Footballing Weekly: What do top EPL clubs need ahead of transfer deadline?

SINGAPORE — With the transfer window closing at the end of Friday (1 September), English Premier League (EPL) clubs will be eager to secure some last-minute boosts to their squads.

After playing the opening few league matches, each of them will have an idea of where they should be strengthening ahead of the long season. With the next transfer window coming only in January, it will be crucial for the clubs to have their best squads possible, with the domestic and European cup competitions starting to a toll on the players.

And they also have to be wary of the advances from the Saudi Pro League clubs, who are still eyeing potential big-name transfers such as Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. Such a major move could cause huge disruptions to managers' tactical plans as the EPL kicks into full gear.

What do the key EPL clubs need ahead of the transfer deadline?

ARSENAL

The Gunners have had a good transfer window, pretty much addressing all the areas they had needed to be strengthened. However, their new left-back signing Jurrien Timber suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in their opening match, ruling the unfortunate Dutchman out for months.

It also makes Arsenal's defence vulnerable to another bad injury crisis, such as the one that derailed their title charge last season. So if they could see any chance at signing another defender by Friday, they should grab it.

CHELSEA

It is strange that Romelu Lukaku could not even get a jersey number at Chelsea, when the Blues are really in need of a proven striker. The Belgian looks to be on his way on a loan deal to Roma, and while Chelsea have already done much of their shopping for new players, manager Mauricio Pochettino has said that he would like another attacking player "with the right profile".

LIVERPOOL

Another defensive player, either in midfield or in defence, would make a satisfactory transfer window for the Merseyside club. Liverpool have been linked to Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch since the start of the pre-season, but whether they can persuade the reluctant German club to sell the Dutchman remains to be seen.

Of course, if the Saudi Pro League succeeds in persuading Salah to move over, then the Reds would have a major problem in replacing their talismanic star with so little time left. So far, Salah has kept mum about his intention.

MANCHESTER CITY

Kevin de Bruyne's untimely hamstring injury will rule him out for most of this year, so the defending champions will look to sign a creative midfielder to try and fill the Belgian's sizeable hole. Wolves' Matheus Nunes is a target for City, even though they do have Jack Grealish and Phil Foden to cover for de Bruyne.

MANCHESTER UNITED

The Red Devils have also had a decent transfer window, addressing squad needs while trimming unwanted players. However, recent injuries mean that manager Erik ten Hag is short of cover for left-back Luke Shaw and midfielder Casemiro. Man United may very well look for loan deals to address these areas in the short term.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

With top striker Harry Kane having left the club for Bayern, Spurs will be on the market for proven scorers. However, manager Ange Postecoglou is keener to trim the squad size, rather than going on a pricey pursuit for a top striker.

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