The Position Your Premier League Club Needs to Fill in the Transfer Market

It is clear that David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi aren’t good enough for Arsenal if they want to challenge for a Champions League spot, as the club finished way down in eighth.

Luiz alone has made two errors leading directly to goals and gave away five penalties - the most by any player in a campaign in Premier League history. If Mikel Arteta wants to bring a Pep Guardiola-esque style of play to the Emirates, there’s no question he needs to bring in a commanding ball-playing centre half.

Nathan Ake has already joined Guardiola this transfer window and Arsenal are running out of options on who to sign at the back.

Three potential targets: Kalidou Koulibaly, Samuel Umtiti, Dayot Upamecano

With Aston Villa leaking a total of 67 goals in this season, it's very clear why they struggled to stay in the Premier League this season.

One position at the back seems secure with Tyrone Mings even knocking on the door of the England national team, but the desire to bring acquire his partner needs be the priority here.

The increased quality in the back four should result in Villa climbing higher up the table avoiding relegation for the second year running. Although, with the possibility of a Jack Grealish departure, the focus may need to shift to find a worthy replacement in this regard.

Regardless, should the playmaker leave, it will leave a substantial budget for Dean Smith to use. Now, for the Villa boss, it's simply a case of sealing the cracks at the back or splashing the cash on a replacement for Grealish, which won't be easy.

Top three potential targets: Evan N'Dicka, Steve Cook, Kiko Feminia

With the signing of Adam Lallana on a free from Liverpool, Brighton look to have significantly boosted their chances of staying in the Premier League for another season.

Now, for the Seagulls, the focus needs be on reducing the 54 goals conceded in this season. A new partnering centre back alongside Lewis Dunk surely should solidify their defence with both Daniel Burns and Tariq Lamptey looking to improve on their performances this season.

Top three potential targets: Christian Kabasele, Steve Cook, Ben Godfrey

Burnley can boast about a fantastic defensive record once again this season, securing an admirable 15 clean sheets, which is the same as champions Liverpool.

Since their return to the Premier League in 2017, defensive issues have only occurred in that first season back in the top-flight, and Sean Dyche has since turned the Clarets into more than a defensively sound outfit.

However, after averaging 43 goals this campaign, more emphasis needs to go into their attack, especially after striker Ashley Barnes missed half the season through injury, whilst Chris Wood is linked with a move away.

Top three potential targets: Troy Deeney, Callum Wilson, Teemu Pukki

Chelsea have already acquired the services of elite names this window, with Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech no doubt installing a lot of confidence in the Blues' fans for the new season.

However, it's clear where next in the market for Frank Lampard: the goalkeeper spot. The Chelsea backline conceded 54 goals this league campaign and the keeper made the least amount of saves with 65.

If Lampard wants to compete in Europe and challenge for the title once more, replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga will be key as the errors continue to mount. However, at just 25, keeping him on the books at Stamford Bridge is also wise.

Top three potential targets: Jan Oblak, Samir Handanovic, Andre Onana

Crystal Palace don't necessarily need to fill one position; they merely need to just find a goalscorer. The Eagles scored just 31 goals from the 38 games this season, with only bottom-placed Norwich City scoring more with 26 efforts.

Goals have been a real worry for Palace fans for some time, with the likes of Christian Benteke simply not living up to the billing one bit. This has meant that Wilfred Zaha has to bring in the goals, but with just three for him and the desire for him to move, a goalscorer is needed.

Plus, with his managerial job on the line, Roy Hodgson needs to bring faith back to the board room and start the next season strong.

Top three potential targets: Troy Deeney, Callum Wilson, Teemu Pukki

Carlo Ancelotti will get his first summer transfer window to jot down the players he needs to get the club back amongst challenging for Europe and with Everton's wealth these days, this could be an interesting window for them.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has continued to bag the goals under Ancelotti and a goalscorer is no longer needed as much. The same applies to the defensive spots, where Michael Keane is beginning to prove himself as a crucial part within the Italian's setup.

This moves us onto the midfield where doubts continue to grow over Tom Davies, whilst Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin all spent more time in the treatment room last season.

If Ancelotti is to build a team to threaten towards the top, a centre-midfielder is needed.

Top three potential targets: Aboulaye Doucoure, Matteo Guendouzi, Philip Billing

After Leeds United’s promotion to the Premier League, manager Marco Bielsa will need to strengthen his side in order to stay up in the league next season and avoid instant relegation. One area of focus is with their attackers.

Striker Patrick Bamford had a total of 18 contributions in the league this season, starting in 47 of their games. This is low for a side that will have to ‘step up’ their performances for the Premier League. Therefore a signing of another striker maybe crucial

Top three potential targets: Edison Cavani, Troy Deeney, Callum Wilson

Leicester had an outstanding season this year, improving on their previous league position of ninth with a finish in the Europa League spots. Despite dropping to 5th place in the latter stages, they looked like they could have reached the Champions League spot, but the break in football really messed with them.

Brendan Rodgers will now look to improve their goalscoring capabilities as after Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy, not a single Leicester player scored over nine goals in the league.

At 33, Vardy still has another year doing what he does best at the very least. But with James Maddison's future up in the air, whilst Harvey Barnes is unlikely to score more than 10, bringing on another winger makes a lot of sense.

Top three potential targets: Domenico Berardi, Matteo Politano, Richarlison

With the departure of Dejan Lovren to Zenit St. Petersburg, Liverpool now only have three senior centre-backs and Klopp will now need to sign a replacement to help build on this magical period for the club.

