With the summer transfer window well and truly underway, Premier Leauge clubs are all looking at future targets that will can improve their squads.
Liverpool will be desperate to ensure they don't come up short again, whilst for Arsenal and Manchester United are targeting a top four return.
Tottenham are also looking to add new additions for the first time in two windows plus other teams such as Wolves , Everton and West Ham want to close the gap to the top six.
Here is a rundown of the areas each Premier League side will need to strengthen as they look to position themselves for a successful season.
With the summer transfer window well and truly underway, Premier Leauge clubs are all looking at future targets that will can improve their squads.
Liverpool will be desperate to ensure they don't come up short again, whilst for Arsenal and Manchester United are targeting a top four return.
Tottenham are also looking to add new additions for the first time in two windows plus other teams such as Wolves , Everton and West Ham want to close the gap to the top six.
Here is a rundown of the areas each Premier League side will need to strengthen as they look to position themselves for a successful season.
Arsenal: Centre Back
Target: William Saliba - St. Etienne
William Saliba could be the affordable option Arsenal need to strengthen their defence(Image: Romain Lafabregue/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Arsenal conceded 51 goals last season, which was the 12th highest in the league.
With club captain Laurent Koscielny yet to extend his contract and not getting any younger, Arsenal will be looking at alternative options.
Saliba 18, has already cemented his place as first choice centre back in a team that finished 5th in Ligue 1 and represents the sort of recruitment the Gunenrs are looking to make.
With manager Unai Emery only having a reported £45m to spend, he could be the sort of affordable option they target to add defensive reinforcements.
Aston Villa: Goalkeeper
Target: Jack Butland - Stoke City
Newly promoted Aston Villa want Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland(Image: PA)
Aston Villa used no fewer than five goalkeepers during last season's play-off final winning season.
While Jed Steer played a key role over the back end of the season, Villa are on the lookout for a number one.
Step forward Jack Butland, a proven Premier League keeper and England international.
The 26 year old spent last season in the Championship with Stoke, but their inability to bounce back to the top flight means he is likely to be on the move.
A top flight return will boost his England chances entering a European Championship year and Aston Villa are known to be keen.
Bournemouth: Goalkeeper
Target: Joe Hart - Burnley
Joe Hart could also be on the move from Burnley(Image: Action Plus via Getty Images)
Bournemouth have already added two defenders in the last two windows, with Chris Mepham arriving from Brentford in January and Lloyd Kelly joining from Bristol City.
Eddie How is attempting to shore up a defence that conceded 73 goals last season, the third highest in the Premier League.
They ended last season with academy graduate Mark Travers between the sticks but could now target the experience of Hart to become their No.1.
The former England stopper found himself behind Tom Heaton at Burnley last year and could be handed a Premier League lifeline by the Cherries to upgrade on Artur Boruc and Asmir Begovic.
Brighton: Striker
Target: Bwana Samatta - Genk
Brighton need to add goals and Bwana Samatta could be their man(Image: Mike Hewitt - FIFA)
Brighton attempted to address their forward options under Chris Hughton but Jurgen Locadia and Florin Andone proved poor acquisitions.
New boss Graham Potter must now attempt to address their lack of goals having relied heavily on 35-year-old Glenn Murray.
Genk striker Bwana Samatta has emerged as a target after netting 32 goals in a prolific campaign.
The Belgian club will reportedly hold out for a fee of around £12m-£15m from the Seagulls.
Burnley: Winger
Target: Matt Phillips - West Brom
Matt Phillips could be granted a Premier League return by Burnley(Image: PA)
With Dwight McNeil’s emergence, Burnley are looking at adding depth to the wide areas.
Matt Phillips has been identified by Burnley boss Sean Dyche as a player that could add some much needed strength to his squad.
The West Brom wide man will be looking for a return to the Premier League after missing out with the Baggies in the Championship play-off semi final and would be a shrewd addition.
Chelsea: Manager
Target: Frank Lampard - Derby
Manager Frank Lampard is top of Chelsea's wish-list amid a transfer ban(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
With an impending transfer ban and the departure of Maurizio Sarri to Juventus , a new manager is top of Chelsea's wish-list.
Legendary former player Frank Lampard looks set to return, and he'll have to work with what he's got for the time being.
Young talents such as Mason Mount and Tammy Abrahams could have the chance to establish themselves, just as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek did before suffering season ending achilles injuries.
Crystal Palace: Right-Back
Target: Timothy Castagne - Atalanta
Belgian Timothy Castagne could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Selhurst Park(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos)
Castagne was a crucial part of Atalanta's successfully season, finishing third in Serie A to secure a Champions League spot.
But he could now be tempted to the Premier League by Crystal Palace - if they lose first choice Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United.
Castagne has just one year left on his current deal, whilst the Eagles look likely to need a replacement for the Old Trafford-bound youngster.
Everton: Winger
Target: David Neres - Ajax
Ajax winger David Neres has been linked with Everton(Image: Getty Images)
Ajax look set to lose a number of key members of their Champions League semi-final side.
Winger David Neres played a key part in their title-winning campaign and European cup run and is now tipped for a Premier League switch.
