The January transfer window is never the ideal time to conduct business but that rarely stops clubs across the world scrambling for reinforcements.

The winter market tends to expose desperation and that often leads to carnage, with logic replaced by overexcitement among Europe’s rich elite. Just because you can splash £70m on a new centre-forward doesn’t mean you should.

January often conjures up some of the most bizarre and intriguing transfer rumours, the vast majority of which will never come to fruition. However, that doesn’t prevent supporters from believing the fantasy, holding on to hopes that even the wildest dreams do sometimes come true.

Here are the six most exciting transfer rumours that have surfaced across the past week – both the believable and less believable.

Despite owning a fair few already, Chelsea are reportedly interested in adding more wingers to their squad in January. The Blues have been linked with Bundesliga duo Jamie Gittens and Mathys Tel of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively, but the most eye-opening rumour of the past week suggests they are keen on recruiting Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.

The 20-year-old’s future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain following an unconvincing start under Ruben Amorim and Chelsea, who have also been linked with Garnacho’s teammate Kobbie Mainoo, are seemingly keen to take advantage. However, it’s worth noting that Man Utd are not looking to sell the impressive youngster and would likely only consider a mammoth bid – especially coming from a Premier League rival.

Ruben Amorim has worked with Paris Saint-Germain star Nuno Mendes previously, taking charge of the defender on 47 occasions during their stint together at Sporting CP. With Man Utd searching for a new left-back, the 22-year-old has unsurprisingly been linked with a reunion with his former coach and compatriot.

Early reports suggested that Mendes was interested in making the move to Old Trafford in January but subsequent rumours have revealed that the youngster could be set to sign a fresh deal with PSG instead. It would prove a major coup if Man Utd could pull off such a move, even if it now looks unlikely.

It’s no secret that Real Madrid are chasing defensive reinforcements and despite a string of injuries to key players, the reigning Spanish and European champions look unlikely to bolster their ranks during the January window. The additions will come this summer as they chase cover across the back four.

While Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies are full-back targets, it appears that Arsenal ace William Saliba could be their preferred centre-back option. Madrid have already contacted the Frenchman’s representatives according to recent reports, but will undoubtedly need a gargantuan fee to prise him away from the Emirates Stadium.

Much of last summer’s transfer discourse surrounded Martin Zubimendi. The Euro 2024 winner was targeted intensely by Liverpool but rejected a move to Anfield having already rebuffed approaches from Barcelona and Arsenal. He decided to stick around in San Sebastian with boyhood club Real Sociedad.

However, Arsenal have reportedly “virtually completed” a deal for the deep-lying midfielder, with his £51m release clause to be triggered during the summer. Zubimendi is now willing to leave Real Sociedad and teaming up with fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta and former clubmate Mikel Merino appears an offer too good to refuse.

With Kyle Walker expected to leave Manchester City in January, the reigning Premier League champions must turn their attention to replacements. The long-serving right-back has struggled this season but he still boasts large shoes that need filling, with the Cityzens having potentially identified their prime target.

Reports suggest that Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso could soon be the subject of a £54.7m bid from Man City, with the 24-year-old marked as a dream heir to Walker’s throne. The versatile full-back has impressed in Turin over the past two seasons and provided three goals and six assists in all competitions during 2023/24.

Saudi Arabian interest in Mohamed Salah is nothing new and Liverpool’s Egyptian king is once again linked with a move to the Middle East. With Neymar expected to leave Al Hilal in the near future, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions are lining up a “lucrative contract” for Salah as they hope to secure his signature this summer.

Liverpool’s relentless winger sees his current Anfield deal expire at the end of the current campaign and the 32-year-old is yet to negotiate terms over an extension. Preying on uncertainty regarding his Reds future, Al Hilal could finally lure Salah away from Merseyside with the promise of an eye-watering salary.