Issues Chelsea, Man United, and Other Top Six Clubs Must Address Before Start of New Season

The new English Premier League season is less than two weeks away, with Arsenal and Manchester City set to give fans a curtain raise when they line up in the Community Shield this weekend.

A lot of storylines will be looked at, including whether Manchester City can become the first club to win four titles in a row. Can Mikel Arteta's 'kids' go the distance this time around? Will Mauricio Pochettino get Chelsea firing again? Or will Mohamed Salah and Jurgen Klopp avenge last season's insipid performances?

Clubs have been busy n the transfer market, with Arsenal in particular spending a lot of money on new arrivals. Chelsea have undergone a squad overhaul, with close to 10 players leaving already. Clubs are now putting on the finishing touches ahead of another gruelling season.

Manchester United transfer news: How many players did the Red Devils bring in this transfer window?

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Sports Brief takes a look at what each of the top-six clubs needs to address before the new season.

1. Manchester City

Pep Guardiola's side will be the favourites to retain the title after a dominant treble-winning season. However, the club has lost influential players in Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez. The former's departure has already been addressed by Mateo Kovacic's arrival from Chelsea.

Mahrez's exit leaves Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish as the only wide players at Guardiola's disposal. The Spanish manager has often used different players in those positions, but one would think they could use more cover in that that area.

2. Arsenal

The Gunners have done a good job of addressing the deficits that made them fall short of winning the title. Jurrien Timber has been brought in to bolster the defence, Declan Rice to shore up the midfield, and Kai Havertz to play a hybrid midfield-striking role.

Mikel Arteta will be keen on getting his new signings up to speed, especially with Havertz's real position in the side still unknown. Will Arteta use a double pivot of Thomas Partey and Rice given that Havertz doesn't quite offer the defensive cover Granit Xhaka provided?

3. Liverpool

The Reds have similarly undergone a midfield overhaul, with James Milner, Jordan Henderson, and Fabinho all leaving the club. Klopp's side has already roped in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai as replacements, but more needs to be done.

None of the aforementioned players are defensive midfielders, which explains the Romeo Lavia rumours. Liverpool might also need another centre-back to offer competition for Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip, with new skipper Virgil Van Dijk a perceived starter.

4. Manchester United

Going into the transfer window, Erik ten Hag desperately needed a goalkeeper and a striker. He got both of them, with Rasmus Hojlund expected to join Andre Onana imminently.

Mason Mount sensationally ditched Chelsea to move to Old Trafford and could be key for the Red Devils in a variety of positions. However, with Champions League football again at the Theatre of Dreams, ten Hag might feel the need to increase squad depth.

Casemiro is the only player who covers defensive midfield adequately. Scott McTominay and Fred have not impressed, with reports linking Moroccan international Sofyan Amrabat with a move to Manchester.

5. Chelsea

The Blues desperately needed a restart after an underwhelming season. The early signs of Pochettino's reign have been positive, with Chelsea avoiding defeat in all their preseason games.

But Chelsea need a defensive midfielder, with a deal for Moises Caicedo still stalling. Andrey Santos has been impressive in pre-season, but it remains to be seen if Pochettino will start the season with an 'untested' midfielder.

The Argentine manager has also voiced his support for Kepa Arrizabalaga as the first-choice goalkeeper, but doubts remain over the Spanish shot-stopper's abilities to help Chelsea to win titles.

6. Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou is settling into his new surroundings. The Greek manager has already been gifted James Maddison, among other new arrivals.

Maddison will be key in creating chances and offering a new dimension. But, the reports linking Harry Kane with a move to Bayern Munich have refused to go away.

You don't want to lose the most important player in the history of your club with no proper replacement lined up.

The new season is bound to be interesting, whether the clubs address their niggling issues or not. Keep an eye out for Aston Villa and Newcastle United as well, who have made significant forays in recent times.

Bayern Munich interested in Kane

Having signed Sadio Mane earlier from Liverpool in what can be conclusively said to be a disaster of a transfer, the Bavarians are on the hunt for another striker.

Bayern, who have not hidden their interest in the Spur’s forward, have been met with stiff resistance by the club’s hierarchy.