There is exactly one month left until the end of the summer transfer window. Despite the Premier League starting on 21 August, clubs will have until 1 September to finalise their squads. Journalist Andrey Dyumin from BritBall.Net has analysed one position that each of the 20 Premier League clubs needs to strengthen in the coming weeks.
Top Premier League clubs: seeking balance and star signings
Arsenal – Central midfielder
While the press discusses Arsenal's interest in Vinicius Junior, the team is in greater need of reinforcement in midfield. Declan Rice is overloaded, Martin Subimendi is inconsistent, and Myles Lewis-Skelly is not yet fully trusted in the holding role. Their main transfer target remains Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle.
Chelsea – Goalkeeper
Under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea have conducted a significant recruitment campaign, yet questions remain about their goalkeeper position. Robert Sanchez has shown improvement, but he is not at the level required for top ambitions. The club needs an elite-class goalkeeper.
Liverpool – Winger
After Mohamed Salah's departure, the Merseysiders signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but he predominantly plays on the left. The club desperately needs a right winger. The leading candidate remains Bradley Barcola from PSG, although this deal would require substantial financial outlay.
Manchester City – Right-back
Following the departures of Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Bernardo Silva before Enzo Maresca's debut season, City requires a specialist right-back. Converted midfielder Matheus Nunes and young Rico Lewis are only temporary solutions, with the club eyeing Malo Gusto and Tino Livramento.
Manchester United – Defensive midfielder
The arrival of Youri Tielemans and Andre Santos hasn't solved the issue of lacking a direct destroyer in the mould of Casemiro. For balance, Michael Carrick's team requires a physically strong midfielder. Key candidates are Carlos Baleba and Manu Kone.
Tottenham – Winger
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs have had a solid campaign, signing Sandro Tonali and Andy Robertson. However, their attack’s flanks are depleted due to the injuries of Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobere. Signing a goal-scoring winger is a priority.
European challengers and mid-table clubs
Aston Villa – Left-back
Following the departures of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, the Birmingham side risks losing Lucas Digne, who is returning to PSG. Unai Emery will only have Ian Maatsen left, which is clearly insufficient for Champions League competition.
Brighton & Hove Albion – Central striker
The exit of Danny Welbeck to Chelsea has left a gap in the forward line. Fabian Hürtzeler is left with three forwards under the age of 22. The club needs a proven goalscorer for Conference League play.
Bournemouth – Winger
With the potential departure of Ryan and the burden of Europa League play, new manager Marco Rose lacks attacking depth following Antoine Semenyo's winter sale.
Crystal Palace – Centre-back
The loss of Marc Guehi in January and the departure of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea have put Pierre Saja in a difficult position. After a failed deal for Chrislen Matsima, the club requires at least two centre-backs.
Everton – Defensive midfielder
The free departure of Idrissa Gueye forces David Moyes to search for a classic holder. For the defensive style of the Toffees, having an elite midfielder is critically important.
Newcastle United – Left-back
Following Eddie Howe's dismissal and the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, a possible transfer of Lewis Hall to Manchester United leaves the Magpies without left-backs.
Nottingham Forest – Central midfielder
The exit of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City necessitates an urgent replacement. The priority candidate is Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham.
Strugglers and newcomers fighting for survival
Brentford – Left-back
Ongoing injuries to Rico Henry and Kien Lewis-Potter's unnatural position force Keith Andrews to seek a classic left-back.
Coventry City – Left-back
Following the goalkeeper deal for Karl Rashford, Frank Lampard needs an experienced defender capable of competing against Premier League wingers.
Fulham – Winger
After the departures of Harry Wilson and Samuel Chukwueze, Alvaro Arbeloa is left with only Oscar Bobb and Kevin. The flanks urgently require pace.
Hull City – Winger
The club's owner, Adjun Ilijali, has promised another eight signings. The main target for the attacking flanks is Leon Bailey from Aston Villa.
Ipswich Town – Central midfielder
Gary O’Neil is awaiting the completion of a deal for Florentino Luis from Burnley, but the squad's issues compel the club to seek another midfielder.
Leeds United – Central striker
The injury-prone Dominic Calvert-Lewin cannot be relied upon alone, while Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piro do not guarantee the necessary goal return.
Sunderland – Left-back
Regis Le Bris is preparing the team for an unexpected European campaign, where 32-year-olds Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku will require quality upgrades.
