We are one week away from the transfer window slamming shut on Premier League clubs, some of whom have a lot of glaring holes.
Others? Not-so-much, but all 20 teams certainly have areas their managers would love to see strengthened for the other 36 games of this grueling season.
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It’s hard for some teams to assess at this point, with players coming off busy summers, and adapting to new leagues, coaches and roles. Some teams, like Hull City, are off to a dream start but surely also no illusions. Others, like Arsenal, know things aren’t nearly as bad as they seem after a 1-point start to the campaign.
Although things are indeed bad. Just not relegation bad.
Let’s wait no more...
Arsenal -- I’m starting to consider that Arsene Wenger’s defensive preparations involve using a club to whack at his defenders’ bodies. Depth in the back is key, and Arsenal sure could use that high-profile, effective forward they’ve needed for a long, long while.
Bournemouth -- In a pretty good spot now, but an added defender capable of playing any position on the back line is not a bad idea.
Burnley -- While the addition of Steven Defour is fantastic, another weapon like him wouldn’t be bad. Honestly, it’s too bad Danny Ings didn’t stick around!
Chelsea -- Defensive depth in the center park would be useful. The long time link with Napoli center back Koulibaly isn’t going anywhere.
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Crystal Palace -- All set on target strikers, someone to run off Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham could be useful.
Everton -- What’s needed is much different from what would be appreciated, and Ronald Koeman wouldn’t mind an upgrade at goalkeeper, insurance at center back, and depth at striker.
Hull City -- Name a position, and Hull could likely use an addition. We’re not trying to be mean, it’s simply the name of the game for the 2-0 Tigers.
Leicester City -- With Europe on the horizon, any depth would be useful for the Foxes. Another outside back or a contract extension for Danny Simpson wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Liverpool -- We forget how many players have yet to debut for the Reds, who really don’t have to add at this point (but may, perhaps at left back).
Manchester City -- Pep Guardiola has shaken up everything, so who knows what else could happen? We suspect offloading, if anything.
Manchester United -- Jose Mourinho would like to strengthen his center back depth, and signing Jose Fonte would certainly help United contend in both England and Europe.
Middlesbrough -- The Boro have added plenty this offseason, and might just be done. Though with Jordan Rhodes looking increasingly likely to leave, another forward isn’t a bad idea.
Southampton -- An attacking center mid and striker depth will be important, as will confidence in its center back corps if and when Jose Fonte leaves town.
Sunderland -- Keeping Lamine Kone would be as big a victory as any player David Moyes could add, though the Black Cats need help almost everywhere. Center back is the biggest concern, Kone or not.
Stoke City -- Center back help is needed here, too, but let’s not forget that Geoff Cameron is indispensable and yet to debut.
Swansea City -- See above, as Ashley Williams’ move to Everton really hit Francesco Guidolin’s team where it was already thin.
Tottenham Hotspur -- Depth moves here, perhaps most likely in the midfield.
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Watford -- Likely done, though another defender wouldn’t hurt.
West Bromwich Albion -- Tony Pulis has made a couple very good pick-ups in underrated QPR man Matty Phillips and Everton loanee Brendan Galloway. That said, he’d love to get better at every spot on the pitch. Anything is possible if the bosses open their wallets.
West Ham United -- A striker would help with injuries to Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew. Otherwise, the Irons are sneaky deep everywhere.