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The 2018-19 pre-season has really taken off with the clubs going about their business in the transfer market. The Premier League clubs are at the epicentre of it all.
Manchester City signed former Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez for a club record €67 million and their fierce derby rivals Manchester United completed the signings of Fred and Diogo Dalot for €59 million and €22 million respectively.
Merseyside club Liverpool FC made a host of signings in Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri for €60 million, €50 million and €14.7 million respectively.
London based clubs are not far behind as both Arsenal and Chelsea changed their managers and are trying to bring in fresh faces to the club. Arsenal with Unai Emery at the helm have considerably done great business on a low budget by bringing in the likes of Lucas Torreira, Bernd Leno and Sokratis Papastathopoulos for €30 million, €25 million, €16 million respectively while also bringing in veteran fullback, Stephan Lichtsteiner for free.
Chelsea meanwhile announced Maurizio Sarri as their new manager while also bringing in Jorginho for a reported €57 million fee. Tottenham, on the other hand, haven't signed any new player this window.
After the first round of business, we look at the key areas that each of the top 6 teams has to reinforce for the upcoming season.
Arsenal
The new Gunners boss was quick to act after being appointed Arsenal boss back in May and he has already signed a bunch of players for the North London club - Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sokratis, Bernd Leno, Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira.
While these players will surely serve to upgrade the squad, there are still some grey areas that need to be reinforced before the window closes. Emery must be aware of this fact as more players are linked to the Emirates on a daily basis.
Adding Sokratis to the defensive mix is a good move by the new Arsenal boss but the former Dortmund player is too heavy on the ball and needs a pacey centre-back to cover for him. Adding another experienced centre-back to his squad would help his backline.
The Emirates outfit must also look to sign an attacking midfielder that would add to the creativity for Aubameyang and Lacazette to feed off.
Players linked to Arsenal:
Andre Gomes - FC Barcelona
Not the best period in the career of this Portuguese player, Gomes came to Barca as a world-class talent but failed to replicate his form from Valencia. Most of his problems started because of his inability to mentally prepare himself for the sheer weight of expectations from the club. A move to Arsenal is beneficial for both parties. Gomes could thrive in a 4-2-2-2 system playing in a double pivot alongside Xhaka or Torreira.
Steven N'Zonzi - Sevilla FC
A former Stoke City player and current Sevilla Starter is a tall and physical box to box midfielder, someone whose kind was missing from the Gunners squad for so many years.
Ever Banega - Sevilla FC
Argentina in this year's World Cup looked like an average team for most of the games. That was until Ever Banega came onto the pitch and balanced things out for La Albiceleste. His vision and passing ability put together with a fine defensive display almost entirely lifted the creative burden off Messi's shoulders. Add him to a midfield with the likes of Ozil, Mkhitaryan, Torreira and Xhaka and expect fireworks.
Chelsea
Maurizio Sarri's appointment as the Chelsea manager was confirmed last Saturday, a day after Antonio Conte's exit from Stamford Bridge became official.
However, he finds a Chelsea squad inflated by the dull signings of last season – the state of flux increased substantially by speculation linking star names to moves away from Stamford Bridge.
Sarri needs to hit the ground running as soon as possible by making a statement in the transfer market. Taking away Jorginho from under the noses of Manchester City was a bold move but Chelsea need more of the same.
Morata was bought last summer with high expectations but he has failed to deliver whatsoever. Bringing in a top class forward would help Chelsea's cause.
Keeping Hazard on their books, away from the prying eyes of Real Madrid and Barcelona would be quite demanding but they need to do it to have any shot at the title.
Sorting out Thibaut Courtois' future as soon as possible should be on their priority list as he has admirers in the Spanish capital.
Players linked to Chelsea:
Daniele Rugani - Juventus FC
An Italian defender that just oozes class inside-out, Rugani is part of the new breed of Italian defenders that are not just great at physically overpowering their opponents but also are able playmakers from the back. He would bring the required competition for places in that Chelsea backline consisting of Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Aleksandr Golovin - CSKA Moscow
What a World Cup this young Russian star had! Golovin has the abilities and skillset that dragged interest from the biggest clubs in the world including Barcelona. A midfield of Kante, Jorginho, Fabregas and Golovin sounds about right for any manager on the planet.
Gonzalo Higuain - Juventus FC
This Argentina star packs goals which the London club are truly missing. A swap deal including Higuain and Morata should be on the cards which would please all included parties.
Liverpool
There has been a real sense of gravity with Liverpool in this summer transfer window, with head coach Jurgen Klopp extremely keen on strengthening his squad in order to compete for the elusive Premier League title. Liverpool have stumbled in recent years, oscillating around the fourth spot for the past couple of seasons.
There has been a horde of transfer gossip, rumours and speculation surrounding the Merseyside club and the stars they are trying to sign from around the world, but what exactly do they need in order to become contenders for the title?
Liverpool urgently needed a new goalkeeper, but they have just announced the signing of long-term target and Brazil No. 1 Alisson Becker.
That leaves the Anfield outfit in need of a centre-back and an attacking midfielder. Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri have already signed for the Merseyside club.
Players linked to Liverpool:
Nabil Fekir - Lyon
Quick on the ball, expertise in dribbling and a penchant to score outside the box stunners, Fekir reminds you of a certain Brazillian who left for greener pastures. A deal was in place for the French international but fell through because of poor negotiations between the clubs. Playing in the hole behind Firmino with Salah and Mane on either side would plunder opponent defences.
