What your Premier League team needs in the January transfer window - and potential targets

Arsenal

The Bank of England club might have to swallow their indifference to the January window, with the re-build to end all re-builds looming on the horizon. Petr Cech needs a long-term replacement, Per Mertseacker is retiring, Nacho Monreal the wrong side of 30, Laurent Koscielny's Achilles has reduced him to a mere mortal, Hector Bellerin needs back-up, central midfield needs reimagining, Mesut Ozil might need replacing, Alexis Sanchez definitely will and there are no wingers. Oh, and they have to manage the transition away from the most successful manager in the club's history (eventually). 

You're not going to get all that done in four weeks, so the emphasis needs to be on short-term impact. Arsene Wenger expresses a preference for a back four, and if Arsenal are to make this work they need better options on the flanks. Theo Walcott looks set to follow Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain out of the door, and there is a lack of devastating pace and willingness to make off-the-ball runs across Arsenal's attack. 

Sanchez operates more like a second striker cutting in from the left, while Alex Iwobi is really No.10/No.8 - adept at stitching play together but offering little threat at the sharp end. Danny Welbeck is a good defensive option in big games, but lacks the trickery and guile required against deep-lying defences. Alexandre Lacazette is a fine addition, but needs more support to move defences around and isn't quite as fast as people think over more than 10 yards. Walcott had his detractors, but was a reliable source of goals and assists in Arsenal's old 4-2-3-1 and they need to be replaced. In truth, Arsenal probably need two high-class wide-forwards for when Sanchez departs. 

Potential targets: Nabil Fekir, Julian Draxler, Wilfried Zaha, Thomas Lemar, Riyad Mahrez, Lorenzo Insigne.

Bournemouth
Not much has changed at Bournemouth despite a downturn in fortunes. They still concede plenty of goals, but that's a consequence of their ambitious style of play and unlikely to be solved by purchasing a new defender as a sticking plaster. Asmir Begovic looked an astute piece of business last summer, ushering out the error-prone Artur Boruc, but Begovic has not been immune from the odd howler. Despite Jermain Defoe's ankle injury, Eddie Howe has ruled out a move for a striker in January. The full-back positions could do with some freshening up - Adam Smith and Charlie Daniels have been with Bournemouth throughout their rise up the leagues and will need replacing. Bournemouth have been linked with a move for Chelsea youngster Dujon Sterling, and they have picked up fruit from that particular tree in the past. 
Central midfield also looks a little stale, and after they could do with some added technical security and creativity in that area given the style of play Howe wants to execute. 

Potential targets: Dujon Sterling, Tom Cairney, Danny Ings. 

Brighton
They have already shown their hand with a move for Celtic's Moussa Dembele, and Brighton need pace and guaranteed goals at the top end of the pitch. Elsewhere, they are a settled unit, well organised by Chris Hughton with a centre back pairing of Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk to rival any team outside of the Big Six. Solly March, Jose Izquierdo and Anthony Knockaert are good options on the flanks, but they desperately need that elusive striker. 
There is plenty to like about Brighton, but they risk becoming this season's Middlesbrough: a competitive outfit who avoid any thrashings but ultimately fall short of Premier League quality. 

Potential targets: Moussa Dembele, Jarrod Bowen, Ze Luis.

Burnley
Burnley regulars implored Sean Dyche to sign a new centre back following the sale of Michael Keane last summer, but their fears have since been allayed by the form of James Tarkowski. Nevertheless, Burnley lack depth at centre back with Kevin Long their first reserve. Dyche's coaching and style of play often covers for individual deficiencies, but they would not want a lengthy spell with Long and Ben Mee as their only central defenders. 
Central midfield has developed significantly since promotion in 2016, with Jack Cork and Steven Defour adding more layers to their play through their range of pass. Johann Berg Gudmunds­son has been involved in more league goals than any squad member, but Burnley could use another tricky winger with speed. 
The centre forward position has been shared between Sam Vokes, Ashley Barnes and record singing Chris Wood, but Dyche's side would benefit from a more mobile striker to stretch defences and give them more counter-attacking potential. There will be no rush to do business however, and the window could pass with little activity at Turf Moor. 

Potential targets: Aaron Lennon, Joe Worrall, Kamil Grosicki, Karl Toko Ekambi.

