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As the new season approaches, most major Premier League clubs are undergoing a process of renewal. Four of the top 6 clubs will have a new manager at the helm. The transfer period is underway as the incoming managers try to put a stamp of their own style on the squads. Even though a lot of time still remains before the next seasons kicks off, a lot will be decided by the summer investments of the clubs. Every manager has a list of players he wants to fill the glaring gaps that remain in the setup, but they all have a top transfer target – one high-profile player who can make a vast difference to the squad.
Some high profile transfers have already been accomplished as Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have been pro-active with their business. On the other hand, Arsenal and Manchester United still need to pursue major signings inspite of being linked to many high profile players.
Here is a look at some players that these clubs are looking to make their prime transfer targets this summer.
Liverpool: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Liverpool have already invested some money this summer. Celta Vigo’s Iago Aspas has been bought to strengthen the squad’s forward line whereas Luis Alberto is a young talent who played some exciting football at Barcelona B last season. However, Liverpool still need an established player in their ranks to contest for a top 4 spot next season. They have set their eyes on Shakhtar Donetsk’s playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian is a player with a diverse set of skills and will add the necessary muscle to the Liverpool midfield. He is highly rated by many clubs and hence the deal might not go through without its share of glitches. He has a release clause on his contract which means that Liverpool will have to spend in the area of £22m to obtain his signature, which will be an excellent piece of business.
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Arsenal: Gonzalo Higuain
The Real Madrid forward has almost completed a move to Arsenal after a long and successful stint in Spain. The striker scored 122 goals for Real Madrid and is now looking for a new challenge after facing some undeserved criticism at the end of last season. Arsenal had a bitter-sweet last season as they made the Champions League inspite of losing the services of Robin Van Persie. Arsene Wenger seems determined to end the trophy drought for the club this season and has been given a relatively large cash kitty. This might not be his only major summer signing as Marouane Fellaini also remains on Wenger’s wishlist.
Manchester United: Thiago Alcantara
The Spanish starlet who starred in Spain’s U-21 European Championship triumph with a hat-trick in the finals is said to be David Moyes’ target this season. The midfielder is skilled enough to settle into the Premier League champions’ midfield. The deal is likely to cost United in the range of £15m. However, it is believed that Barcelona have entered the race for the capable midfielder, thus threatening to swoop the player from United’s lap. However, the fact that United will offer first team football might be enough to tilt the balance. Manchester United might also pursue Everton’s Leighton Baines, Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and a surprise bid for Cesc Fabregas is also doing the rounds.
Manchester City: Fernandinho
The Brazilian was Manchester City’s priority and they have already completed the process of signing him. The price of £34 million, though not much for heavy spending City, is a pretty hefty amount and the defensive midfielder will definitely have to live up to the value. He should be able to complement the physicality of Yaya Toure and one wonders if he can power City to dethrone United next year. Manuel Pellegrini expressed his happiness after securing his services for the club and admitted that he was his first priority in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea: Edinson Cavani
Chelsea are likely to successfully complete the signing of the Uruguay forward who is currently preparing for the Confederations Cup semi-final with the national side. The mega-money deal will not be Chelsea’s first this summer as they have already acquired the services of Andre Schurrle. As Jose Mourinho prepares for his second stint at Stamford Bridge, he is likely to find a replacement for current forward Fernando Torres. He is not supposed to be too keen on Demba Ba either and Edinson Cavani’s arrival might start a series of departures from the club.
