It has been one of the quietest January transfer windows in recent memory but there still could be some last-ditch dealings done before the window officially closes on Thursday, February 1.
Radu Dragusin’s move to Tottenham and Kalvin Phillips’ loan to West Ham are the biggest moves involving Premier League clubs so far this month, but there could be some more significant movements made before the 11pm deadline on Thursday.
Here are some of the players that could make a late switch over the next few days…
Jhon Duran: Aston Villa to Chelsea
Embed from Getty ImagesIt is no secret that Chelsea have been looking for a way to bring in a striker for a reasonable fee. Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson have struggled to take on the goalscoring burden and Christopher Nkunku has been plagued by injuries.
Chelsea have reportedly flirted with the idea of bringing in Karim Benzema but a deal for the former Real Madrid striker is unlikely given his age and the ludicrous wage he is on at Al Ittihad.
20-year-old Duran could be an ideal fit given his age and that he would be a cheaper and more affordable option for Chelsea. The Colombian striker joined Villa last January and has looked promising in glimpses but has failed to break into the team over Ollie Watkins.
Duran is currently injured which may prove problematic, but it does not completely rule out a move as he will be viewed as a player for the future.
Jacob Ramsey to leave Aston Villa
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother one of Villa’s youngsters that is generating a ton of traction is Jacob Ramsey, with the England U-21 international reportedly piquing the interest of clubs in England and abroad.
The Athletic have reported that Newcastle have made an approach for the 22-year-old as they attempt to revive their depleted midfield that has suffered at the hands of injuries and a suspension for Sandro Tonali.
The main hurdle for this deal is the cost, and given the club’s cautious approach to spending this transfer window, it seems unlikely but not impossible that Ramsey will leave Villa if a tempting offer comes in.
The Athletic also reports that Bayern Munich and Tottenham are interested, with Villa only willing to contemplate an offer that rises above £50 million. It would be a smart move for Villa as they would stay compliant with profit and sustainability rules but having said that, Ramsey is a key player, and one Emery presumably would like to keep a hold of.
Conor Gallagher to leave Chelsea
Embed from Getty ImagesConor Gallagher has become a name in the Chelsea ranks that is expected to leave the club eventually. With his contract expiring at the end of next season and a new deal looking unlikely, Chelsea may opt to sell Gallagher now to avoid losing him on a free in the summer.
Mauricio Pochettino said last month that Gallagher is “important” to Chelsea but that he could not guarantee that he will stay at the club.
Selling Gallagher would also be seen as pure profit for Chelsea seeing as he’s a homegrown academy player but a potential departure is strange given his performances this season and that he’s been a key player under Pochettino.
The Athletic reported that three clubs in the top half of the Premier League have expressed interest in Gallagher and Chelsea may decide to cash in on him now before his contract runs down.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Leicester to Brighton
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton are working hard to bring in Leicester’s marquee midfielder in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as reported by David Ornstein – who says the Championship’s league leaders are holding out for £30 million.
There is a gap in valuations and both clubs are working towards a compromise with competition arriving from Arsenal, Brentford and Fulham.
Leicester selling one of their best players may not be the wisest decision as they look to make a swift return to the Premier League but given their PSR position a deal – under their terms – could potentially happen before the window closes.
Miguel Almiron: Newcastle to Al Shabab
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother team who will need to sell in order to buy is Newcastle, with their proposed shopping spree following the club’s historic takeover last year being stalled due to PSR limitations.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said that Miguel Almiron was absent from the squad for Saturday’s 2-0 win against Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round due to illness, with Howe repeatedly emphasising that his priority is to keep hold of his players in the winter window.
Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab are said to be interested in Almiron and the 29-year-old according to several reports. They are not a team owned by PIF, which is the Saudi investment fund that also owns Newcastle, and a deal would have to be authorised by the Premier League.
