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Premier League Transfer Window 2026: What Each Club Needs With One Week Left

Arsenal

The reigning champions have bolstered their midfield with Bruno Guimaraes, strengthened the wings by signing Christos Tzolis, and improved defense through Ezri Konsa. Despite these additions, Arsenal still seeks a forward, showing strong interest in Julian Alvarez. Though negotiations appear complex, the club remains ready to act if an opportunity arises.

"If you want someone who is Premier League proven, who has won it all from the World Cup to the Champions League, Julian Alvarez looks like the guy that can take Arsenal to the promised land of finally getting over the line in Europe," says fan Watson.

Aston Villa

Villa faces challenges after numerous key players left this summer. With Ollie Watkins potentially transferring to Al-Hilal, a replacement striker is needed, with Nicolas Jackson among targets. The club also aims to strengthen on the wings and defend following Ezri Konsa's departure to Arsenal. Talks for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez are underway after bids for Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis were declined.

Fan Amy Finley stresses, "A striker is the priority, but another centre-back would also be welcomed given defensive concerns shown against Brighton."

Bournemouth

Bournemouth hopes to avoid losing star players Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott amid interest from bigger clubs. The Cherries have nearly completed their squad for the season, closing in on a deal for Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.

Brentford

Brentford finds itself in a comfortable position after shrewd squad improvements. The team is linked with West Ham’s left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, but with Keane Lewis-Potter able to fill wing-back roles alongside Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey, it's not urgent. Striking options include experienced Callum Wilson, with overall squad depth now better than last season.

Brentford fan Michael Johnston adds, "Adding a forward, especially a left winger like Mykhailo Mudryk, would make this transfer window perfect."

Brighton

Brighton expects forward Yankuba Minteh to depart for Liverpool, opening space for a new attacker. Carlos Baleba’s likely move to Manchester United could prompt midfield reinforcements. Chairman Tony Bloom emphasizes sticking to Brighton’s data-driven approach while evolving the squad.

Fan Maz Mirzadeh notes, "With key departures likely, we need a physical defensive midfielder and a proven winger to ensure squad depth for European commitments."

Chelsea

Chelsea fans may hope for a star striker or goalkeeper, but manager Xabi Alonso feels the squad is nearly complete. The main task is trimming the current 39-player roster to about 25 before the window closes to avoid unrest among squad members.

Supporter Savage Dan points out, "Chelsea must focus more on offloading players than bringing new ones, particularly with no European football this season."

Coventry City

Coventry pursues Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who seeks to restart his career after a suspension. Defensive reinforcements might be added by Frank Lampard’s side, with some players like Luke Woolfenden possibly heading out on loan.

Fan Conna Chahal believes, "We’ve done enough this window to stay up in the league."

Crystal Palace

Palace saw considerable changes, losing Maxence Lacroix and appointing Pierre Sage as manager. The club has built depth for Europa League play but still needs senior centre-backs, especially following Chadi Riad’s injury in the first Premier League match.

Fan Ollie Thomas says, "Riad’s injury highlights the urgent need for another first-team ready centre-back and possibly a central midfielder."

Everton

Everton urgently requires a recognized right-back, a problem persisting for over a year. Midfielder Merlin Rohl played right-back in the opener, with other players filling in. A decision on recruitment must happen soon. There might also be a search for another striker due to doubts about Beto and Thierno Barry, with Chelsea’s Liam Delap frequently linked.

Fulham

Manager Alvaro Arbeloa is satisfied with Fulham’s business so far but sees room to improve balance. Attempts to sign Rennes defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal suggest defensive reinforcement is a priority. Fans highlight the need for a right winger to replace Harry Wilson’s goals and a right-sided centre-back to fit the system.

Hull City

Hull’s recruitment has been busy, yet two forwards remain targets: Mohamed Ali-Cho and Ilyas Ansah. Interest continues in Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia and Stoke’s Sorba Thomas. Additional positions possibly addressed include goalkeeper, midfielder, and right-back.

Fan Ryan Frankish outlines, "Signing a left winger, one more striker, central and attacking midfielders, plus a right-back will put us in a strong competitive position."

Ipswich Town

Since returning to the Premier League, Ipswich spent over £150 million on 12 new players. Manager Gary O’Neil expects more signings, likely adding a striker and midfielder. Some fringe players may depart as the squad shapes up.

Leeds United

Leeds, after spending heavily on James Trafford, probably won’t pursue major signings in the final days. They’re interested in a loan for Mykhailo Mudryk but haven’t sealed a deal. Backup forwards for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha and possibly a goalkeeper like Michael Zetterer are under consideration.

Fan Lewis Deighton states, "Leeds needs a left-footed left-back for cover and maybe another forward or creative midfielder to challenge existing players."

Liverpool

Liverpool’s main focus remains adding wingers, with names like Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Yankuba Minteh linked. Defensive midfield issues revealed in a recent loss suggest that position needs attention. Fans desire a Fabinho replacement, though time may be short.

Supporter Nahyan Chowdhury comments, "The performance highlighted the need for a defensive midfielder to connect defense and midfield, especially on counterattacks."

Manchester City

Manchester City could be very active before the deadline. Departures of Savinho, Omar Marmoush, and Nico Gonzalez create gaps. Deals for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Palmeiras winger Allan are progressing, while Pedro Neto and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez remain targets.

Fan Steven McInerney insists, "We must bring in three or four new players, including at least two midfielders, to replace those who have left."

Manchester United

Midfield recruitment nears completion with Carlos Baleba’s arrival expected. Attention turns to the left-back role; Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas are considered. Another forward could join if a current player leaves, with Joshua Zirkzee most likely out.

Fan Jay Motty says, "A left-back is essential since Luke Shaw can’t play every match, and doubts remain about Patrick Dorgu’s readiness."

Newcastle United

Newcastle’s young signings impressed against Liverpool, but manager Matthias Jaissle wants a midfielder with top-level experience after selling Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. A versatile forward addition would also help ease pressure on William Osula and Yoane Wissa.

Nottingham Forest

Forest has added only three players so far and seeks a striker and full-back. Talks with Chelsea’s Liam Delap and Fiorentina’s right-back Dodo are ongoing. Manager Oliver Glasner downplays the need for midfielders despite Elliot Anderson’s departure.

Sunderland

Following signings of full-back Dayann Methalie and midfielder Jules Ahoka, Sunderland focuses on recruiting a right winger, with Sporting’s Geny Catamo heavily linked. The departure of Eliezer Mayenda means only Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor remain as first-team strikers, so another forward is likely needed.

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs invested heavily but still face questions about their main striker. Roberto de Zerbi must decide whether Dominic Solanke will feature regularly. Richarlison started the opening loss, while a deal for Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush is advancing. Spurs require forwards capable of converting their quick attacks into decisive moments.

Fan Kish Patel observes, "We need a winger and striker who can elevate the team, turning opportunities into goals."