Headline: Premier League Clubs Assess Final Transfer Needs Ahead of Deadline
The Premier League’s first weekend is behind us, but teams face another week in the transfer window to finalize their rosters. Managers and sporting directors have gathered insights from their opening matches, identifying key areas that require bolstering, as well as players that may no longer fit into their plans.
With the transfer window set to close on Tuesday, September 1, at 23:00 BST, BBC Sport examines the requirements of each top-flight club while allowing fans to express their opinions.
The reigning Premier League champions have fortified their midfield with Bruno Guimaraes, added to their wings with Christos Tzolis, and strengthened their defense by securing Ezri Konsa. However, Arsenal remains on the lookout for a forward, holding a long-standing interest in Julian Alvarez. The pursuit appears challenging due to various factors, but the Gunners are poised to act if the opportunity arises.
Aston Villa has had a tumultuous summer with significant player departures. With Ollie Watkins’ transfer saga involving Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, the club seeks a replacement, eyeing Nicolas Jackson. Additionally, Villa looks to sign a winger and a defender following Konsa’s move to Arsenal. They have initiated negotiations for Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez after failing bids for Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Bournemouth, accustomed to higher-profile interest for players like Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott, aims to navigate the final days of the window without significant exits. While they are closing in on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, they remain firm on not selling their star talents.
Brentford is in a favorable position, having bolstered their squad effectively. They are considering a left-back, with West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf linked, but there’s no rush since they have versatile options available.
Brighton anticipates potential departures, including Yankuba Minteh to Liverpool. The club may seek to enhance their attacking lineup further, particularly should Carlos Baleba exit for Manchester United. Brighton’s chairman, Tony Bloom, emphasized the need for continual evolution in their approach to recruitment.
Chelsea fans are hoping for a marquee forward or a goalkeeper, as their current keeper, Robert Sanchez, has not convinced. Yet, manager Xabi Alonso feels satisfied with the existing squad. The primary focus now is trimming the squad from 39 to around 25 players in the coming week.
Coventry City is pursuing Mykhailo Mudryk, whose career is looking to revive post-suspension. They also need defensive cover as they explore options like Luke Woolfenden for potential loans.
Crystal Palace is bolstering their squad for a Europa League push, needing another senior center-back after losing Maxence Lacroix and with injuries influencing their decisions.
Everton urgently seeks a recognized right-back to address a long-standing issue, despite challenges in securing a target. They might also consider adding another striker in light of uncertainties surrounding Beto and Thierno Barry.
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa is content with recent signings but sees potential for improvement, specifically in the central defense. The club is also investigating the possibility of adding a right winger to compensate for the goal-scoring prowess lost with Harry Wilson’s exit.
Hull City remains active in the market, targeting forward signings such as Mohamed Ali-Cho and Ilyas Ansah, while also looking to strengthen other positions including a goalkeeper and midfielders.
Ipswich Town has made significant personnel investments, spending over £150 million on 12 signings since their Premier League return. They expect further activity, focusing on acquiring a striker and a midfielder.
Leeds United may pursue a loan deal for Mykhailo Mudryk but are also assessing alternatives after their high-profile purchase of James Trafford. Additional backup for key forwards is also on their radar.
Liverpool continues to prioritize wingers in the wake of their recent shortcomings, with at least one or two expected to arrive. The team might also need to address gaps in defensive midfield as they aim to strengthen their lineup.
Manchester City is prepared for a bustling conclusion to the transfer window, potentially bringing in multiple names to fill gaps left by departing players. They are actively pursuing deals for several key targets, including Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille and Allan from Palmeiras.
Manchester United anticipates the arrival of Carlos Baleba, thereby completing their midfield objectives. The focus will now shift to enhancing their left-back position as they look at various players to compete with Luke Shaw.
Nottingham Forest is exploring options as they aim to bolster their squad with additional signings, particularly in the striker and full-back roles.
Finally, Sunderland seeks to fill their right-wing position and possibly strengthen their striker options following a key player’s departure.
As clubs finalize their ambitions ahead of the transfer deadline, the coming days promise to be pivotal in shaping their fortunes for the remainder of the season.
The first weekend of the Premier League season is complete but clubs still have one week of the transfer window remaining to secure last-minute squad additions.
