Could one missing signing wreck your club’s entire season? That is the question hanging over the Premier League transfer window right now. With just over a week left before the window closes, several top-flight clubs still have glaring gaps to fill.
The opening weekend delivered a reality check for plenty of managers. Some sides looked sharp and settled. Others exposed weaknesses that pre-season optimism could not hide. As a result, the Premier League transfer window has entered its most frantic phase, and sporting directors are racing against the clock to fix what the first matches revealed.
This guide breaks down exactly what every Premier League club still needs. We pulled the insight straight from BBC Sport reporters, and we added reactions from the fans who live and breathe these clubs every week.
Why the Premier League Transfer Window Deadline Matters So Much
Deadline day pressure changes everything. Clubs that hesitate on a target risk losing out completely. Meanwhile, clubs with clear priorities can move fast and secure a difference-maker before the window shuts for good.
For fans, this final stretch often feels like the most anxious part of the summer. A club that fails to strengthen a weak position now could carry that problem for the entire season. Therefore, understanding each club’s remaining needs matters heading into the last few days of business.
How Premier League Transfer Needs Differ Across the League
Interestingly, needs vary wildly from club to club. Chelsea, for example, is focused on trimming an oversized squad rather than adding new faces. Everton, meanwhile, has an obvious problem position that has stayed unresolved for well over a year. Ambitious promoted sides like Hull City, however, are still shopping aggressively across multiple positions.
Arsenal Transfer Needs: One More Forward to Complete the Puzzle
Arsenal have already strengthened the midfield with Bruno Guimaraes. They also added width through Christos Tzolis and shored up defence with Ezri Konsa. However, the champions still want a forward, and Julian Alvarez remains a long-standing target.
Reports suggest the deal carries complications. Arsenal, though, appear ready to pounce if an opportunity opens up. Fans have been vocal too, pointing to Alvarez’s proven pedigree, including World Cup and Champions League success, as exactly the experience Arsenal needs to finally win in Europe.
Aston Villa: Rebuilding After a Summer of Departures
Villa’s summer has centred on exits rather than arrivals. Ollie Watkins could follow a host of departed stars out the door, since Saudi side Al-Hilal is pushing hard to sign him. That situation has left Villa searching for a replacement striker, and Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a target.
Beyond attack, Villa also need a winger and further defensive reinforcement following Konsa’s move to Arsenal. Villa have already opened talks for Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez after Southampton rejected an earlier bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Bournemouth: Protecting the Squad from Bigger Clubs
Bournemouth’s biggest challenge this window is not signing new players. Instead, the club must hold onto its prized assets. Big clubs are already circling forward Eli Junior Kroupi and midfielder Alex Scott, though the Cherries insist neither player is for sale.
On the incoming side, Bournemouth are closing in on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. That deal should complete much of their summer business.
Brentford Transfer Window: Fine-Tuning Rather Than Overhauling
Brentford have enjoyed a strong window already, so the club can pick deals carefully rather than out of necessity. Brentford have shown interest in West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf for left-back cover, though the move does not look urgent given the versatility already in Keith Andrews’ squad.
Fans, however, would love another forward option, especially on the left. Mykhailo Mudryk’s name has resurfaced, since Brentford chased him before his move to Chelsea.
Brighton: Sticking to Their Data-Driven Recruitment Plan
Yankuba Minteh could depart for Liverpool, which may open space for another forward at Brighton. Additionally, Carlos Baleba’s expected exit to Manchester United could push the club toward midfield reinforcements.
True to form, Brighton will likely stay disciplined. The club plans to rely on its trademark data-driven recruitment strategy rather than making panic buys.
Chelsea: Trimming the Squad Is the Real Priority
Chelsea’s biggest task this window is not signing new players. Instead, the club must reduce a bloated squad of 39 players down to a workable size of around 25 within the next week.
Manager Xabi Alonso reportedly feels his squad is largely complete. Supporters, though, have flagged Robert Sanchez’s form and floated the idea of signing a more convincing option in goal.
Why Squad Trimming Matters as Much as New Signings
A club without European football, like Chelsea this season, does not need the same squad depth as one competing on multiple fronts. Carrying too many unhappy or unused players can disrupt team harmony. Consequently, getting the exits right matters just as much as landing new arrivals.
Coventry City: Chasing a Big Name in Mudryk
Coventry are pursuing Mykhailo Mudryk, as the winger looks to restart his career following a 20-month suspension. Frank Lampard’s side also expect to add defensive cover, while fringe players like Luke Woolfenden could depart on loan to make room.
Crystal Palace: Defensive Depth Under Pressure
The palace has undergone real change this summer. The club lost Maxence Lacroix and welcomed new manager Pierre Sage. Palace have focused on building depth for their Europa League campaign, but the squad still needs reinforcements.
Sage wants a senior centre-back, and that need grew more urgent after Chadi Riad suffered an injury in the opening match against Everton. Fans have echoed that sentiment and also called for a central midfielder to round out the squad.
Everton’s Premier League Transfer Window Priority: A Right-Back
Everton’s situation is perhaps the most straightforward on this list. The club must sign a recognised right-back before the window closes. This weakness has persisted for well over a year, yet it remains unresolved.
