Premier League Summer Transfer Plans: Arsenal, Villa, City, and More
Arsenal aim high, Villa brace for bids and City circle: inside a Premier League summer on the brink
Arsenal: champions with an edge – and a bill to pay
Arsenal are not treating their title as a finish line. It is a platform – and a demanding one.
The plan at the Emirates is clear: upgrade the first XI, not just pad out the squad. Left wing and central midfield sit at the top of the list, but movement elsewhere will depend on who attracts offers and pushes for more minutes. All of this comes under a hard rule from the boardroom: stay financially sustainable. To spend, Arsenal will have to sell.
One of the long-term obsessions has been Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. Arsenal’s admiration has not cooled, but Atletico’s stance is icy. They have mocked off approaches from Barcelona and Real Madrid and have no interest in cashing in. If Alvarez does move, he favours Barca. That closes a door for Arsenal.
So the gaze shifts. A natural left-sided attacker is wanted, and interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has accelerated. Any decision there waits until after the World Cup, where Rogers is involved with England. Arsenal also like Anthony Gordon but let him head to Barcelona without a fight. Kvicha Kvaratskhelia would be dreamland, yet all indications are he stays at Paris Saint‑Germain.
Scouts have been busy elsewhere. Arsenal have watched PSG winger Bradley Barcola, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean‑Matteo Bahoya and Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi.
In central midfield, Arsenal are in the conversation for the elite names: Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson – though Anderson is closing on a move to Manchester City – among others. A single, nailed-on first choice has not emerged. A versatile young defender is also on the agenda regardless of outgoings, someone who can cover multiple roles across the back line.
Champions, yes. Settled, nowhere near.
Aston Villa: Champions League lights, financial shadows
Back in the Champions League, Aston Villa have momentum – and a problem. UEFA’s financial rules loom, and the numbers suggest at least one major sale. Maybe two.
The obvious candidate is Morgan Rogers. He is the crown jewel of the squad, valued at a minimum of £80m, and he has heavyweight admirers: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG are all circling.
Emi Martinez is another flashpoint. Juventus’ interest is serious and growing, with confidence in Italy that a deal can be struck. Ollie Watkins, fresh from another prolific season, will always have suitors if Villa show any willingness to negotiate.
If Martinez goes, Villa will need a new No 1. James Trafford at Manchester City is firmly on their radar. Villa also want another central midfielder, wingers and a striker, and are among the clubs pushing to sign Harry Wilson, who is out of contract at Fulham.
Villa’s squad needs depth for midweek European nights. To get it, they may have to sacrifice a star.
Bournemouth: holding their nerve
Bournemouth know what they have – and they are determined not to lose it.
Rayan, Alex Scott and Junior Kroupi have all drawn serious attention from Europe’s biggest clubs, but the message from the south coast is blunt: not for sale. Rayan has an £86.6m release clause that activates next summer, which buys Bournemouth time. Kroupi, watched by Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Manchester City and Arsenal, does not have that clause. That makes Bournemouth’s stance even more important.
Scott is on the lists at Manchester United, Liverpool and several other Premier League sides. Bournemouth are already in talks over a new contract to lock him in.
While they fight to keep their stars, recruitment is targeted. A left-sided centre-back is needed after Marcos Senesi joined Tottenham on a free. A new striker is also on the agenda. In goal, Bournemouth are working on turning Christos Mandas’ loan from Lazio into a permanent deal.
Right-back Alex Jimenez is another unresolved story. After his suspension by the club, his long-term future on the south coast is still unclear.
Ambition meets defiance at Bournemouth – and this summer will test both.
Brentford: hunting width and control
Brentford have already moved, snapping up young centre-back Jannik Schuster from Red Bull Salzburg. The real work, though, is still to come.
Two positions have become nagging gaps over recent windows: left wing and central midfield. Both are now front and centre. A move for FC Köln winger Said El Mala stalled when his family pushed for Brentford to also sign his older brother. The club walked away and turned to other options, including Feyenoord’s Leo Sauer. Over the last year they have also tried for Max Beier at Dortmund and Omari Hutchinson, now at Nottingham Forest.
In midfield, Brentford like Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, PSV’s Joey Veerman and Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr.
