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Will the top Premier League clubs spend big money this January?×Proofread The festive season is upon us, and while the rest of us sit back and relax at all the merriness, the managers in the wonderful world of the English Premier League have a far less enviable task at hand. As if juggling mid-week fixtures wasn't enough, they now have to contend with the impending transfer window.Heated discussions on player requirements and budgets will follow, as temperatures fall and tempers flare. We decided to give the big men at the helm a helping hand, and what follows is a list of players that we think should be top priorities for their respective sides.Note - Arsene Wenger will moan and whine at the insufferable January transfer window, while Mourinho will sit in a corner and answer all questions in a manner that suggests each answer is pulling the life force out of him. At the end of it all, the duo will do the exact opposite of what all the transfer talk has suggested they would do.Expect Kim Kallstrom to make an appearance at some point, to remind us all that his Christmas present last year was a spot on the Arsenal treatment table next to Abou Diaby. Fernando Torres will curse the day he packed his bags at Anfield, while Andrei Arshavin will remember the famous old stadium for the four-goal performance that would remain the highlight of his time in England.A time for nostalgia and the reliving painful memories it may be, but it is also a time to think of the shiny new presents our clubs may be unwrapping come the New Year. Here we go.
#1 Arsenal
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Yohan Cabaye
Wenger has long been an admirer of his compatriot’s abilities. Predictably, his efforts to lure him to the Emirates were blown out of the water by a money-spitting cannon, this time in the colors of Paris St. Germain. Now way down the pecking order in the French capital, a move for Cabaye could well be a welcome move for all the parties involved. With Adrien Rabiot looking set to sign a long-term contract, PSG would welcome a little injection of cash that would have the FFP bloodhounds back off, at least for a while.
A ball-playing, deep-lying midfielder with Premier League experience would be a sight for sore eyes in Ashburton Grove. The move would echo a similar one for yet another ex-Newcastle Frenchman, with Mathieu Debuchy brought in to tide over immediate concerns while Arsenal’s younger guns come to terms with the Premier League. We’ve certainly heard that one before.
Layvin Kurzawa
The Monaco starlet has been turning quite a few heads in recent months, with his stellar performances having already earned him a call-up to the French national team. The £15 million rated left-back would certainly bolster Arsenal’s shaky backline, and keep Kieran Gibbs on his toes.
Most of all, it would let Arsene Wenger’s penchant for converting players come to the fore, with Nacho Monreal then settling into the role of a back-up center back. Leaving Wenger free to turn his nose up at the world again, advertising his disregard for the January transfer window and £30 million rated center backs. Everybody wins.
Marcelo Brozovic
The Croatian would be the archetypical Arsene Wenger signing. Does he have youth on his side? At 22, that’s a resounding check. Is he a naturally attacking box-to-box midfielder who could be moulded to play a much deeper role? Hell yeah, as his recent performance for Croatia against Italy suggests.
Does he fit into the category of cheeky, cheaper buys who fit into Wenger’s philosophy of money not equalling quality? At £6 million, you can almost see Arsenal fans rising to the edge of their seats, hoping for numbers to salvage an injury-stricken team. Good luck, lads, with this all-too typical Wenger claim (http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/546551/Arsenal-Arsene-Wenger-January-transfer-plans).
#2 Everton
John Ruddy
Post his world cup heroics, Mr. America Tim Howard has looked decidedly less authoritative. It would be unfair to put the blame for Everton’s defensive woes squarely on his broad shoulders. Nevertheless, even as his beard grows to fearsome proportions, Howard looks like a man caught in a hailstorm. The addition of former Everton keeper John Ruddy would certainly get that never-say-die spirit going.
It has to be noted that the American is no spring chicken himself, and Ruddy could very well prove to be his long-term successor. The Englishman will be looking to make a mark at a club where he was an understudy for a long time before being sold by David Moyes. All in all, a move that would be welcomed by all those involved, with the £4 million asking price a consolation for Norwich City.
Shaun Maloney
Roberto Martinez is a known admirer of Maloney, having brought him from Celtic in his time in charge of Wigan Athletic. He recently watched his former charge turn in a man-of-the-match performance for Scotland against the Republic of Ireland.
Everton have certainly missed the underrated James McCarthy in the center of midfield, and Muhamed Besic has carried around with him an air of indiscipline. At £ 500,000, Maloney would be an absolute bargain as a short-term solution who could give Everton a much-needed measure of consistency.
