Throughout the opening weeks of the year, you will constantly hear that it is difficult to conduct business during the January transfer window, whether that be due to inflated prices, players not wanting to be stop-gaps or clubs being wary of potentially handing their rivals an advantage in the quest for trophies or avoiding relegation. However, if your team has under-performed or you have been dealt a succession of injury blows, new arrivals become a necessity. While there is the perception that a gamble will ultimately be being taken, it is required in most cases as fans demand that they clubs act with the acquisition of new players. Nevertheless, some deals will make far more sense than others, whether that be on a permanent or temporary basis.
Just likes punters look for the most favourable bonuses on the best online casinos at TheCasinoDB, most managers are assessing what targets will represent the best value for money in the transfer market. Having failed to contribute a goal or assist in 21 outings this season, the name of Atletico Madrid winger Thomas Lemar has appeared regularly in the gossip column, with Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers both being linked with the Frenchman. Despite Atletico eventually wanting £60m for the playmaker, both Premier League clubs should consider doing business, especially the Gunners who should be willing to exchange Alexandre Lacazette for his compatriot. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is wasted out wide, but Lacazette's exit would allow the Gabon international to return down the middle, leaving Lemar and Nicolas Pepe to work either side. As for Wolves, they will likely baulk at Atletico's asking price, but a short-term loan with paying the player's wages in full would suit all parties.
Staying with Wolves, they have also been credited with an interest in Hull City's star man Jarrod Bowen, who has remained in phenomenal form in the Championship this season by contributing 16 goals and six assists. While the Tigers are said to be open to accepting a bid of £20m, formal offers have been lacking, but more teams should be jumping at the chance to sign the Englishman. Wolves, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Newcastle United and West Ham United would all represent ideal moves.
Given the recent financial troubles at AC Milan, plenty of English clubs should be looking in the direction of San Siro. The majority of the first-team squad are available for sale at the right price, and left-sided defender Ricardo Rodriguez is an obvious choice after only making five Serie A starts all season. Watford have been suggested as a potential destination, but Arsenal would be making a smart move if they showed an interest in the 27-year-old. With clubs allegedly planning bids for Sead Kolasinac, Rodriguez would act as a direct replacement, while he could also help Swiss compatriot Granit Xhaka at a time when the midfielder is still recovering from his outburst towards supporters earlier this season. Providing that they can receive an acceptable offer for Kolasinac, this feels like a no-brainer.
Inter Milan are also said to be looking to part ways with Matteo Politano in order to fund a deal for Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud. While the attacker has spent his entire career in Italy, the 26-year-old knows that he requires first-team football to have a chance of representing his country at Euro 2020. The likelihood of that happening has improved due to the injury sustained by Nicolo Zaniolo, and it probably makes sense for Roma to move for the player. However, Manchester United should be taking an interest in his signature, given their need to strengthen in the final third and the potential for Tahith Chong to be moving in the opposite direction. Again, a move feels logical for all concerned, even if it is only on loan until the end of the campaign.
Burnley and Bournemouth both need a fresh face to shake things up in their respective dressing rooms and a left-field choice who will not cost a lot of money. They also each require goals, and it would not be the worst move if they looked to bring in Derby County's Jack Marriott. Despite playing a key part in the Championship promotion race last season, the 25-year-old has never been first choice at Pride Park under Frank Lampard or Philip Cocu. However, he has the potential to score important goals which could make the difference in the relegation battle, and the Rams would likely jump at the chance to do business in the region of £2m.
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