Transfer Fever Hits

With just under a week left until the transfer window slams firmly shut in the faces of Premier League managers, there has never been a better time to unveil a new superstar to the team. The top division in English football is the tightest it's ever been, with some clubs having the potential to finish in about 15 different positions. If a shrewd signing is made between now and Monday, February 2nd, it could be the difference between European football and mid-table mediocrity, or the difference between a safe passage into next season's top flight and a relegation dogfight.

So which teams will be looking to bolster in these last 6 days or so?

Arsenal
With Cesc Fabregas out injured for a while, Arsenal need a dominant figure in that midfield to really improve their options, something they've lacked since Gilberto, Flamini and even Vieira left. Arshavin could be on his way to the Emirates but a deal looks some way off at the moment, and with van Persie, Rosicky and Nasri already on the books, he isn't what they need anyway. The ongoing Gallas/Toure saga might result in an emergency defender being brought in too.

Aston Villa
Emile Heskey has been brought in by Martin O'Neill, a move that really shows his belief about the club's ambitions, not for the long term, but this season. He could have waited until the summer and brought the England striker in for nothing, but the £4m paid by Villa signal their intentions of finishing in the top four. Quite how he will fit into the Villa system with Carew, Young and Agbonlahor in the form of their lives this season remains to be seen, but as far as any other signings go, Villa just really need to boost numbers to stave off Arsenal.

Blackburn
It's not as much who they will sign, it's who they can keep. Santa Cruz is apparently getting ever more itchy feet and Rovers will do well to keep Man City and their billions away from their prized asset. Without him, they could be in real trouble. Elsewhere, Blackburn's defence has not looked great this season and they could really do with some cover there.

Bolton
Bolton seem to be back in trouble after a bad run, and signings could prove to be the way out of it. Record hitman Johan Elmander has failed to fire since moving to the Reebok so another striker might be needed, a Heskey-type figure would have been ideal.

Chelsea
Where do you start with Chelsea? Roman insists his wallet is being kept firmly in his pocket for the time being, with no money becoming available for transfers. Selling Cudicini might prove to be a mistake, especially if Cech gets injured again. For me, the main problem is the players that Chelsea have right now. Sort the Drogba's, the Ballack's and the Alex's out and they'll go a long way to challenging for honours this season, as they certainly have the talent.

Fulham
Jimmy Bullard leaving is a massive blow for Fulham fans. So often their saviour, he had the ability to turn a game with a beautifully crafted pass, a free-kick or the occasional blinding goal. Eyebrows will be raised at the £4m paid by Hull, but he needs to be replaced by someone of equal standard or Fulham could find themselves back in trouble.

Hull
After an incredible start to life in the top flight someone seems to have turned the power off for Hull's season. They're on a terrible run, but the signing of Bullard should help. Teams have realised now how to play against Hull so they need something different. Marlon King's left and with only Cousin up there now, they may need a striker too.

Liverpool
Another tough one to call. Although actually signing Robbie Keane might do Liverpool the world of good. They need to sort his situation, as at the start of the season a Keane-Torres partnership looked fantastic on paper, but the Irish star hasn't hit it off at Anfield yet. Benitez leaving him out altogether won't help, but I can't see Liverpool making any other signings.

Man City
Again, where to start? Wayne Bridge, Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong have joined, although you get the feeling that isn't it for City. They're sniffing around Roque Santa Cruz and will want to go comfort shopping after having their ego bruised by Kaka and Milan. Drogba anyone?