Schwarzer to Arsenal, Kaka To AC Milan Among 20 Possible January Transfers

Vijay MuraliAnalyst IOctober 7, 2010

Schwarzer to Arsenal, Kaka To AC Milan Among 20 Possible January Transfers

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    MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 06:  Karim Benzema (L) and Kaka of Real Madrid in action during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Espanyol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 6, 2010 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
    Denis Doyle/Getty Images

    It is still early in the season, and there is a lot of competitive exciting football still to be played over the year. But as the teams play more, some players do not figure in the starting eleven on a regular basis, or are dissatisfied due to a variety of reasons, as a result of which they seek a move away from their respective club during the January transfer window. 

    The clubs look to bolster their squad with reinforcements, who could help their team achieve their ambitions. For example, the addition of Andrei Arshavin to Arsenal in the January transfer window, two years ago, provided a much needed boost to the Gunners. Some players have rifts with their managers, which might force them to look for alternative clubs. 

    The January transfer window generally has a lot of activity, and already, there are a number of rumors floating in the media circles. I have compiled a list of 20 players, who could be on the move in the January transfer window.

Ryan Babel: Winger / Centre Forward

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    LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16 :  Ryan Babel of Liverpool goes past Mihai Radut of Steaua Bucharest during the UEFA Europa League Group K match beteween Liverpool and Steaua Bucharest at Anfield on September 16, 2010 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by A
    Alex Livesey/Getty Images

    Present Club: Liverpool

    Ryan Babel has shown he has the talent to play at the highest level, but has been far too inconsistent, and in Liverpool’s present scenario, it would not be a surprise if he is sold by the club in order to raise funds for signing a quality winger.

    Babel was on his way out of Anfield after he endured a rough relationship with former Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, but Roy Hodgson has placed his trust on the Dutchman. But Babel has not been given a starting berth in most of the matches, and Hodgson might look to use his transfer fee to buy a quality replacement.

Charles Nzogbia: Winger

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    WIGAN, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Charles N'Zogbia of Wigan Athletic competes with Kevin Foley of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Barclays Premier League match between Wigan Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanderers at DW Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Wigan, Eng
    Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

    Present Club: Wigan Athletic

    Charles Nzogbia is a very talented winger playing for Wigan Athletic, and he aims to play for a top club in the future. He was tempted by a move to Birmingham, but the deal was shelved because Nzogbia demanded wages, which were too high.

    It will not be a surprise if other clubs come calling for him in January, and he might be open to a move away from Wigan. Stoke City and Bayern Munich have been linked to the Frenchman, and securing the services of Nzogbia will be a boost for the club.

Javi Martinez: Midfielder

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    BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 03:  Lionel Messi (L) of FC Barcelona runs for the ball pursued by Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou Stadium on April 3, 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. Barce
    Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

    Present Club: Athletic Bilbao

    Javi Martinez was in the Spain World Cup winning squad, and the midfielder is rated highly by Vincente Del Bosque and many others. He is presently playing for Athletic Bilboa, and has contributed immensely to the club.

    Manchester United have been linked to various midfielders in the last year or so,  because their experienced duo of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are not getting any younger, and it is time for Sir Alex Ferguson to search for quality replacements. Javi Martinez fits the bill, and he might also be interested because he will be playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Michael Owen: Striker

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08:  Michael Owen of Manchester United in action during the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on August 8, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
    Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

    Present Club: Manchester United 

    Michael Owen was signed by Manchester United in the previous year, and has been restricted to substitute appearances for most part of his Manchester United career. However, with the emergence of talented young strikers like Federico Macheda and Javier Hernandez, Owen might look for a move away from Old Trafford.

    Aston Villa’s manager Gerard Houllier, who worked with Owen during his time at Liverpool, has made no secret of his ambition to sign the England striker. Owen has also been linked with a move back to Liverpool, though it is unsure how their supporters will react to it. It might just be the right time for Owen leave United and revitalise his career.