Results are one thing but for many managers and sporting directors their opening match was an eye-opener in what positions need to be strengthened, who is no longer needed and what gaps still need to be plugged.
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With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, 1 September at 23:00 BST, BBC Sport takes a look at what each top-flight club still needs and fans also have their say.
Alex Howell, football reporter
The Premier League champions have already strengthened the middle of the pitch with Bruno Guimaraes, the wing with Christos Tzolis and their defence with Ezri Konsa.
But Arsenal are still in the market for a forward and have a long-standing interest in Julian Alvarez.
Although it appears to be a difficult deal due to many factors, the Gunners will be ready to act if there is a chance to get it done.
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Watson, Arsenal fan
If you want someone who is Premier League proven, who has won it all from the World Cup to the Champions League, Julian Alvarez looks like the guy that can take Arsenal to the promise land of finally getting over the line in Europe. Especially when there aren’t that many elite forwards in the world.
Nick Mashiter, football reporter
What don’t Aston Villa need after a raft of star departures this summer?
Ollie Watkins’ transfer saga, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal trying to sign the striker, leaves Villa looking for a likely replacement with Nicolas Jackson a target.
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A winger is also on the agenda while they need a defender after Ezri Konsa’s move to Arsenal, and have opened talks for Club Brugge central defender Joel Ordonez after bids for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis were rejected.
Amy Finley, Aston Villa fan
It is clear Aston Villa desperately require a striker more than anything right now.
Although I massively rate Victor Lindelof and Pau Torres, the display against Brighton has worried me slightly.
Therefore, I would welcome another centre-back as well.
It looks like we will be OK in midfield once Johan Manzambi is fit and with the addition of Leon Goretzka.
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Nizaar Kinsella, football reporter
Bournemouth are used to being picked off and will simply be hoping to come through the final eight days of the transfer window unscathed.
It is clear that big clubs are circling for forward Eli Junior Kroupi and midfielder Alex Scott, who the Cherries insist are not for sale.
In terms of incomings, Bournemouth are largely done as they close in on a move for Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
Phil McNulty, chief football writer
Brentford are in the fortunate position of being able to choose their deals carefully after some excellent squad strengthening.
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The Bees have been looking at left-back, with West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf strongly linked, but it hardly seems a matter of urgency with Keane Lewis-Potter able to play as a wing-back with Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey also in the mix.
There is experienced striking cover in the shape of former England international Callum Wilson and an all-round depth to Keith Andrews’ squad that was missing last season.
Do not expect it to be a hectic closing few days in the transfer window.
Michael Johnston, Brentford fan
Another forward option – particularly down the left – would take this window for Brentford from a nine to a 10 out of 10.
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Mykhailo Mudryk’s name has been doing the rounds in recent weeks and Brentford have history there, having chased him prior to his move to Chelsea.
Get someone like Mudryk in, and I don’t think the transfer window could’ve gone much better for Andrews.
Simon Stone, football reporter
It is anticipated Yankuba Minteh will leave for Liverpool, which might create space at Brighton for another forward and Carlos Baleba’s impending exit for Manchester United may see the club make a move for midfield reinforcements.
It is possible there may be other exits but, as usual, Brighton will stick to their data driven recruitment plan.
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“We must continue to evolve, invest and innovate while remaining true to the principles that have brought us this far,” was chairman Tony Bloom’s message to fans before the 4-0 win against Aston Villa.
Maz Mirzadeh, Brighton fan
With Baleba’s anticipated departure and Minteh looking likely that he might leave as well, we need to bring a defensive midfielder who can bring a physical presence to our midfield and a winger who is proven at the top level.
We have a lot of games this season with European football, so we need to have the squad depth to compete on all fronts if we want to secure a top-10 finish again.
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Chelsea
Nizaar Kinsella, football reporter
Chelsea supporters may want another star forward or a new goalkeeper to replace the unconvincing Robert Sanchez, but Xabi Alonso feels his squad is largely complete for this summer.
However, there is a huge amount of work to do to reduce the squad from 39 players to around 25 within the next eight days. That is the priority, as the Blues will not want frustrated players in their squad this season.
Savage Dan, Chelsea fan
Chelsea need to focus more on the outgoings than incoming players.
