Signings the big 6 must make this summer
By Iain Roy
As the English Premier League season enters the closing stages, clubs are looking to the upcoming transfer window to strengthen their squads. The big six will certainly spend money this summer, but what signing is the most important to each club’s chances of success next season?
Arsenal have built on everything they were successful at last season and looking like a stronger threat to Manchester City’s dominance. Defensive stability paired with plenty of goalscorers shows that the Gunners don’t have a glaring weakness, however, the signing of Ivan Toney would certainly give the attack a much-needed focal point instead of the goals being shared across the squad. Rumours have circulated for a while regarding the Brentford striker, with Toney appearing eager to leave, this is a realistic signing for the red side of north London.
Manchester City’s squad is one of the strongest the league has ever seen, making it difficult to identify areas that they need to improve. With the potential that Bernardo Silva leaves at the end of the season, City should attempt to grab Lucas Paqueta of West Ham. Paqueta was close to joining the Citizens at the beginning of this season, however, the deal broke down. It is likely City remain interested in buying the Brazilian, even more so if they lose Silva.
Liverpool surprised football fans this season with their strong season so far thanks to incredible form from Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk. to name a couple. The area needing the most attention is the midfield as it is already thin which is damaged more by injuries. A player that would slot perfectly into that squad is Joao Paulinha of Fulham. The Portuguese midfielder was close to signing for Bayern Munich last summer before the deal collapsed on deadline day. Paulinha is a player with ambitions of playing at the top level, and with Liverpool needing stability in the midfield, he would be the perfect fit for both parties.
Tottenham have also impressed this season with many fans writing them off after losing Harry Kane in the summer. They have demonstrated exciting, high-energy football under the coaching of Ange Postecoglou, but they still have weaknesses in the attack that can be fixed in the summer. Permanently signing Timo Werner from RB Leipzig would provide Spurs with great attacking options once everyone in the squad is fit. Werner provides pace and goalscoring threat as well as being capable of playing on the wing or as the centre-forward.
Manchester United have struggled this year after a promising first season last year for ten Hag. It has not been a disaster by any means, however, fans are disappointed with what they have seen from some of their players so far. Multiple areas need improvement but the outstanding issue is the defence, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace is the defender needed to take United back on track. Players like Harry Maguire are possibly moving on meaning that the opening is there for a new centre-back to make their mark and that player should be Guehi.
Chelsea has more issues than any other big six club, the largest issue is at striker. Nicolas Jackson was cheap when he signed as the club were looking for a solution to the Romelu Lukaku issue, which is still ongoing as he is still contracted to Chelsea. If Lukaku is sold this summer, then Chelsea should attempt to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli. The Nigerian striker has been among the best in the world in his position for a few years at this point and after a disappointing season for Napoli this year, he could be looking to move on to the project at Chelsea.