12 Hottest Strikers Linked with 2015 January Transfer Window Moves
Merely a fortnight remains until the January transfer window opens and the giants of world football once again go about their plight of securing mid-season reinforcements.
Naturally, it's the strikers who account for a great deal of the speculation leading into the winter market, and here we chronicle 12 of the most in-form forwards being associated with moves away from their current settings.
Only those enjoying good football of late have been included, with no exceptions made for those who have shone in the past. For example, Mario Balotelli or Fernando Torres may still be regarded as potentially strong talents, but recent disappointments mean they're omitted from the running.
However likely a transfer may (or may not) be, the following hitmen have all bee rumoured to be on the move, some sticking out as more plausible transfers than others.
1. Paulo Dybala
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Linked Clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Liverpool
The man currently taking Serie A by storm, Paulo Dybala has seen his reputation rise from second-tier uncertainty to a wonderkid whose value is now estimated at £30 million.
That's according to Ed Malyon of the Mirror, who reports that Palermo are attempting to secure their 21-year-old on a new long-term deal, but an agreement is yet to be reached.
With his current contract expiring in 18 months, Arsenal and Liverpool are tied as two of the sides hoping to lure Dybala to the Premier League, but Borussia Dortmund have taken a huge step in chasing the Argentine.
According to German newspaper BILD (h/t Metro's Will Giles), the Bundesliga outfit have already held talks with the attacker, who has seven goals in 15 league outings this term.
England's suitors would undoubtedly be able to offer the most lucrative destination should that appeal to Dybala, but Borussia Dortmund will hope their current standing of 15th in Germany's top flight doesn't put their target off.
2. Aleksandar Mitrovic
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Linked Clubs: Newcastle United
Anderlecht's Aleksandar Mitrovic has long been hailed as one of Europe's brightest up-and-coming talents, one to watch for the future in preparation for a move to one of the continent's elite divisions.
Simon Jones of the Daily Mail says that Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is attempting to see that move materialise this winter as he seeks another piece for his attacking puzzle.
Despite being just 20 years of age, the Serbian has 13 goals in 23 starts for his Belgian club this season, per WhoScored.com, including one goal against Arsenal in their 3-3 draw.
Papiss Demba Cisse and Ayoze Perez have sparkled for patches of the 2014-15 season, but £15 million-rated Mitrovic would be seen as one who could make an instant impact, but also holds plenty of promise for the future.
3. Wilfried Bony
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Linked Clubs: Liverpool
The links between Brendan Rodgers and former club Swansea City have been revived after it once again came to light that Liverpool are in the hunt to sign Garry Monk's leading man, Wilfried Bony.
The Ivorian was associated with a summer switch to Anfield, but a move never came to pass. However, Rodgers is still interested in the striker, who has 20 goals to his name in 2014.
Former Red Jamie Carragher was quoted in giving his verdict of the forward, per Jack Wilson of the Daily Star:
"I hope Liverpool sign him. If Liverpool sign [Mario] Balotelli for £16m, Bony is worth £20m or £25m. I wish Liverpool got him this summer and I hope they're looking at him in the future."
Balotelli has failed to fit in on Merseyside since making the move back to England over the summer, while Daniel Sturridge is struggling to make his full return from injury.
Liverpool recently dropped out of the Champions League and will now compete for Europa League honours, but the club may pray they still boast enough allure to attract Bony's talent, with the squad in dire need of a reliable goal threat.
4. Saido Berahino
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Linked Clubs: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham
Another attacker said to be on Liverpool's radar this winter is Saido Berahino, the West Brom prodigy attracting a wealth of attention from England's titans.
The Daily Star's Harry Pratt revealed on Monday that contract talks between the Baggies and their striker had collapsed. What's more, Berahino's drop to the bench against Aston Villa this past weekend may be an indicator that negotiations aren't going smoothly at the Hawthorns.
The 21-year-old has scored seven goals this season and was called up as an unused member of Roy Hodgson's England squad during the last international break.
