Which stars did the Premier League 'Big Six' miss out on this transfer window?

Arsenal have failed to kick on and find a new lease of life since Arsene Wenger left the club in 2018. In reality, other than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, across the pitch, the Gunners have still struggled to remain consistently decent, especially at the back.

The defence has been an issue they have struggled with immensely for the best part of a decade. Now, six months after signing David Luiz, the Brazilian has not changed much and the Gunners remain defensively unstable - only eight teams have conceded more than them in the league.

This January, the north London club have signed Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo at centre-back, but the Spaniard is yet to play in the Premier League, which is always a concern. The Gunners did, however, acquire the services of Cedric Soares, but again, this is on loan.

Mikel Arteta had been linked with big name defenders this window, such as Jerome Boateng, Boubakary Soumare and John Stones. Although, the Arsenal boss has failed to bring in a star name at the back - something they have needed for years. This could be another big issue for the Spaniard to contend with.

As is the case in the transfer market, Manchester United have been linked with a variety of names and we are left to piece together which rumours are actually true. One of which, was the Edinson Cavani saga.

Yes, United sealed the deal with Bruno Fernandes, which is undoubtedly one of the best deals in Europe. However, with Cavani handing in a transfer request at Paris Saint-Germain because of his lack of action, the Red Devils may well have missed a trick here.

The Uruguayan has bagged 198 goals in 293 appearances for PSG and has well and truly established himself as one of Europe's best over the past decade. Plus, despite turning 33 in two weeks, the striker can still get the goals Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so desperately needs.

Indeed, the club did sign Odion Ighalo on deadline day. But with just 16 goals in 55 Premier League outings, was he really the best option.

In reality, United have not replaced strikers as far back as Robin Van Persie: Javier Hernandez was sold shortly after, Zlatan Ibrahimovic lasted a season, Romelu Lukaku just two, and Marcus Rashford is not a number nine. With Cavani, they had a chance to get a seriously threatening forward, most likely on the cheap.

Whilst much of the 'Big Six' didn't theoretically need players in certain positions - as they have replacements - Tottenham Hotspur quite literally needed a striker. Ever since the release of Fernando Llorente and now the long-term injury to Harry Kane, Spurs do not have a recognised number nine available.

At the same time, Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min have had to move into the middle, forcing a gap in the attack on the wings. Then, on deadline day, the Lilywhites were heavily linked with bringing back Gareth Bale to the club, however, Zinedine Zidane quickly shut down those rumours.

In truth, Bale would have been a big price tag, considering how much he left Spurs for in 2013 and that his contract still has two more years left. However, it may well have been a worthy signing as he is still 30 and he has clearly been a great addition to Real Madrid.

At the same time, Jose Mourinho has always been a man to have a target man up top, and not acquiring someone like Oliver Giroud until Kane is back might be a big mistake.

The Spurs boss did acquire the services of Steven Bergwijn, however, who has only impressed so far at PSV Eindhoven, bagging 13 assists.

Liverpool are unstoppable right now and don't exactly need to bring in a new name to end their famous 30-year drought of a league title. Over the years, Jurgen Klopp has gradually built this record-breaking team with astonishingly successful signings, such as Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

In January, however, the league leaders have only improved by bringing in the impressive Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg. The Japan international has a very appealing record of 64 goals in 189 appearances for the Austrian side, and will only be a positive addition to an already breathtaking attacking output.

Elsewhere, the Reds' midfield is one of the most in-depth in Europe, whilst Joel Matip is ready and willing to step in for Joe Gomez or Van Dijk, should they be unavailable.

However, Liverpool's current status of European champions and destined Premier League winners might not last forever. And, now may have been a chance to cash in on this and bring in another superstar. Regardless, they are unbeatable right now and probably didn't need anyone else, when all considered.

Prior to the January window, Chelsea weren't even legally allowed to purchase any players, due to their transfer ban. And now, even with a month to search the market, the Blues have failed to make an impact on this window at all, which only extends their hunt for a winger.

Ever since they sold Eden Hazard to Madrid, Chelsea have not been able to replace the almost irreplaceable Belgian. Instead, Frank Lampard has had to settle for Mason Mount, Pedro and Willian and the occasional appearance of Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Over the majority of this window, Chelsea were linked with Dries Mertens, who has been one of Europe's elite players for some time. In truth, with his goals, assists and marvellous creativity, the Napoli star would have been a great addition to any side.

Plus, for the price they could have got him, it would have been a magnificent signing until at least the summer. Lampard may have missed a trick here.

Similar to Liverpool this season, over the past year, Manchester City have not exactly needed to reinforce their unstoppable nature. However, Pep Guardiola's record-breaking men have been short of options at the back since the departure of Vincent Kompany and with the injuries, forcing them to slip further and further away from their own title.

Plus, the likes of David Silva are soon leaving the Etihad, whilst Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero won't be around for much longer. Although, it is doubtful that Guardiola was going to be able to find the next Silva or Aguero during the winter.

Perhaps a centre-back would have been needed, despite Aymeric Laporte's return. After all, Kompany has yet to be replaced and debates surrounding Stones still occur too often..