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What do contenders need?

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Last Updated: 09/06/17 3:09pm

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The summer transfer window is open but where do the Premier League title contenders for 2017/18 need to strengthen?

Clubs up and down the country can now officially do business until Thursday, August 31 – but how can champions Chelsea stay ahead and who could their rivals target to mount a challenge next term?

From striker issues for Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United to defensive considerations for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, we’ve run the rule over key requirements and potential targets.

Click or tap the links for more detailed analysis on each club, featuring expert opinion and the chance to have your say…

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Premier League ins and outs

Keep track of the business done at each club during the summer window

Manchester United

Manchester United are targeting four top signings this summer, according to Sky sources, and though Antoine Griezmann seems set to stay at Atletico Madrid for now, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s likely departure means Mourinho is focused on luring an out-and-out striker, Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata a top target.

Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata has been linked with a move away from the La Liga champions – check out his best goals

Signing a central defender is a priority, with Burnley’s Michael Keane and Benfica’s Victor Lindelof options under consideration, while a central midfielder and a versatile defender would bolster the ranks.

Read full analysis of what Manchester United need

Liverpool

Liverpool have already confirmed they will sign Chelsea forward Dominic Solanke this summer but fresh wide options are being sought to bring zing to build-up play too often predictable last season, with Roma’s Mo Salah a possibility.

Liverpool have stepped away from a move for Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool have stepped away from a move for Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool have stepped away from a move for Virgil van Dijk

With European football back on the agenda, Jurgen Klopp is sure to want a deeper squad but a defence that came in for frequent criticism last season after conceding 42 league goals will be a priority.

The Reds have reportedly withdrawn their interest in Southampton centre-half Virgil van Dijk but also seek a specialist left-back, with Hull’s Andy Robertson and free agent Gael Clichy linked with a move to Anfield.

Read full analysis of what Liverpool need

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger’s staying at Arsenal but the pressure’s on the Frenchman to revamp his side after the club missed out on Champions League football for the first time in his tenure.

Wenger is reportedly chasing Monaco’s teen sensation Kylian Mbappe in what would be a stunning statement but he faces tough competition from some of the world’s biggest clubs.

Keeping Alexis Sanchez is key but as well as targeting a world-class striker, could Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez bring fresh attacking spark from out wide?

Could Arsene Wenger make a splash by luring Kylian Mbappe to the Emirates?

Could Arsene Wenger make a splash by luring Kylian Mbappe to the Emirates?

Could Arsene Wenger make a splash by luring Kylian Mbappe to the Emirates?

A clear-out of fringe players should also be on the agenda, while Soccer Saturday pundit Charlie Nicholas wants to see a “world-class defender and a top midfielder.”

Read full analysis of what Arsenal need

Chelsea

Antonio Conte led Chelsea to the title in his first season in charge but the Italian has spoken of his determination to improve and with Champions League football back at the Bridge, is likely to seek a bigger squad and extra options.

Speculation continues over the future of Diego Costa after the striker was reportedly told he can leave the club, while keeping Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge remiains a priority.

Conte is understood to want reinforcements up top and at the back regardless with Romelu Lukaku and Leonardo Bonucci repeatedly linked.

Would Romelu Lukaku thrive at Chelsea this time? See his top Premier League goals…

A back-up goalkeeper will be needed now Asmir Begovic has left for Bournemouth, while midfield dealings could depend on potential summer exits for the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic.

Read full analysis of what Chelsea need

Manchester City

After a trophyless first season in England, Pep Guardiola means business this summer. Bernardo Silva has already arrived from Monaco and Benfica goalkeeper Ederson has also joined the ranks after a disappointing season for Claudio Bravo.

City need to revamp their defence and Sky sources understand they are closing in on Ryan Bertrand

City need to revamp their defence and Sky sources understand they are closing in on Ryan Bertrand

City need to revamp their defence and Sky sources understand they are closing in on Ryan Bertrand

A string of players have already left the club and revamping defence is now the priority. Kyle Walker, Ryan Bertrand and Benjamin Mendy are attacking full-backs that would fit the Guardiola mould but centre-backs are needed too.

Read full analysis of what Manchester City need

Tottenham

Tottenham mounted a sustained title challenge for the second successive season but Mauricio Pochettino has admitted breaking the wage structure to land a stellar signing that might edge them to glory is unlikely.

Do Tottenham need better back-up than Vincent Janssen for Harry Kane?

Do Tottenham need better back-up than Vincent Janssen for Harry Kane?

Do Tottenham need better back-up than Vincent Janssen for Harry Kane?

Keeping hold of key players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen will be crucial but Pochettino may target additions out wide and is likely to need reinforcements at full-back. Kane was the Premier League’s top scorer with 29 goals and support more prolific than Vincent Jansson may be sought.

Read full analysis of what Tottenham need

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