West Brom won't be keen on the idea of losing their prospect in the middle of their campaign, but should his desire for the exit lead to a breakdown in their relationship, the Baggies may be forced into a sale.
5. Jackson Martinez
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Linked Clubs: Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool
The latest South American export to leave Porto's borders in 2015 could well be Jackson Martinez, a figure who has remained at the Estadio do Dragao despite wave after wave of transfer rumours in recent years.
The Colombian international has been reported by Anthony Chapman of the Express as a £40 million target for Premier League trio Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool, each of whom have been linked with his services in the past.
In 18 appearances across all competitions this season, the striker has 15 goals, including a prolific record in the current Champions League campaign, netting five in four starts.
Spurs are perhaps best-suited to welcome another senior striker to their shores, with Mauricio Pochettino having to promote Harry Kane as the club's most reliable presence in front of goal.
However, the financial details could prove troublesome for the north Londoners, and with Porto still involved in Europe's premier continental competition, his transfer may not materialise until next summer.
6. Seydou Doumbia
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Linked Clubs: Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham
CSKA Moscow front man Seydou Doumbia has himself confirmed that a host of clubs from around Europe are in pursuit of his signature, leading to intensified rumours he could depart Russia's top flight this January.
Quoted by Anthony Chapman of the Express, the Ivorian international has stated:
"I am talking with CSKA about renewing my contract, but there is interest in me. There's a lot from England, Spain, Germany and Italy. However I am under contract at CSKA so I have to talk with them too."
From those comments, the prolific goal source would appear far from aghast to the idea of switching allegiances in the winter, with CSKA having recently been dumped out of European competition.
The Daily Mail's Simon Jones confirmed that CSKA are in talks with their forward to renew his contract in the Russian capital, but adds that Leonid Slutsky's side would accept an offer of "between £15 million and £25 million."
It's a pretty vague reference in terms of the 26-year-old's pricing, but Doumbia would understandably command a high fee after impressing in the Champions League this term.
The 26-year-old grabbed a brace during his side's 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, proving that he can contend against world-class opponents.
7. Andrej Kramaric
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Linked Clubs: Chelsea, Juventus, Milan, Tottenham, Leicester City
Raised among the esteemed ranks of Dinamo Zagreb but now thriving at HNK Rijeka, Andrej Kramaric is one of the latest sensations to emerge from Croatia ahead of a possible move in 2015.
This year has seen the 23-year-old make his full international debut and the 2014-15 campaign has been a prolific one thus far, with a record of 28 goals in 29 outings across all competitions.
As ever, the Premier League suitors are among those to keep an eye on as Chelsea enter the mix and Leicester City have even seen a £7.9 million bid rejected, according to Goal.com's Ante Buskulic.
In that report, Croatia coach Niko Kovac is quoted as giving the up-and-comer advice on taking time to choose his next move, proclaiming:
"My advice not only to him but all young players going out is don't look at how high a salary you can get but choose a club you will play in. Because when young players go out, they do not know anybody, don't have friends, family, don't know the language, and if they don't play, they lose confidence and in year or two - disappear.
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And if they play in some smaller team, the opportunity will come to go to a bigger club and earn more. Since Kramaric is playing great now, scoring goals, and there might come an injury, perhaps it would be better for him to leave Rijeka now than to wait until summer.
The warmer climates of Serie A may be more appealing to Kramaric, with Juve and Milan also among those looking into his prospect, according to Buskulic.
8. Edinson Cavani
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Linked Clubs: Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea
It seems as long as Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains at Parc des Princes, there will always be rumours abound that Edinson Cavani could depart Laurent Blanc's side.
The notion has constantly been put forth on numerous occasions that the Uruguayan is unsettled at Paris Saint-Germain because of the wider berth he's been forced to occupy under Blanc.
Despite coming out to dissuade that speculation on several occasions, the speculation refuses to go away. The Daily Star's Jonathan Green cites the Express in reporting that Manchester United will attempt to lure the PSG wantaway if they decide not to sign Radamel Falcao on permanent terms.
