The January transfer window is notoriously a difficult period for Premier League clubs to do business in, but that does not stop big deals from being done.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have already been hard at work to seal the signature of PSV Eindhoven sensation Cody Gakpo as the Reds attempt to recover from a poor start to the season. Elsewhere, table-topping Arsenal remain linked to a clutch of players as they attempt to continue their challenge for the Premier League crown.
Slightly lower down the table, a number of the current relegation candidates will aim to add to their squads in an effort to stave off a place in the Championship next term.
With all that being said, Mirror Football takes a look at one problem position for each side and the perfect signing to solve those conundrums.
Arsenal - Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid)
Following the injury sustained by Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners could really do with an out-and-out striker to lead the line. Whilst Eddie Nketiah is perfectly capable, they need a further body if they are to continue their push for the title.
Spanish forward Alvaro Morata could be the perfect solution. Despite having only six goals to his name this term, he found some form in the World Cup and could fancy another crack at the Premier League following his difficult time with Chelsea.
A loan move for Morata could be a good solution if Atleti allow a deal to be signed-off.
Who do you think your Premier League club should sign? Share your suggestions in the comments section below
Aston Villa - Attila Szalai (Fenerbahce)
With on-loan Southampton defender Jan Bednarek having struggled to convince at Villa Park this season, new Villa boss Unai Emery could be tempted to send him back and move for a former target in the form of Hungarian defender Szalai.
The 24-year-old was the subject of a bid from the Midlands club in the summer but a deal failed to materialise. He has continued his good form and could potentially be a valuable addition in January.
Bournemouth - Niclas Fullkrug (Werder Bremen)
With a new owner in situ, the Cherries likely have the funds to finance a considerable January splurge and the place they should start is in attack. Current strikers Kieffer Moore and Dominic Solanke have just seven goals between them in all competitions this season.
German international Fullkrug could be an excellent addition having hit ten Bundesliga goals for Werder Bremen this season - form he carried into the World Cup. He only signed a new contract in the summer though so they might have a task on their hands to tempt Bremen into a sale.
Brentford - Victor Gyokeres (Coventry City)
The Bees are one of those sides currently stuck in mid-table but in order to remain away from the relegation battle, they probably need reliable back-up to Ivan Toney. It will be difficult to find someone willing to play second fiddle to the forward but there are options.
A swoop for Coventry City’s breakout star Victor Gyokeres could make a lot of sense. The Swedish international already has 12 Championship goals to his name this term after 17 last season.
He also has just a year-and-a-half left on his contract so could be available if he does not pen fresh terms in the Midlands.
Brighton - Ben Brereton Diaz (Blackburn Rovers)
Since earning promotion to the Premier League, Brighton ’s lack of prolificacy has regularly been a huge problem. Whilst they won’t be able to invest huge amounts into their attack in January, an affordable option could be Blackburn hitman Ben Brereton Diaz.
The Stoke-born Chilean international has ten goals to his name this term having hit 22 last term. The 23-year-old is out of contract in the summer so a decent offer could well trigger Rovers into selling their star asset.
Chelsea - Rick Karsdorp (Roma)
Having sealed a deal for David Datro Fofana, with Christopher Nkunku expected to follow, Chelsea have rectified their need for a striker. Amid Reece James’ ongoing injury issues, another forward-thinking right-back might not be the worst idea in the world.
An ideal candidate for that role could potentially be Dutch international Rick Karsdorp. He notched seven assists in all competitions for Roma last term but has been told by Jose Mourinho that he has no future at the Stadio Olimpico, meaning a deal could be simple to complete.
Crystal Palace - Jota (Celtic)
A lot of Crystal Palace ’s approach to the January market depends on the future of Wilfried Zaha. The winger is out of contract in the summer, with the winter window representing their final chance to cash-in on his signature.
Should he leave, Patrick Vieira will likely have to reinvest the funds received into another mercurial winger. Celtic’s Portuguese forward Jota could be an excellent option having accumulated seven goals and six assists in all competitions this term.
Everton - Giovanni Simeone (Napoli)
Another Premier League club that need a striker, Everton have really been hampered by Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s constant injury problems, as well as Neal Maupay’s failure to get on the scoresheet regularly. That could see the Toffees turn to the transfer market once more.
A deal for Napoli’s Giovanni Simeone might not be the worst idea with the Argentina having been limited for minutes this term. He certainly has ability though having struck on 17 occasions for Hellas Verona last season.
Fulham - Chris Smalling (AS Roma)
Having enjoyed an impressive start to the season, Fulham ’s squad does not need major surgery. One of their main weaknesses has been in defence though and a new centre-back could go a long way in fixing that.
