With the January transfer window now open and clubs free to buy and sell players, David Amoyal evaluates the hottest rumours from around the world of football.
Christian Eriksen to Inter Milan: 35%
After signing Diego Godin last summer, the Nerazzurri are looking to complete another significant free transfer and have set their sights on Denmark international Christian Eriksen. Inter could look to accelerate his arrival to this month by offering €20 million, which would ensure that Tottenham do not lose the 27-year-old playmaker for nothing next summer, while giving Antonio Conte's squad a boost as they compete with Juventus for the Serie A crown. However, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, who have already reportedly made a substantial offer, are also strong contenders to sign Eriksen for next season.
Jerome Boateng to Arsenal: 30%
Considering that RB Leipzig's pricey, precocious talent, Dayot Upamecano, seems set to remain forbidden fruit for now, the Gunners have begun to show interest in a more experienced -- and cheaper -- centre-back in Boateng, who is rumoured to want a move away from Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions would be open to selling the Germany international for a sum in the region of €15m. However, Arsenal are exploring the possibility of negotiating a loan deal with the German giants.
Moussa Dembele to Chelsea: 25%
The Blues have reportedly already made an attempt to sign the 23-year-old, approaching Lyon with a €40m offer. Although the former France under-21 international is reported to be open to a return to British football, the French side madeit immediately clear that they have no intention to sell the player in January, especially after losing their other two primary attacking talents, Memphis Depay and Jeff Reine-Adelaide, to season-ending injuries. Chelsea will likely intensify their pursuit should Olivier Giroud or Michy Batshuayi be sold this month.
Chris Smalling to Roma on a permanent basis: 70%
The English centre-back has been one of the best new arrivals in Serie A this season after joining Roma on loan from Manchester United at the end of the summer window. The club are determined to acquire him on a permanent basis and Smalling is eager to stay in Italy's capital. At this point, they just have to meet United's asking price. Roma's initial offer of €15m was rejected, but a deal is likely to be reached around €20m, especially in light of the Giallorossi already spending €3m on the loan fee.
Merih Demiral to Leicester: 25%
The Turkey international has been starting over Matthijs de Ligt at Juventus in recent weeks and his performances have caught the attention of numerous clubs, including the Foxes. Although Juve will have significant depth at centre-back once Giorgio Chiellini returns from his knee injury, they see Demiral as a long-term building block and their intention is to hold on to him. However, should they be unable to move on Daniele Rugani and/or Emre Can -- two players who would bring in significant fees -- they could be tempted by a sizeable offer for Demiral after investing €18m to acquire him last summer.
Paco Alcacer to Atletico Madrid: 20%
The former Barcelona striker thinks his playing time could decrease significantly following Borussia Dortmund's signing of Norwegian wunderkind Erling Haaland, and he is pondering a return to Spain. Atletico, a club in need of a striker, have perked up their ears, as the signing of Edinson Cavani -- all but completed for the summer -- could not be moved up to January because of the salary limits in place in La Liga. However, Diego Simeone will have to make space in his squad by selling players before they make a concrete move for Alcacer, for whom Dortmund have set a hefty asking price of €40m.
Lucas Paqueta to Paris Saint-Germain: 55%
PSG sporting director Leonardo could sign the Brazilian midfielder for the second consecutive January window, having brought his compatriot to AC Milan 12 months ago. Now that Leonardo is back in Paris and Paqueta has lost his starting job under new Rossoneri manager Stefano Pioli, the pair could reunite at Parc des Princes. Milan are looking to recoup the full €35m they invested to acquire Paqueta but could be open to taking back Germany winger Julian Draxler in the deal as they look to get some help up front for new arrival Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Jean-Clair Todibo to AC Milan: 15%
Milan director of football Frederic Massara confirmed his club's interest in the France U20 defender, but the formula of the deal remains a significant sticking point. Barcelona want to retain control of Todibo's future with a buyback clause; Milan do not want to give them the option to reacquire him down the road. In addition, the 20-year-old does not appear to be convinced by Milan's plan after meeting with Massara last week. Monaco could end up acquiring him, considering their willingness to agree to Barca's buyback clause.
Gabriel Barbosa to Chelsea: 15%
After an excellent season as the Brasileirao's top scorer, the striker's loan with Flamengo has come to an end. Inter are looking to capitalise on his strong performances by selling him rather than reintegrating him into their squad, and the 23-year-old's representatives have offered him to Chelsea, who have no interest in acquiring him at present. Flamengo would like to retain the man known as "Gabigol" and have offered a deal that sends a percentage of future resale to Inter, but the Nerazzurri's preference would be to sell him for a higher fee up front.
Patrick Cutrone to Fiorentina: 60%
The former Milan standout has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and wasn't selected for the matchday squad in Wolves' most recent game against Man United in the FA Cup. He's almost certain to return to Serie A this month, with Fiorentina, a club in desperate need of a striker, as his most likely destination. The deal could be completed rather quickly, with Cutrone set to undergo a medical later this week.