English Premier League: One Player Each Team Should Buy

The transfer window is well on its way now. Clubs have brought in new additions and have sold others.

Most rumors are revolving around the English Premier League, with players wanting to come in or go out. While teams such as Sunderland and Manchester United have already secured the signings of a bunch of players, others such as Chelsea and Aston Villa have not yet begun their transfers. 

If your team was only able to purchase one player, who would it be? Which signing is more important than all others? Here's a list of one player each team should make their first priority.

Arsenal

Signings So Far: Carl Jenkinson, Gervinho

Departures So Far: Gael Clichy

It's hard to tell right now which player Arsenal needs the most as it depends on whether or not Fabregas and Nasri depart the club.

I still feel that the most important position that Arsenal should invest in is defense. The center back position has not been firm in the past few years, especially with last season's injury to Vermaelan. Arsenal needs to purchase a reliable center back who can also play full-back.

Who They Should Buy: Christopher Samba

Other Options: Gary Cahill, Scott Dann

Aston Villa

Signings So Far: None

Departures So Far: Ashley Young, Brad Friedel, John Carew, Nigel Reo-Coker, Stewart Downing

Many Aston Villa fans may not be too happy with the team's transfer window so far. Villa have already sold star wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing. In addition to this, former Birmingham and rival manager Alex McLeish is now Aston Villa's coach.

Young and Downing's departures make it easy to decide which type of player Villa should buy: a winger. There isn't a whole lot of movement going on to bring in anyone at the moment though, which is a little bit strange as Villa are a Top 10 team, right?

Who They Should Buy: Charles N'Zogbia

Other Options: Salomon Kalou, Craig Bellamy

Blackburn Rovers

Signings So Far: None

Departures So Far: Phil Jones, Benjani

Even though Phil Jones has left and Christopher Samba looks set to leave as well, Blackburn Rovers are seemingly only targeting forwards. One can understand this decision as Blackburn scored the same number of goals as Wolves last season (with no disrespect to the Wanderers).

However, I feel that the center back position is even more important. There are a bunch of great, promising and young defenders out there at the moment. And with Blackburn's newly-made financial agenda, it shouldn't be too hard to lure one to Ewood Park.

Who They Should Buy: Johnny Evans

Other Options: Serge Aurier, James Collins (lots of choices for good CB)

Bolton Wanderers

Signings So Far: Darren Pratley

Departures So Far: Johan Elmander, Jlloyd Samuel

It may not appear this way yet, but Bolton will need to bring a lot of players in if they want to finish in the top 10 next year. Bolton have already lost Johan Elmander to Galatasaray and have seen Daniel Sturridge return to Chelsea after a successful loan.

If you think about it, those two scored 18 goals last season (and Sturridge was only present for half a season). With both of them gone, Bolton will need a new striker. There is the possibility that Sturridge will move to the Reebok Stadium on a permanent deal, but it seems that Chelsea may not want to sell the Englishman.

Who They Should Buy: Daniel Sturridge

Other Options: Craig Bellamy or Robbie Keane

Chelsea

Signings So Far: None

Departures So Far: Jack Cork, Michael Mancienne, Sam Walker, Fabio Borini

I still can't believe that Chelsea haven't yet made a signing. That makes this slide so much harder.

I feel that up to six players can be bought for the Blues this summer and it is hard to choose which player is the most important. But I'm going to say midfield. Chelsea are in dire need of a playmaker as Lampard continues to age. Essien is also injured for a long time and it is too soon to rely on youth academy players (i.e. Josh McEachran). 

Who They Should Buy: Luka Modric

Other Options: Joao Moutinho, Kaka, Scott Parker

Everton

Signings So Far: None

Departures So Far: James Vaughan

Everton always seem to be the team that are non-existent during the transfer window. This is certainly the case right now—there is very little transfer movement going on.

Looking at Everton's squad and the few transfer rumors that are available, the Toffees should buy a forward. They do have Beckford and Saha, as well as a few rising talents. Still, it would be wise to purchase a new striker.

Who They Should Buy: Shane Long

Other Options: Jay Bothroyd, Pablo Osvaldo 

Fulham

Signings So Far: Dan Burn, John Arne Riise

Departures So Far: Zoltan Gera, Diomansy Kamara, John Paintsil, Kagisho Dikgacoi

Fulham, like Everton, are one of those teams who consistently never seem to draw attention, especially during the off-season. Well, I guess the season is on again for the Londoners, who have already began their Europa League play in the First Qualifying Round.

Fulham should make personnel changes despite finishing in the top half of the EPL last season. Like Everton, Fulham will be looking to get a forward. With Andy Johnson supposedly on his way out, Robbie Keane has been heavily linked to Fulham. I'm not completely sure that he is the best option, but he could have a positive impact at Craven Cottage.

