January transfer window shopping lists for Premier League's big spenders
The New Year, 2015, is almost here, and that means the January transfer window is due to open.
The Premier League's biggest clubs will desperately enter the open market with money in hand to fill needs in a hurry. Inflated winter prices, more often than not, lead to regret rather than glory. The appeal, of course, is that January offers the opportunity to find quick fixes to problems that were not properly addressed over the summer.
In England, five clubs dominate discussions before, after and during January because they have the most buying power: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
ARSENAL
Needs: Defensive midfielder, central defender
Arsenal supporters have been singing the same song for several years. The Gunners need a strong central midfielder to play in front of the defense and protect the back four. Ironically, the same Alex Song that left for Barcelona in 2012 appears to be the perfect player to fit into Arsenal in 2014. Unfortunately, Song is on a season-long loan at West Ham United. Fortunately, the Cameroonian is out of contract at the end of the season.
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At West Ham United, Song has proven that he can play with greater discipline and not constantly stray forward as he did in his first spell at Arsenal. To be fair to Song, he was productive and was Arsenal's second-best player behind Robin van Persie in the Dutchman's final season at the Emirates. Song would be a great addition over the summer.
For now, the Gunners have been linked with Song's teammate, Winston Reid. Reid is out of contract at season's end, so a move away from Upton Park appears in the cards with Arsenal potentially willing to offer refuge from the winter rains. Although Calum Chambers filled into the central role admirably, the 19-year-old was not brought to Arsenal to start in the heart of the defense. Former captain Thomas Vermaelen moved to Barcelona over the summer and Arsenal failed to add the depth required to balance the Belgian's departure. Nacho Monreal has not looked the part when he has been forced into the middle of defense. Arsenal needs to buy in January to continue its Champions League qualification streak
At holding midfielder, the likes of Sami Khedira (Real Madrid) and Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich) have been linked with the London club. Both players would cost a pretty penny, and Martinez's purchase may be wiser to pursue over the summer, as the Spaniard is still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.
Arsenal would also be wise to look to Italy in its search for a holding midfielder. Inter Milan has a trio of midfielders who would help offer the presence the Gunners lack. Joel Obi would be the best fit, but Yann M'Villa and Freddy Guarin would also be positive additions to the Gunners' squad.
CHELSEA
Needs: Defensive midfielder
Chelsea does not have any needs, to be honest. Manager Jose Mourinho did his business in the summer, and his squad looks complete. However, the Blues could use some added cover at the defensive midfielder position. Nemanja Matic has been nothing short of incredible, and his absence at St. James Park cost the Blues three vital points. Mourinho should be able to use the single poor result as proof that Chelsea can further strengthen the squad.
Inter's trio of midfielders would all fit into Mourinho's mold, and AC Milan's Sulley Muntari, who helped Mourinho win the Champions League at Inter in 2010, would also be a great fit that can contribute immediately. Over the summer, Song would be a perfect fit for Chelsea on a free transfer. Mourinho could then joyously reclaim another former Arsenal player that Barcelona failed to properly integrate into its setup. A couple years of training with Barcelona at Camp Nou never hurt anyone, and Chelsea's reclamation project with Cesc Fabregas appears to be working out well.
LIVERPOOL
Needs: Striker, Central defenders
The issues are plentiful. Daniel Sturridge would feel like a new signing, provided he can return and stay fit for the second half of the season. The collective failures of Adam Lallana, Mario Balotelli, Lazar Markovic and Rickie Lambert to make any significant marks in the first four months of the season should have Liverpool in the hunt for goal scorers.
From the Premier League pool, West Brom's Saido Berahino and Swansea's Wilfried Bony would be instant hits at Anfield considering they understand the pace of play in England. Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain would also be an improvement, as the disgruntled Argentine has seven goals in 14 Serie A appearances. Divock Origi, who is out on loan at Lille, will not be available until the summer, but the Belgian is still a youngster at 19 years old. Edinson Cavani has been linked with a move away from Paris, as well.
