This summer is shaping up to be a big one, with several huge moves already taking place around the Premier League in the early days of the window.
For each Premier League club, there are differing targets and ambitions to reach in the new season. Until then, the aim is clear for all – to look to strengthen the playing squad and bring in that bit of stardust that could just see them over the line next year.
We thought we would take a look at one key signing which would take every Premier League club to the next level in the 2025/26 season.
Arsenal: Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal have been linked with bringing in world-class players in several positions after an underwhelming domestic campaign, but undoubtedly the primary position they need to strengthen is in attack.
Links between the Gunners and 22-year-old striker Benjamin Sesko have been ongoing for the majority of the calendar year, and it looks as though the North Londoners may be the favourites to land the Slovenian from RB Leipzig. A prolific striker like Sesko is just what Mikel Arteta needs, and there is no excuse not to bring in a frontman this summer with all the top-quality options on the market.
Other headline-grabbing signings such as Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi would certainly also make Arsenal better, but if Arteta doesn’t focus on signing a striker this summer then serious questions need to be asked.
Aston Villa: Lucas Chevalier
With Emi Martinez rumoured to be departing Villa Park this summer, a move for Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier would make perfect sense both in the short and long term.
During Aston Villa‘s rise to prominence under Unai Emery, they have always benefitted from having one of the world’s best goalkeepers in their side. Chevalier is a man who has the potential to become just that, though Villa would need to act fast as PSG and Manchester United are also reported to be interested.
A romantic return for boyhood fan and former captain Jack Grealish may grab more headlines if it were to happen, but it can be argued that the signing of 23-year-old Chevalier would be the most impactful.
Bournemouth: Adrien Truffert
In truth, this summer for Bournemouth is more about retaining key players (and their manager) than it is about bringing new faces in. Transfer business may need to be in response to outgoings, with replacements for Dean Huijsen and the reportedly Liverpool-bound Milos Kerkez currently taking main priority.
Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert, 23, is reportedly a top target for the Cherries, and could cost around £14m. In the centre-back slot, possible targets include Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi and Nantes’ Nathan Zeze.
Brentford: Antoni Milambo
Brentford’s top priorities this summer are also likely to be elsewhere, as manager Thomas Frank has emerged as the top candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur, while star player Bryan Mbeumo looks set to leave amidst heavy links with Manchester United.
Feyenoord midfielder Antoni Milambo is someone who has been linked with a move to the Bees, and at 20 years old he could be a smart signing to fit in with the club’s model.
Brighton & Hove Albion: Charalampos Kostoulas
Brighton & Hove Albion have become known as one of the finest developing grounds for young talent, with a constant conveyor belt of players ready to take their chance in the Premier League.
They look set to sign their latest future star, in the shape of Olympiacos striker Charalampos Kostoulas. The 18-year-old looks set to arrive on the South Coast for a huge £29.78m after a breakout season in Greece. Who knows, he could become their next £100m player.
Burnley: Matthis Abline
Burnley were famed for their incredible defensive record during their promotion campaign under Scott Parker, so becoming stronger at the other end of the pitch is the priority as they look to build a squad capable of remaining in the top flight.
According to reports by Sacha Tavolieri, Nantes striker Matthis Abline, 22, has been linked with a €20m (£17m) move in an attempt to add more firepower up front. This may be a risky one as he is relatively unproven at this level, with only one double-figures career season so far. But if he continues his current rise then it could be a masterstroke.
Chelsea: Jamie Gittens
Chelsea have already landed a major transfer target in Liam Delap, and next on their wish list is reported to be Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. Talks are advancing, as per Fabrizio Romano.
The 20-year-old could be available for around £50m and would add some extra dynamism and a renowned dribbling ability to the Blues’ attack. With Jadon Sancho departing and Joao Felix also expected to leave, Gittens would certainly be seen as an upgrade for Champions League-bound Chelsea.
Crystal Palace: Ousmane Diomande
Crystal Palace’s transfer business this summer could depend on whether they are permitted entry into the Europa League, among complications surrounding UEFA’s rules against multi-club ownership models.
Should the Eagles get the chance to spread their wings in Europe this season, they could persuade one of the most highly-rated young defenders to join the club in Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande. The 21-year-old may cost around £40m according to Mail Online, but is seen as a top candidate to replace captain Marc Guehi if he were to leave the club.
Everton: Thierno Barry
After missing out on Delap, Everton have reportedly set their sights on Villarreal striker Thierno Barry. Marc Mechenoua said on X on June 11: “Everton have submitted an offer in excess of €30 million for Thierno Barry. No agreement has been reached with Villarreal yet. The U21 international is David Moyes’s priority in attack.”
Barry struck 19 goals in all competitions last season, and could be seen as the new star and focal point for Everton’s new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Fulham: Matt O’Riley
This would be an interesting one. Matt O’Riley has recently admitted not to being very happy at Brighton, having been forced to rotate and play out of position for much of his first campaign on the south coast.