Chelsea
Antonio Conte was left exasperated by Chelsea's dealings in the summer window, so they have plenty of unfinished business this January. After Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain chose a move to Liverpool, Italian utility man Davide Zappacosta was recruited to provide cover in the wing-back positions. The champions need another wing-back to provide back-up for - or replace - Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses. Juventus left-back Alex Sandro is their Goldilocks signing in this area. Cesar Azpilicueta has been used at right-wing back at times but is far more comfortable on the right of a back three. 
Central midfield and defence is well-stocked - unless David Luiz is moved on - so Conte's focus will be at the top end of the pitch. His reluctance to start with Michy Batshuayi during Alvaro Morata's injury lay-off was telling, and Chelsea need a genuine alternative to the Spaniard. Diego Costa has gone, Romelu Lukaku slipped through the net, but buying high-quality squad members is notoriously difficult. 
Willian and Pedro are still reliable performers, but there is a feeling Conte could use more goals and assists from the attacking midfield areas to take the pressure of Eden Hazard. They are expected to pursue long-standing target Ross Barkley again. 

Potential targets: Alex Sandro, Ross Barkley, Alex Telles, Thomas Lemar, Richmond Boakye, Riyad Mahrez.  

Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson's resurgent Crystal Palace look in a far healthier state than they did a few months ago, but are another team chasing a striker this January. What has happened to Christian Benteke?
At Villa, he had a nice balance to his game: aerially strong and a threat from crosses, but also capable of sprinting behind defences on the break. He seems to have lost all of his mobility - perhaps due to an Achilles rupture - and has been reduced to a static target man. Wilfried Zaha has an eye for a cute, reverse pass around the penalty area, and he would benefit from a more subtle forward who could read him. 
Conor Wickham has not make a league appearance this season due to a dreadful knee injury, so the situation is urgent - Palace need quality and quantity. Left-back might be a position Roy Hodgson will look at, Jeffrey Schlupp and Patrick van Aanholt are closer in profile to wing-backs than full-back and Palace might want a more conservative option. Julian Speroni might be a fan's favourite, but after Wayne Hennessey's recent dip in form Palace need a new No.1.

Possible targets:Diego Lopez, Harry Arter, Islam Slimani, Benik Afobe. 

Everton
Sam Allardyce has seen a turnaround in Everton's form since arriving and will have identified areas where is team is weak. Clearly, pace and width is an issue and even with Yannick Bolasie returning from injury.
A lack of goals is the main problem and to score them you need a finisher and a creator. Could Theo Walcott be tempted by a move north? Even a loan move might do wonders for his wilting World Cup hopes, and the pace and direct wide play he'd offer supplying crosses for the striker Allardyce will also surely look to sign makes sense.
That striker could well be Christian Benteke but with Roy Hodgson in the middle of a relegation escape, Crystal Palace would be mad to sell the Belgian, no matter how many penalties he misses. Steven Nzonzi is another linked with the club but is less of a priority than Everton's attack, while Ashley Williams' dreadful season could inspire a bid for a reliable centre-back.
Jonny Evans, linked with every club who aren't West Brom, could be an option and who would blame another of Burnley's impressive centre-backs joining Michael Keane and getting the band back together? James Tarkowski would be cheaper and more attainable than many other defensive Premier League stars. Cheaper still might be Lamina Kone at Sunderland, who has already worked with Allardyce.

Potential targets: Lamina Kone, Steven Nzonzi, Christian Benteke, Theo Walcott, Jonny Evans, James Tarkowski and *whisper it* Daniel Sturridge.

Huddersfield
David Wagner's side have proved capable of competing in the Premier League but they will know there is a long way to go just yet, and the squad could yet do with some improving.
Jonas Lossl, the Huddersfield keeper, on loan from Mainz, shows flashes of brilliance but he is too error prone and without any real competition, his position isn't too often challenged.

Potential targets: The most obvious candidate to vie for the goalkeeper spot would be Danny Ward, who played the majority of last season on loan from Liverpool as Huddersfield were promoted to the top flight. He is third-choice at Anfield so why not go back in for him?

Leicester
Whoever Leicester sign (if any) in January, they'll be sure to get things finalised before the deadline having paid the price for a few seconds' delay in the paperwork of Adrien Silva. He'll count as a new signing and with Leicester looking fairly settled for a mid-table finish this season, will surely not feel pressured into making any drastic changes during the window.
It's unclear as to how Claude Puel sees this team developing but a replacement but some talented squad players would certainly help and certainly ones in central defence. A new partner for Harry Maguire? A better right-back?
It depends on the ambition of Leicester's owners and the skill of the scouts - candidates exist but is there any point in leaving a mid-table club to join another (other than the signing-on fee)? Is it worth paying an inflated price in January for someone you don't urgently need but could sort of do with?

