Suggested January signings for each of the top 6
The January transfer window often brims with both mad scrambles to improve flailing outfits and smart acquisitions that furnish teams gunning for silverware. This month is shaping up to be no different.
With some of the bigger clubs focusing heavily on recruitment while they field youngsters and reserves in the FA Cup this weekend, it seems a convenient juncture to recommend a player for each of the Premier League's top six to take a look at.
Arsenal
Chelsea's Alvaro Morata sauntered through on goal three times (and fluffed each attempt) in Wednesday's gripping 2-2 draw, highlighting Arsene Wenger's need to bolster the defensive side of his Arsenal squad.
The deep-lying midfield contingent continues to be a concern while Granit Xhaka threads daisy chains and picks out shapes in the clouds, but this has been an ongoing issue since Patrick Vieira left in 2005. It's unlikely to be addressed anytime soon.
Instead, the vulnerability of Wenger's back-three should be tackled now. One option should be Daniele Rugani, who is still not a regular at Juventus. Unlike newcomer Konstantinos Mavropanos, Rugani is ready for first-team action.
"Knowing Juventus, I fear Rugani's adventure at the Bianconeri has reached its end credits," Rugani's agent, Furio Fedele, recently told Premium Sport, according to Metro.
Chelsea
Alex Sandro's Chelsea link just won't evaporate. Given his off-colour performances for Juventus and Marcos Alonso's continued superb showings at left wing-back for the Blues, it may seem a peculiar scenario, but Sandro would enhance any Premier League squad.
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He'd be especially helpful at Chelsea, a side that focuses exhaustively on wing-backs. The excellent Cesar Azpilicueta's form suffered when deputising for Alonso on the left this term as opponents learned how to counter Antonio Conte's system. The Italian manager would benefit from someone who is more natural in this department.
The 26-year-old's versatility would also appeal to Conte, who has a knack for wringing the best out of players. It could be the perfect move for Sandro.
Liverpool
Southampton must be delighted to receive £75 million for Virgil van Dijk, but he was the defender Liverpool desperately needed. His organising skills will help Dejan Lovren and other backline buddies, and perhaps give hapless goalkeeper Simon Mignolet some confidence. Finally, after drawn-out deliberation and signing Ragnar Klavan, the defence has been strengthened.
Elsewhere, there's a valid argument to be made that the Reds require a specialist defensive midfielder - the incoming Naby Keita offers more box-to-box quality, and captain Jordan Henderson is the Dollarama version of Nemanja Matic - but, if Philippe Coutinho departs for Barcelona, the frontline will be too thin.
The Mirror's John Cross and David Maddock report that Liverpool is lining up a £90-million approach for Thomas Lemar to replace Coutinho. Although it seems unlikely that the Merseyside club will broker another hefty transfer in January, the AS Monaco man would be a fine replacement in Liverpool's footballing Fab Four.
Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus' MCL injury has refuelled stories that Alexis Sanchez is Manchester City bound, but it would be an extravagant purchase given the wealth of options and cohesion in Pep Guardiola's attack. The Chilean is also available for nothing in the summer.
Instead, Guardiola should strive to address the shallow areas in his roster, and none is more glaring than the middle of the back-four.
Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones have improved immeasurably this season, but the choices in reserve - an oft-sidelined Vincent Kompany or the inept Eliaquim Mangala - are unreliable.
Ex-Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is still linked with a switch from West Bromwich Albion to east Manchester, but City can aim higher. Samuel Umtiti has a €60-million release clause at Barcelona, would presumably bypass Otamendi into the first team, and can also fill in at left-back when needed.
Manchester United
Luke Shaw and Jose Mourinho don't enjoy an amicable working relationship. The former has been singled out by his manager for criticism numerous times, and seems to cower when he's operating on the flank in front of Mourinho's technical area.
There is an obvious replacement for Shaw, and it's Danny Rose.
The Doncaster-born left-back is pining for the home comforts up north, though his admission of such in August was overshadowed by his clickbaity complaint that Tottenham Hotspur only signed "players you have to Google."
Manchester United would provide both the northern drizzle and wage packet Rose craves and, as in the case of Kyle Walker's summer shift to Manchester City, Tottenham's in a position to demand a huge fee.
Who knows - maybe Shaw, still just 22, could be used as a makeweight in the deal.
Tottenham Hotspur
Crystal Palace speedster Wilfried Zaha would be a great fit at White Hart Lane. A common theme of Tottenham's dip in form before the festive period was how predictable the attacks were; the team was crying out for some pace and the element of surprise.
But Zaha's homegrown status and employment at a Premier League rival mean he would come at a premium, so Mauricio Pochettino would be wise to look further afield.
Hirving "Chucky" Lozano slotted seamlessly into the Eredivisie after his summer transfer from Pachuca. He's quick and often operates on the left, where he switches the ball onto his stronger right foot and slaps shots on goal with unerring accuracy. Eleven goals and four assists in 16 league outings for PSV Eindhoven represent an incredible return for the Mexican, and suggest the 22-year-old is ready to take the next step in his career sooner rather than later.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)