The deadline for the January transfer window is edging closer and a number of players are still scrambling to secure a move.
If reports are to be believed, there could be plenty of transfer activity before the window shuts at 11pm on Monday, February 3 as players seek a fresh start and clubs look to bolster their squads for the second half of the season.
Here are five players who could be on the move before transfer deadline day.
Marcus Rashford
Arguably the player in most need of a switch, Rashford’s time at boyhood Manchester United is seemingly up after some scathing comments by manager Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese boss has not included the forward in any of his squads since December and recently questioned his commitment by saying he would rather have his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench than Rashford.
Rashford, 27, has been on the fringes since publicly stating his desire for a new challenge – but he is running out of time to secure a move.
The England international has been linked with both Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan but their interest has seemingly cooled. Barcelona may be Rashford’s last remaining option but given their issues with registering players, that looks far from certain.
If a move does not materialise, he may have to prove to Amorim he is still capable of making an impact at Old Trafford.
Jhon Duran
Now to a player who has certainly made an impact this season – though Duran’s future at Aston Villa looks far from certain.
The 21-year-old has showcased his exceptional talent on the domestic and European stage this season, scoring 12 goals to make him Villa’s top scorer this season.
But even still, Duran is still playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins up front and the debate over who should play is arguably affecting both players.
Villa are still seemingly keen to hold on to Duran after rejecting interest from West Ham in the summer but with Saudi club Al-Nassr reportedly considering a huge £80million bid, Unai Emery and Co’s resolve could be tested before the deadline.
Your Goal of the Month for October:
Jhon Durán vs Bayern Munich 🤯 pic.twitter.com/805l6lrWEY
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 4, 2024
Ben Chilwell
It is easy to forget Ben Chilwell is still a Chelsea player after spending the first half of the season in the so-called ‘bomb squad’.
The England left-back has been made available for transfer by the Blues but as of today, looks no closer to securing a move to get the minutes he desperately needs.
Enzo Maresca recently left Chilwell out his FA Cup squad to allow him to press ahead with securing a move but with just a few days to go, a permanent one looks unlikely.
A loan move for the second of the campaign could be the 28-year-old’s best bet to get his career back on track.
Evan Ferguson
A temporary switch also looks likely for Evan Ferguson who, after bursting onto the scene as a teenager in the Premier League, is now on the fringes at Brighton after an injury-hit 2024.
The Irish striker was regarded as the Premier League’s most esciting young No9s not long ago but is now behind the likes of Joao Pedrol, Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter in Fabian Hurzeler’s pecking order.
West Ham have been named as a potential destination as they search for a player to fill the void left by the injured Michail Antonio, while Tottenham are also in the mix as they desperately try to bolster their injury-hit squad.
What a GOAL from Evan Ferguson! 😍💫 pic.twitter.com/I6XjCaHPou
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 2, 2023
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko has slipped further down the pecking order at Arsenal after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence to follow the arrival of Riccardo Califiori, meaning he has started just twice in the Premier League this term.
As a result, Mikel Arteta can probably afford to offload the Ukrainian utility man, who will no doubt be keen for more minutes.
Borussia Dortmund are said to be one of the clubs interested in the 28-year-old, whose contract is reaching its final year.
A loan move before a permanent departure in the summer looks to be the likely way forward for both parties.