Juan Mata: Winger

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    VALENCIA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 29:  Juan Mata of Valencia reacts during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Valencia and Manchester United on September 29, 2010 in Valencia, Spain. Manchester United won 1-0.  (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/G
    Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

    Present Club: Valencia

    Juan Mata is one of the most talented young players in the world, and has been tracked by a number of big clubs including the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool. Liverpool are in desperate need of a quality winger, and Mata might be the man to resolve their problems.

    Valencia had to sell the likes of David Villa and David Silva to ease their financial troubles, and a sizeable offer for Mata might just allow them to part with him. Liverpool might offer Ryan Babel to make the deal sweeter for Valencia.

Mark Schwarzer: Goalkeeper

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02:  Mark Schwarzer of Fulham in action during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Fulham at Boleyn Ground on October 2, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
    Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

    Present Club: Fulham

    Mark Schwarzer is an experienced goalkeeper, playing for Fulham. He has been a consistent performer in the past, but has not had the opportunity to play in the Champions League, throughout his career. When Arsenal tried to sign him in the summer, Schwarzer was open to the move, but Mark Hughes insisted that he stayed at Craven Cottage.

    After Manuel Almunia’s latest gaffes against West Bromwich, Arsenal might be back in the hunt for the Australian. Schwarzer has also indicated that he would like to move to the Emirates in January, if there is an offer from the Gunners. His contract ends this year, and Fulham might not want to lose him for nothing.

Karim Benzema: Striker

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    LA CORUNA, SPAIN - JANUARY 30:  Karim Benzema of Real Madrid in action during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor Stadium on January 30, 2010 in La Coruna, Spain.  (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
    Denis Doyle/Getty Images

    Present Club: Real Madrid

    Karim Benzema is one of the most talented strikers in the world, and was signed for a whopping 30 million by Real Madrid. However, he has not been able to establish himself in the starting eleven and has warmed the bench, while Gonzalo Higuain has emerged as the first choice striker.

    Benzema was recently criticized by France manager Laurent Blanc and even his Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has said that he needs to work hard in order to find a place in the team. There are many top clubs who will be interested to acquire his services and he might move to one of them.

Manuel Almunia: Goalkeeper

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25:  Manuel Almunia of Arsenal looks dejected as he fouls Peter Odemwingie of West Bromwich Albion for a penalty during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Septe
    Julian Finney/Getty Images

    Present Club: Arsenal

    Manuel Almunia made it clear in the summer that he would not like to the no.2 keeper for Arsenal, if the Gunners signed a keeper. Almunia had a solid start to the season until the game against West Bromwich Albion, where his gaffes proved costly for the Gunners. De to his elbow injury, Lukasz Fabianski has been given a run of games, and he has not fared too badly.

    Almunia can no longer expect to be Arsenal’s no. 1 with the emergence of young keepers, Wojciech Szczesny and Vito Mannone, and in addition to it, Arsene Wenger might also sign Mark Schwarzer to steady the ship. Almunia looks set to move away from the Emirates in the near future, and it could be as early as January.

Pedro Leon: Winger

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    PASADENA, CA - AUGUST 07: Pedro Leon of Real Madrid with coach Jose Mourinho  during their pre-season friendly soccer match against Los Angeles Galaxy on August 7, 2010 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Real Madrid will travel back to Spain after
    Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

    Present Club: Real Madrid

    Pedro Leon is a young winger signed from Getafe by Jose Mourinho for Real Madrid in this summer. However, he has not been able to break into the team on a regular basis. In addition to that, he had not followed instructions from the manger when he was introduced as a substitute, and was promptly dropped him from the Champions League squad against Auxerre.

    Leon might look for a move away from Real Madrid, if his rough relationship with Mourinho continues. His talent is undeniable and there will be a number of clubs who will be interested to sign him if he opts to leave the Los Blancos

Shay Given: Goalkeeper

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    ATLANTA - JULY 28:  Goalkeeper Shay Given #1 of Manchester City saves a penalty kick by Daniel Montenegro (not pictured) #10 of Club America during the 2010 Aaron's International Soccer Challenge match at Georgia Dome on July 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.
    Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

    Present Club: Manchester City

    Shay Given has been one of most consistent performers in the Premier League in the last decade. He was signed by Manchester City, when Mark Hughes was the manager, and had a decent season with the Citizens. However the emergence of the young Joe Hart has relegated him to the bench.