There is turbulence around existing pillars. Mathias Jensen and Rico Henry have had option years triggered, but interest from elsewhere could complicate long-term talks. Fabio Carvalho, close to full fitness after a long lay-off, has suitors too, though Brentford expect him to play a major role next season. Centre-back Ethan Pinnock, by contrast, looks more likely to depart.
And then there is Igor Thiago. The league’s second-highest scorer behind Erling Haaland has everyone talking. Brentford’s stance is uncompromising: no intention to sell, valuation well north of £100m. Speculation will swirl. Matching that price is another matter.
Brighton: reshaping on the fly
Brighton are used to summer disruption. This one is no different.
They have already brought in winger Zadok Yohanna from AIK and are targeting a right-back, centre-backs, central midfielders and a striker. Olympiakos’ Costinha is on the list for right-back. At centre-half, Adam Webster is leaving and Jan Paul van Hecke is likely to follow. Talks are underway with Tottenham over Van Hecke, and Brighton have responded with a £30m bid for Spurs defender Luka Vuskovic.
They may need two new centre-backs. Charlie Cresswell of Toulouse remains a key target after Brighton tried to land him in January.
Higher up the pitch, Carlos Baleba has long attracted Manchester United and others, while Matt O’Riley is wanted by Champions League clubs including Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Brighton have previously tracked Caleb Yirenkyi at FC Nordsjælland as a potential Baleba replacement.
Joel Veltman is out of contract, though talks continue. Even if he stays, Brighton still want another right-back. Up front, they hope last year’s signing Charalampos Kostoulas finally clicks, but age and injuries around Danny Welbeck mean they are open to new ideas.
Brighton have built a reputation on seeing change coming and profiting from it. This window will demand that skill again.
Chelsea: Alonso trims the project
Xabi Alonso walks into Cobham with a clear view: Chelsea’s squad is strong, but it needs refining, not bloating.
The club want fewer speculative youngsters and more ready-made, high-level additions. The priority list is long: goalkeeper, centre-back, central midfield and a new left-winger.
Chelsea are in the race for Morgan Rogers, battling Arsenal and Manchester United. In goal, Mike Penders will be given a chance after his loan at Strasbourg, but Chelsea are still assessing other options. In midfield, they are admirers of Adam Wharton.
Enzo Fernandez’s future hangs over everything. Real Madrid rate him highly and he is valued at more than £100m. Chelsea are not actively trying to sell and Manchester City are not in the running despite previous reports, but a serious bid from Madrid would force a decision.
At left-back, Marc Cucurella is heading to Real Madrid, which leaves a vacancy. Jorell Hato is a candidate to step straight into the starting role. Up front, Emmanuel Emegha arrives from Strasbourg and Nicolas Jackson returns from a loan at Bayern Munich, leaving Liam Delap’s future in doubt amid a surplus of strikers.
Right-winger Geovany Quenda is set to join from Sporting CP as part of last year’s deal. Alonso will want to see everyone up close before he signs off on any exits. This will be a window of pruning as much as planting.
Coventry: survival on a shoestring?
Coventry’s reward for winning the Championship as champions is a brutal question: can they afford to stay in the Premier League?
Recent history says promoted clubs often spend over £100m just to give themselves a puncher’s chance. Whether Coventry can or will go that far is unclear. Frank Lampard needs reinforcements across the pitch, but the priority list starts with left-back, centre-back and wingers.
Goalkeeper is another pressing issue. Last season’s No 1, Carl Rushworth, has returned to Brighton after his loan. Coventry have already seen a £20m bid rejected for him.
They have been linked with Porto left-back Francisco Moura and Brazilian-based winger Matheus Martins. The scale of the rebuild, and the budget to do it, will define whether Lampard’s stay in the top flight lasts longer than a single season.
Crystal Palace: Europe, and the cost of ambition
Crystal Palace are on the brink of a new era. A Europa League campaign awaits and Pierre Sage is close to being confirmed as head coach. The challenge is to build without breaking what works.
Keeping key players is as important as signing new ones. Ismaila Sarr, Maxence Lacroix and Adam Wharton all have admirers. Wharton, in particular, sits on the shortlists of the Premier League’s biggest clubs and at least one is expected to bid this summer.
