Six players who should be on Premier League shopping lists - Odegaard, Zouma, Kane...
- Owen Thompson
- 17 August 2021
With just two weeks left of the summer transfer window, Planet Sport takes an in-depth look at the top-flight clubs who are in desperate need of further reinforcements.
Arsenal - creative attacking midfielder
Who should they sign? Martin Odegaard, Real Madrid
After a turbulent 2020/21 under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal started the new season in the worst way imaginable when they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Brentford. Pressure continues to mount on the Spaniard and he is favourite to be the first Premier League manager to leave.
A serious concern among the Gunners faithful and pundits alike was the team's offensive shortcomings as they failed to seriously trouble David Raya in the Brentford goal.
For Arsenal to have even a glimmer of securing European soccer by next May, they must possess more creativity in the final third of the pitch, with Emile Smith-Rowe in desperate need of support.
A likely candidate to fill this role is Real Madrid's Martin Odegaard, who spent a spell of last season on loan in north London.
Despite struggling to adapt to the English game on occasion, the Norwegian also showed moments of sheer brilliance in his stint at the club, scoring crucial goals against Olympiacos and Tottenham.
His forward-thinking passing, intelligence and sublime skill equip him with all the credentials to reignite the spark the Gunners have lost in recent years.
Brighton - winger
Who should they sign? Arnaut Danjuma, Bournemouth
With an astute tactician in Graham Potter at the helm, Brighton were significantly hindered by the same recurring theme last season - the chances were there, but the goals were not.
Had the Seagulls matched their xG tally from last season, they would have finished in a European place.
Instead, they were left to rue this lack of potency as missed chances saw them finish 16th, scoring just 40 goals.
Dazzling for Bournemouth last season, Arnaut Danjuma scored 17 goals and added eight assists for the Cherries in all competitions, as they fell to an agonising defeat in the play-off semi-final.
The Dutchman's innate flair, dazzling footwork and tricky dribbling would make him a crucial asset in the Seagulls' bid to score more goals.
Manchester City - striker
Who should they sign? Harry Kane, Tottenham
'We cannot replace him' - those were the words of Pep Guardiola as Argentinian talisman Sergio Aguero called it quits on his illustrious stint at Manchester City.
Although injuries plagued his final few months in Manchester, Aguero's decade at the Etihad saw him become the club's all-time leading goalscorer and win five Premier League titles as he cemented himself in their folklore.
Returning an unprecedented 200 goal contributions in 245 games for Tottenham Hotspur, it comes as no surprise that Harry Kane remains as Guardiola's top target for a No 9.
Regarded by many as the man to beat Alan Shearer's goalscoring record, Kane's speed, strength and eye for goal give him all the attributes of a world-class striker.
With Ferran Torres being favoured over an out-and-out striker in Gabriel Jesus, the defending champions fell to a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham in their Premier League opener- a game where they struggled to leave second gear.
With the world's best attacking midfielder in Kevin De Bruyne behind him as well as the recently acquired Jack Grealish, Kane will have all the foundations to cement City as England's most formidable outfit for years to come.
West Ham United - centre-back
Who should they sign? Kurt Zouma, Chelsea
With European soccer returning to West Ham for the first time in five years, the Hammers must provide greater options for an ageing defence as they bid to combat fixture congestion.
With Kurt Zouma keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge, the east London outfit would be foolish not to try and acquire the Champions League winner.
The Frenchmen featured 24 times for the Blues last season and scored five goals but with Thomas Tuchel far from short of defensive options, a move away would be greatly beneficial in his bid for regular game-time.
Zouma possesses many of the qualities expected of a modern-day centre-back, including pace, power, agility and strength, alongside an imposing aerial threat and a keen eye for goal.
Leeds United - versatile central midfielder
Who should they sign? Nahitan Nandez, Cagliari
Since the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa in West Yorkshire three years ago, there has been very little for Leeds fans to complain about under the regime of El Loco.
But despite Bielsa's influence, Leeds do appear to be too heavily reliant on Kalvin Phillips.
With Phillips being an instrumental cog in Bielsa's acclaimed 4-1-4-1 formation, it comes as no surprise that Leeds appear less organised, fluid and assured without him - Saturday's 5-1 drubbing at Old Trafford being the perfect example.
With no concrete alternative to the 25-year-old, it is often the role of Robin Koch or Pascal Struijk to occupy his defensive midfield role. And despite the best efforts of the defensive duo, they leave a lot to be desired.
Crystal Palace - striker
Who should they sign? Divock Origi, Liverpool
With an unproven forward in Jean-Philippe Mateta and the greatly inconsistent Christian Benteke at his disposal, signing a striker would be a smart move for Patrick Vieira this summer.
Having struggled for game-time at Anfield, a move for Divock Origi would not only greatly bolster the Palace attacking line but give the Belgian striker the regular first-team soccer he craves.
With 35 goals and 14 assists in 157 games for the Reds, Origi has been a loyal servant to Jurgen Klopp in the German's tenure on Merseyside, scoring in both the semi-finals and final of their Champions League-winning campaign in 2019.
His explosive acceleration, goal poaching and hold-up play has made him a cult figure among Liverpool fans.
However, this summer may be the perfect time for Origi to transition from a super sub to the main man, and a switch to Selhurst Park would allow him to do just that.