Potential targets: Jonny Evans, Lokomotiv Moscow's centre-back Solomon Kvirkvelia, Lamina Kone.

Liverpool
A lot is made of Liverpool's supposed defensive weakness but £75m signing Virgil van Dijk could end up with the same familiar problem of being exposed by players higher up the pitch. Jurgen Klopp could do with an old-school number four, a holding defensive midfielder who can provide protection, better reads the game and can hit a pass or two from deep.
Naby Keita will join the club in the summer and it wouldn't be a surprise if RB Liepzig allowed him to leave sooner. Stranger things have happened.

Potential targets: Julian Weigl from Borussia Dortmund, Ruben Neves from Wolves, Riechedly Bazoer of Wolfsburg.

Manchester City
Despite appearing so far ahead of the chasing pack that it feels like Pep Guardiola's stunning side might end up lapping some other clubs, the race is still on and Man City intend to keep their foot firmly on the accelerator. 
Fernandinho has been outstanding this season but when he's not around City don't function in quite the same way and a suitable deputy, or squad rotation member could help. Julian Weigl or someone similarly capable of the deep-lying, short-passing game required would fit the bill.
Guardiola had apparently identified Virgil Van Dijk and Alexis Sanchez as two players he wants to help City win every trophy in the land, but Van Dijk has gone to Liverpool and Sanchez would be really expensive form a player with only six months left on his contract, though injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne may force his hand. Jonny Evans is another heavily linked with a move and would be welcome in a squad slightly weak (in the weakest sense of the word) in depth at centre-back.

Vincent Kompany is too injured too much of the time and Eliaquim Mangala's default setting is Get Rid Of It, while he doesn't seem capable of learning to pass the ball from the back like Guardiola wants. Any team chasing four trophies every season could do with cover for every single position and signing Evans or another CB would give four solid, reliable options. But what about Toisin Aderabiayo? When will it end? They're so good, it's ridiculous. 

Potential targets: Alexis Sanchez, Jonny Evans

Manchester United

United have conceded the third fewest number of goals (16) and only Man City and Liverpool have scored more than their 43 in the league this season. Who, realistically, could they actually buy to close the gap on their noisy neighbours?

Jose Mourinho's well-drilled side isn't the final product yet and if money is spent, it could well be on an attacking left-back at Luke Shaw's expense. Alex Sandro has been linked with a move to the Premier League and would be a real statement buy from United, especially if they outbid Chelsea, who are also keen. 

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is welcome to leave too and that would free up space for a creative number 10, the kind who can unlock the difficult defences United have grown accustomed to facing and take advantage of the one mistake Mourinho has his men hunting for. Could that be Mesut Ozil?

With only a few months left on his contract, Mourinho could be tempted with a big money bid for his former player (at Real Madrid). There are few, if any, others of the quality required who would be available for anything less than insane amounts of cash though Julian Draxler at PSG would fit the bill. A versatile, hugely talented attacking forward currently playing second fiddle to very well paid teammates, one drawback is that he would be Champions League cup-tied. Mourinho still doesn't seem entirely convinced with his central defensive options either.

Potential targets: Julian Draxler, Mesut Ozil, Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Sandro.

Newcastle

Rafa Benitez wants to spend, and it is thought the ongoing takeover saga won't affect Newcastle's transfer activity in January. One thing is for sure, Newcastle certainly need to improve to compete at this level. They are, for the most part, a defensively sound unit and they have technical players capable of creating plenty of chances, but they lack a reliable goal-scorer, with Joselu, Dwight Gayle and the irrepressible Aleksandar Mitrovic all failing to score consistently.

Potential targets: Newcastle have been linked with Islam Slimani, and in all honesty, that would make perfect sense for all parties. He hasn't succeeded at Leicester but is clearly more than up to the challenge the Premier League poses. Rafa just needs that money...

Southampton

£70 million in the bank (plus £5m in add-ons to follow) for Virgil van Dijk and Southampton are ready to go charging full steam ahead into the January transfer window. Replacing Van Dijk has to be a priority, with their defensive failings highlighted brutally by Tottenham and Harry Kane on Boxing Day, but a new striker remains the most important issue to address.

