- Ten transfers that look inevitable following recent developments
- Philippe Coutinho and Alexis Sanchez moves could spark many more
- Manchester United are among those likely to capitalise
- READ MORE: DONE DEAL: Club president announces move for £97m Man Utd transfer target
With so many transfer rumours flying about at this time of year, it can be hard to spot the genuine stories from the fiction, but we know a little more about what could happen after recent developments.
Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona is sure to have consequences, as will Alexis Sanchez’s imminent move to Manchester City from Arsenal.
Both clubs are likely to spend to replace these star players, and that in turn could affect the likes of Manchester United in terms of the availability of other targets.
Of course, not all of these players will move, but here’s our look at ten potential transfers that are now far more likely this January…
Thomas Lemar
Linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, Thomas Lemar is now surely more likely to leave Monaco to replace departing stars at one of those clubs.
It is not yet clear which team he will choose or even which of them will prioritise the £100million-rated attacker, but Lemar’s future surely now lies away from Monaco.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Reportedly a target for Arsenal as a replacement for Sanchez, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also seems closer to a move following other rumours.
The Gabon international is also said to be a target for Chinese Super League clubs. In short, don’t expect him to still be at Borussia Dortmund by February 1st.
Naby Keita
Speculation is growing that Coutinho’s departure could push Liverpool to spend a little extra on bringing in Naby Keita to the club early.
A deal is already in place for the Guinea international to join the Reds in the summer, but RB Leipzig may be open to an early exit if they receive an extra £20million or so from Liverpool.
Riyad Mahrez
Leicester City may be open to selling Riyad Mahrez, with Arsenal and Liverpool said to be interested in the Algeria international.
Depending on how deals for the likes of Lemar go, that could affect Mahrez’s future as well, with the loser of the Lemar battle surely set to go in for the Foxes forward as an alternative.
Antoine Griezmann
Barcelona had been linked with Antoine Griezmann before signing Philippe Coutinho, but reports now suggest there may not be room for both players.
Manchester United have also been linked with the Atletico Madrid star and may now be the favourites for the £88million attacker if Barca do end up cooling their interest.
Mohamed Salah
In a huge potential blow to Liverpool, reports have suggested that Coutinho’s arrival at the Nou Camp could spark Real Madrid into swooping for Mohamed Salah as a response.
The Spanish giants would love a world class attacker like the Egypt international, and his departure could of course then prompt Liverpool to sign not one, but two attacking players, so potentially Lemar and Mahrez, leaving Arsenal in a difficult position.
Wilfried Zaha
Another option for Arsenal could be Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who has been linked with a host of top clubs.
Manchester City may also be an option for the Ivory Coast international, if Pep Guardiola somehow ends up missing out on Sanchez this January.
Ivan Rakitic
Another way Manchester United could benefit from Coutinho’s transfer is from Ivan Rakitic being made available by Barcelona.
Reports recently suggested the Croatia international wanted out of the Nou Camp if he ended up losing his place to the new signing, which seems more than likely.
Mauro Icardi
Another player tipped to be on the move this month is Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, with a variety of suitors mentioned by media outlets.
Real Madrid could swoop for him as an alternative to Salah as a response to Barca’s Coutinho deal, while Arsenal could also be in for him to replace Sanchez.
Malcom
Finally, one more Sanchez replacement Arsenal seem to be looking at is Bordeaux starlet Malcom, who has shone in Ligue 1 this season.
If, in theory, Liverpool beat the Gunners to the likes of Lemar and Mahrez, the Brazilian seems a fine alternative in that attacking midfield role.