Barcelona are sitting atop the league table, but their league standings belie the thinness of their squad as they struggle with injuries to several of their first team regulars. Their inability to register players in their squad in the summer, owing to a FIFA-imposed ban due to transfer infractions has severely handicapped them. However, the sanction will be lifted in January, and the Catalan giants may use the opportunity to shore up their injury-depleted squad.
Celta Vigo forward Nolito has been linked with the club for a long time and may finally sign on the dotted line for his former side and take up the place vacated by the transfer of Pedro Rodriguez. Everton youngster John Stones, who was targeted by Chelsea in the summer, has also been on the radar of Luis Enrique’s side. They have also been linked with another Chelsea target, the Ukraine international, Andriy Yarmolenko.
Real Madrid are just three points shy of Barcelona and have also endured injury issues like their hated rivals. They have also been beset by the off-field infractions of Karim Benzema as the forward has been questioned by the French police. If rumours are to be believed, the France international will be sold if found guilty. His departure may see the club sign a high-profile forward to fill in the void left by the Frenchman.
A return for Alvaro Morata has been mooted while Sergio Aguero has also been reported to be on the radar of the Spanish giants. Robert Lewandowski’s agent has denied being contacted by Real Madrid for his client, but Rafael Benitez’s side have been reported to be interested in the forward for a long time. Their summer target, David de Gea subsequently signed a long-term contract with Manchester United and is unlikely to make a move to his hometown. Meanwhile, Real Madrid youngster Raphael Varane is being eyed by the Red Devils.
Atletico Madrid did extensive business in the summer window and brought in the likes of Luciano Vietto, Jackson Martinez and Filipe Luis to the Vicente Calderon. However, their star man, Antoine Griezmann has been reported to be on the radar of Chelsea, and they may part company with the France international if the Blues make a serious offer for the forward. Diego Costa has failed to replicate his form of last season at Stamford Bridge and has been linked with a move back to Diego Simeone’s side, although his transfer looks difficult to go through, owing to his woeful form.
Valencia star Sofiane Feghouli has earned admiration from several Premier League teams and may make his way to Old Trafford in the winter, whereas Aymen Abdennour has also been reported to be on the radar of Chelsea.
Sevilla midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak has long been linked with a move to Arsenal. However, he recently inked a long-term deal with Unai Emery’s side, and the Gunners will require shelling out a substantial amount of money to prise him away. Ever Banega has also been reported to have attracted the attention of Manchester City.