Charlie Austin is their best forwards but is far too injury prone (and is currently injured), while Mannolo Gabbiadini has lose his mojo and Shane Long is just so out of form. This stat was true midway through the second half of the game at Wembley:

Kane, of course, scored another before the match was over.

Potential targets: Former Atletico Madrid striker Leo Baptistao could be an option. Danny Ings will surely be considered, too. Daniel Sturridge, or even a prodigal son's return for Theo Walcott.

Stoke City

Mark Hughes has kept his job for the time being, and we know he likes to spend, and he is very likely to in order to save Stoke's season - and his own bacon. Stoke out-score most teams around them in the table but their defensive record is astonishingly poor, in spite of the fact they recruited well at centre-back in the summer, with Kurt Zouma and Kevin Wimmer joining. Stoke's problem isn't there, though - it is in midfield, where Darren Fletcher and Joe Allen are being overrun too often. That central area could do with reinforcement. The Giannelli Imbula experiment failed but another player in his mould could be just what Stoke need.

Potential targets: Slightly ambitious, but Danny Drinkwater needs game time if he is to make England's World Cup squad, while Francis Coquelin could be more the type of player Stoke need - and he is out of favour at Arsenal. Etienne Capoue could be a slightly less exciting, but more realistic option.

Swansea City

New year. New manager. But where to start with Swansea? Paul Clement barely kept them up and didn't improve the team at all, while selling the best players over summer. They need improvements across the board in January. The main focus, though, has to be the lack of creativity in the ranks. Since Gylfi Sigurdsson left, passing in the final third hasn't been what it was, and the able strikers Tammy Abraham and Wilfried Bony have suffered as a result. The biggest problem, though, may be managing to lure anyone to a club looking destined for the drop and who have just hired a manager deemed by Sheffield Wednesday not good enough for the Championship.

Potential targets: Carlos Carvahal could look to his native Portugal for cheaper options, though adjusting to the Premier League could be an issue. Otherwise they could look for short-term loan from England. Chelsea have a few players who want football, including Charly Musonda. 

Tottenham

The issue at Tottenham remains the same as it was in the summer... and the summer before that: finding players who will improve their squad but that are not wanted by their rivals, who can offer more money. On the pitch, the biggest issue has been the continued reliance on Christian Eriksen, whose lack of form has coincided with a dip for the whole team. An alternative creator will be high up Mauricio Pochettino's wanted list. They could also do with a player who is capable of beating an opponent, too. 

Potential target: Ross Barkley has long been a target. January is the time for Spurs to make it happen. 

Watford

Watford have probably been the most inconsistent team in the Premier League this season, going from the team most likely to finish closest behind the 'big six' to relegation candidates in a matter of weeks.

They have scored freely all season; it has bee at the other end they have had the biggest problems.

Marco Silva has chopped and changed things at centre-back, and surely can't be happy with Adrian Mariappa playing regularly there. Why he was not deemed good enough for Crystal Palace four years ago but is now in the Watford team doesn't make a great deal of sense.

Potential target: Silva could keep an eye on Liverpool or Man City - if either signs a centre-back another could become available temporarily. Alternatively, he could look to the Championship, where Sean Morrison is having a good season at Cardiff. He also has Premier League experience with Reading. 

West Brom
The fans were fed up with treading water (highly effectively) under Tony Pulis and demanded a change. The powers that be at the Hawthorns obliged and disposed of the manager, replacing him with Alan Pardew. Pards hasn't made much of a difference so far, but that could make the January transfer window even more important: it's his chance to make his mark on this squad. The biggest problem for West Brom in the last few weeks has been a lack of creative spark - the kind of player who can provide the link between midfield and attack. 

Potential target: Davy Klaassen. Everton have too many attacking midfielders, and Klaassen, a summer recruit, has ended up on the fringes of the squad. May be available on loan or at a cut price in January. 

West Ham

It's difficult to make a judgement about West Ham given that David Moyes has done a pretty good job so far of proving that it was indeed possible to get more out of the players Slaven Bilic had at his disposal. But nobody would suggest West Ham are the complete article, and they could probably do with another winger in the squad for when the time comes that Marko Arnautovic decides he can't be bothered again.

Potential target: Theo Walcott needs minutes and Arsenal aren't giving him any. West Ham could use the extra pace out wide. There's also been talk of a move for Andre Schurrle.