Where Premier League clubs are advised to reinforce before the season

Manchester United and Arsenal should strengthen their midfield, Liverpool are advised to add a winger and Chelsea need a goalkeeper. Declan Rice logged 4,456 minutes in all competitions last season, a workload that placed significant strain on Arsenal’s engine room.

Arsenal’s dependence on Rice was notable across the campaign and the toll became apparent during the World Cup, when the midfielder’s body looked on the verge of breaking down. Christian Nørgaard struggled to get on to the park last season, with Mikel Arteta seemingly not trusting in the former Brentford captain. Given those circumstances, an extra midfield option could prove crucial to Arsenal retaining their crown.

The suggestion that Manchester United require reinforcements in midfield reflects a view that the Red Devils, like Arsenal, would benefit from additional depth and quality at the centre of the pitch ahead of the new season. No specific targets were identified here, but the general guidance points toward bolstering central areas to support sustained challenges across multiple competitions.

Liverpool were singled out for a wide addition, with the recommendation to recruit a winger to improve options on the flanks. The note on Liverpool’s needs focuses on augmenting pace and creativity out wide without naming particular names, emphasising the role such a signing could play in diversifying their attacking threat.

Chelsea were identified as needing a goalkeeper, a priority that would address a clear position of responsibility at the back. The recommendation underscores the importance of reliable competition and cover for the number one spot as the campaign approaches, although no individual candidates are put forward in this assessment.

Arsenal’s midfield situation remains the most detailed within this appraisal: Rice’s heavy minutes total and the limited opportunities afforded to Nørgaard are highlighted as key factors. The combination of a high-usage central midfielder and a backup who struggled for minutes under Arteta forms the primary rationale for urging a new midfield signing.

Addressing these pinpointed areas would aim to correct specific imbalances and workloads identified across the league’s clubs ahead of the new season. Strengthening the midfield at Manchester United and Arsenal, adding a winger at Liverpool and securing a goalkeeper at Chelsea are the targeted moves set out by the assessment.