Who They Should Buy: Craig Bellamy

Other Options: Pablo Osvaldo, Robbie Keane 

Liverpool

Signings So Far: Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing

Departures So Far: None

Liverpool have already been fairly busy in the transfer window, with the purchases of center midfielders Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson. It's fair to say that Liverpool have too many midfielders and are fine with forwards as well.

That leaves us with the Reds' defense. Someone like Jose Enrique or Gary Cahill could really help Liverpool. The left-back spot is still up for grabs as no player has completely settled yet. A new center-back would be a good addition as well.

Who They Should Buy: Jose Enrique

Other Options: Gary Cahill, Scott Dann

Manchester City

Signings So Far: Gael Clichy, Stefan Savic

Departures So Far: Patrick Vieira, Javier Garrido

Manchester City have already completed the signings of defensive duo Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic. They will now be turning their attention to a striker, as Emmanuel Adebayor and Carlos Tevez look to be leaving Eastlands.

There are lots of great strikers out there at the moment, but my feeling is that Roberto Mancini has his eye on one particular man: Sergio Aguero. The Argentinian would be a perfect and direct replacement for Tevez.

Who They Should Buy: Sergio Aguero

Other Options: Zlatan Ibrahimovich, David Villa

I go into more depth about players who can help Manchester City in this article: 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/766356-manchester-city-three-players-who-will-make-the-citizens-even-better

Manchester United

Signings So Far: Ashley Young, Phil Jones, David De Gea

Departures So Far: Owen Hargreves, Wes Brown, John O'Shea

Most people wouldn't have expected the Red Devils to make so many transfers in one off-season. So far, they have made big-money signings for a goalkeeper, a center-back and a winger. But Manchester United are looking at one more position: center attacking midfield.

United haven't had a superb center attacking midfield in the past few years and will want to purchase one of the world's best. There is one man that the Red Devils have been heavily linked with—Wesley Sneijder. Samir Nasri and Luka Modric have also been reportedly targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson, but it seems that Sneijder is the priority.

Who They Should Buy: Wesley Sneijder

Other Options: Luka Modric, Douglas Costa 

Newcastle United

Signings So Far: Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba, Sylvain Marveaux, Mehdi Abeid

Departures So Far: Kevin Nolan, Sol Campbell

Newcastle's signings so far may not catch the attention of most people, but they shouldn't be underestimated.

Sylvain Marveaux and Yohan Cabaye are both superb center midfielders who played with Rennes and Lille last season. Cabaye played 48 games for Lille as the French side won a domestic double. Now these two players will compete for a starting spot in the Magpies' midfield, which has just seen Kevin Nolan leave for West Ham.

In addition to Newcastle's midfield additions, Demba Ba was brought to St. James Park on a free transfer. With these new signings, a defensive signature is needed for Newcastle. With Jose Enrique seemingly on his way out, a new left-back like Wayne Bridge would be a good signing. A right-back would also be a good investment.

Who They Should Buy: Wayne Bridge

Other Options: Nathaniel Clyne, Jordan Spence

 

Norwich City

Signings So Far: James Vaughan, Rtchie De Laet (loan), Steve Morrison, Bradley Johnson

Departures So Far: Matt Gill

There isn't too much to say about Norwich City. They are one of the three new EPL teams and were great in last year's Championship season. Of course, the Premier League is very different than the second division, so Norwich will have to make transfers in order to survive.

Norwich have their eye on a center midfield right now. Both Hull City's Jimmy Bullard and Arsenal's Henri Lansbury have been linked to Carrow Road.

Who They Should Buy: Jimmy Bullard

Other Options: Henri Lansbury, Elliott Bennett 

Queens Park Rangers

Signings So Far: None

Departures So Far: Pascal Chimbonda

Like Norwich City, QPR are looking to purchase a midfielder. This makes a lot of sense, as star playmaker Adel Taarabt looks set to leave the club. If a deal does go through, Rangers will have a problem. But this problem can be solved with money.

Assuming that Taarabt's sale brings in at least $15 million, QPR can secure the signing of a good midfielder. Wayne Routledge (who had a successful loan spell last season with Rangers), Jimmy Bullard and John Mensah would all be great additions to the team's midfield.

Who They Should Buy: Wayne Routledge

Other Options: Jimmy Bullard, John Mensah

Stoke City

Signings So Far: Jonathan Woodgate

Departures So Far: Eidur Gudjohnsen, Abdoulaye Faye, Ibrahima Sonko

It is hard to decide which player Stoke City should or needs to buy, or what sort of player for that matter. I don't feel that the Potters are in any sort of danger of going down if they are able to hold on to their best players (Etherington, Shawcross, etc.), or at least the only players who have been at least somewhat in the transfer news.

But if Stoke are to purchase a player, it should be a forward. They have Ricardo Fuller (who may leave) and Kenwyne Jones. Both are great strikers, but it would be great for Tony Pulis to buy one more forward. 