His Brazil team-mate Richarlison is looking to help them land the 22-year-old, and his signing would highlight the ambition of Marco Silva's side.
Leicester City: Midfield
Target: Youri Tielemans - AS Monaco
Leicester are desperate to fend off competition to sign Tielemans permanently(Image: Leicester City via Getty Images)
Tielemans impressed in his short loan spell at Leicester .
The former Anderlecht midfielder excelled under Brendan Rodgers leading to him being wanted by other Premier League sides.
Manchester United have been linked with his signature, but the Foxes have made him their top transfer priority.
With the summer transfer window well and truly underway, Premier Leauge clubs are all looking at future targets that will can improve their squads.
Liverpool will be desperate to ensure they don't come up short again, whilst for Arsenal and Manchester United are targeting a top four return.
Tottenham are also looking to add new additions for the first time in two windows plus other teams such as Wolves , Everton and West Ham want to close the gap to the top six.
Here is a rundown of the areas each Premier League side will need to strengthen as they look to position themselves for a successful season.
Arsenal: Centre Back
Target: William Saliba - St. Etienne
William Saliba could be the affordable option Arsenal need to strengthen their defence(Image: Romain Lafabregue/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Arsenal conceded 51 goals last season, which was the 12th highest in the league.
With club captain Laurent Koscielny yet to extend his contract and not getting any younger, Arsenal will be looking at alternative options.
Saliba 18, has already cemented his place as first choice centre back in a team that finished 5th in Ligue 1 and represents the sort of recruitment the Gunenrs are looking to make.
With manager Unai Emery only having a reported £45m to spend, he could be the sort of affordable option they target to add defensive reinforcements.
Aston Villa: Goalkeeper
Target: Jack Butland - Stoke City
Newly promoted Aston Villa want Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland(Image: PA)
Aston Villa used no fewer than five goalkeepers during last season's play-off final winning season.
While Jed Steer played a key role over the back end of the season, Villa are on the lookout for a number one.
Step forward Jack Butland, a proven Premier League keeper and England international.
The 26 year old spent last season in the Championship with Stoke, but their inability to bounce back to the top flight means he is likely to be on the move.
A top flight return will boost his England chances entering a European Championship year and Aston Villa are known to be keen.
Bournemouth: Goalkeeper
Target: Joe Hart - Burnley
Joe Hart could also be on the move from Burnley(Image: Action Plus via Getty Images)
Bournemouth have already added two defenders in the last two windows, with Chris Mepham arriving from Brentford in January and Lloyd Kelly joining from Bristol City.
Eddie How is attempting to shore up a defence that conceded 73 goals last season, the third highest in the Premier League.
They ended last season with academy graduate Mark Travers between the sticks but could now target the experience of Hart to become their No.1.
The former England stopper found himself behind Tom Heaton at Burnley last year and could be handed a Premier League lifeline by the Cherries to upgrade on Artur Boruc and Asmir Begovic.
Brighton: Striker
Target: Bwana Samatta - Genk
Brighton need to add goals and Bwana Samatta could be their man(Image: Mike Hewitt - FIFA)
Brighton attempted to address their forward options under Chris Hughton but Jurgen Locadia and Florin Andone proved poor acquisitions.
New boss Graham Potter must now attempt to address their lack of goals having relied heavily on 35-year-old Glenn Murray.
Genk striker Bwana Samatta has emerged as a target after netting 32 goals in a prolific campaign.
The Belgian club will reportedly hold out for a fee of around £12m-£15m from the Seagulls.
Burnley: Winger
Target: Matt Phillips - West Brom
Matt Phillips could be granted a Premier League return by Burnley(Image: PA)
With Dwight McNeil’s emergence, Burnley are looking at adding depth to the wide areas.
Matt Phillips has been identified by Burnley boss Sean Dyche as a player that could add some much needed strength to his squad.
The West Brom wide man will be looking for a return to the Premier League after missing out with the Baggies in the Championship play-off semi final and would be a shrewd addition.
Chelsea: Manager
Target: Frank Lampard - Derby
Manager Frank Lampard is top of Chelsea's wish-list amid a transfer ban(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
With an impending transfer ban and the departure of Maurizio Sarri to Juventus , a new manager is top of Chelsea's wish-list.
Legendary former player Frank Lampard looks set to return, and he'll have to work with what he's got for the time being.
Young talents such as Mason Mount and Tammy Abrahams could have the chance to establish themselves, just as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek did before suffering season ending achilles injuries.
Crystal Palace: Right-Back
Target: Timothy Castagne - Atalanta
Belgian Timothy Castagne could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Selhurst Park(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos)
Castagne was a crucial part of Atalanta's successfully season, finishing third in Serie A to secure a Champions League spot.
But he could now be tempted to the Premier League by Crystal Palace - if they lose first choice Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United.
Castagne has just one year left on his current deal, whilst the Eagles look likely to need a replacement for the Old Trafford-bound youngster.
Everton: Winger
Target: David Neres - Ajax
Ajax winger David Neres has been linked with Everton(Image: Getty Images)
Ajax look set to lose a number of key members of their Champions League semi-final side.
