Here We Go: Ousmane Dembele, Dusan Vlahovic among seven names to watch as the transfer window nears its end

Here we go. We are entering the final week of the January transfer market. With so many opportunities, and surprises, there is news possible every single day. And now, the international break will help clubs speed up negotiations speeding up was has so far been a very slow window. Pay particular attention to these seven players in the coming days and hours.

1. Adama Traore, Wolves

Tottenham are pressing for this deal and the feeling around the club is very confident that they’ll be able to get this deal done in the coming days. Traore currently does not want to renew his contract with Wolves and for this reason there is the possibility of finding an agreement very soon. Antonio Conte wants him as soon as possible.

2. Jesse Lingard, Manchester United

Newcastle have been working on this deal for days and intend to press the issue because Lingard is a priority for Eddie Howe. The idea is a loan for the rest of the season that allows Lingard to calmly decide his future in June, when his current contract expires. But an agreement must be reached with Manchester United before the deal is done. In this case, Newcastle feel good about getting the move over the line this month.

3. Dusan Vlahovic, Fiorentina

Pay attention to the Serbian striker until the very end of the window. He’s now a star in Serie A, but Fiorentina are open to negotiating a sale, though, so far, the player has not responded to any hints of a January move. That would mean he’d ultimately depart in the summer. Arsenal have been pursuing him for months, certainly Juventus are also in the race, especially if the move doesn’t happen until June. But, if Vlahovic changes his mind, and seems willing to move in the next week, anything can happen.

4. Julian Alvarez, River Plate 

Manchester City are hard at work to complete this exciting signing from River Plate. There are still some details on bonuses and the player’s contract, then it will be time to sign the paperwork. River have asked to keep Alvarez on loan until the summer and Manchester City are considering whether to agree to that request or lend him to a European club after the purchase, but Alvarez will more than likely be part of the Man City of the future when the final details are settled.

5. Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona

The situation is very difficult. Barcelona have been clear that if Dembele won’t sign a new contract they want his immediate sale, but, so far, their attacker is not planning a departure in January. He wants to stay and there is no offer on the table for him yet, but also no upcoming agreement to extend his contract. It’s a stalemate and this week will be a decisive one for Dembele’s future as the two sides figure out if they can resolve it.

6. Tanguy Ndombele, Tottenham

Tottenham are preparing a deal to let the midfielder leave, and there are ongoing negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain. Spurs want 100% of their midfielder’s salary covered by PSG until next June. Talks are also progressing with PSG on the player’s side. This one is close and it is one of the most likely possible negotiations to go through in the next few days.

7. Arthur Melo, Juventus

Arsenal certainly need a midfielder, a fact which Mikel Arteta has repeatedly pointed out several times in public. The offer to Juventus for Arthur is a loan until the end of the current season with full salary covered, but the Bianconeri want an 18-month loan with a buy option included and the salary covered for that entire period. In addition, they want to find a replacement before giving the green light for Arthur’s departure.