Where Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and the rest of Premier League's Big Six need to strengthen in summer transfer window

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is done and dusted, as Spain secured international glory at Argentina's expense. Attention, then, turns back to domestic duties, and specifically the summer transfer window with England's biggest teams looking for more reinforcements.

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Premier League sides are out to bolster their respective squads ahead of another gruelling campaign.

And with plenty of managerial changes amongst the Premier League's Big Six - only Arsenal enter the 2026/27 season with the same head coach that took charge on the opening weekend last August - the new bosses will want to shape their respective squads in their image.

But just where do the Big Six need to strengthen this summer? We have a look at each of the Premier League's top sides and identify areas of improvement.

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Arsenal

Fresh from their Premier League title success, Arsenal can ill-afford to rest on their laurels.

Admittedly, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City exit does help boost the Gunners' chances to go the distance once more.

Crucially, Arsenal need to build upon their 2025/26 triumph rather than rely on the same crop of players that delivered domestic glory for the first time in over 20 years.

No major squad overhaul in the same way as last summer is needed, but Mikel Arteta needs to make minor tweaks in order to ensure the squad is capable of competing on multiple fronts once more.

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Christos Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge to replace Leandro Trossard, the Belgian having departed for Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas earlier this month.

And Arteta would benefit from the addition of another versatile attacker who is capable of both leading the charge and playing out wide.

It's why links with a move for Atletico Madrid and Argentina hitman Julian Alvarez make sense.

Alvarez departed Premier League rivals Manchester City for Atleti two years ago, but the Argentinian expressed his desire to leave the Spanish capital during the World Cup.

A move for a forward as selfless as Alvarez would benefit a Gunners side that relies on the striker to drop deeper and free up space for the wingers.

The ability to operate from the left flank, though, is a huge boost for the champions.

With Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all current striker options for Arteta, Arsenal are well-stocked on the frontline.

Even the expected departure of Jesus would leave the Gunners with ample attacking outlets given Arteta's preference to play with a single striker.

Alvarez is a more-than-capable forward to either feature from the left or lead the charge. Splash the cash on the 26-year-old, and the capital outfit should again dominate.

He's not the only La Liga attacker that Arsenal are considering, with reports on Saturday suggesting that the Gunners are exploring a move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.

It's not just in attack where Arsenal need to invest, but in the middle of the park, too.

There was ample pressure on midfielder Declan Rice last season. The England star shouldered the burden superbly, but it came at a cost as Rice managed a hamstring injury in North America.

A relentless campaign could impact both player and club in the coming campaign, meaning quality investment is of paramount importance.

This goes some way to explaining the links with a move for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Having already sold Sandro Tonali this summer, The Magpies are hellbent on retaining the Brazilian's services, even if Arsenal are pushing hard to land the 28-year-old.

Reports on Friday suggest that The Gunners are readying a £70 million bid to land Guimaraes.

The Brazil international is able to carry out a number of midfield duties. He, like Rice, can operate as a No. 6 or a No. 8 in Arteta's favoured 4-3-3 setup.

What's crucial is his willingness to get the ball down and advance the play to break down stubborn opponents.

Finally, Arsenal need investment in defence, notably in another versatile defender who can play at both centre-back and right-back.

Arteta notably likes his defenders to be able to play a number of roles; William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are the notable exceptions.

Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are all able to play at both full-back and centre-back, with Ezri Konsa linked with an Emirates switch.

The Aston Villa man can operate at both the heart of the defence and on the right side of the backline, playing both positions for England at the World Cup.

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Villa are striving to retain Konsa's services, especially following the sales of key pair Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers.

John Stones is another target for Arsenal, and is a free agent following his Manchester City departure.

Either would ease any home-grown quota concerns that Arsenal may have, all the while bolstering the north London side at the back.

With Saliba expected to be out for a prolonged period of time owing to a back issue, Arsenal need defensive reinforcements.

Chelsea

Chelsea have already been active in the summer transfer market. Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers have joined from Atalanta and Aston Villa, respectively.

French centre-back Maxence Lacroix is also reportedly set to sign from Crystal Palace. Valentin Barco, from partner club Strasbourg, is close to a move to Stamford Bridge to bolster the Blues in the middle of the park as Chelsea gear up for their first season under Xabi Alonso.

The west London side still have a number of areas in need of bolstering, however.

Alonso's side are still light at left-back following Marc Cucurella's Real Madrid move, and while both Jorrel Hato and Palestra can play there, The Blues require a specialist in the position.

Pep Chavarria is the likely new addition to fill the left-back void in the capital. The 28-year-old was a first-team regular for La Liga outfit and UEFA Conference League finalists Rayo Vallecano last season.

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Chavarria isn't a headline-grabbing addition at Stamford Bridge but he's a solid defensive option who is capable of operating at wing-back to match Alonso's potential three-at-the-back setup.

With a lack of European football in 2026/27, Chelsea need to be wary about assembling a bloated squad, meaning there are unlikely to be any further major incomings unless the Blues are forced into a significant sale.

Enzo Fernandez, however, could yet leave the club before the close of the transfer window.

Fernandez has previously spoken of his desire to play for Real Madrid, and comments about a move to Spain saw him slapped with a two-game ban by the club.

The Spanish giants released a statement earlier this month confirming that they are not interested in signing the Argentina international this summer, yet that is unlikely to quell rumours of a move away from the club.

Bournemouth's Alex Scott is subject to speculation surrounding a transfer with Chelsea keeping tabs on the Cherries star.

Scott, whose current deal runs until 2028, reportedly turned down a new contract at Vitality Stadium last week, which could hasten his exit.

