The January transfer window opens later this week, with plenty of teams chasing new signings…
We’re almost there – the opening of the January transfer window, and all the Premier League teams are waiting eagerly to crack on with their business, and find the players that will help elevate them up the table.
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With the possible exception of frontrunners Manchester City and Chelsea, every team will be looking to strengthen. Here’s a look at how they could do so, with one ideal signing picked for each team:
Arsenal
The Gunners still need a centre back, and also a holding midfielder. The latter would probably be their first preference due to Mikel Arteta’s injury issues. Christoph Kramer would perhaps be the ideal man.
Aston Villa
Their main ambition will be to keep hold of the players they already have – think Fabian Delph, Ron Vlaar, Christian Benteke, and even Tom Cleverley. If they are going to buy, Watford’s Ikechi Anya could bolster their attack.
Burnley
They need more goals. Sam Vokes’ imminent return will help them, but they could also dip into the market for another player. Troy Deeney, known to manager Sean Dyche from his time in charge at Watford, would fit the bill.
Chelsea
In the words of the Independent, what else do you give a manager who has everything – there is cover in every position and another whole squad of players out on loan across Europe. Any targets can wait until the summer.
Crystal Palace
Desperately need a striker, and the new manager – whoever it may be – will need to act quickly to ensure that midfielder Mile Jedinak doesn’t finish the season as top scorer. Swansea’s Bafetimbi Gomis could prove a bargain.
Everton
An extra central defender would be useful to improve one of the Premier League’s worst defensive records, but perhaps more importantly, they need a forward to help support the struggling Romelu Lukaku. Man United’s Adnan Januzaj on loan would be a good one.
Hull City
They need a holding midfielder to add a bit of grit and determination to a side that finds itself in the depths of a relegation scrap. Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, who currently plays for Udinese, has been muted.
Leicester City
They have lacked goals this season, with neither Jamie Vardy or David Nugent able to score regularly. Danny Ings and Jermain Defoe have both been linked with moves, with the latter probably the more realistic target.
Liverpool
Can the Reds afford to wait for Daniel Sturridge’s return? Can they afford a top quality centre forward anyway considering their huge summer outlay? A goalkeeper such as Petr Cech should be their main priority.
Manchester City
There aren’t many areas where City can improve, but what they do need is an injection of youth into an ageing squad. If they have money to spend, signing Paul Pogba from Juventus would be a massive one up on neighbours United.
Manchester United
In desperate need of a quality defender. Ignore the rumours about Gareth Bale, if they have money to spend – which by all accounts they do – Louis van Gaal should be targeting someone of the calibre of Mats Hummels.
Newcastle United
Still a little short on quality up front, and they could look to expand their options with the signing of the young Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, who currently plays for Anderlecht in Belgium.
Queens Park Rangers
Harry Redknapp commented earlier this month that a Premier League team needs at least four or five strikers. They are short of that, and are therefore likely to pursue the likes of Peter Crouch or Robbie Keane. The former would surely be great.
Southampton
Southampton look to have already secured their prime target – Werder Bremen’s Eljero Elia, who will officially join the club when the window opens. The Saints will hope he can improve the supply to their impressive forwards.
Stoke City
The Potters have lost Victor Moses and Peter Odemwingie to injury, and are therefore short at least one wide player. Mark Hughes has yet to commit to any transfer targets, but expect to see some movement.
Sunderland
Sunderland need goals, and badly so. The Premier League’s draw specialists have been short on attacking flair throughout their campaign, and will likely look to Liverpool’s Fabio Borini, if they can come up with the cash.
Swansea City
Losing Wilfried Bony to the African Cup of Nations will come as a huge blow to the Swans, who don’t have any other regular goal scorers on their books. Nelson Oliveira would be an excellent coup for them on a short-term deal.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs continued to chase Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin, and having addressed one major weakness at right back, the signing of the classy centre midfielder would be a huge boost for the North London side.
West Bromwich Albion
Have limited funds to work with, but need a striker to ease the pressure on the struggling Saido Berahino. Dundee United midfielder Stuart Armstrong has proved he can both score and create goals in the past.
West Ham United
The Hammers are likely to strengthen in defence, with Winston Reid’s long-term future still very much up in the air. Canadian centre-back Doneil Henry, who is still only 21, could prove a real bargain.
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