The transfer window opens soon – on January 1, 2018 – meaning speculation is starting to gather momentum throughout Europe.

Here, we take a look at three big stories dominating the headlines on Thursday.

Will any of the following deals happen?

Let us know your thoughts.

BARCA EYE SANCHEZ ON FREE TRANSFER

Barcelona are hoping to capture the signing of Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez – who is available to talk to other clubs from January as a result of his contract winding down at the Emirates.

According to the Daily Express, the Chilean is being chased by his former club and Manchester City, of course managed by his ex-Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola.

Sanchez’s Gunners deal expires in June and it looks very unlikely that new terms will be finalised to ensure he stays in north London.

RATING: 8/10

VERDICT

While a move back to Barcelona – the club where he spent three seasons between 2011 and 2014 – would appeal, the 29-year-old knows he can secure a better financial package, as well as work with Guardiola again, at City.

Indeed, it is rumoured the attacker might receive an offer which sky rockets his wages to £400,000-a-week.

The Premier League table-toppers, however, are more likely to bring in Sanchez in the summer – fearing that they don’t want to disrupt the balance in their side at the moment.

Either way, Sanchez won’t cost a transfer fee and will be capable of hitting the ground running with his Premier League experience.

Sanchez has endured a frustrating season at the Emirates.

LEMAR FAVOURS MERSEYSIDE MOVE

Chelsea are once again chasing the signature of Monaco ace Thomas Lemar – but it is thought the Frenchman would prefer a switch to Liverpool.

According to the Independent, the 22-year-old is set to trigger a tug-of-war for his services by trying to force a move out of the Ligue 1 side, at least by the end of the season.

While Chelsea are also tracking Everton’s Ross Barkley, boss Antonio Conte prefers Lemar and has made his interest known.

However, Lemar apparently has his heart set on a switch to Anfield next summer.

RATING: 8/10

VERDICT

The £90m-rated star is looking to become the latest player to leave the French Riviera side and a move to the Premier League seems like his preferred destination.

Given he is still contracted to the red and whites until 2020, don’t expect Monaco to sell their best asset cheaply in either January or the summer.

The France international is in-demand.

MOURA SET TO MAKE LA LIGA SWITCH

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lucas Moura is set to join La Liga side Real Betis on loan in January.

The Brazilian has struggled to secure regular first-team football this season following the arrivals of stellar attacking talent like Neymar and Kylian Mbappe – but wants regular game time in 2018.

According to Telefoot in France, Moura is close to agreeing an initial six-month deal with the Andalusian side although the 25-year-old’s final wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block.

RATING: 7/10

VERDICT

Betis are enjoying a steady season under Quique Setien in mid-table but the arrival of a talent like Lucas could spark the club into life for the second-half of the campaign.

It looks like a deal which could benefit all parties so expect PSG to allow the wide-man to leave the club on a short-term basis, with a view to a permanent switch.

The former Sao Paulo star has been restricted to six appearances all season.