(Image via https://twitter.com/thespursweb)
The time has arrived when Premier League teams look to replenish their squads following a wave of injuries and move on any deadwood as they strive to achieve their aims, be it to win the prestigious Premier League title or to qualify for the Champions League next season. For many of the division’s big guns, they’re the demands.
In a highly competitive competition with some of the richest clubs in the world, the January transfer window can result in many sides targeting the same players, certain sides even doing some domestic dealings together, and some massive transfer fees being splurged on an array of players. It’s a time to gamble for many sides also, with teams at the bottom of the table desperate to stay in the most lucrative domestic football league on earth.
For the biggest clubs in the Premier League, the January transfer window is perhaps tougher. Fans are generally demanding signings given the nature of supporters in the modern world, club owners might be reluctant to spend big though, or their simply might not be the required quality available to truly make a difference to whether a side finishes in the top four or not. Regardless, there will most definitely be some transfer dealings in January. So, with that in mind, let’s assess some of the potential deals we could be seeing soon.
Tottenham trying to sign Rabiot and others
Despite a relatively strong start to the campaign under charismatic Italian boss Antonio Conte, Tottenham fans and their passionate manager aren’t too happy. Having a natural winner in charge means that Spurs’ owner, Daniel Levy, will undoubtedly be pushed for signings in January as Conte looks to improve his Tottenham squad further, particularly in midfield. As such, recent links to Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot before his contract expires in the summer make a lot of sense. After his impressive showing in the World Cup, Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister is another potential target. Meanwhile, according to some reports, Tottenham are looking at Inter Milan right back Milan Skriniar, too.
Liverpool need to invest big in January
After a depressingly poor start to the campaign, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side appears to have hit a wall. A refresh is the solution, with a new signing or two potentially helping the Reds to find their familiar flow and offer more of a challenge at the top of the table in 2023. When assessing the football betting options, it’s no surprise that Liverpool are currently 50/1 to win the Premier League. Even top four, which is priced at 4/5, might be a tall order. Some January additions will certainly increase Liverpool’s chances, though. So far, the Reds have been linked with Benfica and Argentina star Enzo Fernandez, Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, and they’re among many clubs being linked with Jude Bellingham, although a summer move seems more likely for the England star. Cody Gakpo has, of course, arrived, but he might not be the player the Anfield faithful needs.
Manchester United must add to a fairly thin squad
(Image via https://twitter.com/EBL2017)
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure will hog the limelight, there will be members of Manchester United’s hierarchy who will be quietly working away in the background as they attempt to strengthen what is still a weak squad. Erik ten Hag’s appointment appears to be leading to raised standards at Old Trafford, with the former Ajax boss keen to get one of the biggest clubs on earth back competing with some of European football’s behemoths once again. Links to Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, and Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae make a lot of sense.
Arsenal and Manchester City are looking strong but could make moves
Although the aforementioned teams in and around them will be looking to close the gap, both Arsenal and Manchester City will potentially be sitting tight, safe in the knowledge that they’re both looking incredibly strong this campaign. Football clubs and their managers are constantly looking at ways to evolve, though, so should a long-term target or a rising talent become available, then both Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola could still dip into the market. For Arsenal, a striker looks set to be the priority given Gabriel Jesus’ long-term injury. Early reports suggest that the Gunners are looking at Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, while also being linked with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk. As for Manchester City, despite their near-perfect squad, the Citizens have been linked with moves for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.
