Although the 2014/2015 football season has burst into full flow, many clubs already have one eye on the January transfer window for potential deals that could make their team even stronger. It is often a hectic time of year when managers are looking to add more quality or secure a potential bargain, while players who may not be enjoying much first-team football or wish to move to a bigger club do everything in their power to secure a move.
With over £800 million being spent by Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window, breaking the previous record by a considerable margin, it would not be surprising if huge sums of money were to change hands once again as clubs strive to conduct business that could result in trophies or a successful battle against relegation.
Arsene Wenger may be among those looking for new recruits, although he was left to regret not re-signing Cesc Fabregas and reluctantly said: “I was informed he might go to Chelsea,” before his worst nightmare became reality; the former Barcelona star has been instrumental in Chelsea establishing a dominant lead at the Premier League summit, while Arsenal continue to struggle to impose themselves.
Marco Reus
Losing a prized asset midway through the season is a major blow that every club wishes to avoid, but Marco Reus is a player in demand. Borussia Dortmund will fight tooth and nail to hang onto the 25-year-old, with continual links with Bayern Munich creating increasing strain between the Bundesliga clubs.
It appears that Reus would consider a move to the Premier League over joining fellow team-mate Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal strongly linked with a move.
However, strong rumours suggest that Reus will only move to Chelsea, with a money-plus-player deal involving Andre Schurrle a potential sweetener that could tempt Dortmund to part with Reus.
Lukas Podolski
One player who may be set to leave the Premier League is Lukas Podolski who has publicly declared himself unhappy at a lack of first-team action at Arsenal.
The German international has been on the periphery all season, although Wenger insists that Podolski will not be leaving the club in January.
Galatasaray and Napoli may think otherwise, with a number of Bundesliga teams also likely to show an interest in bringing Podolski back home to resurrect his domestic and international career.
Fabian Delph
Earning his first England cap illustrates the excellent progression of Fabian Delph who has transformed himself at Aston Villa.
The creative midfielder has undergone rigorous training regimes away from football to get himself in prime condition to finally fulfil the huge potential he displayed as a teenager at Leeds United, with the hard yards making a big difference to his career.
Tottenham are poised to make a move for Delph in January, and with the 24-year-old available on a free transfer at the end of the season, it remains to be seen whether Paul Lambert can convince Delph to sign a new contract.
Petr Cech
Simple mathematics indicate that two into one does not go, with Petr Cech finding himself out in the cold following Thibault Courtois’ return from a hugely successful two-year long spell in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.
Chelsea would preferably like to keep two top quality keepers on their books, but at the age of 32, Cech may see his future elsewhere.
There would be no shortage of suitors if the Czech goalkeeper decided to leave Stamford Bridge, with Arsenal rumoured to be interested in a £7 million swoop for Cech in January.
Christoph Kramer
While many of Germany’s big hitters received all the praise during their World Cup success, a considerable number of clubs across Europe also noted the contribution of an unsung hero.
Christoph Kramer has developed into one of the most dependable players for club and country, with the 23-year-old currently shining on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach from Bayer Leverkusen.
The number of interested clubs continues to grow, with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all keeping an eye on Kramer with a view to a potential January transfer deal.
