It’s Transfer Deadline Day tomorrow and here at SillySeason we have looked into what each club should be doing before 6pm tomorrow evening.
Due to Champions League squad registrations, the deadline has been moved forward from the usual 11pm deadline to 6pm, meaning the clubs have to be quicker in their dealings.
Two of SillySeason‘s writers have put their heads together and looked into each Premier League club and have highlighted what they should be doing during tomorrow’s deadline.
Joseph Richardson and Jake Gallagher have studied each club and highlighted their weak areas and the areas that need improving.
Here are what the 20 Premier League teams should be doing in SillySeason’s opinion.
Positions they need to strengthen – There are two positions that Arsenal have been lacking in for some time. A central defensive midfielder is needed in the Patrick Vieira mould and they still require a world class striker if they are to challenge for the title.
Targets – Karim Benzema and Edinson Cavani have been the main striker targets linked with Arsenal although Alexandre Lacazette could be a good outside option. The only defensive midfielder currently linked with Arsenal is Victor Wanyama who wants to leave Southampton.
Positions they need to strengthen – Aston Villa have had a major overhaul during the summer but they still lack strength in depth at centre back and right back and need to strengthen in those positions.
Targets – DeAndre Yedlin and Tyler Blackett could be good loan options to provide more depth in the defensive positions. Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis has also been linked with a move to Villa Park, but after his great start to the new campaign, it’s unlikely that he will be leaving the Liberty Stadium.
Positions they need to strengthen – Bournemouth could do with another striker to help Callum Wilson out on the goal scoring front. More quality in the centre of midfield would help their survival bid too.
Targets – Glenn Murray is on the brink of a move to the Vitality Stadium, according to Sky Sports News and ex-Swansea midfielder Jonathan De Guzman is also thought to be close to moving to Bournemouth.
Positions they need to strengthen – A centre back is a priority for Jose Mourinho after Chelsea’s poor start to the season while a midfielder might also be needed after Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas’ poor start to the season
Targets – Nantes defender Papy Djilobodji is thought to be close to a move after Chelsea missed out on John Stones. Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is also strongly linked with the London club.
Positions they need to strengthen – It’s difficult to say really, more strength in depth at the heart of the defence could be a possibility.
Targets – Alan Pardew could attempt to raid his old club Fabricio Coloccini and Papiss Cisse who would both strengthen the Crystal Palace team.
Positions they need to strengthen – A new centre back and left back have to be priorities with Leighton Baines sidelined, Bryan Oviedo injury prone and John Stones potentially leaving. Everton are also in the market for another winger.
Targets – Dynamo Kyiv winger Andriy Yarmolenko could be moving to Goodison Park. Jonathan De Guzman has been linked with a loan move and the return of Aaron Lennon on a permanent deal has also been muted around.
Positions they need to strengthen – A more mobile, quicker centre back is necessary and a central midfielder in the Esteban Cambiasso mould would also be a good addition.
Targets – FC Copenhagen midfielder Daniel Amartey has been linked and Japanese international defender Yuto Nagatomo could move to the King Power stadium.
Positions they need to strengthen – A new central defender is a must with Dejan Lovren looking a liability and a top class winger would also strengthen the Liverpool ranks considerably following Lazar Markovic’s exit.
Targets – Borussia Dortmund winger Jakub Blaszczykowski is being heavily linked with a move to Anfield. A move for West Ham United’s Winston Reid is not out of the question either.
Positions they need to strengthen – After their blistering start to the season, it’s difficult to see where they could strengthen. Another top class striker and left back would be welcome additions though.
Targets – West Brom striker Saido Berahino could be an option along with a late hijack in Man Utd’s deal to sign Anthony Martial. West Ham full back Aaron Cresswell could also be a late target for City to add to their English quota.
Positions they need to strengthen – A top class centre back and a pacey striker. There’s a lot of work for United to do before the window closes.
Targets – Anthony Martial is reportedly close to signing from Monaco. Keylor Navas could be signing for Man Utd as part of the deal that takes David De Gea to Real Madrid. Long term target Mats Hummels could also be considered to solve United’s defensive concerns.
Areas to strengthen: Striker. Steve McClaren has certainly made Newcastle much more solid and compact, compared to last season. But they are still short up top. They have splashed out £15 million on Alexsandar Mitrovic, which looks like a huge gamble considering his disciplinary record. Buying proven Premier League quality upfront is what Newcastle need, and Charlie Austin will be their number one target. However they will face stiff competition for his signature from the likes of Palace and West Brom.
