With the new Premier League season approaching, Opta Analyst identifies the key areas each club needs to reinforce to improve their squad.
Arsenal: Central midfielder
Declan Rice played 4,456 minutes in all competitions last season, showing signs of fatigue. Arsenal need a high-quality midfielder to allow Rice occasional rest. Christian Nørgaard struggled for game time, so an extra option could be crucial.
Aston Villa: Left-back
Villa have finished in the top seven for four years and won the Europa League. They need depth, especially with Lucas Digne possibly leaving for Paris Saint-Germain. Ian Maatsen cannot play every week in a Champions League season, hence interest in Milan's Pervis Estupiñán.
Bournemouth: Right-back
Adam Smith is a club legend but aged 35. Max Aarons and Julián Araujo haven't worked out, and Álex Jiménez is on loan. Marco Rose needs a statement signing at right-back.
Brentford: Left-back
Rico Henry has struggled since a horrific injury three years ago, making four errors leading to shots last season. An upgrade at left-back would also free up Keane Lewis-Potter further forward.
Brighton: Central midfielder
Brighton need to plan for James Milner's retirement and Pascal Gross's ageing legs. Only six midfielders over 34 played in the Premier League last season, two for Brighton. Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari could depart, so depth is needed.
Chelsea: Goalkeeper
Despite spending over £200m, Chelsea need a goalkeeper. Robert Sánchez ranks second in errors leading to shots (17) and goals (seven) since joining in 2023. Mike Penders is young, so Xabi Alonso wants reliability.
Coventry: Goalkeeper
Returning to the Premier League after 25 years, Coventry lack a first-choice goalkeeper. They want to make Carl Rushworth's loan permanent but haven't agreed a fee. Rushworth prevented more goals than all but Bristol City's Radek Vitek in the Championship.
Crystal Palace: Centre-back
Pierre Sage used a back three, so Palace likely continue 3-4-2-1. After losing Marc Guéhi in January, their win rate dropped from 35% to 22.2% without him. Jaydee Canvot is adequate but more depth needed if Maxence Lacroix leaves.
Everton: Right-back
Séamus Coleman's 17-year stay ended and Nathan Patterson is expected to depart, leaving Jake O'Brien as the only recognised right-back. Fans doubt O'Brien's suitability, and James Garner has filled in occasionally.
Fulham: Centre-forward
Raúl Jiménez and Harry Wilson scored 19 of Fulham's 43 league goals and both left on free transfers. No other player scored more than four. New manager Álvaro Arbeloa is keen on Real Madrid's Gonzalo García, but Fulham need at least two new forwards.
Hull: Wide forward
Hull need quality in attack. Oli McBurnie requires runners off him, but Kyle Joseph has been sold and Joe Gelhardt not re-signed after loan, leaving them light.
Ipswich: Striker
Promoted sides often lack precision in both boxes. Ipswich signed Issa Diop for defence but need more firepower. George Hirst has only twice reached double figures, and Emersonn has never scored more than six league goals. Daizen Maeda is a boost from Celtic.
Leeds: Goalkeeper
Leeds signed Lucas Perri for £15.6m but he underwhelmed. Karl Darlow left, and Illan Meslier's contract expired. Remaining options are Perri and 33-year-old Alex Cairns, who last played for Salford in 2023-24. They need a keeper.
Liverpool: Right-winger
Mohamed Salah had his most underwhelming season but still contributed to 22 goals. His output is replaceable, and a dynamic wide attacker like Bradley Barcola is on the agenda. Andoni Iraola develops such players well.
Manchester City: Winger
Enzo Maresca addressed one hole by signing Elliot Anderson but needs another option on the flanks. Antoine Semenyo struggled, Savinho regressed, and Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are better centrally.
Manchester United: Central midfielder
Michael Carrick's options were boosted by Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but they need more. With Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as No 10s, only Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte were senior midfielders. Casemiro moved to Inter Miami, and Ugarte is out with ACL injury. United need a ball-winning midfielder.
Newcastle: Full-back
Newcastle need a full-back for each flank or one who can play both sides. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are excellent but injury-prone, and depth has gone with Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett leaving. Dan Burn can fill in but not ideal.
Nottingham Forest: Centre-back
Assuming they replace Elliot Anderson, Forest need centre-backs for new coach Oliver Glasner's back three. They have several but need experience in that system.
Tottenham: Winger
Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski are injured and may miss start of season. On the left, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert combined for just four goals and three assists in 55 appearances. Odobert is out with knee injury, leaving Spurs almost no wide options.
Sunderland: Creative midfielder
After a busy summer and successful first season back, Sunderland need depth for a European campaign. They generated only 23.2 expected goals from open play last season, worse than only Burnley and Wolves.
