Arsenal:
A lot of Arsenal’s transfer window activity is dependent on whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs a new contract. The 31-year-old Gabonese striker has just one year left on his contract and Arsenal may look to cash out this summer if they are unable to reach an agreement. Aubameyang won his side 20 points last season, replacing his impact could prove to be a difficult task for the Gunners. Arsenal have already completed the signing of Willian on a free transfer, he will provide competition for the Gunners' record signing last summer Nicolas Pepe.
The club is in need of some creativity in midfield, not one single Arsenal player featured in the top 20 for chances created in the league last season. When Arteta was asked about the prospect of signing creative players, he said, "That is one of the areas we can improve, but also, how important those players are will depend on the way we are going to attack, because some different teams do it differently." It’s clear that they have set their eyes on bringing in a defensive midfielder with their pursuit of Thomas Partey. With Dani Ceballos returning back to Real Madrid, Matteo Guendouzi being frozen out and Ozil seeming to not be in Arteta’s long term plans, Arsenal will be looking to bring a box to box midfielder this summer. Arsenal seem destined to bring in a centre-back, Sokratis has been frozen out of the squad, whilst neither David Luiz or Shkodran Mustafi have performed on a consistent enough basis since Arteta’s arrival.
Prediction: Gabriel Magalhaes, Thomas Partey, Dani Ceballos (loan)
My Suggestions: Gabriel Magalhaes, Thomas Partey, Dani Ceballos (loan)
Aston Villa:
Much of Villa’s transfer business depends on whether they manage to keep hold of Jack Grealish. The Villa Captain was involved in 34.1% of the club’s goals this season and broke the record for being the most fouled player ever in a single Premier League season (167). Villa will be desperate to keep hold of him. No team had a bigger negative net spend than the Midlands club last season, their recruitment process came into huge questioning and has seen sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitrarch lose his job. They will be desperate to see a bigger return on their investment this time around.
No team faced more shots than Villa this season, they will be looking to bring a new defensive midfielder and a right back to improve at the back. Goals were also an issue with Wesley failing to live up to his price tag, they will be looking to bring a centre forward and possibly a winger to lessen their worries in front of goal.
Prediction: Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma, Max Aarons
My Suggestions: Matty Cash, Eberechi Eze, Ollie Watkins
Brighton:
Brighton will be planning to strengthen their options at the top of the pitch, they scored just 39 goals last season, which was less than relegated Bournemouth, they are likely to be in the market for a winger and a centre-forward. They have acted early already this window, bringing in creative midfielder Adam Lallana and centre back Joel Veltman. Tactically the Seagulls have changed their approach under Graham Potter, no team covered more distance in the 2019/20 campaign and they ranked eighth for total passes completed. They will be looking for players with lots of energy.
Ben White was a big success at Leeds, Graham Potter has seemed to confirm that White, will play a big role in the side now that his loan spell has ended. Potter said "He's our player, he's got a long contract with us. I have known Ben for a while, I have been aware of him, wanted to try and sign him when we were at Swansea...he's our player and we're looking forward to working with him." Leeds are desperate to bring in White and with Brighton have a huge abundance of centre backs at their disposable, there's a chance they may let him go if the right offer comes in.
Prediction: Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Nicolas Gonzalez
My Picks: Calvin Stengs and Bruno Petkovic
Burnley:
The job that Sean Dyche has done at Burnley should never be overlooked, he has made them into a solid Premier League side with an extremely limited budget. Burnley only narrowly missed out on Europe and tensions seemed to rise between the board and Dyche after several players were allowed to leave on frees before the end of the season. Dyche will be looking to bring in some more numbers to replace those who departed. What makes the situation more worrying is that ten of their current squad have just one year left on their contracts, they need to tie these players down to new contracts as soon as possible.
I’m expecting Burnley to focus their recruitment on their right flank, no one could really solidify the right midfielder position during the season, with players were filling in that position throughout the season. Burnley will also likely be after a replacement for 35-year-old Phil Bardsley at full-back. With Ben Mee has just one year left on his contract, they could look to bring in a young centre back as well.
Prediction: Jayden Bogle, Baptiste Santamaria and Niclas Elliason
My Picks: Jayden Bogle, Baptiste Santamaria and Bryan Mbeumo
Chelsea:
It’s already been a busy transfer window for the Blues, both winger Hakim Ziyech and striker Timo Werner have joined and their business is not set to stop anytime soon. It’s obvious that Lampard will be looking to bring in a goalkeeper this summer, Kepa Arrizabalaga has had a torrid spell this season, which saw him dropped on the final day. Lampard on Kepa, "I have long, hard thinks about everything, not just individual positions but how we are as a team. I don't want to pinpoint it on Kepa. [The] Kepa decision [dropping him against Wolves] was a choice, probably in recent form and recent situations [it's] a tough time for him."
