The 2019/20 season – what a strange 10 months we have encountered.
Liverpool ending their 30-year wait for the Premier League, Leeds back in the top division after 16 years and we endured football in the summer season. Football supporters will now enjoy two months of speculation and drama, as the transfer window is set to open.
Transfer business looks to be restricted this summer, but some of England’s giants need to reinvest into their squad. Here at ExtraTimeTalk, we look at the potential targets for Premier League’s top six.
Premier League Top Six – Transfer Window Preview
Liverpool
As Premier League champions, you won’t expect them to strengthen massively. However, with City’s Champions League ban lifted, Manchester United’s resurgence and Chelsea’s ridiculous signings. Next season could be a tough one for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Liverpool’s starting eleven is one of the best in the Premier League – no question about it. But the key difference between their rivals is the depth and options. The reason why Liverpool will struggle to replicate their form.
Just look at City’s bench – Jesus, Mahrez and Silva can all be called upon when needed. The same exact for Chelsea, who have already brought in Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech. Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to splash the cash this summer, but the lack of depth needs to be addressed in the coming month.
Manchester City
Coronavirus stopping from Manchester City from spending huge amounts. Well, you are incorrect. According to The Sun, Pep Guardiola could have £300m at his disposable to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.
One area on the pitch City need to strengthen is centre-back. Since releasing Vincent Kompany, City have shown vulnerabilities across the backline, conceding 12 more goals compared to last season. Unsurprisingly, Guardiola is already in talks to bring Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake to the Etihad stadium. A player that could form a strong relationship with Aymeric Laporte.
Another area is at left-back and two options may be necessary. Benjamin Mendy finally had a full season under his belt, without any injuries. But has disappointed many City supporters and clearly not good enough to compete on all fronts. Don’t be surprised to see Ben Chilwell, who has been heavily linked to Chelsea, making a move to Manchester this summer.
Prediction: Nathan Ake and Ben Chilwell
Chelsea
Chelsea is the perfect example of getting the business done early. Signing Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, and could yet sign Kai Havertz. Three signings which will take them from top four contenders to Premier League winners.
If Frank Lampard has any money left in the pot, then he needs to strengthen his defence, especially at centre-back. Compared to everyone in the top ten, Chelsea has conceded the most goals with 54 and could be the reason why there might miss out on Champions League qualification.
The Blues’ defence needs to be addressed this summer because leaking goals will undo the hard work at the other end of the pitch.
Prediction: Declan Rice
Manchester United
The signing of Bruno Fernandes looks to have rejuvenated United and help push for a Champions League qualification. The emergence of Mason Greenwood is practically felt like a new signing, scoring five goals in eight games.
Ole Gunnar Solskajear looks to have steadied Manchester United into the right direction. However, similar to Liverpool, the lack of depth could be a major sticking point for United. Jesse Lingard, Odion Ighalo and Daniel James are not game-changers. Just compare that bench to Manchester City’s – it’s embarrassing.
Unfortunately, United are unlikely to address that situation this summer, especially with financial constraints of COVID-19. But Solskjaer needs to look at another centre-back. Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly haven’t partnered well with Harry Maguire and just need someone to help sew up the defence. A solid defender in the summer, then I expect Manchester United to be competing with the very best.
Prediction: Dayout Uceampano and Jadon Sancho
Tottenham Hotspur
The 2019/20 season was a whirlwind for Spurs. Losing their best manager in a decade, and replacing him with one of the most decorated managers in history. Overall most Spurs fans will be disappointed on how the team performed over the season, finishing seventh with no Champions League.
Many would say Mourinho needs to buy a whole new squad, but I would be here for weeks or months writing that up. So, instead, the most important parts that need addressing is defensive midfield, right back and backup striker.
Levy looks to have already secured the signing of Southampton’s Hojbjerg to play in that deeper role. A backup striker is needed, not only for Spurs but also Harry Kane, whose career has been hit with constant injuries due to lack of options at front. If Spurs fail to bring in another striker, that will just lead to Kane suffering another long-term injury. Putting his career in jeopardy.
Aurier seems to have improved under Mourinho but is a mistake waiting to happen. The only problem is the shortage of options to choose from, with Spurs’ restricted funds. So, don’t be surprised to see Max Aarons make the move to North London on the cheap, and also Timothy Castange, who has one year left on his contract.
Prediction: Timothy Castange, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Alexander Milik.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has done a brilliant job at Arsenal since he joined in December. Whilst the league position hasn’t improved, the Spaniard could win his first trophy within six months. An incredible achievement with the current squad at his disposal. However, Arteta will need more than one window to fix this unbalanced squad and challenge for Champions League again.
To summarize this, Arsenal is great going forward and was clearly visible in their win against Manchester City in the FA Cup. With Ozil completely out of the picture, I still feel Arsenal could do with one attacking midfielder to break apart defences that absorb pressure. Arsenal has lost valuable points due to struggling to pick apart teams fighting for relegation. Although, I feel a centre-back should be the main priority for the Gunners.
David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi are prone to mistakes and have cost Arsenal dearly over the past season. A signing of Dayout Upamecano is the exact player Arsenal need to close the gap back to be a Champions League side. The return of William Saliba will also be a major boost for supporters after spending another season on-loan at St Etienne.
Another position could be defensive midfield and Arsenal did look set to bring in Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey – which would have been an incredible signing. However, the 27-year-old is set to sign a new contract and Arteta is back to square one. If Arsenal can bring in a centre-back and defensive midfielder, then it will be a very successful window in these circumstances. Read our predicted Arsenal lineup ahead of 2020/21 season.
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