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For fans of football, the Premier League is where it’s at. England’s top flight is home to some of the beautiful game’s most famous professionals, it has rich tradition and is steeped in history, and it’s one of the most entertaining football competitions around. As such, it’s widely regarded as the best league in the world and a division that the vast majority of players strive to play in at some stage in their careers.
Whether it’s in the January transfer window or in the summer as sides begin to rebuild for another challenging season ahead, some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are always looking at ways to bridge any gaps with their nearest rivals and to mount a serious title challenge in the near future. A string of impressive signings can certainly aid that, with a successful transfer window helping to shape fans’ views of their respect clubs, be it through the Premier League betting predictions fans typically make or through the player-related merchandise they snap up. Additionally, a quality acquisition or two can enhance a team massively, although it can also add increased pressures should the team not deliver on the pitch and essentially fail to meet any raised expectations, something the likes of Erik ten Hag is experiencing at the moment.
Already, we’re seeing a number of emerging talents and world-class stars being linked with a move to some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. Be it in the January transfer window or come the end of the season, let’s take a look at a number of transfer targets that are beginning to excite fans of these top teams.
Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is a key target for Arsenal
A player the Gunners tried to sign last January, Aston Villa’s resolve could be tested once again as Arsenal reportedly increased their interest in Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz. Arsenal are expected to revive their transfer push for a player whom Mikel Arteta clearly rates. With the opportunity to join a bigger club in the shape of title-chasing Gunners, Luiz would surely be interested in a move to a side challenging at the very top. Brentford’s Ivan Toney is another player being linked with a move to North London, although with the Bees reportedly demanding £80million for the goal-getter, Arsenal could be priced out of a move. Other players being linked with a move to Arsenal include the likes of Ruben Neves, Marcos Leonardo, and Dusan Vlahovic.
A number of players are on Manchester City’s radar
Despite possessing arguably the most talented squad in world football, Manchester City are continually looking to evolve under Pep Guardiola. As such, it’s only natural that the big-spending Citizens will be continually linked with a selection of the game’s most impressive players. Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is reportedly one of them, with Guardiola looking to bolster his squad in wide areas. Additionally, City’s summer interest in West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá could be revived at some point, while the club could also be looking to hijack Liverpool’s apparent move for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram. A familiar face could also be returning to the blue side of Manchester, with 27-year-old Germany and Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane reportedly being considered by the club.
Manchester United are still well short
Despite spending a similar amount of money to their fierce local rivals, Manchester United are still well behind the aforementioned treble winners. In fact, lacklustre planning and a number of signings that have ultimately failed to improve the teams’ fortunes has resulted in yet another period of stagnation for arguably the biggest club in England. Erik ten Hag is rightly facing scrutiny, but the issues appear to run deeper at the club, particularly when it comes to recruitment and the type of players the Red Devils continually miss out on. Already, a plethora of players are being linked with making a move to Manchester United in the future, but whether or not the club has the know-how to actually get them over the line remains to be seen. From Portugal ace Joao Neves to Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, United are clearly in the market for players once again.
Liverpool linked with Khephren Thuram as Klopp’s rebuild continues
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Liverpool appear to be back. After a disappointing campaign last season and a number of weaknesses becoming glaringly obvious, Jurgen Klopp has got troops back on track this season. The rebuild is far from over, though, as the German manager aims to convince the club’s hierarchy to spend big in the near future and close the gap on the likes of Manchester City. Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram remains a key target; Barcelona’s Raphinha could potentially replace Mohamed Salah should he opt for a move to the Saudi Pro League, while Brazilian midfielder André Trindade, who plays for Fluminense and the Brazil national team, is also being considered. Other reported targets includes Ivan Toney, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, and Ansu Fati, a player who is currently turning it on for Brighton while on-loan from Barcelona.
