Each Premier League club’s needs and wants with two weeks of transfer window remaining

The Premier League season is underway and after a thrilling opening weekend which saw the return of full capacity stadiums, another staple of English football is now just two weeks away: Transfer Deadline Day

Clubs in the top flight have spent a combined £867.46million this summer, according to Transfermarkt, but there is still plenty of cash to be splashed before the window slams shut.

Whether it be Jack Grealish’s £100million move to Manchester City or Romelu Lukaku’s lucrative return to Chelsea, the so-called ‘Big Six’ have not been shy in spend big despite the financial impact of Covid-19.

And with a fortnight of negotiations still remaining, we could see plenty more deals over the line.

Here’s a look at what each club needs and wants before the August 31 deadline.

Arsenal

After suffering embarrassment to newly-promoted Brentford on Friday in the 2021-22 curtain-raiser, it is clear Mikel Arteta and co have work to do.

New additions Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares all featured in the defeat, proving that the Spanish manager wants to improve his starting XI.

Granit Xhaka has agreed a new deal at the Emirates but the Gunners are still targeting an attacking midfielder, particularly Martin Odegaard, who spent the second half of last season on loan – if James Maddison is unattainable.

A move for Aaron Ramsdale has been mooted, implying that Arteta is clearly seeking a back-up goalkeeper to offer Bernd Leno competition, although the club have reportedly walked away after Sheffield United asked for £35million.

In terms of outgoings, right-back Hector Bellerin is awaiting offers which could bring in vital funds.

Aston Villa

Having sold Grealish for an English record fee, Villa had already stocked up in attack as they secured the signings of Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings before their captain departed.

Dean Smith’s savvy recruitment in 2020 helped the Birmingham-based side comfortably survive and links with Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse suggest that Villa are keen to push for Europe.

Lens midfielder Cheikh Doucoure has been linked along with teenage Metz sensation Pape Matar Sarr.

It seems Smith is seeking a central midfield addition, but versatile Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso is reportedly another target despite Axel Tuanzebe returning for second loan spell.

Although there is not much talk of further outgoings, the Villains’ transfer kitty looks healthy heading into the home straight.

Brentford

Having started like a dream, the Bees look ready for life in the top tier.

Forward Yoane Wissa recently joined from Lorient in £8.5million deal and there is little talk of further additions in the final fortnight.

That may be due to their recruitment often being from under the radar, picking up gems from across the continent without much fanfare in the media, such as Friday’s goalscorer Christian Norgaard, who made our Team of the Week.

A back-up to right-back Mads Roerslev Rasmussen has been speculated to add squad depth.

Of course, some proven Premier League talent would not go a miss for Thomas Frank but Brentford’s transfer policy seems to be serving them after 74 years below the big time.

Burnley

The third-lowest spenders so far this summer, the Clarets have once again had a quiet window despite new ownership.

Irish centre-back Nathan Collins has been the only incoming not on a free transfer, supplementing goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Sean Dyche’s prime target appears to be Lyon wide man Maxwel Cornet, who can play in a variety of positions.

Burnley are believed to have made a bid for the ‘left-back’ and the Ivorian was shown a red card in his side’s Ligue 1 opener on Saturday.

The Turf Moor faithful are still crying out for creativity but holding on to Dwight McNeil is a silver lining if nothing of note occurs between now and August 31.

Brighton & Hove Albion

As the expected goals underperformers of 20-21, Brighton were desperate for a finisher this summer.

None have yet arrived, although the Seagulls have reportedly improved their bid to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez to £27.1 million.

It would certainly represent serious investment for Graham Potter’s stylish side, who could still lose a key player in Yves Bissouma.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly battling it out for the Mali international but the south coast side are said to have set a £40million price tag on the technically adept midfielder.

Otherwise, replacing White could be a priority, despite a wealth of defensive options.

Chelsea

More a tale of expected outgoings than incomings, the mass summer exodus from Stamford Bridge is continuing.

With Tammy Abraham on the verge of completing a move to Roma, Michy Batshuayi and Kurt Zouma are also on the chopping block.

Thomas Tuchel is looking to trim his squad after bringing in Lukaku but Jules Kounde is reportedly still on the Blues’ radar.