Winger David Neres played a key part in their title-winning campaign and European cup run and is now tipped for a Premier League switch.
His Brazil team-mate Richarlison is looking to help them land the 22-year-old, and his signing would highlight the ambition of Marco Silva's side.
Leicester City: Midfield
Target: Youri Tielemans - AS Monaco
Leicester are desperate to fend off competition to sign Tielemans permanently(Image: Leicester City via Getty Images)
Tielemans impressed in his short loan spell at Leicester .
The former Anderlecht midfielder excelled under Brendan Rodgers leading to him being wanted by other Premier League sides.
Manchester United have been linked with his signature, but the Foxes have made him their top transfer priority.
Two high-end wantaway stars; two clubs vexed by what to do with them, so here’s a wheeze: why don’t they swap clubs? That’s the possible option touted by Paris Saint-Germain for Neymar and Paul Pogba, who, according to the Independent, have approached Manchester United about a possible deal. One snag is that United may balk at Neymar’s wage costs and that United vice-chairman Ed Woodward has a stubborn predilection for keeping the France midfielder, despite his less than subtle hint-dropping about wanting to move elsewhere.
If that hint-dropping does pay off, United will be sniffing eagerly aroundJadon Sancho, the Sun reports, but Borussia Dortmund will demand at least £100m, which may deter the English club given that Ole Gunnar Solskjær is looking to make at least five major additions as he seeks to shake up a jaded squad. Less expensive targets on Solskjær’s radar are Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff and the Stoke central defender Nathan Collins.
Dortmund also face a battle to keep their highly-rated young defender Dan-Axel Zagadou, upon whom Arsenal are keen, the Gunners’ eyes having been caught by the 20-year-old’s performances for France in the U20 World Cup in Poland. Arsenal continue to circle coyly around Dalian Yifang’s Yannick Carasco, but are still waiting for the moment to make their move. They will face competition from Bayern Munich, who are also keen. The Belgium winger is keen to move back to Europe having left some bridges smouldering by describing the Chinese club’s attitude to him as “incomprehensible”. Dalian’s manager, Cui Kangxi, hit back, saying: “Since his return from international duty, Carrasco’s attitude in training is very negative. He is destroying the unity of the squad.”
Tottenham want to strengthen their midfield with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos but the Spanish club won’t take less than €50m (£47m), according to AS. A likelier target for Mauricio Pochettino might be the 19-year-old Danish winger Andreas Skov Olsen, whose club, FC Nordsjælland, value him at £15m, the Mirror reports. Heading through the Spurs exit door could beKieran Trippier, over whom Juventus and Napoli are tussling. Napoli’s Carlo Ancelotti has already made an approach, but Maurizio Sarri has now decided he fancies the England right-back as a statement early signing at Juve. The Mirror says Spurs are willing to sell at the right price, with £25m as your starter.
Aston Villa and Leicester are still competing over the Luton full-back James Justin, who has played an instrumental role in the Hatters’ two consecutive promotions, and Luton’s head of recruitment, Mick Harford, said they would be prepared to let the 21-year-old leave if the deal “benefits” the club, so says the Birmingham Mail.
Alan Shearer believes that Frank Lampard would be the perfect fit to take over at Chelsea FC this summer.
The Blues are currently on the lookout for a new manager after having parted company with Maurizio Sarri earlier this month to allow the Italian boss to move to Juventus.
Lampard has been strongly linked with the vacant job at Stamford Bridge despite his relative inexperience in the dugout.
The former Chelsea FC midfielder has only one season of managerial experience under his belt with Derby County, but that has seemingly not put the Blues off.
It remains to be seen whether Lampard will indeed be selected as the man to lead Chelsea FC forward, but former Newcastle United star Shearer seems to think that he would be a great appointment.
Writing in his column for The Sun, Shearer said: “Frank Lampard is exactly who Chelsea need right now. I think he would be a very good appointment as manager and I understand why owner Roman Abramovich would want him,” Shearer said on his column for The Sun.
“Because of their transfer ban, Chelsea are in a tough situation. They are finally going to have to bring some of their youngsters through and use some of their players coming back from being out on loan. And Frank Lampard will know a lot of them better than most.
“In fact, he managed two of their most promising prospects at Derby last season — Mason Mount, 20, and 21-year-old Fikayo Tomori. He had a very decent first year of his managerial career.
“He just failed at the final hurdle in the Championship play-off final but he did very well to get Derby there. And for him, I think the Chelsea job is almost impossible to turn down.
“If or when it happens, it will be the proudest day of his life. Yes, it is a risk, but you tell me a job that isn’t? Every manager I speak to says the same sort of things.
“They are having problems with the owner or the chief executive, or it is not the same job that was given to them when they first agreed to take it. From that perspective, any job Frank left Derby for would be a risk.”
He added: “People will also be quick to judge Frank and will be ready to say great players don’t always make great managers. And while that is true, you can tell Frank has all the attributes to be a successful manager.”
Chelsea FC will play in the Champions League next season after the Blues finished in third place in the Premier League last term in what turned out to be Sarri’s one and only campaign in charge.
The west London side also won the Europa League after having beaten Arsenal 4-1 in the final in Baku last month.
