Many critics and fans across the world have called for closing the transfer window before the start of the League season. Arsene Wenger recently called for a change in the summer transfer window in a press conference, he said,“At the start of the season everybody should be committed, not half in, half out.” But for some this just adds to the uncertainties and makes the league even more interesting.
There are under 20 days left before the transfer window shuts, in the coming weeks we might see players playing against their future employers, therefore predictions need to be kept in the pocket till we are not certain of the final team squads.
Manchester United
Looking at the last season’s top four, we are pretty certain that some new faces will be brought in before the window shuts. Most of the business has been done by the two Manchester clubs over the past couple of months. While Manchester United have added pace and creativity in the form of Memphis Depay, they have also acquired the services of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin too add grit to their team. In the first match of the season the stand out performer for United was the new boy Matteo Darmian, who is expected to make great strides this season.
Still there are some things which haven’t been dealt till now. After a shaky last season, central defense was one area which needed urgent attention but rejection from top targets has meant that United are still on a look out for a leader who could marshal their back line. In Wayne Rooney they have a world class striker but the worrying thing is the lack of cover for him at this stage. One problem which ought to have been resolved long back is the David De Gea transfer saga, will he-wont he join Real Madrid is a question that needs an answer quickly in order to settle the team down.
Manchester City
Manchester City on the other hand didn’t require too much from the start but like every year they have managed to bring in some real star quality. They were quick of the blocks to secure the services of Fabian Delph and Raheem Sterling. Sterling in particular could turn out to be the signing of the season. If they can, they would still like to bring in a cover for Martin Demichelis or Eliaquim Mangala , who could partner Kompany at the back.
Arsenal
There is no doubt that Arsenal needed a world class keeper for many years and this year they have managed to get just that by signing Petr Cech from their London rivals Chelsea. Cech will definitely raise Arsenal’s game and will make them more solid at the back. Wenger is very close to having the perfect team, the only area where they require a new face is in the strikers department, though they have Giroud and Walcott plus Welback and Sanchez if and when required but there is still a lack of 25-30 goal per season striker. They need someone like Benzema who is a world class finisher and can provide those moments of magic.
Chelsea
As for the champions, you could argue they had the perfect team last season and don’t require much right now but Jose Mourinho will be well aware that his team do need certain new recruits especially after watching other title contenders strengthen during the summer transfer window. The focus this year will definitely be on retaining the title but any Chelsea fan can tell you that it’s the Champions League they desire the most. In that respect to compete against teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, Mourinho will need some newer faces to solidify his team even more. Till now the only noticeable buy is Radamel Falcao, who has a chance to bury the ghosts of last season. He could either prove to be a master move or a step to please a friendly agent.