Everyone could use a Harry Kane or N’Golo Kante, so we’ll try to avoid saying each side could improve at center midfield or striker unless it’s almost absolutely the *case.
[ ARSENAL-CHELSEA: 4 things | Player ratings ]
*Pretty much everyone really could use a striker. Apologies in advance.
Arsenal
Jack Wilshere’s return to form and fitness helps their center midfield, but Arsene Wenger seemingly hasn’t found his answer in the middle of the park whether the addition of Mohamed Elneny in the past or Granit Xhaka this season. Laurent Koscielny’s surprising recent struggles also show just how few answers the club has behind him at center back.
Bournemouth
Need to find that leading scorer either Jermain Defoe or Joshua King was supposed to be, or find the playmaker who puts them in position to start burying goals again.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Offensive players of any kind, as the league’s worst offense has allowed teams to focus on Pascal Gross.
Burnley
A versatile midfielder who can play centrally or on the left would solve multiple problems. Center back insurance would help, too.
Chelsea
Cheekily, we’d suggest bringing some of its many stars back from loan, as Kurt Zouma (Stoke) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Crystal Palace) have been mighty influential at their clubs. It’s more about personage than positions with Chelsea, as Alex Sandro of Juventus has been mentioned often. Will Ross Barkley change his mind about the Blues, or vice versa?
Crystal Palace
Still need an answer at striker behind Christian Benteke and Bakary Sako, and the injuries to Scott Dann and Jason Puncheon mean they could use help essentially everywhere.
Everton
The Toffees have made no secret of their need for a finishing center forward. No other team needs a positional upgrade more than Everton at CF.
Huddersfield Town
An upgrade at center back seems the prime need for David Wagner’s men.
Leicester City
A center back to pair with Harry Maguire, and depth down the right side. Both become secondary to playmaker if Riyad Mahrez leaves the King Power Stadium.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Wes Morgan (L) Ron-Robert Zieler (C) and Robert Huth of Leicester City look on after conceding their second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion at The King Power Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk solves a lot, but the club could stand to upgrade the position beyond him and Joel Matip. Instead, Jurgen Klopp might buy more attackers. An alternative to Jordan Henderson would be nice, but would also be superfluous with Naby Keita arriving in the summer.
Manchester City
Center forward depth in the short-term with Gabriel Jesus injured, and left back cover might be on Guardiola’s mind. Another center back seems likely to arrive this month or this summer.
Manchester United
Jose Mourinho could add anywhere outside of goalkeeper and his attacking trident. Left back remains a priority, especially if he sells Luke Shaw.
Newcastle United
The Magpies need a more effective Premier League striker than Joselu or Dwight Gayle, an improved left back, and a box-to-box center midfielder. Rafa Benitez will reportedly hunt for a goalkeeper, too.
Southampton
Still need a center back, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Mauricio Pellegrino attempt to find a solution for any spot besides the one occupied by Oriol Romeu.
Stoke City
The Potters have allowed a league-worst 47 goals, and it’d be worse without Jack Butland. A left back is needed, as is either a defensive mid or right back depending on where they want to deploy Geoff Cameron (which means they also could use cover for both in case injury).
Swansea City
With a new manager you can pick a position, and Swans may want to improve it. The priority will be players who can produce goals, as Fernando Llorente and Gylfi Sigurdsson were not adequately replaced.
Tottenham Hotspur
Another winger? Spurs may have the least amount of needs in the league outside of Man City.
Watford
Full backs might be top of the list.
West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies have to find a better way to utilize big forward Salomon Rondon, who is quite gifted. Maybe it’s a partner striker, maybe a playmaker.
West Ham United
Up the middle, besides forward. The Hammers will look to address center back and center midfield. They are alright out wide and across the top.