With no Europe it’s important we do not carry a squad that’s too heavy, as we won’t have too much room for rotation.
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If we were to bring anybody in, I think the priority is a top-drawer goalkeeper.
Coventry City
Nick Mashiter, football reporter
Coventry are in the hunt for Mykhailo Mudryk as the Chelsea winger looks to get his career back on track after serving a 20 month suspension for testing positive for banned substance meldonium.
Defensive cover is also likely to be needed by Frank Lampard while players like Luke Woolfenden could leave on loan.
Conna Chahal, Coventry fan
Honestly, I think we have done enough in the transfer window to build a team that can stay up in this league.
Alex Howell, football reporter
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There has been a lot of change at Palace with the loss of Maxence Lacroix and a new manager starting the season in Pierre Sage.
The Eagles have been building depth for their Europa League campaign but still need a few bodies in the building.
Sage has made clear he wants a senior centre-back and Palace could be pushed to sign another defender too after the injury to Chadi Riad in the first game of the Premier League season against Everton.
Ollie Thomas, Crystal Palace fan
Riad’s injury has amplified the need for another centre-back who is first-team ready.
Axel Disasi is a good start, but a bigger, permanent move would be great. That, plus a central midfielder, and we are set.
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Everton
Phil McNulty, chief football writer
Everton simply must sign a recognised right-back before the window shuts. It has been a glaring problem for more than a year.
It is a weakness recognised by everyone at the club but either a prime target cannot be agreed upon or is out of reach.
Talented midfielder Merlin Rohl took on the job for the opening game against Crystal Palace, while Jake O’Brien and James Garner have also been pressed into service.
Time to finally make a decision and get one in. Maybe David Moyes will also look at adding another striker with questions still hanging over Beto and Thierno Barry.
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Chelsea outcast Liam Delap is one name regularly linked with Everton.
Nizaar Kinsella, football reporter
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been clear that he is happy with the club’s business so far, but more could be done to make his squad more balanced.
There have been attempts to sign an additional central defender, with a move for Rennes’ Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal explored two weeks ago, and that could be a key area the Cottagers look to strengthen.
This is a club that does not operate at the very top end of the transfer market and one that enjoys a deadline-day deal.
John Charles, Fulham fan
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It still feels like Fulham need a right winger – whether that is sticking with Oscar Bobb or providing serious competition for him – I think we need to cover for the loss of Harry Wilson’s goals.
We also need a right-sided centre-back as there are serious concerns over how Joachim Anderson will fit Arbeloa’s new system.
Hull City
Jonty Colman, journalist
It has already been a busy summer for Hull City’s recruitment team but the ambitious Tigers are still working on adding two new forwards in Mohamed Ali-Cho and Ilyas Ansah.
There has also been interest from the club in Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia, although that deal has taken longer than hoped after the La Liga side raised their valuation of the 20-year-old. Stoke City’s Sorba Thomas is also a player of interest.
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A goalkeeper, midfielder and right-back also could be on the agenda for Sergej Jakirovic’s side in the final week of the window.
Ryan Frankish, Hull fan
Over the next week, if we bring in a left winger, one more striker – assuming the Ali-Cho deal also gets completed – a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and a right-back to add depth and challenge Lewie Coyle for the starting spot, we will be in a strong position to compete.
Ipswich Town
Nick Mashiter, football reporter
Ipswich have spent over £150m on 12 new signings since returning to the Premier League.
Boss Gary O’Neil expects more, though, and a striker and a midfielder could arrive at Portman Road.
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Fringe players like Anis Memeti could leave as O’Neil shapes his squad.
Simon Stone, football reporter
Having pushed the boat out to sign James Trafford from Manchester City, big money signings are probably off the agenda for Leeds in the last week of the window.
They are interested in taking Mykhailo Mudryk on loan but have not been able to strike a deal with the London club as yet as they are looking at other left wingers.
Leeds are also considering back-up options for forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha and have also been linked with Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, if Lucas Perri joins Torino on loan as expected.
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Lewis Deighton, Leeds fan
Leeds have had a great transfer window but they badly need another left-footed left-back as cover for Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Beyond that, perhaps another forward or creative midfielder to contend with Harry Wilson, Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor.
