Realistic Signings for the ‘Big Six Clubs’

• The January transfer window is now open, and Premier League clubs are scouting for possible future additions.
• Teams across the division are deliberating on areas for improvement.
• We give one realistic suggestion for each top six clubs to target in the winter window.

The January transfer window is now open, and Premier League clubs are scouting the market for possible future additions this winter.

January allows teams to take stock and reflect on their season, with recruitment teams across the division deliberating on areas for improvement.

We’ve decided to assess the situation at each of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ clubs and make one realistic suggestion for each club to target in the winter window.

Arsenal – Mykhaylo Mudryk (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Arsenal confident of Mykhaylo Mudryk deal after making a new and improved deal.|PHOTO: talkSPORT|

Arsenal’s interest in Mykhaylo Mudryk is well known, with the club having tabled a second bid for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger after an initial bid was turned down.

Mudryk’s performances for the Ukrainian side this season have piqued the interest of several of Europe’s top clubs, with the 21-year-old producing some scintillating displays. He has ten goals and eight assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, and his quick feet and whirling speed lit up the Champions League group stage.

Manchester United – Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Manchester United appears to be the Favorites to sign Marcus Thuram.|PHOTO: Goal|

Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial departure has left Manchester United lacking depth at centre-forward, leaving Erik ten Hag with few options at the top of the pitch.

Ten Hag has hinted at additions if the right player becomes available as the Red Devils look to improve their chances of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League. However, it remains to be seen how much money is available to the Dutchman after a record outlay of more than £220 million last summer.

Marcus Thuram could provide a cost-effective option, as the club’s owners may be unwilling to spend large sums on reinforcements while the club is up for sale.

The France international’s contract with Borussia Monchengladbach expires in the summer, and he is reportedly available for a reduced fee this summer.

Chelsea – Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)

Chelsea has been among the busiest clubs in the Premier League during the January transfer window. David Datro Fofana has joined from Molde, and the club is nearing a deal with Monaco for centre-back Benoit Badiashile.

Chelsea is also interested in signing Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but the club’s greatest need may be in the final third. Christopher Nkunku is expected to join from RB Leipzig in the summer, but the west Londoners will need more goal threat in the second half of the season.

Graham Potter’s side is the lowest scorer in the Premier League’s top ten, with Erling Haaland outscoring the Blues this season.

Joao Felix could be the ideal risk-taker and creator, and he is available after a frustrating spell at Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool – Moises Caicedo (Brighton)

Liverpool’s malfunctioning midfield has been a frequent topic of discussion this season, with an ageing engine room being a primary reason for the Reds’ decline in performance.

Jurgen Klopp’s team was once a frenzy of hard-running and counter-pressing, but time has contributed to a malaise that has left Liverpool facing an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League.

An infusion of energy is needed in Liverpool’s midfield, and Moises Caicedo could be an ideal addition. Following a string of outstanding performances for the Seagulls, the Ecuadorian’s reputation continues to soar at Brighton.

Manchester City – Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

Rafael Leao of Portugal.|PHOTO: Getty|

Manchester City has arguably the most talented squad in European football, with Pep Guardiola’s squad having few fundamental weaknesses.

With doubts over the futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, midfield could be the focus of the summer transfer window. Still, the club’s top targets, which reportedly include Jude Bellingham, may have to wait until the end of the season.

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has been linked with a move to the Etihad.

The 23-year-old has been a standout for the Italian giants over the last two seasons. He was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player after the club’s record-breaking Scudetto triumph last season.

Tottenham – Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)

Denzel Dumfries after signing for Inter Milan.
PHOTO: Courtesy

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has made no secret of his desire for reinforcements, insisting that the north Londoners must add players to compete with the Premier League’s top teams.

Spurs are concerned about their right-back and centre-back positions, which were not adequately addressed during the summer recruitment. Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty have failed to impress, while Conte’s comments that Djed Spence was a ‘club signing’ have been ominous, given that the 22-year-old has played for just 30 minutes this season across all competitions.

Spurs have been linked with a move for Denzel Dumfries, who could be an ideal addition to Conte’s squad.

The Dutch international has established himself as a dynamic wing-back with blistering speed and an attacking threat.