The Premier League continues to deliver unpredictability and with the compact fixture schedule, every club would ideally like to make a signing to improve their team in the January transfer window.
More coronavirus cases are starting to re-appear as seen by the Everton and Manchester City game and teams are starting to struggle with depleted squads because of injuries and isolation. If each team had to sign one player who would it be?
A Signing Every Premier League Club Needs
Arsenal – Christian Eriksen
Mikel Arteta’s reign hasn’t gotten off to the greatest of starts but at the half-way mark, we can all see what they are lacking. Since the exile of Mesut Ozil from the team, the Gooners have lacked a creative asset in midfield which has led them to 13th in the table.
Christian Eriksen is on the market after Inter Milan transfer listed him and for £17 million in a coronavirus-hit window he would be an exceptional buy. His numbers for Tottenham Hotspur were excellent and with experience in the league, he would help reverse this slump. Though he may need to do some wonders to win over the fans.
Other than Eriksen, Arsenal continues to be linked with Houssem Aouar but a deal for the Lyon midfielder looks highly unlikely in this winter window.
Aston Villa – Amine Gouiri
Aston Villa has been this season’s surprise performers, currently occupying a Europa League spot. Last season Dean Smith’s side barely staved off relegation which led to the heavy investment in the summer with Ross Barkley (on loan from Chelsea), Bertrand Traore and Emiliano Martinez signing to name a few. This is why if Villa is to do some work this window, a loan or young prospect would be most likely.
The Midlands side will be hoping to continue putting potential suitors off star man Jack Grealish as keeping him would be regarded as a signing in itself. Wesley is coming back from a lengthy injury lay-off so would need some time to get back but with Ollie Watkins the only viable strike option, a back-up could be a significant investment especially if Villa continue this form and aim for Europe.
France international Amine Gouiri could be on the radar of multiple Premier League clubs including Villa with reports stating French clubs could suffer financial difficulties due to the pandemic. Despite only joining Nice in the summer, Gouiri is an exciting prospect and a prolific striker at youth level scoring 40 goals in 51 games.
Brighton – Adam Armstrong
Brighton has played fantastic football at times this season but is failing to win games. Graham Potter’s side is lacking the potency in the final third with Neal Maupay and Aaron Connolly struggling to score goals this season.
With Glenn Murray on-loan at Watford, Brighton could enter the market for an attacking option. Strikers from aboard have not fared well at the seaside club in recent times which may see their search navigate into the Championship. If that is the case Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Blackburn Rovers‘ striker Adam Armstrong should be at the top of that list.
Both former Newcastle United players dropped down the leagues to gain some more first-team experience. Toney leads the charts with 16 goals this season, one ahead of Armstrong who has 15. Equally good players to target but going with Armstrong would be a more viable option as he seems ready for the step up into the Premier League after spending more time in the Championship compared to his counterpart.
Burnley – Todd Cantwell
Sean Dyche’s men are currently in a relegation dog fight but two vital wins over the Christmas period against Wolves and Sheffield United has led them to go five points clear of the drop.
Burnley needs to address multiple positions but if they are to be embroiled in a relegation battle, they are missing some firepower and creativity in midfield. With the new takeover on the horizon, some injection of cash and they could be able to lure Todd Cantwell from Norwich to Turf Moor which would certainly increase the flair and chances being created.
Chelsea – Declan Rice
After a transfer ban, Chelsea went all-in in the summer transfer window bringing in the likes of Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva as Frank Lampard looked to structure his new Chelsea.
Because of the heavy investment in the summer, it would be unlikely if the Blues went for a major signing this window but Roman Abramovich is used to loosening the purse strings.
If Chelsea could offload Fikayo Tomori (on-loan), Antonio Rudiger or Andreas Christensen then they may look to sign a new defender with Lampard losing faith in the defenders.
But if anything is to come to fruition or an injury is caused, Lampard may be tempted to test the resolve of West Ham for Declan Rice. He has been the main transfer target for the Blues and had chased him all summer.
Crystal Palace – Phil Jones
Rumours continue to link the club with Fiorentina striker Christian Kouame despite his poor form. The Ivory Coast forward was on the verge of signing in the summer but for injury to rule out that transfer.
But with the recent 7-0 thumping from Liverpool, Roy Hodgson’s defence is struggling with resources. James Tomkins and Gary Cahill are continuing to struggle with an injury which is why defensive reinforcements could put the signing of a striker on the back burner.
Phil Jones would suit the defensive structure of a Palace side and with United no longer in need of him at the club, a loan could help the London club push away from the relegation zone.
Everton – Milot Rashica
Carlo Ancelotti’s side is flying high sitting in fourth place this season, winning four out of their last five in the league. Injuries to key players in James Rodriguez and Lucas Digne could lead to more attacking investment if they are to continue this fantastic form and push for Europe.
