With the summer transfer window closing at 23:00 BST on Friday, football writer Alex Keble looks at the areas that clubs might look to strengthen with late signings.
Arsenal
Arsenal were thought to be in the market for a striker this summer, but the pre-season form of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz’s goalscoring start to the campaign has put those plans on ice. Mikel Arteta might just be a little short of cover for Bukayo Saka.
Players linked by media: Nico Williams, Simon Adingra.
Mikel Arteta: “We are a little bit short [in attack]. If we can do something we will do it, but at the moment we love the ones we have. They are really, really good.”
Top transfers in: Riccardo Calafiori, David Raya, Mikel Merino.
Aston Villa
An injury to Matty Cash has made Unai Emery’s search for a new right-back more urgent. Villa have needed an upgrade there all summer because Emery wants Ezri Konsa to play a central role this season as he looks to change Villa’s structure when building out from the back.
Players linked by media: Lutsharel Geertruida, Trevoh Chalobah.
Unai Emery: “Maybe we will need time to be stronger, and this week we are going to analyse if there’s something we can add.”
Top transfers in: Ian Maatsen, Enzo Barrenechea, Samuel Iling-Junior, Ross Barkley, Jaden Philogene, Amadou Onana, Kane Taylor.
AFC Bournemouth
After signing striker Evanilson to replace Dominic Solanke, Bournemouth don’t have much left to do, and they look to have replaced 35-year-old goalkeeper Neto after bringing in Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. The Cherries conceded 7.9 goals more than their 58.1 Expected Goals (xG) tally last season, the fourth-biggest underperformance in the league.
Players linked by media: Aaron Ramsdale.
Andoni Iraola: “I know that the club is working on a lot of things right now, but I cannot talk about players that are not ours.”
Top transfers in: Luis Sinisterra, Enes Unal, Alex Paulsen, Daniel Jebbison, Dean Huijsen, Julian Araujo, Evanilson, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Brentford
Long-term injuries to both Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey leave Brentford in a spot of bother in the full-back positions. They will prioritise that position no matter what happens with Ivan Toney, who is out of contract next summer, over the next few days.
Players linked by media: Michael Kayode.
Thomas Frank: “I am always happy when the window is shut.”
Top transfers in: Igor Thiago, Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, Gustavo Nunes.
Brighton & Hove Albion
With the arrival of Ferdi Kadioglu resolving their full-back issues, Brighton might aim to add some experience at centre-back. Mats Hummels was targeted earlier in the summer, but he now looks set for a move to Spain.
Players linked by media: Olivier Boscagli.
Fabian Hurzeler: “Yes and yes,” was his response when asked if Billy Gilmour was available for selection and was expected to stay at Brighton.
Top transfers in: Ibrahim Osman, Yankuba Minteh, Mats Wieffer, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Malick Yalcouye, Brajan Gruda, Georginio Rutter, Matt O'Riley, Ferdi Kadioglu.
Chelsea
Despite another remarkably busy transfer window, Chelsea are still in the market for at least one more player.
Enzo Maresca would like to add a striker to give Nicolas Jackson competition, despite the return of Joao Felix after his loan spell with Chelsea in 2022/23.
Players linked by media: Victor Osimhen, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ivan Toney, Jadon Sancho.
Enzo Maresca: “If we have the chance to bring in a No 9 that can help us and make the difference, then we are going to try.”
Top transfers in: Pedro Neto, Filip Jorgensen, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Aaron Anselmino, Joao Felix, Omari Kellyman.
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner will be relieved when the transfer window closes. Should Eddie Nketiah arrive from Arsenal, it means Palace need to focus on recruiting centre-backs following the sale of Joachim Andersen and the possible departure of Marc Guehi, who has been heavily linked with Newcastle United.
Players linked by media: Maxence Lacroix.
