What Arsenal's title rivals still need this transfer window

Manchester City: restore control

For Manchester City, the issue is rarely quality. It is squad texture.

• City still look strongest when they can dictate tempo from midfield.
• Another mobile option behind the main creators would ease the load in big away games.
• Full-back depth also matters in a side that asks defenders to step into midfield and defend wide spaces.

When City are at their best, they suffocate matches. If there is one area to sharpen, it is making sure they can do that every three days, not just in headline fixtures.

Liverpool: add certainty in both boxes

Liverpool often remain dangerous because their front line can turn games fast, but title-winning teams need fewer loose afternoons than top-four sides.

• A dependable centre-back option would reduce risk across the winter.
• An extra midfielder with recovery pace would help protect transitions.
• If a market opportunity appears, another scorer who attacks the box could be decisive.

The gap between a strong season and a title challenge is often measured in control: fewer chaotic spells, more authority when leading.

Chelsea and Manchester United: build a spine

Both clubs have had enough talent to threaten, but the title usually goes to the side with the clearest structure.

• Chelsea still appear to need a settled goalscorer and more leadership through the middle.
• Manchester United look strongest when the midfield can both press and protect.
• For both, another defender comfortable in open space would raise the floor.

That is the key phrase: raise the floor. Arsenal have looked hard to shake because their baseline level is high. The rivals still have time to respond, but the next window moves will shape more than squad depth - they may shape the title race by autumn.