Premier League title hopefuls ready to pounce in January

Atletico’s Falcoa (R) is on the wishlist of Arsenal and Manchester City

LONDON, England  ●    The January transfer window is fast approaching – and it’s traditionally a time when English Premier League clubs splash the cash on new signings.

Around £60million was spent on new recruits by top-flight teams in English football last January, which was a reduction of 70%.

Here we look at which players have been linked with the main four teams gunning for title glory, with titles odds supplied by Ladbrokes sport.

Arsenal

Title odds: 12/1

Linked with: Falcao (Atlético Madrid), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Adrián (Atlético Madrid)

The Gunners undoubtedly have money to spend – the question is whether any will be made available to Arsene Wenger.  Wenger’s men have made a decent start to the season, especially after losing talisman Robin van Persie, but strength in depth could again threaten to derail their trophy hopes unless they invest.

Chelsea

Title odds: 3/1

Linked with: Neymar (Santos), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Edinson Cavani (Napoli), Lucas Digne (Lille)

Roberto Di Matteo is flourishing as Chelsea manager and has led the side to four points clear at the top of the Premier League with seven games gone. The Italian can count on having an almost bottomless transfer kitty, but his main concern should probably be on getting record signing Fernando Torres firing again.

Manchester City

Title odds: 7/5

Linked with: Falcao (Atlético Madrid), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Kyle Walker (Tottenham), Sandro (Tottenham)

It has been a steady – if unspectacular – start to City’s title defence, prompting some fans to question whether Roberto Mancini’s summer signings are better than the players they were brought in to replace. Nevertheless, City have the players capable of being crowned champions again and don’t be surprised to see more new players arrive in January.

Manchester United

Title odds: 15/8

Linked with: Tom Ince (Blackpool), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Marouane Fellaini (Everton) Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)

Arguably the team most in need of strengthening in January with genuine title hopes are United, who have looked very vulnerable defensively in recent weeks. Concerns are also growing that fresh legs are needed in midfield as long-term replacements for stalwarts such as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are required urgently.