Lewis Macleod
Martinez has enjoyed great success recruiting from the Scottish scene, and the Rangers starlet Lewis Macleod could very well be on his way to Goodison. The financial troubles that have plagued the Rangers leave them almost resigned to losing a bright young prospect, and it looks like only a matter of time.
Rangers boss Ally McCoist has stated the importance of Macleod to the team, calling him “a shining star” that the club has grabbed hold of during the darker days at the Ibrox. This star looks set to illuminate greater stages, and Martinez is the perfect manager to get the best out of him.
#3 Liverpool
Paulo Dybala
Liverpool’s lack of dynamism has been brutally exposed over the course of the season, with the Reds struggling to adapt to life after Luis Suarez. Daniel Sturridge’s injury concerns have resurfaced to haunt Brendan Rodgers, and he has now gone sniffing in search of the South American flavour that Anfield just could not get enough of. And the 21 year old that has grabbed his attention may just be worth all the fuss.
Upon signing him in 2012, Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini introduced him as “The New Sergio Aguero”. A rather poorly disguised attempt to persuade the big players in Europe to one day dump a load of cash on his doorstep for the Argentine, it may have been – but it may just pay off big-time. Possessed of searing pace and the ability to play anywhere across the frontline, the youngster’s hunger on the pitch will certainly have the Anfield faithful remembering a time not so long ago.
He would lift the substantial burden off Raheem Sterling’s frail shoulders with his versatility – the prospect of Dybala and Sterling on opposite flanks give Liverpool some much-needed width, while the duo’s ability to play centrally would be another ace up Rodgers’ sleeve.
He would give Sturridge (when he returns) the chance to work in the kind of strike partnership that served Liverpool so well last year, while it may even spur Balotelli to give meaning to the words “highly touted” that seem forever prefixed to his name. Let’s hope he doesn’t take out that fire extinguisher, though.
Asmir Begovic
It is safe to say that Simon Mignolet is well on his way to becoming an Internet legend for all the wrong reasons, even if he still has a long way to equal that blond dude who could score goals for fun only when in the red of Liverpool. Step forward Stoke shot-stopper Asmir Begovic to put him out of his misery. The Bosnian has been one of the most consistent keepers in the league for a while now, and Liverpool were pursuing him in the summer before being put off by his £15 million asking price. That may not look like much of a concern any longer, with the sleepy Brad Jones the one who took Mignolet’s place in the last outing against Manchester United. We all know what happened there.
Martin Montoya
The Barcelona man has been shut out of the first team for years by the marauding Dani Alves, but it was the summer purchase of Douglas Pereira that told the Spaniard that he did not have the trust of Luis Enrique. He has recently stated his intention to leave Barcelona in January. Indeed, the move to Anfield almost materialised in the summer, with the powers that be flying out to Spain in search of a deal. The Reds may finally get their man come January, to replace yet another internet sensation Glen Johnson, although how he could possibly top this flying solo remains to be seen.
#4 Manchester United
Mats Hummels
The footballing world has descended into a comatose state wondering if this move will ever really happen. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has made it clear that Untied will not go after any “short-term-fixes” in the January transfer window. What he did not expect, of course, was that the home of one of their long-term fixes, would descend into chaos in a matter of months. Borussia Dortmund are in free fall in the Bundesliga, and even their legendary fan support is starting to wane.
It would not be a big surprise, then, if one of their biggest names decides to jump ship. With the future of Klopp himself somewhat of a question mark, a move for Hummels would certainly quell talk of the defensive naivety at United today, with David De Gea’s heroics keeping United afloat while inspiring a #youshallnotpass hashtag on Twitter. Gandalf is not amused.
Kevin Strootman
Yet another yawn inducing rumour that has been circulating ever since Van Gaal took over at Old Trafford. And still, one that cannot be discounted. This is the man whose injury prompted Van Gaal to shift the traditional Dutch 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2 ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. And you would think that he will get his man, one way or another. What seems almost certain is that the boss will not buy another player in that position, regardless of consequence.
The stage is set for an intense summer courtship, but the foundations will be put in place now. And maybe, just maybe, Roma’s exit from the Champions League will prove to be the tipping point in negotiations in January. Strootman’s arrival would cement United’s status as genuine title challengers, with his all-action game exactly what the Red Devils have been missing for so long now.
Joao Miranda
The Brazilian was a key component of Athletico Madrid’s title-winning team last season, and was on United’s radar back in the summer. Jose Gimenez’s glittering performances when Miranda was out injured have convinced Diego Simeone to not change a winning team. At 30 years of age, it would seem that Miranda does not have much left to offer anymore. But the key, of course, is perspective.
