EPL: Who Needs What In Summer Transfer Window?

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August 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema (9) turns the ball over against Everton during the second half of the International Champions Cup at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

EPL: Who Needs What In Summer Transfer Window?

With the summer transfer window having opened at the start of July, there has already been significant movement from the top clubs in England to acquire new players. As the new season draws closer, with the first match pencilled in for the 8th August, plenty of Premier League clubs are still seeking new additions.

Any fears that this might be a quiet transfer window have been allayed with some big money signings. As tends to be the case with these multi million dollar moves, this money will filter through a series of clubs, leading to a number of high-profile signings across the division.

The transfer window may not slam shut until the 1st September, but managers like to bring in new players as soon as possible so that they can blend into their new squads. Chelsea acted quickly last summer, sorting out their business early and reaping the rewards come the start of the season.

With time left on the clock before transfer activity is stopped, now seems like the perfect time to assess the squads of the potential title challengers for this coming season. We will look through the rosters of the top seven sides from last year, assessing their movements so far and where they still need strengthening:

Arsenal

Players In:

Petr Cech – Chelsea

Players Out:

Carl Jenkinson – West Ham

Abou Diaby – Released

Lukas Podolski – Galatasaray

Aug 10, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech (1) before the game at RFK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports /

Arsenal’s activity so far may be limited to one move, but it is a signing that strengthens them significantly. They have been seeking stability in between the sticks for a number of years now, with the signing of David Ospina last season not really having the desired effect.

Now they have a world-class goalkeeper in Petr Cech, who will add to the spine of the team. It is often said that having a top goalkeeper is essential to challenging for the Premier League title and with the Czech stopper on board, that will certainly be their main goal this season.

Striker

Like any side, Arsenal could do with a 30 goals a season striker. Olivier Giroud’s form and fitness was intermittent last season and he is not the type of forward to immediately strike fear into the hearts of the opponents. Given the talented midfield Arsenal possess, a lethal striker would be very complimentary.

The biggest name linked with Arsenal recently has been Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema. If he is seeking a new challenge, Arsenal may well fit the bill. With a strong French contingent including the manager, Benzema would be a quality addition that could gel immediately.

Midfielder

It seems strange assessing Arsenal’s squad and not concluding that their need to reinforce defensively. So often over the last decade it is the position where they have struggled in, but now they seem to have forged some real strength in-depth.