Transfer Deadline Day: Possible move of Mikel Obi and other African Major stars

As the transfer window of the EPL closes midnight today, here are possible movements that may still take place among clubs for african players that have hit the limelight:

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Arsenal look keen to reinforce their offensive options before the window closes, with both Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema having been linked to the Emirates Stadium. Both men represent ambitious targets for Arsene Wenger, who appears keen to secure an upgrade on Olivier Giroud. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might be a more realistic prospect, and certainly boasts the class to spearhead a title charge, even if BVB would likely require a considerable fee.

Alex Song: Cameroon midfielder Alex Song is one of the elite performers who looks certain to move this summer but who hasn’t yet secured a transfer. The former Arsenal man looks unlikely to force his way into Luis Enrique’s plans at Barcelona, and West Ham United—who took the player on loan last term—appear desperate to secure his signature. However, the Hammers may yet face competition from one or two of the EPL’s bigger dogs.

Sadio Mane: Perhaps Sadio Mane didn’t demonstrate the kind of consistency Southampton might have hoped for in his maiden campaign in England, scoring 10 goals in 30 outings. However, Manchester United certainly saw enough to pique their interest, with the Red Devils being heavily linked with a move for the Senegal international over the last few weeks. Southampton have demonstrated a valuable ability to secure big money for their stars, and Mane would be no different!

Victor Wanyama: Another Saints player linked with the exit door is Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama, who is reportedly wanted by his former coach Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur. The East African powerhouse could have a transformative effect on the Spurs midfield, and could bring the intensity and presence that the Argentine coach craves. However, the south-coast club would be loath to lose another key player and are unlikely to let Wanyama leave without a fight.

Nicolas N’Koulou: According to L’Equipe, Cameroon centre-back N’Koulou has asked for a transfer away from Marseille. The talented stopper is a fan favourite at the Stade Velodrome, but may yet add his name to an exodus from the club that has included the likes of Andre Ayew, Giannelli Imbula, Dimitri Payet, Andre-Pierre Gignac and coach Marcelo Bielsa. Arsenal have been linked to the Indomitable Lion.

John Obi Mikel: Opportunities appear to be hard to come by at Chelsea, where Jose Mourinho’s interest in Paul Pogba and the growing prominence of Kurt Zouma make the outlook bleak for Mikel. Besiktas are understood to be keen on the player, having failed with a move to bring Liverpool enforcer Lucas Leiva to Istanbul.

Yannick Bolasie: Pochettino isn’t purely keen to improve his midfield options, and is also looking to bolster his offensive line—particularly in light of the departure of Roberto Soldado. Harry Kane hasn’t yet hit the heights of last season so far this term, and looks desperate for support. DR Congo international Bolasie would offer just that, and could provide a goal-threat from out wide not currently offered by Spurs’ litany of flankers.

Sofiane Feghouli: Despite Valencia’s insistence that Algeria playmaker Sofiane Feghouli is not for sale, there is surely a price that would tempt the Spanish heavyweights to sell. Fenerbahce have been linked with his signature, and were reported to have agreed terms with Los Che earlier in the month. The attacking midfielder can feature on the right, as well as in the hole, and would offer invention as well as the kind of dribbling ability that can thoroughly unsettle a defence.

Gervinho: Earlier in the summer, the Cote d’Ivoire forward was linked with a move to Al-Jazira, only for the move to break down after the player had demanded a private beach and a helicopter to move. Since then, Aston Villa have posted interest in the attacker, and while talks with AS Roma are understood to have broken down, Tim Sherwood may yet make another move for the player, having seemingly not yet reinforced his offensive line adequately

Kevin-Prince Boateng: He may have lost some of his lustre, but Kevin-Prince Boateng would certainly represent a high-profile addition to any club who can manage to secure his signature. Despite Schalke’s insistence that they won’t release the player on a free transfer, The Guardian understand they have done just that, although a mooted move to Sporting Lisbon subsequently collapsed due to a disagreement over the player’s image rights. He brings undisputed baggage, but still only 28, he surely has something to offer.

Emmanuel Adebayor: There appears little doubt that Emmanuel Adebayor has reached the end of the road at Tottenham Hotspur. After a dismal campaign last season, he has been overlooked so far by Mauricio Pochettino this year as the Argentine coach looks to offload the lucrative backup. Aston Villa are keen—with Sherwood clearly hoping he can revive the Togo frontman’s flagging career.

-Credit: Goal.com