As seen many times, the German manager has frequently looked towards his younger players to fill the role, however, with no major breakthrough and with Joe Gomez's injury struggles, the Reds should seek to find a more established replacement.

Liverpool have the best defence in the league, but if they are to maintain this, they could do with another elite man at the back.

Top three potential targets: Dayot Upamecano, Diego Carlos, Milan Skriniar.

After club legend Vincent Kompany left for Anderlecht, the club felt a large void in both leadership and defence and it is no surprise to see Liverpool take over in his absence with Virgil van Dijk in their arsenal.

The signing of Almeric Laporte has changed a lot at the back for Pep Guardiola, but it's clear he needs a long term replacement to add defensive stability to his ball-playing nature.

Manchester City finished this season in second place conceding 12 more goals than last season and losing five more games. Now, the signing of Nathan Ake is a start, but the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly are surely next on the list for Guardiola.

Top three potential signings: Jose Gimenez, Kalidou Koulibaly, Dayot Upamecano

To get United back to where they need to be, they are likely going to need more than just the one transfer window and marquee signing. The future of Jadon Sancho is uncertain and whilst this could no doubt improve the squad even more, it merely plasters over the cracks of team that still struggles at the back.

Harry Maguire has changed United drastically, improving the club instantly from their worst-ever defensive year in 2018/19 to the third-best team in the league. However, doubts remain over Victor Lindelof and if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to compete with the likes of Liverpool and City, another elite name is needed to make a solid defensive partnership, rather than just one man.

Top three potential signings: Kalidou Koulibaly, Milan Skriniar, Dayot Upamecano

The club record-breaking signing of Joelinton for £40m was thought to have solved the goal goalscoring issues that have mounted spectacularly over recent years. The Brazilian has only scored two league goals since moving to St. James' Park.

Newcastle have failed to replace the likes of Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba all them years ago, with Soloman Rondon the only man who came close to achieving their numbers in recent times.

Steve Bruce’s priority must be to sign a striker who will provide for the club in order to rise further up the table and avoid yet another relegation scrap. It may also be worth cashing in on Joelinton whilst they still can.

Top three potential signings: Troy Deeney, Wilfried Zaha, Callum Wilson

Defensively, Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United have been exceptional in their first year back in the Premier League, with only 39 goals conceded in 38 games.

Despite this well-drilled defence, offensively the Blades have been poor and this is ultimately the reason they forfeited a European spot towards the end of the season.

If Wilder wants to continue to test the waters of those competing in European football and avoid dropping back into another relegation battle. To do this, another striker is needed at Bramhall Lane.

Top three potential signings: Troy Deeney, Callum Wilson, Teemu Pukki

With the sale of midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton will have to search for a replacement to build what was looking like a solid partnership with James Ward-Prowse in the centre.

With Danny Ings up top netting more than anybody else besides Jamie Vardy, and with their already poor defence record, they need - now more than ever - to bulk up their defensive structure.

Top three potential targets: Abdoulaye Doucoure, Fabian Delph, Philip Billing

Now that Spurs have signed Hojbjerg, along with Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, it seems as if Jose Mourinho is starting to build a promising midfield in north London.

With these positions now more secure and with Harry Kane likely to stick around, improving the defence is essential for Spurs in 2019/20. The Lilywhites' boss has already had a defensive foundation when building title-winning sides and if he is to do so again, he more than anybody will understand the importance of bulking up his backline.

Furthermore, with Jan Vertonghen now at Benfica and Toby Alderweireld past his best, a centre-back has become even more important. At the same time, Kieran Trippier's presence at the club has not been filled since his move to Atletico Madrid, whilst Danny Rose is overlooked by Mourinho.

Ultimately, an entire restructure is needed at the back.

Top three potential players: Kalidou Kouliably, Caglar Soyuncu, Mats Hummels

Like all new sides, West Bromwich Albion will be looking to spend the fortune earned through promotion in the transfer window to help with the step-up in the Premier League.

One area is a centre-back role as their impressive 45 goals conceded in the Championship will most definitely increase as the level jumps leaps and bounds when in the Premier League

The club are fairly well equipped with experienced Premier League goalscorers like Charlie Austin, so ensure they bring in a commanding centre would be step one in surviving.

Top three potential targets: Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones

West Ham United ended the season five points off relegation after they started the season with a chance of threatening the Europa League hopefuls.

The Hammers conceded a dismal 62 goals this season compared to the last campaign, in which they let in 55 and finished in 10th. Just like West Brom, the chances of West Ham fighting relegation are strong and will, therefore, need another centre-back to ensure survival.

David Moyes certainly knows how to and who to acquire in these circumstances, it's whether or not he gets the right man for the job, or feels the need to help out Sebastian Haller at the other end.

Top three potential targets: John Stones, Christian Kabasele, Chris Smalling

Despite another impressive season, Wolverhampton Wanderers scored only one more goal than they conceded this campaign, which shows the club have stalled in their progression to a regular within the European competitions.

With ageing midfielder Joao Moutinho nearly 34, the need for a replacement in this area of the field will be key, as they are fairly sound everywhere else. The good news for Wolves is how the more defensive-minded Ruben Neves looks to stick around, but in the creative sense, both he and Leander Dendoncker scored just six goals in 102 games between them.

Top three potential targets: James Rodriguez, Jack Grealish, Aleksei Miranchuk