The Premier League season may be over and the players, World Club Cup commitments aside, on their holidays but now is when the sporting directors and heads of football really earn their corn.
With all 20 clubs seeking to improve on last season’s performances Telegraph Sport takes a look at every club’s recruitment needs and the players they are targeting in the transfer market.
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Arsenal
What they need
From back to front, Arsenal are in need of the following: a back-up goalkeeper, a defensive midfielder (or two), a centre-forward and a winger. Depending on possible departures, they may also be on the hunt for another defender.
Who they could target
The back-up goalkeeper and defensive midfielder positions are all but sorted already, with Kepa Arrizabalaga set to join from Chelsea and Martín Zubimendi soon arriving from Real Sociedad. As for the new striker… well, that’s the top priority and Arsenal are working hard to address it. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres appear to be the front-runners, at the time of writing, but other candidates cannot yet be ruled out.
Martin Zubimendi in action during Spain's UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final against France at Stuttgart Arena on June 5, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany
Midfielder Martín Zubimendi has been capped 19 times by Spain and scored twice - Getty Images/Kevin Voigt
Who could leave
Jorginho has left as a free agent and Thomas Partey could do the same, if Arsenal do not extend his contract – talks are ongoing. Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has one year remaining on his deal, will probably go if a suitable offer arrives. Fellow defender Jakub Kiwior has admirers in Italy and may generate a chunky fee after an impressive end to the campaign. Leandro Trossard’s future remains uncertain, despite talks over a new deal. Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson could all leave, too.
Aston Villa
What they need
A new goalkeeper if Emiliano Martínez leaves, at least one winger, a right-back and a right-sided centre-back as cover.
Who they could target
Marco Asensio remains a top target following his successful loan spell from Paris St-Germain. Villa’s sales will be pivotal to whom they sign, with Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, Barcelona’s Ferran Torres and West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen all past targets for Unai Emery.
Who could leave
Villa are never afraid of selling players to regenerate the squad, and many players are facing uncertain futures. Martínez could leave if an acceptable offer comes in, while Jacob Ramsey has long-standing interest from Tottenham and Newcastle. Enzo Barrenechea, the defensive midfielder who was on loan at Valencia last season, is being offered around clubs across Europe in a bid to generate funds. The biggest dilemma would be over key asset Morgan Rogers, whom Villa do not want to sell but has interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
Bournemouth
What they need
Bournemouth’s recruitment is highly admired and there will be contingency plans in place for players they lose. Milos Kerkez is bound for Liverpool and will be replaced by Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert, while Paris St-Germain are targeting centre-back Illia Zabarnyi.
Who they could target
Bournemouth will aim to sign an attacker if Antoine Semenyo departs this summer. They will also need a new centre-back after Real Madrid activated Dean Huijsen’s release clause, even with the uncertainty over Zabarnyi.
Who could leave
Huijsen has already been sold, while Kerkez, Semenyo and Zabarnyi could also leave this summer. While Bournemouth’s model is to sign players with high potential and sell them for huge profits, a large exodus threatens to unsettle Andoni Iraola’s team after an excellent 2024-25 season.
Brentford
What they need
The loss of Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur will shake Brentford in many ways but it will not change their recruitment policy. The club will continue to target young players with potential to develop and improve. They have already made a significant change in the goalkeeping department, while they are also expected to strengthen in midfield this summer. More firepower could be needed, depending on departures.
Who they could target
Brentford have changed their firts-choice goalkeeper already this summer. Caoimhin Kelleher has joined from Liverpool for an initial £12.5 million, with Mark Flekken leaving for Leverkusen for around £8 million. Brentford have been strongly and repeatedly linked with a move for Feyenoord midfielder Antoni Milambo, who could cost around £15 million.
