Sport
Transfer window deadline – What do the big six still need?
The days until the transfer window deadline are ticking away quickly, with lots of deals to be done over the next couple of weeks or so. While the so-called ‘big six’ in the Premier League have already completed some transfers, it is likely there will be more to come before the window slams shut on October 5. Here’s what each of those clubs will be looking to get done to fill out their squads.
Liverpool
The only early signing the champions confirmed was Konstantinos Tsimikas, who arrives as cover for left-back Andy Robertson, with manager Jurgen Klopp having warned that the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic would restrict what Liverpool could do.
Klopp’s side have now added to that by completing arguably the signing of the window in Thiago Alcantara, the former-Bayern Munich midfielder has now completed a £25 million move which represents a bargain. The Spanish midfielder is said to want a new challenge after winning the treble with Bayern last season and would seem an ideal addition for the Reds, who could lose Georginio Wijnaldum.
Thiago’s mastery of possession will improve Liverpool’s midfield immediately. With Wijnaldum into the last year of his contract, as well as reportedly being a target for Barcelona where he could link up with former Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman again, there might be a place in the first XI for Thiago to slot straight into at Anfield.
With Rhian Brewster seemingly on his way out of Liverpool, The Reds will need at least one extra attacking player to bolster their squad and the latest football transfer rumours are suggesting that they are leading the £36m race for Watford’s Ismaila Sarr, with Ousmane Dembele also linked. Signing either of this pair would represent a fantastic window for Jurgen Klopp as he bids to defend his Premier League title.
Manchester City
City leapt into action with early deals for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake and Valencia winger Ferran Torres but it has all gone quiet in east Manchester since then.
It is obvious City still need reinforcements, with Vincent Kompany’s leadership yet to be replaced, David Silva departing and Fernandinho linked with a move to Galatasaray. Three of City’s most experienced and influential players would leave a huge leadership void in the dressing room.
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been linked with City for years but a deal with the Serie A side for the Senegal international seems impossible due to his price tag, though City certainly need a signing in that position before the transfer window deadline if Eric Garcia succeeds in pushing through his return to Barcelona.
City were said to be front-runners for Lionel Messi had he left Camp Nou and, with Sergio Aguero probably past his prime, Pep Guardiola might still want to sign another forward.
Manchester United
Jadon Sancho is still seemingly the top target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as United try to add yet more talent to an attack that already looks elite but Borussia Dortmund insist they are keeping the England international for at least one more season.
Alternatives of the right quality are thin on the ground with suggestions United could move for Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale apparently wide of the mark, given reports the Wales winger is closing in on a return to Tottenham. Could the Red Devils rival Liverpool for Ismaila Sarr?
Signing Donny van de Beek from Ajax adds versatility to the Red Devils’ midfield but Solskjaer’s squad lacks squad depth and desperately needs to recruit as a high-class partner for Harry Maguire at the back before the transfer window deadline is up.
Chelsea
Chelsea have been the big spenders of the window with the high profile signings of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Zayech, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Malang Sarr, however reportedly they aren’t done yet. Their error-prone goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made yet another mistake on the opening weekend and the Blues are reportedly trying to sign Edouard Mendy from Ligue 1’s Rennes as his replacement.
Other than that, Chelsea have a squad packed with young players who should continue to develop during the 2020-21 season but they might not quite be ready for a title charge just yet.
Tottenham
Nobody likes a value deal more than Spurs supremo Daniel Levy and, with Gareth Bale jetting in to sign a year long loan deal with his former club, it will be Levy’s highest profile signing yet.
Spurs desperately need cover for Harry Kane and Gareth Bale will give them just that. Their next signing is also likely to be from Madrid, with left-back Sergio Reguilon also set to join the club, whose arrival is bad news for Danny Rose.
The Spurs squad still looks to have some holes, including at the heart of defence following Jan Vertonghen’s departure, but Levy will no doubt have some irons in the fire for the coming weeks.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s key signing might just be the new contract penned by captain and star man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but Mikel Arteta will still want more arrivals before the transfer window deadline if he’s going to push The Gunners towards a top four finish and a return to the Champions Legaue this season.
A full squad needs to be trimmed before Arsenal can make more moves, though, with Atletico Madrid’s midfielder Thomas Partey supposedly at the top of their shortlist.
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