    Given has too much quality to remain on the bench for long, and will look for a move away from City. Arsenal might sign Schwarzer and Fulham manager Mark Hughes might look to bring him to Craven Cottage.

Emmanuel Adebayor: Striker

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    MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03:  Emmanuel Adebayor of Manchester City in action with Sol Campbell of Newcastle during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at the City of Manchester Stadium on October 3, 2010 in
    Michael Regan/Getty Images

    Present Club: Manchester City

    Emmanuel Adebayor was signed by Manchester City from Arsenal, last year, and the African has not endured a great period during his time with City. He has been lacklustre in some of the games, and has warmed the bench for long periods. Carlos Tevez is the first choice striker, and Adebayor might look for a move away so that he gets more playing time.

    Juventus were interested in signing him in the summer, though they were also linked with Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko. Another possibility is that Real Madrid could offload Karim Benzema and use the funds to sign the former Arsenal striker.

Lassana Diarra: Midfielder

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    PASADENA, CA - AUGUST 07: Lassana Diarra #10 of Real Madrid during the pre-season friendly soccer match against Los Angeles Galaxy on August 7, 2010 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Real Madrid will travel back to Spain after the soccer match com
    Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

    Present Club: Real Madrid

    Lassana Diarra was signed by Real Madrid for an exorbitant fee, but has not played an important role in Jose Mourinho’s team. He has not featured in the team, regularly, and has voiced his frustration of remaining on the bench. Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso have established themselves as starters, providing very less options for Diarra.

    The Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder has been linked to a move back to the Premier League, with rumours linking him to two clubs: Tottenham and Manchester United, but he will not come at a bargain.

Roque Santa Cruz: Striker

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    JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 03:  Gerard Pique of Spain tackles Roque Santa Cruz of Paraguay during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Quarter Final match between Paraguay and Spain at Ellis Park Stadium on July 3, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Afric
    Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

    Present Club: Manchester City

    Roque Santa Cruz was all set to leave for Lazio in the summer, but his deal could not be sealed by the transfer deadline, and he was subsequently included in the list of 25 players for Manchester City in this season. He has not enjoyed a favourable period at the City of Manchester, and he is not getting many opportunities to impress Roberto Mancini.

    However, he is still a quality centre forward, and there will be many clubs who will be happy to acquire his services. He might move to Lazio in January, in a bid to seek first team football. His situation at Manchester City is not looking good, which is why he will look for other options.

Edin Dzeko: Striker

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01:  Dickson Etuhu of Fulham jumps with Edin Dzeko of VfL Wolfsburg (R) during the UEFA Europa League quarter final first leg match between Fulham and Vfl Wolfsburg at Craven Cottage on April 1, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by
    Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

    Present Club: Wolfsburg

    Edin Dzeko is one of the most prolific strikers in the world, and has emerged as the most important player for Wolfsburg. He was linked with a number of high profile clubs in the summer, but stayed on at the Bundesliga club. His goals to games ratio is pretty impressive and he is rated very highly.

    It will not be a surprise if Manchester City splash the cash to attain the services of the striker, but Juventus will not make it a one horse race. Juventus have made no secret of their ambition to sign him, and have pursued it for more than a year.

Maarten Stekelenberg: Goalkeeper

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    MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Maarten Stekelenburg of Ajax reacts during the UEFA Champions League group G match between Real Madrid and AFC Ajax at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 15, 2010 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
    Angel Martinez/Getty Images

    Present Club: Ajax

    Maarten Skelenberg impressed in the world cup for the Netherlands, and was one of the main reasons why they reached the final of the 2010 World Championship. He has also been a very consistent performer for Ajax, but with the Dutch club in the midst of financial troubles, they might accept a sizeable offer for the Dutch goalkeeper.

