiz's troubled situation with Conte and are considering a January bid for the Chelsea centre-back.
Zinedine Zidane is still trying to overcome Real's defensive woes after the departure of Pepe and had also admitted that Los Blancos could be in the market for players during the January transfer window.
#2 Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City or PSG
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has been linked with a move away from the Emirates and could reunite with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City - a move that broke down in the summer transfer window.
The deal could not be completed in the summer due to complications on deadline day when the Gunners failed to sign a replacement.
However, with the winter transfer window less than a month away, Manchester City will now have to compete with Paris Saint-Germain to secure the signing of the Chilean.
The Chilean's contract runs out at the end of the season and Arsenal cannot afford to let him go for free. So his transfer to either club could be on the cards. But City would have to pay a premium being rivals in the same league, as compared to PSG.
#1 Mesut Ozil to Barcelona/Manchester United
Apart from Alexis, Mesut Ozil is another Arsenal player who has only a few more months left on his contract. He will be free to discuss a contract with clubs over a transfer come January. He has so far shown very little desire to sign a contract extension and a transfer is on the cards.
Manchester United and Barcelona are leading the race to sign the German international with Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho reportedly seeking a reunion with the former Real Madrid midfielder. Mourinho sees him as the solution to his midfield that is lacking creativity, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan has failed to live up to expectations.
On the other hand, Barcelona thinks of him as a cheaper alternative to Philippe Coutinho. Liverpool have refused to sell the Brazilian while Arsenal cannot stop Ozil from a move.
The German has also expressed his desire to win the Champions League and since Arsenal cannot guarantee that, he is most likely to leave in the winter. Else Arsenal risk letting him go for free.
