Summer transfer requirements for each of the 20 Premier League clubs

It is never too soon for clubs to strategize their transfer plans. Although the transfer window is currently closed, it is certain that all 20 Premier League teams are diligently working behind the scenes to compile shortlists, identify targets, and chart their course for the upcoming season.

While they may not have all the solutions at this point—many of which hinge on relegation outcomes or European qualification—what should they at least be considering? What are the known areas that require attention?

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Arsenal

NEED: Additional attacking options

Arsenal invested £162 million to acquire Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke last summer to enhance their attacking lineup, yet there is a compelling case that they require further reinforcements. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus facing significant injury challenges and the team lacking a premier left-wing threat, they should be looking for a forward of some kind.

Aston Villa

NEED: Prepare for possible key exits

Aston Villa is operating under a stringent budget due to a UEFA settlement, necessitating careful consideration for any moves they make. They are also in a precarious position, as one or more key players could potentially leave the club, which would require them to find replacements. Securing Champions League football might eliminate the need for unwanted deals, but if they fall short, players like forward Morgan Rogers and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could attract interest from other clubs. Villa must identify their targets in case this scenario unfolds.

AFC Bournemouth

NEED: Resolve the center back situation

Bournemouth is grappling with various questions regarding their center backs for the second consecutive year. The primary concern centers on Marcos Senesi, whose contract is due to expire this summer and has been linked with several top clubs, including Barcelona and Juventus. Should the Argentina international depart, would Veljko Milosavljević be prepared to step up and start regularly? If not, the Cherries may need to recruit two new defenders this summer (fortunately, they have a strong track record in this area).

Brighton & Hove Albion

NEED: A dedicated right back

Brighton may have experienced a slight decline this season, but upon reviewing their squad, there are not many pressing issues from either a qualitative or quantitative standpoint. One area for potential improvement is at right back, where they have numerous options but lack a specialist aside from Joël Veltman, whose contract concludes at the end of the season. The Seagulls will also need to be prepared to sign a central midfielder if Carlos Baleba departs the club.

Brentford

NEED: Strategically manage potential departures

Brentford finds themselves in an excellent position. The squad is solid; they have a standout striker in Igor Thiago (17 league goals), a top-notch goalkeeper in Caoimhín Kelleher, and everything in between. If they secure a European spot, they will need to bolster their ranks further. If not, it may be time for some veteran players—such as Ethan Pinnock and Rico Henry—to move on. Time will reveal their path.

Burnley

NEED: Players for promotion next year

With relegation likely on the horizon, Burnley should focus on identifying players who can help them secure promotion from the second tier next season. They face a pressing issue in midfield, as Josh Cullen has torn his ACL, James Ward-Prowse has only been brought in on loan, and Florentino Luís may not wish to remain.

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Chelsea

NEED: Experienced, stabilizing figures

Chelsea’s strategy of heavily investing in young talent has its advantages—yet it also presents notable drawbacks. The most significant of these is a lack of maturity and discipline throughout the squad, which has led to an astonishing seven red cards in the league this season (no other team has more than three). While this may deviate from their usual approach, it might be time for Chelsea to contemplate adding a few seasoned players to the mix.

Crystal Palace

NEED: Where to even begin?

Significant uncertainties surround Palace as they approach the summer. It remains unclear who will succeed Oliver Glasner as manager, and the squad appears to be lacking in several areas. If they continue with a back-three formation, they will likely need to acquire a center back and a right wing back. Regardless of their tactical setup, they must recruit new central midfielders, as both Daichi Kamada and Jefferson Lerma are out of contract, and Adam Wharton is expected to attract interest from top clubs.

Everton

NEED: Multiple full backs

Everton needs to acquire at least two, if not three, full backs this upcoming summer. None of James Garner, Jarrad Branthwaite, or Jake O’Brien are natural full backs, yet they have all filled in there recently due to David Moyes’ limited options. The only consistently available first-team full back is Vitaliy Mykolenko, whose contract is set to expire this summer. They would also likely be interested in signing winger Jack Grealish permanently once his loan from Man City concludes, but that will depend on the transfer fee.