Caoimhin Kelleher of Republic of Ireland makes a save on the line during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Senegal at Aviva Stadium on June 6, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has replaced Mark Flekken at Brentford - Getty Images/Charles McQuillan
Who could leave
Bryan Mbeumo could join Manchester United or Spurs, while there is also interest in his strike partner Yoane Wissa. Ideally Brentford would not want to lose both players in one summer. Defender Kristoffer Ajer has been told to change clubs by the Norway manager.
Brighton and Hove Albion
What they need
Brighton need additional defensive options, especially because Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman are both now 33. Adam Webster is in his thirties, too, and Eiran Cashin has barely played since joining from Derby County in January – however, centre-back Diego Coppola is being lined up.
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More forwards are arriving at the Amex, which is perhaps an indication that some senior players could soon leave. Overall, though, Brighton’s £200 million shopping spree last year is unlikely to be reproduced this summer.
Who they could target
As ever, Brighton have been planning ahead: Greek forward Stefanos Tzimas was signed for £20 million in February and will join the squad this summer. In April, they agreed a £10 million deal for Sunderland teenager Tommy Watson. On top of that, Brighton have bought Olympiacos forward Charalampos Kostoulas in a deal worth around £30 million, and are expected to sign Olivier Boscagli on a free transfer from PSV Eindhoven.
Who could leave
Joao Pedro will probably depart, with Newcastle United among the interested clubs, but he will not be cheap. Brighton fans will spend the summer worrying about potential interest in star winger Kaoru Mitoma, while there could also be suitors for their impressive defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Burnley
What they need
Burnley have signed defender Bashir Humphreys plus forwards Marcus Edwards, Jaidon Antony and Zian Flemming after all impressed on loan at Turf Moor last season en route to Premier League promotion. Scott Parker remains keen to bolster his defence and midfield.
Who they could target
Parker has been linked with moves for Fulham and Chelsea midfielders Harrison Reed and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall respectively as well as Brentford’s Yegor Yarmolyuk. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz is on Burnley’s radar, while Dara O’Shea, the Ipswich Town defender, has been linked with a return to Turf Moor.
Who could leave
Newcastle are in talks to sign James Trafford, which would leave Scott Parker requiring a new first-choice goalkeeper, and defender CJ Egan-Riley has agreed to join Marseille. West Ham are the favourites to sign midfielder Josh Brownhill on a free transfer. Centre-back Maxime Estève has attracted interest from a host of clubs.
Chelsea
What they need
Enzo Maresca has said the club need a new winger who can play off the left. Chelsea could also move for a versatile forward and are continuing to monitor potential defensive targets, as well as goalkeepers, in case of departures.
Who they could target
Chelsea have failed with bids of up to £42 million for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and the expectation is they will maintain talks with the German club over a deal. The London club have checked on Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike and Brighton’s Joao Pedro, while Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is on their radar.
Who could leave
The list of potential departures is as long as your arm, given the sheer size of Chelsea’s playing staff. But the headline names are Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Chelsea must also somehow find a move away for Raheem Sterling, following his disappointing loan spell at Arsenal.
Crystal Palace
What they need
Palace are expected to be in the market for a back-up goalkeeper and a left wing-back as a minimum, and they will need to strengthen their defence. Another creative talent would help them, too, as they look to add depth ahead of (hopefully) a first campaign in Europe.
Who they could target
PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Walter Benítez could be the first through the door, and Palace have also been linked with Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Telegraph Sport revealed earlier this month that Palace have explored an ambitious deal for Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
Mateus Fernandes of Southampton during his side's Premier League match against Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on May 10, 2025 in Southampton, England
Mateus Fernandes was one of Southampton’s rare good performers last season - Getty Images/Matt Watson
Who could leave
Palace are in talks with Jean-Philippe Mateta over a new contract, so are hoping that he stays. As is seemingly the case in every window, there will be interest from elsewhere in Eberechi Eze. Marc Guéhi now has only one year remaining on his contract and it seems increasingly likely that he will be bought by a bigger club. Will there be offers for Adam Wharton? Palace will hope to find a buyer for Odsonne Édouard.
