In Part One, we look at the clubs from Arsenal to Manchester City
Not all teams’ problems can be solved by signing a new player and sometimes managers would be better of trying to improve the players at their disposal. But we all know that’s not going to happen. Clubs will undoubtedly be on the hunt for new players this month and we’ve done some scouting. We looked at each Premier League club and one player who would improve each respective side
Arsenal
There are few more obvious statements than saying Arsenal need a defensive midfielder. Mathieu Flamini may be okay at running around, and shouting at referees, but he doesn’t provide the necessary cover for a side with ambitions of challenging for the title, or even solidifying their Champions League place.
Arsene Wenger has needed to strengthen this area for years, and it’s obvious who the Gunners should look to fill this problem position. Morgan Schneiderlin would instantly improve Arsenal. The midfielder has been in excellent form for Southampton, is a strong tackler, passer and reads the game very well.
However, as Schneiderlin is unlikely to move this month, Arsenal could do a lot worse than signing Nigel de Jong.
A notoriously strong tackler, De Jong is also useful in possession and has previous experience of the Premier League. The former Manchester City player would add much needed bite and protection to Arsenal’s midfield. De Jong is currently in the final six months of his contract with AC Milan, making him available at a reduced price, and would also be available for Arsenal’s Champions League campaign. Over to you, Arsene.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa are currently 12th in the Premier League but have scored the fewest amount of goals in the division with just 11 in 20 games. On the surface their troubles in front of goal would automatically suggest they need a striker. However, when in-form, Christian Benteke is a fearsome proposition for opposition defences and possesses the ability to score 15 to 20 goals a season. What Villa lack is a creative spark.
Wes Hoolahan could be the short-term answer. The Ireland and Norwich City midfielder almost moved to Villa Park last January and had a previous successful spell with the Canaries under Paul Lambert. The Dubliner is 33 in May, but remains capable of unlocking a defence, his through balls would be ideal to exploit the movement of Villa’s speedy front three.
Burnley
Paul McShane’s days with Hull appeared numbered, with the defender sent to train with the U-21s and taking to Twitter to air his frustrations. McShane’s actions hadn’t gone down well with manager Steve Bruce, who sought an apology from the defender before he could return to the first team.
McShane returned to the starting line-up for Hull’s FA Cup loss to Arsenal, seemingly on the back of such an apology. However, the Ireland defender’s reprieve may not extend to a Premier League starting place. A move to Burnley could suit all parties. McShane would face a fresh chance to fight for a first team place, and the Clarets would get another committed, hard working player.
Chelsea
Competition for places in Chelsea’s team is already fierce, with Jose Mourinho’s side possessing two excellent players for most positions. However, there’s a chance the team could become over reliant on assist machine Cesc Fabregas as the season progresses. Another option to unlock defences may be needed when the side reaches the business end of the campaign.
Wesley Sneijder could an interesting move. The Dutch midfielder is currently playing for Galatasaray, but would undoubtedly be tempted to work with Mourinho again, under whom Sneijder played the best football of his career in 2010.
He may now be 30, and seemingly winding down his career in the Turkish league, but Sneijder proved at last summer’s World Cup that he is by no means finished at the game’s top level.
The midfielder would be cup-tied for the Chelsea’s Champions League games, but could provide the extra creative nous needed to unlock Premier League defences, which will become tighter as the season progresses and sides face a relegation battle.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace need to score goals to stay in the Premier League. Jermain Defoe scores goals. The striker also wants out of Toronto FC, less than 12 months into a four year deal. Palace have already rescued one lost soul recently, appointing Alan Pardew as their new manager, and thus freeing him from Newcastle United. Doing another turn for Defoe could help the side, currently in the relegation zone, move up the table.
Everton
Everton look a pale imitation of the side that performed so well last season, with many fans beginning to question the tactics of manager Roberto Martinez. However, the Toffees problems are centred around their creaky defence.
Tim Howard consistently concedes soft goals, while Everton’s central defensive partnership, and Gareth Barry, appear past their prime. Martinez’s side need to start moving the ball quicker and to regain some of the defensive solidity of last season. Virgil van Dijk may be the answer.
The Celtic defender has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs, from Manchester United to Sunderland, and is reportedly available for £8 million. Everton would be wise to jump the queue and sign the 23 year old. Van Dijk is strong in the air, neat in possession and has an eye for a goal.
Hull City
Hull had a great season last year, securing their Premier League status and reaching the FA Cup final. Steve Bruce then attempted to add some flair to his side by signing Gaston Ramirez and Hatem Ben Arfa on loan deals last summer. Ramirez has been ineffectual, Ben Arfa went awol and the Tiger’s are in a relegation battle.
A move for Slovakian playmaker Ondrej Duda could help jump start their season though. The 20-year-old has attracted the interest of numerous clubs across Europe, due to his promising form with Legia Warsaw, and would represent a welcome coup for Bruce’s side. The promise of first team football to help continue his development could sway the deal for Duda. Although the move probably wouldn’t be good news for Hull’s Irish midfield contingent.
Leicester City
Without wanting to be disparaging of Leicester City, they look destined for relegation. The Foxes have however signed Andrej Kramaric from FC Rijeka of the Croatian league. Kramaric cost £9 million, a club record fee, and will hope to aid his new side in attack, one of the areas where Leicester have struggled, along with midfield and defence. The Croatian striker has scored 28 goals in 24 games so far this season and could be the spark that drives his new team to safety. It’s unlikely, but Kramaric looks an exciting talent.
Liverpool
As obvious as Arsenal needing a defensive midfielder, or Manchester United’s need for a centre-half, Liverpool need a new goalkeeper. Simon Mignolet has never convinced and it appears the confident shot keeper’s Anfield career is on borrowed time.
Asmir Begovic is arguably the best Premier League goalkeeper outside the division’s top sides. The Stoke City keeper commands the penalty area miles better than the meek Mignolet, but is also a good distributer of the ball, a fine shot stopper and quick off his line.
Just as Liverpool’s frailties don’t begin and end with Mignolet, Begovic wouldn’t solve all of the team’s defensive issues. But the Bosnian is a vast improvement on the keepers currently at Rodger’s disposal.
Manchester City
The Premier League champions appear to have addressed a weak spot within their squad by signing Wilfried Bony. The powerful striker looks set to sign from Swansea City for €30 million and could help ease the goalscoring burden on Sergio Aguero.
Bony scored 20 Premier League goals in 2014 and will be confident of having an equally prolific 2015 alongside world class players such as David Silva and Aguero. The striker is on African Nations Cup duty with Ivory Coast, but could give City the edge in the title race when he returns next month.
