One player each Premier League club should sign in the summer transfer window

This summer transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most active we've seen in recent years.

While Liverpool are reportedly close to completing a Premier League record signing in Florian Wirtz, competitors Manchester City too are bolstering their squad in a bid to reclaim the title.

With months left to wait until a ball is kicked in the 2025/26 term, we examine one player each Premier League club ought to sign in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres (ST)

A third consecutive second place finish for Arsenal has got to be frustrating for Mikel Arteta, but it's not too difficult to distinguish the area that the Gunners need to improve in the summer transfer window.

Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus meant Arsenal were left short in the centre forward department for large parts of the season, and it is crucial that the club introduce a 20 goal-a-season striker.

While Benjamin Sesko appears the primary target, Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres may prove the smarter option. Having scored 68 goals across the last two Primeira Liga campaigns, the Swedish striker could be acquired for a reported £54m.

Having already played for Coventry in the Championship, Gyokeres should have few struggles adapting to the physicality of English football.

Aston Villa

Lucas Chevalier (GK)

With Emi Martinez's future reportedly up in the air, Aston Villa's main priority in the summer transfer window should be identifying a replacement. Should Martinez stay, aged 32, the club may look to pick out his successor sooner rather than later.

Aston Villa should be looking in the direction of Lille's Lucas Chevalier.

Aged 23, the French goalkeeper has played 30+ games in all of his last three Ligue 1 terms. Les Dogues boasted the second best defensive record in the division in the 2024/25 campaign, and Chevalier is a huge contributor to that.

Villa would likely be able to finalize a deal for around £30m.

Bournemouth

Joe Gomez (CB)

Bournemouth have recently sold Dean Huijsen, while Illia Zabarnyi is admired by Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are closing in on the signing of left-back Milos Kerkez.

Defensive reinforcement is crucial for the Cherries this summer should they wish to improve on an impressive 9th placed finish last campaign.

Joe Gomez may prove a viable option if the defender would be willing to make the move. Capable of playing left-back, right-back and as a central defender, Gomez personifies versatility and has proven his ability to play at the top level since joining the division in 2015.

He may also be seeking regular first team football, having struggled to break into the starting XI over Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Brentford

Roony Bardghji (RW)

It looks as though Brentford are set to lose Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, and if that is the case, a replacement is undoubtedly necessary.

The Bees rarely pursue 'big name' signings, instead opting for undervalued players in the transfer market who may prove effective in the future. Aged 19, FC Copenhagen's Roony Bardghji fits that bill.

The left-footed right-winger possesses a unique ability to find and manipulate space, whilst also proving effective in the final third. While it'd be unfair to identify him as an immediate Mbeumo successor, he certainly has the skillset to develop in the Premier League.

Brighton

Harvey Elliot (AM)

This move may just make as much sense for Harvey Elliot as it does for Brighton.

While the arrival of Arne Slot has delivered Liverpool's 20th league title, it hasn't quite worked out for Elliot, who has suffered from a lack of game time.

At just 22, the attacking midfielder has already played 94 times in the Premier League, and could add some much needed quality and experience as Fabian Hurzeler aims to guide the club back to European football.

Burnley

Lucas Stassin (ST)

Burnley are in the Premier League now, and if they wish to stay there, they have to be ambitious in the transfer window.

Lucas Stassin has a knack for scoring goals in a struggling side, proven by his record of 12 goals in 28 Ligue 1 appearances for Saint-Etienne, who were ultimately relegated from France's top flight.

A capable goalscorer with ample room for improvement, Burnley could do far worse than adding the Belgian forward to their ranks.

Chelsea

Jamie Gittens (LW)

Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens is unsurprisingly drawing admirers in the transfer window, with Chelsea having made enquiries and Liverpool having sent scouts to assess the winger's progress.

Ranking in the top two percentile for take-ons attempted, top one percentile for successful take-ons and top seven percentile for carries into the penalty area, Gittens could be the direct and forward-thinking winger that the club are missing.

A deal wouldn't come cheap, but the Blues may be helped by the fact that Gittens was often left out of the starting XI nearing the end of the season.

Crystal Palace

Trevoh Chalobah (CB)

Qualifications for the Europa League means games for Crystal Palace will be coming thick and fast, and a permanent return for Trevoh Chalobah makes perfect sense.

Chelsea recalled the central defender from his loan spell at Crystal Palace in January 2025 due to injuries in the defensive department, but if Enzo Maresca's side are to add to their options in the transfer window, they may consider the sale of Chalobah.

An estimated fee of £30m-£35m should get a deal over the line should Palace pursue the Cobham graduate.

Everton

Ben Doak (RW)

It's rare that Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool carry out transfer business, but the acquisition and sale of Ben Doak may benefit both parties.

The Scotsman spent the 2024/25 term on loan with Championship outfit Middlesborough, but his performances on a club and international level have understandably attracted the interest of Premier League sides.

The Scottish connection between David Moyes and Doak would be present, and the winger could renew some desired pace in the Toffees front line.

