Top 5 transfer rumours of this Week (with ratings)

With a third of the January transfer window already over, and few big moves made, the rumor mill is beginning to warm up. Here’s a look at the biggest rumors of the week gone by.

5. Mario Mandzukic

Bayern Munich provided the biggest story of the transfer window so far when they announced that Robert Lewandowski would be joining them in the summer. This story was the starting point, and there were immediate rumors that Bayern forward Mario Mandzukic was contemplating a move away from Bavaria, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus all said to be keen to sign the forward. Arsenal need him more than others as they lack depth in their attacking department but signing him in January will be a tough task.

Likelihood: 20%

4. Juan Mata

The Spaniard has found playing time hard to come by under Jose Mourinho, and has been linked with a move away from the club for quite some time now. This week saw Mata being linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona along with rumors that a bid from Paris St. Germain is yet to arrive. At the same time, loan moves to Napoli, Atletico Madrid and Valencia are also possible.

Likelihood: 90%

3. Mario Balotelli

The transfer window started with rumors of the possible exit of Mario Balotelli, and that he had been placed on the transfer list by AC Milan. However, recently the Italian came out with a statement talking about rumors linking him with a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. He said: “I remain at Milan. I must arrive at the World Cup feeling especially calm.”

Likelihood: 30%

2. Diego Costa

Costa has been in superb form this season and is second in the goalscoring charts behind Cristiano Ronaldo. While there were rumors of a possible swap deal with Chelsea for Thibaut Courtois, those were soon replaced by reports claiming that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all contemplating paying his buy-out clause of 38 million euros. However, Atlectico remain confident of holding on to their prized asset.

Likelihood: 20%

1. Eden Hazard

Hazard

In a news that set the rumor mill ablaze, according to reports in France, Eden Hazard told teammates that he’s joining PSG this summer. “I will certainly be joining Paris next summer,” he was quoted as telling a teammate in Parisian newspaper Le Parisien. However, earlier today, Jose Mourinho quashed those rumors, saying that there is “no chance” that Hazard will leave Chelsea next year, and claimed a combination of both the player’s “crazy” value and the simple fact Chelsea are not interested in selling mean it will just not happen.

Likelihood: 5%