With just weeks remaining before the Premier League season begins, recruitment departments across England are entering the most important stage of the summer window. Most clubs have already strengthened key areas, but few squads are complete. Injuries, departures and tactical changes have exposed weaknesses that could define campaigns if left unresolved before the transfer deadline.

Some clubs require depth to compete across multiple competitions, while others simply need greater quality in one specific area. Here is the biggest remaining priority for every Premier League club before the window closes.

Arsenal’s greatest need remains central midfield depth. Declan Rice played an enormous 4,456 minutes across all competitions last season, a workload that eventually appeared to catch up with him during England’s World Cup campaign. Mikel Arteta cannot afford to rely so heavily on one player again. Christian Nørgaard failed to establish himself as a trusted rotation option, leaving Rice with little opportunity to rest. If Arsenal hope to defend their Premier League title while competing in Europe, another high quality midfielder capable of sharing those minutes is essential.

Aston Villa’s focus should be left back. Ian Maatsen has shown plenty of quality, but relying on him for an entire campaign that includes Champions League football would be risky. Lucas Digne’s expected departure leaves Unai Emery short of proven options, making defensive reinforcement a logical priority. Reports linking Villa with Milan defender Pervis Estupiñán underline the club’s awareness that depth on the left side could become a major issue over a demanding season.

Bournemouth have exceeded expectations in recent years, yet right back remains an area requiring long term planning. Club captain Adam Smith continues to perform admirably despite turning 35, but Bournemouth need a successor capable of matching the demands of Marco Rose’s aggressive system. Previous attempts to replace Smith have failed to establish themselves, making this an increasingly urgent position to address.

Brentford’s squad looks well balanced following another efficient recruitment drive, though left back still deserves attention. Rico Henry has struggled to consistently rediscover his best form since returning from a serious injury, committing four errors leading directly to shots last season, the joint highest total among Brentford players. Adding competition would also allow Keane Lewis Potter to return permanently to a more advanced attacking role.

Brighton rarely allow squad planning to become reactive, but central midfield could soon require reinforcement. James Milner has retired while Pascal Groß is now 35 years old, leaving Fabian Hürzeler with fewer experienced options. Carlos Baleba continues to attract transfer interest, while Yasin Ayari enhanced his reputation at the World Cup by scoring twice from outside the penalty area. Even if neither leaves, another technically gifted midfielder would strengthen Brighton’s long term outlook.

Chelsea have spent heavily once again, but goalkeeper remains their most pressing concern. Robert Sánchez has never fully convinced since arriving from Brighton. Since joining in 2023, he ranks second in the Premier League for both errors leading to shots with 17 and errors leading directly to goals with seven, despite playing fewer matches than most goalkeepers with similar records. Mike Penders remains an exciting prospect, but Xabi Alonso needs a dependable first choice capable of inspiring confidence throughout the defence.

Coventry City’s biggest challenge is replacing the goalkeeper who played such a vital role in their promotion push. Carl Rushworth excelled on loan, finishing second in the Championship for goals prevented according to expected goals on target metrics at plus 8.2. Unless Coventry can complete a permanent deal or find an equally reliable alternative, they risk entering their first Premier League season in a quarter of a century with uncertainty in the most important defensive position.

Crystal Palace also require defensive reinforcements. Marc Guéhi’s departure significantly weakened the squad, with Palace’s win percentage falling sharply whenever he was unavailable last season. Pierre Sage is expected to continue using a back three, making another centre back essential if Palace hope to maintain the defensive stability that underpinned recent progress.

Everton face a similar issue on the opposite side of defence. Seamus Coleman’s departure after 17 years leaves an enormous leadership void, while Nathan Patterson could also leave the club. Jake O’Brien has filled the position when required, but many supporters view him as a natural central defender rather than an attacking full back. Strengthening right back should therefore be among Everton’s highest priorities.

Fulham’s problem is easier to identify. They simply need goals. Raúl Jiménez and Harry Wilson combined for 19 Premier League goals before both departed on free transfers. No other Fulham player managed more than four league goals last season, while Rodrigo Muniz found the net only once. Marco Silva needs at least one reliable striker, and perhaps another versatile attacking option, before the season begins.

Promoted clubs Hull City and Ipswich Town both require additional firepower. Hull have lost several attacking options and now depend heavily on Oli McBurnie’s physical presence. They need quicker forwards capable of stretching defences around him. Ipswich, meanwhile, have strengthened defensively but remain short of proven Premier League goalscorers. George Hirst has reached double figures only twice in his career, while Emersonn is still developing. A striker capable of consistently finishing chances could determine whether Ipswich survive.

Leeds United once again find themselves searching for stability in goal. Lucas Perri failed to establish himself as the undisputed first choice following his arrival from Lyon, while Karl Darlow has departed and Illan Meslier has also left. Leeds enter the new season with significant uncertainty between the posts, making another experienced goalkeeper a necessity rather than a luxury.

Replacing Mohamed Salah is Liverpool’s biggest challenge. Although his final campaign produced fewer spectacular numbers than previous seasons, he still contributed 22 goals and assists across all competitions. Finding another player capable of combining creativity with goals from the right flank will not be straightforward. Liverpool may never truly replace Salah’s legacy, but they must find someone capable of maintaining attacking production.

Manchester City remain one of the league’s strongest squads, yet another winger would provide valuable depth. Savinho struggled to build on his debut campaign, scoring only once while starting seven league matches. Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are more comfortable centrally, leaving Pep Guardiola short of natural width whenever injuries strike.

Manchester United have already reinforced midfield but could still benefit from another energetic ball winner. Casemiro has departed, while Manuel Ugarte faces a lengthy absence through injury. New arrivals improve technical quality, but another athletic midfielder capable of protecting the defence would complete the balance of the squad.

Newcastle United’s first choice full backs remain among the Premier League’s best, but depth behind Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall is minimal following several departures. Competing in multiple competitions demands stronger cover on both flanks, particularly given both players’ recent injury histories.

Nottingham Forest may require another experienced centre back if Oliver Glasner fully implements his preferred back three. Tottenham Hotspur desperately need greater quality out wide after injuries reduced their wing options, while Sunderland would benefit from another creative midfielder after generating only 23.2 expected goals from open play last season, the third lowest figure in the division.

As the transfer window enters its decisive weeks, addressing these weaknesses could ultimately define the difference between success and disappointment. Whether clubs are chasing the title, European qualification or survival, solving one critical positional need before the deadline may prove just as valuable as making several headline grabbing signings.