Everton’s style of play is suited with attacking wide players but with the right-wing position available since the departure of Theo Walcott to Southampton, a winger could take the Toffees game to the next level.
Werder Bremen’s Milot Rashica could be an exciting solution. Eight goals and seven assists last season is a significant improvement of Alex Iwobi who has failed to solidify that position.
Fulham – Ivan Toney
The London club sits in the relegation zone and needs to start winning games if they are to distance themselves from the threat of relegation. They have had four draws in a row including Liverpool last time out.
Goals are what they need and with us selecting Armstrong for Brighton, Ivan Toney is the selection for Fulham. His excellent hold-up play combined with his pace to get in behind will compliment and bring midfielders like Tom Cairney and Ruben Loftus-Cheek into the game.
Leeds – Fikayo Tomori
Leeds have suffered a defensive crisis upon their return to the Premier League with three important centre-backs all suffering injuries. New signings Diego Llorente (3-6 weeks) and Robin Koch (up to 3 months) were joined on the treatment table by club captain Liam Cooper who limped off with an injury in the 6-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Defensive options are needed at Elland Road and with Frank Lampard unable to guarantee playtime for Tomori, a loan move could suit both sides.
Leicester City – Josh King
With age comes injuries and nasty little niggles and Jamie Vardy is no different. A replacement for the prolific striker would be a good acquisition with Brendan Rodgers’ losing patience with Kelechi Iheanacho.
Josh King is expected to leave Bournemouth in the upcoming window and getting somebody with proven top-flight experience and at that price would be a bargain.
Liverpool – Ozan Kabak
Key defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are out for the season and Liverpool clearly need options if they are to retain their domestic trophy. They have been heavily linked with Schalke’s central defender Ozan Kabak and are expected to back up their genuine interest with a bid.
Manchester City – Nicolas Tagliafico
Pep Guardiola could be set to invest in his defence yet again. After spending in the excess of £500 million, Manchester City could be forced into signing a new left-back.
Benjamin Mendy’s City career has been blighted by injury and long-term target Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax could be the answer.
Manchester United – Max Aarons
I strongly doubt the Red Devils are to enter the market for a new central defender but with Diogo Dalot on loan at AC Milan, a new right-back option could be explored. Current first-choice Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s recent injury saw Victor Lindelöf deputise in that position which may lead Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to enter the market for a back-up option.
Norwich’s Max Aarons who has been linked with Bayern Munich and Barcelona could be a target, after fitting the profile of a player the club is looking to recruit.
Newcastle – Harry Winks
Newcastle could sign numerous players in this transfer window but to help solidify a position in mid-table, Tottenham’s Harry Winks could become an interesting option.
The player himself will be looking for game time ahead of the European Championships and Jose Mourinho would be happy to let him go as he has rarely used the England international after signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Sheffield United – Jesse Lingard
Chris Wilder’s side has gone from dark horses to wounded jaguars as they sit bottom of the pile on two points. They are in desperate need of some creativity but having spent a chunk of their budget on Rhian Brewster from Liverpool, a loan could be a more viable option.
Again, with the European Championships on the horizon, Jesse Lingard could be the wildcard Wilder needs to save his side from relegation. Despite a loss of form and having not scored and assisted for over a year, Lingard is more known in creating opportunities for others. His style of running forward and direct whilst dragging players out of position could benefit Sheffield United in the relegation dog fight.
Southampton – Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams was linked with Southampton all summer but was eventually blocked Solskjaer but according to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, a deal could be on the cards in January with Ralph Hassenhuttl looking for cover on both flanks of defence.
Williams’ versatility could provide cover on both sides and is seen as a great fit for Southampton.
Tottenham – Marcel Sabitzer
Spurs are interested in signing RB Leipzig midfielder Marcel Sabitzer but face stiff competition according to Fabrizio Romano. With Delle Alli seemingly on the way out, the Austrian international fits the profile of a Jose Mourinho type player.
West Brom – Duncan Watmore
According to Keith Downie of Sky Sports, West Brom are one of a number of clubs interested in Duncan Watmore.
Middlesbrough signed Watmore on a short-term deal which is due to end in two weeks and with his four goals and one assist in seven games has seen multiple Premier League clubs chase his signature.
West Ham – James Tarkowski
West Ham failed to sign James Tarkowski in the summer transfer window after Burnley rejected a £31 million bid but with David Moyes’ side continuing to ship in goals this season they could return to sign the defender.
Wolves – Luka Jovic
Losing Raul Jimenez to an unfortunate head injury was a huge blow for Wolves and how they play. So, dipping into the transfer market for some firepower at the top end of the pitch looks likely as reports claim they have inquired about the possibility in signing Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic.
Wages could become a problem but could turn to lower options in Atalanta captain Papu Gomez who is reportedly unhappy at the club, Valencia’s Maxi Gomez or Portuguese international Andre Silva who are all said to be available for a cut-price fee this window.
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