With preparations starting to get underway for the new Premier League season as players return from their holidays, we look at where each club still needs to strengthen before the season begins and which players could be the answer…
Arsenal – Striker
Embed from Getty ImagesWith the expected arrivals of Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice set to bolster the defence and midfield respectively, Arsenal could now do with adding more quality up top.
Gabriel Jesus missed much of last season through injury and Eddie Nketiah struggled to find the net in his absence. The return of Folarin Balogun from his loan spell at Reims could help, but if Arsenal want to compete for the title again then a proven goalscorer would be of massive help.
Big names like Victor Osimhen or Lautaro Martinez might be out of their price range given the money that’s already been spent this summer but would further strengthen their title chances.
Aston Villa – Winger
Aston Villa’s only signing of the window so far has been Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester but central defender Pau Torres is also expected to join Unai Emery’s side from Villarreal.
The Villains could still do with some extra quality in the wide positions though. Harvey Barnes would have been an ideal signing but looks set for Newcastle, but with the Magpies reportedly wanting to shift Allan Saint-Maximin to make room for Barnes, there could be an opening for Villa to capitalise and sign the exciting Frenchman.
Federico Chiesa might be out of reach but would be a fantastic signing, as would Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen. A cheaper option might be Wilfried Gnonto, who impressed for Leeds last season.
Bournemouth – Central midfield
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Cherries surprised many people last season by staying up under Gary O’Neil, but it has been all change at the club this summer after O’Neil was surprisingly sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola.
Bournemouth’s survival was a great achievement but they must look to improve defensively under their new boss, having conceded the third most goals in the Premier League last season, and have also lost star midfielder Jefferson Lerma to Crystal Palace.
Strengthening in both central defence and midfield would help Bournemouth to build on last season but replacing Lerma is probably the most pressing issue currently. James Ward-Prowse might be too expensive but would be the ideal signing for the Cherries, while Leicester’s Wilfried Ndidi is another who fits the bill following Leicester’s relegation.
Brentford – Striker
The Bees have already been very active in the transfer market so far, making Kevin Schade’s loan move a permanent one and also adding goalkeeper Mark Flekken and centre-back Nathan Collins.
But with Ivan Toney set to miss half the season through suspension for admitting to breaching FA betting rules, boss Thomas Frank could do with a stop gap replacement at the least to try and provide some of what Toney brings to his team.
A target man type figure would be ideal, given their current options are better suited to running in behind. Viktor Gyokeres from Coventry would have made a lot of sense but looks set for Sporting CP, while Niclas Füllkrug of Werder Bremen could be an option albeit an expensive one. Perhaps Wout Weghorst could even do a short-term job following his return to Burnley after a loan spell at Man Utd.
Brighton – Central midfield
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter a superb campaign which saw the Seagulls qualify for Europa League football, it is unsurprising to see the big clubs circle once again for the club’s top talent. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has already joined Liverpool, while Moises Caicedo is also likely headed for the exit with Chelsea interested.
Adding to the central midfield will be key for Roberto de Zerbi if he wants to replicate or better his team’s achievements last season. James Ward-Prowse from Southampton, with his work rate and ability from set-pieces, would be a good acquisition, as would Conor Gallagher if Chelsea are willing to part ways with him.
But as so often with Brighton, it is the unheard of gems that they unearth which are the driver behind their success. That could be the case again.
Burnley – Striker
Back in the Premier League with Vincent Kompany in the dugout, Burnley’s squad still needs plenty of strengthening if they are to have a real go at survival, perhaps most of all up top. Wout Weghorst is back from his loan spell at Man Utd and could help, but the Clarets will likely still need at least another striker even if he stays.
Chuba Akpom had a brilliant season at Middlesbrough in the Championship, while Che Adams could be available following Southampton’s relegation. Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah or Folarin Balogun could be available but will likely cost a lot, so perhaps a loan move might work if Arsenal are willing. Alternatively, they could look to Europe to sign a striker.
Chelsea – Goalkeeper
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Blues are facing another summer of change following a mass exodus of players including Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, and another new manager in Mauricio Pochettino. Given the number of midfielders who have left, it is clearly an area which needs strengthening but the club look to be prioritising it already by pursuing a deal for Brighton’s Caicedo.
There has also been a lot of attention on the striker spot, though there has already been a fairly significant investment in that area with the addition of Nicolas Jackson. An area which has perhaps gone under the radar is the goalkeeper position.
Edouard Mendy has left the club, clearing the way for Kepa to be number one next season. But the Spaniard is yet to convince since moving to the club back in 2018 and a reliable goalkeeper will be crucial for Pochettino if he is to turn things around.
Hijacking Man Utd’s move for Andre Onana would certainly address this issue. Alternatively, AC Milan’s Mike Maignan or Porto’s Diogo Costa would be an upgrade. But how much they can afford to spend after a huge outlay in the previous two windows is questionable.
Crystal Palace – Winger
Embed from Getty ImagesRoy Hodgson has extended his long managerial career by agreeing to stay another year at Crystal Palace but will need to strengthen the squad if they are to avoid a relegation battle next season. Especially if talisman Wilfried Zaha opts to sign elsewhere.
Zaha is currently a free agent and has an offer to stay at Palace should he desire, but there will be big shoes to fill if he decides against staying in south London, and the Eagles will need to add a wide player who can make up for the loss of the creativity he provides.
This won’t be easy, especially on a tight budget, but someone like Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto or Callum Hudson-Odoi could make sense while also hoping the likes of Ebere Eze and Michael Olise continue to improve in Zaha’s absence.
Everton – Striker
Embed from Getty ImagesEverton stayed up by the skin of their teeth last season but Sean Dyche is likely facing another relegation battle unless the squad can be massively improved, which will be difficult given the financial issues at the club.
The priority for the Toffees should be a striker, given that they were forced to play much of last season without one due to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s continued injury problems, while Ellis Simms has also moved to Coventry City.
There are limited striking options on a tight budget so a loan move might be better, perhaps for Arsenal’s Nketiah or Balogun, or maybe Danny Ings should his game time at West Ham continue to be limited. Southampton’s Che Adams could also be worth a go if they can persuade the Championship club to sell.
Fulham – Full-back
Fulham enjoyed a fantastic first season back in the top flight by finishing 10th, but following a few departures Marco Silva needs to reinforce the squad, including at full-back.
Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson are solid options as starting full-backs but other than that, Kevin Mbabu’s struggles and Layvin Kurzawa’s return to PSG means they are lacking options in that area.
Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton would be a great option, or Max Aarons of Norwich given their versatility to play both on the right and left.