Everton
What they need
With the exception of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, there is no area of the pitch where David Moyes will not be searching for bodies, especially with so many outgoings. His centre-half pairing is solid enough, but a few more hard-working midfielders, creative wide men and a No 9 with the capacity to stay fit and score regularly would be transformative. Everton are desperate for reinforcements after years of poor planning resulted in an extraordinary 15 players being out of contract at the end of last season.
Who could they target?
Everton are interested in Liverpool’s Ben Doak, but the valuation upwards of £25 million for a young player untried at Premier League level may be beyond the club’s budget. They can see value in a £30 million deal for Villarreal forward Thierno Barry. The tall France Under-21 international has shown great potential in La Liga and Everton will hope to lure him to Merseyside after the European Under-21 Championship, where Barry is representing his country.
Who could leave?
Everton have already released Abdoulaye Doucouré, Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic, Joao Virginia, Neal Maupay and Mason Holgate after their contracts expired, while Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja have returned to their parent clubs after their loan deals ended. The futures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Idrissa Gueye and Seamus Coleman are yet to be resolved.
Fulham
What they need
The attacking positions are expected to be the priority for Fulham this summer. Forwards Raul Jimenez, Harry Wilson, Adama Traoré and Rodrigo Muniz all have only one year remaining on their deals, while Willian and Carlos Vinicius are both leaving this summer. Expect Fulham to mainly target creative central players, wingers and strikers – and they could move for a right-back, too.
Who they could target
Fulham have been linked with Atalanta right-back Raoul Bellanova and might try to bring back Reiss Nelson, who was loaned from Arsenal to Craven Cottage last season. Spanish reports have linked them with a move for Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov.
Who could leave
Fulham are in talks with Kenny Tete over a new deal. If they do not tie him down, he will leave as a free agent. The same is true of Tom Cairney. Muniz is reportedly generating interest from elsewhere, although it remains to be seen whether Fulham would sanction his sale.
Leeds United
What they need
Premier League experience and quality. Though Daniel Farke is happy with his promotion-winning squad, it is understood he has advised the club that many new signings are needed to give them a chance of survival. Leeds could be one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League this summer. A new goalkeeper looks a certainty, with doubts over Illan Meslier last season.
Who they could target
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendía remains the dream ticket for Leeds, and Farke who has worked with him before at Norwich City. Villa’s Alex Moreno is also a target. An emotional return for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, in what could be a loan deal, is also a possibility.
Emiliano Buendia (jumping) of Aston Villa celebrates with John McGinn (right) after scoring against Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 1, 2023 in London, England
Emiliano Buendía thrived under Daniel Farke when he was at Norwich - Getty Images/Clive Rose
Who could leave
Farke will not want to lose any of the players who were so instrumental in promotion but ruthless decisions are required and a raft of squad members are set to be sold to raise funds. Manor Solomon impressed on loan last season yet will be given a chance to impress new Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank in pre-season.
Liverpool
What they need
Liverpool have moved early and with purpose to secure Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, while a deal for Milos Kerkez is anticipated. What comes next will be influenced by outgoings, but with a starting XI already taking shape Liverpool are operating at the top of the market – even for those who might only be initial back-ups. A versatile defender who can operate at centre-back and full-back would be useful. If Darwin Núñez and/or Diogo Jota leave, a replacement No 9 will be required.
Who they could target
The rest of the Bayer Leverkusen 2024 Bundesliga side, perhaps? After the Wirtz deal, Liverpool will be confident they can go head-to-head with any club for any player – probably with the exception of Real Madrid. They have been linked with numerous centre-forwards and wingers, but Liverpool’s recruiters will be juggling balls based on various scenarios, which is why so many different names are being referenced every day. A big-money sale could lead to another big-money bid, but Liverpool will be setting a high price for sales, and high-class No 9s are in short supply.