O’Riley came through Fulham’s academy but left before he got to make a mark on the first team, and a return to the Cottagers could give the 24-year-old the opportunity to finish off what he started. The main links have been with Everton so far, but he could be just the profile of midfielder Fulham are looking for as they aim to assert more dominance over games next season.
Leeds United: Willem Geubbels
This will be a huge summer for Leeds United, as they hope to break recent trends and make an impact on the Premier League following promotion.
According to Sebastien Denis on X, Leeds are one of several clubs interested in St Gallen striker Willem Geubbels, who struck 17 goals last season. The 23-year-old was once the first-ever player born in the 21st century to feature in Ligue 1 and in the Europa League back in 2017, and has seen somewhat of a career resurgence in Switzerland.
Liverpool: Bradley Barcola
With the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez imminent, Arne Slot could turn his sights towards PSG winger Bradley Barcola in a £100m swoop.
This would be a very ambitious move, but if the likes of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz leave Liverpool then it is not beyond the realms of possibility. The Reds have reportedly still not given up on signing Alexander Isak as their new centre-forward, either.
Manchester City: Tino Livramento
With a series of huge signings already completed, Manchester City may feel that the majority of their summer business has already been completed before the Club World Cup.
The main position of concern which remains is the right-back slot, with Kyle Walker set to depart permanently and the likes of Matheus Nunes used there at times last season. Tino Livramento could be a top candidate, and at 22 years old the Newcastle United man could play at the top for a decade. The Magpies are unlikely to part with him easily though, and could demand a massive fee.
Manchester United: Bryan Mbeumo
A potential move for Bryan Mbeumo has been in the headlines for a while now, but Manchester United must do all they can to land the Brentford man as this transfer could be a true game-changer. The 25-year-old’s attacking output last season needs no introduction, and there is a feeling that the Cameroon international could still reach another level.
Spurs are also reported to be interested and could become firm contenders if Thomas Frank arrives in North London as is expected. This could be a major transfer battle between the two former Europa League finalists.
Newcastle United: Anthony Elanga
With Mbeumo likely to move elsewhere, Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on Nottingham Forest and Sweden winger Anthony Elanga.
The 23-year-old could cost at least £55m, with Forest not in a position of needing to sell after securing European football for the first time in 30 years. But with right-winger Jacob Murphy 30 years old, Eddie Howe may prioritise a new winger to compete with the Englishman as the Toon prepare for Champions League football in 2025/26.
Nottingham Forest: Yoane Wissa
Forest themselves will be looking to strengthen in attacking positions this summer ahead of a huge campaign for the club.
Alongside Mbeumo at Brentford, Yoane Wissa has proven himself an outstanding Premier League forward, more than capable of scoring goals if he were to get a chance on the European stage. Forest previously came in for the DR Congo international in January, and would be smart to try their luck once again. He won’t come cheaply, but at 28 years old, it’s a move he may feel ready to make.
| Season | Yoane Wissa Premier League goals |
| 2021/22 | 7 |
| 2022/23 | 7 |
| 2023/24 | 12 |
| 2024/25 | 19 |
Sunderland: Vladyslav Vanat
Top of the transfer wish list for most promoted clubs tends to be a top-class number nine who can score the goals necessary to survive at the top level. Championship play-off winners Sunderland know the value in this, and are reportedly targeting Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat in a deal worth around £17m.
The 23-year-old scored 21 goals last campaign, and, while the gap between the Ukrainian Premier Liga and the Premier League is a steep one, finding a gem from overseas can be priceless for survival. The Black Cats will be hopeful they have found one.
Tottenham Hotspur: Eberechi Eze
With Champions League football on the horizon, Spurs must bring in reinforcements this summer to ensure they are prepared to compete both in Europe and domestically this time around.
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been touted for a £68m move away, though whether Palace are granted entry into the Europa League could have an impact on that. Regardless, Spurs will be confident they can get their man.
Eze has hit new heights in recent months, beginning to shine for England in addition to playing an instrumental role in the Eagles’ FA Cup triumph. A move for the 26-year-old would be a major statement by Spurs’ next manager, which is reportedly likely to be Thomas Frank.
West Ham United: Jhon Duran
West Ham United have been crying out for a top striker to share the goalscoring workload with Jarrod Bowen for some years now, and they will have had their interest sparked by reports that Jhon Duran could be available on loan from Al Nassr this summer.
The 21-year-old has reportedly had “personal issues” settling into life in Saudi Arabia, and the Hammers may feel that a move back to the Premier League may be favourable for the former Aston Villa striker, who they attempted to sign back in January.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Clement Bischoff
With Rayan Ait-Nouri having departed for Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers may look to sign 19-year-old Brondby wing-back Clement Bischoff.
Eligible to play for Denmark and Kenya at international level, Bischoff could be seen as an option with great potential to not only replace Ait-Nouri in the present, but to become a sellable asset in the future. He previously had a move to Brighton break down so may look to push through a move to England this time around.