In midfield, Palace also want Daichi Kamada to stay after their Conference League triumph. Jefferson Lerma’s contract option has been triggered, keeping him another season.
Sage arrives with a system in mind. His Lens side played a 3‑4‑2‑1, and Palace are recruiting to fit that shape: another right wing-back, a centre-back, potentially two central midfielders and an attacking midfielder.
Up front, Jean‑Philippe Mateta’s future is unresolved after his January move to AC Milan collapsed. He is entering the final year of his deal, and if someone meets Palace’s valuation, they will move for a replacement.
Palace have earned their European shot. Now they must build a squad that can handle Thursday nights without losing its Premier League edge.
Everton: Moyes wants steel and speed
David Moyes has walked back into familiar territory at Everton: a squad that needs bite, legs and clarity.
Right-back and striker have been on the wish list for over a year and remain high priorities. A new defensive midfielder is also required with Idrissa Gana Gueye out of contract, though Everton are open to keeping him. They have already bid for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, Boro’s player of the season, but face competition from Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and possibly Tottenham.
There is also a long-standing admiration for Jarrod Bowen. Moyes pushed for a £60m move last summer before West Ham went down. The question is whether Everton return now the Hammers have been relegated.
Everton explored a deal for Liam Delap last year before Chelsea signed him and are now looking again at a potential loan as his future at Stamford Bridge becomes uncertain.
At right-back, a January shortlist featured Emile Holm, Brooke Norton‑Cuffey, Zak El Ouadhi and Omar El Hilali. Which, if any, remain active targets is unclear, though Ben White is considered financially out of reach.
Elsewhere, Everton want another loan for Jack Grealish from Manchester City, another winger beyond that, and potentially a back-up goalkeeper and extra left-back cover.
Moyes knows exactly what he wants. Whether Everton can deliver it under tight financial conditions is another matter.
Fulham: everything waits on the dugout
Fulham’s summer is stuck in a holding pattern. Before they can reshape the squad, they need a head coach. Talks are progressing with Alvaro Arbeloa, the former Real Madrid defender, but until that deal is sealed, major decisions are on pause.
Some needs are obvious regardless of who comes in. At least one striker is essential. Raul Jimenez has returned to Wolves and Rodrigo Muniz is coming back from a long-term injury. Teenage forward Jonah Kusi‑Asare spent last season on loan from Bayern Munich with limited minutes; Fulham want to renegotiate his £10m option to a lower figure.
They also need at least one winger. Samuel Chukwueze’s loan from AC Milan has ended and Harry Wilson is out of contract with interest from other clubs.
In midfield, Fulham are keen on Celtic’s Arne Engels and are looking at Dinamo Zagreb’s young attacking midfielder Luka Stojkovic. Reinforcements at right-back are also under consideration.
The framework is there. The identity of the coach will decide how aggressively Fulham act.
Hull: smallest budget, biggest challenge
Hull City step into the Premier League with arguably the smallest budget in the division – and a clear idea of how to spend it.
They want depth, but not at the cost of the core that earned promotion. Every position is under review, yet the emphasis is on adding quality, athleticism and speed rather than ripping up the squad.
Survival will demand smart scouting and even smarter deals. Hull cannot outspend their rivals, so they must outthink them.
Ipswich: promotion, upheaval and urgency
Ipswich should be riding a wave after promotion back to the Premier League. Instead, Kieran McKenna’s departure has thrown their summer plans into flux.
The ownership remain ambitious. They are ready to spend to avoid another swift relegation, and as many as 10 new players could arrive. The idea is simple: strengthen across the pitch, give the new head coach a deep, balanced squad and a real chance to stay up.
Finding that head coach quickly is crucial. Ipswich want someone in place within a week to drive recruitment. Every day lost now is a day the rest of the league uses to get stronger.
Leeds: consolidation with an edge
Leeds survived. Now Daniel Farke wants them to be feared for more than just work rate.
The goalkeeper situation sits at the top of the list. Talks continue with Karl Darlow, whose deal expires on July 1. If he leaves, Leeds may need a new No 1, with doubts over Lucas Perri after he was dropped.