Midfielder Merlin Rohl filled in during the opening game against Crystal Palace. Jake O’Brien and James Garner have also covered the role. However, that stopgap approach cannot continue indefinitely. David Moyes may also look at additional striker depth, and Chelsea’s Liam Delap remains a name regularly linked with Everton.
Fulham: Balancing the Squad on a Tight Budget
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa feels largely satisfied with his summer business, though the squad still needs better balance. Fulham explored a deal for Rennes defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal two weeks ago, which suggests central defence remains a priority.
Fulham fans have pointed to the right wing as an area needing depth following Harry Wilson’s departure. Fans have also raised concerns about how Joachim Anderson fits into Arbeloa’s new system at right centre-back.
Hull City: The Busiest Business of the Bunch
Promoted side Hull City are shaping up as one of the most active clubs in these final days. The Tigers are working on deals for forwards Mohamed Ali-Cho and Ilyas Ansah. Hull are also chasing Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia and Stoke City’s Sorba Thomas.
Beyond attack, Hull could add a goalkeeper, midfielder and right-back to strengthen Sergej Jakirovic’s squad ahead of a demanding Premier League campaign.
Ipswich Town: Building on a Big-Spending Summer
Ipswich have already invested more than £150m across 12 new signings. Even so, manager Gary O’Neil expects to add a striker and a midfielder before deadline day. Meanwhile, fringe players like Anis Memeti could depart to balance the squad.
Leeds United: Focused on Depth, Not Headlines
Leeds already made a big statement by signing James Trafford from Manchester City, so the club is unlikely to chase another major deal this window. Instead, Leeds are exploring a possible loan move for Mykhailo Mudryk, along with other left-sided wingers.
Leeds are also considering backup options at forward and in goal, particularly if current squad members move on.
Liverpool Transfer Targets: Wingers and a Midfield Fix Needed
Liverpool’s priority all summer has centred on wide attacking areas. As a result, the club expects to sign at least one or two new wingers before the window closes. However, Liverpool’s defensive midfield situation has become just as pressing after a difficult recent match against Newcastle.
Fans have echoed that concern. They argue Liverpool need a genuine defensive midfielder to close the gap between defence and midfield, a gap that has existed since a key departure some time ago.
Manchester City: A Squad in Transition
Manchester City could become one of the busiest clubs left in this transfer window. Savinho has already left, and both Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez look set to follow, leaving real gaps to fill.
City have agreed a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi and hold interest in Palmeiras winger Allan. The club also remains interested in Pedro Neto, while speculation continues around a possible move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
Manchester United: Left-Back Cover Is Essential
Carlos Baleba’s expected arrival should complete United’s midfield rebuild. Attention, therefore, has turned to left-back, where the club wants genuine competition for Luke Shaw. United retain a long-standing interest in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, and the club is also assessing Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas.
United fans agree this is not a knee-jerk reaction to a recent defeat. The squad simply looks short in that position heading into a long season.
Newcastle United: More Midfield Experience Required
Newcastle’s young signings did not look fazed during their Premier League debuts. Manager Matthias Jaissle, though, could still use an experienced midfielder following the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. A move for Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez is already progressing.
Beyond that, a versatile forward could ease the burden on Newcastle’s current attacking options.
Nottingham Forest: Striker and Full-Back Priorities
Forest have made only three signings so far this summer, and further additions look likely. A striker and a full-back appear to be the priority, and the club remains in talks for Chelsea’s Liam Delap while showing interest in Fiorentina’s Dodo.
Sunderland: One More Attacker Needed
Sunderland have already completed their full-back and midfield business. Consequently, the clearest remaining need sits on the right wing, where Sporting’s Geny Catamo has been strongly linked. Additionally, with only two recognised strikers left following a summer departure, Sunderland likely need another central forward.
Tottenham Hotspur: Firepower to Match Their Style
Despite heavy summer spending, Tottenham’s attack still needs sharpening. If Dominic Solanke does not become the regular starting striker, manager Roberto de Zerbi may need another central option. A move for Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush is progressing, though questions remain over his best role in the side.
Fans have echoed this concern. They argue Spurs need forwards who can finish off De Zerbi’s fast attacking moves, rather than simply creating chances without a clinical edge.
Final Thoughts
As the Premier League transfer window enters its final week, clear patterns have emerged. Several clubs need attacking reinforcements. Others are prioritising defensive stability. A handful, like Chelsea, care more about squad management than fresh signings.
Ultimately, the next eight days will shape how competitive each club looks all season. Fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see which clubs act decisively, and which clubs get left short when the window finally closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Premier League transfer window close?
The Premier League transfer window closes on Tuesday, 1 September at 23:00 BST.
Which Premier League clubs still need a striker?
Several clubs, including Aston Villa, Everton, Hull City, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, and Tottenham Hotspur, are reportedly looking to add forward options before the deadline.
Why does Everton need a right-back so urgently?
Everton have lacked a recognised right-back for over a year, which has forced the club to use midfielders and makeshift options in that position during matches.
Is Mykhailo Mudryk linked with a move away from Chelsea?
Yes, Mudryk has attracted interest from several clubs, including Brentford, Coventry City, and Leeds United, following his return from a lengthy suspension.
Why is Chelsea focused on squad reduction instead of transfers?
Chelsea currently carry 39 players in the squad and need to trim that number down to around 25 before the window closes, especially since the club will not compete in European competition this season.
