EPL Transfer Rumors: Why Clint Dempsey Should Bolt from Fulham

It's no secret that Clint Dempsey is the biggest American name in football. After scoring 17 goals for Fulham this past season, the 29-year-old will look to capitalize on his career-high year and secure a spot on a squad that has qualified for the Champions League.

Because of his age, Dempsey may not be the hottest commodity on the transfer market, but he could be a valuable asset for a team looking to capture a Champions League title next season.

At this point, it's quite clear that Dempsey wants to win a European title before his career is over. Here are a few reasons why Dempsey would be wise to pursue his aspirations of playing for a top-flight European club.

Shot at a Title

When Clint Dempsey moved to Fulham during the 2007-2008 season, he knew that he was joining a lowly English squad. After some scrappy seasons with the Cottagers, Dempsey has revived the once-dead club and made them a relevant name in English football.

Although Fulham did earn a ninth-place finish in the EPL table this season, Dempsey knows that the only way he can win a title (UCL or EPL), will be with a top-flight squad like Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea.

While Chelsea make moves for players like Eden Hazard and contemplate the addition of Brazilian forward Hulk, Dempsey would appear to be toward the bottom of their wish list.

A move to Arsenal would make sense given their lack of superior offensive talent behind Robin Van Persie. Arsenal appear to be the one landing spot where Dempsey could be a significant contributor.

According to Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is intrigued by the possibility of adding Dempsey:

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"Wenger, though, also considered a move for Dempsey last summer and is impressed both by his consistency and versatility in playing either as a winger or a striker."

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Experience

There's no question that Clint Dempsey is worthy of a spot on one of England's top teams. Having played for Fulham for over five years now, it's clear that Dempsey has paid his dues, and as a result he is now a more complete and confident player.

Similar to his time in the EPL, a few seasons of Champions League ball couldn't hurt the American. The experience that Dempsey could acquire could be invaluable not only to him, but to his national team as well.

According to an article from ESPN.com, United States head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is making it known that he would like Dempsey to make a move to a team that has qualified for the Champions League:

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"His goal is the right goal," Klinsmann said during a conference call Friday, a day before the Americans play an exhibition against Scotland. "If he has the opportunity to go a Champions League team, that's the creme de la creme in the world of club soccer, then you've got to do that. With all respect obviously to Fulham, as he often mentions, but you want to play in the biggest club competition in the world and that's the European Champions League."

"So hopefully something will happen over the next couple weeks. But if it doesn't happen, then he just has to keep kind of pounding away and knocking at the door."

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Play Alongside Superstars

While Clint Dempsey has had the pleasure of leading Fulham for several years, it may be time for him to step back and play second fiddle to a true superstar.

A move to United, Arsenal or perhaps Liverpool (although they lack Champions League qualification) would allow Dempsey to undertake a role as a veteran leader.

Although Dempsey has had the pleasure of playing alongside the likes of Moussa Dembele, Bryan Ruiz and Adam Johnson, it would serve him well to suit up with world-renowned footballers like Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney or Luis Suarez.

Help His Legacy

Should Clint Dempsey make a move to one of the EPL's premier clubs and succeed at the rate he hopes to, the 29-year-old Texan could solidify his legacy as the greatest soccer player ever born in the United States.

As it stands right now, Dempsey is not far off. Ex-USMNT stars Claudio Reyna and Eric Wynalda along with Dempsey's USMNT teammate Landon Donovan are all in contention, but extended success overseas could propel Dempsey into the number-one spot.

Although Dempsey may require a few more years to pad his stats, it's hard to deny his talent. Since joining Fulham he has netted 51 goals in EPL competition and has been an invaluable piece of the United States' soccer revitalization project.

Conclusion

For weeks speculation has run rampant that Clint Dempsey could find a home with Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal. 

After Chelsea's acquisition of Eden Hazard and the wealth of talent behind him, it would be difficult to imagine a scenario in which they would acquire the American midfielder.

As for United, ESPN.com is reporting that Sir Alex Ferguson's bunch is close to signing Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

If United does in fact seal the deal with Kagawa, that would leave Arsenal as the most likely landing spot. The Gunners possess a solid corps of midfielders led by Jack Wilshere, Alex Song and Mikel Arteta, and the addition of Dempsey could lend some additional offensive talent to one of the Premier league's elite squads. 

Ultimately, Dempsey would be a low-risk signing for a club that could use a bit of added punch behind Robin Van Persie.