The January transfer window is almost upon us and, with rumours rife in the press about which players are set for big money mid-season moves, the time is right to assess which Premier League squads are in need of a complete overhaul, and which only need the odd tweak to help them achieve their individual targets.

Arsenal have been looking lightweight in midfield since the very beginning of the season. Everybody seems to have remarked on it at one point or another and, with Cesc now out injured for at least three or four months, at least one central midfielder is an absolute necessity for Gunners boss Wenger to splash out on as he looks to keep his side's title—or even Champions League—bid on track.

Another forward may also be on the agenda, especially if Nicklas Bendtner, who has been linked with moves to CSKA and Spartak Moscow, moves on from the Emirates. Fans would have you believe a central defender is high on the list of priorities too, but unless Toure leaves I can't see them bringing in any more defenders.

Aston Villa must be absolutely delighted with their first half of the season; sitting in third place and with more or less a full squad to choose from. Cuellar, Milner, and Young, all summer signings, seem to have settled in well and their midfield has a squad depth not seen for a while at Villa Park and Friedel has been an inspired signing in goal.

A potential problem for them could be if Agbonlahor picks up an injury; only Carew up front looks like he has a goal threat but his lack of pace means Villa would have to adjust their game plan to be without "Gabby."

Blackburn Rovers, with a new boss in Sam Allardyce, are a sure bet to dip into the transfer market next month. Not the bottomless pit of money for Rovers of previous generations, but the cost of relegation would be worse than the cost of shelling out 10 million or so for new players in January, so expect a couple of new faces.

A defender will no doubt be a top priority to play alongside Cristopher Samba, and if Santa Cruz does leave then a new forward will probably be brought in too. Though don't count on the Paraguayan front man leaving before the end of the season.

Bolton Wanderers a month ago were struggling to score goals and were slipping down the league; now Elmander seems to have found his scoring touch, aided by Matt Taylor's regular recent strikes, and they have been in a steady patch of form.

With no glaring weaknesses throughout the team aside from lack of goal scoring options, there seems to be no outstanding area they must improve upon. With free-scoring forwards always hard to find, don't be surprised to see a low cost or even loan "gamble" come in to play out the season at the Reebok, but high profile signings would be a surprise next month.

Chelsea

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