5 clubs that still have unfinished business in the transfer window

The transfer window has been buzzing with activity all summer. Clubs such as Liverpool, Inter and AC Milan have considerably strengthened their squads to regain the glory of yesteryears, Manchester United have revamped their midfield to mount a title challenging season and even the normally hesitant Arsene Wenger has dived into the transfer market and landed Petr Cech to bolster the Gunners’ ranks.Notwithstanding the early rush of transfers, there are still a number of signings needed by major clubs in Europe. Here’s a look at five clubs that still have unfinished business in this transfer window. The clock, as they say, is ticking.

#1 Manchester United

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal may not be done with his business in the transfer market

The Red Devils have already done a fair bit of business this summer. They bought promising Dutch winger Memphis Depay, Italian full-back Matteo Darmian and strengthening the midfield with the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin.

However, a change in playing style from counter-attacking to possession-based football means United will need more players in at least one, preferably two (and possibly three positions). Such can be the effect of a change in philosophy.

The case of Angel Di Maria is a prime example. The mazy Argentine winger would have seamlessly fit into the plans of Sir Alex Ferguson. But United under Louis van Gaal is bringing out the weaknesses in his game instead of his strengths.

In his place, Van Gaal would prefer a player on the right wing with an astute sense of positioning who can maintain possession and appear at the right place at the right time to score goals – hence the links with Thomas Muller, Pedro and Antoine Griezmann.

United also need an experienced, ball-playing centre-half, someone who has the ability to sense opposition counter-attacks beforehand and kill them at their roots. The sale of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao may also lead van Gaal to feel that he is perhaps a striker short while the constant speculation around David de Gea and Victor Valdes means United vice-chairman Ed Woodward will have to stay on the lookout for a quality goalkeeper.

By the time the transfer window closes, United’s starting eleven might be unrecognizable from last season. It is safe to assume then that the summer of 2015 might be regarded as ‘The transfer window of Manchester United’.

#2 Juventus

Can Juventus truly replace Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo?

The Old Lady lost the creative genius of Andrea Pirlo this summer. Add to that the return of Carlos Tevez to boyhood club Boca Juniors and Arturo Vidal’s transfer to Bayern Munich, and the grim realization dawns that the Italian champions have lost their most important players when it comes to creating and scoring goals.

The signing of Sami Khedira adds steel to the side while the addition of Mario Mandzukic, Simone Zaza and Argentine youngster Paulo Dybala makes up for the lack of goals in the team to some extent. What Juventus need now is a playmaker in midfield, a player who can operate in advanced as well as wide areas, dribble past opponents, create goal-scoring chances and preferably have an eye for goal from outside the box. In a nutshell, the Bianconeri need their own Kaka or Roberto Baggio.

The quest for Mario Gotze, Julian Draxler, Oscar and David Silva is encouraging in this respect. The addition of young full backs to provide competition and cover for Evra and Lichtsteiner wouldn’t go amiss either.

Needless to say, the Old Lady is going to have her fair share of fun this transfer window.

#3 Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini has one last chance to set things right after a trophyless season with Manchester City

The Citizens provided a rather tame defence of the Premier League title last season and an oh-so-familiar round of 16 exit at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League was proof enough that new recruitments are needed in key positions.

The signing of Fabian Delph is intended to provide defensive cover for the ageing legs of Yaya Toure while Raheem Sterling will add much-needed impetus to City’s wing play which has often been hampered by Samir Nasri’s injuries and Jesus Navas’ inconsistency. Moreover, these two satisfy the homegrown quota, an area in which City is seriously lacking.

But Manuel Pellegrini will be on the lookout for players to play in the hole behind the striker. The use of a 4-4-2 has regularly failed in Europe and the Chilean desperately needs a goal-scoring attacking midfielder who can attack as a second striker and simultaneously provide more control in midfield. The hunt for Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne makes sense in this regard.

Reinforcements may also be required in defence. Vincent Kompany is declining at an alarming rate, Martin Demichelis is not getting any younger and Ellaquim Mangala has not yet settled to life in England and the left-back position has been an ever-present weakness for the opposition to exploit.

With the Financial Fair Play obstacle finally out of the way and this being a make-or-break season for Pellegrini, expect the Sky Blues of Manchester to be active in the transfer window.

#4 Real Madrid

What system will Rafa Benitez employ at Real Madrid and who does he need to play in that system?

Los Merengues have been conspicuous by their inactivity in the transfer window so far. Their only acquisitions this summer have been right-back Danilo and goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, apart from players returning from loan.

Having said that, this could be the lull before the storm. The departure of club legend Iker Casillas has led to renewed pressure on Manchester United from club President Florentino Perez to give up on David de Gea and buying Kiko Casilla in the process to gain leverage. Manchester United, meanwhile, want Sergio Ramos in return and if the deal transpires, it will leave Real Madrid without two proven leaders on the pitch and in serious need of reinforcements.

Moreover, the replacement of Carlo Ancelotti by Rafael Benitez as head coach means a change in playing style and, therefore, need for new personnel. Benitez prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation with a double-pivot and Los Blancos lack a ball-winner in midfield, except Casemiro who is rejoining from loan.

The Spanish manager may not be too supportive of Cristiano Ronaldo’s negligible work rate on the left wing and might push for a certain Marco Reus from Borussia Dortmund.

Add to this the mystery around the role of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema amid constant links with other clubs, a trophyless previous season, Barcelona signing players despite a transfer ban and the possibility of a struggle with the Blaugrana for Paul Pogba’s signature, and it becomes clear that Real Madrid’s transfer window is far from over.

#5 Arsenal

Arsene Wenger needs one or two signings to make Arsenal a title-winning squad

The signing of Alexis Sanchez proved to be a revelation last season for Arsene Wenger. The Chilean forward provided high work rate, consistency, versatility and, most importantly, goals for the North London club up front. A similar show of efficiency in the transfer market this time around might just be the final ingredient to create a title-winning side for Wenger and end an eleven-year Premier League drought.

The lack of depth in Arsenal’s defensive midfield is well-known. The return of Francis Coquelin from loan in the second half of 2014/15 was crucial to Wenger’s success against top sides like Manchester City and the Gunners wouldn’t go amiss to look for another defensive-minded midfielder, possibly an upgrade on Coquelin with Champions League experience.

The exit of centre back Thomas Vermaelen hasn’t been made up for either. 20-year old Calum Chambers was signed as a cover for both these positions, but his inconsistency and rash decision-making mean he is still some time away from being a regular squad member while Gabriel has not had enough time to get accustomed to the Premier League yet.

The over-reliance on striker Olivier Giroud hurt Arsenal as well, notably against AS Monaco in the Champions League, and explains Arsenal’s interest in Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as well as in Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette.

All in all, it would be fair to say that the Arsenal squad needs some finishing touches. Time to get that wallet out again, Arsene.