Although the price in January would be inflated, the most inspired choice would be Sevilla's Carlos Bacca. With 10 goals in his first 14 La Liga starts this campaign, the 28-year-old Colombian has been able to slot home more goals than Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (8) and is on the heels of Barcelona's Neymar (11) and Lionel Messi (13).
Liverpool is still searching for a replacement for Luis Suarez, and although that may not exactly be available, a player that can consistently knock in goals would be a start. Bacca looks the part.
On the defensive side of the ball, Liverpool has also been linked with West Ham's Reid. Benfica's Maxi Pereira has also been linked as a right back reinforcement, and Jan Vertonghen has been linked and de-linked with a move to Anfield multiple times. Any or all three would be positive additions for the Reds. Another name worth considering would be Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao, who is currently out of favor at the Bernabeu. AC Milan and Manchester United have been linked with the Portuguese defender, too.
MANCHESTER CITY
Needs: Central midfielder
Like Chelsea, City's squad is plenty deep enough. However, Yaya Toure will be leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations, and Frank Lampard's loan is set to expire in January. Lampard will likely be retained for a tad bit longer, and that should keep City content to keep the wallet shut. But if Lampard does not stay, City could afford added cover in the middle of the park. That said, with Fernando, Fernandinho and Lampard, City should be able to survive three weeks without Toure. James Milner may not often play as a central midfielder these days, but he can also fill the role in an emergency.
The recent injury to Sergio Aguero brings about the question of depth at forward, but with Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic, the Citizens have cover. Any January purchases would only further call into question the club's decision to send Alvaro Negredo on loan to Spain. If strikers are what City wants, Liverpool's list should provide a few ideas. The return of David Silva from injury should also serve as a boost, and Samir Nasri's recent form may keep the Frenchman around until the summer, at least.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Needs: Central defenders
Like Arsenal, the criticisms of Man United's squad deficiencies have been consistent from the summer until the winter. The central defense looked to have more holes in it than Swiss cheese. But even with a wobbly back three or four, depending on Louis van Gaal's mood on the day, United is in position to finish in England's top four. To ensure that the Red Devils will return to the Champions League, they need to buy.
United needs able bodied defenders of higher quality in a hurry. Van Gaal's squad has a tremendous attack when Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are both fit. With Radamel Falcao waiting in the wings, this team should not be concerned with scoring goals.
In the middle of the pitch, Marouane Fellaini has turned around his debut season and is a welcomed sight in the midfield at Old Trafford this season. Ander Herrera also appears to be coming around, so Manchester United's most obvious shortcomings are on the defensive end.
Chris Smalling has been United's most consistent starter in defense. Teenager Luke Shaw is still adjusting to Old Trafford, and 20-year-old Tyler Blackett has been called upon nearly every other game, which is far too often.
For a club the caliber of Manchester United, purchasing at least one central defender is a necessity. Former captain Nemanja Vidic is rumored to be on his way back to Old Trafford, but the 33-year-old has not exactly covered himself in glory during his limited time at Inter Milan. He's been terrible, frankly. At the San Siro, Vidic's name is synonymous with giving up penalties and picking up red cards.
Argentina's Ezequiel Garay should be an immediate target after Zenit St. Petersburg crashed out of the Champions League and into the Europa League.
Whispers involving Kevin Strootman or even the occasional Wesley Sneijder or Arjen Robben rumors are natural due to Van Gaal's Dutch connection. However, January is not a time to purchase players for coming seasons as much as it is about dressing wounds that desperately require attention. The boss is deciding between starting Paddy McNair and Michael Carrick at the heart of the Red Devils' defense, so yes, United's defense requires attention immediately.
Shahan Ahmed is a soccer columnist for Yahoo Sports. He has previously written about the 2014 World Cup and 2013 Confederations Cup and regularly provides opinions on the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and Spanish La Liga. Follow Shahan on Twitter: @ShahanLA
