We’re just over a week away from the end of the summer transfer window, which normally means an increase in terms of how urgent clubs are getting with any late business they have planned. The opening games of the season often reinvigorate that sense of urgency and this campaign appears to be no different, despite fairly positive results for the Premier League’s top six apart from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom failed to make it managed to achieve victories. It looks like the competition will be strong in the upper echelons of the EPL this season and we take a look at what the big six might need between now and next week’s deadline.
Honorable mentions
Although not yet part of the widely recognized big six, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have arguably earned that status in recent years, ahead of Chelsea and possibly Tottenham, given their improved positions under Unai Emery and Eddie Howe respectively. For the Villans, the situation remains simple: they still need a reliable backup goalkeeper for Emiliano Martinez and an attacking reinforcement to play alongside or alternate with Ollie Watkins. Joao Felix is now out of the picture for the Birmingham attacking giants, but Wojciech Szczesny could be an option between the sticks, but Villarreal CF also appear keen. As for the Magpies, Marc Guehi was their main target this window to strengthen the defense and talks remain ongoing with Joe Gomez, a possible alternative to the England international from Crystal Palace.
Manchester city
Pep Guardiola’s men look pretty evenly matched at the moment, despite speculation linking them with an attempt to bring Ilkay Gundogan back to the Barcelona club. Instead, the main area of interest for the defending champions should be a back-up striker after Julian Alvarez’s departure, while Erling Haaland’s fitness may now be decisive in whether City will succeed or fail this season. Another position to keep an eye on is goalkeeper in case Ederson makes a late move, as seemed possible earlier this summer. Liverpool have also been linked with Valencia CF’s Giorgi Mamardashvili as a replacement for Alisson, but it is difficult to imagine the Georgian international playing second fiddle to someone who would need an automatic starting role or a loan to a club looking for a new number one needs. 1, albeit only for one season.
Arsenal
Goalkeeping options appear to be a common problem for Premier League clubs, with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners also facing this problem if Aaron Ramsdale is allowed to leave while Wolverhampton Wanderers are now interested. A back-up for David Raya means Arsenal could find themselves in a similar situation to Villa, where they are looking for a back-up option rather than a starter and those types of options are limited – especially at this late stage. The Londoners could also find themselves in a similar attacking situation if Eddie Nketiah is allowed to leave after being linked with moves that are all windows away. Arteta will not sign lightly and will not rush into business, but could feel the squad is short-changed in one or two areas if both Ramsdale and Nketiah leave the Emirates Stadium in a week’s time. There is also the subject of the Spanish tactician’s interest in Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, while Liverpool are in the hunt for another Txuri-Urdin star in Martin Zubimendi.
Liverpool
The Reds have shown their hand a bit with Martin Zubimendi now opting to stay at Real Sociedad rather than join Arne Slot’s new project. The Spain international turned heads at this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024, but the new Dutch tactician is still getting to know his side and midfield is clearly the area he believes could use a boost. Whether or not Liverpool go back to make another move for the Basque star or possibly move for Mikel Merino, who Arsenal have been linked with very recently, it doesn’t seem like Slot will be rushing into any signings. The Reds have also attracted interest in Mamardashvili from Valencia CF as a long-term replacement for Alisson, which could involve a loan spell at Bournemouth, but no move has been made on that front so far.
Manchester United
The Red Devils have been looking for a new defensive midfielder all summer and Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte remains interesting. The Uruguayan international ticks many of the boxes that Erik ten Hag needs in this United team, while Jadon Sancho remains clearly on the periphery and is important for the French giants. There is clearly a potential deal possible and the only question is whether or not the two clubs can reach a deal that both sides consider fair, with Ugarte and Sancho swapping places. It certainly looks like it will take one in and one out to get this over the line, after a lengthy period of talks between United and PSG.
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou has clearly identified his central midfield as a concern after seeing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leave for Olympique de Marseille and then Rodrigo Bentancur injured against Leicester City. While Hojbjerg may not be the biggest loss, an injury to Bentancur could have disastrous consequences for Spurs given Yves Bissouma’s disciplinary issue, which recently saw him marginalized by Postecoglou for his off-the-field behavior. At least one new option could be needed next week if Tottenham are to avoid another busy January transfer window.
Chelsea
With Joao Felix coming in, someone really needs to reach out to the Blues’ bloated squad. With Raheem Sterling coming out and speaking publicly before a ball has even been kicked this season and Enzo Maresca hinting that a number of players won’t get the minutes they need, the only possible need for Chelsea between now and a cull next week. causing a number of senior options to leave, so that the composition of the team starts to make some sense. Right now the London team is a mess both on and off the pitch, but they keep spending money and players keep joining them.
