Some of the leading teams in the 2024/25 English Premier League season have underperformed significantly. In recent months, these clubs have delivered lackluster performances putting their title aspirations in jeopardy. Urgent action is needed if they hope to secure a top-six finish.
The teams in focus are Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham. This article will explore the rumored transfer targets for each of these clubs. For the best football predictions, please check out the EaglePredict.
Manchester City: Strengthening the Midfield Core
Rodri’s absence has been telling on City’s midfield stability. There has been a sharp decline in other departments, but Rodri’s absence has been the most difficult to overcome. Nevertheless, the club owners will back Pep Guardiola with one or two midfield recruitments to salvage whatever is left of their season. We list some of City’s potential midfield signings in the upcoming transfer window.
Éderson (Atalanta)
The first City target we will discuss is Atalanta’s versatile 25-year-old midfield lynchpin. The Brazilian has contributed two goals and one assist in 15 starts in the Serie A this season. Éderson is best known for his passing range, averaging 3.8 successful long balls per game.
He also has an 87.5% pass completion this season. Also, he’s great with tackles and also in the air. He might just be the dynamic addition that Manchester City needs.
Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
This Spanish talent could be an incredible defensive-minded addition to the Blues’ squad if Sociedad agrees to let him leave in January. He is much better defensively than Éderson, averaging 2.5 tackles per game.
Martin is also decent in controlling the midfield, having managed 53.8 passes per game with an 84.4% completion rate this season. Furthermore, Zubimendi could be great alongside Mattheus Nunez and Mateo Kovacic in City’s midfield.
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
This excellent box-to-box midfielder may be the best of all City’s three midfield targets. He passes well, averaging 0.9 key passes and 2.1 successful long balls per game. He also does well defensively, managing 2.1 tackles per game.
His high success rate in contesting duels makes him a dominant presence in the midfield, and he might just be the key to balancing Pep Guardiola’s system.
Arsenal: Boosting Attacking Options
Mikel Arteta’s defense is already settled and solid. However, if he hopes to contest the title against the blistering Liverpool and Chelsea, he has to improve his attack significantly. One way to do this is by making new signings. Below, we list some potential players arsenal can recruit in January.
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)
The sleeky and dynamic 24-year-old forward could be a great addition for Arsenal. Kudus is best known for his dribbles and creative abilities.
Despite scoring twice and assisting once for West Ham this season, he has managed one key pass and 3.8 successful dribbles per game. In addition, in ten league games, Kudus has created two big chances for West Ham.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
With Arsenal’s main striker, Kai Havertz, experiencing a drought in front of goal, it would not be the worst idea for the Gooners to add more firepower by signing Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian and Galatasaray forward has scored seven goals and assisted thrice in nine Super Lig games this season. Osimhen’s eye for goals can be seen in his attempts, as he has averaged 4.9 shots per league match.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
The Bournemouth forward has made his presence known in the Premier League. Semenyo has played across all positions in the Cherries frontline and has done well. However, he is primarily a right winger, who can be a great backup for Bukayo Saka.
He has scored four goals and assisted one for Bournemouth. He has also completed 2.4 dribbles per game this season for the Cherries.
Manchester United: Revamping the Forward Line
The new man at the wheel, Ruben Amorim, has expressed his disappointment in the quality of players he has to work with in midfield and attack at Manchester United. With the possible sale of Marcus Rashford in the cards for January, the Red Devils will be targeting a new forward.
Also, with Mason Mount’s latest injury, the higher-ups may consider bringing in a new midfielder. Here are some targets United could look to bring in January.
Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt)
United deems this Frankfurt forward, known for his pace, work rate, and dynamism, as a must-have in January. However, how they want to complete this deal is yet to be seen, as Marmoush is in such great form for Eintracht Frankfurt, managing 13 goals and seven assists in just 14 games this season.
Dušan Vlahović (Juventus)
Vlahović might be the type of striker United needs to deliver consistently upfront. He has scored seven goals in 14 games this season. His dominance in the air, which the Red Devils have been lacking this season, could help both defensively and offensively.
However, could signing Vlahović impede Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund’s growth?
Tyler Dibbling (Southampton)
This young right midfielder has impressed several clubs with his performances for the Saints this season. He could be a great long-term investment for the Red Devils. Averaging 0.9 key passes and 2.6 ball recoveries per game shows how he could be the balance that United needs.
Tottenham Hotspur: Shoring Up the Defense
Spurs will be looking to bolster their defense line after injuries to their two starting defenders, Christian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Illia Zabarnyi (Bournemouth)
This right-central defender has come up on Tottenham’s radar following his exemplary performances for the Cherries this season. He could be the addition to fill Spur’s defensive gaps left by the absence of their two starting midfielders.
Ilia has been great defensively, winning 67% and 62% of his ground and aerial dues. He’s also managed 4.5 clearances and 5.2 ball recoveries per game for Bournemouth.
Andreas Pereira (Fulham)
Apart from leveling up in defense, Tottenham may go for a creative attacking midfielder due to their lack of quality in this area on the bench. The Fulham main man, Andreas Pereira, could be a great backup for James Maddison, who is famous for his fragility. Pereira has averaged 2.2 key passes and 2.0 accurate crosses per game for Fulham this season.
Conclusion
We have explored the rumored winter window targets for the struggling top teams in the English League this season. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for developments on these proposed transfers come January.