    Manchester United and Arsenal have been tracking the goalkeeper, and will be interested to sign him in January. United goalkeeper Van Der Sar has also recommended Sir Alex Ferguson to sign Stekelenberg to replace him after his retirement.

Yuri Zhirkov: Left Back / Winger

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    MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25:   Yury Zhirkov of Chelsea in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the City of Manchester Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Michael Steele/
    Michael Steele/Getty Images

    Present Club: Chelsea

    Yuri Zhirkov is a very talented versatile player, who can play as a left winger or a left back. He was signed by Chelsea for a large transfer fee of around 20 million, but he has not been able to break in the first team squad because of the impressive array of talent that the Blues possess.

    The Russian manager has also warned him that he needs to play regularly in order to stake a claim for a regular starting berth in the Russian team. His lack of playing time at Chelsea, might force him to consider other options, which may even be a return to his former club CSKA Moscow.

Sulley Muntari: Midfielder

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    MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 11:  Sulley Ali Muntari of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 11, 2010 in Milan, Italy.  (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Image
    Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

    Present Club: Inter Milan

    Sulley Muntari has endured a rocky relationship with many a manager, and it does seem the case about his relationship with the new Inter Milan manager, Rafael Benitez. Muntari has not been a starter for Inter, and his not so cordial relationship with Benitez might tempt him to consider other available options.

    The central midfielder has still a lot to offer, as he showed when did play for Ghana in the World Cup. Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp might look to take advantage of the situation and look to sign him for a cut-price fee.

Niko Kranjcar: Midfielder

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29:  Niko Kranjcar of Tottenham Hotspur during a Pre-Season Friendly between Tottenham Hotspur and  Villarreal at White Hart Lane on July 29, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
    Phil Cole/Getty Images

    Present Club: Tottenham

    Niko Kranjcar is a central mifielder for Tottenham, who was very important for them in their previous year’s success in attaining the Champaions League spot. However, with the addition of the impressive Rafael Van Der Vaart, Kranjcar has not had a lot of playing time.

    There were rumours that he looked for a move away from Tottenham, but he rubbished the reports. But, if an attractive offer does come his way, he will consider his options because currently, there are two midfielders, Rafael Van der Vaart and Luka Modric who are ahead of him in the pecking order.

Luis Fabiano: Striker

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    PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 02:  Luis Fabiano of Brazil looks on during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Quarter Final match between Netherlands and Brazil at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on July 2, 2010 in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Sou
    Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

    Present Club: Sevilla

    Luis Fabiano was reported to be interested to leave Sevilla for either Manchester United or AC Milan in the summer, but none of the moves materialised, and he signed a contract extension with Sevilla. Fabiano is not currently happy with his chances at Sevilla in this season, and might be interested in a move away from the club.

    Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp is interested in securing the services of the Brazilian International who will undoubtedly bring in a lot of quality and experience to his side. The Brazilian’s valuation by the Spanish club, however, could discourage the EPL club from signing the striker.

Kaka: Midfielder

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    JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 28:  Kaka of Brazil runs with the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Round of Sixteen match between Brazil and Chile at Ellis Park Stadium on June 28, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.  (Photo by Cameron S
    Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

    Present Club: Real Madrid

    Kaka was signed for a record transfer fee worth around 60 million by Real Madrid from AC Milan, and did not endure a successful season with the Los Blancos. His time with them has been beset by injuries, and he has faced criticism from a lot of the Real Madrid fans.

    His manager, Jose Mourinho believes that Kaka has a lot to offer Real Madrid, but he will face competition from Mesut Ozil for a place in the starting 11. Kaka’s injury problems have sidelined him for Real Madrid, and Ozil has performed decently in his absence. Also, youngster Sergio Canales has shown great ability, and deserves his chance in the near future.

    Kaka has been rumoured to be tracked by Inter Milan though their president Moratti has rejected the idea. Recent reports have linked him with a return to his former club AC Milan and a move back to Milan could just what he needs to find his golden touch.

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