Biggest January Need for Each of the Premier League's 'Big Six'

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FT Desk

The summer transfer window closed less than two months ago, and already the Premier League's heaviest hitters have determined they still have work to do. Chelsea, a team that used to win titles on the back of a watertight defence, have conceded some 15 goals, the sixth most in the league and higher than anyone else in the top half of the table. Arsenal meanwhile continue to struggle for goals, netting just 13 so far this term,

That goal-shy-ness didn't stop the Gunners from claiming a first Premier League title in 22 years last term, and online betting sites make them the overwhelming favourites to retain their crown this season. The latest odds from the impressive 7Signs online casino and betting outlet, which also offers a plethora of football-themed games headlined by titles like 'Football 2026' and 'Football Golden Cup,' currently list Mikel Arteta's men as a clear 1/2 favourite to repeat as champions.

But despite their overwhelming favourite tag, the Gunners aren't perfect. Far from it. And neither are the rest of the perceived 'Big Six.' Here are the positions each of them needs to upgrade once the transfer window reopens in January.

Arsenal: Striker

Arsenal have needed a new striker for years now. Gabriel Jesus was supposed to be the answer, but injuries and an inability to score with enough regularity saw the Gunners cut losses on him in the summer, shipping him off to Barcelona for a cut price. Then it was Kai Havertz, who arrived for an eye-watering fee from Chelsea, and while his link-up play and ability to press from the front are lauded, he too is inconsistent in front of goal.

Finally, 15 months ago, Arsenal thought they finally found their man in the form of the prolific Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede netted 97 times in 102 games across two years in Lisbon with Sporting CP, but while he hit 20 goals in all competitions last season, he has since lost his place in the starting eleven back to Havertz.

In the summer, the Gunners flirted with the idea of signing Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez, but the Argentinian instead decided that it was Barcelona or nothing and ultimately ended up with nothing. Arsenal could well relaunch their bid for him once the window reopens, with the offer of Gyokeres heading in the opposite direction as a makeweight potentially appealing to Atleti boss Diego Simeone.

Manchester City: Right Back

Manchester City haven't had a true star right back ever since former England international Kyle Walker began to age and ultimately left the club. Academy product Rico Lewis is one option, while centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol, someone who can play anywhere across the backline, have also been tried at right back. These days, it's attacking midfielder Matheus Nunes who plays there as a makeshift option.

Considering City's current situation, signing new players in January might not be possible. If it is, then names like Barcelona's Jules Koundé and Chelsea's Malo Gusto could well be options. The Blues have already been linked with moves for both.

Liverpool: Right Back

Liverpool thought they had their right back for the next decade in the form of academy product Trent Alexander-Arnold. Then, after two Premier League titles, numerous domestic cups, and a 2019 Champions League win, he was off, dividing Anfield as he left for the bright lights of Real Madrid following the end of his contract last summer.

Jeremie Frimpong was brought in from Bayer Leverkusen as a like-for-like replacement, but he has struggled throughout his 15 months on Merseyside. The currently injured Conor Bradley is the other option, while centre-backs Joe Gomez and Ronald Araujo are available as makeshift options. None of them, however, are up to the level that the elite Trent once brought to Liverpool's right-hand side.

Chelsea: Centre Back

Chelsea have spent over £2bn on new players since Todd Boehly's Blue Co. took over in 2022, and still, they have a defence consisting of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Josh Acheampong.

As such, a new, experienced central defender has to be at the top of his January wish list. England international Jarell Quansah is one name that has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent times, but whether that would be enough to catapult the Blues into contention remains to be seen.

Manchester United: Striker

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Carlos Tevez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Those are just a few of the names that once started up top for Manchester United throughout the club's glory years. Now, new manager Michael Carrick has Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Joshua Zirkzee to choose from, three men who have combined to score just 35 goals in 165 appearances during their combined stints at Old Trafford.

United have a whole host of problems right now, but finding a striker that will net at least 15 goals in a Premier League season would at least solve one of them. Whether any of the continent's biggest names would be willing to head into that mess of a club right now, however, is a different matter entirely.

Spurs: Striker

Spurs have endured a torrid start to the season, with two wins from their opening eight games leaving them near the bottom of the table. They have one of the worst records in front of goal in the league. As such, it's easy to see where they must strengthen in January: Up front.

In recent games, there have been signs that Spurs are improving. They were the better team in their recent trip to Manchester United and ultimately salvaged a 1-1 draw despite being reduced to ten men, while they enjoyed a huge victory against Chelsea on Saturday.

But, a prolific striker would help catapult them back into the top half of the table and maybe the top six.

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FT Desk

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