Manchester United are now third in the Premier League table, knowing that teams like Manchester City and Arsenal will rise up and be counted in the second half of the season. The top four battle looks a lot more intense this time around, with a few unexpected teams in the fray, and Miranda may just prove to be the calm, steely presence that takes United home.
Considering that a club of United’s stature could hardly afford yet another season out of the Champions League, now may be the time to bring in a proven leader who gives their defense a little direction.
#5 Manchester City
Mauro Icardi
Sergio Aguero’s injury problems had the alarm bells ringing at the Eithad. And now, the news that Edin Dezko is facing at least a couple of weeks on the sidelines is not going to make Manuel Pellegrini’s life any easier. The African Cup of Nations will not only occupy Yaya Toure in the New Year, but it also rules out a possible move for Wilfried Bony, especially when City are in need of a presence up front.
Both Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic remain injured, and the task has fallen to youngster Jose Pozzo to lead the line. Icardi’s arrival from Inter Milan would certainly necessitate the departure of one of the striking trio, and that man is likely to be Dzeko. The 22 year old has stated his desire to play in the Premier League one day, and Inter Milan would likely bow to the pressure if a suitable offer was to arrive from Eastlands.
Pellegrini himself has stated that he will look to the charges under Reserve team manager Patrick Viera. But if there is a go-ahead from the money men above, he would be hard pressed to deny a move for one of the continent’s bright young stars.
Moussa Sissoko
The Newcastle man has been firing on all cylinders this season, the most important player in Newcastle’s astounding rise in the table. His marauding ways on the pitch bear a marked similarity to current City star Yaya Toure. And with the Ivorian away on international duty in the New Year, Pellegrini may well turn to the 25 year old, who would no doubt slot in seamlessly into the team.
That, combined with City’s striking woes, may mean that City’s midfield will have to step it up a notch on the goals front to keep pace with Chelsea – and Sissoko’s drive and presence will go a long way to deliver that. Toure himself is on the wrong side of 30, and now may be the perfect time to see what life without the big man would be like. Bringing in another big man seems to be the way to go, although they should probably ask him what flavour of cake he would like for his birthday during the contract negotiations.
Joaquin Correa
City’s ageing squad is in need of fresh, young faces and Joaquin Correa sure fits that bill. The 20 year old’s relatively modest £8 million tag should keep the Citizens on the safe side of the FFP regulations while bringing in a player whose game has evoked comparisons to David Silva. City’s game relied heavily on Silva’s ability to thread the play together, with his quick one-twos and intelligence dovetailing wonderfully well with both Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero.
Continuity is a theme that the Eastlands club strive for, and the youngster provides a clear focal point for the future. Bringing him in now would represent a coup, with the youngster likely to move on loan to Sampdoria for the rest of the season.
#6 Chelsea
Seamus Coleman
With the Chelsea wave rising to a crescendo, Jose Mourinho’s ever-watchful eyes have narrowed in on a target to keep his team perched on top of the pile. Seamus Coleman has cemented his status as one of the best full-backs in the League, with the 2013/14 season in particular seeing the Everton man rise to another plane as a footballer.
The Northern Irishman has confessed that his childhood hero was the great Roy Keane, and Mourinho will no doubt look to the full-back to bring the same kind of fighting spirit that characterised the former Red Devil’s career. That spirit can be seen in spades in the side that walks out at The Bridge today, and Coleman could well have a long, distinguished career at the very top if he were to switch his allegiances to a slightly different shade of blue.
Lucas Silva
The Brazilian wonderkid has had the pearly white of Real Madrid beckoning for a while now, and it is this interest that has Mourinho considering a pre-emptive strike in January. The game against Newcastle United certainly showed us all why Chelsea rely so much on Nemanja Matic’s sheer presence. And while Silva offers a very different threat, you can bet on Mourinho tailoring his team to maximise the youngster’s impact, especially when it is now Mikel who turns up to deputise for Matic.
It is also worth noting that Mourinho has experimented with two defensive-minded players in the midfield in the past, and Silva may well get more game-time than one would expect. Add to this the strong Brazilian presence in the Chelsea dressing room, and you have all the ingredients for a starlet to progress into a world-beater in due time. Pretty hard to resist, wouldn’t you say?
Tyrone Mings
With Mourinho preferring to field a settled line-up all through the season, you can understand why the Chelsea boss would look to bring in potential next-big-things in the January window. Add a young English center back to the fold, and even Mourinho will have a hard time keeping that smug look off his face when he turns up to press conferences.