A striker is also in play. Leeds bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen in January but refused to match the £48m Crystal Palace paid Wolves. Relying on Dominic Calvert‑Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, both with patchy injury records, would be a risk.
Facundo Buonanotte is unlikely to return after a flat loan from Brighton. Leeds have been chasing a forward who can play as a No 10 and on the wing for two windows, especially after missing out on Harry Wilson on Deadline Day.
Up front and out wide, there are more questions. Joel Piroe turned down moves in the last window despite Championship and Celtic interest, but his future is not settled. Wilfried Gnonto is wanted by Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
At left-back, Leeds are light. Gabriel Gudmundsson and Pascal Struijk are the only natural options. Farke relied heavily on James Justin’s versatility and may look for another defender who can cover multiple roles.
Leeds want to keep their edge but add match-winners. The margin between the two will define their season.
Liverpool: life after Salah
Liverpool are planning for a future without Mohamed Salah – and that means rebuilding the wings.
They want two wide forwards, with Yan Diomande at the top of the list. The RB Leipzig winger, currently at the World Cup with Ivory Coast, is valued at more than £86m and is attracting serious competition. His ability to play on both flanks fits Liverpool’s push for versatility under Andoni Iraola.
Right-back is another concern. Conor Bradley’s knee injury in January exposed the lack of depth. Jeremie Frimpong has not nailed down the role, and Joe Gomez’s future is uncertain.
Centre-back, despite Ibrahima Konate’s departure, is not seen as a priority after the £60m signing of Jeremy Jacquet and the return of teenager Giovanni Leoni from an ACL injury. Still, the lack of Premier League experience between them could force a rethink later in the window. A defender in the Gomez mould, comfortable at right-back and centre-back, would solve several issues.
Kostas Tsimikas is back from a loan at Roma and could soften the blow of Andy Robertson’s exit if he impresses Iraola. Every player starts with a clean slate, potentially boosting Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.
Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence as a No 6 under Arne Slot initially pushed plans for a holding midfielder down the queue, but last season’s performances have underlined the need for reinforcements there. Liverpool’s rebuild will not be confined to the flanks.
Manchester City: Anderson, Diomande and the next phase
Manchester City still need to finalise compensation for Enzo Maresca to become head coach, but the transfer machine has not slowed.
The headline pursuit is Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The deal could reach the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak, with Forest holding out for a British record fee. Once their top midfield target is secured, City will turn to a striker and a right-back.
They want another forward to support Erling Haaland and have Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi on their list. Yan Diomande at RB Leipzig is also admired, though the competition is fierce.
At right-back, Feyenoord’s Givairo Read has been closely monitored to provide competition for Matheus Nunes, who has been used as a makeshift full-back. Newcastle’s Tino Livramento remains another option City have previously liked.
James Trafford’s future is up in the air. After Gianluigi Donnarumma’s Deadline Day arrival, Trafford was limited to cup games. If he pushes for first-team football elsewhere, City will have to find a new back-up goalkeeper.
The squad that has dominated English football is evolving again – and City are spending like a club determined to stay ahead of the curve.
Manchester United: midfield overhaul and Rashford’s crossroads
Manchester United’s summer begins in midfield.
They are poised to complete a £38m deal for Ederson from Atalanta once the World Cup finishes, after the Brazilian earned a late call-up. At least one more midfielder will follow as United plan for life after Casemiro.
Elliot Anderson has fans at Old Trafford, but United are wary of a bidding war, especially with City ready to go beyond £100m. A bid for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is expected, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is also high on their list.
If Manuel Ugarte leaves, United could bring in a third midfielder. They hope his World Cup displays will boost his value, with Ugarte among several first-team players they are prepared to move on.
Marcus Rashford’s future is another major storyline. Barcelona chose not to trigger their £26m option to buy after his loan but remain open to another temporary deal. United, though, believe they can find a permanent buyer.
Joshua Zirkzee could depart after a peripheral season under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. That would open space for a versatile forward, with Benjamin Sesko currently the only natural senior striker.