Fulham

NEED: Secure the future of the forward line

Fulham attempted (and failed) to sign USMNT and PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi in January, indicating a clear priority for this summer. Raúl Jiménez’s contract is nearing its end, as is midfielder Harry Wilson’s, while winger Samuel Chukwueze is currently on loan (with an option for a permanent transfer). This trio has contributed to 20 of the Whites’ 40 league goals; it is crucial to determine who will stay, who will leave, and who needs to be brought in—promptly.

Leeds United

NEED: A new goalkeeper

Leeds successfully addressed most of their recruitment needs last summer, but faltered in one critical area: goalkeeping. Lucas Perri, acquired for €15 million from Lyon, struggled and lost his position to Karl Darlow, who has primarily been a backup at this level. The Whites are expected to seek a new goalkeeper once again this summer.

Liverpool

NEED: Long-term defensive solutions

Jérémy Jacquet is set to join Liverpool from Rennes for €60 million, and young Giovanni Leoni is expected to recover from his ACL injury in time for next season, but significant questions remain regarding Liverpool’s defensive lineup. Center back Ibrahima Konaté’s contract is expiring, left back Andy Robertson nearly transferred to Tottenham Hotspur in January, and all of their right backs seem to be injury-prone. Major changes could be forthcoming.

Manchester City

NEED: A long-term right back solution

Credit is due to Matheus Nunes, a midfielder who has transitioned into a competent right back. He has performed admirably in the post-Kyle Walker era, taking on the role while City’s confidence in academy product Rico Lewis appears to have diminished. However, a club with City’s financial resources should ideally have a specialist available, making this the most apparent area for improvement this summer.

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Manchester United

NEED: You guessed it! Central midfield

The central midfield position has been a concern for United for over a year, and the urgency to recruit a player for this role has only increased since Casemiro announced his departure this summer. This could become quite costly—the club has been frequently linked with Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães, among others—but the United management can no longer delay this necessity.

Newcastle United

NEED: Defensive reinforcements … and a striker?

Newcastle’s forward situation requires resolution. Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade, and Anthony Elanga collectively cost £167 million to sign last summer, yet Eddie Howe has faced challenges in getting them to perform. Should they be given another season, or should further investment be made? Regardless of that decision, the defensive line needs attention. Among the center backs, only Malick Thiaw has been fit and available throughout the season, and the club urgently requires adequate cover for full backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento as well.

Nottingham Forest

NEED: A manager and a consistent playing style

It is challenging to execute effective recruitment when experiencing four managerial changes in a single season—especially when each manager employs a different style of play. Forest possesses numerous players, several of whom are quite talented, but what they need most is a consistent direction moving forward.

Sunderland

NEED: A forward and a left back

Recently promoted Sunderland has spent the majority of the season in the upper half of the table, which is an impressive feat. This is a well-structured squad that, unlike last summer, does not require extensive changes. If the Black Cats can identify a forward who can enhance the team, they should act swiftly. Additionally, it would be prudent to seek cover for Reinildo at left back, who has missed time due to injury and suspension.

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Tottenham Hotspur

NEED: A progressive passing center midfielder

If Tottenham manages to avoid relegation, they must overhaul their midfield setup, which is filled with runners and ball-winners but notably lacks players capable of advancing the ball effectively. Many of their other issues will resolve themselves as key players return to fitness, but the balance in midfield can only be rectified through the transfer market.

West Ham United

NEED: If they remain in the league, a defensive leader

West Ham is currently on the brink, but if they succeed in avoiding relegation, they will need to recruit a defensive leader—likely a center back—to prevent a similar struggle next season. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo acquired Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea in January to address this issue, but that serves only as a temporary fix.

Wolves

NEED: Prepare for the Championship

Wolves have demonstrated considerable resilience recently, achieving notable results against larger teams, but the prudent approach remains to prepare for the Championship next season. They have already begun this process by swapping Jørgen Strand Larsen for Adam Armstrong in January, and further moves of a similar nature are anticipated.