One necessary transfer move each EPL team must make - Part 1

The transfer season is up and buzzing. Here is look at one necessary transfer move that each of the 20 EPL teams must make this summer to boost their chances.

In this first part, we will cover the first ten teams, alphabetically.

# 1 – Arsenal – Replace Robin van Persie

Gonzalo Higuain – The perfect replacement for RVP at Arsenal?

Well, Olivier Giroud is really good but let’s face the fact, he is no Robin van Persie. Through collective work and some chipping in by all the players, Arsenal managed to finish fourth last season. But the void that van Persie left at Arsenal is still unplugged. So what should Arsenal do this summer? Replace van Persie with a marquee signing.

Reportedly, Arsenal have the funds to bring the world’s best to the Emirates this season. Gonzalo Higuain’s move is apparently imminent. Arsenal are also keeping a tab on want-away striker Wayne Rooney. So, if they manage sign any one of these two players, the mission would be accomplished for the North London side.

# 2 – Aston Villa – Hold on to Christian Benteke

Christian Benteke

Aston Villa flirted with relegation for most parts of last season. With a relatively young and inexperienced side, they managed to finish at 15th place, devoid of any drama.

This happened mainly because of Christian Benteke who netted 19 times for Villa. Benteke’s stats were surpassed only by Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale. Benteke achieved his 19 goals with relatively weaker sources of supply than all these three players.

So, it is no wonder that Aston Villa have numerous offers for Benteke. Keeping him at Villa Park is the greatest move they can make this summer.

# 3 – Cardiff City – Buy a good striker

Salomon Kalou may be the player Cardiff City need in the Premier League

Cardiff City were the Football League champions last year. They finished with 87 points, eight more than the second placed team. They also had an impressive Goal Difference of +27.

Despite that, no Cardiff City player was featured on the top 10 scorers’ list. They won the Championship because of their solid defence, but that is not going to save them in the Premier League. Hence, they need proven striking prowess up front.

Cardiff reportedly are interested in highly rated Denmark Striker Andreas Cornelius. But buying an experienced Premier League player like Salomon Kalou might do more good to the Bluebirds.

# 4 – Chelsea – Sell and replace Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres

Giving Torres another season might cost Chelsea way too much. Jose Mourinho is not a big fan of Torres, and it is highly unlikely that he might keep him. Andrea Schurrle might be a good player but letting him lead the striking line-up might be a huge risk.

Chelsea reportedly are courting Edinson Cavani, and if Luis Suarez goes to Real Madrid, Cavani will become available. Cavani might be a huge name for Chelsea but investing too much in him could backfire given his lack of Premier League experience.

Interestingly, Wayne Rooney’s name has also been mentioned here and there. It would be huge if Chelsea could land Wayne Rooney.

# 5 – Everton – sign a striker and hold on to Fellaini and Baines

Marouane Fellaini – Crucial to Everton’s chances

Holding on to Fellaini and Baines might be difficult than signing a striker for Everton. In Martinez, they have a manager who can work on a tight budget but if Everton are to fight for European qualification, they need to make some drastic moves.

Holding on to Fellaini and Baines would be a huge success for the Merseyside club. To do that, they might be pushed to break their wage structure. Even if Fellaini leaves, they cannot let Baines go. Leighton Baines is a huge part of the way Everton plays and an ever present figure in their dead pieces.

Signing a striker would boost their goal-scoring abilities. With Jelavic looking good by each game, Everton need to find a suitable partner(reportedly, Kone) to him.

# 6 – Fulham – Boost Midfield

Gareth Barry is one option to solve Fulham’s midfield problems

Fulham reportedly have completed the signing of Darren Bent. Bent is a proven goalscorer but will he get to play? I mean Dimitar Berbatov is special mainly because of the free, lone striker role that he plays. He cannot combine well with another striker who is pacier than him. We saw that happen at Manchester.

Fulham have not been able to find a replacement for Mousa Dembele. Chris Baird and Steve Sidwell are not exactly great midfielders.

Signing out of favor Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry or Tottenham’s Scott Parker might actually benefit Fulham and given them a sense of versatility in the middle of the park.

# 7 – Hull City – Add flair to the front-line

Jordan Rhodes

Despite having scored low than all the teams in the top-12 of the Football League Championships last season, Hull amazingly finished 2nd with a goal difference of +9, worse than any team on the top-6.

So, they obviously need some flair to bolster their attacking line-up. They are leading the bid to sign to Charlie Austin from Burnley and Nordin Amrabat from Galatasaray.

Hull reportedly are interested in signing Jordan Rhodes from Blackburn, but his asking price might be too much.

# 8 – Liverpool – Replace Suarez if he leaves

Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez is a tremendous talent. There is no doubt about that. But is he worth the trouble? Liverpool are a club with rich history and possibly, the greatest set of loyal supporters around the world. It is unfair to them that a single player tarnishes their name time and again.

So, if Luis Suarez leaves, then Liverpool should replace him with another player. Iago Aspas is highly rated but wouldn’t it be too much to ask him to lead the attack right from his first match?

Other than that, Liverpool have had a fantastic transfer season so far.

# 9 – Manchester City – Don’t let anyone else leave

The signings of Jesus Navas (in pic above) and Fernandinho have been fantastic for City

On the contrary to popular belief, Manchester City do not need yet another forward. Given that they will most probably play a 4-2-3-1, they need only one recognized striker on the field.

They have signed two fantastic players in Fernandinho and Jesus Navas. A combination of Fernandinho and Yaya Toure might frighten any team.

I don’t think Manchester City need a Robert Lewandowski or Edinson Cavani. If they can make the most out of the squad they have, they can very well challenge for the title.

# 10 – Manchester United – Sign a Midfielder

Thiago Alcantara

“Sign a Midfielder” – This has been the suggestion at Old Trafford ever since Paul Scholes retired the first time. Michael Carrick was exceptionally good but expecting him to be that good for a second season in a row is too much. Let us face it – Michael Carrick is not Paul Scholes.

They cannot flirt any more with Tom Cleverley or Anderson. Manchester United need a marquee midfielder, and they need it now. Cesc Fabregas might be too ambitious but failing to sign Thiago Alcantara would be a disaster for the Red Devils.

And if Wayne Rooney leaves, there is not much that Manchester United could do about it. His leaving might actually open some doors for Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck.

The series continues in the 2nd part – One necessary transfer move each EPL team must make – Part 2