Liverpool
Aadam Patel, football reporter
As has been the case for most of the summer, Liverpool’s priority remains the wide attacking areas and the expectation is that at least one and maybe two wingers will come in over the coming week.
Andoni Iraola said that personnel was not the issue when it came to defensive midfielders, the manner in which his side conceded twice at Newcastle would suggest that it would be wise to address Liverpool’s deficiencies in that department.
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Nahyan Chowdhury, Liverpool fan
It is no secret Liverpool have been actively looking in the market for wingers – Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye and Yankuba Minteh – and Sunday’s display against Newcastle cemented that with Rio Ngumoha looking uncomfortable on the right.
However, the performance also showed Liverpool may need a defensive midfielder to plug the huge disconnect between the defence and midfield, especially on the counter attack.
Liverpool fans have been crying out for a Fabinho replacement since his departure, but it could be too late with a week to go.
Manchester City
Shamoon Hafez, football reporter
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Manchester City could well be one of the busiest sides to do business in the remaining days of the transfer window.
With Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez seemingly on their way out, there will be gaps in the squad which will need addressing.
A deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi has been agreed with Lille, and with Palmeiras for winger Allan, while BBC Sport has been told winger Pedro Neto remains of interest and speculation around signing Chelsea team-mate Enzo Fernandez continues.
Director of football Hugo Viana may have his hands full in these coming days.
Steven McInerney, Manchester City fan
City need numbers. We have let go of so many players, with Savinho, Omar Marmoush and maybe Nico Gonzalez set to follow Rodri out of the door alongside several others this summer.
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It is essential that City bring in three or four new names before the deadline, with two of them being midfielders.
Manchester United
Simon Stone, football reporter
Carlos Baleba’s imminent arrival will complete the midfield recruitment, now all eyes are on the left-back situation and whether Manchester United bring in someone to compete with Luke Shaw.
The club has a long-standing interest in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, but are also assessing Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and have been heavily linked with Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander.
It is also possible they bring in another forward but that probably depends on one of their existing ones leaving, with Joshua Zirkzee the most likely.
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Jay Motty, Manchester United fan
A left-back is essential and this is not just a knee-jerk reaction to the defeat at Hull City – you can see United are short in that position.
We can not realistically expect Luke Shaw to play every game this season and there are still doubts as to whether Michael Carrick trusts Patrick Dorgu in defence.
Ciaran Kelly, football reporter
Newcastle United’s young signings did not look fazed when they faced Liverpool on their Premier League debuts at the weekend.
Manager Matthias Jaissle could still use another midfielder with some top-flight nous, though, after Newcastle sold Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, and the club are progressing with a move for Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez.
Beyond that, bringing in a mobile and versatile forward who could chip in would help ease the burden on William Osula and Yoane Wissa.
Nick Mashiter, football reporter
Nottingham Forest are still working on deals after only bringing in three new faces so far this summer.
A striker and a full-back would be ideal with the club in talks for Chelsea’s Liam Delap, while Fiorentina right-back Dodo is of interest.
Boss Oliver Glasner has played down the need for midfield reinforcements, despite Elliot Anderson’s departure to Manchester City.
Matthew Henry, journalist
With the signings of French full-back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse and Antwerp midfielder Jules Ahoka over the line, the obvious position Sunderland still need to fill is right wing.
Sporting’s Geny Catamo is the name most heavily linked.
Asked about reported interest from the Premier League, Sporting boss Rui Borges insisted Catamo is “happy” at the Portuguese club, but we have seen before that does not necessarily mean much.
Given Eliezer Mayenda has left, meaning Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor are the club’s only first-team strikers, another forward who plays through the middle is probably needed.
Phil McNulty, chief football writer
Spurs have strengthened by spending heavily in the summer, but if Dominic Solanke is not going to be used regularly as a main striker, then this is where Roberto de Zerbi must look next.
Richarlison took the starting role in the opening weekend loss at Brentford, and while a deal for Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush is progressing, is this actually his best role?
Kish Patel, Tottenham fan
Tottenham desperately need forward players who can turn De Zerbi’s quick attacks into decisive moments.
Currently Spurs have the players to play through pressure but don’t have the players to maximise the situations this creates.
A winger and a striker who can improve us will be a drastic upgrade.
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