Who could leave
There are plenty available for the right price and a few who – while the club is not proactively trying to sell them – might be tempted by big offers. Harvey Elliott is open about the need to consider his options, while Núñez and Jota will continue to be linked with exits. Luis Díaz keeps on being linked with Barcelona without any evidence they could meet a £70 million valuation. Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas could go too, but are on good contracts. Even those on the fringes of the first team may not be in a rush to pack their bags.
Manchester City
What they need
City have spent £305 million on nine new signings this year, including the summer arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri. Pep Guardiola would ideally still like to add a right-back to complete a major rebuild but they have been struggling to find a suitable fit. Another goalkeeper would depend on one of Ederson or Stefan Ortega departing.
Who they could target
City have been linked with the likes of Achraf Hakimi at Paris St-Germain, Juventus’s Andrea Cambiaso and Tino Livramento, of Newcastle, but there is a chance Guardiola could run with existing options at full-back.
Paris St-Germain wing-back Achraf Hakimi controls the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group B victory over Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, June 15, 2025,
Manchester City could yet try to lure Achraf Hakimi away from Paris St-Germain, where he is playing in the Club World Cup - Getty Images/Harry How
Who could leave
Kevin De Bruyne and Scott Carson have gone and Kyle Walker and James McAtee are expected to follow suit. Jack Grealish seems likely to leave if a suitor can be found. It remains to be seen what happens with veteran midfielders such as Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan, who has been linked with Galatasaray, as well as goalkeeper Ederson and Ortega.
Manchester United
What they need
Brazil forward Matheus Cunha has arrived from Wolves for £62.5 million and United are hot on the heels of Brentford’s £60 million-plus rated Bryan Mbeumo. Ruben Amorim still wants a centre-forward, midfielder, wing-back and possibly a goalkeeper but the number of other signings will be intertwined with how many players the club successfully manage to offload.
Who they could target
United continue to be linked with a host of players including midfielders Tyler Dibling, James McAtee, Hayden Hackney and Pedro Goncalves and goalkeepers Emiliano Martínez, Mads Hermansen and Senne Lammens. Victor Gyokeres remains on the radar but the Sporting striker’s price-tag is prohibitive. The same applies to forwards like Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Brighton’s Joao Pedro.
Who could leave
United hope to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony and they will listen to offers for an array of other players including Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro. André Onana’s future continues to be the subject of some uncertainty.
Newcastle United
What they need
Eddie Howe has wanted a right-sided forward and a centre-back for almost two years and this is the window they need to finally address this obvious weakness in the squad. On top of these pressing concerns, Newcastle also want to sign a goalkeeper and a striker. They will also need to add a midfielder if one departs this summer.
Who they could target
Burnley’s James Trafford is their first choice for the goalkeeper slot, with Brighton forward Joao Pedro another priority target. Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga is also seen as an excellent option on the right wing.
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Others being considered are West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Bournemouth Antoine Semenyo. At centre-back, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi remains a player of firm interest.
Who could leave
Sean Longstaff could have left in January but the midfielder opted to stay and fight for his place, but he rarely played last season and the club are open to offers. Striker Callum Wilson will also depart if he does not agree to a new pay-as-you-play-type deal after Newcastle did not take up the option of another year on his previous contract. Midfielder Joe Willock is another player who found his first-team opportunities limited last term and could be sold to help work within the profit and sustainability rules.
Newcastle intend to resist any attempts to sign any of their blue-chip brigade: Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
Nottingham Forest
What they need
A forward, two wingers, two left-backs, one central midfielder and a new No 2 goalkeeper.
Who they could target
Forest have already missed out on Liam Delap, despite an impressive presentation made to the former Ipswich striker, but expect to sign Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha. Forest have a long-standing interest in Manchester City’s James McAtee but he may not be needed if Morgan Gibbs-White stays.
