Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool will all look to be active in the January transfer window as Premier League sides take the opportunity to improve their teams
The January transfer window is looming and with it the opportunity for Premier League sides to strengthen for the second half of the season.
The market opens in two days and clubs will be able to conduct business until February 3rd as they attempt to save themselves from oblivion or push themselves over the line for success. The winter window can prove a precarious month for teams with prices usually inflated and deals required for short-term aims rather than long-term planning.
For some, it will be more important to lose players than sign them. Mirror Football takes a look at the one deal each club should look to complete next month.
Arsenal
Ahead of January the talk is once again over whether Arsenal need a striker. A figure who can draw attention away from the likes of Bukayo Saka, when fit, will certainly be helpful and should the Gunners really want to make a splash, Viktor Gyokeres is difficult to look past.
Aston Villa FC
Unai Emery’s side continue to impress in Europe and domestically but a little extra depth would not go amiss. The Villans wanted a new defender in the summer but could not finance a deal after Diego Carlos was not moved on.
Perhaps Paris Saint-Germain’s out-of-favour defender Milan Skriniar offers an opportunity.
AFC Bournemouth
The Cherries’ chief task may be to keep the current side together but there are rumours a new defensive midfielder could yet be eyed. Volodymyr Brazhko has been touted and the 22-year-old Dynamo Kyiv star could be a very solid option.
Brentford
The Bees are another solid-looking team and could be best served just shoring up any weaknesses. They have done well from signing experienced players in the past and with Rico Henry out, perhaps they can persuade local rivals Chelsea to fund a loan for Ben Chilwell.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Deciding Evan Ferguson’s future could be the most important deal that the Seagulls make. The south coast side are not currently in dire need of his services but continuing his development could be crucial to his place in the future, or a possible gigantic transfer fee.
If the club can find a move that sees him earn playing time, and chances in the box, in the Premier League, the club must take it.
Chelsea
The Blues are likely to try and keep their squad settled in January and they will do best to avoid anything that could disrupt their strong start to the season. Finding a move for Ben Chilwell should be a priority to ensure the player has an opportunity and that they can find some value in his eventual sale.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles conducted plenty of business in the summer so may remain composed in January. Converting Trevoh Chalobah’s loan to a permanent deal would be a good piece of business but perhaps Palace could take inspiration from signing Adam Wharton from the Championship 12 months ago.
Maybe they could pluck Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland this term.
Everton FC
January offers Everton’s new owners their first opportunity to make a splash. Some attacking endeavour could help Sean Dyche’s side in 2025.
Lyon’s precarious financial situation could see a good deal possible for forward Georges Mikautadze.
Fulham
Finding a forward could be high on the Cottagers’ agenda with talk of a loan for Evan Ferguson. A more permanent solution may be preferred and Lille striker Jonathan David could thrive under Marco Silva.
Ipswich Town
Glenn Kamara could offer a good option for the Tractor Boys after Kalvin Phillips’ struggles. The Rennes midfielder is also of interest to Southampton as they attempt Premier League survival.
Leicester City
With the prospect of ending Odsonne Edouard’s loan, Leicester could soon have a loan spot free and also require a new forward. Evan Ferguson could prove an ideal candidate if they can come to terms with Brighton.
Liverpool FC
Arne Slot has done pretty well with scant transfer business to benefit from. It would be a real statement to add Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush though it could be tough to squeeze him in such are the Reds’ options.
Someone like Antonee Robinson could be a more pragmatic signing as Andrew Robertson begins to enter the latter stages of his career.
Manchester City FC
Given the drop-off of Pep Guardiola’s side since Rodri’s injury against Arsenal in September, it’s difficult to look past a central midfield to offer a fix. Martin Zubimendi could prove the ideal option with the Real Sociedad already labelled second best in his position behind his Spain teammate.
Manchester United FC
United have a mass of business that needs to be conducted to transform their fortunes. Above all, Marcus Rashford’s exit should be facilitated to remove any distractions and to remove any questions over his training ground efforts that could impact Ruben Amorim’s ambitions.
That move will open up funds to strengthen the side as they desperately need to.
Newcastle United
Johan Bakayoko could offer Newcastle greater strength on the right flank despite Jacob Murphy’s purple patch. It would also see the Magpies more open to Miguel Almiron’s exit from the club.
Nottingham Forest
Nuno Espirito Santo’s greatest priority will be to not rock the boat given Forest’s impressive start to the season. Finishing off summer transfer business where they did not add the forward they hoped could prove beneficial if they can sign a long-standing target.
Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto could prove an intriguing option that former Arsenal transfer chief Edu could assist with.
Southampton
Any business conducted next month will be required to tread the line of survival ambitions this season or promotion dreams next term. After Lesley Ugochukwu’s failure to make a significant impact on loan from Chelsea, another midfielder may be required and that could be former Rangers and Leeds ace Glen Kamara.
Tottenham Hotspur FC
Ange Postecoglou was forced to play a barely fit Radu Dragusin such are Spurs’ injury problems at the back. If Daniel Levy can come up with a good deal for Milan Skriniar, the ex-Inter defender could prove an established option, or Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen could bring Premier League experience.
West Ham United
The Irons may struggle to make a significant splash in January and they may baulk at Chelsea’s price tag but Carney Chukwuemeka could offer a good opportunity and bring some attacking incision to the side.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Vitor Pereira has kick-started Wolves’ season and has talent at his disposal but the club’s defensive record leaves a lot to be desired. Some reinforcement in the backline could go a long way and a figure such as Ben Godrey, out of favour at Fiorentina, could bring Premier League experience.
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