Following almost three months of non-stop footballing action, the new season has given us enough time to evaluate each team’s prospects and assets for this particular season. And after a busy summer, the Premier League clubs will soon begin their preparations for yet another busy window as we slowly approach the winter transfer market.
As a result, some players will eventually have to make way for the new signings. And here, we will talk about three players who are expected to be sold by their respective clubs in January.
Danny Drinkwater – Chelsea
Earlier this summer, Danny Drinkwater seemed destined for a move away from Stamford Bridge after the newly appointed Maurizio Sarri deemed him surplus to the requirements. His hard-working gameplay didn’t suit Sarri’s much more technical and possession based game-plan.
As a result, he was hugely linked with a move to Southampton, Crystal Palace and even his former club Leicester City. Although a deal failed to materialise in the summer, Drinkwater is hugely expected to head towards the exit door at Stamford Bridge in January.
Seven games into the season and the former Premier League winner is yet to make a single appearance in the English top flight. Therefore, a move out of the club makes sense for the former Leicester City superstar, who can prove to be a great asset for any mid-table club in the Premier League.
A move to Southampton, in particular, makes a lot of sense given their midfield struggles this season. Drinkwater’s work-ethic and commitment could be a valuable addition to the Saints midfield as they aim to bounce back after a stuttering start.
Eliaquim Mangala – Manchester City
Eliaquim Mangala has been the most irrelevant player for defending champions Manchester City this season. The French defender, who returned in the summer after a horrendous loan spell at Everton last season, has been suffering from a knee injury for a long time.
And although there has been no clarification as to when he will return to full fitness, it’s no secret that Manchester City will be keen to look for a buyer in January. Mangala’s current contract with City expires at the end of the season, meaning the Premier League giants will be taking a massive loss, having bought him for a fee of £42million back in 2014.
The 27-year-old does not fit into Pep Guardiola’s system, mainly due to his lack of technical and ball carrying qualities. Furthermore, his form has deserted him in the past couple of years while frequent injuries have also curtailed his progress.
However, clubs might be willing to gamble on the former French international, especially given the fact that he will be available for a pre-contract agreement in January.
Aaron Ramsey
Most people are aware of the contractual stalemate between Ramsey and Arsenal. There have been mixed signals from both camps regarding the same but one thing is clear, the fans do not want the player to go. But they well know, it is not up to them and Arsenal’s somewhat stubborn stance of not acceding to Ramsey’s wage demands will ultimately decide the end of this saga.
Either way, January will be key to all of this. Either the player will sign a new deal and stay on like Mesut Ozil or this whole saga will see an end with Ramsey making a move out. Letting such a talent go for free is surely not an option and is unthinkable from Arsenal’s point of view.