Premier League Summer Transfer Window: Team needs and latest rumours

The summer transfer window is open and extremely active, so we have called on Greg Lea to pinpoint the biggest needs for each Premier League club before next season begins.

Arsenal

Finishing position last year: 2nd
Team needs: Central midfielder

With Granit Xhaka on the way out and Thomas Partey facing an uncertain future, Arsenal need to add at least one midfielder to their ranks. Declan Rice, who would be a good fit, is their top target. 

Aston Villa

Finishing position last year: 7th
Team needs: Central midfielder

Unai Emery is keen to bolster his midfield ranks as Aston Villa prepare to return to European competition. They have already added former Leicester anchor Youri Tielemans, but they are also plotting a move for Tyler Adams from Leeds United.

Bournemouth

Finishing position last year: 15th
Team needs: Left back 

Jordan Zemura has joined Udinese and Matias Vina’s loan move from Roma has not been made permanent, so Bournemouth are currently without a left-back. The next few weeks will be critical to their chance of survival next year. 

Brentford

Finishing position last year: 9th
Team needs: Goalkeeper

David Raya looks set to depart the Brentford Community Stadium this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United both linked. Brentford are on the lookout for a successor to the Spaniard. 

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Brighton & Hove Albion

Finishing position last year: 6th
Team needs: Centre back

Levi Colwill has returned to Chelsea after his loan spell at the Amex Stadium last term. Brighton could yet sign him permanently, but they will need to add another centre back to their ranks if that is not possible.

Burnley

Finishing position last year: 1st (Championship)
Team needs: Goalkeeper 

Vincent Kompany is not resting on his laurels despite Burnley’s impressive promotion campaign. He wants to upgrade in a number of areas, including between the sticks. Leyton Orient shot-stopper Lawrence Vigouroux is a key target. 

Chelsea

Finishing position last year: 12th
Team needs: Striker 

Chelsea’s attack produced pitiful returns in 2022/23 and that is something Mauricio Pochettino needs to address. Recent signing Christopher Nkunku can play up front but he prefers to operate in a more withdrawn role. 

Crystal Palace

Finishing position last year: 11th
Team needs: Striker

Neither Odsonne Edouard nor Jean-Philippe Mateta has done enough in front of goal over the last two seasons for Crystal Palace to be able to rely on them. A goalscoring centre-forward could help them challenge for the top half.

Everton

Finishing position last year: 17th
Team needs: Striker 

Everton desperately need a reliable alternative to the injury-prone Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front, especially because Neal Maupay has flattered to deceive. Villarreal’s Boulaye Dia could be a possible replacement.

Fulham

Finishing position last year: 10th
Team needs: Winger

Manor Solomon’s loan from Shakhtar Donetsk has come to an end and Willian will be 35 years old by the time next season starts, so Fulham will be keen to acquire another wide man. A creative and tricky winger is in order. 

Liverpool

Finishing position last year: 5th
Team needs: Centre back

The arrival of Alexis Mac Allister will probably not be the end of Liverpool’s strengthening of the engine room, but they could also do with another central defender. Micky van de Ven of Wolfsburg could be interesting.

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Luton Town

Finishing position last year: 3rd (Championship)
Team needs: Goalkeeper

Last season’s first-choice goalkeeper, Ethan Horvath, has returned to Nottingham Forest after his loan spell. The Hatters will need to sign a replacement unless they can land Horvath permanently.

Manchester City

Finishing position last year: 1st
Team needs: Central midfielder 

Replacing Ilkay Gundogan will not be easy given his consistent excellence over the years. Manchester City want Declan Rice but the latest reports suggest they could miss out to Arsenal.  

Manchester United

Finishing position last year: 3rd
Team needs: Striker

Wout Weghorst was never going to be a long-term solution up front for Manchester United. Victor Osimhen may prove too expensive, so Rasmus Hojlund could end up heading to Old Trafford this summer. 

Newcastle United

Finishing position last year: 4th
Team needs: Left back

Dan Burn has done brilliantly at left back under Eddie Howe, but Newcastle may look to buy a more dynamic player in that position. AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez would be a fantastic addition. 

Nottingham Forest

Finishing position last year: 16th
Team needs: Goalkeeper 

Nottingham Forest need to trim a bloated squad but Steve Cooper will still want to welcome a few new faces to the City Ground. Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas were only on loan at Forest last term, so a permanent number one goalkeeper is a must.

Sheffield United

Finishing position last year: 2nd (Championship)
Team needs: Central midfielder

Sheffield United do not have a huge budget to work with this summer, so we should not expect any spectacular deals. A midfielder is a priority, with Chelsea youngster Carney Chukwuemeka considered a major target. 

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Tottenham Hotspur

Finishing position last year: 8th
Team needs: Centre back

Tottenham have plenty of transfer needs this summer, but a new centre back or two is probably the most pressing now that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is on his way. Spurs are said to be keeping tabs on Edmond Tapsoba and Gleison Bremer. 

West Ham United

Finishing position last year: 14th
Team needs: Central midfielder 

With Declan Rice on his way out, West Ham will need to sign a new midfielder ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Joao Palhinha is a target, but Fulham will have something to say about that.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Finishing position last year: 13th
Team needs: Striker 

Scoring goals has been an issue for Wolves for some time. Sasa Kalajdzic, who missed the whole of last season through injury, could be the man to solve their attacking problems, but do not be surprised if Wolves add another striker to their squad.