The Premier League teams that really need a busy final week of the January transfer window

With only a matter of days until the January transfer window slams shut, many Premier League teams are expected to be in for a hectic week behind the scenes.

Watching the likes of Aston Villa really break the bank after bringing in both Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne, it is fair to say that other top-flight sides have been far more stingy with their cash.

With teams from both ends of the table desperate to strengthen their squads for one final time before the end of the season, we have taken a look at a few sides who really need to get a move on.

Tottenham

Suffering a 2-0 defeat away at London rivals Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, both Antonio Conte and the Tottenham fanbase have made it clear that they’re expecting a busy week in the capital.

With their new boss making it clear throughout January that he does not believe his side can compete at the highest level, there once again appears to be growing pressure on Daniel Levy.

Crashing out of the EFL Cup at the hands of Chelsea earlier in the month thanks to a 3-0 aggregate defeat, Spurs fans will know that a lack of investment over the next week could see Conte really start to question his future at the club.

While Tottenham might have been linked with the likes of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessié over recent weeks, it is starting to look like the arrival of Adama Traore might be the only new face arriving in north London.

However, although The Guardian might have reported over the weekend that Tottenham are inching closer towards a deal for the 25-year-old winger, just one new signing will certainly not please Conte.

Still searching for a full-back, central midfielder and a deputy for Harry Kane, all eyes will be on Levy over the coming days.

West Ham

Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Old Trafford in their 1-0 loss against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, it has become even clearer to West Ham fans that they desperately need some more bodies through the door.

Once again electing not to bring another striker to the London Stadium last summer in what was a hugely confusing move by David Moyes, the Hammers once again find themselves in a position they know all too well.

Working with one of the smallest squads in the Premier League and with Michail Antonio the only recognised number nine at the club, West Ham also have the return of European duties on the horizon.

Still yet to bring a single new arrival through the door and growing unrest among fans in east London, the Hammers have a host of positions that need addressing over the coming days.

With many starting to ask what exactly Head of Recruitment Rob Newman has been doing since taking up his role back in October, Moyes’ dithering in his year’s window is starting to pay a price.

Losing their spot in the top-four thanks to Saturday’s 1-0 loss against Manchester United, West Ham will know how important the next week is in their bid to book a maiden Champions League finish.

Newcastle

Picking up what could turn out to be a crucial 1-0 win away at Leeds over the weekend, there is no doubt that Newcastle fans hope they can build off of that momentum over the next few days.

Controversially taken over by a Saudi-led consortium and now cementing their spot as one of European football’s richest clubs, some have been surprised to see just two new arrivals come through the St. James’ doors this month.

Signing both Keiran Trippier and Chris Wood in their bid to avoid the drop, new boss Eddie Howe has made it clear that he is in desperate need of more reinforcements.

Heading into their brief winter break still sat in the drop zone and in a battle to extend on their Premier League status this season, the former Bournemouth manager could be in for a hectic week.

Making it clear that they’re still looking to splash their new-found riches before the window slams shut, Newcastle remain heavily linked with deals for the likes of England international Jesse Lingard.

Still on the search for at least a new central defender over the next few days, time is ticking away for the Magpies.

Arsenal

While Arsenal might also find themselves with a top-four finish at the top of their agenda this season, Mikel Arteta’s side are in a very similar position to their north London rivals.

Already seeing the likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Pablo Mari leave the Emirates on loan deals over the past fortnight, Pep Guardiola’s former right-hand man has made it clear that new arrivals are needed before the window slams shut.

Watching summer signings Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White make an immediate impact, many Arsenal fans have once again been left frustrated by their boards’ activity over the past few weeks.

With it looking increasingly unlikely that Fiorentina sensation Dušan Vlahović will make a big-money move to the Emirates this month, Arteta is in desperate need of a new number nine.

Having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against relegation scrappers Burnley on Sunday afternoon, the Gunners have managed to record just a single strike since opening 2022.

Also still linked with a host of central midfield targets from across Europe, Arsenal and Arteta will be hoping for a much-needed splurge during the winter break.