The summer transfer window closes in seven days, and Premier League clubs are finalising plans to strengthen squads for the season ahead. BBC Sport has examined each top-flight team to identify the areas most likely to be targeted before the deadline, taking into account injuries, tactical needs and Champions League or Europa League commitments.
Common needs across the division include attacking options to improve goal return, defensive reinforcements to add depth and physicality, and midfield creativity to unlock stubborn defences. Several clubs are also reported to be hunting for specialist full-backs or a goalkeeper as cover, while others may prioritise an experienced head to balance a young squad.
Off-the-field considerations will be decisive in the coming days. Financial constraints, wage structures and squad registration rules for domestic and European competitions limit what clubs can realistically achieve. Work permits, medicals and international clearance remain potential obstacles to late deals, and clubs with European fixtures must balance depth-building with timely integration of new signings.
There are multiple routes to strengthening a squad in the final week: permanent transfers, short-term loans, free-agent signings and, less commonly, swap deals. Managers must weigh the immediate impact of available players against longer-term strategy, and some clubs may prefer to preserve resources and wait until the January window if the right opportunity does not present itself.
Fans should expect increased activity and speculation as the deadline approaches, with official confirmations often arriving late on deadline day. BBC Sport’s club-by-club analysis outlines the specific positions and profiles each side is most likely to pursue, and will be updated as deals are completed and targets shift in the final days of the window.