However, it's added that Cavani is aware of Arsenal's interest and would prefer a more to London, with summer signing Danny Welbeck not fulfilling that superstar void just yet.
Green goes on to say that Cavani has even asked PSG to lower their asking price in order to force through a switch. It's understandable he may once again seek to be the leading man, as he was at Napoli, and 2015 could be the year he gets his wish.
9. Mauro Icardi
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Linked Clubs: Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool
According to recent reports, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio is willing to let Mauro Icardi leave the San Siro this winter in a bid to raise funds for manager Roberto Mancini.
The London Evening Standard's Tom Collomosse writes that it's unsurprisingly the riches of the Premier League that sit as a more probable destination, and Chelsea have been offered the forward for £25 million.
The Argentina has eight goals in 13 Serie A starts this term, but Stamford Bridge may not be wiling to invest such a fee in another attacker, given they already have Loic Remy and Didier Drogba as backups to Diego Costa.
Icardi has the benefit of being able to play out wide, too, but the competition in west London would be equally rife, with Eden Hazard, Willian and Andre Schurrle just some of those to look out for.
Still just 21 years of age, interest in Icardi's signature may well rise over the next six weeks if claims of Inter's willingness to do business prove accurate.
10. Munir El Haddadi
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Linked Clubs: Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Betis
Just to allay any Barcelona fears, Munir El Haddadi will be a Barcelona player for years to come, but the Spanish international is understandably looking to get more first-team minutes under his belt.
It's plausible, therefore, that speculation of the youngster desiring a loan move away from Camp Nou are correct, and according to David Wright of the Express, Arsenal and Chelsea have been quick to register interest.
Strictly speaking, European audiences have only seen Munir play in a wing capacity, but he has played as a central hub in Barca's youth ranks and his touch in front of goal this season certainly shows it.
Munir has only just penned new terms in Catalan country, per the club's official website, his new deal coming fully equipped with a €35 million release clause which makes his permanent departure highly unlikely for the foreseeable future.
The 19-year-old received massive plaudits after making his senior Blaugrana debut this season, but following Luis Suarez's return from suspension, playing time has diminished significantly.
According to Spanish newspaper El Desmarque (h/t 101GreatGoals), Real Betis have entered the loan war in a bid to keep Munir's talent in La Liga, with the starlet forward faced with a number of January options.
11. Andre-Pierre Gignac
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Linked Clubs: Arsenal
The rumours linking Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac to Arsenal have gone slightly cold in recent weeks, but the Gunners may yet revive their intrigue in spite of Olivier Giroud's recent return from injury.
Liam Prenderville of the Mirror reports that Marseille are working hard to agree a one-year contract extension with the forward, whose current deal is set to expire next summer.
Should the Ligue 1 contenders fail to convince their star, his desire for an exit could lead Marseille to cash in now, lest they risk another club agreeing a pre-contract prior to his free transfer at the end of the 2014-15 season.
Gignac has netted 12 goals in 18 league appearances this term and has the advantage of not being cup-tied for European competition, making him that much more valuable to any team still in continental contest.
12. Lionel Messi
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Linked Clubs: Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain
It's largely regarded these days that the overturn of finances means nothing is impossible in the world of football. But in a world where anything's possible, Lionel Messi's winter departure from Barcelona sits as the most unlikely occurrence.
It's well-founded that comments made by Messi to Argentinian newspaper Ole in November sparked rumours of an exit. After all, it's only natural that such talk get the titans of the transfer market frothing at the mouth, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:
"At the moment, I am living in the present. I am thinking about having a great year and winning the trophies we want at Barcelona -- nothing else. Later, we will see. In football, things change all the time. Although I have always said I would like to stay there forever, sometimes everything does not always go as you want.
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It's led to speculation that Chelsea are at the head of a queue which would see a figure of £200 million exchanged, with James Dickenson of the Express reporting that Adidas will help broker the transition.
Fellow big spenders Manchester City have also been tied with the Argentine. However, the chances of Barca allowing their talisman to leave midway through the campaign are as close to zero as one can get without shutting the door completely, which may as well be the case.
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