Oliver Glasner: “We have Jesurun [Rak-Sakyi] and David [Ozoh] on loan, we didn’t extend Jairo [Riedewald] and [James] Tomkins and we sold two. We’ve lost seven and brought in three. It doesn’t mean we need four more but it’s clear we have to get at least two more players into the squad.”
Top transfers in: Chadi Riad, Daichi Kamada, Ismaila Sarr.
Everton
Sean Dyche has made it clear there is no money to spend, but after being hit hard down the flanks by Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton already this season, supporters will hope they can bring in a full-back or two on loan.
Attacks against Everton in first two matches
Players linked by media: Kieran Trippier, Orel Mangala.
Sean Dyche: “Until I'm told different, there isn't any finance to go and change things. This is what we are.”
Top transfers in: Tim Iroegbunam, Jack Harrison, Omari Benjamin, Iliman Ndiaye, Jake O'Brien, Asmir Begovic.
Fulham
Willian’s departure has left Fulham in need of a dribbling, forward-thinking winger who can help them take advantage of counter-attacking opportunities. Greater creativity is needed out wide to relieve pressure on Emile Smith Rowe and Andreas Pereira.
Players linked by media: Rayan Cherki.
Marco Silva: “We need one, definitely. We lost Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Willian in that position and didn’t sign any player in that position. We are working hard to achieve it.”
Top transfers in: Emile Smith Rowe, Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca, Sander Berge, Joachim Andersen.
Ipswich Town
Ipswich need more firepower because despite the signing of Liam Delap, they arguably don’t have enough Premier League quality in the final third. Without new additions, goalscoring could be a big problem for them.
Players linked by media: Armando Broja.
Kieran McKenna: “We want to be really strong in those [forward] areas and have good depth. We want to add different qualities that we think can help us be successful in the Premier League, so we’re continuing to look at that.”
Top transfers in: Omari Hutchinson, Ben Johnson, Jacob Greaves, Liam Delap, Arijanet Muric, Conor Townsend, Sam Szmodics, Kalvin Phillips, Jens Cajuste, Jack Clarke, Dara O'Shea, Chiedozie Ogbene.
Leicester City
Like Ipswich, Leicester need to sign forwards with Premier League experience. Jamie Vardy’s goal against Spurs only papered over the cracks, and the 37-year-old cannot be relied upon all season; Leicester's xG at Fulham last weekend was just 0.6.
Players linked by media: Wilfried Zaha, Steven Bergwijn.
Steve Cooper: “We’ve been very clear in terms of what would be good, but there’s not an order to it. I was close to being convinced we were adding two attacking players, but it didn’t play out as we hoped.”
Top transfers in: Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Michael Golding, Caleb Okoli, Abdul Fatawu, Facundo Buonanotte, Oliver Skipp, Jordan Ayew, Bilal El Khannouss.
Liverpool
Although continuity is often underrated during the transfer window, it would have been unusual if the Arne Slot revolution had begun without a single summer signing, with Juventus winger Federico Chiesa becoming his first addition on Thursday. Reported attempts to sign Martin Zubimendi, who opted to stay at Real Sociedad, suggests Slot also wants a No 6 in midfield.
Players linked by media: Ederson
Arne Slot: “If a deal is done then you will hear from us. Until that moment, we don't speak about transfers or players that are not ours.”
Top transfers in: Federico Chiesa
Manchester City
Re-signing Ilkay Gundogan has solved a couple of problems at once for Pep Guardiola, who got the central midfield upgrade he needed as well as an attacking midfielder who can cover for Julian Alvarez, who has departed to Atletico Madrid. Having said that, back-up for striker Erling Haaland wouldn’t go amiss.
Players linked by media: Kyogo Furuhashi.
Pep Guardiola: “I don’t know what’s going to happen. Maybe something happens in terms of injuries – hopefully not – or the market provides something unexpected that financially suits, or tactically. Right now I don’t think so.”
Top transfers in: Savinho, Ilkay Gundogan.