United are also considering a left winger and are one of many clubs keen on Yan Diomande. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye is another player they admire, although Patrick Dorgu is set to be used in a more attacking role. That shift could push a new left-back higher up the agenda, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson viewed as potential long-term successors to Luke Shaw, who enters the final year of his contract.
United’s rebuild is not cosmetic. This is structural change, and the decisions they make now will define the next era at Old Trafford.
Newcastle: reset without Europe
No European football, new sporting director, same ambition. Newcastle are resetting.
Ross Wilson will oversee a rebuild alongside Eddie Howe, with a focus on younger, more affordable talent from across Europe. Between six and 10 signings are possible.
The early move for Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, 22, is a template: value, upside, and room to grow. It echoes the early Howe era, when Newcastle landed Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali before prices exploded.
They want a striker, a left-winger, potentially one player for each defensive position, a defensive midfielder and another goalkeeper after Ewen Jaouen’s arrival.
James Trafford, their top keeper target last summer, remains high on the list after slipping down the order at Manchester City.
Newcastle’s Champions League run stretched a thin squad. This summer is about building a deeper, younger one – and doing it without the lure of European nights.
Nottingham Forest: Anderson money, big decisions
Nottingham Forest’s window hinges on one man: Elliot Anderson.
If, as expected, he moves on – with Manchester City the most likely destination – Forest will have serious money to work with. They want two central midfielders regardless, but Anderson’s sale would supercharge that plan.
Other stars are not expected to follow. Offers for Morgan Gibbs‑White, Callum Hudson‑Odoi and Nikola Milenkovic will be resisted. Murillo has just signed a new contract and is expected to stay.
Alongside midfielders, Forest are prioritising a goalkeeper and a central defender to replace departing trio Stefan Ortega, Angus Gunn and Willy Boly, with full-back Nicolo Savona also likely to leave.
If a strong bid arrives for Taiwo Awoniyi, Forest will move for a replacement striker. The same logic applies to James McAtee, whose form since arriving last summer has drawn plenty of interest.
Forest have spent heavily since promotion. This summer, the key will be selling once – and buying smartly.
Sunderland: Europe arrives early
Sunderland’s remarkable return to the Premier League, fuelled by a £180m outlay on 13 permanent signings last summer, has already paid off with a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification. Matching that kind of transformative window is unrealistic – but work is still needed.
Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Bertrand Traore and Niall Huggins are leaving on free transfers. Talks continue over Luthsharel Geertruida after the option to buy in his RB Leipzig loan expired.
If Sunderland cannot secure Geertruida, they will have to look for cover at right-back and holding midfield. Even if he stays, defence is likely to be an area of focus, with three games a week looming.
Traore’s exit leaves them light on the left wing, and Sunderland will scour the market for options there. Depth, not revolution, is the theme – but the demands of Europe will test the squad to its limits.
Tottenham: De Zerbi’s blueprint takes shape
Tottenham have wasted no time giving Roberto De Zerbi a squad he can mould.
Marcos Senesi has already joined on a free, with Andy Robertson set to follow. Spurs still want another defender and are pushing to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. Brighton, for their part, have bid £30m for Spurs teenager Luka Vuskovic after his standout loan at Hamburg. The 19‑year‑old is keen on the move, but Spurs are unlikely to accept the current offer.
Improving the technical level of the squad is a core aim as Spurs try to build a team capable of playing De Zerbi’s high-risk, high-reward style. A central midfielder who can dictate tempo is central to that plan.
On the wing, Spurs have spent a year searching for a replacement for Heung‑Min Son, failing with moves for Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo. Manchester City’s Savinho is on the list this summer.
De Zerbi also wants another striker, ideally one who can operate across the front line to guard against another injury crisis.
In goal, Guglielmo Vicario’s future is uncertain. Juventus are considering him, with Inter having shown previous interest. Antonin Kinsky held the No 1 spot for the run-in under De Zerbi, but Spurs may still need another keeper if Vicario goes.
Do not rule out a permanent move for Joao Palhinha if Spurs can agree a fee with Bayern Munich after the set option expired. Sporting are also in the mix.
Spurs have their coach. Now they are building his team. The only question is how quickly De Zerbi’s football can take hold in north London – and how far it can take them.
