January Transfer Window: 5 Teams That Should Be Vying for Fernando Torres

The 50 million pound mistake for the hoodwinked Chelsea could be on the chopping block during the January transfer window as they make an attempt to recoup a portion of their loss.

Fernando Torres left Anfield last January already in the rut of a bad run of form. Chelsea banked on his switch from a red shirt to a blue shirt and from North England to London being an affective change of scenery that could turn the switch back on for the Spanish forward. That notion has yet to prove fruitful.

Since January, Torres has yet to nail down a starting role in the starting 11 due to his play. Although Andre Villas-Boas has shown resolute support, the Chelsea higher ups might overrule his wishes and try to pawn off the striker at a discounted price before his value deflates even further before the summer.

Which teams would make a move for the striker? The asking price will certainly eliminate certain suitors but let's ignore the price tag for the time being since there is no precedence to refer to outside of the £50m transfer last January.

Paris St. Germain

The French Ligue 1 club has been the latest European club to become a billionaire's hobby. PSG tried to be aggressive during the summer transfer window and look to turn up the heat during the January window. Rumors already abound that PSG has propositioned the LA Galaxy's David Beckham for a move in January.

PSG has the capital to take a risk on an out of form striker like Fernando Torres. With players like Javier Pastore and Kevin Gameiro joining the front lines during the summer, adding a player with Torres' talent could be an option that PSG couldn't refuse taking a chance on.

Ligue 1 would allow the striker to play a more free flowing style of football compared to the rough and tumble of the English Premier League. Add in the possible addition of David Beckham and PSG's ability to spark the Spaniard's form back to life would be increasingly likely.

Valencia

Sitting third in the table in La Liga behind big boys Barcelona and Real Madrid, Valencia could look to boost their title hopes with the addition of Fernando Torres. Valencia has a recent history negotiating with Chelsea after the Juan Mata deal performed during the summer transfer window.

Certainly Chelsea will be tough to negotiate with after Valencia took a big chunk out of Chelsea's funds for the flashy winger, however, Fernando Torres' best option seems to be a move back to Spain. Neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona would even waste their time thinking about an offer for Torres but Valencia could be a good fit.

Pairing Torres with fellow compatriot Roberto Soldado would provide Valencia with a potentially potent front line going into the second half of the season. If Valencia took the chance, it could be a win-win-win for all parties involved. Chelsea recoup a portion of their losses, Valencia adds a weapon to their arsenal as they try to gun down Real Madrid and Barcelona and Torres moves back to Spain where he could enhance his chances for being in the fold for the Euro Championship next summer.

Olympique Lyonnais

Lyon have been one of four teams that have qualified for the round of 16 in the Champions League since its new format was enacted in 2003/2004. As a consistent performer in Europe and a perennial favorite to win Ligue 1, Lyon could benefit from having the services of an experienced forward in Fernando Torres.

The Ligue 1 side is in the battle with three other teams atop of the French first division table. All four clubs are within two points of each other as the season closes in on turning the corner into the second half of the season. They could also be in an arms race with PSG as they both move closer towards a Ligue 1 title.

Torres would not be able to assist Lyon in Europe during their round of 16 campaign during the current season but the addition of the Spaniard could help them separate from the field atop the table in Ligue 1. Bafetimbi Gomis and Lisandro Lopez hold down the workload for Lyon's front line and could benefit from the assimilation of a player of Torres' quality.

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger hinted last week that he could be in the market for a striker come January. Maroune Chamakh will be competing in the Africa Cup of Nations in January, otherwise, he would likely be sold and replaced.

Robin Van Persie is the undisputed No.1 striker at Arsenal and an early candidate for Player of the Year Award in the EPL. However, he has been injury prone throughout his career at Arsenal due to "glass ankles."

Wenger does not have a reliable secondary striker to take charge when Van Persie needs a rest or if he were to go down. Torres could benefit from the style of play Arsenal incorporates into their football and being under the tutelage of one of the best teachers in world football. 

The big obstacle would be the price tag labeled on the out of form striker by their crosstown rivals. Arsenal have the monetary means available but are historically frugal in their purchases.

Atlético Madrid

If you haven't picked up on an overall theme yet, Fernando Torres leaving England is it. Atlético Madrid was where he started his career as a young, up and coming lad. His original club could be interested in bringing back one of their own and Torres should be intrigued by the opportunity as well.

Atlético has not had a stellar season thus far in La Liga despite buying one of the hottest strikers on the planet in Falcao from FC Porto in the summer. Losing Sergio Aguero to Manchester City has affected the side exponentially and bringing back one of their sons could provide a spark within the fanbase and in the dressing room.

Torres' form has been hiding and seems to be a tougher prospect to circumvent than the European sovereign debt crisis. A move back to Spain and his home club could bring back that warm nostalgic feeling of scoring goals.