The January transfer window can be a tricky time to complete meaningful business, and clubs often fall into the trap of paying over the odds for their targets.
However, making the right moves during this period can be the difference between success and failure, meaning clubs must be prepared to splash the cash.
With that in mind, we have assessed each of the Premier League clubs to identify one key move they need to make during the January transfer window.
Arsenal
Despite Gabriel Jesus scoring five goals in two games against Crystal Palace last week, Arsenal must sign a prolific forward to boost their title hopes.
Alexander Isak would be the ideal signing, but prising him away from Newcastle United will be difficult given they are in contention for European qualification.
Aston Villa
Playing in the Champions League has increased the pressure on Aston Villa’s squad, and they need to address the situation in January.
Villa lack strength in depth in wide positions, so a move for Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling would be a sensible move to make.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are reportedly negotiating with Argentine club Lanus regarding left-back Julio Soler, who could be a long-term replacement for Milos Kerkez.
The Cherries are adept at targeting young players with future resale potential, and Soler would fit perfectly into this methodology.
Brentford
Several clubs in the Premier League and Europe have been linked with winger Ernest Nuamah, who is angling for a move away from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon in January.
Brentford are in the market for attacking reinforcements during the upcoming transfer window and the Ghanaian could be a viable option.
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Brighton & Hove Albion
As masters of the player trading model, Brighton & Hove Albion are a club worth keeping a close eye on during the January transfer window.
Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez was on Brighton’s radar last summer, and they could step up their interest next month.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace were expected to be pushing for a top-ten finish this season, but they are struggling at the wrong end of the table.
Attacking reinforcements are desperately needed and a January loan move for Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron could be on the cards.
Chelsea
While Chelsea’s bloated squad means incoming moves will likely be thin on the ground at Stamford Bridge, they may still dip into the market.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has been unconvincing, and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel may be an option to replace him in January.
Everton
Everton have scored just 14 goals in 16 Premier League games this season and desperately need to add some firepower to their squad in January.
A loan move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson would be a good idea, although he may have his sights set on joining a club that is higher up the standings.
Fulham
Fulham are on course to finish in the top half this season and could grab a European qualification spot if they turn some of their draws into wins.
Signing a long-term replacement for striker Raul Jimenez is a priority and Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez could be an option to join his compatriot at Craven Cottage.
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Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town splashed the cash during the summer transfer window, but their outlay on new players has failed to keep them out of trouble in the Premier League.
A loan deal for Aston Villa defender Kosta Nedeljkovic has been touted in recent weeks, although the Midlands club may be reluctant to sanction the move.
Leicester City
Leicester City have conceded 37 goals in 17 league games this season and they need to boost their defensive options if they are to avoid relegation back to the Championship.
Velez Sarsfield’s Valentin Gomez has been linked with the Foxes, but they may decide to target a more experienced option to boost their survival hopes.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s most pressing concern is at left-back, with Andy Robertson increasingly looking like his days as a Premier League defender are numbered.
The Reds’ primary targets are unlikely to be available in January, so recalling Owen Beck from his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers would not be a bad idea.
Manchester City
Losing Rodri to a long-term injury blew a hole in Manchester City’s title ambitions, but the club won’t bring in Bruno Guimaraes or Martin Zubimendi to replace him.
Atalanta’s Ederson is a more viable option, as he can be switched into other midfield positions when Rodri eventually returns to action.
Manchester United
Although the drastic overhaul Manchester United need will not be happening in January, they will still dip into the transfer market.
Left-wing-back is the most pressing issue and a move to re-sign Alvaro Fernandez from Benfica given his favourable release clause makes perfect sense.
Newcastle United
With Almiron out of favour at Newcastle, manager Eddie Howe must add quality competition to Jacob Murphy on the right win.
Johan Bakayoko has been touted as a potential target, but PSV Eindhoven will undoubtedly play hardball given they can still make progress in the Champions League.
Nottingham Forest
Having forced their way into contention for European qualification this season, Nottingham Forest will be eager to build on the foundations they have laid.
Providing competition for striker Chris Wood is their priority and a £25 million move for Spartak Moscow’s Manfred Ugalde could pay dividends.
Southampton
Southampton are eight points adrift of safety after 17 games and new manager Ivan Juric faces a tough task to keep them in the Premier League.
The Saints are the lowest scorers in the division, so they could be another club who try to prise Ferguson away from Brighton in January.
Tottenham Hotspur
Injuries have decimated Tottenham Hotspur’s backline this season, and they need to add at least one quality defender to their squad in January.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Milan Skriniar would be an excellent acquisition and may fancy a move after playing just five games in Ligue 1 this term.
West Ham United
With Michail Antonio sidelined following a car accident and Niclas Fullkrug failing to make an impact, West Ham United need to boost their attacking options.
Brazilian striker Yuri Alberto is firmly on their radar, but luring him away from Corinthians in January will be difficult.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers have the worst defensive record in the Premier League and need to improve to have any chance of survival.
Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic has previously been linked with the club, but it is debatable whether he would abandon their bid to win promotion from the Championship.