Though we almost certainly won’t see wild spending in this summer’s transfer market, that doesn’t mean clubs will simply sit idly by. Europe’s top sides all have needs to address – and some are more glaring than others. Here’s a look at the areas the continent’s biggest clubs need to improve, and realistic targets each one may look to sign.
Premier League
Arsenal
- Position of need: Center-back
- Realistic targets: Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig), Unai Nunez (Athletic Bilbao)
Pablo Mari has had few opportunities to earn a permanent deal at Arsenal before his loan from Flamengo expires, and 19-year-old William Saliba can’t be expected to immediately assume a starting role when he severs ties with Saint-Etienne. It would take a big fee to pry Upamecano from RB Leipzig, so Nunez might be a more realistic recruit for Mikel Arteta’s backline.
Chelsea
- Position of need: Striker
- Realistic targets: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal), Victor Osimhen (Lille)
Chelsea have an exciting crop of wingers in Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Christian Pulisic, but Frank Lampard wants a ruthless centerpiece in his attack. Aubameyang fits that profile, …read more