Manchester United
The reported arrival of defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain perhaps signals the end of Man Utd’s summer window, and certainly there won’t be any more big-name signings through the door. However, Luke Shaw’s injury problems mean a back-up left-back is on the cards and Chelsea's Ben Chilwell has reportedly been considered.
Players linked by media: Mario Hermoso, Ben Chilwell, Manuel Ugarte.
Erik ten Hag: “Just be patient, just sit and wait. We are working very hard and we will always try to make the best squad possible. So we have a couple of days [left] and the approach will always be improvement. As long as we have the opportunity, we will look for it.”
Top transfers in: Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui.
Newcastle United
Should Newcastle bring Guehi in from Palace, if the rumours are true, it is highly unlikely that they will have the funds to strengthen elsewhere, but if they do then a right-winger would be ideal. Miguel Almiron managed just four Premier League goal involvements last season, and Jacob Murphy has started the first two matches of the season.
Players linked by media: Marc Guehi
Eddie Howe: “In terms of incomings, that work is still going on behind the scenes. Everyone is working hard to try and improve the squad.”
Top transfers in: Lloyd Kelly, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lewis Hall, John Ruddy, Miodrag Pivas, William Osula.
Nottingham Forest
Chris Wood is a dependable No 9 but there is a feeling inside Nott'm Forest that a more dynamic striker would better complement wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga. Having reportedly missed out on Arsenal's Nketiah, clearly Forest have the money to spend.
Players linked by media: Santiago Gimenez
Nuno Espirito Santo: “There are so many things going on in the transfer window - surprise moves from all the teams. All the clubs in the Premier League are looking at these final days to get the final details right. As long as we are the same, I will be OK. But let’s see what happens.”
Top transfers in: Marko Stamenic, Eric da Silva Moreira, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Miguel, Nikola Milenkovic, Shae Cahill, Jota Silva, Ramon Sosa, Alex Moreno, David Carmo.
Southampton
Southampton need a striker. They have already brought in Cameron Archer this summer, but clearly a more experienced goalscorer is needed, given that they failed to score from 19 shots against Newcastle on the opening weekend.
Players linked by media: Danny Ings, Yuri Alberto.
Russell Martin: “In terms of incomings and outgoings, I would expect us to be still a bit busy between now and the end.”
Top transfers in: Adam Lallana, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara, Flynn Downes, Kuryu Matsuki, Ben Brereton Diaz, Cameron Archer, Lesley Ugochukwu, Mateus Fernandes.
Tottenham Hotspur
Although Ange Postecoglou will be happy with his squad depth after making five strong signings this summer, one area Spurs might look to improve is central defence, where injuries seriously hurt their challenge for UEFA Champions League qualification last season.
Players linked by media: Andreas Christensen.
Ange Postecoglou: “Look, we’ll see. There’s still time in the window and I think there’ll still be some activity.”
Top transfers in: Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Dominic Solanke, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner.
West Ham United
Niclas Fullkrug joined this summer after West Ham reportedly failed to meet Villa’s asking price for Jhon Duran, but it looks as though Julen Lopetegui is still searching for another striker. Ings and Michail Antonio aren’t getting any younger, and with so much talent in midfield and out wide, a reliable goalscorer could make a huge difference.
Players linked by media: Tammy Abraham.
Julen Lopetegui: “In this time before the market closes, it’s still uncertain who might come into the club and who might leave. We have to adapt, but the competition is tough.”
Top transfers in: Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman, Wes Foderingham, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez, Jean-Clair Todibo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Max Kilman’s sale to West Ham left a gaping hole in the Wolves defence that they are yet to fill, and the search for a new centre-back might get a little bit frantic after reported long-term target Dara O’Shea moved to Ipswich.
Players linked by media: Anel Ahmedhodzic.
Gary O'Neil: “We'll see if it's a break-even window by the time it shuts. We have raised some good funds and hopefully we can use them well in the next few days.”
Top transfers in: Pedro Lima, Tommy Doyle, Rodrigo Gomes, Jorgen Strand Larsen.
