It is looking highly likely with each passing week that Real Madrid are going to win their first La Liga title after 2011-12. It is an extremely long gap considering the amount they have spent and the quality of players they possess. But it is mainly down to the utter dominance of the sheer brilliance that FC Barcelona embodies. The Blaugrana have ruled the roost for quite some time now with Atletico Madrid breaking the chain once.
They have simply been unstoppable and the likes of Messi, Neymar and Suarez have been lording over the league lately. But things are likely to change now. Barcelona have looked uncharacteristically brittle and are currently 6 points behind Real Madrid halfway through the season. Real have equalled Barca’s record of 39-match unbeaten streak and are looking set for domestic glory.
Barcelona will likely add in the January transfer window as they have a number of areas of concern in the team. Let us take a look at what the possibility of the rumours turning into actual deals are-
DELE ALLI- 3/10
The latest and probably the most exciting link with the Nou Camp outfit. Alli burst onto the scene last season and played a vital part in Tottenham’s ultimately unsuccessful title bid. He had a slow start this season but has more than made up for it with a few sparkling displays in the past week.
Also, his brace against Chelsea has suddenly thrust him into the spotlight with Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly expected to battle it out for the £70m midfielder. His technical ability suggests that he can make the cut at both these clubs in the long run but a move now looks unlikely.
BRANISLAV IVANOVIC- 4/10
The Chelsea man has appeared as a shock target for the Nou Camp outfit. Barcelona have not replaced Dani Alves after his departure and Sergi Roberto has been played there as a make-shift right-back.
With Vidal’s future in doubt, it seems Barca want an established fullback immediately to bolster their options this season. And with the club seemingly tight on funds, the 32-year old who is not wanted at Chelsea, will be available for a cut-price fee. Also, the chance to play for a team like Barcelona will surely tempt the Serbian.
But doubts remain whether he can make the cut at Barcelona with his form and pace drastically dipping over the last one year.
STEVEN N’ZONZI- 5/10
The Sevilla midfielder has leapt on to the radar of clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona after an impressive time this season.
He has shown a sudden spike in his graph and the fact that he is being linked with such clubs at 28-years age shows how he has changed his fortunes. Barcelona could do with a midfielder and with Rakitic increasingly looking like a player who can depart, the transfer rumour isn’t the most illogical.