Neither Marcos Alonso or Emerson Palmieri could solidify a place in Lampard’s side last season, so it is widely believed that they will be in the market for a left back as well. Even though an attacking midfielder is not one of their most pressing needs on paper, constant links to Kai Havertz would suggest that Lampard is keen to bring in a number 10. Chelsea will likely also be in the market for a centre back, the side conceded four more goals than 14th placed Crystal Palace.
Prediction: Nick Pope, Sergio Reguilon, Lewis Dunk and Kai Havertz
My Picks: Andre Onana, Sergio Reguilon, Lewis Dunk and Kai Havertz
Crystal Palace:
It is bound to be yet another summer filled with Wilfried Zaha exit rumours, already he's been linked with big-money moves abroad but Palace will not budge easily. It has been reported that regardless of whether Zaha stays or goes, Roy Hodgson will be given a healthy budget this window, so we may see some interesting movements this summer in South London. Palace seem to be planning on bringing in young players with high resale value, most likely due to the fact that the Eagles had the highest average age of any squad in the Premier League in the 2019/20 campaign.
Forward players are definitely on the agenda, Palace did not score more than twice in any game last season, they were the first team in Premier League history to achieve this and stay up. A centre forward, winger and attacking midfielder are likely to be on the shopping list. Palace may look to bring in some young upcoming defenders as long term replacements for their ageing defence.
Prediction: Jeronimo Cacciabue, Nahitan Nandez, Michy Batshuayi and Ryan Fraser
My Picks: Ewoud Pletinckx, Max Bird, Calvin Stengs and Michu Batshuayi
Everton:
Carlo Ancelotti will be desperate to get some players in this summer ahead of his first full campaign at the club. The Toffees finished in 12th place last season, their lowest finish in 16 years. A clear weakness is the central midfield position, the partnership of Andre Gomes and Tom Davies is not strong enough for a team with aspirations of European football. The signing of Alex Iwobi has been a disappointment, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the club dip their toes in the market for a left-winger this summer.
With Leighton Baines gone and rumours that Lucas Digne may be leaving the club, it would come as no surprise if Everton went in for a left-back as well. Everton are supposedly in the market for a quick centre back, only six teams conceded less goals than Everton last season (56). It has been reported that Everton’s scouts have been focusing their sights on France and Portugal, so it’s likely we will see players arriving from those particular countries this window. There are also some serious question marks over Jordan Pickford after a poor season in between the sticks, I think they may stick with him for another campaign though.
Prediction: Kurt Zouma, Diego Dalot, Allan, Rafa Silva
My Picks: Wesley Fofana, Diego Dalot, Teun Koopmeiners, Filip Kostic
Fulham:
The 2019/20 Playoff Champions will be desperate to not repeat the wasteful 2018 Summer Transfer window; they spent over £100m that window in a failed attempt to stay in the top flight. Two of their signings from that summer Jean Michel Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa return from loan and it will be interesting to see if they feature in Parker’s plans.
Anguissa, in particular, had an impressive loan spell, Villarreal are reported to want to make the deal permanent. Parker on the transfer window ahead, “There were mistakes last time. We need to do things differently. I want to try and enjoy what we've done so far. We all understand that and will learn from those mistakes. What we're trying to build here is some core foundations that get you far in life."
Fulham have also snapped up three of their loanees from last season, Ivan Cavaleiro, Anthony Knockaert and Bobby Reid on permanent deals. Fulham will be looking for some stability at the back, a centre back is likely to be at the top of their shopping list to come in to replace an ageing Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson, who has been underwhelming since his big-money move. Pundits cast doubt on Fulham in the playoffs due to Mitrovic’s absence, there were many times in the Championship where the Cottagers' success was dependant on the Serbian, Parker will be looking for further attacking options to relieve some pressure off the striker.
Prediction: Terrence Kongolo, Harrison Reed, Antonee Robinson, Mallik Wilks, Jovanne Cabral
My Picks: Joe Rodon, Harrison Reed, Ryan Sessegnon (loan), Bryan Mbeumo, Matty Cash
Leeds:
After a strenuous 16 years away, Leeds United are finally back in the big time. Both Illan Meslier and Helder Costa have already made their loans from last season permanent, with the former breaking the club’s transfer record in the process. They have also completed the signing of two promising youngsters striker Joe Gelhardt on a cut-price from Wigan (due to Wigan's financial difficulties) and right-back Cody Drameh from Fulham. There have been differing reports on how much Marcelo Bielsa has left to spend, Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani on the impact "We have enjoyed fantastic success but the impact of Covid-19 is also hitting the club financially. So we will need additional investment to be competitive.” If their budget is towards the lower end of that range, Bielsa will have to be shrewd with his signings this summer.