Possible targets: Charlie Austin, Benik Afobe
Areas to strengthen: Striker. The transfer window has been a little frustrating for Alex Neil, with multiple bids for players being turned down. They had to fork out £7 million for Robbie Brady, and Wolves are currently standing firm over selling Benik Afobe, despite a £10 million bid. Neil doesn’t have a prolific striker at his disposal, but are reportedly set to sign Mbokani from Dynamo Kiev, who has a decent scoring record.
Possible targets: Dieudonne Mbokani, Benik Afobe, Jon Walters
Areas to strengthen: Centre back. Ronald Koeman has made it clear that the club are trying to sign another centre back. They are yet to fully replace Toby Alderweireld, who they could not persuade to stay on from his original loan. Steven Caulker has already been bought in this window, but is only a squad player. Virgil van Dijk is being linked, who could leave with Celtic signing possibly two new centre backs. However speculation over Sadio Mane, and particularly Victor Wanyama departing will dominate tomorrow’s proceedings.
Possible targets: Virgil van Dijk, Kalidou Koulibaly
Areas to strengthen: Central midfield. Mark Hughes will be very happy with the business he has done so far. The squad looks strong, but they are still yet to fully replace Steven N’Zonzi. The Potters signed Marco van Ginkel from Chelsea, and have Sidwell, Ireland and of course Charlie Adam, but they are lacking a bit of power, steel and physical presence in midfield.
Possible targets: Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu
Areas to strengthen: Central midfield. Dick Advocaat will still want a couple more new faces by tomorrow evening, however the capture of Fabio Borini today will be a welcome boost. Albeit at a considerable £10 million, Borini could be exactly what they need. He had a successful loan spell a couple of seasons ago at Sunderland, he knows the club, and he knows the Premier League. He’s scored the winner in a derby, so is already a fan’s favourite.
Possible targets: Fabio Borini – Done
Areas to strengthen: Centre back? Garry Monk has already stated that his transfer business is done for this window, and you can see why. What a buy Andre Ayew looks on a free transfer, and Jonjo Shelvey is almost like a new signing the way he’s started. Perhaps cover for Fernandez and Williams is needed, but it doesn’t look like there will be any activity around the Liberty, apart from Michu or Dwight Tiendalli leaving.
Areas to strengthen: Central midfield, Striker. The signing of Heung Min Son from Bayer Leverkusen will add some much needed pace to a team that without a fit and firing Harry Kane looks fruitless going forward. Pochettino’s pursuit of Saido Berahino seems to have hit a dead end, but that could change. Victor Wanyama is one Spurs have been after for a while now, with the Kenyan having made two transfer requests. Southampton though are also attempting to stand firm. It could be another frustrating day at White Hart Lane.
Possible targets: Saido Berahino, Charlie Austin, Victor Wanyama
Areas to strengthen: Striker The Hornets have bought in a whopping 12 players, however their problem so far looks to be up front, with no goals in their last three matches. Troy Deeney is their big striking option, but he has yet to start scoring. Quique Sanchez Flores will hope to bring in another striker, probably from overseas, who he will hope will bring guaranteed goals.
Areas to strengthen: Goalkeeper, Winger, Striker. Albion have done some astute business in this window. Up front they look strong with new record signing Salomon Rondon, along with Rickie Lambert, and perhaps Saido Berahino. Tony Pulis is currently looking for a new goalkeeper with Ben Foster sidelined for a while. Anders Lindegaard and Cardiff City’s David Marshall are top of the list. If Berahino leaves, Charlie Austin is another target. The Baggies are also after a winger.
Targets: Anders Lindegaard – DONE, David Marshall, Victor Moses, Matt Phillips.
Areas to strengthen: Central midfield. The Hammers new signings have started well. But they are after another central midfielder, and top of their list is Alex Song. He enjoyed a successful loan spell last season, and the club want him on a permanent deal. Slaven Bilic would also love to bring in another striker perhaps on a loan deal, with Enner Valencia out injured.
Targets: Alex Song – DONE
So there you have it. All 20 teams accessed and potential targets they should go for during deadline day.
What big moves are you expecting?
Written by Joseph Richardson and Jake Gallagher