AFR Answers: Who should Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United sign to win the Premier League?
Average Bloke asked, “Out of interest, looking at the top four and only those challenging for the title, who would you recommend each club to sign, but limited to one player for each of the clubs?”
Answer: The top four has really become an elite three this season (sorry Liverpool, don’t kill the messenger). The race for fourth is completely up in the air, although Liverpool and Manchester City appear most likely to claim the spot, but Aston Villa and Tottenham are also in good position to fight for fourth. But enough about the struggle for a spot in the Champions League, I do feel that title-challengers Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United all have a few issues they would be smart to address over this transfer window.
“At the moment, we are not on the verge of signing anybody,” said Arsene Wenger, who is set to be without injured Holland international Robin van Persie until April.
“It is very difficult in January to find players who are available for the Champions League, who are just good enough to play for Arsenal and at the right price. You never know, but at the moment it [to sign a striker] is unlikely.”
Now I, for one, agree with Arsene’s reluctance to sign a striker at this moment. The system the Arsenal gaffer implements is an incredibly meticulous attacking philosophy. Any striker would need a bit of time to get used to Arsenal’s style of play, so I think bringing in a striker at this point would not do too much good for a side that already has great chemistry.
While Sol Campbell could conceivably help Arsenal if he needs to, the Gunners’ depth in the back is quite weak. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy are undoubtedly world-class, but Kieran Gibbs is now out for the season and Arsenal are without a good backup on the wings. Someone like Marseille defender Taye Taiwo would be a very good signing to strengthen the squad in the back.
On to Manchester United.
United have had defensive problems throughout the campaign so far. Like Arsenal, United could make very good use of another wingback. While Patrice Evra is class, neither Rafael or Gary Neville are fit to be defenders for a top four side. Fergie has been rumoured to be interested in Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, who I think would do well with the physicality of the English game. With loads of energy and an attacking prowess, Chiellini would be the signing that United should make.
On to Chelsea.
This might seem like a cop-out, but Carlo Ancelotti has maintained that Chelsea will not add anyone of the transfer window, and I think that he is quite right in saying that. But now that Michael Essien has been ruled out for over a month, the Blues may feel they need to fill that gap with the likes of Mohamed Sissoko. But I don’t think that is really necessary considering that the likes of Jon Obi Mikel are already at Chelsea’s disposal.
So those are my picks for Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea. What do you think the elite three need to address?
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