The Sevilla centre-back has been heavily linked with a move but the two clubs have failed to agree a fee at present.

Roman Abramovich’s pockets are never empty, though, so Chelsea’s spending could well trump all of their rivals as the European champions aim to do so in the league table.

Where will Chelsea finish this season? Tell us your prediction.

Crystal Palace

After losing 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Patrick Vieira alluded to new faces coming in at Palace.

The French manager has been dragging down the average age of the Eagles’ squad this summer, with the likes of Marc Guehi and Michael Olise heading their incomings.

Their lack of forward fire power is certainly a concern, especially with Eberechi Eze’s long-term injury taking a chunk of creativity out of Vieira’s attack.

Manchester United youngster Amad has been touted as a potential loan option, while Liverpool striker Divock Origi is reportedly a target.

Everton

Having spent just £1.8million so far on Demarai Gray, the Goodison Park faithful will be hoping they see more activity very shortly.

New manager Rafa Benitez reportedly wants to reunite with ex-Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon, who could soon be a free agent if his contract at Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Professional is terminated due to financial issues.

With that in mind along with the addition of Andros Townsend, the Toffees look set to play a direct style this season under the Spaniard, indicating the profile of player Benitez will be looking to pick up.

James Rodriguez has been heavily linked with a departure after Carlo Ancelotti left for Real Madrid upon the end of last term, with AC Milan admirers of the Colombian, while a solid back-up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be handy to ease the burden on the England striker.

Leeds United

It is well-documented that Marcelo Bielsa prefers a smaller squad, but that has not stopped Leeds being linked to a number of names this summer.

The addition of left-back Junior Firpo from Barcelona for £13.5million looks shrewd and making Jack Harrison’s stay Elland Road permanent was vital to maintaining their momentum from 20-21.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ winger Adama Traore is one to keep an eye on, along with versatile Uruguay international Nahitad Nandez.

Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien remains high on Bielsa’s wish list, and the club may be tempted to up their pursuit following the 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Man United on Saturday.

Leicester City

Getting the bulk of their business done early with Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumare through the door for pre-season, the Foxes know how to get a good deal.

Picking up Jannik Vestergaard for £15.8million is impressive, while the free signing of Ryan Bertrand gives them defensive depth.

Keeping hold of Maddison now seems to be the priority along with tying down Harvey Barnes to a new contract.

If either leave, Jesse Lingard has been proposed as a potential replacement, a player with the attributes to thrive under Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool

For Reds fans, the summer has been frustratingly uneventful.

The £36million arrival of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig got things off to a good start, but Jurgen Klopp has failed to add a significant name since.

A replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum has headlined the gossip columns but Klopp was irritated when asked in a press conference about signing a midfielder.

Saul Niguez and Florian Neuhaus have been two names mentioned but nothing has gone beyond speculation.

So, it seems like outgoings will take precedence for the next fortnight, as Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri seek moves away.

Ben Davies has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan following Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk’s respective returns.

Manchester City

The champions are currently kings of the spending charts thanks to their capture of Grealish and Brazilian starlet Kayky for £9million from Fluminense.

Harry Kane remains the main man being discussed in the Etihad boardroom but his £160million price tag is a sticking point for Pep Guardiola’s team.

Bernardo Silva’s situation is one to watch as the Portugal international wants out, although will struggle to find a suitor at the stage despite interest from Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.

Aymeric Laporte is another who is eyeing a move to Spain but similarly to Bernardo, a big-money fee will be required.

In their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur was anything to go by, the Citizens need a striker. But can they get their man?

Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has openly admitted his club’s business as far as additions is likely over, although there are still various spinning plates.

The futures of Lingard, Paul Pogba, Diogo Dalot and Andreas Pereira all remain uncertain as United look to head into the new season with more depth but without so much deadwood.

Interest in a defensive midfielder such as Ruben Neves or Declan Rice has been rumoured, along with full-back Kieran Trippier.

Paul Pogba’s future hangs in the balance as Paris Saint-Germain keeps tabs on his situation, after he bagged four assists at the weekend as Solskjaer’s side downed Leeds.

For now, though, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane should do it for the Red Devils.

Will Sancho and Varane make Man Utd title contenders?Comment your thoughts below.

