Strikers are the order of the day for Manchester United and Arsenal while Liverpool are chasing a left-back and Chelsea want to poach a Premier League rival's star player
The summer transfer window is now just a month away and clubs all around the world are already jostling for position. We have entered the closing stages of the 2024/25 season and thoughts are increasingly turning to making improvements for the next campaign.
Some will be doing their shopping from a position of strength, like Liverpool, who have won the Premier League title despite making just one minor addition last summer. Others, like Manchester United will be forced into action following a dreadful season.
As ever, there are players agitating for a move and others who have grabbed the attention of the biggest clubs through their performances. There are sure to be some blockbuster deals once the window opens for business and you can follow all the latest movements in the Mirror Football live transfer blog.
In the meantime, here are some of the players we expect to be on the move this summer and the clubs chasing their signatures.
Darwin Nunez to Atletico Madrid
Liverpool may have won the title, but Nunez has not enjoyed a strong season. He has struggled for starts under Arne Slot – and he has hinted he is not happy with the situation. It means he is expected to be allowed to leave this summer.
The Uruguay international has contributed just seven goals and seven assists in 43 games this season and has 40 in 139 appearances for Liverpool altogether. Signed for a fee which could rise to £80million from Benfica in 2022, it looks like the time for Liverpool to cash out their chips.
Atletico Madrid are interested, according to AS, who report that Diego Simeone views Nunez as the ideal solution. The 25-year-old has the feels of an Atleti player and Mirror Football could see this going ahead as it appears to suit all parties.
Marcus Rashford to Barcelona
A decision on Rashford’s future has been accelerated by the hamstring injury which brought his loan spell at Aston Villa to a premature end. Mirror Football understands that, despite their £40m option to sign him, Rashford does not want to stay with Villa permanently and would take a pay cut to join Barcelona.
Rashford’s £350,000-a-week wages at United were always going to present a problem, especially at a club like Barca who still have financial difficulties. But his eye-catching performances for Villa over the past few months have certainly given him a chance of securing a dream move, given Ruben Amorim wants to cut ties.
Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal
The Swedish striker is arguably the most sought after player going into the summer transfer window, having banged in a ludicrous 52 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Sporting Lisbon this season. Just about every top team in Europe has been linked and it seems Gyokeres could take his pick.
Portuguese outlet A Bola claim that the 26-year-old would be open to joining Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG or Bayern Munich. He is reportedly available for his release clause of £60m and Arsenal have been rated as one of the most likely destinations, with their run to the semi-finals of the Champions League helping their case. The Gunners clearly need a striker this summer and the time has come for them to splash the cash.
Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal
The Gunners have already lined up one major deal, with Real Sociedad star Zubimendi set to join in a £51m move. The Spanish international turned down a move to Liverpool last summer but has reportedly already agreed a deal to snub Real Madrid and move to north London.
Arsenal appear to have beaten Real, Liverpool and Manchester City to Zubimendi’s signature. With Thomas Partey out of contract, he could inherit the all-important position at the base of Arsenal’s midfield next season.
Matheus Cunha to Manchester United
United desperately need a top striker and have moved early to land Cunha from Wolves. They are already in advanced talks to sign him for his £62.5m release clause and the Brazilian will play as a No10 in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1.
When not suspended or falling out with Wolves’ fans, Cunha has been in excellent form this season and is clearly a massive upgrade on the struggling Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. This deal appears very likely to go through, barring any late hitches or any competing parties.
Victor Osimhen to Manchester United
United are not just desperate for one striker: they want two. Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is a possibility for £30m, but there is competition from all over the Premier League for the 22-year-old. Mirror Football have reported that Amorim would prefer the more experienced option of Osimhen, who will have just one year left on his Napoli contract by June.
Osimhen, 26, has banged in 31 goals in 36 games on loan at Galatasaray and is poised for a permanent move this summer. Chelsea have been linked previously but are understood not to be keen any more.
Florian Wirtz to Bayern Munich
Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz has attracted plenty of attention this season with 15 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across all competitions. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is exactly the sort of player who you’d expect to be lined up for a big-money move and it is no surprise to hear that Bayern Munich are keen.
Sky Sports Germany says they are confident of landing the Germany star, having scooped up just about every top player from Bundesliga rivals in previous years. Real Madrid are also interested and Florentino Perez is not a good loser, so the Spanish giants could still throw their weight around.
Milos Kerkez to Liverpool
The Bournemouth left-back has been a stand-out performer in the Premier League this season and looks set for a transfer up the ladder this summer. Liverpool appear a natural fit for the Hungary international, who could become Andy Robertson’s successor.
Liverpool are expected to part company with Kostas Tsimikas, while Bournemouth already have Kerkez’s replacement in the form of Julio Soler, a £6.6m January arrival from Argentine club Lanus. The Cherries are ready to play hard ball on the transfer fee, though, and have reportedly quoted Liverpool £45m. Liverpool are among the clubs keen on Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who is also being chased by Real Madrid.
Morgan Rogers to Chelsea
Aston Villa will face a battle to keep hold of Rogers this summer, especially if they miss out on qualification for the Champions League. Rogers has 14 goals and 13 assists in 50 games this season and has a rare dribbling ability that marks him out as a special talent.
The Independent reports that Chelsea are keen on the 22-year-old attacking midfielder and pressure to comply with profit and sustainability rules may force Villa’s hand.
Kevin De Bruyne to Inter Miami
The Manchester City stalwart has confirmed that he will leave the club on a free transfer this summer and is open to whatever opportunities present themselves – be it in the Premier League or abroad. The 33-year-old clearly has plenty to offer, but it remains to be seen whether any big European clubs believe he’s worth a punt.
A move to Inter Miami, where De Bruyne could line up alongside Lionel Messi and his band of ex-Barcelona stars appears a good fit for the Belgian and his family. Mirror Football understands that the David Beckham-owned side are ready to offer him a deal.