Depending on wages, former player Chris Smalling might fancy a return to Craven Cottage in the twilight of his career. His Premier League experience would likely come in very handy as the Londoners attempt to seal their place in the league.
Leeds - Abdelhamid Sabiri (Sampdoria)
With Mateusz Klich seemingly on his way to MLS, Jesse Marsch’s squad could potentially do with more depth in midfield and Moroccan international Sabiri could be a smart addition. The midfielder, who played at the World Cup, is in the midst of an impressive spell with Serie A side Sampdoria.
The 26-year-old also has Premier League experience having represented Huddersfield Town the last time they were in the top-flight. A move shouldn’t be too costly heading into the January window.
Leicester - Robin Gosens (Inter Milan)
Having started just one league game for Inter Milan this season, German international Gosens might look for pastures new. Leicester full-back James Justin is set for a period on the sidelines following an Achilles injury, leaving just Luke Thomas.
The Foxes were linked to Gosens before his switch to the San Siro so could renew their interest with Brendan Rodgers keen to bolster his options at left-back this winter.
Liverpool - Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina)
Having already sealed a deal for Gakpo, another World Cup star could follow the Dutchman through the Anfield entrance. Amrabat stole the show for Morocco in Qatar as they reached the semi-finals and has already been linked with a move to Merseyside.
He could potentially be a cheaper signing in January before the Reds make a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham in the summer.
Nottingham Forest - Sam Field (QPR)
It is hard to judge exactly where Forest’s squad is considering the influx of summer arrivals. A defensive midfielder to step into the place of the injured Cheikhou Kouyate could potentially be welcome.
Former England youth international Sam Field has been a virtual ever-present for QPR in the Championship this term. He also has just a year-and-a-half on his current contract so might not be the most expensive acquisition.
Manchester City - Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
What do you add to arguably the best squad in the Premier League? A talented Portuguese attacker of course.
Rafael Leao has garnered plenty of attention for his performances in Serie A over recent seasons and reports suggest that City are ready to offer him a big-money deal. He would immediately challenge Jack Grealish and Phil Foden for a starting berth at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester United - Mehdi Taremi (Porto)
On the hunt for an affordable forward following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Iranian frontman Taremi might be the perfect man. The 30-year-old has harnessed a reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in Europe having struck 67 goals for Porto over the past two-and-a-half seasons.
Whilst his age might count against him, that could potentially lead to the Red Devils securing his services for a lower fee. He also has just a year-and-a-half left on his contract in Portugal.
A deal for Taremi could make a lot of sense this winter, with more funds available to invest again in the summer.
Newcastle - James Maddison (Leicester)
Sitting comfortably in the Champions League places ahead of the second-half of the campaign, the only thing that the Magpies are missing is slightly more creativity in the heart of midfield. Long-term target James Maddison could well be the man to solve that problem.
The playmaker has just a year-and-a-half left on his contract with Leicester and whilst the Foxes will not want to sell, a big-money bid could tempt them into a deal for Maddison.
Southampton - Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester)
A real lack of goals is a prime reason why Southampton currently find themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table. A seasoned Premier League campaigner, Nigerian forward Iheanacho barely gets a look-in at the King Power Stadium these days and could decide to move on.
Leicester have demanded a premium for his services in the past but with Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka ahead of him in the current pecking order in the Midlands, the Foxes could finally be tempted to cash-in.
Tottenham - Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton)
Spurs need more creativity in midfield having struggled when coming up against a low block this season. Brighton’s Argentine playmaker Mac Allister could certainly help.
The former Argentinos Juniors’ midfielder has already been linked with a big-money move to North London with Fabio Paratici having given a swoop his approval. It might be difficult to negotiate with Brighton though - Mac Allister having only penned a new deal earlier this year.
West Ham - Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Man Utd)
On paper, West Ham should certainly be doing a lot better than they currently are having spent heavily in the summer. They could potentially do with adding a reliable right-back to their squad and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be that man.
He has been linked with a return to Crystal Palace but a loan move to the London Stadium could also tempt the Man Utd star. He would certainly give the Hammers far more solidity on the right.
Wolves - Oliver Torres (Sevilla)
Like Liverpool, Wolves have moved quickly to secure the signing of a forward - Atletico Madrid star Matheus Cunha. That looks unlikely to be enough for the Midlands outfit as they attempt to escape the clutches of the drop zone.
More creativity in midfield would be welcome and new boss Julien Lopetegui could potentially raid his former club Sevilla for Oliver Torres. The Spaniard has three goals to his name this term and would not be the most expensive acquisition in the world.
