January deadline day, a day of drama, intrigue, rumour, speculation and quite often a lot of refreshing social media and news outlets, while Jim White gets high on the buzz of his voicemail. It’s a day that’s seen some huge names come and go and legacies have been begun and sparked thanks to a deadline day move. Names such as; Luis Suarez who arrived in Liverpool alongside Andy Carroll (the good and bad being shown in true style), Wilfred Zaha who made a triumphant return to Selhurst Park, Jermain Defoe who moved across London from West Ham to Spurs and Javier Mascherano who also left West Ham to make the move to Liverpool where his career went onto the next level. All great examples of brilliant moves on deadline day in January, and proof that it’s not all just speculation and desperation and in fact big moves can and often do occur.

With that idea firmly in our mind, we are bracing ourselves for a chaotic and wild final day, and have picked out 3 big names who may just move in these final few hours. We think these are all plausible transfers or potential loans that may occur and go right down to the wire as all parties seek an end to the speculation and either make something happen or hold onto their player for at least a few more months.

If you have anything you want to add, or any player you think could be on the move, head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and let us know who you’re keeping an eye on.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

We have all seen and heard the reports coming from Arsenal, that their star striker and now ‘former’ captain Aubameyang is “done” at the club, and with little sign of reconciliation or forgiveness, the conversation surely has to turn to, what next?

With just days left of the January window, a move before the end of the season will need to be swift in organising, otherwise, the players’ career will hit a brick wall, and Arsenal’s finances will hit that very same brick wall. It’s a lose-lose for both in footballing terms, but if a decision can’t be met, then who knows what Arteta will do with an obviously talented player in their ranks, but completely out of favour for previous behaviours.

Well, we’ve had a look over the options, and put forth 3 suggestions of what we think could and realistically should happen next. Obviously, only one option is possible, but Arsenal have many potential routes they can take, but as mentioned, it must happen now. If you have anything to add to what we’ve got to say, or have your own ideas of what will happen with Aubameyang and Arsenal, let us know, we’d love to get some more opinion on this latest controversy from the Emirates’.

Forgive and Forget – Arsenal are not good at forgiveness, well that’s according to former striker Adebayor. However, in order to forgive and forget, there must surely be some understanding and apology form the guilty party, and currently I’m not seeing or hearing things from Aubameyang’s camp that signal he even wants the forgiveness. For his brash personality on social media and countless posts of cars and horrendous purchases (no Pierre, a gold wrapped Ferrari is not cool!!!), there isn’t a statement, apology or ‘back to work’ post from the player. Admittedly, the AFCON tournament and possible heart issue has delayed any return to the club regardless, however saying and appearing to do the right thing for the fans is surely the building blocks to returning to the club, but as mentioned, currently it appears there’s no desire for this from either side.

Money, money, money – Aubameyang costs big cash, simple as that, and unfortunately for the player, who views himself as one of the World’s top strikers, many of Europe’s elite clubs just don’t have the cash for his extortionate wage demands. Therefore, a move to developing leagues in Saudi Arabia have been touted. The player could live the lavish lifestyle he is clearly accustomed to, and instantly be the megastar of the league. It’s not a career move, it’s a money move, but that might just be enough for the player, and if Arsenal can lose his wages off their books even on loan, then they’ll be very happy.

Europe Calling – We just mentioned that Aubameyang see’s himself as a elite level striker, and admittedly at one point he sure has been, but right now that would have to be questioned. He isn’t an upcoming young star, he is an experienced professional with issues with professionalism. Additionally, his wage demands almost discount any Premier League side (except Newcastle), any German side, most Spanish sides and most Italian. Therefore, at an elite European level, it’s been narrowed down to just PSG, and with Mbappe, Neymar, Messi, Di Maria and the funds to sign anyone they want, do they really need Aubameyang? Well, I could see a European move, but it will have to happen quickly, and both Arsenal and Aubameyang must sacrifice financially to make any of the European moves being spoken about actually happen, otherwise the finances will delay and ultimately rule out many potential suitors.

Jesse Lingard

Lingard is so underrated at United, and has been arguably for a long time. His spell at West Ham is not coincidence, it’s talent. With the player willing to move on from his childhood club, and the club facing a financial decision to sell now or hope he has a change of heart on a new contract, a permanent move, and taking advantage of the Newcastle United spending spree would be ideal. I could understand the reluctance to sell to now close rivals West Ham and boost a rival in the table at this point in the season, but if the elaborate Newcastle are splashing out £25million for Chris Wood, you would expect around the same for Jesse Lingard, just make the deal happen before it’s too late.

So, aside from Newcastle who obviously could push the deal through, his options may be quite limited. Spurs could well be tempted to get involved if a move for Alli is to happen (more on that very soon), meanwhile it could be a triumphant return to West Ham that pleases everyone, the player left on very good terms, the fans and club would welcome him back and are in great form currently, but would Manchester United want to strengthen a top-4 rival, maybe if the price is just right they could be tempted.

Dele Alli

I don’t know what is going on with Alli, his career has just stalled massively in recent years and after dropping down the pecking order for England, his club form has followed too. So, what next? Well, his options are limited currently, as many won’t be willing to splash out for the money he would ask for. Spurs would likely demand in excess of £20million for the attacker, and many clubs would look elsewhere for this amount and what they get in return, except one club… that one club linked with everyone… Newcastle United.

Newcastle are the perfect club for Alli to join, they are Premier League, a club looking to improve and give players a chance, and the level suits him perfectly to recover some form and put in some big performances which could seriously revitalise his career. He would compliment the likes of ASM, and could be a real attacking threat alongside Wilson, Wood and Joelinton. It’s hard to know if Howe would want Dele, however for a reasonable fee, and if the player is suggesting he is ready to kick on and fight for his place, and fight for the club, then why not make the move. It’s a big name Newcastle fans can get excited about, and with a possible 5 goals minimum in the second half of the season, it could be enough for Newcastle to survive.

Other Potential Movers

Bernd Leno – Out of favour at Arsenal, it may be time for him to look elsewhere for first team action.

Aaron Ramsey – Another ‘our of favour’ big name player who may well be kept out in the cold at his current club if a move can’t be arranged. A big wage to cover, but a quality midfielder for anyone looking to splash the cash.

Tanguy Ndombele – It just doesn’t seem to be working for Ndombele at Spurs, and it may be time for everyone involved to cash in their chips with this transfer.

Youri Tielemans – Manchester City and Liverpool have expressed interest in Tielemans, and when those two sides come calling, it’s hard to ignore for too long.

Christian Eriksen – Finally, this one won’t perhaps be a ‘deadline day drama’, however Eriksen could well be on the move to England once again as his return to football steps up. Many sides will be interested, and if all fitness concerns can be addressed, it might be a huge move for wherever he signs.