Manchester City Transfers: Carlos Tevez's Potential Replacements Come January

With the Argentine's reign over the blue half of Manchester seemingly nearing its end, the Citizens' faithful may have to start contemplating a replacement for the mercurial Carlos Tevez.

Admittedly, finding a replacement for a player of Tevez's caliber isn't an easy thing.

The Argentine is a player player that can play seamlessly across the entire front line. With an unparalleled eye for goal and the ability to set up teammates, Carlos Tevez is definitely a difference maker.

Simply put, few strikers with his versatility and talent currently exist in modern-day football.

So which players can Manchester City look towards to fill the "Tevez void"? Is replacing him a viable option? Is it even possible?

Enjoy this list of potential January transfer targets Manchester City may look towards to fill the Argentine's void.

Robin van Persie: The Player

Robin van Persie's stunning technique and ability, although acknowledged by many before, has never been more widely accepted than it is now.

The Dutch striker now boasts the best goal-to-game ratio in the league and one of the best in all of the footballing world. With van Persie currently leading the league in goals (11), it's safe to say the cultured striker seems to currently be enjoying his best playing years.

However, Robin van Persie isn't just all about the goals. The Dutch international has also carved a reputation for being a competent "No. 10," providing goal scoring opportunities right behind the main striker.

Expect van Persie to continue his rich goal-scoring form till the end of the season (or till his inevitable injury).

Robin van Persie: The Transfer

With the Arsenal captain now announcing himself as the uncontested "jewel in the crown" of the Emirates, it's safe to say that it would take a transfer sum of incomprehensible proportions to lure the Gunners into selling their prized asset.

Luckily for Manchester City, finances have—as of late, at least—never really been a substantial obstacle. With the Dutchman's contract winding down by the day, Arsenal may be forced into selling their star man sooner than they would ideally have liked to.

Still, the likelihood of this transfer is improbable, given van Persie's supposed love for the Gunners.

Guissepe Rossi: The Player

Italian international Giuseppe Rossi is slowly beginning to gain a reputation as being one of Europe's top forwards.

A player groomed at Old Trafford, Rossi seemed to have fallen off Manchester United's map during his measly time in England. After a few loan moves to Newcastle United and Parma, Villareal came calling.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Rossi has not looked back since, scoring an impressive 54 goals in 136 appearances for the Yellow Submarine. He's also beginning to find himself in the transfer spotlight, as rumours suggest that a plethora of "bigger" clubs are set to try and employ his services.

Giuseppe Rossi: The Transfer

Although Giuseppe Rossi may be cup-tied for the UEFA Champions League, the Italian may be seen as a long-term investment by Manchester City, given the fact that he's only 24.

That, coupled with the fact that the Citizens already have four more adept strikers at their disposal, means that his status on the European front may do little to persuade them against a bid.

With Villareal's recent horrid run of form looking likely to continue, it's safe to say that a player with Rossi's ability is probably already eying a move abroad. And given the Italian's skill set—namely his creativity and versatility—this transfer would then be possible as he could then almost naturally fill the "Tevez void."

Zlatan Ibrahimovich: The Player

AC Milan's towering Swede, Zlatan Ibrahimovich, is one of those football conundrums most experts simply don't get.

At 6'5", he's extremely tall yet extremely good with the ball at his feet. A comfortable departure from the traditional stereotype of the "tall target man," Ibrahimovich's name has now become a household item all over Europe and arguably the world.

Having already played for some of Europe's most notable powerhouses—Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan—Ibrahimovich is an experienced technical striker with a mouth-watering sixth sense for goal.

His tenure at Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, a team known for their teamwork and quick passing, means that he's also a player with an eye for a pass.

Zlatan Ibrahimovich: The Transfer

Given Zlatan Ibrahimovich's importance to the Rossoneri, it's safe to say that employing his services wouldn't be a cheap ask. His age though (30), could play a crucial role in a possible transfer, as AC Milan may be enthusiastic about selling a player that could possibly be nearing the end of his playing days.

For Manchester City, his age may not be that big of a deal, considering that he'd be the perfect experienced player that's "seen it all" and could lead a relatively inexperienced Citizens outfit. Ibrahimovich's being cup-tied as well would not be that big of an issue for a team stacked with competent forwards.

Given all of the above, consider a transfer involving Ibrahimovich as a replacement for Tevez possible. With Tevez, City run the risk of losing arguably their most experienced player. The Swede would then prove to be a useful outlet for rectifying the loss.

Didier Drogba: The Player

Didier Drogba is a player needing little introduction, especially to fans of the English Premier League.

A player considered a "late bloomer" by most, even at 33 years of age, Drogba remains one of the most feared and lethal strikers in Europe. Despite Chelsea seeing constant changes of management, Drogba has recorded an impressive record of 96 goals in 209 appearances at Stamford Bridge.

A player made in a similar mould as Carlos Tevez—given his no-nonsense direct approach—Drogba is the perfect candidate to fill the void left by the Argentine up front.

Didier Drogba: The Player

For all of Didier Drogba's immense talents and skill sets, the Ivorian seems to have fallen down the Chelsea pecking order under revolutionary manager Andres Villas-Boas. And with many others stepping into the fray, namely Romelu Lukaku (also known as "Drogba 2.0"), it seems that Drogba's place at the Bridge is, at best, that of an experienced backup.

Couple the above with the fact that Drogba has now hit 33 years of age, and you won't be too surprised to see Andres Villas-Boas contemplating a sale. Similar to previous slideshow inductee Zlatan Ibrahimovich, Drogba would play the role of "experienced leader" to perfection.

Still, given Drogba's apparent love for Chelsea and his strange tendency of continually improving despite gaining years, consider a move for the Ivorian as Tevez's replacement improbable.

Mauro Zarate: The Player

Mauro Zarate is one of those players that has simply never enjoyed a long, consistent run with a club. Whether it's due to those individual club's situations at the time or simply the Argentine's inability to stay put isn't clear.

What is clear, however, is the amount of talent Mauro Zarate possesses.

A player known for his explosive directness in the final third, Zarate is the sort of player most big teams would slot straight into their starting lineup. Inter Milan have already done that, albeit in a loan capacity.

Mauro Zarate: The Transfer

Mauro Zarate is at Inter Milan on loan simply because he stated his intention of leaving Lazio earlier this summer. Essentially, just as Carlos Tevez is, Zarate is a want-away player looking for another club.

Manchester City and the Etihad Stadium may prove to be the perfect venue for a player looking to rejuvenate his career. The Citizen's board would also likely pay him double whatever he's already receiving, providing a greater emphasis for the Argentine to join.

Considering all this, plus his explosive directness qualities that resembles Carlos Tevez's, don't rule out Zarate's possible move to the blue side of Manchester.

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