The so-called ‘Top 6’ are threatened and this transfer window is proof of that. x`They are scared that first and second has already been decided for the coming seasons but also of the rise of clubs like Leicester City, Sheffield United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The established top 6 are spending to stay in that position.
Arsenal
Defensive frailties. The phrase hanging over Arsenal for the past fifteen years and they are being quite considered in their approach to addressing this. Reports are pouring in that Gabriel from Lille is a done deal. A reported £27 million for a fast and tall centre back with great distribution is an absolute steal.
Former Premier League defender Jose Fonte has tipped him to do well but says he needs to: “keep defending well by being aggressive, being well-positioned, and not taking risks.” I’m sure Arsenal will be hoping for the very same, as would any bettor using a BetMGM bonus code 2020.
Pablo Mari has made his move permanent despite injury and Cedric Soares is a great bit of business for free. This is the beginning of the promised defensive overhaul. No longer will they have to rely on the distinctly average Mustafi or the eccentric and ageing David Luiz
Oh and one more thing on the subject of David Luiz – why do Arsenal love signing ageing Chelsea players? To be fair to them Willian will be a good cheap temporary solution to address Pepe’s disappointing start to life at Arsenal.
Chelsea
Wow! There’s almost no room left on the marquee. Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva are all names to promote. Of course, they are coming off the back of a transfer ban which ended in February this year but they have come back with such vengeance.
I think Chelsea overachieved last season and let me explain why. In the 17/18 Championship season, manager Gary Rowett guided Derby County to 6th place and failed in the playoffs, he subsequently left for Stoke City.
In the 18/19 Championship season, manager Frank Lampard guided Derby County to 6th place and failed in the playoffs, he subsequently left for Chelsea. Imagine if Chelsea gave Gary Rowett the Chelsea job instead of Sarri. This is why I thought Chelsea would struggle.
Obviously they didn’t struggle and managed a 4th place finish with a lot of young British players breaking into the first team. Now they are going to build on that with some of these extraordinary players they’ve signed.
From hearing about their transfer activity you’d think they’d spent billions but actually, with £50 million coming in for Alvaro Morata Chelsea have actually on spent around £60 million so far this season. We know Roman Abramovich doesn’t shy away from spending so we could still expect to see more.
I just hope all that young potential which did so well is not forgotten about because Werner threatens Abraham’s position and Havertz and Ziyech are both threats to Mason Mount.
Liverpool
Closing in on Manchester United’s 20 league titles, What a season they had and if they can improve their squad after that then everyone should be terrified.
They’ve been linked with Wolves’ Adam Traore and Ismailia Sarr which indicates they are looking for a pacy winger to back up their already world-class choices of Salah and Mane.
They reportedly had their signing of Werner hijacked and they are at risk of losing out on Thiago as the entire world seems to know about their interest.
He would be a good signing because although Wijnaldum, Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlin did well last season, Thiago Alcantara is more talented, but there are always questions over whether a player can settle in the Premier League – the hardest league in the world.
Manchester United
Manchester United seem to be concerned with their midfield. Jadon Sancho is still their number one priority but I feel the power is in Dortmund’s hands and if they don’t want to lose him they won’t.
But if they do sign him and Donny van de Beek then on paper they have one of the best midfielders in the world. Whether they can make it translate to the pitch is up to Ole.
I don’t think it is a wild claim to suggest that recent events will affect Maguire and in general Manchester United need to improve their defence so I think they are concentrating in the wrong area.
Quite simply they need better defenders. Wan-Bissaka is the only one I would be completely happy with as a United fan. I think Dayot Upamecano would be an incredible signing for them; he’s fast, strong and a good distributor – he could stroll into that CB position.
Manchester City
We know what Manchester City want. They want to knock Liverpool off their momentum, but maybe more than anything they want to win the Champions League.
They are making great strides towards achieving that. Every Manchester City supporter knows they need a centre back who is good enough to walk straight into the team and is not injury prone like Stones and Laporte.
Nathan Ake will be a good back up for the liable defenders but if their interest in Koulibaly is to be believed then that is where their hopes should lie. They definitely overpaid for Ake but they can afford to.
Ferran Torres is a great talent but I do not think he is a replacement for Leroy Sane who despite that injury is still one of the most exciting wingers in the world.
With a CB wrapped up, people are talking about how they need to address the departure of El Mago; David Silva. I have one answer, two words: Phil Foden. Stockport’s Iniesta, “the most, most, most talented player [Guardiola has] ever seen in [his] career as a manager”.
Tottenham Hotspur
At the other end of this season, we will be talking about how Spurs made the best value for money signing. Matt Doherty for around £15 million is an outstanding business. They paid £23 million at the beginning of last season for Serge Aurier if you compare their stats Doherty is twice the player for nearly half the price.
If Kyle Walker-Peters is worth £12 million and Aurier is worth £23 million then Doherty is worth at least £40 million.
Tottenham Hotspur probably want to make sure they don’t leave securing last place to the final day and by signing one of Wolves’ best players they are going about it the right way.
Wolves were level on points with them last season but a better goal difference saw Spurs gain Europa League qualification.
Højbjerg is also a shrewd signing and well in line with the business Daniel Levy tends to do. I wouldn’t expect any big-money moves for Tottenham they just need to give Mourinho a full season.
