Tuesday 20 August 2013

Time to hit panic button! As the Premier League gets underway, which clubs are in desperate need of new signings?

Nervy start: (top row) David Moyes, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho are looking to buy before the transfer window closes on September 2. So too are (bottom row) Andre Villas-Boas, Alan Pardew and Brendan Rodgers


Arsenal
ARSENAL
Season opener: Lost to Villa. Exactly what Arsene Wenger didn't need against energetic opponents who carried a genuine goal threat. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's injury capped a miserable day.
Who they need: Quite frankly, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla apart, is anyone in that team safe?
Budget: £50m+
Who they are lining up: Officially, Yohan Cabaye and Wayne Rooney. Unofficially, they've well and truly hit the panic button at the Emirates. Next in line are Guaita (Valencia £6m); Michu (Swansea £25m); Williams (Swansea £12m); Richards (Man City £12m); Kondogbia (Sevilla £18m).
Panic rating: 5

Nervy start: (top row) David Moyes, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho are looking to buy before the transfer window closes on September 2. So too are (bottom row) Andre Villas-Boas, Alan Pardew and Brendan Rodgers
Under pressure: Arsene Wenger has been berated by fans after failing to add to Arsenal's squad this summer
Under pressure: Arsene Wenger has been berated by fans after failing to add to Arsenal's squad this summer
ASTON VILLA
Season opener: Came from behind to win at Arsenal in morale-boosting start following sharp upturn in form in second-half of last season.
Who they need: A genuine playmaker.
Budget: None. Need to trim huge and costly squad.
Who they are lining up: No-one at present.
Panic rating: 2
Good start: Christian Benteke scored twice as Villa downed Arsenal on the opening day of the season
Good start: Christian Benteke scored twice as Villa downed Arsenal on the opening day of the season
CARDIFF CITY
Season opener: Tough assignment against Sam Allardyce at Fortress Upton Park. Deserved defeat against well-drilled Hammers.
Who they need: More genuine Premier League quality. There are too many Championship-level players in Malky Mackay's side.
Budget: £10m
Who they are lining up: It's likely they will have to wait and see who is available as the clock ticks down to September 1. Next in line: Montero (Morelia) £3m, Odemwingie (WBA £2m), Vaz Te (West Ham £3m).
Panic rating: 3
New boy: Gary Medal (left) could be joined by further signings as Cardiff look fro Premier League safety
New boy: Gary Medal (left) could be joined by further signings as Cardiff look fro Premier League safety
CHELSEA
Season opener: Comfortable start against Hull City. Electric for first 30 minutes. Pragmatic for the final hour.
Who they need: Jose Mourinho needs more attacking options. Fernando Torres still does not look like a man capable of spearheading a title charge.
Budget: Ha ha.
Who they are lining up: Wayne Rooney and possibly Samuel Eto'o on short-term deal. It is definitely a hole that needs filling but Chelsea's boss does have options in Romelu Lukaku.
Panic rating: 3
Will he stay or will he go? Wayne Rooney remains a target for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho
Will he stay or will he go? Wayne Rooney remains a target for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho
CRYSTAL PALACE
Season opener: Failed to fire in long-awaited bow back in the big-time against Spurs who were without star man Gareth Bale.
Who they need: If Ian Holloway is being honest, all departments need strengthening.
Budget: Up to £5m
Who they are lining up: Again, like Cardiff, they may have to wait to see who is surplus in the last two days before making a move. A move for Ipswich defender Aaron Cresswell has  been rejected. Next in line: Odemwingie (West Brom £2m), Nikolic (Videoton £1m).
Panic rating: 4
Up against it: Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway will have to add to his squad before the window closes
Up against it: Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway will have to add to his squad before the window closes
EVERTON
Season opener: Enjoyed the better of the statistics against Norwich City in terms of possession and shots on goal. But the one that matters revealed a 2-2 draw.
Who they need: Replacements in a hurry for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines if David Moyes succeeds in his double-swoop.