Paulo Dybala - Juventus FC
La Joya or the Jewel, this Argentinian international has almost everything similar to national compatriot and idol Lionel Messi. Having Dybala on your team guarantees goals, and a lot of them.
Domagoj Vida - Besiktas
After a brilliant showing with Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2018, Vida's stock has risen immensely and his partnership with Liverpool player Dejan Lovren for the national team is the stuff of dreams for any manager.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur are yet to sign a player in this transfer window but they have done well in tying down their superstar Harry Kane.to a long-term contract. Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen are yet to sign an extension but both have at least a couple of years left in their respective contracts which means that Pochettino and Co. do not need to fret yet.
Tottenham have a well-rounded squad this term but they need some minor adjustments to make them actual contenders for the title and maybe win some silverware this season.
Spurs' defence is commendable with the likes of Alderwiereld, Vertonghen, Davinson Sanchez as starters with able wingbacks doing the running on the flanks. However, Alderweireld's future seems to be uncertain and the Spurs will need to find an able replacement in case he is sold.
Their midfield needs some substance and that is where they are truly lacking in terms of talent. Mousa Dembele needs a capable substitute so that he can rest before the important games of the season.
Players linked to Tottenham:
Andre Gomes - FC Barcelona
It is going to be another North London battle in the transfer market for the services of Andre Gomes who is just waiting to move on from his horrendous time at Barcelona.
Wilfred Zaha - Crystal Palace
Former Manchester United player and current Crystal Palace superstar has been one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League for the past couple of seasons.
Jack Grealish - Aston Villa
An attacking midfielder that plies his trade at Championship club Aston Villa. He can provide cover for the likes of Alli and Eriksen.
Manchester United
One of Jose Mourinho's greatest traits is that he has very good man management skills. Players admire him and he is often hailed for his honesty and disinterest in sugarcoating.
As a result of his qualities, players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Romelu Lukaku are all big signings that were pulled off by the Portuguese.
This season Manchester United have already signed Fred and Diogo Dalot. However, they'll need to rope in a few more players if they're to mount a title challenge and even go for glory in all departments.
United are lacking the required bench strength to compete with their local rivals for the Premier League crown.
United still need a world class centre back to partner Eric Bailly in defence, a physical winger that can exploit the wide areas and another fullback on the left side to replace Luke Shaw and out of position Ashley Young. They'll have to splash the cash if they are to compete with a Qatar backed City side.
Players Linked with Manchester United:
Alex Sandro - Juventus
When Roberto Carlos calls you his heir, it means something. This left-back from Juventus makes marauding runs forward and puts crosses into the box like they were just waiting to be put into the back of the net. His passing is incredible and he has the kind of workhorse attitude that Mourinho looks for in his players.
Ivan Persic - Inter Milan
Last season Mourinho tried to sign this winger from Inter Milan but things didn't turn out so well when he decided to stay with the Serie A side. An incredible showing with Croatia on the world stage would make Mourinho get back in the game to sign him up as soon as possible. Playing on either wing is not a problem for Perisic and he can easily replace Mata and Martial in the United lineup.
Gareth Bale - Real Madrid
The Welsh international never quite looked settled in the Spanish capital which has made United pursue him for more than two seasons. Ronaldo leaving for Juventus this summer might just make Bale stay in Madrid, but who knows what a huge bid from United could do for Florentino Perez.
Leonardo Bonucci - AC Milan
Leonardo Bonucci left the Serie A champions Juventus to be a part of a revolution at AC Milan. Well, that didn't turn out well and Bonucci would be looking for a way out of the club. Still young at 31, Bonucci has 3-4 years of strong Italian defending left in him. A defence consisting of a pacey Eric Bailly and a positionally astute Bonucci will make David de Gea the happiest goalkeeper in the league.
Manchester City
Manchester City are already a team that has talent all across the pitch, having won the Premier League last season by amassing a record-breaking total of 100 points. It although seems that every area of their squad is flawless, so what more could the Catalan mastermind, Pep Guardiola do to further strengthen his side?
Everyone knew that Pep was hellbent on bringing in Jorginho from Napoli to plug some of the gaps in the star-studded City midfield. However, the plan fell through after Jorginho chose to follow his previous coach Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea instead. Obviously, City and their fans were enraged, which has now made them more determined to bring in players as soon as possible.
Riyad Mahrez recently signed from Leicester City and would undoubtedly be a threat to the opposition on the flanks, but it is the midfield that needs a bit of work in order to tie up the loose ends.
Players linked to Manchester City:
Mateo Kovacic - Real Madrid
Real Madrid's wantaway star is one of the most promising midfielders in this generation. A lack of playing time is what makes Kovacic think about leaving the Bernabeu. A replacement and an upgrade for the ageing Fernandinho, Kovacic would do well under the guidance of master tactician Pep Guardiola.
Thiago Alcantara - Bayern Munich
Thiago followed Pep Guardiola to Bayern Munich from Catalan giants Barcelona. Since then he has become one of the best midfielders in the business. Guardiola would be keen on working with Thiago again.
Who do you think will win the Premier League in the coming season? Tell us in the comments below!
