EPL Transfer Talk: New Players Who Could Turn the Premier League on Its Head
The January transfer window is fast approaching and Premier League clubs are, as always, ready to splash the cash. With Chelsea running away with the title and the race for Champions League places hotting up, what can the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal do to turn the league on its head?
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that “In January we’ll of course try to get at least one body in,” per Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star.
Meanwhile, both Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and United manager Louis van Gaal have played down talk of making January signings after each spending over £100 million in the summer.
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According to Dominic King of the Daily Mail, Rodgers said: "It is not something I am looking at," while Van Gaal told James Tuck of ManUtd.com "If you buy a player, he has to be better than what you already have in your squad. It is very difficult to find such a player."
However, should the right players become available, neither Rodgers nor Van Gaal would be likely to pass up the opportunity in January as they seek to challenge Chelsea and Manchester City for the top spots.
Here are four players who could turn the Premier League on its head.
Yohan Cabaye to Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool
Ben Jefferson of the Express reports that Cabaye will be available for £19 million in January.
The former Newcastle United midfielder has endured a tough time since joining PSG last January and has completed a full match just once this season.
However, the playmaker would be a brilliant addition to Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool.
The Frenchman is an experienced Premier League campaigner and will add creativity and bite in midfield, as well as an eye for goal.
At 28 years old, Cabaye may not be a long-term signing, but he would certainly be a more than adequate replacement for ageing players such as Steven Gerrard, Mikel Arteta or Michael Carrick.
Cabaye's willingness to tackle (h/t WhoScored.com) would offer protection to any of the fragile defences behind him.
Liverpool would probably benefit the most from his arrival, and would re-establish themselves as top four contenders.
Joao Moutinho to Arsenal
With Jack Wilshere out for three months following ankle surgery, the Gunners need fresh blood in the dressing room as their injury list grows ever longer.
According to talkSPORT, Monaco star Joao Moutinho could be the man to revamp Arsenal's midfield.
Moutinho's versatility will help him cover Arsenal's various injury problems, but where he can shine for Arsenal is in a central role.
Moutinho boasts an impressive passing accuracy of 82 per cent this season, per Squawka, and since moving to the principality he has created 80 chances, eight of which were assists.
The Portuguese playmaker suits Arsenal's style of play perfectly, and the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck would benefit greatly were he to arrive at the Emirates.
With Moutinho's quality added to their midfield, Arsenal's credibility as a title-challenger would take a great leap forward.
Mats Hummels to Manchester United
The German World Cup-winner was linked heavily with United in the summer, but the Red Devils failed to acquire Hummels' signature.
His club, Borussia Dortmund, are currently struggling in the Bundesliga, and the 25-year-old could be the subject of interest from Old Trafford once more, according to talkSPORT.
Having failed to compensate for the decline and release of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, United are frail at the back and desperately need quality and experience in defence.
Hummels has both in abundance.
A genuine world-class centre back, Hummels could be a leader at United and add much-needed calm and solidity to their defence.
Signing Hummels would not only be a phenomenal coup, but also a huge statement of intent to Chelsea and Manchester City.
Petr Cech to Arsenal or Liverpool
With Thibaut Courtois dominating between the sticks for Chelsea this season, long-time No. 1 for the Blues Petr Cech has been relegated to the bench and could be itching for a move in January.
Two clubs who would benefit greatly from the 32-year-old's services are Arsenal and Liverpool.
A top-class goalkeeper has long been touted as a player Arsenal sorely need, and with both Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina suffering from injuries and inconsistency, Cech would be the ideal candidate.
John Cross of the Daily Mirror believes the transfer is a possibility:
Meanwhile, Liverpool's Simon Mignolet has been heavily criticised for his error-prone performances this season, costing his side a goal against Ludogorets on Wednesday night. As noted by Squawka:
"Since the start of last season, Simon Mignolet has made 7 defensive errors leading to a goal in the EPL and UCL. #LFC pic.twitter.com/AkkMGtAmIu
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 26, 2014"
Cech could turn around the season of either side.
His command of his area and reliable shot-stopping would shore up the fragile defences in front of him, and the confidence this could bring would have a profound effect.
With a player like Cech, Liverpool would give themselves a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Should Arsenal sign him, the Gunners would reclaim their say in the title race.
