Certain teams require a total redesign. Some people simply require that one crucial element. However, every team on this list – from title-contending Arsenal to whatever Manchester United currently is – has a noticeable gap that needs to be addressed before the 2025/26 season arrives.
We’ve listed the top 10 areas that require attention in the Premier League this summer.
10. Manchester City: Right defender
We were caught between Manchester City and Aston Villa both needing right-backs in the summer transfer window of 2025, but Pep Guardiola’s team had the advantage since Unai Emery currently has one available, even if Matty Cash is a player the Spaniard will probably look to replace this summer.
Rico Lewis has faced challenges this season and is a player Guardiola wants to utilize in midfield, while Matheus Nunes, a natural midfielder, has been filling in at right-back due to Kyle Walker's absence, who lost his starting position and was loaned to AC Milan in January.
This summer may see a significant overhaul at the Etihad, but Rodri’s comeback will surpass any acquisition Guardiola might achieve. The ACL injury he sustained entirely ruined City’s season.
They possess defensive weaknesses, and beginning with Nunes at right-back has undoubtedly contributed to that, although Pep has had to manage numerous injuries in defense. Manuel Akanji has been unavailable for a long time, John Stones is frequently injured, and Ruben Dias along with Nathan Ake have faced their own problems. The champions acquired two centre-backs in January, so a right-back is the next priority.
9. West Ham: Forward
"However, the drive, sorry we were terrible and I’m very frustrated." This isn't the first occasion we've scored a goal and then immediately kicked t tohe ball long on the next goal kick. We no longer attempt to play football. "We no longer push upward; we simply descend, and that's not how we wish to compete... The coach clearly stated his expectations; we must all contribute and everyone needs to be involved."
Niclas Fullkrug was strikingly candid and comically enraged in his post-game review of West Ham’s 1-1 tie with relegated Southampton on Saturday. There’s much to tackle this summer, and ironically, we’ve chosen to focus on the stance of the individual who was courageous (or merely frustrated) enough to highlight his team’s poor performance(s).
We're finding it hard to recall a season when we haven't mentioned West Ham requires a striker. Observe, this year is the same. They could also benefit from a new centre-back, left-back, and a pair of defensive midfielders too, just so you know. And perhaps a new boss.
8. Bournemouth: Goal Keeper
Having a dependable goalscorer is something fan narratives suggest is the top priority in football, but there's nothing quite as reassuring as a trustworthy pair of hands in goal. It instills confidence across the entire team, knowing there's no need to fret over an unreliable player in goal, and despite the criticism he's faced throughout his Premier League career, Kepa Arrizabalaga has proven to be a reliable choice for Bournemouth this season.
Kepa is presently loaned from Chelsea, and there is anticipation that he will join the Cherries on a permanent basis, which would be a significant relief for Andoni Iraola, particularly if he can finalize that transaction early this summer.
Neto, 35, is expected to come back from his loan at Arsenal after having played just one minute for them so far, and it’s evident that Iraola doesn’t prefer him, which is understandable. Not promptly resolving the situations of both goalkeepers could lead to a significant issue at the Vitality, making it possible for Neto to begin in the Premier League next season.
As a reminder, Bournemouth needs to acquire a new right-back. Julian Araujo was signed last summer, but he has not made a strong impression in the matches he has played, although a serious injury has hindered his chance to show his abilities. You receive what you receive with Adam Smith, and he is an excellent professional and leader, yet this is a role Iraola should aim to enhance by the conclusion of 2024/25.
7. Liverpool: Forward
If Mohamed Salah hadn't signed a new contract, Liverpool's requirement for a new striker would be significantly more pressing. Nonetheless, it's clear that Arne Slot must acquire a No. 9 this summer, particularly with Darwin Nunez on his way out.
Since most of the Reds' goals are scored by Salah on the right, Slot will probably seek someone who can support him and Cody Gakpo or Luis Diaz as the primary attacking option.
Nunez’s unpredictability renders him an exceptional yet frustrating player to have, but it largely hinges on the context. Choosing someone who is more sophisticated, reliable, and intelligent is the main focus. Who? Honestly, I’m not certain. Could it be Matheus Cunha? Could it be Hugo Ekitike? Although the Premier League trophy is heading to Anfield, Slot is set to have a hectic summer transfer window in 2025.
6. Liverpool: Left back
There is a discussion to be had regarding what Liverpool’s summer priority position ought to be: a new left-back or a forward? Clearly, we believe it’s the first option. A fresh right-back should certainly be acquired, but Slot does not have to invest heavily, as Conor Bradley is capable of stepping into the starting XI after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s criticized free transfer to Real Madrid.
Andy Robertson is a Liverpool icon, but his time is over. Milos Kerkez is the obvious successor and the sole player we will discuss as a likely acquisition with any degree of certainty.
5. Manchester United: Central midfield
How much time do you have? This top 10 could have been filled entirely by Manchester United, and while that may seem like a fantasy, it definitely is not.
In reality, Ruben Amorim requires a new goalkeeper, centre-back, wing-back, and a handful of forwards, but that is only achievable if United triumph in the Europa League AND offload several players for substantial fees. Not taking place, right?
This implies that Amorim must be very strategic regarding his summer acquisitions. Identifying a midfield companion for Manuel Ugarte must be one of his key priorities. In my opinion, Clive, Bruno Fernandes should be played higher up the field.