Newcastle United

If this was early June, the Toon Army would have been satisfied to hear that Joe Willock’s £25million move was their first incoming transfer of the summer.

However, the fact he was only signed on Friday signals another underwhelming window for Steve Bruce and co, who seem to be significantly light in both midfield and attack.

Lose Callum Wilson or Allan Saint-Maximin, and the Magpies look frail.

Having missed out on Tuanzebe, Newcastle’s defence could also do with supplementing if Bruce wants to avoid another relegation scrap.

But with a takeover still being talked about on Tyneside, Mike Ashley’s wallet will take some opening.

Norwich City

Looking to avoid another yoyo campaign, the Canaries have blooded Daniel Farke’s squad with young talent after storming to the Championship title and losing Buendia.

The additions of Werder Bremen due Milot Rashica and Josh Sargent have potential, while midfielder Pierre Lees Melou is coming off the back of a strong season with Nice.

Billy Gilmour has also arrived on a season-long loan from Chelsea but an experienced head could be next.

Gary Cahill, recently released by Crystal Palace, is reportedly on their radar.

Norwich and co shipped a division-worst 75 goals when they were last in the top flight two years ago and Farke and co conceded three to Liverpool as Premier League football returned to Carrow Road on Saturday.

Needless to say, someone like Cahill could at least offer some solidity as they bid for survival.

Southampton

Tipped for a relegation scrap, the Saints have been decimated this summer.

Ings, Bertrand and Vestergaard’s departures will be difficult to make up for despite new striker Adam Armstrong scoring in their defeat to Everton.

Ralph Hasenhuttl is admired in the game but his managerial credentials will be truly tested this time around following a dismal end to 20-21.

Southampton could certainly do with rearguard reinforcements, said to be well on with replacing Vestergaard, but the clock is ticking…

Tottenham Hotspur

Two words: Harry Kane.

Although new Managing Director Fabio Paratici has brought in Pierluigi Gollini, Cristian Romero and Bryan Gil, Spurs’ first year under Nuno Espirito Santo is set to be determined by the future of the star striker.

Daniel Levy is holding firm after the England captain missed all but one day of pre-season due to what Kane says was an unintentionally extended holiday after Euro 2020.

Man City could soon step up their attempts to bring the reigning Golden Boot winner in but they will find it tough.

Paratici is said to be a busy man and Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was heavily linked in July.

Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne and Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez are less likely additions but still mooted targets as Nuno bids to return Tottenham to at least the Europa League.

Should Kane be allowed to leave Tottenham for less than £160m? Give us your thoughts on the situationhere.

Watford

The newcomers, who also bounced back from relegation like Norwich, got off to a blistering start by beating Aston Villa on the opening weekend.

Striker Emmanuel Dennis scored on his debut and Peter Etebo and Juraj Kucka formed a solid new-look midfield.

With Josh King, Danny Rose and Imram Louza also signing, the Hornets are not expected to be too busy bolstering Xisco Munez’s side as Watford look to consolidate their status as a Premier League club.

West Ham United

Another club to have had an underwhelming few months, David Moyes’ men are marching into Europe without reinforcements barring goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

Although Declan Rice has remained in east London, West Ham’s lack of recruitment could come back to bite them if injuries to key components such as Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio occur.

They have not been able to secure the return of Lingard either, though they have not yet given up hope of striking a deal with Man Utd.

Tthe Irons are also still thought to be interested in Zouma and Fiorentina defender Nicola Milenkovic, and should enjoy at least an autumn and winter spent galavanting across the continent.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

With Nuno’s departure has come little change at Molineux – for better or worse.

Jose Sa has been brought in to replace Rui Patricio in the Wolves goal and Francisco Trincao has arrived from Barcelona on loan.

It does look like manager Bruno Lage has identified some fresh targets, though, with Roma’s Amadou Diawara and Porto’s Sergio Oliveira potential options in midfield.

Striker Rafa Mir looks set to depart after more loans (3) than appearances (2) since he joined from Valencia in 2018.

Keeping hold of Neves and Pedro Neto is vital and the return of Raul Jimenez is undoubtedly a boost as Lage looks to get to know his new squad.

With Jorge Mendes lending a hand, however, fresh faces are certainly on the table.