The Argentine has favoured working with tight-knit small squads throughout his career, so it is unlikely he will expand the squad much especially with fewer games being played in England’s top flight. A lot of Leeds’ business will center around whether they can secure a deal for Ben White, the centre back was instrumental in a strong Leeds defence last season, no player made more interceptions in the Championship last season and he also made the most ball recoveries in the squad. It is expected that they will be in the market for a goalkeeper, left-winger and centre forward as well.
Prediction: Ben White, Juan Foyth (loan), Leon Bailey, Rodrigo
My Picks: Ben White, Juan Foyth (loan), Said Benrahma, Michu Batshuayi
Leicester:
The turn of the year saw Leicester’s form take a huge dip as they gave up a healthy lead over both Manchester United and Chelsea to forfeit their Champions League spot. However there are plenty of positives Leicester can take, the first half of the season they were superb and now with European football once again, they should be able to attract some higher calibre players to the club. When injuries faltered the side after the restart, it became evidently clear that they lacked quality depth in the squad. It has been reported that the Foxes’ three main targets this window are a striker to play alongside Vardy, a winger and another centre mid to play alongside Maddison. It is hard to believe that they won’t also be in the market for a centre back to provide some much-needed depth in that position.
Brendan Rodgers on the club’s transfer plans, "[We need to improve] the attacking element of the team. We've obviously been hurt in this last period, with three of the back four out of the team, and that speed and quality will affect any team at this level. But generally, I'm pleased with how we defend. We would like to add more creativity and more attacking thrust at the top end of the field."
Prediction: Wesley Fofana, William Carvalho, Florian Thauvin, Odsonne Edouard
My Picks: Wesley Fofana, Weston McKennie, Florian Thauvin, Donyell Malen
Liverpool:
In order to stay at the top, you need to keep on looking at ways of improving and not stay static. After the wait for their first-ever Premier League title finally came to an end, Liverpool will be desperate to make sure it isn’t a flash in the pan. They had an extremely quiet window last summer but with Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana already out the door and Xherdan Shaqiri being told he is surplus to requirements, it’s likely that new recruits will be coming through the door. Liverpool will likely look to bring in some young promising talent that will prove to be long term successors to members of the current starting lineup. Liverpool have already signed Olympiacos left-back Kostas Tsimikas to provide some much-needed cover for Andrew Robertson.
Jurgen Klopp on the Liverpool squad, “I am happy with my squad 100 %...If other teams invest I have no idea, they may know more about the future, I don't know. But the main difference between us and other teams this year was consistency. You saw how tight the game was against Chelsea when we won 2-1 I think, but they are 25 points or so behind us.``
Prediction: Thiago Alacantra, Aissa Mandi, Talles Magno
My Picks: Ozan Kabak, Houssem Aouar, Dominik Szobozlai
Manchester City:
Manchester City have managed to complete some important business early on in the window, with Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake both arriving in Manchester. City are very likely to be in the market for another centre back as Ake is a left-sided centre back and therefore it seems unlikely he will line up alongside Laporte in a back four. City need to fill in the void left by Kompany’s departure last summer so expect the majority of the rest of their budget going towards filling this need. They could also be in the market for a left-back, it is unclear what role Pep sees Ake filling, but he has been utilised as a left-back previously so this may nullify the need. City scored 17 more goals than champions Liverpool last season, if they can sort their defensive issues out this summer, they will have a great chance of recapturing the title.
Pep Guardiola on the summer window: "If you bring in eight or nine players, which is impossible, you change a lot, the mentality or the freshness or the way you want to play. But I think 80- 90% of the team will be the same so it depends on the people who are here."
Prediction: Kalidou Koulibally, Alex Sandro
My Picks: Kalidou Koulibally, Alex Telles
Manchester United:
Manchester United’s transfer needs have changed since the restart, Fernandes' instant impact, the resurgence of Matic and the return of Pogba have made their midfield worries a less of a concern. Depth in midfield still remains a slight issue though so they could look to bring in some cover this summer. Jadon Sancho’s transfer saga has dominated the window so far, Dortmund are playing hardball and refusing to give up Sancho cheaply, it remains to be seen if they go ahead and bite the bullet to bring the winger back to Manchester. There are some question marks developing around David De Gea, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf. Solskjaer on De Gea, "David is mentally strong enough to know his job is to perform in training the next day and be ready for the games. We are going to stick together.” De Gea’s no.1 spot seems safe now, as for Maguire the club may look to bring Smalling back into the fold after an impressive loan spell or could look to dip their toes into the centre back market once again.