Budget: Depends on how much the bank will allow chairman Bill Kenwright to spend of the in-coming transfer money.
Who they are lining up: Gareth Barry after the midfielder was omitted from Manuel Pellegrini's first 18-man squad at Manchester City. James McCarthy from Wigan is another option. Next in line: Kolarov (City £8m), Pocognoli (Hannover £5m), McGeady (Spartak £5m); Dann (Blackburn),  Alderweireld (Ajax £6m).
Panic rating: 3
Wanted: Gareth Barry could be on the move to Everton after falling out of favour at Manchester City
Wanted: Gareth Barry could be on the move to Everton after falling out of favour at Manchester City
FULHAM
Season opener: A narrow win at the Stadium of Light. Which augurs very well given the Cottagers' traditionally-solid form at home.
Who they need: Martin Jol's work appears to be over for the summer.
Budget: Given the cut-price deals the Cottagers lined-up for Darren Bent and Peter Odemwingie to plug a gap up front, any spare cash appears to have been used following Scott Parker's arrival.
Who they are lining up?: Work largely done, but possibly Blackburn's Scott Dann too. 
Panic rating: 1
On the move: England midfielder Scott Parker has joined Fulham from London rivals Tottenham
On the move: England midfielder Scott Parker has joined Fulham from London rivals Tottenham
HULL CITY
Season opener: Hardest assignment of all, stopping Jose Mourinho from enjoying his return to Stamford Bridge. Could have been blown away, but stuck at it. Improved when Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore were sent on from the substitutes' bench.
Who they need: Probably a case of Steve Bruce finding a system to go with the personnel now. he has attempted to add Premier League quality to his promoted squad.
Budget: Bruce could probably squeeze enough for one additional signing out of the club's Egyptian owners.
Who are they lining up? Possible move for loan deal for a young striker from one of the big guns as the window closes. Or young France Under 21 international Paul-Georges Ntep de Madiba. Or Bendtner on loan from Arsenal. 
Panic rating: 3
Under the cosh: Hull began life back in the Premier League with defeat at Chelsea
Under the cosh: Hull began life back in the Premier League with defeat at Chelsea
LIVERPOOL
Season opener: The scoreline suggests a narrow victory over Stoke City. Brendan Rodgers will be heaving a sigh of relief after weeks of turmoil over Luis Suarez.
Who they need: Clearly, given the pursuit of Willian, Rodgers is not convinced by his attacking options.
Budget: £30m
Who are they lining up? The Brazilian ace, above, from Anzhi. And Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho will give Rodgers options on the left. West Brom's Shane Long also a possibility for £7m. 
Panic rating: 2
New boy: Alu Cossokho trained with the Liverpool squad after joining on loan from Valencia
New boy: Alu Cossokho trained with the Liverpool squad after joining on loan from Valencia
MANCHESTER CITY
Season opener: Thumping victory over Joe Kinne...oops, Alan Pardew's Newcastle.
Who they need: Manuel Pellegrini has done his work although an injury to Vincent Kompany on Monday night might alter his thinking.
Budget: Ho ho.
Who are they lining up? Only players to leave. Scott Sinclair to West Brom and Gareth Barry's exit to Everton has also been discussed at Goodison Park. However, they may decide to make a late swoop for a centre-half. Next in line: Demichelis (At Madrid £4m); Pepe (Real Madrid £18m), Cannavaro (Napoli £3m).
Panic rating: 1-3 if Kompany's groin problem necessitates an operation.
Off and running: Manchester City thrashed Newcastle 4-0 in their opening Premier League game
Off and running: Manchester City thrashed Newcastle 4-0 in their opening Premier League game
MANCHESTER UNITED
Season opener: Sent a message from south Wales that they remain a force to be reckoned with.
Who they need? Massively subjective question. Moyes is yet to make a marquee signing. He wants to strengthen. Leighton Baines? Marouane Fellaini? Cesc Fabregas?
Budget: £40m - plus Rooney cash if he leaves
Who are they lining up? See above. And a replacement for Wayne Rooney. Although officially he remains: 'Not for sale.'
Panic rating: 3
Leighton Baines
Marouane Fellaini
Wanted: Leighton Baines (left) and Marouane Fellaini are targets for Manchester United boss David Moyes

