What Premier League clubs still need, from Arsenal to Brentford

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mykhailo Mudryk, Bradley Barcola and Omar Marmoush have already been linked with moves away as the Premier League transfer window closes on Tuesday, 1 September, leaving clubs one week to plug gaps identified after the opening weekend.

Arsenal and Villa’s key signings

Arsenal remain in the market for a forward and have a long‑standing interest in Julian Alvarez. The club acknowledges the deal could be difficult due to many factors but says it will act if a chance arises. Al Hilal have opened talks to sign Arsenal winger Martinelli.

Aston Villa have identified a striker as their top priority after the Ollie Watkins saga, with Nicolas Jackson listed as a target. The club also seek a winger and have opened talks for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez following the departure of Ezri Konsa to Arsenal. Bids for Southampton centre‑back Taylor Harwood‑Bellis were rejected.

Midfield and defensive gaps highlighted

Manchester City must address gaps left by Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez as the window closes. Director of football Hugo Viana has secured a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille and a move for Palmeiras winger Allan. winger Pedro Neto remains of interest and speculation continues around signing Enzo Fernandez.

Brighton’s chairman Tony Bloom said the club must evolve, invest and innovate while staying true to its principles. With Carlos Baleba’s anticipated exit and Yankuba Minteh likely to leave, Brighton need a defensive midfielder and a proven top‑level winger. Sporting’s Geny Catamo is also linked with Sunderland as a right‑wing option.

Liverpool have made widening the attacking areas a priority and are actively looking at wingers Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye and Yankuba Minteh. The club also recognise a need for a defensive midfielder to replace Fabinho after his departure.

Squad size and goalkeeper plans

Brentford have been linked with left‑back El Hadji Malick Diouf and already possess striking depth with Callum Wilson. The Bees have a history of chasing Mykhailo Mudryk before his move to Chelsea and would welcome his arrival.

Chelsea aim to reduce their squad from 39 players to around 25 within the next eight days. The priority, according to the club, is to sign a top‑drawer goalkeeper.

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa is satisfied with the business so far but sees room to add balance. The club have explored a move for Rennes defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal and consider strengthening the right‑wing position.

The report does list Al Di La Man among the keywords. The suffix La appears as part of the club name Al Hilal.