United had the youngest average starting lineup last season, they are a young developing side that looks to be heading in the right direction, a few smart moves this summer could help them on their journey back to the top of English football.
Prediction: Rayan Alt-Nouri, N'Golo Kante, David Brooks, Josh King
My Picks: Ben White, Rayan Alt-Nouri, Jonathan Doku, Myron Boadu
Newcastle United:
With a Saudi based takeover seemingly destined to happen, Newcastle fans were dreaming of the blockbuster signings this summer, unfortunately, their dreams were crushed after the group pulled out of the deal. There have been reported talks now between Mike Ashley and a Singaporean consortium, transfer negotiations may be put on pause until the situation becomes clearer. Transfer funds will be thin under the Ashley ownership, the majority of the budget will most likely go towards bringing in another centre forward. Centre mid Jonjo Shelvey was their top scorer last season with six goals, Joelinton has failed to impress since his big-money move last summer scoring just twice. Danny Rose and Jetro Willems both had loan spells at the club last term, the Magpies may look to bring one of them back on a permanent deal this time around. A winger and centre mid could also be targeted this summer as well.
Newcastle’s average possession last season (37.8%) was the lowest recorded by any team since the 2003/04 season. Newcastle have a lot of needs in this window, expect Bruce to look to bring in players on loan to try and fill those needs with a small budget.
Prediction: Jeff Hendrick (free), Wout Weghorst, Robin Koch, Ryan Sessegnon (on loan)
My Picks: Jeff Hendrick (free), Ollie Watkins, Robin Koch, Ryan Sessegnon (on loan)
Sheffield United:
It was an incredible first season back in the top flight it was for Sheffield United, many had tipped them to go straight back down prior to the season. Dean Henderson was a shining light for them last season, new signing Aaron Ramsdale will try to replicate the effect the loanee had last season. The Blades are likely to bring in a right wing-back to provide some competition for Enda Stevens, who struggled for form after the restart. They are also reportedly in the market for a right-sided centre back and a striker.
Injuries after the restart, highlighted squad depth issues within Wilder’s squad, he’ll be looking to add numbers to the side. There has been talk that John Lundstram may leave this summer, so they could be in the market for a potential replacement. Wilder has spoken about his disappointment at how their season petered out and stressed as a result the need for recruitment.
Prediction: Matty Cash, Joe Worrall, John Swift, Darwin Nunez
My Picks: Matty Cash, Joe Worrall, Antonee Robinson, Romano Schmid, Shonn Weissman
Southampton:
Southampton fans were left in disarray in October after they saw their side lose 9-0 to Leicester, not many predicted how their season would turn around after that game. Hassenhatt, from after that game to the end of the season only three teams gained more points than the Saints. If Southampton can continue their form into the new season, they could mount a serious challenge for a European spot. Their first task is to replace their holding midfielder captain Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg who has joined Spurs. They should also be in the market for a winger.
Southampton have already completed the signing of Ghanian centre back Mohamed Salisu from Real Sociedad, this could prove to be a very smart coup, with Salisu coming off an impressive campaign in Spain. They have also made Kyle Walker-Peters’ move permanent after he impressed for the Saints on loan last season. Tieing down James Ward-Prowse to a new five-year contract is a great bit of business for the club, no player covered more distance in the Premier League last season. Ralph Hassenhuttl is determined to get the club’s business done early in the window, “I don't want to discuss individuals, but I can agree that, yes, we are busy on working to bring players in, because it is a short break and we want to bring players in as soon as possible.”
Prediction: Weston McKennie, Kamil Jozwiak
My Picks: Nicolas Dominguez, Eberechi Eze
Tottenham:
After a turbulent season, Spurs will be getting used to their first season in five years without Champions League football. This is Mourinho’s first summer transfer window at the club and they have acted quickly so far bringing in the aforementioned Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg from Southampton, a player who should slot in nicely to Mourinho’s system and whilst the club has also completed the signing Joe Hart on a free transfer. Spurs have one recognised senior right-back and left-back in their squad, they should look to bring in some competition and depth in those positions. Early signs suggest there are moves to bring in a right-back but nothing regarding the addition of a left-back so far, there are claims that Jose Mourinho is a fan of the upcoming Dennis Cirkin from the Spurs Academy and that he will come in to provide back up to Ben Davies. The decision to not replace Fernando Llorente was a damaging one, Spurs’ form took a complete nose dive once both Son and Kane were ruled out by injury in February, the club desperately need to bring in some cover up top. There are some homegrown registration concerns as well, the club couldn’t register Victor Wanyama in January due to a lack of homegrown players in the squad, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Joe Hart is the only English player to join this summer.
