English transfer market: Five players who offer value

Ashley Williams

Swansea City’s English-born Welsh defender Ashley Williams celebrates with the trophy after the League Cup final football match between Bradford City and Swansea City at Wembley Stadium in London, England on February 24, 2013. (GLYN KIRK,GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

After being persistently linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool during the previous summer window, Williams stayed with Swansea, leading them to silverware. The Swansea captain possesses pace, is comfortable with the ball and is a leader on the field, an attribute which suits both Arsenal and Liverpool even this season. With Thomas Vermaelen having an indifferent season, Arsenal could move for Williams. Such a move will not only pacify their disappointed fans (with curious banners and songs at the season opener against Aston Villa), but also add much needed quality as well as quantity to a severely depleted Arsenal squad. Similarly, at Liverpool, with Skrtel having fallen down the pecking order, there are only two senior centre backs, leaving room for Williams.

Potential Suitors: Arsenal, Liverpool.

Possibility of a move: Low. A calamitous showing by Arsenal in their midweek Champions League qualifier could prompt a knee-jerk reaction from Wenger, but it is highly unlikely that Swansea will sell their prized asset, with clock ticking out to find a suitable replacement.