The winter transfer window this term has been a surprisingly quiet one. With a number of clubs failing to field a team multiple times due to COVID and injuries as well as AFCON absentees, it would be surprising if it goes barren.
Especially, some premier league clubs are in dire need of immediate bolstering. We have identified four premier league clubs that require immediate addition to the squad and discuss what they are up to in terms of incomings and outgoings.
Arsenal
Arsenal's squad has been weakened as it seems. The club has let their fringe players go and now are short in numbers.
Mikel Arteta admitted that the window is a tricky one, and it's extremely difficult to sign quality players in winter.
Therefore, the last thing Arsenal might want is a panic buy. Arsenal's priorities are a centre forward and a central midfielder. Out of three top targets at the centre forward position, Dusan Vlahovic showed no interest in donning the red-white shirt, while Alexander Isak is a difficult deal to materialise with Sociedad holding out for no less than 75 million release clause, and Dominic Calvert Lewin is unlikely to move away from the Merseyside in January.
Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with Napoli for Victor Osimhen. But that's a tough one as well. Talks with Juventus for the loan deal of Arthur Melo have also stopped and come to no fruition.
Arsenal's midfield priority is now a premier league proven star. Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz is seen as an immediate tool as well as Wolves' Ruben Neves is a top target for Arsenal.
Manchester United
Before any incomings, United have to deal with the fringe players and contract expirations. Paul Pogba hasn't yet signed a contract and Edi Cavani is probably heading out this summer.
Donny Van de Beek is also leaving the city. The club has shipped out Anthony Martial for a loan deal.
The re-emergence of Diogo Dalot at the RB position means Rangnick has one less decision to ponder over.
The inconsistency shown by the midfield pivot caused the club to contemplate bringing a central Midfielder to the carpet. United weighed up some moves such as Dennis Zakaria or Boubacar Kamara as short term solutions.
However, as it stands, Manchester United would love to bring a more established player, would want to avoid any piling of fringe players. One of Ruben Neves or Declan Rice might end up at the theatre of dreams this summer.
Tottenham Hotspurs
Tottenham are very busy this window. The club has a lot of concerns across the pitch. The Tanguy Ndombele deal froze, also Dele Alli and Lo Celso seem very much out of favour at the club. Hence, midfield is an area of concern for them.
A forward and an RWB are a necessity right now for Antonio Conte. Tottenham attempted a move for Adama Traore, but the Spaniard is on his way to his home yard.
Porto's Luis Diaz is also linked with Tottenham. However, Porto's extravagant asking of price is holding spurs back. Spurs are currently uncertain about the targets as it seems.
The club might feel favoured by luck sometimes to have been where they are now in terms of standings and therefore are desperate for signing new players.
Newcastle United
Newcastle's pursuit of a top centre half has been met by an unpleasant deterrent as both Lille and Sevilla are reluctant to sell Diego Carlos and Sven Botman. Luckily, they are now poised to sign a top central midfielder in Bruno Guimarães. Newcastle is also keen on bringing another centre forward to the SJP. A left-back will be a bonus signing for them. But that's a lot of work to do for the club in such a short span of time.
The writer studies Economics at the University of Dhaka