Spurs are lacking a creative midfielder since the departure of Eriksen in January, however, it seems as though Mourinho is moving away from a system that is reliant on a number 10. It remains to be seen how much Jose is given to play with this summer, Spurs are still paying off debts from the stadium and also reached out for a government loan a few months back as a result of COVID-19. Spurs are most likely going to be in the market for players they can get a bargain price, rather than any blockbuster big-money signings. Pochettino spoke of Spurs’ need for a rebuild, very few players were moved on last summer so the rebuild did not happen. Spurs’ summer business is very much reliant on who leaves making their business this summer hard to predict. There is likely a one out and one in approach to this window at Hotspur Way.
Prediction: Zeki Celik, Callum Wilson
My Suggestions: Nordi Mukiele, Arkadiusz Milik
West Brom:
West Brom are back in the big time and the number one thing on their shopping list this summer will undoubtedly be a striker. They spent big money on Kenneth Zahore last summer and he’s failed to make the desired impact, whilst the jury is out on whether Charlie Austin or Hal Robson-Kanu are still cut for Premier League level football. They are reportedly in the market for a right-back, centre back and a left-back as they look to rebuild their defence. They could also look to provide some competition for Romaine Sawyers and Jake Livermore. A lot will also rest on whether they could get Grady Diangana back after he was extremely impressive during his loan spell last season, if they can’t they will be in the market for a winger.
Albion will be delighted to have completed the permanent signing of Matheus Pereira from Sporting Lisbon. Pereira was their standout player last season, contributing to 24 goals (8 goals and 16 assists). Getting Pereira back will give their survival hopes a big boost. Slaven Bilic on the club’s approach to the window: “We have a good team, we have breadth, we need quality. We have to do something similar to Sheffield United, not like Aston Villa, and not like Norwich. We need to invest but in quality.”
Prediction: Junior Caicara, Shane Duffy, Rico Henry, Grady Diangana, Karlan Grant
My Suggestions: Viktor Popov, Tosin Adarabioyo (loan), Antonee Robinson, Grady Diangana, Karlan Grant
West Ham:
West Ham can’t seem to get right when it comes to recruitment, despite spending over £200m in the last two years they found themselves in the midst of a relegation battle in the 2019/20 campaign, no team lost more points from winning situations than West Ham last season. Sebastian Haller showed what he is capable of in flashes last season but Michail Antonio shone up front after the restart, it is to be seen whether West Ham will be looking to bring in another striker this summer. The Hammers will look to bring in some more defensive reinforcements along with a box to box midfielder.
West Ham should be looking at a rebuild this summer and the business they do will rely heavily on who they are able to offload, Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini, Fabian Balbuena and Arthur Masuaku all are reportedly up for sale. David Moyes on their summer recruitment plans, “I think you have got to remember that the club spent £200m [recently]. We'll try and add to it if we can, if we can't we'll go with what we've got and there are a lot who can improve and a lot who have since lockdown."
Prediction: Omar Colley, Eberechi Eze, Loren Moron
My Picks: Joe Rodon, Eberechi Eze, Ollie Watkins
Wolves:
Wolves got themselves their second consecutive 7th placed finish, however, this time they will miss out on Europe due to Arsenal’s FA Cup victory. Unfortunately for Wolves, Jonny picked up a serious ACL injury in a Europa League last 16 tie against Olympiacos, they are rumoured to be in the market for a left-back as a result. Jimenez is reportedly not for sale but the club are willing to listen to offers for Traore, his potential sale would have a huge impact on the business the club does this summer. It is likely another club would have to pay a premium price to obtain the services of the Spanish winger.
Wolves could look to bring in some younger players to add to a squad which was left very much unchanged throughout the season last year. A long term replacement for Moutinho and competition for Dedoncker and Neves could also be on the shopping list. Saiss filled in at centre back superbly after the break, they may still look to bring in a left-sided centre back this summer.
Prediction: Faouzi Ghoulam, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Crysencio Summerville and Carlos Vinicius
My Picks: Faouzi Ghoulam, Teun Koopmeiners, Dominik Szoboszlai and Karlan Grant
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