The Premier League continues to strengthen year after year, becoming an increasingly desirable landing spot for the best talents in the world. Let’s check out which big names could be coming to England this Summer. Bellingham? Neymar? Nkunku?
Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus
The Gunners lost Pierre Emerick Aubameyang this season to Barcelona, and Alexandre Laccazete is also likely on his way out. The truth is, both these players have been misfiring for years now, and Arsenal has never looked to replace them, posing an ultimate problem.
Young players from within the club, such as Florian Balogun and Eddie Nketiah, have been given chances to prove themselves, but now, it is time to sign an established number nine.
For me, there is no more obvious choice than Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, who is desperate for a move to a club that will value his assets more than Manchester City did. Arsenal needs this young yet established player to lead a line of Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Emile Smith Rowe for years to come.
Mikel Arteta loves youth, so Gabriel Jesus is the perfect fit for this side.
Chelsea: Jules Koundé
Antonio Rudiger is on his way to Real Madrid, Andreas Christensen is on his way to Barcelona, Cesar Azpilicueta is aging and could follow his Danish teammate, and Thiago Silva will turn thirty-eight next season.
While Declan Rice would be a dream fit in midfield for the Blues, they must focus on rebuilding their defense for next season. Thomas Tuchel prides himself on having an unbreakable back-five, and the Frenchman, Jules Koundé, could be the man to lead it.
Sevilla has held onto Koundé for as long as possible, and Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s new owner, will likely make his initial splash in the transfer market on this young talent.
Liverpool: Jude Bellingham
The eighteen-year-old English phenomenon has set world football a-light this past year, with unbelievable mature and consistent performances for Borrusia Dortmund and The Three Lions.
He is destined for greatness; however, he currently lacks a home to establish his legacy. We know he won’t stay at Dortmund, so Liverpool is the most pragmatic fit.
His move to the Premier League is inevitable, and the Reds will provide him with the perfect atmosphere. He would be a tremendous like-for-like swap with Jordan Henderson, who could help him develop his game dramatically.
Bellingham won’t be cheap, so Liverpool is his only realistic destination in my eyes.
Manchester City: Marc Cucurella
Manchester City are just about as strong as they could be right now, from a starting eleven standpoint. They have zero holes in their side when fully fit; however, it could not hurt to spend some cash on a young and versatile player for the future.
We saw Brighton reap the rewards of signing Marc Cucurella last season, and his Spanish roots could be a dream for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The twenty-three-year-old spent most of his time under Graham Potter as a left-back last season, and I could see him playing a similar role for the Citizens in the future.
Kyle Walker is aging at right-back, so perhaps João Cancelo could be slotted back there in a couple of years with Cucurella taking over his spot on the left. For now, his versatility and depth will be a dream to have.
Tottenham and Chelsea have also been eyeing the impressive Spaniard this summer; however, whoever Manchester City wants, Manchester City gets.
Manchester United: Frenkie De Jong
Times are changing at Manchester United. They are no longer consistently a top side in the Premier League, and they need to increase their quality in midfield if they want to return to glory.
Erik Ten Hag, former Ajax manager, is taking over at United next season, and I’m sure he would love to have his old Dutch counterpart back with him in England. Donny Van de Beek is also returning to United next season after a loan move to Everton, so we could see Ajax’s old core established in Manchester.
De Jong is an absolute engine of a player who can do anything he aspires to on the pitch, so United would be making a massive mistake if they let him slip.
Tottenham: James Ward-Prowse
A few months, Tottenham publicly stated that their priority for the upcoming Summer transfer was to sign a “left-sided center-back”; however, that perspective has more than likely shifted. Welsh left-footed defender Ben Davies has revolutionized his game under Antonio Conte, and he should not be so quick to replace him next season.
I’m sure that Spurs will still sign a player that fits this category to add competition at the position. Still, in my opinion, they should not splash most of their summer budget on a player like Alessandro Bastoni in this spot.
Instead, Tottenham should turn their efforts to signing English midfielder James Ward-Prowse, as he is a proven Premier League player that could slot right into the Lillywhite’s midfield.
Conte has solid midfielders at his disposal in Oliver Skipp, Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg, and Rodrigo Bentancur; however, they have not made an impression on the footballing world at the same level Ward-Prowse has.
His set-piece ability would be a dream for Tottenham, as they currently lack a solid free-kick and corner taker. His composed nature in midfield could turn this side into Premier League title contenders.