4. Brighton: Defender
Brighton displayed significant ambition during Fabian Hurzeler's initial summer at the helm, aiming to enhance nearly every position, yet they surprisingly did not acquire a new centre-back. Jan Paul van Hecke is good, indeed, but Lewis Dunk’s status as a club legend likely contributed to that. Despite being injured, Igor Julio has also been largely dismissed – regrettably, he doesn't appear to be on track to become a top-tier Premier League centre-back.
In fact, Dunk's performance deserves greater recognition than it currently receives. He has been far from his best lately, and Brighton is suffering because of it. Clearly, he isn't the only factor behind their terrible recent performance, but having a more reliable centre-back alongside Van Hecke could have had a beneficial impact.
Brighton doesn't require us to pinpoint targets; they excel in this area, and an unexpected Chilean will likely emerge for £2million and be valued at £200million by next January. Incorporating the appropriate centre-back will significantly impact one of the most unpredictable teams in the league.
The Seagulls appear to experience the most diverse periods under Hurzeler, either being the initial or final team you would wish to face. Their transfer intelligence elevates their potential beyond clubs like Brentford, Bournemouth, and Fulham, making this transfer essential for narrowing the gap to the ‘Big Six’.
3. Chelsea: Striker – definitely not a goalie
We aren't interested in hearing anything about Chelsea's need for a goalkeeper. Enzo Maresca has stated they won’t acquire one this summer, and he is among the most honest, transparent managers around; just consider the ‘we are not title contenders’ remark as an example, he was entirely right about that.
Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez are both rather unreliable, but fluctuating in and out of the squad under Maresca does little to boost their sharpness and confidence. Both are prone to mistakes and appear uninterested in the No. 1 jersey, creating an opportunity for a few goalkeepers currently on loan this season: Djordje Petrovic and Mike Penders. The latter is seemingly the next Thibaut Courtois, and we are all familiar with Petrovic; although he is not exceptional, he surpasses Sanchez and Jorgensen, and he is enjoying a remarkably effective season at Strasbourg alongside fellow Blues loanee Andrey Santos.
For what seems like the ninth consecutive year, Chelsea are entering a summer transfer window urgently needing to acquire a striker. Nicolas Jackson showed fluctuating form before sustaining an injury in February and has only been underperforming since his return, failing to establish a strong argument for being Chelsea’s top striker in 2025/26.
The main question always revolves around which players these clubs should focus on acquiring. Liam Delap of Ipswich Town seems to be the primary target for the Blues, but they are also considering players likely to transfer this summer, such as Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen, and Viktor Gyokeres.
It is clear that a new striker is the essential component missing from the puzzle at Stamford Bridge and has been for some time. They are expected to aim for a different new centre-back, and re-signing Marc Guehi would be very Chelsea-like, but it is essential to bring in a goal scorer.
2. Arsenal: Forward
Is Mikel Merino the long-term answer for Arsenal's striking needs? Certainly not. Has he continued to be an excellent substitute for them with Kai Havertz unavailable? Certainly. Ultimately, is Havertz the player to spearhead the attack for the Gunners upon his return from injury? No – and we have been aware of that for some time.
Mikel Arteta brought in Havertz as a midfielder but hesitantly moved him to the front midway through 2023/24, resulting in a highly effective tactical change. The German began the season strongly but slowly declined, reinforcing the narrative around the Arsenal striker as the January transfer window approached. For various reasons, Arteta didn't receive a new striker, and a week after the winter transfer window shut, Havertz sustained a season-ending injury.
Arsenal's pursuit of the Premier League title has stalled, and once more, doubts are being raised regarding Arteta's recruitment strategy. He has acquired numerous defensive players, but his sole offensive signings include Raheem Sterling, Marquinhos, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Willian. We won't even consider Havertz as a part of his front three signing.
Arsenal is expected to alter that this summer, and Sporting striker Gyokeres is said to be Arteta’s primary target after the unreachable Alexander Isak – who will likely only be a feasible option if Newcastle United fails to secure Champions League football. RB Leipzig's Sesko is also a candidate and possesses a release clause in his agreement.
There is certainty that this is the area where Arteta requires top-tier support, and if he secures it successfully, they ought to clinch the Premier League title next season.
A defensive midfielder is a significant priority for the Gunners, but Martin Zubimendi’s transfer from Real Sociedad appears nearly finalized, prompting us to resist the urge to list them twice.
1. Manchester United: Forward
The Red Devils have made significant investments in the striker role over the past two transfer windows, with over £100m combined spent on Rasmus Hojlund in 2023 and Joshua Zirkzee in 2024. Neither player appears to possess the instincts of a natural goalscorer, and the latter doesn't even seem to be a natural forward. Zirkzee occupies one of the two positions behind the No. 9 in Ruben Amorim’s setup, while Hojlund appears not to be a good match for the Premier League, unfortunately.
He is still quite young, so we aren't fully dismissing him, but due to Zirkzee’s failure to take charge, it will be another year of Hojlund being depended upon as United’s solitary natural No. 9 who is of legal drinking age.
Amorim has numerous challenges to tackle this summer, and securing the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League would significantly aid him in achieving this. Without the additional £100m revenue, the summer will be very challenging, with several academy graduates – such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – potentially up for transfer.
Enhancing the initial stages will significantly benefit Amorim’s United, but there remains a great deal of effort required. We doubt that a peak Thierry Henry could significantly improve this team. Nonetheless, acquiring a new striker must be their main focus.
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