The 6ft-3in Ipswich Town defender is a left-back by trade, but Mourinho feels he has the attributes to develop into John Terry’s successor in the heart of Chelsea’s defense. Also, with Filipe Luis apparently unhappy with his playing time, a move now could provide cover for the defense, not to mention the space and time it would give the youngster to develop his game in the direction he feels most comfortable in.
Or rather, the direction in which Mourinho feels most comfortable in, which would indicate as to why the attack-minded Chelsea loanee Ryan Bertrand is excelling far away at Southampton today.
#7 Tottenham Hotspur
Morgan Schneiderlin
The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Spurs ever since former boss Mauricio Pochettino took over, and it is easy to see why. The midfielder was one of the star performers for the Saints under Pochettino, and earned himself a call-up to the national team for the World Cup in the wake of Franck Ribery’s untimely injury. Spurs have had a rather shaky season so far, with moments of individual brilliance bailing them out of tough situations.
And, as is the custom with managers when they are pushed into a corner, signing a known quantity is a natural response that can change fortunes. Schneiderlin would be a rock to build this team on, and a solid presence to calm the very shaky defense behind him. He has already voiced his intention of leaving when the opportunity presents itself.
This remains the sad reality for teams such as Southampton, who will continue to lose their top players despite the wonderful response to the team being plundered in the summer.
Jay Rodriguez
The long-term injury to Southampton’s star forward has done nothing to quell the interests of his many suitors, and his performances last season merit such dedicated interest. One of his suitors,Tottenham, are the latest in a long line of teams to wrongly put their trust in Emmanual Adebayor.
His fondness for creating issues with every human he comes into contact with has deterred the career of a player who seemed tailor-made for the Premier League when he burst onto the scene with Arsenal all those years ago.
Harry Kane has been carrying the mantle that the Togolese dropped, and Roberto Soldado never really picked up – but Tottenham could certainly do with the player who hit the back of the net 17 times for the Saints last time around, before his untimely injury in April. A reunion with Pochettino beckons.
Ron Vlaar
The Aston Villa center half was lauded for his performances at the World Cup for the Dutch national team, with many observers surprised that the Dutchman could raise his game to such a high level. Aston Villa supporters, however, were quick to point out that this was merely a misconception – Vlaar could only play so well in a team that almost religiously lets down its supporters.
The Villans have hardly proved otherwise this season, and Vlaar may well make the last big move of his career in the January window. Tottenham, for all their defensive recruits, look very disoriented at the back, and Vlaar may just be the perfect signing to help them push for European football.
#8 Newcastle United
Danny Ings
The England U-21 striker has made a fine start to life in the Premier League, especially after injury problems threatened early on in the season. At one stage, The Clarets looked like a side that was down and out, destined to fall right back down into the Championship. And although things look different now that Ings is back in the scheme of things, his deal runs out in the summer – and Burnley are still one of the teams that could go down when all is said and done.
A cut-price deal now to Newcastle United thus looks appealing, especially since Ings is unlikely to stay even if Burnley manage to stay up. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is a known admirer of the youngster, while manager Alan Pardew would certainly love to see him in the black and white sooner rather than later. The injury concerns at Newcastle make a January move possible, with Ayoze Perez the only forward who has made any impression this season.
Aleksandar Mitrovic
The 6ft 3in Serbian international has been on Pardew’s wishlist for a while now, with the Magpies considering the player to be one who could have a big sell-on value in the future. As such, there seems to be no better club to make an impression at than the fiercely demanding Toon Army, who are notoriously demanding of their Number Nines (courtesy the great Alan Shearer).
Mitrovic certainly has the physical attributes to make it in the Premier League, and already has the experience of playing in the Champions League with Anderlecht. An investment of around £15 million on Mike Ashley’s part could well see Newcastle richly rewarded, both on the field and off it.
Mark Schwarzer
Newcastle have been hit by a number of injury concerns this season, and nowhere is this more pronounced than in the case of the man in between the posts. Tim Krul is out with an ankle injury, at least until mid-January, and second choice Rob Elliot came off at half-time in Newcastle’s win over Chelsea. Debutant Jak Alnwick did a fairly good job that day, looking assured at all times except for the delicious set-piece delivery from Fabregas that led to Didier Drogba’s goal.
And even if Newcastle managed to hold on that day, manager Alan Pardew remains unconvinced of Alnwick’s ability, and may resort to an emergency loan for Chelsea third choice keeper Mark Schwarzer. With Mourinho keen to keep Petr Cech around till at least the summer, it may all boil down to Chelsea’s long-time Number 1’s patience at being behind Courtois in the pecking order.
