Which players do the Champions League chasing teams most require during the closing weeks of the transfer window…
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There is plenty of competition for places in the Premier League’s top four this year, with the fans of seven teams demanding that their stars securing Champions League football for 2015.
It therefore comes as little surprise that many of those teams are still desperate to add to their current squads, before the end of the summer transfer window. In the pages below are seven players that could transform the fortunes of seven teams:
7) Manchester United – Arturo Vidal
Louis van Gaal’s side are all too desperate for further midfield reinforcements, as they showed during today’s 2-1 defeat against Swansea City. While they have added the creativity of Ander Herrera, they are still lacking a driving force capable of firing them back towards title contention. Juventus star Arturo Vidal would undoubtedly be the man to make the Old Trafford side tick, with United refusing to give up on the Chilean despite a lengthy transfer saga.
6) Tottenham Hotspur – Mateo Musacchio
Tottenham arguably remain a little short defensively, with manager Mauricio Pochettino still on the lookout for an athletic central defender to partner Jan Vertonghen. The Argentine boss has been somewhat underwhelmed with the current crop of Younes Kaboul, Michael Dawson and Vlad Chiriches. The Spanish Press believe that Villareal man Musacchio, who has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane, is now unlikely to make the move, but if Spurs can resurrect the deal he would undoubtedly be the ideal candidate.
5) Everton – Samuel Eto’o
Roberto Martinez has put together an excellent squad at Goodison Park, but is still a little short of proven striking talent. Former Chelsea man Samuel Eto’o, who has scored goals all around Europe, would surely be the perfect fit. While he would not necessarily be a starter, he would offer excellent support to Romelu Lukaku and co, and provide the Toffee’s with a different option. The 33-year-old’s lofty wage demands could however, provide a significant stumbling block.
4) Arsenal – Kostas Manolas
Arsenal are still short a centre back, following the departure of former club captain Thomas Vermaelen for Barcelona. Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas could be the ideal candidate for Arsene Wenger, with the powerful 23-year-old Greek international available for around £8m. Italian giants Juventus have withdrawn their interest in the player, after turning their attention to Benfica star Luisao, leaving the path clear for the Gunners to make their bid.
3) Chelsea – Mehdi Benatia
Title favourites Chelsea can’t improve in many areas after a strong summer of transfer business. If you were to be picky, they could perhaps do with one more central defender following the departure of David Luiz – although they do have the impressive youngster Kurt Zouma supporting experienced duo Gary Cahill and John Terry. If they were to clinch a deal for £30m Roma-man Mehdi Benatia, who was one of the most impressive centre-backs in Europe last season, the Blue’s will be looking virtually unbeatable.
2) Liverpool – Radamel Falcao
Liverpool may have already made seven additions this summer, and they may be on the verge of an eighth new man – Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno – but there is still one clear hole that remains in the Red’s squad. A big name striker to replace the departed Luis Suarez. Monaco man Radamel Falcao is among the names that have been linked with the club, and the Anfield faithful would no doubt be ecstatic to sign the former Porto and Atletico Madrid man join them.
1) Manchester City – Yaya Toure
Manchester City have all but ruled out the possibility of further additions, following the signing of Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala. The most important thing for Manuel Pellegrini’s side now is to secure the long term futures of the current stars. Recent reports have suggested that Yaya Toure will not be offered a new deal, resulting in transfer rumours surrounding the Ivorian resurfacing. Keeping hold of the talented midfielder is the key target for City during the rest of the window.
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