'%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)
Loan signings seem to be the flavor of the window with seemingly every transfer having an initial loan move involved. It allows the player time to settle into his new club. The club acquiring his signature has time to see if he actually fits into the team, in line with the club and the manager's philosophy. The loaning club have the opportunity to give their player some much-needed game time and also get his wages off of their books.
That being said, here's a look at the top 5 loan signings this January:
#5 Denis Suarez- Arsenal
Arsenal fans almost had a grim transfer window. Club owner Stan Kroenke was accused of being more interested in his other sports investment, the LA Rams who are on the cusp of winning the Super Bowl. Kroenke, the man who engineered the team's move to a new stadium while Arsenal was said to have no money to sign players, had to resort to loan signings to plug the holes in their squad.
Given the restrictions on the club, Arsenal did get a great player on their hands. Former Barcelona man Denis is an astute midfielder who has the potential to take over the Number 10 spot as Emery tries to phase Ramsey out of the team. Clever on the ball with a knack for finding himself in small pockets of space around the box to create scoring opportunities, Denis Suarez might just prove to be a shrewd piece of business.
An option to buy is present in the deal which Arsenal should look to make permanent if the player thrives at his new club. Having worked with Emery in the past, the player knows the system and the manager knows how to get the most out of him. If Denis hits the ground running in England, Arsenal would be strong contenders for a top-four finish.
#4 Alvaro Morata- Atletico Madrid
As ironic as it may seem to include Alvaro Morata's switch back to Atletico, hold your horses just yet. As awful as his time in London may have been, this might just be the move that sees him rekindle the form that caught the Blues' eyes in the first place.
Morata has always been used to playing with a strike partner or playing off of someone else. At Real Madrid, it was either Ronaldo or Benzema, at Juventus, it was Tevez or Llorente. Making those runs in behind, quick one-twos with his strike partner was what made him catch everyone's eyes. Going back to Atletico, he'll most probably start alongside an in-form Griezmann. A return to his roots could be all that he needs to boost his confidence and get back into form and re-establish himself as one of the world's best.
#3 Youri Tielemans- Leicester City
At just 21, Youri Tielemans has made over 150 league appearances in Belgium and France, gradually progressing and becoming a more avid midfielder. A move to the Premier League might be just what he needs to catch the eye of the European juggernauts.
Silky on the ball, Tielemans is comfortable playing in a midfield three or two. He can play deep or in an advanced position, a real asset for any manager to have in his arsenal. He has been one of the few positives of an otherwise disastrous season for Monaco, who currently sit second from bottom.
Tielemans could partner Ndidi and form a strong base in midfield allowing the likes of Madison and Gray to drop their defensive duties a bit and get forward. Tielemans is also good at carrying the ball forward and has a knack for scoring long-distance stunners. Overall, the Belgian seems to be a great signing for the club.
#2 Emile Smith Rowe- RB Leipzig
The Arsenal wonder-kid joins the list of English prodigies taking the flight to Germany following in the footsteps of Reiss Nelson, Jadon Sancho and Reece Oxford among others. The 18-year-old who made his debut back in September has loads of potential and this might just be the move he needs to learn his trade and have a shot at becoming a first-team regular.
The club Director came out and said:
We have a clear philosophy, we want to go long term with young and talented people, Emile has been scouted for a long time and we would certainly like to have bought him, but that was out of the question right now.
Emile scored his first goal for Arsenal in the Europa League and added two more over the few minutes he has had in the first team. He looks like a really exciting prospect for the German side as well. Him complementing the likes of Poulsen, Werner and Forsberg promises to turn Leipzig into Bundesliga title contenders.
#1 Gonzalo Higuain- Chelsea
It might be assumed that Sarri's job depends on this transfer. Sarri made the club break their unwritten rule of not signing players above the age of 30. There's a lot riding on this transfer, to say the least.
Higuain may not be in red hot form coming off of his time in Milan, but two goals on his Premier League debut would say a different story. Having worked with Sarri in the past, he seems to have taken to his new club like a duck to water. He might be old but he comes with bags of experience, goals and trophies.
Higuain can drop deep and get involved in the play and is also fairly good at holding up the ball. His finishing though has never been in doubt. A big upgrade on Morata who was absolutely devoid of confidence by the end of his time at the club. Sarri knows how to get the best out of his deadly striker. It remains to be seen if the duo can rekindle their magic.
