From Gabriel Paulista to Kevin Kampl: the 10 best January transfers worldwide

José Mourinho may have found Chelsea’s ideal wide player, Manchester United could already have a replacement if David de Gea decides to leave in the future and André Schürrle can shine again in the Bundesliga 
• Premier League ins and outs from transfer deadline day

1 Wilfried Bony, Swansea to Manchester City

Manchester City’s lack striking depth was highlighted in December when Manuel Pellegrini was forced to field David Silva and James Milner up front, so the £28m Bony was a logical addition to provide competition for Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic as Sergio Agüero’s strike partner.

The Premier League’s top goalscorer in the calendar year of 2014, Bony will play a slightly different role with City, probably coming towards the ball more to allow Agüero to sprint in behind. While renowned for his strength, Bony’s link-up play is impressive, which might become more obvious at City.

2 Enzo Pérez, Benfica to Valencia

Pérez established himself in the Argentine side midway through last summer’s World Cup and it was only a matter of time before he transferred to a major European league. A tough-tackling defensive midfielder who breaks up play and distributes the ball reliably, he’s the player Valencia have lacked since David Albelda retired in 2013.

Pérez was outstanding on his debut in a 2-1 victory over the European Champions, Real Madrid, and immediately looks at home in a rejuvenated Valencia side who should be back in the Champions League next season. Even at £19.5m, he looks good value.

3 Gabriel Paulista, Villarreal to Arsenal

Arsenal have been short at centre-back this season and this is a typical Arsène Wenger transfer – a move for a promising young defender who has excelled in a technical side.

The £11.2m Gabriel is a front-foot defender, someone who commits to challenges and wants to win the ball quickly. Only two other players made more interceptions in La Liga this season – with Wenger citing statistics as a key reason for his purchase – and while Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny will continue as the first-choice partnership, Gabriel may establish himself fully next season.

4 Seydou Doumbia, CSKA Moscow to Roma

Having been top goalscorer in three countries – Ivory Coast, Switzerland and Russia – Doumbia will finally have the opportunity to test himself in a major European league after Roma paid about £11m for his services.

Doumbia fits into Rudi García’s plans perfectly – he is a quick, counterattacking player who guarantees goals and has the experience of playing alongside Gervinho for his national side. With those two offering pace from the flanks, Francesco Totti can continue to pull the strings. With six draws in their past eight matches, Roma need a lift – but Doumbia will be at the Africa Cup of Nations for the next week.

5 Juan Cuadrado, Fiorentina to Chelsea

Transfer deadline day: all the January ins and outs in the Premier League

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Cuadrado might be José Mourinho’s ideal wide player – he specialises on the counterattack with quick, direct dribbling and has turned into a prolific goalscorer over the past 18 months. Crucially, however, his experience of playing as a wing-back means he boasts tremendous defensive discipline too.

A star of Colombia’s run to the quarter-finals at last summer’s World Cup, the £26m Cuadrado is an improvement on Willian in terms of attacking potential and unlike André Schürrle, who prefers the left, Cuadrado is a natural on the right. He could take time to settle but Cuadrado looks a fine purchase.

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