Ozil, Isco and 10 players who need a January transfer

The winter window may see a string of high-profile names seek new clubs – but will Arsenal’s star midfielder be among them?

Adrien Rabiot | Paris Saint-Germain

Rabiot’s departure from PSG is essentially a foregone conclusion. The timing, however, is still up in the air.

The midfielder has been banished from the Ligue 1 leaders’ plans after refusing to sign an extension to his current contract, which expires in June.

He now faces six months of clicking his heels on the sidelines unless he can arrange an exit in January – Barcelona are just one of the teams reported to be following his strife at Parc des Princes with interest.

Mesut Ozil | Arsenal

The first half of 2018-19 has been extremely tough on Ozil. So much so that his future at the Emirates Stadium now seems in serious doubt.

Ozil has sat out a third of the Gunners’ fixtures so far, including Saturday’s six-pointer against Liverpool, amid reports that relations with Unai Emery have nosedived.

Should he leave Arsenal, a return to Real Madrid is a possibility for the playmaker.

Denis Suarez | Barcelona

Suarez has continually been relegated in the Barca midfield pecking order, with the likes of Arthur and Arturo Vidal adding extra competition this season.

And with reports that Rabiot’s arrival is close, he may be pressed to seek a new club in a bid to pick up regular first-team action.

Arsenal is one possible destination for Suarez, who could be available for as little as £14 million.

Alberto Moreno | Liverpool

Not too long ago Moreno was a fixture in the Liverpool squad. An untimely injury and the emergence of Andy Robertson, however, has seen the Spaniard relegated to a secondary role.

This week Moreno went public with his discontent, accusing Jurgen Klopp of “mistreatment” over his dropping.

And while the manager has attempted to play down the comments, Moreno’s future seems bleak – Barca for one could look to take advantage by drafting in a deputy to first choice left-back Jordi Alba.

Paul Pogba? | Manchester United

Just a few short days ago Pogba was expected to be one of the main players in the January window.

At loggerheads with Jose Mourinho, who reportedly called him a “virus” in front of other players, the Manchester United star looked miserable at Old Trafford and ready to resume his career elsewhere.

Mourinho’s departure has given Pogba a new lease of life on the pitch. But United will still be wary over the winter, with the likes of Juventus, PSG and Barcelona monitoring the situation.

Malcom | Barcelona

Malcom has been at Barcelona for less than six months, but rumours are already linking him with an exit.

At the front of the Brazilian’s mind must be a spot at the Copa America in 2019. Without regular football the likes of Richarlison have powered ahead in Tite’s pecking order.

A loan move at least may be necessary for Malcom to get back on track and push his way into contention.

Gonzalo Higuain | AC Milan

The Argentine has been under-par since joining Milan on loan from Juventus, as the Rossoneri have struggled to keep pace with their rivals from Turin and the rest of Serie A’s high-flyers.

A surprise way out of Italy, however, may yet present itself.

Higuain is a firm admirer of Maurizio Sarri from his time at Napoli, and could spend the rest of his loan spell at Chelsea – who would also inherit Milan’s purchase option in June.

Cesc Fabregas | Chelsea

A long-time favourite with Chelsea, Fabregas’ career at Stamford Bridge nevertheless looks set to end on a low note.

The Spanish midfielder has been muscled out of the first team, making just one Premier League start so far this season.

And while he is out of contract in June, he may want to leave the Blues as soon as possible. AC Milan and Monaco are keeping close tabs on the Spain international as reports intensify that he could cancel his contract over the winter transfer window.

Isco | Real Madrid

While Ozil mulls a move to the Spanish capital, one Merengue star could well be moving the other way in January.

Isco has started a mere five Liga games in the current campaign, with his last 90 minutes in the league coming in Madrid’s 5-1 capitulation at the hands of Barcelona.

Apparently surplus to Santiago Solari’s requirements, a loan move to Arsenal as part of any Ozil deal would breathe new life into Isco’s football.

Radamel Falcao | Monaco

Despite turning 32 and with a host of past injuries preying on his joints, Falcao remains a dangerous prospect inside the penalty area.

The Colombian, however, has joined his Monaco team-mates in struggling during the current season. If things do not improve in the principality he could well seek a transfer in the twilight of his professional career.

Two of his former clubs, Atletico Madrid and River Plate, have been linked to the forward, as have Turkish giants Galatasaray.