The 22-year-old would be a perfect like-for-like replacement for Fernandez should the former Benfica man leave Chelsea.

Adam Wharton and Granit Xhaka are also being eyed up by the Blues, the latter shining in his first season back in the Premier League with Sunderland.

Liverpool

Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Jeremy Jacquet earlier this year, and the Frenchman has come in as Ibrahima Konate's replacement.

Konate left Anfield for Real Madrid last month, following Trent Alexander-Arnold's path to the Bernabeu.

The Reds have already landed Victor Munoz to strengthen the left flank, but they need to address the elephant in the room.

Mohamed Salah played his final Liverpool game two months ago, but the Merseyside giants are yet to sign a replacement for the Egyptian.

Yan Diomande was the preferred target for the Reds, though Liverpool have since dropped behind Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in the race to sign the Ivorian wing wizard.

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Another reportedly on Liverpool's radar is Maghnes Akliouche, which would indicate a change in attacking approach under Andoni Iraola.

The Frenchman, who is also wanted by PSG, is less the explosive winger and more of an attacking star that'll look to bring others into play.

Bournemouth winger Rayan is also reportedly on the club's wishlist, having caught the eye since moving to the south coast from Vasco da Gama at the turn of the year, and he'd be a more like-for-like replacement down the right.

Additionally, Antonio Nusa and Bradley Barcola have both been linked with a summer Anfield switch, even if both operate better from the left flank.

Manchester City

There has been plenty of change at Etihad Stadium this summer. Guardiola stepped down as Manchester City head coach back in May after 10 years at the helm, with Enzo Maresca named his successor.

Club stalwarts John Stones and Bernardo Silva both departed the club following the culmination of their respective deals.

Elliot Anderson is the big-name addition, while young central midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is also tipped to swap Lille for Manchester this summer.

Bouaddi impressed for Morocco at the World Cup with City now leading the race to land the 18-year-old despite interest from Premier League rivals as well as French giants PSG.

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Additionally, City have been linked with a new right-back despite Matheus Nunes' success in the role in recent seasons.

Chelsea's Malo Gusto is a rumoured target, and a move to Manchester would see the Frenchman link up with Maresca once more.

Feyenoord's Givairo Read is another right-back that has been linked with a move to the Premier League powerhouse.

Additionally, plenty is riding on Rodri's future at the club. Rodri played a starring role for Spain at the World Cup, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

The 30-year-old is wanted by Real Madrid and any potential exit would likely spark a scramble for another midfielder.

Enzo Fernandez has previously been linked with a move to City, and Rodri's possible return to Spain may see Maresca's side firm up their interest in the Argentinian star.

Manchester United

Central midfield was Manchester United's priority coming into the summer transfer window.

Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's injury accelerated their plans to bolster in the middle of the park as United signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

The latter came after a move for Atalanta's Ederson fell through, but United can't risk going into the new season with just three central midfield options.

Admittedly, Mason Mount is able to play deeper, yet the demands that come with balancing the Premier League and UEFA Champions League means they need an additional body in a key area.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba and Roma midfielder Manu Kone are both the top targets for United if reports over the past week are to be believed.

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United pushed for Baleba last summer, yet failed in their efforts to bring the Cameroonian to Old Trafford.

Baleba endured a disappointing campaign, though he is still appreciated by the Seagulls, meaning they'd command a hefty fee for the 22-year-old.

By comparison, Kone would be a cheaper alternative, and is the superior ball-playing midfielder, as evidenced by his role in France's progression to the World Cup semi-finals.

Additionally, Aurelien Tchouameni is another who could yet make the switch to Manchester.

Tchouameni cropped up on the club's wishlist earlier in the year, yet reports of a new contract at the Bernabeu seemed to end any talk of a potential exit.

However, nothing has been confirmed and with Real Madrid in the race to sign Rodri, the Spanish side may consider Tchouameni's sale.

The additions of Santos and Tielemans eased United's need to immediately bolster their midfield, with left-back another position they are looking to strengthen.

Luke Shaw may have shone last season, but the return to European football means investment in defence is required.

Premier League pair Lewis Hall and Antonee Robinson are reported targets for United, while West Ham United's El Hadji Malick Diouf is another that would improve the side.

Tottenham Hotspur

Following their brush with relegation, Tottenham Hotspur have splashed the cash to avoid a third successive survival scrap.

Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have all completed free switches to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Jan Paul van Hecke has linked up with Roberto De Zerbi once more, the Dutchman having completed a £52 million switch to Spurs last month.

And in the middle of the park, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali have arrived from West Ham and Newcastle, respectively, to form a new-look central midfield partnership.

Attention now turns to the attack. "The target now is to complete the attacking positions," De Zerbi said during the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Randal Kolo Muani returned to PSG following the culmination of his loan spell, leaving just Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert as the club's only wide options.

However, Kudus is yet to recover from a quad muscle injury, while Odobert remains a long-term absentee with an ACL issue.

On the wings, Manchester City's Savinho is a top target for the capital outfit, and has been for the best part of 12 months.

The Brazilian is reportedly on the cusp of a move to Spurs, and he'd boost the side down the left flank.

Benfica and Norway winger Andreas Schjelderup is also a wanted man amidst reports that Spurs are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, while AC Milan star Rafael Leao is also wanted by the club, though for now, Savinho looks to be the priority.

Leading the charge, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are De Zerbi's senior striker options, but it's fair to say Spurs can improve on both.

Richarlison, who has 12 months left on his current deal at the club, is free to leave this summer, despite ending the season as the club's top scorer with 11 league goals to his name.

Spurs have been linked with a move for Bournemouth hitman Eli Junior Kroupi even if The Cherries are adamant that the teenager won't depart.

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