Who They Should Buy: DJ Campbell

Other Options: Craig Bellamy, Carlton Cole 

Sunderland

Signings So Far: Sebastian Larsson, Kieran Westwood, Connor Wickham, Craig Gardner, Wes Brown, John O'Shea, David Vaughan, Ji Dong-Won 

Departures So Far: Jordan Henderson

The EPL hasn't been the center of many transfers overall, but that doesn't apply to Sunderland. Like Manchester United and Newcastle, the Black Cats have made some superb signings that will certainly help a lot in the upcoming season.

The crazy thing is that Sunderland haven't lost any money this summer. The sale of Jordan Henderson may not have been appreciated by fans at first, but it has let Steve Bruce go crazy in the transfer window. With Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson now in the midfield, Sunderland should be able to compete for Europa League next season—or at least be in the top 10.

Still, Sunderland shouldn't stop with their signings just yet. A forward should be bought. Yes, the promising Connor Wickham has already been purchased but it would be wise to buy one more striker. The Black Cats lost Darren Bent in the winter, while Danny Welbeck has returned to Manchester United.

Who They Should Buy: Peter Crouch

Other Options: Danny Welbeck (permanent), David N'Gog 

Swansea City

Signings So Far: Danny Graham, Jose Moreira

Departures So Far: Dorus De Vries, Darren Pratley

I'll admit that I don't know too much about Swansea City, but I do know that the newcomers need a midfielder. They will need someone with experience, someone who can guide the team to safety. Swansea may have done well enough last season in the Championship, but the top flight is a new challenge. There are some good players with a lot of experience who should be targeted by Brendan Rodgers.

Who They Should Buy: Marcos Senna

Other Options: Owen Hargreves, Clarence Seedorf 

Tottenham Hotspur

Signings So Far: Brad Friedel

Departures So Far: Jonathan Woodgate, Jamie O'Hara

A lot of people say that Tottenham should get a midfielder as Modric and/or Bale will be on their way out of White Hart Lane. But in my mind, it's Tottenham's attack that needs the most work, no matter how many of their strikers do end up leaving the club.

As of now, Spurs have (in terms of forwards) Robbie Keane, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Peter Crouch and Jermaine Defoe.

It seems like at least two of these players will be out the door. But even with all of these strikers, Tottenham couldn't find the net as much as they should have. And the goals that Tottenham did score were mainly done by Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart, two players who are not strikers. It is clear that Spurs' weak spot is forward and they will need to bring in someone new.

Who They Should Buy: Giuseppe Rossi

Other Options: Pablo Osvaldo, Dimitar Berbatov, Mirko Vucinic 

West Bromwich Albion

Signings So Far: Billy Jones, Gareth McAuley

Departures So Far: Abdoulaye Meite, Gianni Zuiverloon, Borja Valero, Scott Carson

West Bromwich Albion had a good season last year, finishing 11th. But Roy Hodgson and his team need to be even more prepared this season. They know what happens to many promoted teams on their second year in the top flight (i.e. Reading).

There aren't too many rumors concerning the Baggies, but they are reportedly trying to purchase a center midfielder. I completely agree. Even with Chris Brunt and Yossuf Mulumbu (who may well be on his way out of West Brom), it would be a wise to target a center midfield to cover in case of injuries.

Who They Should Buy: Derek Boateng

Other Options: Andy King, Jack Collison 

Wigan Athletic

Signings So Far: None

Departures So Far: Jason Koumas, Steven Caldwell, Daniel De Ridder

I really didn't think Wigan were going to survive the drop last season, but I am happy that they did. But it may not mean too much for Charles N'Zogbia who still seems keen to leave the club this summer.

The Frenchman was essential in last season's survival, but Wigan may be able to win from this situation if they can make a lot of money from the deal. Assuming that N'Zogbia does leave, Wigan will need a new winger. If not a winger, Wigan should target someone who can play across the midfield. 

Who They Should Buy: Shaun Wright-Phillips

Other Options: Guy Moussi, Hernan Bernandello 

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Signings So Far: Jamie O'Hara, Dorus De Vries, Roger Johnson 

Departures So Far: Jody Craddock, Marcus Hahnemann, Steven Mouyokolo

Despite producing praiseworthy results against Chelsea and Manchester United last season, Wolverhampton only escaped relegation on the last day—by one point.

They may not be so lucky this season. The addition of Roger Johnson from Birmingham is great for the team, and it was an equally good decision to make Jamie O'Hara's loan permanent. Looking at the Wolves' squad, the weakest spot is the midfield. Every part of the midfield, apart from Jarvis' right hand side, should be revised. A new, young center midfield would be a perfect addition.

Who They Should Buy: Barry Ferguson

Other Options: Marvin Elliott, Murray Davidson