Fulham

Ernest Nuamh (RW)

Reports suggest that Fulham are scouring the market for forward players in the summer, prioritising younger prospects.

It's been mooted that Lyon's Ernest Nuamh has been admired by Premier League sides for the past few seasons, and the 21-year-old winger could have a lot to offer for a side who are arguably lacking a combination of pace and quality in the final third.

Leeds

Kalvin Phillips (DM)

A return to Elland Road at some stage of Kalvin Phillips' career seems inevitable, and now could be the perfect time.

It's become glaringly clear that Pep Guardiola no longer requires Phillips' services, proved by the midfielder's spell on loan at Ipswich in the 2024/25 season.

It's reported that the Citizens would understandably let Phillips leave for an estimated £10m fee. If that is the case, Leeds should be first in line.

Liverpool

Julian Alvarez (ST)

In what has already proved an active summer transfer window for Liverpool, with the signing of Jeremie Frimpong confirmed and Florian Wirtz's and Milos Kerkez's arrivals imminent, the Reds are believed to be searching the market for a centre forward.

While Chelsea appear to be advancing in negotiations for Hugo Ekitike and Arsenal reportedly eyeing up one of Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko, Liverpool could sense a huge market opportunity in the form of Julian Alvarez.

A deal for the Argentine would undoubtedly be difficult, but reports indicate that Darwin Nunez could be used as leverage in an agreement that could see the Uruguayan join Atletico Madrid.

Manchester City

Tino Livramento (RB)

While advising Manchester City to sign Tino Livramento isn't exactly a bold shout given the club are known admirers of the full-back, it would be a smart move.

Kyle Walker's reputation in the Premier League was debatbly harmed as his career at Man City has come to a close, but we mustn't forget what he once was.

Competent on the ball with immense physically attributes, Livramento could be the ideal inheritor of the right-back role.

Manchester United

Luka Sucic (CM)

Having added Matheus Cunha from Wolves, Manchester United are attempting to sign Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo in a bid to bolster their attack.

Once they conclude their business in the forward department, attention has to turn to a central midfielder, and Luka Sucic is my choice.

Sucic is primarily an attacking minded midfielder, but at 6ft 1ins, he possesses the physical elements in his game to play in a pivot. Signing for Real Sociedad for a €10m fee just a season ago, it's hard to imagine the La Liga outfit would demand a high price to part ways with the Croatian.

Newcastle

Jack Grealish (LW)

While Newcastle aren't exaclty short in the left-wing department, when a player like Jack Grealish becomes available for a reasonable price, it's hard to pass up.

Albeit Anthony Gordan and Harvey Barnes are customary operators on the left, both are capable on the right, and of course, Grealish has occasionally played in a more advanced midfield role.

Under a manager who emphasises the need for fast transitions and intensity in Eddie Howe, Grealish could thrive.

Nottingham Forest

Lorenzo Lucca (ST)

An unknown entity to strictly Premier League watchers, the signing of Lorenzo Lucca would be a shrewd bit of business by Nottingham Forest.

Undeniably an outstanding campaign by Chris Wood, but the club has to be looking forward with European football on the horizon.

Aged 24, Lucca scored 12 times in the most recent Serie A term, and similarly to Chris Wood, possesses an imposing aerial presence at 6ft 7ins.

Sunderland

Tyler Morton (CM)

Set to lose Jobe Bellingham to Borrusia Dortmund, former Blackburn and Hull loanee Tyler Morton could be a sensible option as Sunderland look to replace him.

Morton has hardly featured for Slot's Reds this term, and the midfielder may wish that he pursued a loan or permanent move away from the club in the last summer window.

It's hard to imagine the 22-year-old remaining at Anfield this time round however, and it's thought that a £10m fee could be enough to sign the highly-rated midfielder.

Tottenham

Carlos Baleba (CM)

Qualification for the UEFA Champions League should mean that Tottenham can be relatively busy in the market, and an addition to the midfield department may be necessary if they are to be competitive.

Brighton are specialists in profiting off newly signed players, but that's not to say Baleba wouldn't be worth every penny Spurs were to pay.

Athletic, powerful and an elite line-breaker, signing the Cameroonian would be a huge statement ahead of the 2025/26 term.

West Ham

Mateus Fernandes (AM)

Clubs often aim to make the most of the high-end players from previously relegated sides, and West Ham have been presented the perfect opportunity in the form of Mateus Fernandes.

Consistently praised by Southampton fans throughout the campaign, the versatile midfielder thrives in a number of different elements.

A workhorse with a knack for breaking up play, whilst displaying the ability to dictate possession when his side are on the ball, Fernandes could thrive under Graham Potter's management.

Wolves

James McAtee (AM)

James McAtee is reportedly on the move this summer, with numerous admirers across Europe.

Wolves might just be the perfect destination for the 22-year-old, however. With the exit of Matheus Cunha leaving a void in the attacking midfield role, McAtee could be assured regular game time in a side who have come on leaps and bounds since the appointment of Vitor Pereira.