NEWCASTLE UNITED
Season opener: Pretty disastrous. Shipped four goals, had Steven Taylor sent-off. And an offer for Yohan Cabaye from Arsenal made public on the eve of the game didn't help, either.
Who they need? It's not so much a case of 'Who,' - it's 'What.' Off-field stability within the ranks will aid clarity of thought in the mind of the manager.
Budget: £15m
Who are they lining up? Depends on what Joe Kinnear thinks this week. And therein lies the problem. Next in line: Floren Thauvin (Lille £8m). Gignac (Marseille £10m), Matri (Juventus £8m), Ince (Blackpool £8m).
Panic rating: 4
Bad start: Newcastle gave their fans little to cheer about as they were crushed by Manchester City
Bad start: Newcastle gave their fans little to cheer about as they were crushed by Manchester City
NORWICH CITY
Season opener: Encouraging draw against Everton in which star summer signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel grabbed a point with a neat headed finish.
Who they need? Possibly cover at left-back. Chris Hughton has strengthened up front but Javier Garrido remains a weak link.
Budget: Hughton has had plenty to spend. May be better served keeping some up his sleeve for January.
Who are they lining up? All quiet at the moment at Carrow Road. But next in line are: Elmander (Galatasaray £500,000), Andrea Caracciolo (Brescia £1m), Toivonen (PSV £5m), Quagliarella (Juventus £8m).
Panic rating: 1
Main man: Ricky van Wolfswinkel made his mark for Norwich against Everton as the striker headed home
Main man: Ricky van Wolfswinkel made his mark for Norwich against Everton as the striker headed home
SOUTHAMPTON
Season opener: Tough win at West Brom thanks to last-minute penalty from man-of-the-moment Rickie Lambert.
Who they need? By the looks of it, no-one. Lack real pace in wide areas but £15m arrival of Dani should complete work.
Budget: After a £35m summer spend, the Saints look to have done their dough.
Who are they lining up? Nicola Cortese can rest easy. With three 18-year-olds appearing in the Saints' ranks at the Hawthorns, they look set to turn to their development squad if necessary.
Panic rating: 1
Big spenders: Southamoton made Pablo Osvaldo their latest big signing of the summer
Big spenders: Southamoton made Pablo Osvaldo their latest big signing of the summer
STOKE CITY
Season opener: A narrow defeat at Anfield. Could have been different had it not been for Simon Mignolet's penalty save from Jon Walters.
Who do they need? A goalscorer and a winger with pace.
Budget: At a stretch £5m.
Who are they lining up? Junior Hoillett will offer them a spark up front. Harry Redknapp is keen to off-load Hoillett to bring in Andros Townsend. If they can re-kindle the deal, Mame Biram Diouf from Hannover or Jermain Defoe from Spurs.
Panic rating: 4
Missed opportunity: Liverpool's Simon Mignolet saves a penalty from Stoke's Jonathan Walters
Missed opportunity: Liverpool's Simon Mignolet saves a penalty from Stoke's Jonathan Walters
SUNDERLAND
Season's opener: Despite Phil Bardsley's obvious joy, Paolo di Canio's side fired a blank in front of goal. A mistake at the back only compounded the Italian's disappointment as they slipped to defeat against Fulham.
Who do they need? Five new signings made their debuts against the Cottagers which suggests the manager's work is done.
Budget: Whatever Elllis Short deems necessary after this weekend.
Who are they lining up? That might depend on the result at Southampton.
Panic rating: 3-4 if they lose at St Mary's.
Plenty to ponder: Paolo Di Canio's new look Sunderland side failed to fire against Fulham last weekend
Plenty to ponder: Paolo Di Canio's new look Sunderland side failed to fire against Fulham last weekend
SWANSEA CITY
Season opener: Were on the end of a four-goal home defeat as Rio Ferdinand et al. decided to make a point at the Liberty Stadium.
Who do they need? At present, Michael Laudrup appears to have done his business. That could all change if Arsenal weigh in with a big offer for Ashley Williams.
Budget: The purse-strings have been loosened but the Swans will certainly spend less than they receive.
Who are they lining up? Only a replacement for Williams if he departs. From: Scott Dann (Blackburn), Emnes (MBoro £1m), Rebic (Split £7m).
Panic rating: 2-4 if Williams leaves.
Main man: Swansea will be keen to keep hold of defender Ashley Williams (right) who is wanted by Arsenal
Main man: Swansea will be keen to keep hold of defender Ashley Williams (right) who is wanted by Arsenal
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Season opener: A tricky fixture against newly-promoted sides is always a potential banana skin. Embarrassment was saved by Roberto Soldado's penalty at Crystal Palace.
Who do they need? Potentially no-one. If Gareth Bale leaves that picture will alter dramatically. After the departures of Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore, they are looking light in the central midfield areas, despite Paulinho's arrival.
Budget: Will depend on whether Bale stays or goes. Chairman Daniel Levy does have some cash of his own to play with now that £9m has been raised from the exits of those players mentioned above.
Who are they lining up? Difficult to say as so much depends on Gareth Bale's situation but Willian looks a done deal. Lamela and Pjanic from Roma are their other targets. 
Panic rating: 2-5 if Bale moves.
Madrid bound? Gareth Bale's future at Tottenham is uncertain as Real Madrid consider making an offer
Madrid bound? Gareth Bale's future at Tottenham is uncertain as Real Madrid consider making an offer
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Season opener: Steve Clarke described this match against Southampton as 'difficult.' So it proved. Nicolas Anelka's flame was extinguished by no-nonsense Saints' defending. The Baggies' form was on a downturn in the second-half of last season. If Anelka doesn't pay off, they could be down there.
Who do they need? Scott Sinclair would add an injection of pace. Salomon Kalou's arrival from Lille would be a massive help in forward areas too. Shane Long looks short of confidence.
Budget: West Brom simply do not spend money on transfers. If nothing happens with respect to imports, the supporters may begin to vent their frustration.
Who are they lining up? Sinclair, definitely. Kalou may be resurrected.
Panic rating: 4
On the move: Scott Sinclair (left) looks set to leave Manchester City with West Brom keen on the winger
On the move: Scott Sinclair (left) looks set to leave Manchester City with West Brom keen on the winger
WEST HAM UNITED
Season opener: A deserved triumph against Cardiff City has got big Sam off to a flier. Stewart Downing and a fit Andy Carroll were the highlights.
Who do they need?: Possibly some pace up front but with Ricardo Vaz Te, Allardyce does have options. He has a settled back four too. With Ravel Morrison's return, he has the option of a playmaker to throw into his side, too.
Budget: West Ham's owners have probably spent what they earmarked with the arrivals of Carroll and Downing from Liverpool. However, David Sullivan's arm can always be twisted if he thinks a bargain is in the offing.
Who are they lining up? Possibly options in the full-back areas but otherwise the squad appears stronger than last term. Quagliarella (Juventus £8m or loan) could be a final bit of business. 
Panic rating: 1
Easy does it: West Ham began the season with a comfortable win over Cardiff at Upton Park on Saturday
Easy does it: West Ham began the season with a comfortable win over Cardiff at Upton Park on Saturday

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...