Next EPL Transfers: What Each Club Needs
As the summer transfer window reopens, EPLNews analyses the types of players each Premier League side is likely to pursue over the coming months.
Arsenal – Striker
Mikel Arteta is on the hunt for a proven goalscorer, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko reportedly on Arsenal’s shortlist.
It is clear why. Kai Havertz ended the season as the Gunners’ top scorer in the Premier League with just nine goals – ranking joint 26th in the league. Additionally, their Expected Goals (xG) tally stood at 61.6, only the sixth-highest, narrowly edging out Crystal Palace’s 61.3.
These figures fall well short for a team with title ambitions. Arsenal need a striker who possesses a killer instinct, someone capable of converting half-chances, unpicking compact defences through intelligent movement, and injecting urgency into their often measured build-up play.
Aston Villa – Right-Back
Aston Villa’s search for a new right-back has stretched back to the previous summer, but a dip in form during the final months of the season – when they failed to secure a Champions League spot – brought this issue into sharper focus.
Axel Disasi’s struggles against Jeremy Doku contributed to Manchester City’s dramatic late winner in April. Meanwhile, Matty Cash’s costly mistake at Old Trafford led to Emiliano Martinez receiving a red card.
Villa conceded 39 per cent of their attacks down the right flank – the most exposed area. A comparison between Cash and left-back Lucas Digne highlights the imbalance in Villa’s defensive structure.
AFC Bournemouth – Centre-Back
Dean Huijsen’s £50 million transfer to Real Madrid has created a void in Bournemouth’s defence, one that may widen if Illia Zabarnyi departs amid reported interest from other clubs.
Head coach Andoni Iraola urgently requires at least one central defender. Bournemouth’s defence was far from solid last season, keeping 11 clean sheets and ranking eighth for xG conceded at 49.31.
Huijsen was not only a standout defender – placing second among Premier League centre-backs for interceptions per 90 (1.89) – but also brought value through progressive passing. Replacing him will be no easy task.
Brentford – Right-Winger
Brentford’s priority lies in finding a potential successor for Bryan Mbeumo, who is attracting interest from within the Premier League.
Mbeumo netted 20 goals and contributed seven assists in the 2024/25 campaign – accounting for a remarkable 41 per cent of Brentford’s 66 total goals.
With Yoane Wissa also reportedly a target for other clubs, replacing Mbeumo’s attacking output becomes essential.
A right-winger with strong dribbling skills, capable of direct attacking runs and adding goals and assists, is needed. Notably, 39 per cent of Brentford’s attacking plays were channelled down the right – the fourth-highest rate in the league.
Brighton & Hove Albion – Striker
Brighton have already brought in 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas, yet he is considered too inexperienced to lead the line immediately.
Kostoulas scored seven goals in 22 appearances for Olympiacos during the 2024/25 season, indicating promise but not yet the solution.
Danny Welbeck, at 34, cannot be Brighton’s long-term option. Although he reached double digits with 10 goals last term, their frontline lacks a consistent threat in his absence.
Burnley – Striker
Burnley’s defensive resilience during the 2024/25 EFL Championship season was exemplary. Conceding just 16 goals across 46 games set a new record, and their 30 clean sheets equalled a long-standing mark from 1953/54.
However, goals will be vital at Premier League level. Josh Brownhill’s 18 goals from midfield made him top scorer in the Championship, but repeating that feat is unlikely.
Zian Flemming followed with 12 league goals. Bringing in a natural centre-forward with top-flight experience would be a vital addition to Vincent Kompany’s squad.
Chelsea – Goalkeeper
At Chelsea, questions remain over Robert Sanchez’s suitability as first-choice goalkeeper. Criticisms have been aimed at his positional sense and control in the area.
Despite being a solid shot-stopper, Sanchez ranked behind nine other Premier League keepers in outperforming their xG on target conceded, with a score of 2.1.
Moreover, his five errors directly leading to goals tied him for the most among Premier League goalkeepers – a concerning statistic.
Crystal Palace – Centre-Back
Delving into the numbers uncovers Crystal Palace’s defensive issues. They conceded 51 goals in the Premier League, compared to an xG against of 50.38.
The January recall of Trevoh Chalobah by Chelsea disrupted their plans. Further complicating matters is Marc Guehi’s contract, which enters its final year amid speculation of interest from Newcastle.
