Not every club gets its transfer business wrapped up early. As the 2026 window heads into its final week, several Premier League squads still have obvious gaps that need addressing before the September 1 deadline.
## Manchester City
Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match in charge ended in a chastening 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield, with Rodri’s continued absence exposing a genuine hole in midfield. New arrival Elliot Anderson has only partially filled that void, and further reinforcement looks necessary before the title race heats up.
## Clubs Chasing Julian Alvarez
Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea are all still trying to land Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Whichever club completes that deal instantly strengthens its attacking options, but for the two that miss out, a plan B becomes urgent business.
## Liverpool
Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola from PSG has dragged on for weeks. Following Mohamed Salah’s departure, the Reds need a like-for-like attacking upgrade, and time is running short to get a deal finalised and the player match-ready.
## Squads Short on Defensive Cover
Beyond the marquee names, several mid-table clubs are quietly still searching for a reliable centre-back or emergency goalkeeper cover, the kind of deal that rarely makes headlines but often decides survival battles come May.
## Why This Matters for the Season Ahead
Business done in the final week can define a club’s entire campaign. For context on how this window is shaping up compared to previous summers, our transfer spending comparison breaks down the numbers, while our ranking of the Premier League’s title contenders explains how squad depth factors into the race.
## The Bottom Line
Deadline day rarely goes to plan. Clubs that look sorted can suddenly move for a late target, while others may be left short if a deal collapses. Whatever happens, the business done in the final 48 hours will shape conversations right through to May.