Premier League Clubs Eye Final Transfers Before Deadline

Premier League clubs have already spent over £2 billion this summer, but more deals are expected before the transfer window closes on Monday, September 1.

BBC Sport examines the business each club needs or desires to complete before the deadline.

AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth has been diligently working on rebuilding their squad after losing three key defenders last season: Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, and Illia Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite adding new players, coach Andoni Iraola is still seeking more defensive and attacking options before the window closes.

Adrien Truffert from Rennes is a promising addition at left-back, and Bafode Diakite has joined from Lille, but the team still requires another defender. Ben Gannon-Doak from Liverpool shows potential, and Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen has been brought in to bolster the wide positions following Dango Ouattara's move to Brentford. Bournemouth may also seek to enhance competition for striker Evanilson, particularly with someone who possesses aerial strength.

Arsenal

Arsenal appeared to have concluded their major signings with the acquisitions of Martin Zubimendi in midfield and recognized striker Viktor Gyokeres. However, the landscape shifted dramatically with a knee injury to forward Kai Havertz, leading to interest in Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze.

While there were indications that Arsenal might pursue a left-sided player amid speculation surrounding Gabriel Martinelli's future, the situation changed following Havertz's injury. If the Eze deal materializes, further activity may be limited to player sales.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery's summer transfer dealings have been constrained by the need to adhere to financial regulations, resulting in the regrettable sale of talented local product Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United. Emery is still in search of reinforcements in attack and has shown interest in Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, although whether Villa will meet the proposed £60 million price tag for the striker remains uncertain.

Marco Asensio, who made a significant impact on loan at Villa from Paris Saint-Germain last season, has returned to France, but there may be a revival of interest in a deal before the deadline.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton has been proactive in the transfer market, preparing for the sale of Joao Pedro to Chelsea. They have welcomed teenage Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas, along with defenders Olivier Boscagli and Diego Coppola. However, the club is always on the lookout for late opportunities, so do not rule out additional deals, likely more departures than arrivals.

The fitness of Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter in attack will be crucial. Any issues there would place significant pressure on Kostoulas, especially with Evan Ferguson out on loan at Roma and Joao Pedro's departure.

Brentford

Yoane Wissa's unfulfilled desire to join Newcastle United is complicating matters for Brentford, although they have secured Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth to offset the loss of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United. Should Wissa's wish be granted, the Bees will undoubtedly need to find a replacement for such a pivotal player.

Aaron Hickey's brief return at Nottingham Forest after nearly two years out with injury is promising news, but Brentford may still seek to bolster their full-back options. Jordan Henderson adds experience in midfield, while Antoni Milambo brings energy. With influential Christian Norgaard now at Arsenal, Brentford may feel the need to inject more creativity before the window closes. What is certain is that Brentford will conduct their business wisely.

Burnley

Burnley has made 13 permanent transfers this summer in an effort to secure their place in the Premier League, with reports suggesting that they may not pursue further signings unless an irresistible deal arises. Key defender Maxime Esteve has attracted interest, and if any late offers come in, manager Scott Parker will likely seek a replacement.

The Clarets have faced setbacks as Jordan Beyer has suffered a complication after 19 months out with a knee injury, prompting Parker to carefully consider his options.

Chelsea

History suggests that anything could happen with Chelsea as the deadline approaches, but it appears that Enzo Maresca is focused on enhancing the forward positions. Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons are well-known targets.

Much will depend on player departures, with striker Nicolas Jackson, forward Christopher Nkunku, and academy winger Tyrique George among those potentially leaving. Chelsea also aims to trim their so-called "Bomb Squad," which includes Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, before the deadline.

Maresca is also looking to strengthen the defense after Levi Colwill was ruled out for much of the season due to a serious knee injury, although he seems to have been instructed to look internally for solutions.

Crystal Palace

Despite a quiet start at Selhurst Park, expect activity to ramp up as manager Oliver Glasner targets a defender and a forward. This focus revolves around the futures of captain and defensive lynchpin Marc Guehi, and forward Eberechi Eze.

Liverpool is reportedly interested in luring Guehi, who has just one year left on his contract, while Eze is now likely to join Arsenal after they hijacked his move to Tottenham. Losing these players would leave significant gaps in the squad.

Palace has been linked with Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, and Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss is also a target. Additionally, Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge has been mentioned, but the Belgian club may want to retain their key players as they look to progress in the Champions League.

Busy days lie ahead for Palace as the transfer window nears its close.

Everton

David Moyes has expressed frustration over the lack of signings this summer, a sentiment exacerbated by a poor performance in their defeat to Leeds United. Moyes has prioritized acquiring a right-sided attacker, but negotiations for Southampton's promising teenager Tyler Dibling have stalled, and interest in Lyon's Malick Fofana has been put on hold as he considers his options.

Leicester City's Abdul Fatawu is another player of interest, but Moyes urgently needs to secure a deal in this position to inject pace and creativity into the squad. Everton is also looking to bolster their right-back position, having thought they had secured Fulham's Kenny Tete only for him to decide to remain at Craven Cottage. Leicester City's James Justin is also of interest, although Leeds United is pursuing the talented defender as well.

Norwich City's Kellen Fisher has also caught the eye, and adding a defensive midfielder to support 36-year-old Idrissa Gueye is also on the agenda.

Premier League Clubs Eye Final Transfers Before Deadline

Topics

Related news