What transfers do the ‘big six’ of the Premier League need in January? Inside Football updates on key goals

Champions Liverpool are at the top of the table, but the rest of the Premier League has an unknown aspect at the moment.

A couple of the traditional bigwigs are struggling, with Arsenal all the way in 13th place, while Manchester City are sitting in 8th. Tottenham got off to a great start and was being regarded as a potential title contender, but after a four-game winless streak, they are now seventh.

Chelsea are in sixth place as Frank Lampard tries to take on his new team, but Manchester United are in second place, despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already being promoted for sack on several occasions.

It’s a weird old season, and there are a lot of twists and turns to come, but next month is an opportunity to make crucial arrangements in the transfer window, and we can bring you updates on all the best teams.

Defense is Liverpool’s big problem, as injuries have affected the team a lot. Since Virgil van Dijk suffered a cruciate ligament injury in mid-October, there has been talk that Jurgen Klopp would have to enter the market as a substitute. However, there are still no concrete plans to do so.

Ozan Kabak of German club Schalke is a realistic target, but AC Milan is also following him and the Serie A leaders are in a good position to seal the deal if they decide that he is the man to suit their needs. In the back.

However, if Liverpool do sign a central defender, look to Sporting Braga’s David Carmo and RB Salzburg’s Max Wober among the possible options they might pursue. Sven Botman from Lille is also emerging as an option.

Liverpool’s main goal at the moment is to convince Gigi Wijnaldum to sign a new contract. Klopp is desperate for him to stay and there are other figures in the club who are also surprised that he is allowed to become a free agent.

The club remains fully behind Solskjaer as he heads into the new year and is happy with the team and the culture he is building.

This window will try to add a bit of competition and stability if the right players are available. That could happen on both the right side and the center back.

Atlético de Madrid’s Kieran Trippier and Norwich City’s Max Aarons are on the short list of full-back options being explored as they look to find an option to help and challenge Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has started 19 of the 20 games. of the club in the Premier League and Champions League this season.

At the center they continue to search for someone to add depth to their options but will not wait for someone of the status of Dayot Upamecano, which has been on their radar, until the summer.

The club is a long way off a possible deal for midfielder Moisés Caicedo of Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, but has yet to fully commit to the signing.

Frank Lampard has come under a lot of pressure publicly in recent weeks, but he hasn’t been eliminated for any of that. Sources say he loves every minute of the challenge as a Chelsea manager and, for now, has the full backing of the club.

What Lampard needs more than anything is to figure out how to put the pieces of his kit together. The club spent nearly £ 200 million on new talent in the summer, and when Roman Abramovich reaches into his pocket, he expects results.

The team will be cut with players like Kepa Arrizalabalaga, Marcos Alonso, Emerson Palmieri, Antonio Rudiger and Danny Drinkwater who will be able to find new clubs.

At this stage, it is believed that there have been enough set-up changes for one season, so unless Declan Rice is available at a reasonable price, there will be no major inbound business.

The Spurs were very busy in the summer, but this is not expected to be the case this time. José Mourinho is generally happy with his team, but if there is one thing that needs to change, it is that he would love to add a little more depth and common sense.

They will have to get players out the door and Danny Rose, Gedson Fernandes, Paulo Gazzaniga are likely to leave, while they will hear offers from Dele Alli, Harry Winks, Davinson Sánchez, Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela.

A new midfielder is a possibility if Daniel Levy accepts some incoming business.

Atalanta’s Marten De Roon has been spotted, but it will be difficult to keep him away from Serie A at this stage of the season.

RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer is also a goal that has been in the Spurs’ sights for some time, but one that will be difficult to achieve in January.

Another name Mourinho greatly admires is that of Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic, who would add versatility and experience to their attack for the previous season if they could find a way to reach an agreement.

Pep Guardiola’s greatest need is for a new left back and the club is increasingly looking forward to Lucas Digne, although Everton hope to end that by giving him a new contract. Renan Lodi of Atlético de Madrid is linked, but getting it will be difficult mid-season.

The club’s sources think it is quite unlikely that they will spend money in January and will instead look for big changes in the summer.

Instead, his focus is on getting star names on new contracts. They are delighted that Guardiola has already signed his contract and hope that Kevin De Bruyne will be next. Once the ink is dry to its extent, they will focus on hiring Raheem Sterling on improved terms.

Also keep an eye out for a new contract offer for John Stones, who has had a complete change in club status and is now seen as a very important member of the team.

The Gunners need a creative new midfielder and will focus all their attention on making it happen.

His main target, Dominik Szoboszlai, has joined RB Leipzig, and his long-term admiration for Houssem Aouar looks set to pass without any action being taken. It is expected to remain in Lyon.

A couple of options being talked about now are Isco from Real Madrid and Emi Buendia from Norwich.

Isco has a decision to make at Madrid, where he has been fighting for time. He has flirted with the idea of ​​moving to the Premier League before but didn’t make the move and sources in Spain say it wouldn’t be a surprise if he still opts to stay in Spain for the rest of this season.

Buendía would be a smart move that could certainly fit in with what Mikel Arteta is building, but reports of a £ 15 million transfer from Norwich are optimistic. The Canary Islands want to retain him and it would take more to take him away. It is believed that they would want at least £ 25 million.

Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt is being screened as a target but it is believed that it will be difficult to achieve in the middle of the campaign.

Anyone hoping for a U-turn in the role of Mesut Ozil will be disappointed, as his situation has not changed and he is looking for an exit strategy.

Another midfielder they have been monitoring is Joan Jordan from Sevilla.