Ten big transfer stories to follow in the final week of the January window

Tottenham were heavily linked with Adama Traoré over the summer, but the move failed to come to fruition. Fast forward to January and Spurs have changed manager, yet one of the main targets has not. Antonio Conte is keen to land a superior right wing-back to Matt Doherty or summer arrival Emerson Royal. Traoré has made seven successful dribbles per 90 minutes this season – more than any other player in the Premier League – so it’s easy to see why Conte thinks he would fit well as a wing-back in his favoured three-man defensive system.

If there is one thing Arsenal lack, it’s control in midfield. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have returned pass success rates of just 85.3% and 85.8%, respectively, in the Premier League this season. By comparison, Arthur’s pass success rate is 93.2% – the second best of regular starters in Serie A this season. The Brazilian has not nailed down a place at Juventus since his move from Barcelona 18 months ago, but he is still capable of dictating play in the middle of the park and would be a smart addition for Arsenal.

Despite registering only 89 minutes of league action this season, Jesse Lingard has scored two league goals. Callum Wilson (six) and Allan Saint-Maximin (five) are the only Newcastle players to have scored more often than Lingard. Eddie Howe is still scrambling to bring in new faces, with Lingard high on his list of priorities as he tries to add more goals from midfield. The 29-year-old proved how effective he can be when given his chance at West Ham last season. Newcastle are hoping he could do the same at St James’ Park.

Julián Álvarez was superb as River Plate secured domestic glory and once the Liga Profesional season drew to a close, they were always going to find it