Botafogo's Brazilian forward #99 Igor Jesus celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Club World Cup 2025 Group B football match between Brazil's Botafogo and Seattle Sounders at the Lumen Field stadium in Seattle on June 15, 202
Striker Igor Jesus has already been on target for Botafogo at the Club World Cup - AFP/Pablo Porciuncula
Who could leave
Gibbs-White’s future will be the main talking point this summer, but there are only a few Premier League clubs who could a) afford him and b) offer him a regular starting place. Danilo, the Brazil international, is poised to leave while acceptable offers will be considered for Jota Silva, Ramon Sosa and Carlos Miguel.
Sunderland
What they need
Sunderland had one of the youngest squads in Europe last season and have already lost one of their best players, Jobe Bellingham, to Borussia Dortmund following their promotion to the Premier League.
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There is a lot of work to do as they have no real Premier League experience in their team and look ill-equipped for the top flight as things stand. The priority must be to strengthen the spine of the team which means centre-backs, midfielders and strikers.
Who they could target
Sunderland are not going to change the recruitment model that has served them so well so they will once again be looking at undervalued talent in some of European football’s less high-profile leagues.
Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat has been heavily linked and the Dynamo Kyiv striker has been prolific in his domestic competition.
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One of the more romantic transfer tales of the summer could be the return of England international Jordan Henderson to his boyhood club. At the age of 34, Henderson would add some much needed experience to a young group.
Who could leave
Sunderland will not want to lose any more of their key players following the departure of Bellingham and hope to agree a new contract with captain Dan Neil. However, there is a lot of interest in teenager Chris Rigg as well as full back Trai Hume. There is also a lot of deadwood to clear out with the likes of Abdoullah Ba, Pierre Ekwah and Adil Aouchiche also needing to find new clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur
What they need
New head coach Thomas Frank will no doubt have already had a good look at the squad. He would have identified the forward positions as being an area that could be strengthened, while a deep-lying midfielder could be of benefit. Spurs need much better depth to combine the Premier League with their Champions League exploits next season.
Who they could target
Frank’s arrival coincided with a check on Bryan Mbeumo with the Dane’s former club, Brentford. Manchester United remain optimistic of clinching Mbeumo’s signature, which could lead Spurs to pivot towards Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Tottenham are having to consider moving for a defender in case Cristian Romero leaves and Jarrad Branthwaite is high on their list, while a bid was submitted for Marc Guéhi in January.
Antoine Semenyo fires over the bar during Bournemouth's Premier League match against Leicester City at Vitality Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bournemouth, England.
Only two players had more shots than Antoine Semenyo’s 125 in the Premier League last season - Getty Images/Robin Jones
Who could leave
Diego Simeone, the Atlético Madrid manager, publicly stated that he wants to sign Cristian Romero and the defender is thought to be open to a move to Spain. Son Heung-min has also left some team-mates and staff with the impression he could leave Tottenham this season amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
West Ham United
What they need
It feels like West Ham are in the market for a new forward every summer, and that is the case again this time around. Another central midfield player is also on the agenda while they might need a left-back. Money is tight, though, and will depend on sales.
Who they could target
West Ham are reported to have looked at young midfielders Chris Rigg (Sunderland), Sydie Peck (Sheffield United) and Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough) as potential targets. They have also been linked with Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda.
Who could leave
West Ham say no decision has yet been taken on the future of striker Michail Antonio, although it seems increasingly likely he will leave as a free agent. Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings have all left following the end of their contracts. The big potential sale could be Mohammed Kudus, who has a release clause of £85 million.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
What they need
Two new No 10s, a striker, left-back and potentially two new goalkeepers.
Who they could target
Wolves have kicked off their summer recruitment by agreeing a £19.5 million deal with Celta Vigo for playmaker Fer López. They have been linked with Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott but may find the asking price too high. Barcelona left-back Gerard Martín is a top target while Fulham’s Andreas Pereira is admired by Wolves’ recruitment team.
Who could leave
Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri have already departed for a combined fee of almost £100 million. Captain Nelson Semedo is also expected to leave as a free agent. The future of Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa is uncertain, with Vitor Pereira understood to be prioritising a new No 1.