Manager Oliver Glasner must strengthen the centre of defence – at least one new addition is needed for his preferred back three.
Everton – Right-Back
While Jake O’Brien did a serviceable job filling in on the right, and Ashley Young made 32 appearances at age 39, Everton clearly need a more permanent solution.
With 40% of attacks coming down Everton’s right, their vulnerability is plain. An energetic right-back specialist is a priority this summer.
Fulham – Winger
Marco Silva’s tactical approach focuses heavily on crossing, yet Fulham lack speed and creativity in wide areas.
The side ranked joint-19th for through-balls (43) and 18th in attempted take-ons (542), indicating a lack of invention.
Fulham would benefit from pacey, creative wingers who can beat defenders and open up opposition defences without solely relying on crosses.
Leeds United – Centre-Back
Leeds are aiming to reinforce their spine, and a centre-back with experience at the top level appears to be a key target, with Jaka Bijol reportedly close to signing.
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk lack sufficient Premier League experience, and under Daniel Farke – who oversaw Norwich City conceding 75 goals in 2019/20 – defensive solidity is not guaranteed.
Liverpool – Left-Back
Having already replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong, Arne Slot’s next focus should be on the opposite flank.
With Andrew Robertson now 31 and showing signs of decline – just one goal involvement in 2024/25 – Liverpool are assessing options such as Milos Kerkez.
Robertson’s reduced output is partially due to a deeper role under Slot, but a younger, more dynamic left-back is needed to balance attack and defence.
Manchester City – Right-Back
Manchester City’s rebuild under Pep Guardiola includes targeting a new right-back.
Kyle Walker seems likely to depart, while replacements Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes are midfielders by trade. Between them, they managed only 10 goals and assists last season.
More importantly, City are missing Walker’s pace in defensive transitions – crucial given Guardiola’s emphasis on swift, vertical attacking play.
Manchester United – Striker
Manchester United’s poor finishing was evident last season, as they underperformed their xG by 10.6 goals – the second-worst margin in the Premier League.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee contributed four and three league goals respectively.
With creative talents like Bruno Fernandes in the squad, United’s No 9 must be more clinical. They ranked sixth in both chances created (406) and shots taken (524).
Newcastle United – Right-Winger
Calls for an upgrade on the right flank may seem harsh on Jacob Murphy, who registered eight goals and 12 assists in 2024/25.
However, Newcastle often struggle for fluidity on that side, with attacks breaking down more than on the left, where Anthony Gordon excels.
Even if Murphy retains his place, adding competition could improve their balance and end-product.
Nottingham Forest – Central Midfielder
Forest’s Europa Conference League campaign demands better midfield control.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side need more progressive play. With poor short-passing accuracy (87.3 per cent) and 563 miscontrols – the fourth-highest in the league – improvements are vital.
A metronomic central midfielder should top their transfer priorities.
Sunderland – Defensive Midfielder
Jobe Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund presents a big loss for Sunderland as they look to survive in the Premier League.
Their 58 goals last season rank among the lowest totals ever for a promoted side, suggesting a defensive focus is wise.
Bellingham’s 244 possession wins ranked seventh in the Championship, highlighting the need for a strong replacement in defensive midfield.
Tottenham Hotspur – Winger
With Son Heung-min’s future unclear, and reported interest in Bryan Mbeumo, Tottenham’s new coach is seemingly keen to improve attacking output from wide areas.
Dominic Solanke scored nine league goals, but Spurs need better service and dribblers to enhance their attack.
A direct winger who can open up play and support the front line is crucial to their plans.
West Ham United – Striker
Once again, West Ham are in desperate need of a consistent striker.
Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio, Danny Ings, and Evan Ferguson combined for just five league goals in 2024/25, falling short of their 7.2 xG.
Only five teams scored fewer than their 46-goal tally. With Graham Potter known for possession football but limited chance creation, a reliable finisher is critical.
Wolves – Left-Back
Wolves have lost their entire left side, with Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha moving to Man City and Man Utd respectively.
Together, they produced 19 goals and 13 assists – 59 per cent of Wolves’ 54 goals.
With 40 per cent of their attacks coming down the left, new signings are essential if Vitor Pereira wants to maintain attacking strength on that flank.