6 most exciting star players during current transfer windows

Transfer window

6. Goncalo Guedes, 21, Paris Saint-Germain (on Loan at Valencia)

Winger, striker

According to Marca (h/t TalkSport), PSG are willing to allow the sale of Guedes this month—presumably to bring the club further in line with FFP regulations—and in the process capitalise on the momentum the Portuguese forward has built up on loan at Valencia.

He won't be cheap, but that won't deter the cluster of teams chasing his signature that reportedly includes Arsenal and Manchester United.

The 21-year-old is one of La Liga's fastest-rising stars, and he's now realising the potential shown back at Benfica before stalling out in the French capital. Quick, incisive and audacious when given room to express himself, his run of goals and assists coincided with Los Che's incredible winning run, while his injury-enforced absence coincided with the subsequent drop-off.

5. Arthur, 21, Gremio

Midfielder

All through December, Barcelona and Arthur's names were linked, with Spanish newspapers such as Sport suggesting the two would be united come January.

But with Barca stalling on any potential deal perhaps due to their renewed pursuit of Philippe Coutinho and Gremio demanding—yep, you guessed it—€50 million for his services, other clubs including Real Madrid have been linked, per Marca (h/t The Sun).

A strong tackler, a fine threader of passes and an impressive, roaming presence from central midfield, it's hard to think of a team he wouldn't suit.

4. Christian Pulisic, 19, Borussia Dortmund

Attacking midfielder, winger

Ah yes, the biannual struggle for the signature of Christian Pulisic. We know this song well.

Liverpool's longstanding interest as a result of his history with Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is coming to the fore once again due to Barcelona's pursuit of Philippe Coutinho, but Manchester United are also in the mix, according to the Daily Mail (h/t Manchester Evening News).

The American midfielder's development over the last 12 months has been impressive, taking the creative onus for his nation while becoming an important figure at Borussia Dortmund.

3. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, 22, Lazio

Midfielder

He hasn't yet reached his potential, but Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's combination of size, strength, technique and shooting makes him one of the game's most well-rounded, complete midfielders. His mix of talents is rarely found.

Having such a variety of skills and uses will automatically attract multiple suitors, and both Juventus and Manchester United hold a strong interest in the Serbian, per The Sun.

He may not be ready to move on from Lazio just yet—he stated his happiness in the Italian capital in comments to Novosti (via The Sun)—but that won't stop the list of admirers lengthening. 

2. Leon Goretzka, 22, Schalke 04

Central midfield

Leon Goretzka's the undoubted flavour of the month, with Bayern Munich and Liverpool emerging from a large pool of admirers to engage in a reported two-way tussle for his signature, according to Jacob Murtagh of the Mirror.

There are two reasons why he's so coveted: The first is that his contract expires in the summer, meaning he can move for free come July; the second is that he's an amazing football player. Whoever he joins will add a box-to-box midfield talent capable of doing it all—be it playmaking, defending or scoring goals—and do so for a relative snip.

1. Thomas Lemar, 22, Monaco

Attacking midfielder, winger

Lemar might soon find himself in the privileged position of picking between three of England's elite clubs as his next destination.

The Evening Standard (h/t the Mirror) reported Antonio Conte and Chelsea are reviving their interest in the Frenchman, Sky Sports has been quizzing Arsenal on whether their interest in him still stands and journalist Duncan Castles, speaking on the Transfer Window podcast (h/t the Daily Star), said negotiations with Liverpool have begun.

Whatever happens, this level of widespread interest is rare, and it is indicative of what a phenomenal player Lemar is. Capable from central or wide areas, creative and smart on the ball, it's arguable he'd improve every team in the Premier League bar Manchester City..

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