The first weekend of the Premier League season is complete but clubs still have one week of the transfer window remaining to secure last-minute squad additions. Results are one thing but for many managers and sporting directors their opening match was an eye-opener in what positions need to be strengthened, who is no longer needed and what gaps still need to be plugged. With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, 1 September at , BBC Sport takes a look at what each top-flight club still needs and fans also have their say.
The Premier League champions have already strengthened the middle of the pitch with Bruno Guimaraes, the wing with Christos Tzolis and their defence with Ezri Konsa. But Arsenal are still in the market for a forward and have a long-standing interest in Julian Alvarez. Although it appears to be a difficult deal due to many factors, the Gunners will be ready to act if there is a chance to get it done.
If you want someone who is Premier League proven, who has won it all from the World Cup to the Champions League, Julian Alvarez looks like the guy that can take Arsenal to the promise land of finally getting over the line in Europe. Especially when there aren't that many elite forwards in the world. Alvarez's Arsenal dilemma amid summer's most bitter transfer tussle Al-Hilal open talks to sign Arsenal winger Martinelli What don't Aston Villa need after a raft of star departures this summer?
Ollie Watkins' transfer saga, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal trying to sign the striker, leaves Villa looking for a likely replacement with Nicolas Jackson a target. A winger is also on the agenda while they need a defender after Ezri Konsa's move to Arsenal, and have opened talks for Club Brugge central defender Joel Ordonez after bids for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis were rejected. It is clear Aston Villa desperately require a striker more than anything right now.
Although I massively rate Victor Lindelof and Pau Torres, the display against Brighton has worried me slightly. Therefore, I would welcome another centre-back as well. It looks like we will be OK in midfield once Johan Manzambi is fit and with the addition of Leon Goretzka.
Watkins' departure would cut deepest - and Villa did not see it coming Villa in talks with Club Brugge for defender Ordonez Bournemouth are used to being picked off and will simply be hoping to come through the final eight days of the transfer window unscathed. It is clear that big clubs are circling for forward Eli Junior Kroupi and midfielder Alex Scott, who the Cherries insist are not for sale. In terms of incomings, Bournemouth are largely done as they close in on a move for Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
